D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad

— Kat —

Not much was said when the gang made their way to the park. They just sort of slid into the seats Eleanora left out for them and relaxed for a bit. Green swiftly fell asleep again, and while Lily did snuggle into Kat’s arms she remained awake to just enjoy being around Kat again. They’d been separated for a while because of idiots and it was worth enjoying the little things.

Kress seemed more nervous now that they were all back together in contrast to Nixilei who looked serene. Kat didn’t know if she was feeling comfortable with Kat and Eleanora both around to protect everyone or if it was just an act. It made it hard to know if she should say something about it. Though what was causing Kress concern was beyond Kat and she definitely wasn’t going to ask about it.

After around five minutes of calm silence only briefly interrupted by Mint chewing on the various foods provided for her Gareth spoke up to ask, “So, what’s the place you have organised for us?”

“Technically I have two options for you, or rather, I have two options I highly recommend. The first is the Twisted Space, and the second is the Golden Gooses Glove Closet depending on what is more of interest to your team,” offered Eleanora.

Before the others could say anything Kat jumped in to ask, “Is Skye and her team staying at either of those places?”

Eleanora shook her head, “It is unlikely as Malve handled their accommodation not myself. Malve is a bit more… standard in her operations. The Triple G, C is considered the best restaurant in town that also happens to have a few rooms. It’s hard to get a reservation in any of them but because I do regular favours for the owner and his son I have a permanently reserved room. If I allow it, you can all use that one. The Twisted Space… is simply unconventional and Malve would never book someone into that inn,”

“Hmm… I think personally I’d rather go for the Twisted Space,” said Nixilei.

“Wait you KNOW those places?” asked Kress.

“Yes, I did ask for information to be sent on the inns in the city and they were both prominent enough to get lengthy exposes written about them… but perhaps you’d want to here more from a local first?” said Nixilei.

Eleanora shrugged and looked to Kat who shrugged back alongside Lily who did her best shrug in Kat’s arms as well. Just for effect. Eleanora glanced around and saw nobody was going to contradict Nixilei’s request nodded to the group and began to explain. “There’s not much else to say about the Triple G, C other than the fact it has excellent security personnel but ultimately isn’t an inn first and foremost. They have excellent room but less excellent room service. It’s not a bad choice, quite exclusive but you’re going there for the food and the guards.

“The Twisted Space… it’s a relic in both the best and worst ways. A crazy enchanter still known as Ivy The Mad built the place a long time ago. It was one of the first buildings in the city and the enchantments in the place mean it will likely never fall… but it is a maze. The rooms regularly disappear and reappear, learning your way around it is a chore and the kitchen is a safety hazard…

“But it IS meant to be an inn and the enchantments are designed in such a way that, while nobody really understands them… there has also never been a successful break-in to any of the rooms. You’re definitely going to be safe there but you also may get lost on your way out. While nobody has ever been attacked outside of the robust training rooms… more than one person has completely vanished. Some never to be returned, while others have surfaced years later.

“It doesn’t get too many customers these days but the city doesn’t charge the owners much to keep the place maintained because… well because there’s no way to get rid of it. During the reign of the last lord the owners at the time couldn’t afford the taxes and the place was closed down and the land sold… only for multiple demolition companies to fail miserably at removing the place. We have no idea how to do it and Ivy isn’t around anymore. Dead or just vanished nobody knows but they’re ancient history… but stuff made by them does still show up occasionally. So that’s the rumours. I can confirm we’ve lost at least three people during my time in the guard though so…”

“Anyway,” Eleanora gave a slight shake of her head, “after failing to remove the building multiple times it was decided that it was best for the city to make at least some money from it and the place was re-opened into a somewhat luxurious hotel. The main issue being that the quality of rooms varies quite a lot because they move. Just because suite 331 is has a spa and attached garden one day does not mean it will have it the next,”

“I see it’s clear which one you want us to pick,” laughed Kress.

Eleanora sighed. “If you wish I can regale you of the rich history regarding the Goose’s various dishes… but at the end of the day it is simple an upscale restaurant and inn for nobles and not a potential deathtrap. Still, many enjoy the extra safety and facilities. Plus, while I will be providing the room I won’t be helping you pay for the meals so keep that in mind,”

Kress put a hand over his heart, “Oof that hurts… I think. How much do the meals cost anyway?” Nixilei leaned over and whispered something in his ear causing him to pale. “Excuse me what the fuck? Who can afford that?!”

“They do offer some less expensive meals,” added Eleanora. “Though they still aren’t cheap,”

Nixilei tapped her finger against the table a few times. “Are there any other options you can recommend?”

“Eh… not really? I wouldn’t want to put you in with Skye’s team because of the issues you’ve both experienced. Putting you together seems like it would be inviting trouble. Other than that… there aren’t all that many good inns I’d trust with your safety that have open slots. We could ask around if you want, but there’s not guarantee. Especially not for a party of five, six or seven depending on how things work out,”

“Oh? You coming along?” asked Nixilei.

“I did promise to watch over Kat and you all until the tournament is over in exchange for a fight. Technically she needed to win but that’s a different matter. I’m willing to stay somewhere else, I do live in this city after all, but it will be up to Kat if I do so. Should we stay at the Goose there will be a spot for me, though if we’re staying at Twisted Space I will likely get my own room… if the place allows for it,” said Eleanora.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Nixilei.

“The hotel has been known to join rooms together when multiple guests are friends with each other. It doesn’t always happen though and it’s never caused any issues. Well… not with joining the rooms. Plenty of irate parents and friends when the rooms don’t combine but I consider that a different matter,” insisted Eleanora.

“Is that why the rooms move around?” asked Kat after Lily prompted her to do so. Eleanora just shrugged in response. She’d never looked into it.

Nixilei leant back in her chair and sighed but didn’t actually say anything. Just directed her gaze off to the side at Gareth who gave her an unimpressed look back. “So, we’ve got the crazy expensive and the just crazy,” scoffed Kress. “Honestly, I don’t know how much I care about the fancy food… but you said something about the kitchen in the Twisted Space?”

“Yes, it’s not even in active use anymore,” admitted Eleanora. “Most people just eat at the nearby restaurants or make food inside of their rooms… though that can also be a bit hit and miss as the rooms don’t always have facilities for cooking inside them. They are at least safe unlike the main kitchen.”

Kress shrugged again and joined in looking at Gareth who sighed under the dual gazes. “I don’t know. I was hoping you’d have stronger opinions…” Gareth looked pointedly at Nixilei as he said that. “Still… hmmm… I want to pick the Space for the safety but I’d hate for us to get lost and miss out on the tournament…”

“Well if anyone could find you in there it’s likely Thyme,” added Mint. “I’m not sure what the rules on that would be… but because I know you’re all in the city I might be able to argue that you’ve ‘checked in’ and that the fact you’re missing is interference or something?”

[I sort of want to see what the space in such a building would feel like… but I haven’t been locked up at all yet so I’d rather someone else pick I think. It wouldn’t feel all that fair.]

*Not sure I agree with the fairness of it but sure, I won’t say anything either.*