The Prodigies: The Return of Equinox

Chapter Forty-Six: Ordered - Exposure Therapy

Celesta hadn't stopped crying since the group was returned to where they were, though it was more of a painful and silent one. She couldn't explain why her tears flowed constantly. Was it the loss of her hope? Was it because she could feel the wind on her arms and hands, as well as the many small sensations that she never thought she'd feel again? Maybe it was both. Maybe the whole thing was too overwhelming. Whatever it was, she couldn't decide.

The group decided to park their wagon just outside of the town and leave Celesta there with the mule. Celesta didn't protest, or reply in any fashion really. She only cried.

Seilana, Ellondra, and Voleria meandered into town looking for food, tools that might help with killing The Six, and anything they were running low on. Seilana was more interested in the trinkets that they might find and moseyed around much like a tourist. Ellondra tried her hardest not to panic with all the people so close to her. Voleria argued with itself on whether it should or shouldn't go find a secret spot to lure someone in so it can eat a human or two.

Ellondra found herself shoved into a building while following the path of least resistance in the small rush that was happening. The room she stumbled into was a lobby. There was seating along the walls, ample lighting and an open doorway behind a desk where an attendant stood. The attendant was a tall man with a stylized beared, sharp nose, deep brown eyes, and short straight hair. He wore a burgundy shirt that was tightened around him with a sash that wrapped around his midsection. It was definitely strange attire compared to what Ellondra was used to.

"Hello madam," spoke the attendant with a slight tone of amusement. "May I ask what you're looking for?" Ellondra surveyed the room again to find a hint of what this establishment might be, but there were no details that said anything. Not even the small smile that the attendant wore gave a hint as to what was going on.

"What would you recommend?" she asked. For whatever reason, this made the attendant laugh.

"Well, I would recommend the second floor for starters. You look like you've been traveling far, and that floor is more suited to what you might be used to. What is your home like, just to make sure the room fits your tastes."

"My home is cold, but I prefer warmth." Her mind shot to the conclusion that this was an inn, but she couldn't stay for very long. Though, if Celesta wasn't in any state to travel the last leg then staying until she's better might be a better idea. It was decided then, staying for a day or two wasn't all that bad.

"Warmth, I'm sure we can find what you're looking for." He then opened up a book that was at least an inch thick, though it had no title. He began to look through it and another parcel of paper on his desk.

"Thank you."

"Polite aren't you? Definitely a nice change of pace for me, but mind if I ask a somewhat personal question?"

"Sure."

"Are you a Huven?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Just curious, I've only ever seen two before you and one of them works here if you can believe it."

"Oh wow, quite the coincidence." She tried to sound casual, but her excitement rung clear. She hadn't seen another Huven before.

"Well, that's nothing. Turns out she's working today as well, and it seems she's well attuned to what you're looking for. Do you mind having another woman take care of what you need?"

"Not at all." grinned Ellondra. She was just excited to meet another Huven.

"Great! I'll just go tell her to get your room ready. It'll only take a minute." The attendant turned and started to walk through the open doorway

"Wait, how many people fit per room?" This question had the attendant stop in his tracks. He cocked his head toward Ellondra. There was a wry smile on his face this time.

"Planning on bringing others? Each room we have fits four people comfortably. Anything more than that and it starts to feel a little crowded. You can take a look at your room before you bring your friends if you'd like."

"I would greatly appreciate that! That would be wonderful."

"Excellent, and there you go again with the politeness," he said as he continued. "Not that I don't like it!" A small smile grew on her face. That was so much better than the last time she went into a business. She didn't have to arm wrestle anybody, get breathed on by gross men, or earn a weird nickname. Maybe she was getting better at this people thing.

The attendant returned not long after with the Huven woman he talked about. She wore similar attire to the man but there were just a few differences. Her shirt was held by a single button under her left breast instead of a sash, she had no sleeves, and the neck of her shirt was low enough that it revealed cleavage. Funnily enough, she looked quite similar to Ellondra with her purple eyes, brown hair, and slightly pointed ears, but that was where the similarities ended. She had short hair that just barely touched her shoulders, her nose was small,  she was short, and exceedingly feminine.

"Vivia will show you to your room, and give you a preview of what to expect." Vivia winked at Ellondra and turned to head back through the open doorway though she kept her eye on the Prodigy. As Ellondra approached Vivia outstretched her hand. Ellondra, still unconfortable with touch, took her hand with slight hesitation. All of this started to feel a tad out of place, but she hadn't stood anywhere like an inn before and the Hall of Vera hardly counted as an inn.

As they walked through the building Ellondra could here muffled moans behind some of the doors that they passed. She was much too confused as to why people were moaning to question it. As they started to climb up a set of stairs Ellondra took another look at Vivia's clothing. She noticed that the skirt she wore was also held together with a single button on the back and that her shirt exposed her lower back. She then noticed Vivia's nails were painted a burgundy color, and that she wore makeup to look so feminine.

"Tell me," said Vivia in an almost hushed voice. "How is the homeland? I haven't seen it since I was a young girl."

"Still as cold as you'd expect." Vivia chuckled.

"I thought so. Is the rumor true that it's part of Aviagard now?" Vivia turned to look at Ellondra and saw that the girl was a little confused.

"What do you mean? Wasn't it always a part of Aviagard?" Vivia's expression flinched a little. Like the sentence hurt her. They arrived at the door to their room.

"Looks like we have a lot to talk about," said Vivia as she lead Ellondra into their room. "After this of course." With those words she unbuttoned her shirt to reveal her body to Ellondra. "Hurry back and we'll have more time to talk." She winked at the Prodigy

Ellondra stiffened up like a board, her vision blurred, and she lost her consciousness.