Velvet Room

I opened my eyes into a hazy dream. My mind was clouded and lights seemed to rush past me in a flurry. John and I sat side-by-side on a blue couch that looked more expensive than all of our belongings combined. Both of us were in the same clothes we wore coming from the train station on our first night. I looked away from John to inspect our surroundings and saw it was a large room coloured in different shades of blue.

"What kind of place is this? Some kind of fancy hotel?" I asked.

The wall in front of the couch was covered in chain-link, lights flying past as if the room was moving up. I saw that my brother and I weren't the only ones in the blue room. Across from us was a man with a large nose, sitting at an elaborately decorated table much more expensive looking than the couch. A well-dressed woman stood to the side of him. After a long stretch of silence, the man spoke.

"Welcome to the Velvet Room, my dear young man and lady," a mysterious old gentleman said.

I, as per my real self, sat up straighter. I had to clear my throat of any obstructions before speaking.

"Um, thank you for having us?" I said, tugging at my collar. "If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?"

The man's persistent smile grew smiler, "My name is Igor. I am delighted to make your acquaintance. This is Elizabeth. She's a resident here, like myself."

Elizabeth bowed to us.

"Pleased to meet you." Elizabeth said, her voice cool and relaxed.

"This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. It's been years since we had a guest, let alone two at the same time," Igor said.

John yawned, finally choosing to speak up, I take it you guys are particular about who comes in.

"Astute observation, young man, " Igor waved his hand. "Only those who have signed the contract can enter this place."

The paper I signed at the dorm was lying before Igor.

"Henceforth, you shall be welcome here in the Velvet Room," said Igor.

I nodded along as I spoke, "Okay but why are we here? There has to be a reason?"

Igor chuckled, "You are destined to hone your unique ability and will require my help to do so. I only ask one thing in return, that you abide by the contract and assume responsibility for the choices you make."

"I understand." I said.

John narrowed his gaze.

"Is this a dream?" he asked.

"Precisely!" Igor answered, making the contract disappear as if he were a magician. "You are fast asleep in the real world as we speak. This visit of ours is merely a dream. Hold on to these."

Igor gave us two keys.

"There is still one more resident in this room, who unfortunately could not be present for your arrival but I'll make sure you two are properly introduced. Another time, perhaps. Til we meet again."