Hospitality

It had been a good bit of effort getting the Extra Ordinary ready for business that day. It came with surprising ease and clarity of mind, now that you seem to have had a newfound purpose and relationship with the old hotel. Having the rooms as clean as possible and presentable was one of the larger tasks, in terms of raw labor. It was also something of a risk, as it would have been meaningless if nobody showed up to use them. The other tasks would have been the provisions for food and drink. Harlihn, leaning into the stereotypes of Hammerdeep Dwarves, always ensured that the drink was well stocked and of a discerning variety. The matter of food was the harder task, roaming through the merchant stalls to find what was readily available to prepare en masse. Supper wouldn’t be winning any contests or cause a clamor, but you were sure the stew you had in mind would be pleasing enough to be serviceable.

Your sister arrived at the Ordinary after you had returned and done the majority of the work. “Wow, Tiffany, seems like you’ve been in here all day. I take it the conversation with Agarin went well?”

“It had it’s highs and lows” You nodded along. You kept her in the dark about the Syndicate visit for now. “The important thing is that I decided that I’m going to keep the Ordinary. Opening it up to guests later tonight.”

“Oh, that’s fantastic” she ran over and gave you a strong hug. It was a welcome gesture; as close as the two of you had been through the years, showing and expressing that attachment to each other had always been something of a weakness in your family. “Oh, I’m sure you’re super busy, and I don’t want to be in the way. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“The majority of the actual work is already done, and what still needs doing I can tackle myself, so you’re here with perfect timing” Your tone was a slight tease, your dear sister knowing you didn’t mean to imply that she was avoiding anything. “What I could use some help with is two things. Get the word out that the doors are open. No huge fanfare or anything, I just need the rooms filled. I also need to call in a big favor.”

“What is it?” She asked, curious.

“I need you to go find Senna, tell her I need her and Zok for the evening. There’s a free room with their names on it.”

“That’s a little odd of a request” Bethany commented “They’re pretty busy trying to get to the bottom of Harlihn’s murder and finding where Allanathras went.”

“I know,” you nodded as you continued your toiling over the stew “But this is important. I got a feeling someone is going to come by to cause trouble, and those two are the best people we know personally to put a stop to it.”

Your sister’s eyes went wide at the news. “Okay, sure. I’ll make sure they know right away. Sounds serious. I hope your hunch is wrong.”

“Me too” You said flatly “and, in the odd case that I am, they get to spend the night together in a bed that’s actually built big enough for Orcs.”

“Ooooh” Bethany teased with a smile “Are you getting curious?”

"What?" You asked, slightly disgusted by the implications

"You wanna see the two of them in bed." Her words slowed down for a moment. "Admit it, you wanna see how that big Orc cock fits inside her. You wanna hear how it makes your cousin moan."

"Oh shut up!' You said loudly, slightly angry. The situation was more serious than she realized, and this was neither the time or place to be making those kinds of jokes. "It's just important that Zok can get a good rest. They're both going to need it for what I'm going to need them for."

Bethany, incorrigible, giggled slightly "well, you may want to insist they get separate rooms, or else I dont know how much sleep either of them are going to be getting."

"Enough, Bethany" you warned. "Neither you or me are ones to judge or comment on her love life. Besides, despite what she said, I kinda doubt they've actually gotten together."

"Have you seen the way she looks at him?" Bethany asked "If she hasn't yet, she definitely wants to."

"So do you, I'm sure." You quipped

"Of course, and don't pretend like you wouldn't want to ride that green stallion, given the opportunity."

You shook your head in disbelief, amazed that the conversation was even being had. "Whatever, it's not important. Whether they fuck or not is not my concern or my interest. I just need to make sure they're both here."

"You got it, sis" She smiled as she turned away, waving her hand farewell as she went. "You don't have to tell me twice!"

You chuckled quietly, outside of her earshot, acknowledging the irony. "Apparently I do."

That discussion put to bed, you took a moment to address yourself and your own manner of presentation. You weren’t just the pretty face that served the drinks and from time to time spent company with the guests. You were the pretty face that owned the establishment now. What people thought of you is what they thought of the Ordinary, and vice versa. Although that had always been true to a lesser extent, your brand of hospitality a big part of the Ordinary’s reputation, for better or worse. Especially with no one else working under you, you were the entire face. Retiring from the Ordinary for a short period, you ventured home to consider a change in wardrobe. Your collection of attire were easily the most valuable assets in your possession, the business notwithstanding, having become good friends with a number of the tailors of Vulzesh to ensure your outfits were both bespoke and fit to your body. As you looked through your clothes, you felt something of an internal dilemma, of adopting your more typical fashion, or trying to take on a more, respectable appearance. What little you had in that latter category would make you look like you were in mourning and heading to a wake. While you were still in a dire loss over your former boss, this was not the cause or reason of the event. You were there to be celebratory and welcoming. As you came across a particularly daring number, the sort you’d wear for a different line of work, you had an immediate clarity of mind. Harlihn willed the Ordinary to you for a reason. He trusted you for who you already are. That you owned this business didn’t mean you were a whole new person, you just had to learn to do certain things better.

Abandoning the notion of trying to be modest and proper, you decided to let a bit of magic fill the need for you, creating a new outfit from the ether. You chose a dark purplish color; one of your favorites and that created a contrast against your red skin that always caught your eye. The style and material, had it been real, would be a little above your station, and there would likely be those in high society who would bemoan your outfit, labeling you an imposter, or likely worse. Though it didn't reveal anything it wasn't supposed to was one thing, you still had it 'fun' in a style that would be expected of you; strapless and sleeveless, with a mostly open back, letting the public and casual viewer see what they're allowed to of your lovely body, and a tight cut to help them imagine the rest.

Having returned to the Ordinary, you found your cousin and her Orc partner waiting outside for you. Senna, dressed in her armor and equipped to fight, seemed perturbed and impatient, likely having been left out in the warm afternoon sun and brought over for something she didn’t know or understand. Zok, on the other hand, was as immutable as ever, at least as far as his outward appearance and body posture would tell you.

“Well, you look ravishing” Senna commented, perhaps sarcastically “I guess you finally made up your mind.”

“Ya, I did. Needed to make sure it was the right decision. I just wish I didn’t need to have my life threatened to get there.”

The look of frustration vanished from Senna’s face in an instant as familial and protective instincts took over. “What are you talking about? What happened?”

“Well, Agarin had just left talking about what this place would be worth, and I got a visit from the Open Market Syndicate.”

“Those guys are killers!” Zok finally spoke up, sharing Senna’s concern.

“And worse, I know” You agreed solemnly “They wanted the Extra Ordinary, and I refused. They threatened to be back, and I expect them to honor that threat.”

“I agree, and that’s why we’re taking you up on the offer, and do even a little better” She held her hand out flat. Understanding the implicit request, you handed her the key for her room. “Forget about one night. We’re moving it, at the going rate.”

“What now?” Zok asked, surprised, and confused

“What he said. That’s my call Senna. This is a hotel, not an apartment. She’s not built for long term residence.”

“Let us figure out that problem. Can’t be worse than living out of a haversack. Besides, if it’s the Syndicate, one night isn’t going to be enough.” She reached around Zok’s shoulder “We’re always going to have your back, and they’re going to find that out, either the easy way or the hard way”

“Thanks, you guys”

“Besides,” Senna added “it will be nice having some privacy and to get away from the egos of the Pathfinder Hall. Come on big guy, going to need that strong back of yours”

"Coming Senna" He moved quickly, and in an obedient fashion. Your imagination moved on its own to what Bethany had suggested earlier, of what it would be like for the two of them to be intimate together. Although you wouldn't admit it out loud, and certainly not to her, you were morbidly curious to see how that would play out. For all of his strength, his overall demeanor seemed to hint that his behavior in bed would likely be contrary to the stereotype of a loud and wild savage. Much the reverse, you saw in your mind's eye a much more gentle, even submissive individual. Laughing to yourself slightly, you let yourself imagine the scene, of Senna, your cousin, the petite but strong and assertive elf, sexually dominating that mountain of green muscle and cock.

Your taboo sexual daydream was interrupted by something you had not anticipated so early in the afternoon; a first guest. She was an orc woman, slightly older than you, carrying an infant child with you. Her attire was modest and simple, like that of many of the monks and priestesses you've seen in the city.

"Excuse me!" She asked, calling your attention as she raised a hand up "I don't mean to intrude, but would this be an Inn, and if so, may I burden you for a room?"

"Yes, and absolutely" You greeted her with a warm smile, moving your hand body aside and facing the door "Welcome to The Extra Ordinary, having been re-opened today."

"Oh, bless you" She hurried inside, eager to remove herself from the sun and rest "The Six Sisters work in mysterious, splendid ways, do they not?"

"They certainly do" You nodded with a smile. You were by no means the greatest adherent to the wills of the Gods or of their various faiths, but you gave them the respect they deserved, particularly the leaders of those faiths "If you forgive me for asking and for my crude assumption, but are you a cleric to one of them?"

"Yes" She was emphatic in her joy "I am a cleric of Quargh. She sends me to grant her blessings, and help those who need it." The Third of the Six Sisters, Quargh was the Goddess of the Orcs. She was also the Goddess of the Earth and of Stone, and the Goddess of Hospitality. Though her rules were to abided by all the sentient beings, the Stoneheart culture to the west, primarily comprised of Orcs, were the most dedicated to her edicts. "This is why I am here! It is her will"

"Forgive me" You replied with a smile "You'll have to explain"

"Quargh brought us together. This is your property now. I find it the day you open it to guests. Now, I will grant you and this building with her blessing!" Rising back up to her feet, she took a small amulet out from her person. Keeping her child in hand, she moved about the lobby of the Extra Ordinary, chanting in what you guessed was her local Stoneheart language, beaming ear to ear all the way.

As she sat down, you did as well. "I'd never seen something like that before. I greatly appreciate it, Miss..."

"Call me Kishuk" She smiled as she turned the infant towards you "And this little one is Zhande" The orc baby made eye contact with you, and grimaced "Poor thing does not do well with strangers. Mother's boy, through and through it seems."

"I'm sure he'll grow out of it in time" you responded "get both of yourselves comfortable, and enjoy your stay. There will be supper ready soon"

You worried sligntly about your choice, letting this young lady into the Ordinary while its under the threat of the Open Market Syndicate. You reminded yourself of the trust you put in Senna and Zok. If they could keep you safe, they could do the same for any of your guests.

Those other guests filled in over the next few hours. Senna and Zok returned first, with some personal affects for their rented room. Many of the other guests were old regulars, all of whom had made a point to pay their respects to you, and congratulate you for taking over. A few of them had even provided you gifts. Whether it was out of your new position as the owner of the Ordinary, or because of how busy you were, or some other reason, none of the flirting you were used to occurred. On one side, you were thankful for the ability to focus on work. On the other hand, having sex while working, usually with complete strangers, was pretty exciting. With Vulzesh being an important trade destination, that so many men, from different corners of T'sara and of all the different Children of the Six Sisters, would you both beautiful and a good fuck gave you a sense of pride, even though you couldn't necessarily brag about it in public. This new road you're on could run the risk of ruining that opportunity, and only time would tell. You reminded yourself that you had the present moment to worry about before being overly concerned with a less entertaining future.

The present, as it turned out, turned very sharply in a negative fashion. A pleasant atmosphere had been achieved, all the rooms taken, and the guests enjoying each other's company in the slow drawdown before bedtime, before the door had been violently kicked open. Three human fellows came in, clearly looking like the type hoping for trouble. The metal plates protecting their shoulders or forearms were covered in spikes. They carried simple, brutish clubs that were also spiked; something that could be easily and cheaply made and easily discarded. The sudden commotion had hushed everyone inside, minus the baby Zhande, who had woken and started crying inconsolably. Zok had focused first on the child and his mother, before following Senna's lead to stand up and towards the rude guests.

"Easy," you said quietly to Senna as you stepped forward "let's at least give them a chance." She bristled at the idea, but followed your lead.

"Gentlemen" You said loudly enough for all to hear "I'm sorry to say, but all of the rooms here are full, and I think you may have already had a few too many drinks. If you'd be interested in a bowl of stew, I can prep one for you, but otherwise, I am going to have to ask you leave."

"We ain't going nowhere." The one in front spoke out for the group. You wouldn't say he was the brains of the group, as you weren't sure there was a brain to share among them. "You that fiery cunt that don't know what good for her. We here to give you a last chance, take the offer, or else"

You felt your temper boiling, the heat emanating off your face. "You're better off just leaving. I'm not that easy" You warned "The last folks who threatened me didn't fare well. You need to learn from their lesson, save your asses and the humiliation, and leave."

"You cunt's talk too much. Only lesson 'll be goin on is you learnin how to talk with my dick all the down that pretty little throat."

Having finally snapped, Zok, the normally kind and soft spoken Orc, erupted in a loud roar of fury. Leaning in with his shoulder, charged straight at the goons. Two were able to react fast enough to move, but the one having done all the talking hadn't. There was a loud slam as the two made contact, pushing the poor fool all the way out of the Ordinary. The others grabbed their weapons and attacked him, to little effect. Despite the anger, Zok was able to deflect their attacks, before striking each of them with his mall. The heavy bludgeoning against their torso's was a sickening noise for those not used to combat, accounted for everyone except him and Senna. On the floor, scarcely conscious, Zok unceremoniously dragged them along the floor, throwing them outside to join their comrade. He stared out the doorway, all the guests inside painfully still and quiet, staggered by what they witnessed. Zhange's crying grew louder and more desperate, which seemed to be what finally snapped him out.

Having dropped his weapons, he slowly walked over the Quargh priestess, struggling with her child.

"May I?" He asked, putting his hands forward.

"You may try" Kishuk said as she slowly handed her son over "But he does not like those he doesn't know."

He asked the infant as he took him in his hands "Well, little guy, I'm Zok, so I guess we know each other. I'm sorry for all of that commotion," as he spoke, rocking his body up and down slightly, it seemed to actually be pacifying the child. "Those guys were being really rude and scary. I guess I was being a little scary too, wasn't I? It's okay to be scared, but trust that your momma's gonna keep you safe, okay? And now your friend Zok's going to keep you safe too. How's that sound?"

Though it was almost impossible a baby so young could actually understand the words, it was still having an influence, the boy having stopped crying, and looking to be headed quickly towards going back to sleep. There were a lot of looks of pleasant surprise, most notable from the boys mother, and from Senna.

"Oh, thank you." Kishuk let out, clearly relieved as she took her child back "May Hjanda bless you with a dozen children!"

Senna's face, on the other hand, told a very different story. She clearly had that look about her that your sister remarked on; her eyes were rife with desire for him. Her breath, her posture, everything about her seemed to be a physical restraint from acting on her urges to fuck him. Before she got that chance, you walked over to him.

"Zok! Thank you, so much!" You were ecstatic "That was incredible. You took care of them like it was nothing."

"It was their time to leave." He began, oddly understated. "They were being rude to you" He continued on in a low, quiet tone, as if it hurt him to hear those words directed at someone "he threatened to.." he stopped and regained his thoughts "that makes me really angry."

"Well, it's over now, and you handled it well"

"You handled it perfectly" Senna commented as she approached, and leaned to give Zok a long, soft kiss on the lips. Her hand drifted towards his, holding it with a squeeze. "Now, come on, let me go check for your injuries."

"But I feel fine" Zok retorted, not aware of her real intentions.

"That doesn't mean you're not hurt. Let's go."

"What if someone comes back?"

"After you nearly killed those three? Noone's coming back tonight. Trust me, we can spare a moment"

Whether he figured it out or not, the big orc followed behind to their rented room. Nobody else seemed to notice or think anything of it, at least not to say anything out loud. You found, in the moment, with the opportunity being real, that Bethany was correct after all and you really did want to see what kind of sex or intimacy those two got up. Thankfully, that none of your guests seemed to think anything of Zok and Senna together also meant that they no reason to think anything odd or suspicious about you leaving the main lobby. Giving yourself a few minutes of plausible deniability, you went off to the room you'd given them.

You felt a wave of vindictive joy come over you, as you finally got the chance for payback with Senna, breaking her sense of privacy. Cracking the door slightly to see, Zok was already on his back, stark naked. Senna had just followed suit, joining him in bed. She moved towards the head board, spreading her legs over Zok, sitting directly on his face, where he seemed not only willing but eager to eat her out from.

Having seen enough, for now, you closed the crack swiftly but silently. Having a sense of what they got up to, you were contented for the moment. As you headed back to work, you felt the need to see and know more grow inside you, but the opportunity didn't present itself. With seeming no time at all, the lovers emerged from their room, dressed as if nothing had happened, returning to the lobby to converse with the guests, and continue to stand watch to protect them, and you.

You took a long, deep relaxing breath, as you watched what was unfolding. The first day as being the owner and sole worker within The Extra Ordinary went very well. Save maybe the promise of some dick at the end of the evening, this was what you really wanted, and now it was all yours. You felt confident that so long as you and your friends were able to keep up the fight, you'd be able to make this work.