Jonas Landvick
5:30 pm
Jonas accepted his room key from Miss Beck, saying, “Thank you, Ma'm.” and headed towards his room in a sort of haze. It was all so much to take in, the splendor of the building, the expense of it all, and the Wolfs finally introducing themselves. That Sol was definitely an interesting character, so were Michael and Felix. It seemed like they did most of the leg work around here. Klara as well, for that matter.
As Jonas reached his door, he turned back and gazed down onto the entrance hall where they just were. Felix was heading out to get more luggage as the other guests he had met earlier headed to their rooms as well. The manor was like something out of a dream, or a movie about lords and ladies. He could imagine people waltzing around, dresses billowing, tuxedos hugging gently, and liquor flowing freely. Perhaps that was what was in store for them this evening. Jonas was definitely considering attending the party. He had never been to a party in a ballroom before.
Curious about the size and condition of his room, Jonas turned around again and unlocked the room with his key, the sound of the key turning successfully was very pleasing to the ear. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him, hoping for some privacy for the moment.
The first thing that struck him was the size of the room, it was downright enormous. Bigger than any hotel room he'd ever even dreamed of affording. And the accommodations were excellent, a lounge area, and even a balcony. The strange thing though, was the decoration. It didn't match the rest of the manor at all. It was as if they had a completely different interior decorator for this room, and their tastes were a little funny. It was almost something he could really get into, as there was a cabin sort of atmosphere in the décor, but it just wasn't quite right. For one thing, above the bed on the wall there was a pair of mounted deer antlers, and on the wall adjacent a stuffed bird. Jonas was never much of a hunter. He loved nature, he wouldn't kill it and stick it on a wall. Very strange, especially in a German manor. Jonas always assumed only Americans would decorate with antlers.
Seeing a card on the bed, Jonas picked it up and noted with some surprise that it was handwritten. Their hosts certainly seemed to give them every attention.
“Welcome Jonas!
We really hope you have a great stay. Don’t forget the ball is at 9:00PM and drinks at 8:00PM in the entrance hall – we would hate for you to be late! If you need anything, just give the rope a tug, and Félix will come to help.
Sol :)
PS: I hope you’ve brought something nice to wear for tonight. Just in case, we’ve left you something in your wardrobe."
Sure enough, there was a tuxedo in the wardrobe, looking about his size. Fortunately, it wouldn't be necessary as he'd managed to get a tux that suited him a bit better. That reminded him of his own formal wear, which Jonas figured probably shouldn't stay in his bag all day. Jonas approached his luggage that Felix had brought in earlier and opened it, deciding to organize his things. He hung his dark blue tuxedo in the wardrobe with the other one, deciding that the rest of his clothes could wait until later. Everything else he began to put in its proper place. Hygiene needs went to the bathroom, books on the nightstand. Jonas quickly noticed though, that something was missing.
His GPS.
Jonas had brought it for geocaching, a fun little hobby of his. He'd double checked his back, and was sure that he brought it. And yet, it was gone. Completely missing.
Frowning, Jonas took a little trip back outside. He spotted Felix, who was heading downstairs, no doubt going back to get someone else's luggage. Jonas jogged to catch up with him and asked, “Say, Mister Dubois. When you got my bag, did you notice a GPS in the trunk of the car or somethin'? It's missin' from my luggage, is the thing.”
“I'm very sorry sir,” Felix said politely. “I did not see any such thing in the limosine. I shall speak to Mr. Aust about it.”
Jonas was upset about his missing trusty companion, but he didn't want to be a bother. Making waves wasn't the first thing on his mind. “Oh, don't worry about it. I'm sure it just got bumped around or somethin'. Maybe it went missin' at the airport. Not really your folks' problem. Thanks anyhow.” With a wave he turned around and strolled back to his room, sure that it would turn up somewhere.
Looking around the room, Jonas decided that a shower and a hot meal was probably in order. Nothing better to shake off the jet lag with. Besides, he didn't want to get that nice tux dirty.
6:16 pm
Jonas entered the bar with a fresh scent, a full belly and every intention to get an after dinner brandy. He was already in his dark blue tuxedo, since he didn't want to go all the way back upstairs just to get changed again later. The bar room itself was much like the rest of the place, expertly decorated and large. In the distance, he saw Felix at the bar, who apparently had time to change from his chauffeur outfit to a more appropriate bartender attire.
Jonas headed over to him saying, “I'd like some brandy. Neat, please.”
“Cognac?” Felix assumed more than asked, as if reading his mind. Either that or he just followed his French sensibilities.
“You got it.” Jonas said, winking. He saw with extreme but sustained delight that Dubois had poured the brandy into a snifter. Jonas took the snifter carefully, cupping it in his hand to warm it. “Thanks, Felix. This is...” He held it up to his chest, the sweetish and pungent aroma reaching his nostrils, denoting the quality. “...woah.” He grinned and nodded appreciatively at Felix. “Real good then.” With that, Jonas started wandering his way towards the library, taking his brandy with him.