Futuristic Another Harry's Bar [ Walk-in | Always Open ]

[honeysweetest.co]

> Sonnet Marlowe
> Location: Outside their hotel room -> The Solarium
> Mentions: Revi Northe

Reminiscing in the warm glow of the hallway, Sonnet and their bird hummed slowly enjoying their time together silently. Their time was light and silent, no words uttered between them until the long-tailed bird flapped its wings and flew up near the ceiling and raced around the halls. Sonnet, who is only able to catch a flash of colour before the bird flies off. Startled by the bird’s sudden action and disappearance, Sonnet called out for the bird before dashing to the direction where the bird had flown to.

The black cloak flowed with Sonnet as they sped through the hallways before a door that had been opened by a slight creak was in front of them, cold stone walls and vines hanging from the exterior. Reaching for the open door, the colours of a familiar tail feather came from above Sonnet before they felt the talons of the bird on his cloak fabric. "Haha, so that's where you were," Sonnet chuckled before feeding the bird a seed, "You really had me worried there. Don't wander all of a sudden like that, now."

The door to The Solarium stood in front of Sonnet and the bird after their reunion, light emerged from the crack that it was opened from. Finding no other reason for them to go back, Sonnet opened the door hoping for something that would be of interest.

Walking through the blinding lights that came from the room passed the door, Sonnet and the bird stepped into the space of The Solarium. Its serene atmosphere made Sonnet stop and look around the room in wonder. "Oh wow, never seen a place like this in ages," they whispered before they felt the weight from one of their shoulders ease and the flapping of wings blew into their ear. Stretching its wings, the long tailed bird flew around a few laps around the room before interacting with another bird, melodic chirps greeting it as it circled around the heads of Jasper.

"Ah, it's nice to meet another visitor," Sonnet greeted them with a pleasant smile, "The name's Sonnet Marlowe." Watching the bird fly around, Sonnet could only laugh and introduce it. "I think you have already met my companion. Now now, my friend, you might startle them," they gestured to the long tailed bird to perch on their shoulder, which it willingly does so.

 

[Cotton Tail]

Adam simply nodded and started on his food. He thought it incredibly bizarre that a hotel could randomly pop out of nowhere, but he decided to drop it for now. He was in a warm, tranquil place, surrounded by good people and eating delicious food. He might as well enjoy it.

 

[Zariah Turner]

Perspective: General Freya of the Northern Isles
Location: The Smoking Mirror
Mentions: Revi phibglib

Freya nodded in agreement as Harry went off to prepare her meal, settling in once more to watch the occupants of the bar and the bar itself. There was something mystical about the place, that defied what a bar should feel like. A part of Freya wanted to figure out what it was, what was causing it. So she watched as Harry spoke with the other occupants. Freya watched the pulsing lights of the bar, trying to make sense of when and how they changed. (Freya also noted the room’s exits, what places would be good to hide and ambush someone.)

She had been tracking Harry’s movements in addition to surveying the bar, so Freya wasn’t surprised when Harry returned with her food. This smells wonderful. The soup smelled and looked delicious, and reminded Freya of something she would eat at home. Surrounded by friends and family. The dimming of the lights caused a sense of peacefulness to wash over Freya. She smiled to herself - it had been a long time since she’d managed to capture this feeling.

That moment was disrupted slightly when one of the other people in the bar came bouncing over to the booth. Freya wasn’t sure how someone could bounce, but this woman was certainly doing it. “I suppose you can listen in,” she responded, ignoring the question about her name on instinct alone. “Let’s see… I’ve got plenty of war stories, but…” Fleeting images of the horrors she’d seen flashed before her eyes. “No, those won’t do. This is hardly a place to tell such dark stories.”

Freya closed her eyes for a moment. Took a deep breath. The feeling of peacefulness returned, and she saw the forests back home. At night, looking up at the starry sky. Perfect. “When I was younger,” she began, opening her eyes, “Probably around eight or nine, my father would take my brother and I fishing. He tried to teach us about it, but… we never really listened. I was always off climbing trees or adventuring in the forest, looking for wild animals. Back then, my brother was obsessed with hunting for trolls.” Freya chuckled. “Every time we went out in the forest, he would go looking for them.

“Anyway, on one of these fishing trips, my brother thought he found troll footprints. In hindsight, they were probably dragon tracks, but… we didn’t know any better back then. He convinced me to sneak away and come follow the tracks with him. We followed them for ages, all around the forest. Spent the whole afternoon trying to figure out where they led. Eventually we lost track of them and realized we were lost. We panicked when we realized that. So then we spent the entire evening trying to find our way back. We still hadn’t made our way back by nighttime, but by then, we were too tired, so we just… stopped in a clearing.

“At that point, we were very scared. We had no idea how to get back. I remember thinking we were going to be lost forever. But then we looked up and saw that the sky was full of stars.” Freya paused, smiling to herself as she remembered. “Where I’m from, sailing is a big profession. So everyone, even young children, knows their constellations. Thanks to that, we were able to use the stars to navigate all the way back to the village.”

“I don’t remember this part, but according to our - uncle, we fell asleep almost immediately after getting home. Then the next day, we went out to look for trolls again.” Freya laughed. “My brother and I were… quite adventurous as children.” That’s an understatement. They had done things most people would consider crazy. We still do. “Will that story cover my food for the evening?”

 

[Northe]

Perspective: Jasper
Location: The Solarium
Mentions: Revi (The bird(Astra)) honeysweetest.co (Sonnet)

Jasper smiled gratefully at the bird, reaching out his hand once more. It really was such a sweet creature. He could sense that subtle pull, but he wasn’t ready. In truth, he was scared. It wasn’t an excuse but he was going to use it for now. He’d found a comfort zone here and he wasn’t eager to leave it.

Not to mention, he couldn’t help but feel there was more here. More little secrets he could learn, little problems he could unravel. Sure, there was probably more elsewhere, but he was here and he had no intention to leave. Not yet at least. It was safe here, comfortable. And he had company. The best company.

He was still watching the bird closely, once more rubbing his finger along its head and under its chin. It was so precious with its wide beautiful flawless eyes. Wait-

In shock he suddenly moved closer, putting his face mere inches away from the bird’s. His eyes locked on its iris, perhaps rudely staring deep into the depths of the creature’s soul. He could’ve sworn he’d caught some odd glint in the light. But a flurry of actual feathers over his head suddenly tore his attention away from the poor metallic bird. He looked up at the new bird confusedly. This one had feathers.

Someone’s voice in greeting startled him to his feet, jumping and whirling around, his wings flaring outward as if once more he was moments away from diving off into the sky. After actually laying eyes upon who it was at the door and processing the words they said, he let out a sigh and relaxed, folding his wings tightly behind his back as if to attempt to conceal the feathers.

“H-hello,” He greeted, lifting a hand in a wave, watching the bird settle on their shoulder. “Sonnet. Sssssonnet, that’s a beautiful name.” He looked around to locate the metallic bird, then stopped and offered a hesitant smile to Sonnet.

“I’m Jasper Volaticus. I uh, I like your bird. Seems real friendly.” He looked around again, shuffling his feet a little. “Do you… do you know what this place all is?”

 

[phibglib]

Cassie's eyes shone with enthusiasm. "Wow! You and your brother sound like my type of people. If I had known you two as kids, I would've definitely wanted to hang out. And that story. Was. Flippin'. Boss. You had a real adventure there! I'm jealous."

 

[Revi]

Location: The Smoking Mirror
Character: Harry (Harriet)
​

---

Mentions: Zariah Turner (Freya)​

Harry had listened intently, her eyes bright with a kind of warmth that few might think possible in someone of her nature. As Freya's tale wound to a close, she offered a slight nod, her own faint smile reflecting the fondness and nostalgia in Freya's voice.

"That’s a wonderful story,” Harry said, leaning forward, her elbows resting gently on the table. "Exploration guided by the stars… There's a beauty in that, don't you think?" She looked thoughtful momentarily, almost as if she were seeing some distant constellation herself. "And yes, I think that tale more than covers your meal."

Harry glanced down at the hearty soup and ale before Freya, nodding in satisfaction. "It’s rare, you know," she continued, a touch more softly, "that we take time to remember the things that bring us peace, especially when surrounded by chaos. You've honoured that here tonight."

With a gentle nod to Freya, she quietly rose, leaving her to the peacefulness of the meal and the memories it had brought forth. She ensured that this moment—simple as it was—would linger, like a bright star against the night.

 

[Northe]

Perspective: Ryatt
Location: Some random hallways… The Maze??
Mentions: Revi (Thorne)

Ryatt was a resilient little fellow. He seemed entirely unfazed by his current situation. Or well, what he thought his current situation was. He was exploring a haunted hotel for some creepy powerful evil spirit to rid the place of its evil influence! Obviously. He didn’t even stop once to consider that the presence he felt wasn’t a malicious one at all. He didn’t even stop to recognize that he was wandering down an endless hallway that only seemed to repeat itself over and over.

It was safe to say he was having a grand adventure. His spirits had never been higher, and he was buzzing with anticipation and excitement, ready to locate and fight some evil ghost like the protagonist of his own movie! And look! His first enemy!

He spotted someone else down the hall and his adventurous song drew to a sharp close. He waved his hand at the stranger then scampered closer, actually running to meet up with the mysterious character.

“Hello there!” He greeted happily. “I am Ryatt Trendelson and I am here to abolish the evil within these walls!” He stated boldly, his voice loud and dynamic. “To which side do you belong, the Good or the Evil?”

Heroes didn’t usually need to ask that type of question. And really, Ryatt didn’t know why they didn’t ask everyone they met that question. He had wondered if maybe they had some sort of sense, or maybe it was the background music when it suddenly turned ominous. Unluckily for him, he was the one who controlled the music, and he couldn’t tell if this guy was friend or foe.

Now that Ryatt stood before him, he tipped his head to the side, analyzing who he had first thought of as an enemy. But in his ever self-absorbed mind, now he wondered if perhaps this was his perfect side-kick! Look at them, they’d go off and do great things together! It was a terrific origin story, Ryatt would have to remember it for later.

“You look like someone who needs an adventure, a journey to take your mind off life!” He pointed out, sounding very much in tone and inflection like a young child, though he had managed to locate something within the guy’s face. “You should come along! I can help you!”

Ryatt was certainly not a child in every respect but his mind. He thought like a child - what with this belief that he was in a movie or comic or something - and that translated to his naivety and childish sounding words and actions. Somewhere along the line in his life he’d become hyper-fixated on this idea of heroes and villains, obviously with himself as the Great and All Powerful Ryatt the Rat-Hero. He was going to save the day and make the world right again!

 

[Cotton Tail]

His food finished, The young vampire stood, picking up his drink. He headed to a booth in the far corner and sat with a sigh. The plush bench gave the bar a homey vibe. If this place had a tv, it'd be the icing on the cake.
Adam began quietly humming with a voice that could sooth anyone who listened.

 

[Zariah Turner]

Perspective: General Freya of the Northern Isles
Location: The Smoking Mirror
Mentions: phibglib

Freya sat in silence for a long moment after Harry left. The bartender's words had hit her harder than she expected. Freya had spent so long training herself to be untouchable - to let everyone's words slide off her, like her skin was as thick as scales - that she sometimes forgot how to feel. How to let her be moved by something. So it was surprising that Harry had been able to get past all that. Freya's thoughts circled around something Harry had said - remember the peace in chaos. Was that what she was really doing? Freya supposed it was, in a way. The story had brought her peace, and she had shared it. (Isn't peace so rare these days?) She couldn't help feeling like there was a bigger application, a bigger meaning, to what Harry had said.

It was probably just a passing comment, Freya thought, in a voice that sounded vaguely like her father. Not something for you to dwell on and attempt to apply to your entire life. She didn't believe what she told herself - nothing about this place seemed like it was done simply in passing - but the mental lecture did drag her attention back to the table, where the young woman was speaking. "I suppose that counts as an adventure," Freya said, in response to what the woman had said. "Really, that's one of the least crazy things we've done..." She was reminded of the time, when they were teenagers, that they spent the entire day searching the forest for dragons. "But I've already told enough stories for the time being," she said, partly to prevent the woman from inquiring about the other things they'd done. Freya had a feeling she would probably ask. "What brings you to this hotel? There seems to be quite the variety of guests here."

 

[phibglib]

"Oh, me?" said Cassie. "It's really 'cuz of my big bro Andy, who was a bit down in the dumps about his work. He's a journalist, like Superman! Which is kinda awkward if you think about it, 'cuz if he's Superman, then I'm basically Harley Quinn, so does that mean we have to be enemies? Well, if it does, I say, 'Screw you, whoever's writing my character!' Anyway, Andy's always tryna kick some major supervillain butt, like some Lex Loser who was stinkin' up a river. He's doin' a good thing, but he was gettin' worn to a frazzle, y'know? He thinks he's not allowed to take breaks, but I said, 'Andy, that's baloney.' So yeah, seems like he needs this place more than me, and I'm just kinda along for the ride! Don't get me wrong, I love it here! It's not like life doesn't get to be a bit of a drag for me neither! But I just try to, like, take each day as it comes. Would you believe I actually do the same thing as Harry over there? Kinda, sorta, not really. It's kinda the same, 'cept it's ten thousand times less cool 'cuz she's a robot or somethin' working at a spooky magical hotel! And I'm just a regular ol' human barista who works at a regular ol' coffee shop. Oh, that's the other difference, which is that I don't serve people drinks, I serve coffee... which still is a drink. Huh. Makes ya think, doesn't it?"

 

[ShellBelles]

Charles - The Lobby

Charles walks along the dark and cold streets, staring down at the sidewalk as the wind blows. The street lamps just barely illuminated the way enough for him to see. Not that he needed it. Charles is used to spending time in the dark. Years spent alone in his house seems to have done that to him. But Charles decided that maybe some fresh air would do him some good, and possibly help him out of his feeling of hollowness. Though it seems unlikely to him now, given that nothing has helped him with that. Charles is a lonely man. A very tall, lanky, lonely man. He wears a long, gray trench coat over his white button down and black bow tie. He has on dark gray dress pants, dress shoes, and a fedora with a white bow around it. Though the most eye-catching piece of his wardrobe would be the mask he wears over his face. A simple, yellow, smiley face mask. What Charles is hiding under that mask remains a mystery, though if you happen to notice his subtly anxious body language whenever he's asked about it, you can tell it's something he's self-conscious about. Charles' arms are also noticeably long, knuckles nearly level with his ankles.

Charles continues his walk, idly tredding along the street until he suddenly pauses. He slowly gazes up at the large and extravagant hotel in front of him. He basks in it's elegant architecture, nearly getting lost in the intricacies of the dark ironwood and gold. The building is practically illuminated with his bright lights. The amount of lighting is much more than Charles is used to, having to squint underneath his mask. He inwardly questions how long and far he's been walking in order for him to stumble across this place. Charles glances behind him momentarily, contemplating whether or not he should turn around. He doubts that going in there would be a good idea, as the place is probably filled to the brim with people. People that would most definitely be put off or even appalled by his strange appearance and demeanor. On top of that, he doesn't have that kind of money. To be in a place like this has got to be very expensive. However, as Charles looks back at the hotel, he notices the doors seem to almost be inviting him in. The more he hesitates, the more Charles finds himself growing more and more curious. After all, it's not everyday he gets to explore other places. Charles considers his options one last time before finally deciding to walk in. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to simply peruse for just a little bit.

He slowly steps inside the hotel, letting his eyes adjust to the lighting beside gazing at his surroundings. It was just as il intricate and beautiful as it was on the inside. All of the polished furniture and interior designs was almost like he had stepped into the home of a noble. Charles looks around as he continues to explore his surroundings. Surprisingly, there doesn't seem to be anyone around at the moment. Charles walks up the desk before noticing a stack of cards. He picks one up curiously, examining the craftsmanship before reading the message on the back, seeming to be granting access to the hotel's bar. Charles looks in that direction, wondering if he should go in there or not. He doesn't want to scare any of the residents. He sighs as he puts the card back down. Even if that wasn't one of Charles' worries, he's too shy. In fact, he's not even supposed to be here. He considers leaving before he notices the hall leading to the library. Books. Charles has a great fondness of books. Almost as if he's becoming drawn to it, Charles gazes upon the hall, unable to help himself before he makes his way towards the library.

 

[Revi]

Location: The Smoking Mirror
Character: Harry (Harriet)
Interaction: phibglib (Andrew)​

After leaving Freya's table, Harry returned to the bar, her attention shifting to Andrew, who sat watching her with quiet curiosity. She gave him a slight nod, acknowledging his question as she reached for a glass and placed it on the bar before him. As she measured two ounces of cask-aged bourbon, her eyes lifted to meet his, a glint of something knowing in her expression. Harry reached beneath the bar to retrieve a custom ice mould and placed a large chunk of ice into it before continuing.

“The hotel," she began, pouring the bourbon smoothly into the glass, “is as much a physical structure as something intangible.” She added a quarter ounce of simple syrup, her fingers steady, almost reverent. “You could say it's also part emotional, a blend of what guests bring with them."

She reached for the bitters, carefully adding two dashes.

"Imagine the hotel as a classic cocktail—a precise balance of ingredients, each piece contributing to its flavour and character," she continued, swirling the glass lightly. "A touch of sweetness from memories, the warmth of nostalgia, the depth of experiences… even the bitters, a nod to challenges that shape us."

Finally, she reached for a slice of orange peel, expressing the zest over the drink and rubbing the peel around the rim of the glass before placing it on the edge. After expressing the orange peel and setting it delicately on the edge of the glass, She pressed a release button on the side of the mould, revealing a tall, perfectly clear cube, its edges sharp and precise as if crafted from crystal. She lifted it with tongs and placed it in the centre of the glass with a practised touch, settling smoothly into the amber liquid. Stamped onto the top of the ice cube was the Mora Hotel motif: an intricate, stylized compass rose with finely etched lines radiating outward in all directions. The compass points were subtly accented by tiny, engraved stars at the cardinal directions, giving it an almost celestial quality as if guiding whoever held the glass back to the hotel's heart.

"In a way, each guest is also a creator here. Every visit, every moment adds a new layer, a unique note that becomes part of this place's composition.”

She held the drink up, presenting it to Andrew. The amber liquid caught the room's neon glow as it pooled around the clear ice. She smiled at him, inclining her head slightly. "The essence of Mora Hotel, captured in a glass. Enjoy it and relax, don't think too hard on things."

---

Location: The Maze (shifting hallways)
Character: Thorne
Interaction: Northe (Ryatt)​

Thorne's brow arched as the young man darted toward him, exuding a mix of relentless energy and unwavering conviction. He kept his stance steady, hands on his hips, eyeing this unexpected "hero" who'd seemingly appointed himself the saviour of the hotel. Thorne watched, bemused, as Ryatt declared his intent to abolish "evil" with a vigour he'd only ever seen in the greenest deckhands who believed the cosmos spun for their grand tales.

"Right…" Thorne's tone was measured, not unkind, but visibly cautious. "Good or Evil, you ask?" He let out a small chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I don't have those kinds of stakes in mind. Just… trying to figure out how to get my bearings here."

He gave Ryatt a quick, appraising look, noting the intensity in the younger man's eyes, his absolute immersion in this grand role. Thorne sighed lightly, crossing his arms. "Look, Ryatt—abolisher of evil, was it?" he said, keeping a straight face. "I'm not sure I'm the sidekick type, but it seems like you've got a… bold mission on your hands." He glanced down the endless hallway, the monotony broken only by Ryatt's lively presence. "So… what's the plan for ridding this place of its 'evil'? I imagine it's, uh, lurking around here somewhere?"

Thorne couldn't help a faint grin. Despite the absurdity, he felt himself slightly entertained by Ryatt's boundless enthusiasm. And if nothing else, he figured that following Ryatt might lead somewhere interesting—maybe even out of these halls.

 

[phibglib]

Throughout Harry's explanation, Andrew wrote on a notepad he had taken out, although as the explanation went on, his expression had become increasingly puzzled. When presented with a glass, he hesitantly took it and began drinking. "That's a... very poetic explanation. I take it that I'm not likely to get anything more literal." Although he suspected that elements of it were in fact literally true, somehow. "I will... try to keep your advice in mind. But while I'm here, I might as well take advantage of the situation, since this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain a better understanding of... the whole world. Well, I suppose it's not, since I can come back at any time. Still... what is the strangest story that you've ever heard?"

 

[Zariah Turner]

Perspective: General Freya of the Northern Isles
Location: The Smoking Mirror
Mentions: phibglib

Freya listened as the woman explained about her brother, contemplating the words as she listened. Some of the terms used by the woman were... unfamiliar to Freya (What's a... Superman? And who is Harley Quinn?), but she got the gist of what the woman was saying. Her brother was a hero, from a land that sounded very different from the Isles. And this woman was... his companion, of sorts. Freya was reminded of her relationship with her own brother, Loki. In so many ways, he was the heroic one - protecting the beasts, forging treaties, being an honorable king. Freya... she worked in the shadows. Protected the Isles. It was a role she had long ago come to terms with. The necessary cost of her homeland's safety. To think my brother was the one named after the trickster god, while I am the one who works in the shadows...

Freya suspected that was where the similarities between her and the other woman ended. The woman sitting across from her looked far too happy and energetic. Freya couldn't picture her lurking in the shadows, doing dirty work. Still, she found it surprising that she would encounter someone with a somewhat similar story to hers so soon after entering the hotel. The woman was right - there was something mystical about this place. From how it appeared, to the environment inside, to Harry's behavior. Freya was not a very superstitious or religious person - faith didn't accomplish anything substantial - but this location certainly has been touched by... Some form of mystical entity.

"I agree, this place certainly is strange," Freya agreed, deciding not to comment on the woman's backstory. "There is a sort of... Energy to the place, a mystical air. Although..." Freya's attention was called back to another strange term the woman had used to describe Harry. "What is a 'robot?'"

 

[phibglib]

"Yeah, now that I think about it, I guess you wouldn't know that, 'cuz you're from some fantasy world where trolls are a thing," said Cassie. "A robot is... a kind of thing we invented, it's made of metal, and... well, basically, try to imagine if people, like you or me, weren't born, we were built. And the people who made them know enough to make these things act and move like real people. I mean, where I'm from, they're not good enough to act like real people yet, they can only do simple shit like move boxes or whatever, and they're all 'beep boop, 1-2-3,' I guess, but it looks Harry is the kind who's so advanced she's actually alive... or something like that. I mean, it's not like I have any idea what the heck is goin' on here, but I'm going to act like she is alive and has feelings until there's a reason for me to think that's not true, 'cuz not doing it would be super mean and rude. And if you get to that level of thinking, there's not any real way to prove to you that I'm alive and have real thoughts either, sooo..." She shrugged. "But anyway, that kind of robot, what Harry is, where I'm from, they're only in movies and what-not. But to be honest, it seems like they'll be at that level in only, like, ten years, and then they'll decide humans are garbage and start a war, and then a trigger dude named 'John Connor' will jump in to save humanity, so Skynet will send a robot to bump off his mom in the 80s. Just kidding, that prrrooobably won't happen? I think? But I mean, I would absolutely get it if that's what they did decide."

 

[Revi]

Location: The Smoking Mirror Bar
Character: Harry (Harriet)
Interaction: phibglib (Andrew)
​

Harry watched with a slight tilt of her head as Andrew jotted notes, observing the mix of curiosity and hesitation in his expression. When he accepted the glass, she gave him an encouraging nod. His remark earned him a small, knowing smile.

“Literal explanations are overrated," she replied lightly. "Sometimes, poetry holds more truth than logic." She rested her hands gently on the bar, her gaze thoughtful as she considered his question about strange stories. Her eyes seemed to drift as if sifting through countless memories.

"The strangest story…" she mused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the bar. "There was a guest who swore he had travelled through a painting. He'd stepped in to 'get a closer look,’ as he put it, and found himself wandering through a mist-filled forest that stretched farther than the eye could see. Each tree bore markings from a different era, and no matter how far he walked, he could hear faint whispers echoing between them." She paused, studying Andrew's reaction. "He wandered for hours before he stepped back out, and when he did, he claimed only minutes had passed here in the hotel."

She folded her hands in front of her, expression serene. "He called it a nightmare and a dream in equal measure. I never saw him again, but he left something behind—one of those tree markings carved into the frame of the painting he had travelled through." Her eyes returned to Andrew's, the faint smile returning. "Truthfully, the hotel is filled with strange stories, each stranger than the last. Who's to say which are real and which are figments of the imagination?"

---

Location: The Library
Character: Moira
Interaction: ShellBelles (Charles)
​

As Charles stepped into the library, the quiet embrace of the space enveloped him. The soft glow of a nearby lamp cast warm light over the rows of bookshelves, their dark wood stretching high toward the ceiling. The faint scent of aged paper mingled with polished wood, creating an inviting and timeless atmosphere. Near the large circular window at the far end of the room, a woman shifted slightly in her chair. Her dark robe fell in gentle folds around her, and her book, which had been resting in her lap, was now closed. Her fingers lightly traced the embossed title. She looked up, her onyx eyes meeting his gaze with calm curiosity.

"You've found the heart of the hotel, at least it is, in my opinion," she said, her voice low and smooth, carrying easily across the quiet space. It tends to draw those who seek something... more." She studied him for a moment.

Without rising, she gestured to a nearby chair. "You're welcome to sit if you like. Books tend to reveal themselves more readily when you take your time." There was no demand in her tone, only an invitation laced with quiet understanding.

Moira leaned back, resting her hands on the closed book in her lap, her gaze steady. “What is it you're hoping to find here?" she asked, her voice gentle yet edged with curiosity, as though she already suspected the answer might be more complex than it seemed.

---

Location: The Mora Hotel
Character: Environment & Harry
Interaction: (All Active Guests in RP)
| phibglib | Zariah Turner | ShellBelles | Northe | Cotton Tail | honeysweetest.co |​

The emergency lights began suddenly, disrupting the hotel's tranquil ambience. Across every space, the soft, inviting lighting faltered, giving way to three sharp flashes. The warm glow was replaced by an intense, clinical brightness that pulsed rhythmically, leaving shadows stretching and twisting in its wake. The air carried a faint charge, a quiet hum of energy that built with each flash.

In the solarium, the simulated sky-roof dimmed, its serene expanse momentarily eclipsed by the brilliance of the lights. Each flash illuminated the lush greenery, casting every leaf and vine in stark, unnatural detail. The reflective pool rippled faintly, scattering fractured reflections onto the walls and ceiling, creating a chaotic dance of light and shadow. Between flashes, the foliage seemed to shift subtly, the deepening shadows making the once-peaceful space tense. An urgency that unsettled the otherwise tranquil atmosphere.

In the maze of endless hallways, the emergency lights transformed the space into an even further disorienting labyrinth. The first flash revealed a series of identical doors stretching endlessly into the distance, their edges sharply outlined against the stark white brilliance. With the second flash, the walls seemed to gleam and subtly shift as though alive and aware. By the third burst, familiar intersections twisted, new paths opened where none had been before, the corridors morphing as if responding to the emergency itself. In the silence between flashes, the absence of footsteps and the weight of the darkness were almost suffocating, each burst of light carrying an unspoken warning.

The pulsing emergency lights overwhelmed the warm lamplight in the library. Shadows of towering bookshelves danced erratically across the polished wood floor, the flickering brightness casting an eerie stillness over the room's timeless ambience. The circular window at the far end glowed faintly, refracting the light and creating fragmented patterns that spun outward as though trying to stretch beyond the glass. Open books on tables fluttered slightly in the artificial breeze of shifting air currents, the quiet hum of the lights amplifying the unease.

In The Smoking Mirror, the low-lit bar transformed into an unsettling tableau. The neon accents pulsed out of sync with the emergency lights, creating a jarring, strobe-like effect that fractured the cosy atmosphere. Glasses on tables caught the light, scattering sharp, jagged beams across the walls and ceiling. Patrons, frozen in the bursts of brightness, appeared as fleeting silhouettes, their movements rendered almost dreamlike. The typically inviting space now felt charged with a strange, anticipatory energy.

Through it all, a recorded message of Harry's calm yet commanding voice rang out across the hotel, cutting through the unsettling ambience and resonating in every corner:

"Attention, all guests: The hotel is preparing for an operational transition. Please use your cards to guide you to your rooms if you wish to remain secure. Your rooms will adjust to accommodate your safety. If you prefer to temporarily depart, proceed to the front entrance, where your card will return you to your point of origin."

The message paused briefly, the silence filled by the rhythmic flashes of light, before continuing:

"Please make your choice promptly. The transition will commence shortly. Thank you for your cooperation."

The voice repeated at intervals, its calm yet insistent tone pressing on the minds of all who heard it. The hotel, alive with its shifting spaces and flickering lights, seemed to hold its breath, waiting for its guests to decide their paths. The pulse of the emergency lights continued—in bursts of three—a constant reminder that the transition was imminent.

Harry was already moving out from behind the bar to start guiding guests out. "This way, please."

---

OOC Note: feel free to RP your character in their own realm if the choice is to temporarily depart from the hotel.

 

[phibglib]

Cassie looked slightly apologetic to Freya. "I wish we could talk more. This is so interesting! Grr! Stupid transition thing... or whatever it was!" She jumped up and skipped over to Andrew (who had a pensive look about him as he listened to Harry's story), looking cheerful again. "Welp! Looks like our time here is up! Shall we go?" She extended her hand.

"Yeah," said Andrew, taking her hand. "I'll have to get back to work sooner or later."

"Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait!" said Cassie in rapid succession, holding a finger up to Andrew's face and putting on her "serious face" which was still quite silly. "I think there may, aha, there may have been a miscommunication here! We are not done here yet! We are both going to our room, mister!"

"Right," said Andrew. "I should've expected that. We will be leaving first thing tomorrow morning, though."

Cassie's mouth was pressed into a thin line. "Deal." One of her arms went behind her back.

"Cassie," started Andrew.

"Oh, fine!" said Cassie. "We can talk about it in the morning."

And with that, they started following Harry.

 

[ShellBelles]

Charles - The Library

Charles gazes upon the Library with fascination, taking in the posh and aged architecture and decorations. He mindlessly looks around at each book upon its shelf, in awe at the number of literature kept in this enormous room. He stops in front of one as his finger trails across the spine of a red book. He's so drawn to his surroundings that he didn't even notice the other presence in the room with him. He jolts a bit as he's startled by another voice, before quickly turning around to gaze at Moira with a surprise. He meets her onyx eyes as he goes frozen. He didn't expect to see another person here, even though he probably should have. Charles stands there awkardly as he gazes upon Moira, taking in her appearance in a stunned and awe-filled manner. He's surprised that she's not at all afraid or at least put off by his appearance. She seems to be as calm as ever as she addresses him, even going so far as to invite him to have a seat.

Charles then comes back to his senses, clearing his throat as he looks off to the side with embarrassment as he shyly adjusts hat. He's not sure what to do. He doesn't want to be rude but he's not sure whether it's a good idea to be sitting down with her. He did just randomly walk into this place uninvited. He shouldn't even be in here. "O-Oh! Um, thank you. B-But I'm not actually looking for anything in particular. I was merely curious about this place and, well...simply wanted to peruse the library for a moment, is all. I do have a fascination with books and these ones seem to be really unique and old. And I only wish I could have a library of my own that was half as impressive as this. Even if that might be impossible for me. Though, still, I...um..." Charles slowly trails off as he realized that he's rambling on as the woman sits there staring at him. He grows more embarrassed before he clears his throat once again, glad that his mask is hiding his face right now. Curse his lack of social skills.

"But, thank you again for the offer. I'd love to, I-I mean I wouldn't mind. But I couldn't. Ihihi, I'm not even really checked into this place. I don't think I could even afford it really. It's all so luxurious. S-So forgive me for interrupting your reading time. I don't wish to overstay my welcome so I'll just be going before-"

Charles is then suddenly cut off by the sudden flashing of bright lights and movements of the shadows and books. He flinches from surprise at the drastic change of the scenery, squinting as he stands there looking around in confusion. He hears the announcement ring throughtout the room, scratching his head in confusion as he tries to grasp what exactly is going on right now. "Transition? Cards? W-What?"

 

[JustIssiah]

Issiah

There was no memory whatsoever of how Issiah got here… but she was there, confused as a lost kitten. Honestly, it all felt like some sort of dream — as this is quite the dilemma overall...


Issiah narrows her eyes as she reads “Mora Hotel” in a fancy font. How unique, despite how her own confusion was making this quite the unsettling situation…


As she takes a step closer, everything changed… She flinched as the lights flickered… it gave off a weird vibe… almost as if the hotel itself was welcoming her. Issiah was unsure if she liked it or hated it… It was more of a mix of feelings, actually. Especially because there was nobody to even greet her, and the odd silence — not even the sound of crickets or birds…


Issiah took a step back now… she was hesitant, to say the least. All these freaky factors… Then, she takes a step forward again. Yet… she was curious… she always liked adventure, and a sense of mystery…. That is the vibe this hotel gave.


It took her awhile to decide — she was paused in place for what seemed to be decades, as the deafening silence grew… well… louder. But a heavy sigh escaped her lips… She now continued into the “freaky” yet “welcoming” hotel.

The first thing she noticed upon her entry was how fancy this place all seemed…. The walls were dark-paneled — and along when she looked down: the floors, which gave a hint of a surreal-feel as she moved along…. Plus, as she looked forward, she noticed the massive, arched windows, and as she looked upwards, the chandelier at the roof…


The place on the inside was honestly much nicer than the inside, which made her satisfied with her decision. The fireplace especially gave off a welcoming-vibe, as it radiated some warmth throughout the lobby.


Issiah now walked over to the desk that was in the very center of the room…


“Huh… I don’t see any— “


Issiah was suddenly interrupted by a sudden chime, all a sudden, as a projection appeared behind the desk before Issiah.


Issiah pays close attention as Harry speaks, mentioning all the different areas to explore. Issiah seemed… intrigued, her head perking up some more.


After then hearing the rules, the hologram disappeared out of thin air…


Issiah puts a hand on her cheek to itch it, as she’s silently thinking to herself. “They have nice rooms, most likely… A bar…. A library… Jee… this was a clever idea… Thank you, ‘some crazy coincidence that seems like a dream’…” Issiah would chuckle afterwards.


Issiah would now notice the card holder, and she inches closer to grab one of the cards.


“Wow… so smooth…” She shivers.


Issiah reads the card, her pupils moving along after each word she reads.


As soon as Issiah finished, the announcement buzzed calmly, yet pushy demeanor through the hotel.


“Guess im going to my assigned room… maybe I can check things out tomorrow…” Issiah sort of just talked to herself now, as she transitioned to her room.


Literally just opening the door to her room, the bed is the FIRST thing she notices, due to its generous size and comfortable appearance… Her eyes widen, and her jaw drops.


“WOAH— “


Issiah accidentally shouts but instantly covered her mouth with a shaky exhale.


“Such a comfy looking bed… Jesus Christ…”


Issiah speed walks over to the bed, tossing herself onto it face-first.


“MMmmmmmphhh…. MmMmm…” (Just as comfortable is it looked…)

 

[Zariah Turner]

Perspective: General Freya of the Northern Isles
Location: The Smoking Mirror
Mentions: Revi

Upon seeing the flashing lights, Freya's first instinct was to reach for her sickles. She had almost drawn them when the announcement came on, explaining the situation. Realizing that there was no imminent danger, Freya let go of her sickles and instead picked up her cloak, pulling it over her shoulders. "Perhaps we'll have the opportunity to speak more at a later time," Freya said in farewell to the woman she had been speaking with. I never did catch her name, she thought. Oh, well. I'll probably never see her again. It didn't matter much anyway - this so-called impending "transition" was more deserving of Freya's focus. She didn't fully understand what it meant, but she did remember the projection of Harry had mentioned something about the hotel shifting when Freya first arrived. This is probably that, then, Freya thought, making her way over to where Harry was escorting out the guests.

The concept of a moving hotel made Freya uneasy, but she was hardly going to venture back to the small village she had come from. She had no idea what had happened to the actual inn there, and Freya was not inclined to go venturing in the snow this late in the evening. If it's even still evening, she thought dryly. Freya wasn't sure how time worked here. Something that I should figure out. She didn't want to lose track of time, even if this place was wonderful and magical... Brushing the thought aside, Freya walked over to where Harry was standing, escorting people out. She pulled out her card as she did so - perhaps it would end up being useful.

 

[Northe]

Perspective: Jasper
Location: The Solarium
Mentions: Revi (Astra)

Jasper quite literally jumped, his clawed feet scraping, and he would have launched upwards in a panic if he could have. Instead, his wings flung outward and he froze in place, the stark white lights blaring in his eyes. He glanced around wildly, as if trying to locate the threat.

All he found was the blinding disorientation, and he felt all that same flighty panic of being caught. As Harry’s words came over throughout the room, he recognized her voice and the message. The lights and the cards.

Jasper would have dreaded leaving the wonderful room to seek safety in a room, but the flashing lights and unsettling stark detail gave him a sense of urgency. It was almost entirely unrecognizable to what the Solarium had been before: no longer calm and welcoming, but tense and urgent. He almost felt like there was something watching him, stalking him from the shadows.

There wasn’t much hesitation as he made his choice: he wasn’t going to leave yet. There was so much in this hotel that he feared if he left now, he might never find his way back. Besides, if he couldn’t stay here in the wonderful Solarium, then finding his room would be the next best thing.

He looked down at the slim, smooth, card in his hand. Harry’s announcement said that it would guide him to his room. He held it up against the bright flashing lights, vaguely wondering if it might turn into a bird and fly along to physically guide him to his room. Afterall, pretty much all he’d seen of the hotel was the Solarium and the fascinating metallic bird. For some reason he just assumed that the whole place might be bird-related. Perhaps that was quite self-centered of himself, being a Bird-Person.

He glanced around briefly for the bird, but the lights were really starting to disorientate him. He wasn’t sure what was left or right, and he only knew up from down because his clawed feet hadn’t left the floor, and his Grounded wings kept him firmly confined to that floor.

“I’ll head to my room then I guess.” He said, speaking on the chance that anyone, specifically the bird, cared. He rubbed a thumb along the lettering of the card, once more wondering how it would guide him to his room.

Jasper moved carefully back across the room, placing a foot out lightly before he committed to any step, almost as if he thought the floor might fall away beneath him. He pushed open the door, holding onto the card tightly, searching and looking for where and how he was to move forward.

 

[Northe]

Perspective: Ryatt
Location: The Maze
Mentions: Revi (Thorne)

Ryatt grinned only wider. He picked up on his new friend’s caution, but he was completely and totally elated upon the question. He just knew this stranger was going to be perfect for joining his adventure!

“Well, this type of evil doesn’t exactly ‘lurk’. It’s in the walls! It’s in the air! It’s all around!” He explained, launching into a speech about the perceived villain. “It’s an Evil Spirit! It has taken hold in the hotel, and it lures people in and traps them! Alright? I’ll tell you how we're gonna find it, but I’m not entirely sure yet. And I’d tell you how we’re gonna stop it, but I have yet to figure that out too. But don’t worry! I’ll keep you safe!”

He started marching off in one direction, waving his hand for Thorne to follow him. “I know all about evil spirits! I’ll teach you everything and we’ll both abolish it from this place! It’s gonna be so much fun! All we have to do is-”

Right at that moment the lights started flashing. The sudden shocking bright lights scared Ryatt so much he squeaked in fear and clung fiercely to Thorne’s arm.

“It’s here!! Stay close! Don’t let it take you! Look, look! The walls! The walls!” He squeaked out frantically, pointing at the walls. Though he’d just ‘commanded’ Thorne to stay here, he suddenly came up with another bright idea: “I’ll protect you! Stay right here!”

Ryatt darted off and leaped at the wall, intending perhaps to fight the evil spirit within the walls, but he just slammed into the wall as it morphed and shifted. He staggered back and returned to Thorne’s side, rubbing his head.

“Okay.” He mumbled. “Um, new plan. Stick together. C’mon!” He grabbed Thorne’s arm again and started pulling him along down the hallways, his eyes darting around and analyzing the shifting changes.

“Listen,” He continued in a lower and much more serious tone. “This is real scary, but it’s going to be okay, because the Evil will never be enough to take me down. We will defeat it, but right now we just need to not let it catch us, yeah? Remember all of this as much as you can, we can use whatever information we gather here and use it to defeat it next time it does this. If you see it, run. But don’t get separated! Evil Spirits prey on the weak and lonely. Okay, buddy? It could look like a lot of things, but if you see anything, just tell me and we’ll take care of it. C’mon, c’mon.”

The terrifying warning and sense of desperate emergency had initially taken over Ryatt’s mind with fear, but now it seemed he’d taken on the challenge and was boldly marching straight into it as a so-called hero should. No, he had no idea what he was doing, he’d never actually fought an ‘Evil Spirit’ before, and what was going on currently didn’t line up with most of the stories that he’d heard.

He was determined to keep his new friend safe and get them both out of here while defeating the Evil Spirit. He had decided that he would escort Thorne throughout the halls, and he’d keep the poor man safe!

 

[Revi]

Location: The Library
Character: Moira
Interaction: ShellBelles (Charles)​

Liora stood gracefully as the lights began their rhythmic flashes, her sharp eyes scanning the room with a calmness that suggested she'd seen such events before. She let the announcement echo through the library before stepping toward Charles, her long robe flowing softly behind her as she approached him.

"Don't worry," she said, her voice steady and reassuring. "The hotel does this occasionally. It's part of its nature. You're safe." She glanced at the shelves as they seemed to flicker in and out of shadow with the light bursts, then back at Charles, whose body language betrayed his bewilderment despite his mask.

She gestured toward the doorway. "You'll need a card. It's how the hotel works—your key to move through its spaces and find what you need. Come, I'll show you." Without waiting for a response, she walked toward the library entrance, glancing back briefly to ensure he followed. Her pace was unhurried, as though the transition were nothing to fear.

At the counter near the doorway, she retrieved a card, its polished surface catching the light as she held it out to him. "This will guide you. It will take you there if you prefer to secure yourself in a room. But…” Her gaze softened slightly, and her voice became quieter, almost inviting. "If you're not quite ready to retreat alone, my room is nearby. You're welcome to join me. I was about to start another book." She offered a faint smile, her calm demeanour contrasting with the fervour of the flashing lights and the announcement reverberating through the air.

"I can promise a quiet space to wait out the transition," she added, tilting her head slightly. "And perhaps a little less confusion. What do you say?" Her onyx eyes held his, patient but inviting as if she understood his uncertainty without pressing him for an answer.

 

[Revi]

Location: The Mora Hotel
Character: Harry
Interaction: (All Active Guests in the Bar)
Zariah Turner | phibglib​

Harry stood near The Smoking Mirror's entrance, the steady rhythm of the emergency lights casting fleeting shadows across her sleek frame. Her calm, measured tone carried easily over the room's hum as she addressed the gathering guests.

She offered a faint nod to Cassie and Andrew, noting their lively exchange with a touch of warmth. "Thank you for your understanding during this transition," she began. "Your cards will guide you to your room. Once activated, they will illuminate a path unique to you, leading directly to where you need to go. Think of them as a personal guide through the shifting spaces of the hotel."

Her gaze lingered briefly on Cassie's eager expression. "When you arrive, the door will unlock automatically. The room will adjust to meet your needs and ensure your comfort until the transition concludes. It shouldn't take long."

She inclined her head slightly. "I trust you'll find the space as welcoming as your time here has been."

Turning to Freya as she approached with her card in hand, Harry gave a slight nod of acknowledgement, her steady gaze meeting Freya's. "Your readiness is commendable," she said, her tone respectful. "The card will lead you to your room. A light will guide you through the hallways, even if they appear unfamiliar. Trust it to bring you to the right place."

She gestured toward the stairwell. "Your room will provide a secure space during the transition. For those who prefer to depart, the front door will take you back to where you began. The choice is yours."

With the group gathered Harry gestured toward the Lobby and the stairwells beyond. "The path ahead is straightforward. From the Lobby, your cards will guide you to your destination. I assure you the process is seamless."

Her presence exuded a quiet authority, anchoring the moment as the guests moved toward their choices. Behind her, the hotel seemed to hum with anticipation, its shifting energies alive yet steady.

---

Location: The Mora Hotel
Character: Environment
Interaction: JustIssiah
​

The air seemed to grow cosier, as though the hotel recognized her need for comfort. A slight, delicate breeze from an unseen vent ruffled the corner of a nearby curtain, and the faint scent of lavender drifted into the room, calming and inviting. The card she had carried to the room now pulsed gently where she had placed it, its glow fading into the stillness as if signalling the room had fully attuned to her. As she grew more comfortable, the sounds of the alarm would become muffled as the walls adjusted to dampen the noise to a less alarming and annoying level. One could easily drift asleep...

​

 

[Revi]

Location: The Solarium
Character: Astra
Interaction: Northe (Jasper)​

Astra watched as the emergency lights continued their rhythmic pulses, the bright flashes catching on its sleek metallic wings. With a faint hum of its servos, the bird's eyes shifted to a cool, glowing blue—the same hue as the faint light emanating from the card in Jasper's hand. The transition seemed to deliberately form a connection between the two objects. The bird launched gracefully from its perch, its flight precise and smooth as it traced an arc through the air. As it soared ahead, a soft blue line illuminated the hallway floor along the baseboards, pulsing gently to match the rhythm of the lights on the card. The path glowed faintly, its subtle luminescence cutting through the stark, disorienting flicker of the emergency lights.

Astra alighted briefly on a sconce at the corner of the hall, its clawed feet clicking against the metal. It turned its head sharply, emitting a soft trill—a clear beckoning sound. The bird tapped the sconce once with its beak before lifting off again, guiding the way. The illuminated path shifted and extended with each movement, the line of light adjusting as the bird charted the course through the shifting hallways.

When the trail reached the designated door, Astra landed on the handle, the etched motif of the hotel glinting faintly beneath its talons. The bird tapped the door twice with its beak, triggering a soft mechanical click as it swung open. The room inside glowed faintly, an inviting warmth spilling into the hallway as the bird observed for a moment.
With a final chirp—a sound both melodic and mechanical—Astra launched back into the air, the glow in its eyes fading as it retreated into the hallway's shadows.

---

Location: The Maze
Character: Thorne
Interaction: Northe (Ryatt)​

Thorne couldn't help the faint grin tugging at the corner of his mouth as Ryatt dramatically clung to his arm and then darted away only to smack into the wall. For all the chaos surrounding them—the lights, the shifting halls, the unnerving hum of the hotel—Ryatt's boundless energy and confidence in his story were almost infectious.He folded his arms loosely, leaning slightly as Ryatt returned, rubbing his head and launching into his next bold proclamation.

Thorne nodded slowly as though he were genuinely weighing the younger man's words. "Alright," he said, his tone warm with good-natured humour. "Evil spirits in the walls. Sounds like a tough gig, but I'll admit—I've dealt with worse."

He gestured down the hallway with an exaggerated sweep of his hand. "Lead the way, fearless hero. I'll keep an eye out for anything suspicious, and you… you keep up the good work protecting us from the big bad spirit, yeah?"

As Ryatt grabbed his arm again and started pulling him along, Thorne gave a slight, mock-serious nod. "Good plan—stick together. Safety in numbers and all that. I'll watch your back, and you can watch mine. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?"

When the walls shifted again, Thorne pretended to glance around with a hint of exaggerated suspicion. "Alright, let's say the spirit is watching us. You think it's testing us? Trying to figure out if we're tough enough to face it?" He nudged Ryatt lightly with his elbow, letting a grin slip through. "I don't know about you, but I think we've got this."

He matched Ryatt's pace easily, his steps deliberate but relaxed. "So, what's the plan if we run into it?" he asked, his tone playful. "Do we talk it out? Set a trap? Or do we just scare it off with your bravado? Because let me tell you, that's already working pretty well on me."