| | |
|
|
The Kawakasumi Ryokan [open for business]
#637517 - Tue Aug 19 2008 01:07 PM
|
|
|
----
Welcome, Traveller, and step into our fine establishment. Before we proceed, please take note of the following in order to make your life here a more enjoyable and better one. This thread is an entirely open one. Although the inn has a history and a definitive backstory, there is no pressure on any guest to persue this. In fact, there are many other things to do, social, fun, and in every other aspect.
YOU dictate your story here in the inn.
As you progress, your interests will be garnered by forces unseen, and your experience will change regarding to what you wish to find. There are many avenues to take, many roads to cross, and it only need apply to you if you choose it.
Of course, the paths of guests may often intertwine, and fate might just have a plan for all involved, although we can't say for sure!
For the ease of reference, as you make a post, please mark your area with a location tag as such:
-ROOM NAME-
for consistency and ease of reference. In return, the Inn will post with your name before the chapters of the story that refer directly to you.
As people explore the inn, descriptions will open up in the next post as SOON AS A NEW PG ENTERS THE AREA. These detailed descriptions will give an overview of the look of the room in plain style, with further definition given only through character interaction. These will be titled clearly and will only be done ONCE, so if anyone requires a description of specific rooms, please look to the relative post.
Time will move in steps in the inn. At certain times, either triggered by events or merely to keep the pace moving, time will progress by a minimum of one hour forward. What transpires between that time and the next time shift will be played out by the characters. There may come the unfortunate circumstance that someone might be lagging behind due to issues of business, but this will be avoided as much as possible, with much luck. Players, of course, may be free to post as often as they like. There are no restrictions to number, but keep in mind that the less you post, the less you accomplish.
However, please understand that if need be, the thread might progress without you for the sake of continuity. We ask for your patience.
A final thing.
Although the inn is perfectly destructable, there is nothing preventing special powers or silly occurances, if it is deemed that an action is too disruptive to be allowed to happen, it will be instantly cancelled in an obvious and non-tactful way. There will be no beating about the bush, there are no deus ex prevention excuses in place. It will simply be deemed not to have occured by myself and the concensus of the group who has put this inn together for your enjoyment.
So please, do not do stupid things.
I would personally like to thank all those who have helped in the construction, conceptualization and idea-brewing involved in this thread. You know who you are.
And now... your story begins.....
The Kawakasumi Ryokan
The building stands in the middle of the forest, surrounded by a large river that circles around and empties into a small body of water somewhere in front of the main steps that lead up to the inn.
There is a path - one certainly made for the traveller - of rough-hewn cobblestone that leads from the main road to this secluded place. The walk is not too short, but does prelude the peace and tranquility to be found in the inn.
The path has no sign; it is a matter of knowing what you want, and coming here to get it. The name of the place has outdone itself, though, and it recieves a steady stream of patrons despite its non-promotion.
Perhaps you have heard of this place yourself in your travels.
As you step lightly down the path, the feeling of a gentle breeze hits you in the face, washing away all anxiety and placing you in a time where you can forget about all the troubles of your life.
The building pulls up into view as you continue. You notice a small, un-used path to the left that heads through the trees, but the lay of the road does not suggest it leads anywhere. The trees spread apart, and you step into a generous clearing that surrounds the inn itself, nestled a short ways into the wood. The front of the inn looks well kept; there is a rock garden to the left and right of the main way, dotted with small plants and well-manicured bushes. The rest of the area is laid with the same rock that you step over, but there is only one main way to go; which is up the steps and toward the large doors that beckon you enter.
One or two people can be seen just behind the doors, and a few more shadows walking by, no doubt other guests of the grand building.
So, step on in, stay a while, enjoy yourself, and have a good time. And... who knows what else you'll find here at
the Kawakasumi Ryokan
-MONDAY, 6 P.M.-
|
|
|
Ellian
|
|
|
|
Member #4098
|
|
Posts: 682
|
|
|
While the inn may be famous, even in a remote place like this, not every guest arrives by intention.
As if his steps had been guided by unseen force, a lone traveller, barefoot and at least somewhat tired after just another day of exploring these apparently endless woods, happened to stumble upon this inviting, although surprisingly located inn on a clearing amidst the woods.
Wondering how they could do business out here, but intrigued nonetheless, the wayfarer took off his small backpack and slowly walked towards the door, the soft steps of his padded feet on the forest ground making almost no noise. He seemed to be limping slighlty, though.
The place looked inviting, and, while he had expected having to spend the night outside with just a blanket, sheer curiosity - and probably something else as well - drew him towards the entrance.
Yet the fur-covered wanderer hesitated for a moment. He couldn't explain it to himself, but something felt a little bit strange about this place. But should he care? Probably not. A moment later Ellian wondered how he got that silly idea. The peace and calm of this place soothed any feeling of uneasiness, and he would almost have taken the apparently unused path, just for the sake of it. Almost. The half-feline kept to the main road in order to appreciate the beauty of this apparently well-maintanied place, ascended the stairs and carefully tried to push open the main door.
|
|
|
|
|
|
=LOCATION: LOBBY=
Map Never To Scale
The lobby is a fairly large room, which exudes a sense of warmth and comfort as soon as you enter. From the doorway is a small alcove of wooden boards placed with gaps apart for you to stamp the dirt off your shoes before entering proper. From there, a small step up and you will be planted firmly on the soft and beige carpet that covers the rest of the room. The celing is rather low, and it, as well as the walls, are covered with a light cream wallpaper, although they are unmistakably made out of wood. The wallpaper does not have a design outside of the creases and crinkles that come with the material itself.
To your left you might notice a few racks and tables covered with a multitude of foil packets and boxes, some of which smell rather sweet and tantilizing. It seems that a few of these products are for sale, as they have small price tags attached to them, and they seem to have been made recently, too.
In front of your is the room itself, a wide open space with chairs and tables in the other corner, and a wide walking space for people to move around. Under the square-shaped soft lights that illuminate the lobby, you notice a desk straight in front of you to the left. The desk is split into two, Reception on the left and the Concierge on the right. Although, in this case, it's not explicitly labled. Behind the desk lies rows of cubbies in the wall, for keys and other notices.
There are five exits to this room. The door behind you that leads out, two openings on the left and right walls that lead to the rooms, and two more doors on the far wall.
One door is a normal wooden door, situatied behind the counter, that leads to places you don't know about yet.
The other door is to the right of the desk, is a paper sliding door, and appears to lead to the Dining Hall, as evidenced by a small blackboard on a podium next to it displaying the menu of the day as well as opening times.
=LOCATION: LOBBY=
= ELLIAN =
A few shadowy figures duck into the corridor on the right as soon as you enter, other guests headed toward their rooms or the baths, perhaps. In front at the desk stands an old lady, not looking up for a second, but giving a greeting of 'welcome' anyway. It sounded long and drawn out, a wizened voice that heraled your arrival. She's dressed in a robe, pitch black, with a green trim.
There is no one else in the room at the time, and the only other sound is the cicadas that call out to their mates outside.
Suddenly the door to the Dining hall slides open, and in steps another girl, a anthropomorphic Cat, dressed in the same clothing. She bows low to you, raising back up before purring 'hello,' and taking her place behind the desk next to the old woman. The green spot on her cheek seems to shimmer in the light.
|
|
|
Ellian
|
|
|
|
Member #4098
|
|
Posts: 682
|
|
|
-LOBBY-
After pushing open the door, the new guest quickly looked into the lobby before entering. It appeared nice and inviting to him, and so neat that he felt almost a bit out of place, coming from out of the woods (literally, of course), and wearing no shoes.
Afraid to dirty the fine carpet, he tried to remove some dust from his feet with his hands, then hesitantly walked on.
"Thank you", he responded softly to the lady in charge. Ellian would have bowed to her, but realizing that she didn't look at him anyway, the half-feline instead greeted the cat-girl with a nod of his head, and replied to her: "A weary traveller seeks out your noble house, desiring accomodation for the night."
|
|
|
|
|
|
-PATH TO LOBBY-
Up the path, or down depending on whether one was coming or going, came a distinct figure. Having had to leave her car back behind on the main road, a short woman, hardly looking more than a girl, really, with mounds of hair bundled up was now making way towards the inn.
Her name was Kei, or that was her affected nickname that everyone knew her by at the very least, and she was wearing a dazzling coat of a multitude of colors. The rest of her clothes paled in comparison and weren't worth mentioning. However, of note was her luggage and the quantity of what she was bringing with her. The cyborg girl, for that is what she was, had a sword slung over her shoulder, presumably to less interfere with her large purse, her day bag, her carry on, the large suitcase she carried in her left hand, the larger one she carried in her right, and the large trunk which was confused about it's nature and whether or not it was luggage or furniture and why Kei was dragging it behind her.
And in a little red wagon tied onto the end, was a grey stone bench.
--------------------
|
|
|
|
|
|
= ELLIAN =
They didn't pay any mind to the carpet, of course; it was cleaned daily and any traveller coming in from the streets were bound to leave some track and trail. But of course, Ellian's efforts were much appreciated.
It was quite apparent that the cat in front of Ellian didn't take it as seriously as the other, older lady standing silently beside her.
"We're just an inn," Clover replied, to which the old lady turned ever so slightly toward her. "Ahem, but we're certainly able to provide you with accomodation, as long as you have means to pa... ngg!" her smile breaks with a small quiver, and she shudders to the right, apparently something hit her in the leg under the counter.
"I mean, please look over our rates and tell us what you might be interested in," she continued, though, with her everpresent smile and eternal sunshine. That little exchange might have been a little in-joke, apparently. It was hard to tell.
She bows slightly, pushing a small 'menu' forward across the desk to Ellian. The piece of paper, bordered in goldleaf, clearly stated the affordable rates for the normal rooms and the not-so-affordable rates of the suites.
The starting rates for the rooms without facilities were extremely cheap, and then went up to a dearer price for normal rooms WITH facilities, and then suite packages which were.. phew.
"If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask," Clover told Ellian, which incited the response of a gratifying nod from the old woman.
At that moment, another faceless member of the inn ran up to the cat and whispered something in her ear, to which she nodded and returned her attention to the one standing in front of her.
= KEI =
The path to the inn was as always, a calming and solitary experience, even though one were surrounded by so many articles of posession. The cobbled rocks weren't kind to anything being dragged along it though, and would definitely seek to undo the efforts of anyone attempting to run their course along its face.
But if one were to take their time, oh, such sights, a calming breeze, the smell of blossoms in the air, things to enjoy, truly abounded in plentitude from all directions.
The door opens from inside and a staff member rushes down the stairs, clacking toward Kei in his black robes and wooden sandals. It looked like a priest, but the green trim made it otherwise.
Upon reaching Kei he stopped, and dipped low in greeting.
"Welcome," he huffed, catching his breath, a bit to eager. "My name is Shikoku, please, allow me to help you with your bags," he offered, gesturing with up-turned palms to the new arrival.
|
|
|
Ellian
|
|
|
|
Member #4098
|
|
Posts: 682
|
|
|
-LOBBY-
Noticing the small scene between Clover and her superior, Ellian barely stopped himself from interjecting "That's okay, I don't mind", but he wouldn't easily interfere, knowing nothing about the house's customs, especially among the staff.
The half-feline thankfully picked up the paper, and replied politely, still browsing it: "I would just need a simple room, an opportunity to clean myself up a little, and, maybe, if you have that in stock, a little piece of bandage or such. I think I hurt my right foot on something out there, but it's nothing serious, really."
After rummaging in his pockets, he placed the following on the counter: A few pieces of Anycity currency, apparently just spare change and of little value, a strange looking, possibly old jade coin, and a plastic card with his name and a holographic portrait of himself on the front and several rows of small printed barcode on the back. "I don't know if any of these is of value for you, but these are the only means of payment I have to offer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
-PATH-
Kei was mildly exasperated as she started her trek to the inn. She wasn't even sure what she was doing, but she had been dealing with a lot of pressure from her daily life. The paparazzi had been like flys, circling her like vultures, ready to pounce at the slightest sign of life. It was enough to confuse the girl into mixing her metaphors.
Taking some good advise, she was getting out for a while and undertaking a trip to put herself at ease and while she was at it, do some 'mumbo jumbo mambo stuff.' She sighed just thinking about it, but she has to admit that something about her now was... off when compared to how she was before. Kei guessed this was a training sojourn to be undertaken by a student warrior in efforts to sharpen their skills.
Had she really grown so dull? Kei assumed so. Her mentor would tell her as much and she would meet him later in the mountains if all worked out well. This was just going to be a brief layover while she awaited word her brother on where to find him. Kei was betting she would go back home disappointed. He hardly ever had any time for her at to begin with, so how would this be any different? Well... he did send her a book, which he apparently wrote or at least transcribed himself, but Kei didn't hold out much hope.
'Really,' she thought, 'how inconsiderate can one be? He can manage to write a book, but he still can't find time enough to find a phone give me a call.'
Some hope had to have sprung eternal, however, because Kei had still made her way out here as requested. Maintaining that it was strictly to 'get away' helped her rationalize this into being her own idea and why not? This place seemed great! Kei congratulated herself on having such great ideas and smiled when she saw the priest looking fellow approaching.
"Oh. Ah, yes, thank you." Kei complies and handed over the suitcase packed with bricks.
At least, that's what it would feel like it was packed with. And it should, and there was a perfectly logical reason for it to be that heavy. That being that it was packed with bricks. Standard construction fare, for the girl that had everything.
--------------------
"With Courage and Determination, Stoney Grey will hide me!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
-PATH-
Selene made her way through the woods and looked around not quite sure why she was here nor where she was really going. She moved upon instinct with one foot set in front of the other as she made her way along a path.
"It must be near. Things are looking to similar."
Selene's intuition was right. The path looked the same. It had to be the path to the inn she was seeking. The path to the inn she hoped to find answers within.
"Here goes nothing..."
Setting onto the path, she slipped her hands into her pockets and moved forward feeling a drawing feeling deep within her. She could feel her heart starting to slowly beat faster as a mix of dread, anticipation, and confusion washed over her. What was she doing here? There was no way she was going to find anything she was looking for here. There was just no way...
Her mind distracted her from the walk as she moved forward, and soon Selene found herself face to face with the familiar looking inn. Blinking, she felt her heart stop in her chest.
"I...I'm here."
|
|
|
|
|
|
= Ellian =
The one named Clover leaned over the assortment of items on the table, giving each seperate artifact a rather long and appraising look, as if it were not the first time she had to accept... alternative forms of currency. Her hand slowly hovers over each of them as she looks, finger stopping over the Jade Coin as she gets there and gently falling upon it to slide it out of the pile.
Then, she snagged it between thumb and forefinger, rolling it to hold by its rim, and stretches her hand out to the right, sticking it in front of the old woman's face. She keeps her smiling face directed at Ellian, though, in a strange sort of smile.
After a while, the old woman nodded. It was clearly seen by Ellian, and Clover seemed to have registered it as well somehow, for immediately after she said, "five nights, basic room," tucking the piece somewhere under the countertop. "You also have been upgraded for free to be allowed to use the facilities as would if you had paid for a Regular, at the will of oookami-sama," she made reference to the archaic titling of the matron.
Turning behind her, she reaches into one of the small pidgeon holes on the wall and drags down a key; the key is bronze and large enough to be clenched in fist with bits sticking out to spare. It is incredibly old, thin, and has a large metal keyring attached to it. Upon the tag reads the character 五, which she holds up to Ellian.
"Please, come with me, and I shall show you to your room."
She swings around the counter, and walks to the entrance of the East Wing, turning around and standing at its gaping mouth for Ellian to follow along.
= Kei =
The bag merely glances a mere inch off the ground as the weight suddenly brings the porter down, but duty is above all, and one must not let the dirt touch the bag! He manages to heft it just in time, eyes bugging out and a little cough of alarm expelling from his lungs.
He turned to look at the other bags and the.. stone bench? Why was someone bringing a stone bench to an inn? Why, they had far more comfortable surfaces! Was this some kind of comment on the quality of their choice of seat? No no, you're thinking too much again. Over eager. Over eager. Just calm it down and relax. There are always strange ones. Just.. remember your training..
"Ah, ma'am," he gasped, struggling to shift the bag toward the inn. Crap, I need a trolley! "Is this your first visit?" It is, damnit! "Please allow me to tell you about us if you have any questions while we make our way up to the inn." I could tell you my whole life's story by the time we get up there!
And he hobbled along, in wait for some other form of assistance he could give.
= Selene =
The inn was old, there was no doubt about that. The crack through the trees, the path, everything, it hadn't changed for many, many years. The age of the place was in dispute, perhaps it was merely a century, perhaps four, but its current owners were certainly not its first. Of course, restoration had to be done without a doubt, so while the general lay of the land would be similar, perhaps the insides were slightly different, and many things were changed to fit a more... modern age. The garden was certainly in good shape, too, tended by the resident keeper. In addition, a path that had always been there was still here now, a path overgrown with shrubs and dirt and trees, and a path that was not touched by the keeper; as if he wished it to be buried eventually under the growing foliage.
In front of Selene, somewhere up the path, is a strange sight - it seems there is a woman being aided by a resident of the inn, 'aid' being the term in question. The strange overgrown path is to your left, hidden in shadows but yet still quite obviously there.
And the magnificence of the inn lies in front of you, waiting for you to enter. The door is open, and if you were able to see far enough, you would see the latest guest being shuffled off to the right.
Many people came here to rest. Many others come to recover, and some come for the stories.
Fewer come to find answers.
But answers were buried under the inn, far beneath the wood and cement, deep within the soul, and trapped in a past doomed to repeat itself.
|
|
|
Ellian
|
|
|
|
Member #4098
|
|
Posts: 682
|
|
|
-LOBBY-
While Clover examined the potential means of payment, Ellian worried a bit whether she might consider any of these sufficient. Especially since he couldn't exactly interpret her mysterious smile.
Still wondering if the old woman and the cat-girl might have some kind of telepathic connection or just know each other extraordinarily well, Ellian politely bowed his head in an attempt to express appreciation. "Oookami-sama is most kind to a humble traveller." Obviously, he didn't expect it to be sufficient for five nights at all.
Ellian followed the Chief Attendant without hesitation. He didn't have any luggage besides his backpack, so there was nothing else that needed to be taken care of. "So it's room number five. If I were superstitions, I'd say that this is a lot better than if it were room number four", the furry hybrid thought to himself amusedly. He did not make a comment about that, though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
-PATH-
"Oh my, yes please." Kei replies as she now has to slow down her pace so as to not outstrip the poor porter. "This is my first time here, so I'm afraid that that I don't really know anything about the place other than it was recommended as a nice get away."
Kei takes a step and waits for the porter. She doesn't seem to be straining, even though she still has five bags she's carrying. "So what is this place? Why is it so secluded seeming?" All her remaining bags must be empty.
Kei takes another step and waits some more.
During her wait, the cyborg girl looks over her shoulder and spots another traveler, one that seems more lost and weary than she. Which was not all that hard, because Kei wasn't lost and never really got tired.
--------------------
|
|
|
|
|
|
-PATH-
Selene stood there not quite sure of what to make of everything. Everything looked exactly the same. She felt a twinge of fear. Things were to similar.
Her eyes looked forward more and watched as someone was taken off to the right before looking toward the two that were just outside. Something deep within her mind was telling her to turn and go back the way she came. The pull toward the place was so unnaturally strong.
Slowly, Selene started to move forward unconsciously with her mind still lost within itself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
=LOCATION: EAST (AND WEST) HALLWAY=
The hallway was decorated similiarly to the main lobby. The same colours, drab wallpaper, but comfortable carpet. The entryway, a large open cut-out, fit the breadth of the hall exactly - it was a large passageway. It continued down a rather long distance, maybe half a kilometer, with wooden doors peppering the walls at intervals. At the end was a corner that turned left (right for the West hallway) at a 90 degree angle, and continued for a further half a kilometer (approximately) Where there were two final doors at the end that were slightly different than the ones that led to the rooms.
The two doors were marked clearly with a male and female symbol, and had large brass handles on them; for ease of opening.
At the far end of the hallways were large glass sliding doors, that were in fact, open, emptying out into a garden path that led to the changing rooms.
=LOCATION: EAST (AND WEST) HALLWAY=
= ELLIAN =
The old lady watched as Ellian shuffled off with Clover, down the hallway. After two doors had passed, the third door on the right was where she stopped, inserting the key into the door and turning the handle, swinging open the door for Ellian. She removed the key and stepped aside, waiting for him to enter.
=LOCATION: STANDARD ROOM=
His room was a standard room like any other. Upon entering, one would notice the floor was made out of tatami, a straw-like deal, slightly bouncy but very comfortable to walk on. It was bordered with a wooden rim, each piece of tatami split into seperate units as per the standard used in many inns across Japan. There was a small table in a sunken alcove in the center of the room, slightly offset to one side to fit with the tatami spacings. The table, a laquered black wood, was polished clean and had a small tea set upon it - a hot water boiler, two cups, and another laquered box with tea-bags inside.
Along the right wall from the door was a shoe rack; upon which was plasticy slippers of many sizes. On the same wall as the door was the cupboard; sliding the door away would reveal the Futon inside, as well as a small numerical safe and a bar for hanging clothing. There were a few cotton robes of many sizes within as well.
If this room had been one along the outside of the hotel, the far wall would play host to a sliding glass door as well, which would have led to a balcony that overlooked the forest. Rather, this interior room had another wall.
The room was mildly lit by a small square-shaped lightbox from the celing. A string hung down from it; the method of which to turn it on or off.
Obviously, the lack of many other pieces of furniture or even a bed would be of prime note to people who aren't used to staying in a situation such as this, but everything else seemed to be rather the same.
=LOCATION: STANDARD ROOM=
"If you have any questions, I would be glad to answer them," Clover said, bowing slightly.
= KEI =
"Well you have.." nnngggggg he struggled with the luggage, more dragging it along than carrying it. But not on the floor! No! Unprofessionalism would not be accounted for! "... made the right choice, ma'am,
"It's... one of the... more seclusive inns... in the whole area... founded in... What the heck is this thing full of? Bricks?! ... many years ago. A lot of our dis... tinguished clients come here... for a good period... of rest and relaxation."
FINALLY, the stai... oh.. crap. The stairs.
"Well, you see," he said, putting the bag down as gently as he could on the bottom step. "It's out here where your peace and quiet is guaranteed. We wouldn't have it to place it in an area with too much traffic, you see, as I understand it, our owner wishes the most peaceful of retreats, and I can guarantee this with our location."
He stares wistfully up the steps. There were barely 10, but it seemed like a lot more.
"Ah, if you would like to enter and speak about getting a room, I will take care of your... posssions for you."
= SELENE =
With a brisk pace Selene would have passed Kei and the poor porter ages ago, with time to spare. In fact, she might already be in the lobby, if such appealed.
The area didn't seem too forboding, at least... in the light. It was particularly pleasant, and any feelings of ill-ease MIGHT be passed off as that feeling one gets when seeing something too serene to be natural. Well... for most people, anyway.
A rustling of a bush hits her as soon as she takes a step forward. It's a large hedge, one that cordons off the rest of the courtyard and creates a sort of natural barrier.
There was the moving of leaves and the snapping of twigs, and the eerie glow of red.
Then just as it catches an eye, the noise and glow disappears.
|
|
|
|
|
|
-PATH; LOBBY-
Kei smiles kindly, it was dazzling, really, as she begins setting down the rest of the luggage that she was still carrying, a few of them seeming just as heavy as the one the porter had. "Thank you, that's so sweet of you!"
Kei swings her purse to be in front of her and begins rooting through it, pulling some bills loose from her wad of tipping money. "I'm sure they'll let you know what room I have after I check in." And she hands off a substantial tip which would be well earned considering the obstacles presented by Kei's wardrobe and possessions.
Passing by the stairs and through the front door, Kei had kept with her only her purse, her sword, and a day bag which she juggled in her arms as she went in. Haphazardly, she went straight to the check in counter on the opposite side.
At least she presumed it was the place to check in. It would be really sneaky to make the snack bar the place where guests had to appropriate their rooms, but Kei wouldn't put it beyond them! However, that not being the case, Kei would quickly launch into making her arrangements as soon as she reached the desk, setting her purse down on the counter before her so that she could easily reach it's contents.
"Hi!" Kei repeats her dazzling grin as she begins her introduction. "I'd like to obtain a room for an extended stay. I'm kinda self-conscious and I like my space, so I'll take your biggest."
--------------------
|
|
|
|
|
|
-PATH-
Selene snapped out of her trans as she became slightly startled by a movement next to her and a weird appearance. Her head snapped in the direction of what she had thought had been something else with the shrub by her. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself a bit.
"Too many strange things are happening...." She rubbed her arms to dissipate the goosebumps she were feeling. "I need to relax...yes....relaxing is just what I need to do..."
Her eyes gazed about the land before her. Tranquil. Peaceful. Things that she herself had never had in her life. Or...had she. Her eyes glanced toward the ground. No..there had been a time. A time when she was truly happy. Back before everything had feel apart so so so long ago.
"Griffon..." The words slipped from her mouth in a whisper as she stood there. Her eyes glanced up toward the sky and she closed her eyes slipping her hands in her pockets.
Her eyes turned back toward the inn as she started to walk at a more normal pace this time.
|
|
|
Ellian
|
|
|
|
Member #4098
|
|
Posts: 682
|
|
|
-ROOM 5-
[edited, sorry for being unclear]
Ellian looked around the room appreciatively. It was nice, and a lot more spacious than expected. Maybe this was due to the sparse furniture, but somehow the whole guesthouse seemed like that to him, bigger on the inside than one would expect from the outside. The ground felt nicely soft beneath his feet, making him wonder if he really should use the slippers in that rack.
"Thank you, I think I'm completely satisfied for now", he replied to Clover with a bright smile. "However", the half-feline added while looking over to the tea set, "I might have questions later on. May I simply seek you out at the front desk then?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
= ELLIAN =
[ Dear Ellian, we have multiple rooms, and yours is room 5. It would be well to designate your location as such to prevent confusion later on! Thank you - The management ]
"Very well, as you wish. If I am not available, there are many other staff who will gladly serve you. Please simply present yourself at the front desk."
With another bow, she turned and made to walk away, before revolving back with a finger up.
"Oh, and if you wish to enter the facilities, please be sure to wear the robe and slippers provided. You won't be allowed in otherwise. Baths are open 24 hours, too, so enjoy yourself."
And with that she made her way back to the Lobby, just in time to meet yet another arrival.
Meanwhile, the room had a chill of cold as the temperature dropped slowly for the night. The door creaked shut. There was no map on the back of the door, as would usually be found in normal hotel rooms. There didn't seem to be a draft, but there certainly was a breeze of wind just then. Well! Time to explore!
= KEI =
Well, that was certainly.. wow! Maybe the suitcase was full of GOLD. Somehow, that thought strengthened him, and he was able to lift it another few steps before having to put it down again. So we leave our dear friend Shikoku as we head up the stairs...
... greeting Kei was a dour, sour, wrinkled old face that didn't seem to have any eyes. At Kei's grin, there was absolutely no reaction for just the most of moments, where a hand reached out to slap a bell on the countertop twice; its ring echoing through the room and heading down the hallway, from whence did she come.
Clover padded up to the desk as soon as she could, catching a single breath, and then nodding to Kei.
"Please forgive the wait," she said immediately. "How may I cater to..."
"haaaakuuuu," droned the woman to her right, in a crinkly voice that sounded like leather - old but sturdy.
"... our largest room, yes," continued the cat, without missing a beat. "Ah, please, have a look at our packages and tell us what you might prefer," she thrust the 'menu' to Kei as well, sliding it on the table. Under the suites, it listed prices for the room's daily rates, showed all the benefits that they came with, as well as extra rates for different services. Most of the services were rather standard, such as a laundry service, or special rates for gambling chip sets, but otherwise, the important stuff was already added into the far excessive price.
Turndown service, room preparation, everything seemed to be catered for. Full banquets for breakfast and dinner would even be served straight into the room unless otherwise requested, where one would eat at a special table in the Dining Hall.
One of the more elite packages even had the hire of a personal attendant to wait upon you for the entirety of the stay - something that was, indeed, bordering on doting.
Clover stood there waiting for any questions or confirmations. "Please do note that we do not allow weapons to be carried freely about. I'm afraid you will have to keep yours in your room while you stay here," she made sure to point out.
= SELENE =
Selene would have reached the main lobby by now as well, no doubt passing by the man outside that was struggling with a plentitude of bags and a.. bench. Wow, that bench. That guy was sitting on it. Well, he certainly couldn't carry it alone, and he was only doing what the bench was made for... right? Hrm. Weird place to put a bench really, on a cart in the middle of the stairs.
The room was as it is, with Kei looking through a menu in front, and being attended to by the cloak.
The smell of the inn also hadn't changed in the past few centuries. If anything, it bunched up into itself and became stronger with every passing year. It wasn't a kind of actual smell, but more of the essence of the place, the underlying qualities of whatever it was that made it IT, that welled up and stored in the walls and the foundation.
There was a gift shop, though, with tasty food that smelled rather nice; the actual kind of smell this time.
|
|
|
Ellian
|
|
|
|
Member #4098
|
|
Posts: 682
|
|
|
-ROOM 5-
Ellian almost didn't feel tired anymore. Most of his former weariness seemed to simply have evaporated upon entering this interesting and hospitable place. He felt much more like wandering around and having a look at everything than going to sleep early. Maybe the place had a mysteriously refreshing atmosphere. Either that, or it was just the unexpected chilliness of the air in his room.
But as the night was still young - if one could call it that, it might have been late afternoon still, but the half-feline didn't have a watch at hand, and the room didn't have a window - there was plenty of time left for a good cup of tea.
So he put down the small backpack to take a drinking straw from it, then prepared himself a cup of green tea and sipped it slowly through the straw.
Maybe it would be a good idea to get himself cleaned up first, so Ellian took a pair of slippers and a cotton robe fitting his size, then opened the door to step out into the hallway.
|
|
|
|
|
|
-LOBBY-
"I think this one." Kei tells the concierge while pointing at one of the more basic of the suites, which was still incredibly luxurious when compared to her actual needs. But Kei knew it could afford even these exorbitant prices and thought that it was generally novel. "I just really don't need the hand servant, heh."
"Weapons?" Kei blinked when Clover made note of the obviously sword shaped and sword looking sword Kei was carrying. "Oh! This isn't a weapon," Kei attempted to assure poor Clover. "Because this is my traveling companion Wa'rel Es-pri. He's going to be another guest here at your inn, so be sure to remember to book my suite for two occupants."
Having stated this, Kei smiled like this was all completely obvious and not at all a problem and exactly how things should be. Because of course Wa'rel was a person, he just happened to be a sword as well, but that didn't diminish his person status in Kei's mind, because by the same logic, she was a weapon, and there wasn't really anything she could do about that. Only, in the case of Wa'rel Es-pri, he was ambulatory-ly impaired. But that just meant he was less dangerous than Kei because he couldn't act on his own.
--------------------
|
|
|
|
|
|
-LOBBY-
Selene stands within the lobby and gazes about. Taking a slow deep breath, the scents of the tavern waft into her nostrils. Her eyes shifted toward Kei and the cloaked one before looking a bit at the floor before her. Blinking, she placed her hand in her pocket and pulled out a few bills.
"Crap...out of everything going on...I forgot money...."
|
|
|
Naomi
|
|
|
|
Member #9033
|
|
Posts: 7
|
|
|
-PATH-
A lone figure walks up the path at an even pace; a fox woman in a deep blue kimono, with a muted print of light-gray rabbits. Her hair's held up with blue-jeweled pins, in an updo that splays it out in a small fan, above a loose bun. She also carries a large backpack behind that, in blue-tinted leather, with a matching duffel bag strapped to the top. Finally, she has an umbrella tucked under one arm, which is, of course, deep blue. Looks like there's a strong motif, here!
With the barest hint of a smile, she comes out of the fog, wandering up to the Ryokan. It's a lot gloomier looking than she'd hoped for, but it's nicely lit, despite the fog. The traces of moonlight coming in, just past the treeline, give the scene a silvery sheen -- that relaly just seems to make the place look more sinister. It's just tricks of the light, probably. She glances at the side path, and gives Shikoku a smile and a quick nod, but doesn't dwell on either too long before she reaches the front door...
-LOBBY-
Now, she's made it into the main lobby of the inn, and finds it quite crowded. It seems everyone's quite busy; perhaps she should have come earlier? Or maybe later? Either way, it looks like she'll have to wait her turn.
Claire (for that's what she calls herself) gives both the old woman and the cat a confused glance, then smiles, and bows to the counter from close to the door. Not too deeply, or her baggage would topple her over! While the staff handle the tenants, Claire takes the backpack off, setting it down beside her; it slowly topples over from the duffel's weight, landing with a rumpling thump.
She sighs quietly, and gives her bags a disapproving look. Once she's given them a good silent scolding, she starts to look around the room, taking it all in. Let's see, a strange woman claiming her weapon as another tenant, and another keeping to herself... best not to bother either of 'em.
Meanwhile, she waits for the staff to finish helping the customers, and then she can try and introduce herself. Any moment now...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kei Unit01 said:
"I just really don't need the hand servant, heh."
The jewel on the pommel flared up briefly, glowing a slightly annoyed shade of green. "Oh aye. Y'aren't in need of a hand servant, as you've already got a fair pair on, haven't you?"
This was followed quickly by a 'harumph' sound. Or at least as much of a 'harumph' as a sword can make. A pretty good approximation thereof, at least.
"An' before you go askin', I've a mind to cut through some things other than pleasantries, no doubt, but nary anything else necessary to go through with it. So no, you needn't worry your little head over it."
The gem glowed again, this time more steadily, with occasional pulses of irritated emerald.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(( Dear Residents, if it please you, and if you do indeed pass another in the thread, please feel free to aquaintence yourself with them. There are no restrictions, and in fact, the staff encourages resident interaction. - Management
Dear Naomi, we have recieved your letter of request, and having found your resume most impressive, we accept. Please be prepared. Lodging and Food will be provided, and your pay is non-negotiable. - Management ))
= KEI = LOBBY =
"I.. do see," laughed Clover uneasily. "Well.. we must urge you not to... use your friend in any way that might be harmful to other guests, and of course I'm afraid that if anyone brings up concerns..." she trailed off, letting the sentence complete itself. "But very well, we will book you into the Spring suite. Here is the key," she reaches behind her to grab it, the same deal as Ellian's except instead of a number, the character 春 was engraved upon it.
"We will.. attend to your luggage. If you would follow me, please?" she motioned toward the west, while the old lady started on some paperwork. "By the way, how might we address you?" she asked, walking towards the west with arm outstretched. "We'll be with you two shortly," she told the two others in the Lobby.
While Kei answered, Clover led her down the west hallway, which was similar to the East, except for a very strange sight. A door labled 夏 to the south and on the adjuncting wall to where Kei's door was was closed, and had a board placed across it, like a barrier. In all other ways, it seemed to be the same, albeit closed. There was also a small pillar of wood, upon which a strange weird carving upon it shaped like this:
It was about the size of a football. Finally, Clover opened the door to the suite.
= KEI = HAKU (SPRING SUITE) =
The room was huge. Laquered black wooden table, soft bouncy tatami floor, tea set - it was similar to the normal room except for size and a huge television sitting in one corner. The room was more than adequate to hold Kei, the sword, and three other friends, and there was even a balcony on the opposite wall that overlooked the forest. A chest and a make-up desk with three mirrors also lay in the room - the chest contained silk robes for use (please don't take them home with you!) while the make-up desk contained all sorts of hair combs, clips, and other accessories. Also upon the desk were information cards of all kinds, and coupons for meals and a daily free potions bath and the like. There was also a cord in the corner for pulling when one wished to summon a member of staff.
The same drawl was given - please don't visit the heart room without proper attire, ecetera, ecetera.
"Please do let me know if I can assist you with anything," said Clover. "Your luggage will be by mom... by tonight," she assured.
= ELLIAN = EAST HALLWAY =
Ellian would step out just in time to see Kei being led off in the other direction. Hrm. Was that a sword? Well now, where to go, where to go? So many places, so much time. To explore, to relax with a meal, or to enjoy oneself with some of the company? He DID get a free upgrade, and something smells rightfully good from the Kitchen. Although, it was kind of strange when one thought about it. All this for a small piece of Jade? It seemed unreasonable. Well, time to test the limits of that unreasonability.
There is a statue of something weird to your left, in the corner between the two doors to the suites.
It perches on a wooden pedestal, and seems curious.
= NAOMI = PATH =
Shikoku yells out a hapless, breathless greeting of welcome. Poor bugger. He's got 2 bags up now, and he's dreading the bench. Why a BENCH? For crying out loud.
= NAOMI & SELENE = LOBBY
Naomi enters to catch up to Selene as Kei is shuffled off. The old lady at the counter, foreboding in her silence and oldness, seems to be writing something.
Just before Clover left, she gave a little mention of "We'll be with you shortly." I guess there was nothing to do for the time being! The old lady looked up from her desk and writing with a grunt, and promptly returned to it.
If anyone dared to approach her... well, otherwise, it might be prudent for Naomi to start familiarizing herself with the area.
And there's also each other.. And there seems to be a little lost cat down the hall.
|
|
|
Ellian
|
|
|
|
Member #4098
|
|
Posts: 682
|
|
|
-EAST HALLWAY-
Ellian barely caught a glimpse of the other guest and her sword, and he didn't consider it appropriate to follow. Maybe he would meet her later.
While the half-feline originally wanted to go for a bath first, the smell of freshly cooked food easily made him change plans. He wasn't too smelly, after all, but definitely hungry.
Just following his nose, the furry hybrid passed the statue and paused to look at it. This rather unique piece of artwork looked to him like a bat, hanging upside down, with somewhat pointy wings. It still could be something entirely different, though. He looked for a "do not touch" sign, hesitated for a moment and... decided to postpone a closer look at it until after dinner, continuing his way towards the origin of the appetizing smell.
|
|
|
| | |
|
Reply Main
New Thread
Flat
Threaded
Edit
Quote
