“It’s my day off. Same old stuff, different day. I’ve got some cleaning to do, I’ll go get some shopping, and then I might go for a run in the park once I’ve finished all of that. Shadow will be staying at home.” Her dog stopped running with the sock and stared at her, cocking his head as ifsayingoh, is that so. “You can come if you want to.”
“Not for me today, thanks. I’ve got more enjoyable things to get up to than clean, shop, and go for a run. I’m thinking of heading down to the strip later on for a cocktail or two. You should come and have some fun.”
“I’m just not really feeling cocktails on the strip. I want a quiet day after everything this morning.”
“Youalwayswant a quiet day, doesn’t matter what else has gone on, you just have a convenient excuse today,” Natasha grunted, sitting up. “You need to let your hair down for a change, Ali. Have some fun. Ring me if you change your mind?”
“Deal. Don’t count on it, but if the mood hits me, I will let you know.”
***************
Alianna’s feet beat against the smooth stones of the boulevard, sweat beading on her forehead, as she thought over today’s strange events. The man, Max West, was unconscious on the sand one moment, and then left the hospital right as rain the next.
What she had speculated on with Natasha was entirely plausible. He could have had one too many drinks and found himself sprawled out on the beach. Maybe he’d slept there the night before. He certainlywouldn’t be the first to spendthe night on the sands of West Beach, and he won’t be the last.
Alianna ran past a café where she spent a great deal of time enjoying croissants with Shadow for company. Next to the café was a noticeboard, which had been updated since her most recent trip last week. It now displayed posters detailing movies that would be on at the CinePlex. A concert that was taking place about an hour’s drive away in a couple of months’ time. A new display that was opening this week at the museum, about locally found artefacts which had been returned to the museum recently.
She glanced down at her watch. 5:12pm. Maybe she would meet Natasha at the strip after all, once she’d taken Shadow for a walk. She should try to enjoy what was left of her day off.
***************
“I’m sorry, Mr West, but our standard rooms are full tonight. We may have some vacancies in a few days’ time,” the receptionist behind the marble counter explained. Rionan stood opposite her, waiting patiently while she flicked through availability on her computer screen. He tried his best to look casual, hands in his pockets, a soft, easy smile on his face. “Our Senior Suite is available tonight, but it is one of the more expensive rooms at 1200 Ironmarks per night. Would that interest you?”
Rionan widened his smile, exposing his teeth, and leaned forward against the counter. “That sounds wonderful. In an establishment such as this, I am certain that the Senior Suite will suit me quite well. No need to show it to me first, just book me in. You can put that under Max West.”
Rionan locked eyes with the receptionist, who returned his smile, her gaze flicking across his face and, ever so briefly, down to his chest as he angled himself towards her.
“Max West,” she said as she hit some buttons on her keyboard. “And how long would you like to stay with us, Mr West?”
“Oh, I’m not sure yet. Can we leave it open-ended?”
“Absolutely, although we would require upfront payment of at least seven days, Sir.”
“Not a problem at all. I’ll do you one better – let’s cover ten days now,” he said, his gaze now bearing in on her own, as she returned to face him from the computer screen. Rionan made no move to reach for any methods of payment, knowing full well he didn’t possess such a thing. He felt a tingle beneath his skin, and her expression shifted for a microsecond. She looked dumbstruck. Then her face broke out into a smile that mirrored his own.
“Fantastic, Mr West, I’m glad we’ve been able to settle payment in advance. Our concierge will show you to your suite. I’m confident that it will be to your liking. Do you have any luggage to be transported upstairs?”
“No luggage. Thank you, for your time.”
Rionan made his way over to the concierge, who stood tall in a red and gold shirt with smart black trousers. He was on the other side of the lobby area, which was decorated with golden ornaments, marble tables displaying elaborate flower arrangements, and the centrepiece of the lobby itself was a water fountain.
“Hello,” said Rionan, approaching the concierge. “I have been told that you will be showing me upstairs to the Senior Suite. I’m happy to make my own way, if you would kindly direct me.”
“It would be my pleasure to show you up myself, Sir,” nodded the concierge. Rionan knew the young man would expect a tip, and felt guilty that he did not possess any Ironmarks himself. “Please, follow me.”
Rionan followed the concierge to the elevator, which took them up twelve floors, until they reached the top of thebuilding. There were only two suites on this floor. One labelled ‘Junior’, and the other ‘Senior’. The concierge waved him towards the door to the suite that was his.
“This key card will let you in and out of the suite, just tap it here,” he indicated to a sensor just underneath the doorknob. “The minifridge is stocked with complimentary food and drink, and will be restocked for the duration of your stay. Everything you find in there is included within the cost of staying in the suite, so please help yourself. Room service is available 24 hours per day, and the cost of your tab can be paid at the end of your stay here. If you need anything, please calldown to us using the device next to the door, using the button labelled reception. Is there anything else I can help you with for now, Sir?”
“Not at all. I’m afraid I’m short of change to thank you for showing me to my room, but please get yourself a drink or meal, and put it on my tab.”
“No need,” the concierge smiled, backing away from the suite door towards the steps. “Enjoy your stay.”
Rionan stood on the balcony of his suite and took in the sea view. Ironically, a view of the exact beach he had found himself on when arriving here. The streets below bustled with life, and palm trees stretched along the boulevard beneath him. The sun was beginning to go down, and the place would come to life soon. It was possible that tonight would be a good night to go looking around, to ask questions. He had been led here for a reason, but he had yet to place what that reason was.
Porthan.
This name was one he recognised. Ironmarks weren’t unfamiliar to him, either. Goldmarks and Silvermarks were currencies in his own realm, so they seemed to share this, at least. What else did they share? What other familiarities did Xanthia have with Porthan?
