Song 22

The hotel that the driver had taken Lucan and Meloria to appeared to be anything but cheap. As the pair stood in the entrance, they were in complete awe. Beautiful marble floors, rich red carpets that created a pathway in every direction, and even the flowers were real. “I’m thinking maybe we can’t afford this,” Meloria whispered in Lucan’s ear, already planning their escape route.

“Let’s at least ask how much a room would be, I suppose,” Lucan whispered back.

“Please come to the front desk,” the receptionist called, making the pair jump. This was it, just how much of a dent was this hotel about to make in her savings? Cautiously, the pair approached the desk, pulling their suitcases alongside them. "Is it a room for two?"

Meloria nodded, standing tall, trying to hide the nerves. "Yes, two single beds please," she spoke up, her voice shaking. "H-how much would that be?"

"How many nights would you like to stay, miss?" the receptionist asked with a chipper tone and welcoming tone. She kept her smile, moving her head to look at the size of the suitcases and nodding. "Shall we assume you're staying for three nights?" Meloria nodded, three nights seemed reasonable, give them time to find their footing in the city and explore the theme park. "Alright, for two people and three nights, that will be one silver piece each, please."

"That's all?" Lucan piped up, quickly covering his mouth.

The receptionist nodded, pulling out a clipboard with a form and a pen, sliding it across the counter towards Meloria. "If you could just read the details and sign on the bottom line, please," she hummed, turning to the keyboard behind her, finding a suitable room for the request. Meloria was sure to read every word of the contract; they would have to pay for damages to the room, which was standard. Check-out time was 11 am; again, that was a standard as well. Confirming there were no hidden charges or loopholes, Meloria signed the contract, exchanging it for the keys. "Your room is on the second floor. Go right and then up the stairs, room 258, and enjoy your stay."

"Thank you," Meloria smiled as Lucan grabbed their suitcases, following Meloria's lead. "I must say, two silver for three nights is a good deal," she mused, pursing her lips and scrunching her face as she started to do the sums in her head. This hotel is suitable for now, but in the long term, a hotel of this high standard can rack up high bills for visitors if they prolong their stay.

Fumbling with the keys, Meloria managed to get the door open, gasping in awe at the sight before them. The room was spotless, with not a speck of dirt or a dust bunny in sight. The bed sheets were folded tightly into each corner, showing not a single crease. "Oh, chocolates," Lucan chuckled, walking past, dropping the suitcases on the floor, and heading straight to the dressing table. He wasted no time opening up the wrapper, the smell of luxury hitting his nostrils as the wrapping fell open. He hummed, putting a piece in his mouth, letting it melt onto his tongue. “Hmm mmm,” he pushed the packet towards Meloria, gesturing for her to take a piece.

Meloira took a small piece, placing it in her mouth, and let out an excited squeal as the taste danced on her tongue. Feeling herself begin to relax as the chocolate melted into her mouth, Meloria sat on the edge of the bed, bouncing slightly, testing the firmness. “Springy,” she giggled, lying back. “As great as this is…. don’t get used to it,” she warned, watching as Lucan made his way to the window ledge. “Tomorrow we’ll go looking around for other places, preferably somewhere that costs bronze or copper.”

Lucan pouted, gazing out the window, seeing the sea of light illuminating the city. He sat on the ledge, one leg up on the ledge and the other hanging loosely beside him. Everything in front of him was so bright. Even at night, you could make out the outline of every brick used in the buildings, the leaves on every tree, and yet, “It’s all so beautiful,” Lucan smiled, turning to Meloria. “This place reminds me of the Thornewood manor, you know?”

“Yeah,” Meloria nodded with a sad smile. Her mind wandered as she looked up at the ceiling. This place was a poignant reminder of Thornewood Manor and Raville. She could still hear him sitting at the piano. When she closed her eyes, she could recall every note he played. After the incident at the manor, no one knew what happened to Raville; all they knew was that Thronewood was on probation from his job. It turns out that screaming at a child doesn’t make a good impression on the guests. “Think we’ll see him,” she turned, looking past Lucan’s head to look at the stars. “Raville, I mean.”

“I don’t see why not.” Lucan walked over to the bed, sitting on the edge beside Meloria. “Maybe he’s a famous pianist in the main capital. If he is, then maybe you guys could perform together again.”

“That would be fun,” Meloria laughed, the idea of being on a professional stage with Raville in a black suit and tie, maybe even a bowtie, playing the piano as she sang a new melody. She couldn’t help but imagine what Raville must look like now. All grown up, he must look like a man now. He’s probably a ladies' man, she thought to herself, the image of Raville on his piano with his own harem around him, a beautiful lady sprawled around the top of the piano in a cocktail dress.

Lucan couldn’t help but chuckle, poking at her cheek. “Someone’s gone pink,” he teased. “You have a little crush.”

Meloria whined, batting Lucan’s hand away. “I do not,” she protested. “How can I anyway. I’ve not seen him for what, ten years?”

Lucan smirked, knowing just how he could keep teasing his older sister; it might even convince her to spend a couple of extra silver for some more nights. “Ah, poor big sister, embarrassed because she’s never had a boyfriend before?”

Meloria’s cheeks started to glow as bright as the lights outside. She reached for the pillow, thwacking it over Lucan’s head, making him laugh at her weak attempts to hit him. No matter who she was, Meloria was never one to be popular with the boys. She only ever had one failed relationship to show for it, and now, young and beautiful once more, she still couldn’t get a boyfriend. “I don’t need love advice from my little brother,” she growled, hitting him against the bed. “Especially one who has a new girlfriend every month.”

Lucan burst out laughing, wrestling the pillow from Meloria’s grasp and hitting her head with it, causing her hair to spike up in all different directions. “How about you go take a bath?” He suggested putting the pillow back in its place. “Relax and enjoy your first night of true independence.”

Meloria hummed, as if letting Lucan’s words sink in. Today was her first night of independence in a world that was still so new to her. “Fine,” she laughed, grabbing one of the hotel towels and rushing to the bathroom. For a moment, all she could do was stand by the door, too scared to touch the pristine tub and well-organised supplies. Shaking her head, Meloria leaned over, put the plug in, and ran the taps, adding some of the complimentary bath salts and bubbles. She smiled softly, standing up and started to undress, thinking back to earlier. She did miss Raville deeply. If it weren’t for her singing that night, maybe she and Raville would be friends, perhaps even have been pen pals? She could see it now, exchanging letters and music through the mail. Visiting him during the summer to sit and listen to him play. “I’m sorry, Raville,” she whispered, a tear running down her cheek. “I promise I’ll make it up to you when I see you next.”