[EP/GP] Check-In: I Assure You We Are Open

[st_abby]

The damp, cool, chilly morning clouded with fog seemed to fit the mood about the Madonna Inn. Nobody had been quite right since the undead invasion. Definitely not Vax'ildan. But for him, it was less about their sense of day-to-day calm and safety shattered, less about undead specifically. It was a lot more to do with losing Scanlan and Pike, and the new memorials installed in the Temple.

He wondered about it, not for the first time, even as he readied for the fresh arrivals that might be coming today - or not, because they didn't always. What decided who came and went? Was there any sense in how many and when or why? Not so far as he could tell, but he'd never been the brains.

Gathering up the great heap of cloth and rope in his arms, the lean figure summoned the wings of his armor, the black of his silhouette merging with the other dark and shifting shapes skulking about in the first light of dawn. With a crouch and a lunge from the roof, he spread his wings wide and circled through the air right up to the face of the main building, unfurling the massive banner he'd sewn of spare bedsheets and painted with dark dye to tie it up taut:

WELCOME NEWCOMERS
YES, THIS MEANS YOU
NO REALLY WE'RE SURE

Life kept going on around you, no matter how confused or scared or fucked-up you were. And the best thing, the kindest thing, the sanest thing he could think to do in all this was to start up the coffee machine, stack some decorated pumpkin-shaped cookies on a platter in the lobby, and prop open the doors for whoever would join them in being confused and scared and fucked-up today.

Comments

Lara Croft - Assigned Threads

[st_ormchaser]

The power and spirit of Kukulkan, lord of creation and destruction, moved in Lara, literally breaking through her skin and glowing in places. You can do anything, it whispered, anything! Remake the world.

She could revive her parents.

She could go to Kitty.

She could do both, and that possibility broke her heart a little more.

But the sun was already eclipsed, and the scarified, almost alien face of Chak Chel (did she have any other name? somehow, Lara doubted it) watched her patiently. The rational world said of course, there's no way that the sun will die because of some words and arm-waving in an ancient temple. But the rational world said that taking a dagger couldn't cause floods, storms, and earthquakes, and that had happened. The sun was already eclipsed, and no matter what she wanted she couldn't let the sun and the whole world die for it.

"Good-bye," she whispered, then put Ix Chel's mask back on her face. She handed the dagger to Chak Chel, whose lipless face still showed no particular emotion: not rage, not elation, not relief. She laid down on her back on the stone table, closed her eyes, and waited for the knife to fall. Chak Chel had been preparing for this all her life, however long that had been. She would make a clean job of it.

Lara felt the dagger go in. Kukulkan exploded out of her, consuming the whole world in light.

Later, she opened her eyes to look up not at a smoke-filled night sky but at a clear blue sky. She was still lying on her back on what felt like stone, but... smoother than the table had been. And there was no pain or warmth of blood where a stomach wound should probably have been. In fact, the blue outfit that Uneratu had given her was clean. Not torn, not bloodied, not burned. Apart from the old-ish abrasions on her leg from being caught under that rockfall and the continuing pull-burn-sting of the jaguar bites and scratches on her back, everything seemed fine.

Her bow was under one hand, even.

She sat up, looked around, and immediately scrambled to her feet (throwing her bow over her shoulders out of habit), torn between utter flabbergasted blankness and an undignified whoop of joy.

She was on a road, in the desert, and a set of very familiar buildings was in the distance. I'm back.

Lara didn't bother pretending to dignity, she just ran to the buildings and into the lobby, not bothering to take off the mask of Ix Chel until she reached the front desk and offered a breathless, "Hello, Darryl. You have a room for me?"

The front desk attendant looked at her, completely unsurprised of course, and passed a key over. "Welcome back to the Madonna Inn, Lady Croft. You have been booked into the Traveler's Suite for this stay. Will you require additional towels?"

"Oh, probably! But not right now, yeah? I have things to... I have to go." Lara scooped up the key and stashed it. Room later.

Cafe now. Right now. And if Kitty wasn't there, then she'd have to go looking.

Re: Lara Croft - Assigned Threads

[st_alksthroughwalls]

Another check-in day, another set of new faces. Usually Kitty greeted it with a sort of muted enthusiasm for the possibilities, but with Maya gone, and the inn taking people away from her almost as fast as she could make friends, she was on the quiet end of the spectrum today. She'd tend bar and let other people do the greetings.

At least that was the plan.

She couldn't help looking up whenever someone entered the cafe and this new arrival was no exception. To the looking up. To everything else...

Exception alert. Exception alert.

The glass she'd been polishing slipped from nerveless fingers and hit the mats--must've been just right not to shatter and crash, but Kitty wasn't paying attention. Her heart pounded so hard it was choking her.

"...Lara?"

Re: Lara Croft - Assigned Threads

[st_ormchaser]

And there she was. Kitty Pryde, every bit as beautiful as Lara remembered. Lara hadn't realized until that moment that she'd been afraid, somewhere in her mind, that she'd returned to the Inn after Kitty had left it.

She wanted to go kiss Kitty, but she didn't know how long it had been for the other woman. She didn't know if Wyatt was still around, if he and Kitty had gone on together. But she couldn't help a few steps in her direction and an I'm-so-happy-to-see-you smile. "Hello, Kitty. It's me."

Lara and Tony (Morning Cafe Meet)

[st_arkravinghazelnut]

When Tony Stark looked back on it, his own check-in date felt like absolute ages away. Really, it had been two months. Time was supposed to speed up as you aged, but novelty slowed it down. Those were the theories, anyway. Tony swore the gray hair put on his head would come out pink, just to twist that knife.

Honestly, however, despite his many grievances, life at the hotel could approach acceptable. Or at least preside in the same zip code as it. Somewhat.

All these things, Tony contemplated over his chicken scramble. He had taken to rewarding himself for peaceful check ins with a decent night's sleep and a hearty breakfast before he inevitably descended into a caffeine-shambling workaholic trance in the days to follow.

When he glanced over a few stools down to take stock of this morning's company, F.R.I.D.A.Y. was quick to note the lack of recognition of the young woman who was joining him. Easily remedied. "You found the food. Important first step." For Tony, his encouraging tone still rang dry to most ears.

Re: Lara and Tony (Morning Cafe Meet)

[st_ormchaser]

"Oh, I know where the food is. I've been here before." Lara waved a little at the man, to take out any sting she didn't mean. He was trying to be helpful, after all; it wasn't his fault that this particular new arrival already knew the ropes nor that she had a British accent that belonged more to Lady Croft than the rest of her did. "I know where most things are. But thank you!"

Assigned threads

[st_argateman]

Jack arrived onto what he expected to be P3X-888 with his usual SGC gear. As he stepped through, he already began to give orders. "Okay, Daniel. Do your thing."

Except there was no Daniel.

Jack turned around and realized there was no Daniel, no Sam, and no Teal'c. There wasn't even a stargate behind him. Now, this wasn't the first time the stargate just disappeared - when they had time traveled the stargate disappeared on them. That time, though, his team had been with him.

"Oh for cryin' out loud..." He picked up his radio. "Carter? Daniel? Teal'c?" He paused - nothing. "Can anyone hear me?"

Still nothing.

With a sigh, Jack re-assessed the situation and then spotted in the distance a building.

"Alright... door number one it is then." He headed for the Inn, hands ready on his assault rifle

Re: Assigned threads

[st_arknaked]

Even without the uniform, and the weapon, Dyson would have recognized that the man approaching the Inn was military. He'd fought too many wars not to recognize a fellow soldier, even if Dyson own history was less about uniforms.

He was currently in a pair of painfully pink sweat pants and a black tank top, waiting for Bo to show up for training for her Dawning so he was armed as well but with a sword that contrasted greatly with his modern dress.

Still, he kept his hands visible, and the weapon down in the most nonthreatening way that a someone built like him could manage.

The pink pants helped.

Re: Assigned threads

[st_argateman]

Jack had seen enough swords on various planets by now, but swords usually went with Vikings or medieval dressed people or some other part of history that would make Daniel's eyes light up like it was Christmas. The pink pants and overall modern dress was an interesting contrast.

Still, when in Rome?

He casually walked over, hands resting on the gun now rather than fully holding it. "Hello. You... Wouldn't happen to know the way back to the Stargate would you?"

Meet: Jackson and Jack

[st_illfleshandblood]

Jackson was having a cigarette, and he'd long since learned better than to have one of those inside. So he was out on the grounds, taking a constitutional while he was at it, and he'd stopped to have a look at the banner spread across the front of the main building, wondering who'd thought that message was a good idea.

Because he wanted to congratulate them.

The crunch of boots on the ground had him turn around to see an approaching soldier; even if he hadn't seen enough future motion pictures to recognize him for one, the man's bearing, and the futuristic rifle he was carrying, told the tale well enough.

"Newcomer, huh?" Jackson asked, dressed in his usual mix of plaids from the ones available in the boutique. Fortunately, none of them was pink, but rather a blue jacket and a pair of brown pants. Sadly, the vest was plain blue, but you couldn't have everything. A dark green shirt completed the outfit, making him look very much like the unkempt hipster Maya had once called him, given his facial hair and the hat on his head.

He spread his hands in the general gesture for harmlessness, thus putting more distance between his hand and the Colt in his hip holster. He'd started wearing it again, after the attack against the Inn. "You're in for a strange ride, friend."

Re: Meet: Jackson and Jack

[st_argateman]

"Yep. That's me. A newcomer." He peered around him as he came to a stop. "Not really sure I buy the whole 'stuck here for unknown reasons', but then I'm also sure you've heard that plenty by now."

He gave a nod. "Jack O'Neill."

Tyrone's Assigned Threads

[st_eepedindarkness]

They had saved the city, but it didn't change a lot of things. Even with Connors disappeared to... wherever the darkness sent him, Tyrone was still wanted for the murder of a police officer. He snuck into his house to grab a few things and then headed for the church he would call his home for a while.

As he entered the church, he found himself in an entirely different place. He was inside a hotel lobby instead. He blinked with confusion and turned around. Through the glass on the door, he could see a desert outside.

"What in the hell...?" He said trailing off.

Meet w Vax

[st_abby]

"I know, isn't it just super weird?" The slender half-elf dressed in all-black armor complete with feathered cloak more or less appeared from thin air to stand near the wary young fellow. It was a very 'goth Lord of the Rings' look, he'd been told, and his not-quite-British accent added to the effect. "I take it you just got here, yeah?"

Tyrone & Sunny

[st_igmatized]

After her meeting with Thor had gone like it had, Sunny had been all the more prepared for someone to enter the library in some unconventional way. What she didn't account for of course was that it was check-in day, and that meant the face that appeared in front of her might be a new one.

Young. Black. Some kind of teleporting ability. American. She couldn't explain exactly what it was about him that made her certain he was American rather than African, but there was a definite difference even if it wasn't immediately quantifiable.

So while she couldn't exactly be cool about it after she'd jumped, she could smile a little and ask, "Tried to make a break for it, huh?"

OTA

[st_x5_494]

Alec came back from a run with only a slight sweat on his brow, but he had been running for a while. As he approached the inn, he noticed the sign and rolled his eyes - a little to the point, wasn't it?

He headed inside. Probably he should stretch or something, but his body didn't need to and Alec never understood stretching - how was Yoga even relaxing? The only thing Alec appreciated about yoga were the poses and watching women move through them.

He grabbed a muffin from one of the counters and plopped down on the couch. He pulled out a piece of paper and scribbled down on it. He had a list of things he wanted to get the next time a room here opened up. The list wasn't really for him, but he planned to show it to Peter for some scavenging help. High on the list was a motorcycle - he missed his.

He leaned back and drew his feet up onto the coffee table while taking a big bite of his muffin and considered what else to add to the list.

Re: OTA

[st_makemeastone]

If he didn't understand stretching, then the girl with the oversized sweatshirt slipping off one shoulder to expose her black leotard who was across the room using the front desk like a barre, one leg extended high in a standing split would not make sense.

Of course she rarely made sense anyway.

Clarice and Alec

[st_rongernow]

Pink and purple light flickered for an instant in the lobby before Clarice stepped through. What was the point of having a 'gift' if you couldn't use it as a lazy shortcut to get bakery goods?

"Well that was unexpected." She smiled when she saw Alec eating a muffin on the couch. "You leave any for me?"

OTA

[st_hotflashes]

Being part of the welcoming committee meant you had to be ready every first and fifteenth of the month, no matter what else was happening in your life. Even if Liz was trying to avoid running into Brad at the moment, she needed to be around the lobby to help if someone new showed up and needed it. She did, however, make it a point to wear Peter's hoodie today.

She was staring at the equations on the paper in front of her, but she hadn't moved to write anything down on it - her mind was pre-occupied. Why did Brad have to kiss her? Would it make things complicated now? She had to tell Peter, but she wondered how he'd react.

Liz closed her eyes and rubbed her face, frustrated with all the unknowns at the moment.

Re: OTA

[st_raighttovampire]

Caroline approved of Vax's efforts to decorate but she also had Plans for the lobby. She'd been hauling fall decorations out of the storage rooms all morning and it was time to take a break.

Liz was sitting in the lobby doing an excellent impression of a statue. "Girl in deep repose" maybe. Or "Troubled teen introspective". Either way, it was just asking to be meddled with. Caroline collected two mugs of hot apple cider and some of the pumpkin cookies and brought them over. She slid the mug in front of Liz and took a nearby chair. "You look like you could use a break from whatever's eating you."

Re: OTA

[st_arkintern]

The first thing Peter notices when he approaches is that Liz looks frustrated.

The second thing he notices is that she has a notebook opened to a page full of equations.

Immediately, he makes the connection.

"Hey, Liz," he says. "Did you need help with your homework?"

OTA

[st_huntermom]

Mary was in a good mood. In fact, she had been in a good mood for a bit now. It might have had something to do with the fact that she and Hathaway had agreed to moving their relationship along, but she wasn't about to say that out loud. Perhaps a more astute person could make the connection, but Mary didn't think she was being that obvious. Her muffins today, however, probably were some of the more delicious - it's amazing when you can do when you're in a really good mood.

She placed a tray of muffins down at the front desk and then grabbed one for herself. With a smile she leaned against the counter a took a bite - yep, definitely her best yet. Mary smiled, completely content at that very moment.

OTA

[st_unaligned]

Bo felt like today was a better day than most. She had been training with Dyson in the attempt to ready herself for the Dawning that seemed to be coming quicker every day. She could feel the changes start to happen inside of her and on bad days she had been keeping to herself in her room. She knew, logically, she needed to ask for help, but she wondered if she could do that and not hurt the relationship she was in. Her worry to hurt Sam and Molly were strong and she was worried if she went off the rails entirely, there were only a few people who could stop her.

For now, she pushed those thoughts out of her mind and headed to the bar. She knew Kitty was in the cafe today, so she said she'd cover people's need to liquor up, should it happen.

Re: OTA

[st_ratagem]

When Bo arrived at the bar, it wasn't empty. No one was waiting to be served, but Loki was carefully going through the bottles behind the bar and occasionally selecting one to make it disappear. Over there was a good place for a stash. "Don't mind me," he said without looking around as footsteps approached. "You'll hardly notice the loss."

Re: OTA

[st_arkravinghazelnut]

Pre-gaming before the big day, but only a little. Some rum in the hot chocolate, something soothing. That was Tony's approach today. He had been committed to his own health as of late, and it showed--his muscle mass and definition had returned, his skin had a healthy tan, and his hair stayed meticulously sculpted. But he simply wasn't Tony Stark without his vices.

Besides, what better way to welcome the poor and tired than with a glass in hand? That was one of his rules.

"Something sweet, s'il vous plaît. Amaretto." His legs gently kicked where he perched on the stool as he eyed the bartender. Bo Dennis, of course, she was already accounted for in his database. "Just a shot."

OTA

[st_ackeddeck]

If she'd been back at the castle, Emma would've used the computer journals to get out the word. And she would probably write something in the magic journals here later today. Maybe. It felt spammy in a way the computer journals usually didn't, and she couldn't identify why.

That was a question for another time, though. For the moment, she was posting a flyer on the bulletin board, scrolling vines hand-drawn around the neatly lettered message.


~*~*~
INKTOBER

It's October! Fall is here and Halloween on its way.

What better time to flex your creativity with an art challenge. It's simple.

1) Make a drawing in ink.

2) Share it somehow. Draw it in the journals. Post it on your door or in your window. Gift it to a friend.

3) Repeat.

Every day for a month seem like too much? Try for every other day. Or once a week. Whatever works for you.

Don't know what to draw? Here are prompts for the first week to get you started, and space for you (or others to add prompts throughout the month)
1 - accomplish
2 - breakthrough
3 - organic
4 - sweet
5 - vision
6 - enchanting
7 - culture

Still have questions? I'll help if I can.
~ Emma

~*~*~

She stepped back to get a better look at the notice, then bit her lip. Maybe this was a bad idea. Yes, it was a popular challenge in a world with over seven billion people and multiple social media options. But here at the inn, with only a few dozen. Maybe she should just make it a personal challenge. She'd had fun participating in Inktober before. She hesitated, torn between taking it down or maybe providing another way for her fellow 'guests' to hold off the boredom, and looked around. Maybe there was someone she could ask. Get a second opinion before making up her mind.

Re: OTA

[st_ellarnavigation]

Moana stopped next to the pale skinned woman and looked seriously at the paper. She was becoming better at recognizing the letters and some of the words but it was still mostly gibberish to her. She did like the decorations on the paper. They told a story all their own, of growth and life.

"Eye-enkt-Ahber," she sounded out, hoping it was at least close to correct. "What is that?"