IC: Optical Illusion - The Lodge

[PVodogaz]

Xavier Kradon Milton - Caretaker

Xavier knocked on Kimberly's door, a short brisk rap on the wooden crafted door. All the doors were fitted with pine oak wood from Canada during the refurbishment period that was undertaken on The Lodge Resort. It was a design that had flew out and appealed to Xavier.

He only had to knock once and wait a short period of time before the door opened alittle. Xavier saw only the face of Kimberley look through.

"Yes..?"

"Greetings Miss Maddock, it is me Xavier Kradon Milton," he responded softly.

"Ohh.. hello .. "

Xavier smiled at her, awaiting a invitation to enter her room. He had made it a form of business not to ask himself in to occupied rooms unless it was an emergency. A code of practice that had not brought him undone yet. There was always a first time.

"I ... I'll just be one minute ..."

"Indeed Miss Maddock, take your time I will wait," Xavier responded patiently and with a well trained smile. He saw she had on one of those room bath towels and Xavier liked what he saw. He watched her go into the bathroom shutting the door and reappearing a moment later in a modest robe.

"You ... wanted to see me ?"

Xavier nodded and replied; "Just a courtesy call to see how you are settling in and if there are any problems or anything you would like me to do for you whilst you are staying in my resort?"

He smiled at Kimberly and his eyes met hers, and awaited to see if she needed or wanted anything.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Kimberley Maddock

"Just a courtesy call to see how you are settling in and if there are any problems or anything you would like me to do for you whilst you are staying in my resort?"

Kimberley smiled as he looked down at her. His earlier manner had been strange, but there was no evidence of that now. He was nothing but the charming host.

”That’s very kind of you Mr Milton.
To tell you the truth all I’ve done is unpack and have a bath … “

Her smile broadened as she blushed, gesturing at her robe.

”The room is very comfortable. I’m sure the rest of the place will be equally impressive.”

Her eyes swept the room appreciatively. This had been a good choice.
She moved away from him towards the window and glanced down at the table on which the colourful and no doubt extensive welcome brochure still lay untouched.

”I haven’t even had a chance to look at the itinerary, or a description of the facilities.”

She told him apologetically.

”I’m sure you provide good food and drink, a place to relax and be pampered …
I’m just looking for a quiet, comfortable break away … more an escape than a search for a wild party, so I’m sure everything I need to know is written down here … “

Her eyes moved back to his. He wasn’t what she’d imagined. He didn’t fit her idea of Manager, but then again this was a different country, a different kind of area to any she had ever visited. She had heard it was steeped in history and suspicion. She hadn’t really given it much thought until now. Perhaps there was some enigmatic quality in her host that made her curious.
Aware suddenly that she was staring, Kimberley dropped her eyes hastily.

”I’ll let you know if I find I need anything … “

She assured him breathlessly hoping he did not think her too rude.

 

[slowandeasy]

Ray

"when you change the way ou look at things, the things you look at change."

Ray mulled over what the bartender had said and looked around "It would take a lot of looking to change this dive he muttered under his breath."

The door swung open letting in a cool fresh breeze and a new customer.

Ray watched him as he made his way across the crowded floor past the pool tablbe heading for the bar where he sat. The blonde saw him too and looked him over, deciding to bide her time and check him out before making her move.

He was tall not as tall as Ray and built, differently, broad at the shoulders and not as trim around the waist. A healthy crop of well trimmed hair topped a roundish face with curious blue eyes and a cheerfull smile.

He paused to watch the pool game just as one of the players miscued and the cueball came careening high above the table in his direction.

He could have easily sidestepped it and watched it shatter the west window but instead his hand came quickly up and he snagged it deftly out of the air. Setting the ball back on the green, he continued on his way to the bar. Pulling up a stool beside Ray, he noded to the bartender who smiled and headed his way.

"Scotch and water." he said crisply", as he pulled out a credit card and laid it on the bar. Ray couldn't help but notice the bright gold card as the young man turned away from the bar to survey the room.

"Robert Anderson, Denver Post, Reporter"
It said in bold black letters.

The man turned back, as the bartender brought his drink, and raised his glass in Rays direction.

"Salute." he said warmly and noticing Rays glass was empty, added, Can I buy you one?

 

[PVodogaz]

Xavier Kradon Milton - Caretaker

”That’s very kind of you Mr Milton. To tell you the truth all I’ve done is unpack and have a bath … “

Indeed as Xavier looked at the blushing form of Kimberley Maddock who was just dressed in a robe that his hotel provided did Xavier fully appreciate the figure of Ms Maddock.

”The room is very comfortable. I’m sure the rest of the place will be equally impressive.”

He nodded and smiled watching her slightly blush, and listened as Kimberley continued;

”I haven’t even had a chance to look at the itinerary, or a description of the facilities. ”I’ll let you know if I find I need anything … ”

He nodded at her as their eyes met and Xavier responded.

"Ms Maddock, we do have a brochure yes, but how would you like a tour in the company of myself and the other newly arrived guests of this enigmatic interesting humble abode that I call home? I would like you to join me, it will prove....interesting...."

And Xavier waited hopeful for a positive responce.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Kimberley Maddock

"Ms Maddock, we do have a brochure yes, but how would you like a tour in the company of myself and the other newly arrived guests of this enigmatic interesting humble abode that I call home? I would like you to join me, it will prove....interesting...."

Kimberley considered his offer.
She wasn't over eager to get acquainted with the others, but she did now feel refreshed and more sociable than she had before; besides she was certainly curious about her surroundings.

"I think a tour sounds perfect. It'll be the ideal way to look around the place."

She responded warmly.

"I'll get dressed and ... "

She hesitated.

"When are you starting the tour?"

She asked wondering where she would meet the others.

"I can be ready pretty quickly ..."

 

[PVodogaz]

Xavier Kradon Milton - Caretaker

Xavier awaited whilst Kimberley considered his offer of a tour of the resort. He did not have to wait long as the guest did given a affirmative answer.

"I think a tour sounds perfect. It'll be the ideal way to look around the place."

Xavier nodded, noticing how much more relaxed that Kimberley had become. Good, hopefully nothing crazy will happen, he wished inwardly.

"I'll get dressed and ... When are you starting the tour?"

He nodded. The tour will start in 20 minutes. I will give you time to dress, and meet me at the front reception in 20 minutes?"

Xavier smiled softly at Kimberley and opened the door. "See you soon," then he closed the door behind him.

He walked to the next guest, which was Amanda's room, the door was closed and he knocked on it once with a double rap awaiting her to answer the door.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Oops ..

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Kimberley Maddock

Kimberley discarded the robe and took up a towel to dry her hair. She wandered back to her room and pulled out a pair of khaki slacks and topped it with a crisp ivory button through shirt. Towelling then blow drying her hair, she scooped it up to a high ponytail once more before slipping on her chosen outfit, finished off with her sturdy shoes. She sat in front of the mirror and looked at herself critically. Her cheeks were pinked from the hot bath, giving colour to her usually creamy pallor. She knew she should make an effort, but decided to go without makeup. She only wore it on special occasions and who was there here to impress anyway? This was a get away …

Pulling out the small jewellery pouch from the top drawer, Kim drew out a fine gold chain from which hung an intricate design in mother of pearl. She smiled wistfully then moved to fasten it around her neck, letting it slide inside her shirt, rather than having the item on display. Raising her eyes once more to the mirror, she fingered the slightly raised material, as if checking it were in place. No one would know it was there, unless they were looking for the tell tale outline.

As she lowered her hand preparing to rise, Kimberley froze.
In the reflection, over her shoulder a shadow seemed to be forming.
It had to be a trick of the light … had to be her imagination … Wordlessly she watched as the shape became more defined.
The room was silent and yet somehow as if from far away, Kimberley could … almost … hear chanting … soft … rhythmic … mesmerising as she stared, wide eyed into the mirror.

The figure, though indistinct seemed to be moving towards her. It was when her gaze finally met those dark cold eyes in the mirror that she screamed, whirling around in terror.
She stared around incredulously, but was met only with an empty silent room.
It .. he… had been here … something.. someone …

She jumped again as she heard a knocking on her door, a knocking that became more insistent.

”Ms Maddock! Ms Maddock … are you there?”

Kimberley rushed to the door and unbolted it throwing it wide.
Her earlier colour fled, her face now ashen.
She met her hosts concerned expression wordlessly.

”Are you alright .. I heard … “

Kimberley glanced fearfully back into the room.
It was all so incredible … she must have imagined...
Turning back she nodded slowly in response.

”I – I’m .. f-fine … I’ll get my bag… “

Her voice and manner both belied her assertion that all was well.
Grabbing her clutch bag from the bed Kimberley all but fled the room closing and locking the door before Mr Milton could comment or object.

With the door closed, Kimberley suddenly felt foolish.

”For a moment .. I thought … “

Her attempt at explanation didn't help any.
She took a steadying breath aware that her heart was still hammering in fear.

”I think I need a drink…”

She told him forcing a laugh and trying to block the strange experience from her mind.

"The bar's just down there, right?"

She asked shakily, trying to get her bearings and think straight.

 

[PVodogaz]

Xavier Kradon Milton - Caretaker

After a further two knocks on Amanda's door and recieving no answer, Xavier began to get worried. No sound was heard from the other-side of the door that led Xavier's thoughts to randomly wander. He knew strange things happened randomly around this place.

As he took out the room key...finally deciding that he needed to know that Amanda was safe in the room, a cold breeze drafted down the hallway across his neck, the hairs immediately stood up.

"Xavier.....Xavier...."

He held the room-key in his hand when the soft whispering voice called his room. He spun around, both ends of the hallway were empty, and the windows were closed......

Did I imagine the voice? Xavier asked himself. Then he heard a soft beating of ceremonial drums until even that sound faded and silence returned. And he turned again toward the closed door of Ms Maddock...and a shape seemed to walk through the door. Xavier blinked and when he blinked again the figure faded. Were his eyes playing optical illusions on him?

Xavier decided he would attend to Amanda later, he needed to find out if Kimberley was safe.

Then a scream came from Kimberley Maddock's room and he raced down to the door. This part of the hallway was cold, cold and ill feeling.

”Ms Maddock! Ms Maddock … are you there?”

Xavier knocked loudly on her door. He knocked once more in quick succession insistant. He was concerned but slightly relieved when the bolt came loose and the guest came out ashen faced.

”Are you alright .. I heard … “

He looked in the room - it looked normal....but appearances were often decieving. ”I – I’m .. f-fine … I’ll get my bag… “

Xavier watched Ms Maddock grab her bag and practically flee the room. She mentioned in a shaky voice how she needed a drink.

"I will take you to the bar....I don't want to leave you alone. And the other guests are there as well."

Xavier's mind raced and the bitter dark laugh returned in his mind.....the problems were returning. The curse of the Resort Lodge was not dead.

And silently Xavier led Kimberley to the bar.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Kimberley Maddock

"I will take you to the bar....I don't want to leave you alone. And the other guests are there as well."

Mutely Kimberley nodded. She didn't want to be alone right now either. She allowed the man to escort her along the corridor and round to a well lit and animated bar area.

"Th-Thank you ... "

She forced a smile finally remembering her manners.

"I guess I'm over tired or .. or ... something ... "

She found herself glancing around almost nervously until her attention snapped back to the man at her side.

"I'll be fine ... please ... don't concern yourself ... "

She struggled to reassure him and glanced at the barman as he approached.

"Whiskey with ice please ... "

She told him smoothly and gave a quick smile to man sat further along the bar whose eyebrows raised as she gave her order.

" ... medicinal ... "

She told him ironically, but without further explanation. Turning a forced smile to Mr Milton she tried not to let her hand shake as she raised the glass to her lips and took a welcome sip, finding that the ice and fire calmed her, much as it had done what seemed like an age ago, and yet was a mere matter of months.

 

[PVodogaz]

Xavier Kradon Milton - Caretaker

Xavier Kradon Milton was a man troubled and a man full of thoughts as he led his guest down the hallway drawing closer to the bar. His mind raced with all the possibilities that were apparently becoming visible around them. The Curse was not dead, but had been festering until now.

His thoughts were cut in by the guest next to him talking. Xavier looked at Kimberley as she spoke, hoping she didn't see the worried look that had crossed his face. Xavier knew he had to maintain a facade of being in control on the outside whilst the inside was a melting pot of worried and apoplectic thoughts.

"I'll be fine ... please ... don't concern yourself ... "

Xavier nodded at her comment as they entered the bar area and moved to the actual bar. As soon as the barman saw Xavier he nodded and Xavier nodded back.....he would need to speak to the barman later on.

"Whiskey with ice please ... " ordered Kimberley Maddock.

"This round for Miss Maddock is on the house, barkeep," said Xavier.

Turning he looked over the bar-room and found the other male guests and waved them over. Xavier than turned his attention back to Kimberley. He smiled at her as she raised the glass and donned the drink.

"Cheers Miss Maddock," he said.

Only in the back of his mind, the thought that something bad was going to happen and happen soon kept ebbing in his mind.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Kimberley Maddock

"This round for Miss Maddock is on the house, barkeep,"

Kimberley smiled in acceptance and picked up her drink.

"Cheers Miss Maddock,"

Raising her glass briefly, Kimberley took a long draft of the amber liquid and felt the comforting combination of fire and ice blaze a trail down her throat.

"Mmmm... "

She murmured appreciatively beginning to feel more normal again.
Perhaps she had just been overtired?
Surely it had all been imagination?

But if that were so, why did her host look so pensive and even ... worried ...?