#i think the window very clearly gives it away but this is alains room in sycamores lab | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

danetobelieve · 4 years

Text

The Name Is Afoot || Blanche and Winston

Winston was ancy. They were feeling nervous, understandably. They couldn’t really explain why, but they felt like they were really missing something. It was as if a chunk of their life had been ripped from their grasp. They couldn’t tell you why, but missing their name was somewhat worse then they could’ve anticipated. They knew what they weren’t and every name they’d attempted for themselves was clearly wrong. But the name that everyone appeared to know them by felt like an equally poor fit. As they heard a knock at their door, they had to admit that they hoped that Blanche would be able to help. She seemed to know more of what was going on. Maybe she’d have an idea.

Blanche was left to her own devices to go and grab Winston groceries and get to their house. That meant she had a lot of time to sit there and think about what the fuck could be going on with them. She believed them when they said this wasn’t some prank. Something was really wrong, but the last thing she wanted to do was start off on another tangent about magic or something. Winston’s mind was already blown from the shit they’d been through over the past couple weeks. It was like someone came up to them and just ripped off the fucking bandaid on the supernatural and then punched them in the stomach. Now she was considering three things: Magic, Aliens, and, the last one that she really wanted it to not be, Possession. So not cool. So, when Blanche rolled up, she grabbed the groceries and the hot pizza box she grabbed while at the store. Couldn’t go over to someone’s house without bearing gifts. She knocked, arms full. “I know you told me not too, but I just got the essentials and a pizza, so we can figure this out on full stomachs!! Can I see your ID Winst- er. Please?”

Winston’s stomach dropped as they heard their ‘name’, they hadn’t expected this to be such a problem. Somehow it was worse hearing it then seeing it written down. They’d mostly stayed inside since they noticed this happening. They couldn’t even really pinpoint a specific time in which this all started. “Blanche,” they smiled and held the door open for them before grabbing a few bags, “uh, come through, thanks for all of this, I do genuinely have food I promise.” They were more then willing to show Blanche the contents of their cupboards and fridge if it would set her mind at ease. Winston sighed gently, of course they were directly down to business right away. They shouldn’t have expected anything less. “Sure, it’s on the kitchen table,” they pointed into the kitchen entirely forgetting that the back portion of their house, although having mostly been cleaned up, was still in a state of disrepair. Ricky and they had been able to jerry-rig the doors so that their house wasn’t freezing. But it didn’t look pretty.

“But what about when you run out?” Blanche said. This was the second time in a month she had bought groceries for someone, but that was okay. Her friends needed it, and she had that tutoring gig now - even if she was tutoring the biggest meathead on campus- so she wasn’t going to be hit too hard with the money she’d spent. “Okay, great! I’m sure everything’s going to be - what the hell?” Blanche had let herself in, shuffling past them to go to the kitchen, bags and pizza in hand, only to see the mess that was the back part of their kitchen. She gaped at the jerry-rigged doors and the disrepaired state of the house. “Is… um… Ricky working on a new project or something?” she said, slowly, going to put the bags and pizza box on the table. Well, she didn’t want to be rude or anything. Winston had invited her into their house just so she could look at their IDs - which was, admittedly, a weird reason to insist on coming over. Still, she was here and what’s done was done. She grabbed the card off the table, holding it up. “Fuck.” She said plainly. “It is just like the picture.”

“When I run out then I’ve got a roommate that can go grocery shopping or I can get stuff delivered or just go myself, I lost my name, not my ability to walk.” Winston replied with a gentle laugh. “I’ll give you money for that,” they said reaching for their phone, “I can send you something by paypal or I can just transfer money into your account, whatever is easiest. I know college is rough, especially without any support.” They sighed gently at the mess that was the back portion of the ground floor of their house. It was truly a sight to behold. “We’re renovating …” they couldn’t keep from laughing for long before shrugging, “Skylar and Ricky and I were hanging, eating dinner and there was a crab attack, we’re fine but the house took a bit of a beating, we should be able to fix everything though, Ricky’s very good at that.” They helped, but this wasn’t exactly their forte. They were just glad Blanche couldn’t see the scorch marks on the back porch, they weren’t sure how they’d explain that. Taking their ID from Blanche, they squinted at it and tried taking their glasses off in somewhat disbelief, but nothing change, except the quality of their eye sight.

“But -” Winston wasn’t wrong. As far as she could tell, they definitely still had the ability to move and walk and function. It really was just their name. Blanche didn’t like how they phrased it - lost their name. Like it was something that could be lost to begin with. She stared at them, though, when they described the crab attack. “You guys got attacked by Karkinoids?!” Why didn’t they tell her?! What? When? How?! Blanche’s head snapped immediately to the damages, and she wondered if this was before or after they went to the beach with her. If it was before, she suddenly didn’t feel so silly buying them groceries. Surprise crab attack was scary. Herself, Remmy, and Cece knew that well. Hell, it was still scary even when she was expecting them. Winston deserved to not have to pay for groceries for a week for going with her dumb ass. “Uh, you don’t have to pay me, you’re good. Really.” Blanche mumbled, her face feeling hot as she looked down at her shoes a moment, before shaking whatever it was off. Back to the matter at hand. The lost name. If she hadn’t see the blurring movement on their ID herself, she would be checking Winston for a concussion. She ran a hand down her face. “Ah… Alright. I have three ideas, and you’re going to hate all of them.” Well, last time she said something like that, they were pinned in a tree with a hedgemoose down below. Luckily, there was no opportunity to die, this time.

“Yeah, it was not exactly our idea of fun…” Winston gazed out of the window for a moment before heading to start putting the groceries away. As they began unpacking the contents of the bags that Blanche had bought them, they had to admit that this was very kind. They couldn’t remember the last time that anyone bought them groceries. “Thank you for doing this,” they said turning and smiling at Blanche, “I don’t think anyone has ever bought me groceries,” they shrugged, “if you change your mind let me know.” If she didn’t then Winston would have to find someway of paying her back. Hopefully an opportunity would present itself. Gazing at the ruined room, Winston shrugged. “It’s fine, we can make a few upgrades now and Ricky has a project to focus on. I think they were more upset that the hard wood floors were damaged then that killer crustaceans that are called … karkinoids right … that they exist and were attacking us.” Ricky was a weird guy. “Ok, tell me more about these ideas, I won’t make any promises given your track record, I think we’re at 50/50. So I’m hoping we go 66/33.”

Blanche gave them a smile, leaning against the kitchen table. “Hey, what are friends that go with you to do stupid, life threatening supernatural shit for?” Blanche knew that she wouldn’t change her mind. Gifts were gifts, and she already had a hard time accepting any form of repayment anyway - see Alain with the stupid car battery. The thought made her sad, the overwhelming memory of his disappointment in her made her frown. She wasn’t here to think about not zombies and hunters and people trying to kill Remmy - mostly because she and Nell had hopefully taken care of it. “Well, I hope Ricky’s getting rest too. The hardwood can wait until he’s feeling better.” She said, refocusing herself to the conversation as she watched them put groceries away. She would help, but she didn’t know where anything went and she also didn’t want to go through their cupboards like a creep. “They’re not life threatening!” Blanche insisted. “And I wouldn’t even know what to do if any of these theories are true. Okay, wait I have four ideas. Sorry. First: Someone swapped out your ID for some joke one and you’ve somehow gotten a concussion - which I don’t think that’s it at all. Two: Magic. Three: Aliens. Four: …” Blanche trailed off, not looking at them. She didn’t think it was right, mostly because she was pretty sure she would feel something if they were possessed by something, and possession couldn’t make you forget your name… Could it? She would have to ask Nadia about more lingering effects. “Um… possession.” She finally said, realizing she’d been too quiet for too long. “By a ghost. But I don’t think that’s right either.”

Winston closed a cupboard now full of food and turned to face Blanche once more. “Still, I appreciate it all the same.” They had a hard time accepting that there were so many people that knew about this shit and were just okay with it going on. But Blanche seemed to be on the same page as they were about most things. At least the things that mattered. So far. You never knew. But they were doing their best to not allow cynicism to over take them. “Probably not, he’s one of the types of people that force themselves to keep going until they physically can’t go anymore, it’s all very masculine.” They imitated a pose they imagined was a poor replication of one Ricky could pull. “So, first seems unlikely considering you’re seeing this too. Second I think is probable, I know magic exists and I can’t see anything else that it might be, third I guess I’m open to the possibility of, but my questions would be how and why. How the fuck are they doing this? And why me?” They paused and considered the last one. Possession wasn’t something that they had even considered to be something that existed. “I … hadn’t known that was like … y’know … like a thing!” They sighed and pulled off their glasses to polish them as they were prone to do. “I don’t know what someone possessed behaves like. So I’m afraid I won’t be that much help.”

Blanche gave Winston a small smile. Winston, she decided for the 50th time, was good people. A good person. She was lucky to have them as a friend. Blanche snorted. “Good imitation, you should do it in front of him. See what he says.” She encouraged them. Still, she nodded along, listening to their thoughts about her theories. “I’m scratching theory one off the list because I don’t think there’s a ‘normal’ fucking explanation for that. I’m exhausted trying to come up with one.” God, how did Regan live like that? 600 years old, and not even a single thought that something was may, just a little, unordinary? Blanche shook her head. “Second: if it’s magic, is it a curse? Did someone curse you? If so, why? You piss anyone off lately?” Blanche asked them curiously. “Third: I literally know nothing about aliens or if they even exist - which at this point, if someone told me there was a species of sentient toothbrushes that eat children, I’d believe them. Sorry.” She looked at them apologetically, before continuing. “Fourth - ah. Possession’s nasty shit.” Blanche said, recalling from what Granny had told her about Nadia and from what Nadia told her herself. Granny always warned her it was a very dangerous thing that spirits could do. “I don’t think you’re possessed,” she added. “I would know.” At least, she thought she would. “Have you been experiencing blackouts? Any other memory loss other than your name? Waking up in places you don’t know? Stuff like that.”

“Oh Ricky loves it when I imitate and mock him, especially when it is to do with his muscularity and masculinity.” Winston replied with a laugh. It was all very infuriating really. “He thinks it is very funny that I have such strong opinions on him.” The truth was that Rick was about as far away from toxic masculinity as was imaginable. They were one of the first truly good people that Winston had had a chance to meet. “I think that is a fair response and I can deal with narrowing this down,” Winston replied, “so, take this all with a grain of salt because I know a grand total of fuck all about any of this, but I think there are different schools of magic and I’m not sure whether this is a curse or something else. If I have been cursed then I can’t tell you why because I can’t think of a single person that I would’ve upset enough to warrant a curse for. I don’t tend to get on the wrong side of well anyone, I just try and keep to myself and keep out of the way.” They frowned gently and tapped their hands against the counter nervously. “I’m with you there, I can’t understand why or what the hell is going on, but if vampires and werewolves are real then why not aliens.” They sighed gently, that was a mish mash of cliches and nerd cultures that Winston wasn’t ready to deal with.” They frowned gently at the mention of possession. It was scary really and they hated the idea that someone might be using their body. “No black outs and no memory loss other then my name, I’ve been waking up in the same place I went to sleep and I don’t remember doing anything that I shouldn’t have done or anything that you’re asking, but if I was possessed, no offense but how would you know … and you know that video you sent me where you said you could see ghosts, was that hyperbolic or literal?”

“I’ll have to try it one day,” Blanche promised, snickering slightly at the thought. But her brain switched quickly from the thought. “Like different classes of magic?” To be honest, Blanche couldn’t really think of how Winston of all people could have pissed someone off. They were about as nice as nice came. She frowned. “Maybe it is just a prank, then. Not a curse, but someone just… screwing with you. I don’t think this is very funny, though.” And Blanche was a fan of a few good humored ones - such as making someone venmo her .50 cents for a really bad joke about dead people. “Trust me, I’m with you on the aliens, but I’m not sure I’m here for them trying to steal your identity. This isn’t a marvel movie.” Though, at this point, if some Nick Fury-esque guy walked in, she wouldn’t be surprised. It didn’t sound like that was the answer. More entertaining to think about though. She didn’t think they were possessed either, but now she sort of wished she hadn’t brought it up as a possibility because now they were asking questions. Blanche tensed. It was a lot easier online where she could lie and just say she watched a horror movie while trashed and was making shit up - an already weak excuse - but Winston could absolutely see through her bullshit in a second. “Er - Well… Literal,” Blanche winced slightly. “I - That ‘friend’ I have that’s a medium. I’m the friend. I’m my own friend - wait, that sounds weird.” Blanche was already exasperated at herself for sounding like an idiot. “- Um. Anyway. Because of that, I usually get a… tingly feeling when I’m near a spirit. So if one was in you or around you, I’d feel tingly.”

“I would heartily and emphatically encourage you to do that as soon as you possibly can,” Winston replied before their conversation drifted towards something more technical. “Apparently, again I don’t really know what but Ricky has a friend who can use magic and they said something about different schools of magic to Ricky and he mentioned it to me but I don’t get it and I don’t get why it matters…” they hadn’t admitted to anyone what they could really do and they were kind of scared to try again. They frowned at the idea. “I don’t know who could’ve possibly come up with a prank that required magic, besides it seems like a lot of hard work just to prank me. Magicking my whole name away can’t have been simple? I mean I guess I don’t really know, but you’d think it wouldn’t be.” Pausing for a moment, they frowned and scrubbed at their eyes behind their glasses, as if they were able to rub them hard enough to make them remember what their name was. “If it is aliens then I’d be surprised, it seems kind of unlikely and at the moment option two: magic seems like the most obvious.” They frowned at Blanche’s admission. They were surprised really. They’d thought that Blanche was completely and totally normal. They didn’t know that this was even something that they could be dealing with and yet…. “So, you can see ghosts and you get a tingly feeling around them, sounds like this name thing is definitely magic then.” This wasn’t a big deal. This wasn’t a big deal.

“I mean, some people are just chaotic. Maybe you’re not the only one that doesn’t know their name - like a mass name jacking or something.” Blanche supplied, shifting slightly. She was more familiar with magic now than she would have liked, thanks to the shenanigans Nell had pulled so they could protect Remmy, but she knew that was a tip of a very big iceberg. Maybe Cece would know something, though she wasn’t sure Cece would appreciate her asking more questions. She was always asking questions.She watched them carefully as they thought through the rest of her point. Aliens, unsurprisingly, was thrown off the list entirely, and she had already mentally crossed off possession from the list. Magic. The most obvious solution to something that couldn’t be explained. Winston seemed tense, though, and Blanche nervously fidgeted. “Yeah, I’m sorry I didn’t - I don’t tell people, normally, because it isn’t… You know. Normal. Magic, it is, then. Are you okay?” Blanche asked quietly. She nudged the pizza box with her hand. “Maybe you should eat something? I think you’ll feel a little better after that. I know it’s - it’s a lot.” Cheese could put a bandaid on most things.

“If that is the case, then it still raises the question of why the hell someone would decide this is worthwhile? Not to mention that if it was the case then you’d have thought I would’ve come across someone else in a similar situation to me...” Winston trailed off and frowned, intent on staring at their socks as they tried to work out the best solution to this. They could add it to the list of supernatural problems they couldn’t solve. Their name, the weird chest on the beach and the fact that they could apparently use magic. They had to take these things one at a time, otherwise they would be too overwhelmed to solve anything. Their name seemed like the most logical place to start. “Don’t be sorry, I get why you’d keep that to … yourself, I mean … uh … I mean after everything that y’know happened with that video and everything, well no wonder you want to keep it to yourself, besides I don’t think anyone is entirely honest about what they do and don’t do in regards to what they are or aren’t… If that makes any sense whatsoever…” They swallowed as they were entirely convinced that they had indeed made completely no sense. “You know what, pizza might not make this better but maybe it’ll help me feel better,” they popped the lid off of the still warm box and grabbed a piece, biting into the melted cheese with a feeling of satisfaction. “When did everything get so complicated?”

“You’re right,” Blanche said, “But maybe they don’t want to admit it. Or they’re embarrassed or something.” Winston was most likely right though. If someone else was being affected, they would run into the same problems - Winston couldn’t answer by their name, and they wouldn’t be able to either. Blanche almost groaned when they mentioned the video again, grimacing. That was going to haunt her for the rest of her life. The image of her nose-diving off into the ugly balloon arch would forever be etched into her brain. Whatever, that wasn’t important here anyway. “Well, if I ever graduate college, I’m definitely not going to graduation. Just to be safe,” she said, watching them as they went for a slice of pizza. “Cheese makes everything a little better,” she said, grinning slightly, before considering their next question. “I think Avrill’s been trying to solve that one for years - and she wasn’t even considering half the shit we we’ve been exposed to in the past month. Maybe it was something you’ve seen that did it - exposed too, I mean.” She grabbed a slice herself, considering. “I’ve always known that spirits were real, but everything else… It seems like we’re living in a dream, ya know?” She looked over at them.

“I mean maybe, I don’t know about anyone else but I feel compelled to tell people that Winston is not MY name, but maybe that’s a weird side effect? I don’t know, I’m not exactly an expert on any of this and this is all just speculation, guesswork and some level of theory crafting.” Winston replied with a shrug. They had to admit that compared to Blanche they felt as if they had a lot less baggage to deal with. That was nice. Knowing that there was someone who had it worse then them. Then Winston felt guilty for enjoying their own fortune and sighed gently, chewing thoughtfully on their slice of pizza before indicating that Blanche should join them. There was no way that they were going to be able to eat a whole pizza on their own. “You’ll definitely graduate college, my tip would just be not to drink the night before or do anything that might mean you attend when you’re not sober, but if you want I won’t let you attend your graduation without passing a breathalyzer test.” They considered Blanche’s suggestion and laughed. “That reminds me of the conspiracy theory that Avril is being kept in a basement and whenever you see her in public it is just her body double, although y’know I think that seems a bit more likely considering the fact that the supernatural; vampires and werewolves are all real.” They ate another mouthful of pizza in silence before continuing to speak. “This is all ridiculous to me. A year ago had I any idea that this is the experience I would be living then I promise you that I wouldn’t have done so little, I guess ignorance is a blessing in disguise until you learn more…”

“Winston’s not your name?” Blanche repeated, a little skeptical. “Names aren’t physical things people can own, it’s not like someone can just steal it.” Could they? Blanche frowned. That brought a whole new meaning to identity theft. “Well, I mean, I guess there’s a bunch of theories online and in fiction about names holding power over people - but that seems a little to ‘Harry Potter’ for my taste. Can you think of any reason why someone would want to take your name from you?” She was pretty sure Nell and Bea didn’t fly on brooms or attend magic school. Still, things had to come from somewhere. “Speculation, guesswork, and theory crafting makes us sound like we’re trying to Veronica Mars this shit. Or that we’re in a hardcore episode of Scooby-Doo,” she said. She grabbed a slice when they told her too, taking a bite as she thought. “Well, I’m changing my major, so there’s that shit show I have to deal with - don’t ask to what, I have no idea. I’ll take the breathalyzer though, who knows, maybe I’ll snap again.” Blanche laughed, shaking her head. “God, you know, I had somehow miraculously forgotten about poor Avril.. Christ. I think I know a werewolf, which is absolutely wild to think about. And a vampire.” Blanche was pretty sure, anyway, she couldn’t see what else they could be. She frowned, though, when she considered their thoughts on ignorance. “I don’t know what I would have done,” Blanche admitted. She was still struggling, last year - well, she was still struggling now, but it was better now than it was then. “I was content for a really long time trying to ignore the things I could see - I mean, I guess I still do, when it comes to spirits.” Was it easier for her to jump into magic, vampires, werewolves, and whatever because then she didn’t have to confront her problem with dealing with ghosts. She shifted, chewing on her pizza for a moment, before sighing. “I’m scared of them, I guess. But now I just want to know more, of everything else.”

“I know, but that’s just how it feels,” Winston swallowed gently and adjusted their glasses once more, “I don’t even know why you would want my name, surely there are more valuable names then whatever mine is, and even if they did somehow take my name, how did they make them forget it? They considered Blanche’s point about names having power for a moment before frowning a little. “I agree, that is very ‘Harry Potter’ for my tastes too, I don’t think that can necessarily translate over to the real world in the same tangible way.” They had never considered that this could be a Scooby-Doo episode, but there were some surprising similarities. “Well if we can somehow pull off the mask of someone and solve all of this then I really wouldn’t mind that much. If anything it would probably be more convenient for me.” They raised an eyebrow and shrugged. “Changing your major may seem like a pain but it really isn’t the end of the world, at least you’re doing something that you feel like you really want to.” They smiled gently and ate some more pizza, trying to consider the situation they were in. They didn’t remember their name being taken by anyone, they couldn’t think of anyone that would have motive, opportunity and means. In fact they were kind of coming up blank in all three categories right now. They wanted to talk with Blanche about all the weird people they too had met, but that was mostly Skylar and Ricky and they’d made a promise to them. They weren’t going to risk their safety. “I got to the point where I was happy to just leave what I could and try to live in ignorance. But you can only do that for so long. Eventually, and by that I mean two weeks before it becomes kind of impossible to deny.” Sighing for a moment longer, they gazed at their feet and shrugged. “I need to learn more so I can learn how to stop things like this from happening.”

“Maybe they’re a serial-name taker,” Blanche said dryly, “Take names and kick ass, or whatever the saying is. Except they took the name taking thing too literally,” Blanche shrugged slightly. The big question was where did they go from here? What could they do? Blanche didn’t know the answer to that question. Not offhand, at least. “Well, theoretically, if someone took your name, they know you. I guess the place to start is to make a list of places you’ve been and people you’ve come in contact with those places, and pray to God or whatever you believe in that it wasn’t some jackass at the grocery store who thought it’d be funny. Narrow down the list to people who we can figure out are or could be magical - ew, I hate that. Magic using? User of magic? Nevermind, you know what I mean. - and then go from there. That’ll get us closer to ‘pulling off the mask’.” That was a plan. Hey! That was better than where they were ten minutes ago, scratching their heads. She smiled at him. “It would help if I knew what I was changing it too. I’m not looking forward to watching the look on my advisor’s face, I’ll tell you that.” Blanche shrugged slightly, taking another bite of her pizza. “I think it’s easier to ignore the things that scare you - or, well, prioritize them. I’m more scared of ghosts than I am of giant limb chopping lobsters. And I want to learn more about that stupid cursed chest - because you’re right. Someone has too, because what if it happens again.”

“Hypothetically let us imagine they’re indeed a serial name taker, what does it do for them?” Winston asked curiously, “Why would they go out of their way to use magic and steal my name. I don’t understand what they get from this.” They needed to work out how they could make all of this less problematic, they needed to find a way to fix all of this and they needed to find a way to get their name back, even if they weren’t quite sure what it was. “But, I work at a police station and I even help run a class for people who are technologically illiterate, this could be any number of people, not to mention everyone at college and inbetween.” They were nervous now. What if they never got their name back. Would they just have to be called Dane for everyday of the rest of their life? There were worse things to have to be called after all. But hey needed to get rid of this feeling of yearning and of loss which had enveloped them like a cold and wet blanket. “You’ll work it out, it is a lot to just expect someone to just decide their life when they’re this young, but I’m sure you’ll work it out. Is there something you’re really passionate about doing? I always wanted to work with computers so that kind of made it easier for me.” They paused for a second longer before continuing with their train of thought. “Have you managed to get anywhere with this chest thing?” Winston asked curiously. “It would help if there was someone who just knew more about all of this stuff, maybe that’s asking for too much but you’d think that there would be a group of people dedicated to studying this sort of thing, right?”

“I dunno, maybe they keep names in a jar on their desk or something, and then whip it out to assert dominance to show how many people they’ve inconvenienced over the years,” Blanche replied, only half-joking. She ran her free hand through her hair, sighing slightly when Winston told her just how many people this could be. “Well, then this is going to take a while and it’s going to suck - but it’s important that you get your name back.” Assuming that they were right, and it had been stolen in the first place. They were jumping to some pretty wild conclusions - stolen names. What if somebody just used a teeny memory wiping spell and was fucking with them? Still, that implied there was still purposeful malicious content. “Well, we need to narrow down the pool of people. When exactly did you … forget your name? When was Winston no longer your name? If we can get a range that would narrow it down considerably, right?” Well, hand her a magnifying glass and call her Nancy Drew. Blanche looked at them, before deflating a bit. What was she passionate about. “I like math,” she said. “But only because I’m very good at it. I’ve never really been… like that with anything in school. History was annoying, English was fine, Math was fun because it all made sense, but…” Blanche shrugged with a frown. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll figure it out. And no, nothing about the chest yet. Please, some group of people studying this shit would be easy. We’re on our own. I’ve got the pictures circulating online and I think Remmy has theirs too. I - er -” Blanche wasn’t sure how much to mention about the threat of Alain to Winston, because, well… She definitely didn’t want them involved in it. “I’ve been a little distracted since the beach.”

“That is creepy,” Winston replied. They tried to remember when they really noticed this. The first time that it had happened was when they were at Yours, Mime and Ours with Regan, but they hadn’t really paid that much mind. They’d ran into that … thing … they weren’t entirely sure how Regan was so convinced that it was just a dog, when that thing was something straight out of the film reel of a horror movie. “I went to that weird mime cafe thing, Yours, Mime and Ours because I had a voucher and while I was there I ran into this weird thing … the person I’m with is in complete denial about the whole thing, seems to think that it was just a dog or something, but that thing ate a cat … WHOLE.” They swallowed in fear at the memory, they hadn’t realised that maybe they were connected. “I don’t know if there is anyway that it could have something to do with that, I hope not because I really don’t ever want to have to go into that alleyway again. Honestly, stuff of nightmares.” They paused and honestly said a little prayer to someone because they didn’t want to have to make a return trip to that place ever again. “Do something with maths, or take some time and work out what you’re really into, if you’re good at something you don’t have to do it just because you can, y’know.” They shrugged gently and finished off another slice of pizza, wiping grease from their fingers before grabbing another slice. “Well, that’s something at least, I’m sure someone must know how these things work… is something going on?” they asked, suddenly a little concerned.

Blanche looked at them, horrified. “You willingly went to Yours, Mime, and Ours?!” She was aghast. If there was anywhere in White Crest that was cursed, it was the stupid mime restaurant. And it’s stupid bar, too. “Even with a voucher? Dude.” She shook her head, that all sounded like a complete fucking horror show. “That’s terrifying, and … ugh of course the fucking mime joint is the cause of your problems,” Blanche groaned. “Who was with you? How could they think it was a dog if it ate an entire cat?! That’s - urck,” Blanche had been debating on another slice of pizza, but the image of some freaky cryptid behind the restaurant devouring a cat whole was not great with her stomach. God she hoped that thing had nothing to do with Winston’s name issue. Blanche snorted, and shook her head at their advice though. They were, as usual, right. “I’ll figure it out. Or die first.” Blanche grabbed another piece of pizza after all, glancing at them, “From what I’ve seen, everyone knows bits and pieces. Like a giant puzzle, but nobody has all the pieces.” Blanche shrugged, before considering their question, and how much to tell them. It wasn’t like she could just say that there was a Slayer that may or may not show up to her apartment complex waving a giant sword around trying to kill Remmy. “Um. Kind of,” Blanche said, shifting. “But it’s… It’s taken care of. Nobody is hurt or anything. And it’s a really long story.”

“Hey, I am also still in college and free food is still free food even if I have to order it by miming out what I specifically want,” Winston was glad that it hadn’t even gotten that far before they’d been abandoned by their black and white clad staff, after their encounter with the mime thing they were convinced that there was something more going on there. “Dude, vouchers, coupons and gift cards are my creed. Free food is a way of life.” They weren’t fussy. They’d eat pretty much anything as long as it tasted good. They paused and shrugged. “Someone who works at the morgue called Dr Kavanagh, I work with the people at the morgue a bit but not recently so she must be pretty knew. She’s living in denial, thinks that it was a dog and it definitely wasn’t, I know dogs and cats don’t exactly get along but that was something entirely other.” The conversation had put them off their food, and they placed a half eaten slice of pizza back in the box. “Maybe just figure it out, I don’t think that anyone needs to be dying.” They opened their fridge and grabbed a beer. “You want a drink?” they asked curiously. Frowning, Winston considered pushing it before deciding that it wouldn’t make a difference. They got the impression that Blanche would either be honest with them or they wouldn’t. Winston likely didn’t have the persuasion to convince them to tell them the truth if they had decided that they didn’t want to. “Look, I don’t have anywhere to go so if you want to tell me the story that’s fine, but if you ever need help you can always let me know, I know it doesn’t seem like it but I have some pull at the police station and I know some people that might be able to help.” They thought of Ricky and Skylar, not to mention the others they’d met. “We’re all in this together now.”

“You’re right, but come on, dude! Mimes can and will kill you, that’s the contract they sign when they sell their soul to Satan!” Was she being dramatic? Yes. Did she care? Maybe later, but right now she couldn't believe Winston’s life choices over a fucking voucher. “Oh no,” Blanche said, putting a hand on her forehead and letting out a groan. “I know Dr. Kavanagh - er, Regan, rather. She’s in denial about a lot of things.” Blanche didn’t elaborate, because telling Winston that Regan was 600 years old and fae would not end well. There were already too many things to be focusing on, and she was sure that Regan was going to have to figure out what she was first before Blanche could shoot her mouth off about it. She laughed shortly. “We’ll see. Sure, I’ll grab a water, if you’re offering. I’d take a beer but I'm driving.” She was still debating on what to say to Winston when their response of being in this together made her decide that maybe she could let them in a little. “You… can’t tell the police,” Blanche said. “Not yet, at least. I’m using magic to fix it - well, not me personally, obviously, but… you know. I know a Hunter - Er, Slayer - that’s trying to go after another friend of mine because he thinks they’re a zombie and that they attacked me. That wasn’t what happened -” Blanche said. “At all. But it’s… it’s under control now.” She looked away from Winston, studying her piece of pizza like it was interesting. “We have a plan and it involves no one dying.”

“I don’t think you’re being completely serious, but then again with everything weird that goes on in this shithole, you never know…” Winston winced at the thought of mimes selling their soul to the devil. But that would hardly be the weirdest thing that they had recently discovered or anything like that. They frowned at Blanche’s reaction to Regan and her apparent inability to take these things seriously, instead grasping for loose explanations. It was incredibly frustrating and Winston had barely been in contact with her. “That was the impression that she gave me too,” Winston sighed and moved to the kitchen table, slumping into a chair frowning at their current predicament. They nodded and moved to get Blanche a glass of water. Blanche’s next confession was harder to swallow. “Are you sure I shouldn’t tell the police?” Winston replied, maybe they were naive but most of the people who worked at the WCPD were good people that wanted to help, “I know that this is complicated and there is a lot to consider but what if someone gets hurt and we didn’t involve law enforcement?” Winston was already starting to wonder if law enforcement was well enough equipped to get involved in something like this. What if they got people involved and someone got hurt?

“I don’t joke about mimes,” said Blanche, joking about mimes. She didn’t actually think anyone was selling their soul to the devil, but that stupid restaurent was absolutely on the Top Ten Cursed Places in White Crest. She would do almost anything for free food, but Yours, Mime and Ours? Absolutely not. Don’t anyone tell her that she didn’t have some miniscule sense of self preservation. “She’s wild,” Blanche confirmed, shaking her head. “Don’t make any promises to her, though. Trust me. She’ll hold you to’em.” Blanche nodded gratefully for the water, but shook her head the second they asked if she was sure that they shouldn’t contact the police. “They aren’t equipped to handle something like this. And both people in question haven’t… I mean, they’re doing what they think is right. It’s just... “ Blanche ran a hand down her face, stressed. “It’s complicated. I’m handling though. No one’s going to get hurt.” She took a sip of the water Winston gave her. “And anyway, you have bigger fish to fry - we have to figure out how to get your name back. Can’t going around being Watson Dane now, can you?

“You’re ridiculous,” Winston replied, a smile tugging at the corners of their lips at Blanche’s joke. Frowning gently, Winston looked at Blanche and raised an eyebrow. “Wait, what do you mean don’t make her any promises?” Winston was doing their best to piece together a puzzle and they felt as if they didn’t even have all of the pieces of the puzzle. Frowning at their assertion that they should absolutely not get the police involved, Winston made the decision that in this case they would simply have to trust them. “I was worried that you were going to say something like that, maybe we should help them out and equip them or start to equip them for this sort of stuff, I don’t know but we can’t just …” they sighed and swallowed again. “You’re right, I’ve gotta just leave this one to you guys I think.” They nodded gently and sighed. “The sooner I work this out the better.” They couldn’t agree more.

“Well no one’s ever accused me of being serious,” Blanche said, shooting him a grin. “Oh - no, I didn’t mean anything by it.” She couldn’t just out Regan, especially before she knew herself. “She just takes promises very, very seriously. Super serious, even.” Blanche said, waving it off as she bit into her pizza. She considered their point, but deep down she knew the truth. “The police would never believe us,” she said. “We would get branded as crazy people, and your job - I don’t know if you’d keep it. Shooting our mouths off about the supernatural is dangerous, especially if it’s to the wrong people…” Blanche frowned, wondering if she was letting her own fear stall them, but shook it off. As for Winston’s name… “Well, we know the cause now. That’s one step closer than we were before, so it’s something. We’re on our way, my friend.”

Somewhat perplexed by what Blanche had to say, Winston shrugged and wrote it off as a miscommunication or a misunderstanding. After all there were a few things that they missed when they were stressed. This was probably just something like that. “Sure, super serious, don’t commit to stuff you can’t … y’know … actually do … I guess?” They weren’t sure but it didn’t particularly matter. They considered Blanche’s point before nodding gently. “That’s fair, I don’t want anyone accusing you of lying or anything like that and it is probably better if I keep this job, if I want to work for any police department ever. Do you know someone I should watch out for? Because I’m not exactly trying to keep my discussion of the supernatural on the downlow.”

#p: blanche #wickedwriting #para #The Name Is Afoot

5 notes · View notes

11jj11 · 6 years

Text

Snowball (Pokemon One-Shot)

A short silly story in which Mairin started a snowball fight with Alain, and unnecessary chaos ensues.

Mairin darted around the corner, heart thumping as she ran. She pressed herself up against the wall of the building, trying to catch her breath. Puffs of white air rose from her mouth, the freezing wind blowing around her. Her legs ached from running, her entire body shivering from the cold. Despite this her face was flushed, panting in exhaustion.

She hesitantly peered around the corner, eyes nervously scanning the empty streets for the one pursing her. She gulped, chills racing through her despite not seeing any sign of him. She knew that the one after her was smart and patient, out running him now did not mean safety later. She knew that it would only be time until he caught up, and she had to be ready.

She closed her eyes, before taking off down the sidewalk at an uncertain pace. The icy cement below her was nothing but a hazard for her, and she considered if it would be worth the risk to go back to the park. Yes it was more open– but if she fell down on the ice here there’d be no chance of her getting away from him.

Mairin hesitated as she reached the end of the street, peering down both ways. Nothing but icy roads and snowy rooftops– and no sign of him.

She turned to the left, deciding to take her chances with the park. Surely he had gone looking for her, so he wouldn’t be there still. If she could just get to the park and rest she could plan out her next steps, properly catch her breath, and hopefully make a break and find Professor Sycamore. This thought made Mairin’s steps swifter, her heart warming as she saw the park up ahead. The lab would be able to protect her, she’d be safe!

She kept glancing behind her as she approached the park at the end of the street, making sure that she was still safe. The silence around her was getting to her, but Mairin knew that would be safety soon. She was almost there, park then the lab, the park then the lab...

She at last reached the end of the street, and she bolted towards the park. A frozen playground met her eyes, a huge field of practically untouched snow in front of her. She could find the lab from here, she was going to be okay...!

“Found you.”

Mairin skittered to a halt– freezing in her tracks as heard his voice.

Panic rushed through her and she spun around to face the speaker– which was her mistake.

She was able to catch a glimpse of gleaming triumphant blue eyes and a cruel grin– before a speeding white shape collided with her face, blinding her.

Mairin staggered, the force of the sphere sending her stumbling back, and she collapsed into the snowbank. Any warmth that Mairin had left as taken from her as she sat there, a cold liquid running down her face. She sputtered at the coldness, wiping it away from her face.

“A slushball, Alain?!” She cried, and she heard Alain cracking up in laughter. “That’s low– even for you!”

“All’s fair in love and war!” Alain said, smirking as Mairin pushed herself to her feet, snow covering her coat and snow pants. “You’re the one that started this!”

Mairin growled, scooping up some snow from the park ground, swiftly packing it into a snowball. She raised her hand to throw it at Alain in retaliation– only to realize that he had a second, dripping slushball waiting in his hand. He step-sided her snowball with ease, smirking as he threw his slushball.

Mairin attempted to duck– but he had been anticipating that, and had aimed lower. The second slushball knocking her cap off of her head. The slush dripped down into her hair, and Mairin shot a glare at Alain.

“You’re going to pay for that,” She growled, teeth chattering together, her head now turning just as cold as the rest of her body.

Alain was still grinning. “Hey, I warned you not to throw any snowballs at me, but you still went through on it...”

It had been one snowball– a simple sphere of snow thrown at his back. It had only hit his coat, harmlessly falling to the ground!

Mairin would have never thrown it if she had realized it would lead to a full out war against Alain– down to him chasing her down the streets in retaliation. Mairin had lost track, but she was sure that he had pelted her with at least twenty snowballs at this point, and the two slushballs now as well. Meanwhile she had landed only six (however four of them had barely hit him), including the first one that had started this all.

Mairin was soaking wet from the melting snow and slush, and exhausted from trying to escape Alain’s revenge. He on the other hand looked like he could go on all day, already leaning down to scoop up more snow.

“Truce?” Mairin asked uncertainly, taking a few steps back. It was quite clear that she wasn’t going to win this ridiculous snowball fight, and the cold was starting to get to her.

Alain was packing another snowball together, but he regarded her for a moment. “Hmm... a truce huh...? How about on the condition that you have to take my shift of feeding the Pokemon at the lab this week.”

Her eyes widened. “No way– I’m not doing your dirty work!”

He grinned, a rare playful look gleaming in his eyes. “Snowball fight is on then!” He tossed his snowball up into the air. “I’ll give you a two minute head start.”

Mairin took several steps back, before diving down and hastily forming a half-formed snowball and chucking it at him. This time she caught him off guard, her snowball nailing him in the arm.

“Ha!” Mairin cried triumphantly.

Alain glared at her. “One minute head start then.”

Mairin hesitated– but realized if she lingered here without the plan she’d be going back to the lab looking like a snowman. She turned on a heel– and took off racing down the street. She quickly darted around a corner, nearly running into an older couple, but she hurried on. She had approximately sixty seconds until Alain would be after her– and he was faster.

Mairin knew how seriously he took battles– she should have known that a simple snowball fight would turn into this. But if she could get back to the lab before he reached her she would be safe. She grinned for a moment, the challenge sounding almost thrilling.

She still wasn’t going to forgive Alain for the slushballs however, she was definitely going to get payback for that...

Mairin looked skyward for a moment, and noticed an orange shape flying overhead. She stiffened, for a moment thinking that Alain had cheated and was using Pokemon to find her– before she remembered that Alain had let out Charizard before she had even thrown that first snowball.

Besides, would using Pokemon even be cheating? ‘All is fair in love and war’, as Alain had said...

Mairin cupped her hands together. “Hey!” She called up to the sky. “Charizard, come down here– I need your help!”

The fiery lizard banked about, tucking in her wings and diving. Mairin grinned, feeling that the odds were about to be evened.

Alain was still grinning to himself as he left the park, though the thrill of the fight was starting to wear off. The snowball fight had been fun while it had lasted, but there was no way he was going to torment Mairin forever– he knew just how much she hated the cold.

He chuckled to himself, letting the snowball in his hand fall to the the ground as he headed down the street Mairin had taken. He was sure that she was heading back to the lab, and it was about time he did as well. The cold was starting to reach him, and there was work to be done at the lab.

Alain looked up towards the sky, trying to see if there was any sign of Charizard. He had let her out when he and Mairin had headed out on their walk, but he knew that Charizard would make her way back to the lab eventually, and as a fire type she would be just fine in the cold.

He kept his eyes peeled for Mairin– but he was sure that she was going out of her way to avoid him. Maybe he had gone a bit overboard in the snowball fight... but honestly, Mairin was adorable when she was flustered. And with his superior snowball throwing skills, it had simply been too easy.

Perhaps he’d take a few of her shifts at the lab– just to make sure there were no hard feelings about the slushballs.

The walk back to the lab was very quiet– but Alain allowed his thoughts to take hold of his mind as he walked the familiar path back to the lab, practically in a trance until he arrived at the gates to the lab.

Alain blinked once, pushing them open. He glanced at the windows of the lab, but saw no sign of Mairin. Then again she was probably up in her room in the lab getting into warm and dry clothes. He tugged at the end of his coat sleeve, planning on doing the same once he got inside.

“Hey, Alain!”

Alain paused as he heard Mairin’s voice, and he swiftly glanced around– half expecting a snowball to be launched at him. However nothing came his way, and the area around the lab was clearly Mairin-free.

“Mairin?” Alain asked uncertainly, her voice sounding somewhat distanced, but clearly outside. He heard her giggling, and he swiftly turned around.

“Up here!” Mairin called, and he could hear the grin in her voice. Alain hesitated, before peering up.

Sure enough there was Mairin– perched on Charizard’s back. The lizard was on top of the lab, sitting proudly three stories up. Her clawed feet kept her in place on the icy roof, wings flared open for balance.

“Mairin! What are you doing up there...?” Alain trailed off, suddenly paling as he noticed what was in Charizard’s arms.

The lizard gave her trainer a jagged grin, one mirroring the small human on her back. In Charizard’s arms sat a mass of snow she had scooped off from the roof– easily the size of Quilladin– and Charizard was perched directly above Alain.

“Charizard...” Alain said in a low voice to his starter. “Don’t you dare...”

Charizard’s and Mairin’s grin only widened, the snow in Charizard’s arms slowly starting to melt in the heat of the fire type– making the snow nice and slushy. Charizard let out a happy roar, opening her arms and letting the mass of snow fall down onto her trainer. Alain tried to stumble back, but the slick ice failed to give him any traction, leaving Alain unable to avoid the huge pile of snow as it fell right on top of him.

“Urgh...” Alain groaned under the mass of snow that had buried him. A frigid cold had taken hold of him as he tried to push the snow away from his face. The force of the falling snow had knocked him to the ground, and he was sure he was going to have a few bruises.

He heard the swush of wings, and moments later he could see Mairin’s gloved hands pushing the snow away from his face. He sat up, giving her a glare as he brushed the rest of the snow off of him, and she laughed.

“Ready to accept that truce now?” Mairin asked, grinning as Alain rose to his feet.

“No way!” Alain shouted– no way was he about to let this go now!

Mairin smirked. “Are you sure about that?”

“Zrrhhh...” Alain heard a low rumbled behind him, and he swiftly turned. There stood Charizard, a fresh mass of snow in her arms.

“...Truce sounds good,” Alain muttered after a moment, looking pale.

Mairin’s smirk grew. “Awesome!” She grabbed his hand, dragging him towards the lab. “Come on– you owe me like five cups of hot chocolate!”

#Mairin #Alain #Mairin Pokemon #Alain Pokemon #Marissonshipping #Pokemon #fanfic #snowballfight

11 notes · View notes

tripsterguru · 4 years

Text

Best 15 St. Petersburg Hotels with Panoramic View

New Post has been published on https://tripsterguru.com/best-15-st-petersburg-hotels-with-panoramic-view/

Best 15 St. Petersburg Hotels with Panoramic View

To fully experience the romantic and dreamy atmosphere of St. Petersburg, it is worth staying in a hotel with a beautiful overview. Particularly spectacular views of the St. Petersburg roofs, the central part and the river. Hotels in St. Petersburg with panoramic views of the Neva are often located in the main part of the city – for example, near Pirogovskaya embankment. Some of them are located on Vasilievsky Island. Sometimes the mesmerizing beauty of the Northern capital can be admired from the restaurant in the hotel complex. This option is well suited for a romantic weekend.

The Hermitage – the official hotel of the State Museum 5 *

The atmosphere of the Winter Palace is recreated here. Furniture, decor, dishes, dishes on the menu, uniforms of porters – all connected with the life of Russian tsars. In every detail of the interior – a reference to the imperial palace. Even exact copies of objects are used. Located in an old mansion of the XIX century. This building is on a quiet street, but in a historic area. But the bustling Nevsky Prospect is very close. Guests can stop by the Vladimir Cathedral and visit the Dostoevsky House Museum. A little further – the Summer Garden and the Summer Palace of Peter I.

The Hermitage is 3 km away, but guests are offered a free shuttle service. The building has 126 luxurious rooms in a classic style. Furniture according to the sketches of Italian masters, and a bathroom with Greek marble, and an abundance of pillows on the bed – all together create an elegant atmosphere. Lighting is also thought out – many independent fixtures that can be easily turned off with the click of a button. You can also make coffee thanks to the coffee maker and spend time on your own terrace.

The sophisticated atmosphere is also felt during breakfast. When developing the menu, we used recipes from the Winter Palace. Even food is served in dishes created by the imperial porcelain factory – it was this enterprise that in old times produced porcelain for the Romanovs. Breakfast is accompanied by calm music – visitors are treated to pancakes with red caviar and sour cream, a variety of fish, champagne.

In the evening you can enjoy the sounds of the harp. There is also a Michelangelo restaurant with an emphasis on Italian cuisine, and they are ready to introduce you to the traditions of Russian tea drinking in the lobby bar. Among other services for vacationers are a wellness center, spa, organization of boat trips along the river channel. Gala events can be held in the Trossi Hall, with impressive chic interiors. The room overlooks the Throne Room of the Winter Palace: elegant stucco on the ceiling, columns, patterns with gilding.

Emerald 5 *

Located in the aristocratic center – once this area was called the Christmas part. The building is decorated in a late Art Nouveau style and decorated with marble columns. The mansion has its own story, which stretches from the XVIII century. This is one of the first buildings on Suvorovsky Prospekt – once there were organized balls and receptions for the nobility. The building has seven floors, so the central part of the city is clearly visible from the windows. Near the Tauride Garden and Nevsky Prospect.

Subscribe to our channel in Telegram, where we daily post the most last-minute tours and flights. You can choose from various rooms, from standard to suites. An autonomous climate control system is used. Guests are available SPA, gym, sauna, bath. You can have breakfast in the spacious Versailles Cafe. The Gzhel establishment is also available, where they are treated to dishes of Russian cuisine. In the lobby bar “Suvorovsky” it is pleasant to enjoy a cup of coffee and dessert. Business meetings and official events can be arranged in the equipped conference room. The convenient location of the complex is a great advantage. Near the metro and Nevsky Prospekt, but there is no noise and fuss.

W St. Petersburg 5 *

The complex opened in 2011, part of the W Hotels Worldwide chain (founded in New York in 1997). The main feature is a recognizable facade, different from the historical style. A nice bonus is a fabulous view of the roofs of the old city, the inner Petersburg courtyard, the golden domes of the cathedral. Network complexes W correspond to the current trends in art, because the leadership collaborates with eminent photographers and designers. The rooms are designed so that guests can feel at home, but the emphasis is on exclusive surroundings.

Every detail was carefully selected: king-size beds, orthopedic mattresses, cotton linen, round lamps. Thanks to the color scheme in the rooms, a feeling of airiness and lightness is created. Guests have the opportunity to try dishes prepared under the guidance of the famous French chef Alain Ducasse.

Celebrities specially come to his miX restaurant in Saint Petersburg – even from abroad. The establishment has a cozy rooftop terrace with magnificent views. From here you can enjoy the sunsets or enjoy the beauty of the white nights. Includes spa access. Since the building is in the center, the main tourist sites are nearby. Including St. Isaac’s Cathedral.

Kempinski Moika 22 5 *

Located on the waterfront. From the windows of an aristocratic mansion XIX century. one can see Palace Square and the Hermitage. The room decor is inspiring: classic marine style, rare furniture, snow-white and gold accents. Feature of the service is an individual approach. Everyone is asked about the preferences and expectations of accommodation, as well as travel.

It will help to celebrate a birthday or any other event, organize a gala dinner, and think out an individual entertainment program. If the trip is related to business matters, we are ready to print an important document or send a fax. The business center provides round-the-clock scanning and printing, broadband internet, equipment rental, and translation services. Food can be delivered to your room at any time of the day or night.

The menu includes several types of breakfasts, diet food, sandwiches and desserts, baby food, hot drinks and fresh juices, an extensive wine list. For example, you can have breakfast in the early morning or dine quickly in between meals. There is a spa center in the building where various types of massage are available. For guests, a program of art excursions has been developed that will allow you to get to know Petersburg better and see the treasures of the Hermitage. Hiking combined with interesting lectures will help you to feel the beauty of the city.

Park Inn by Radisson Nevsky 4 *

From the windows you can see historical old houses, occupies a new building. Noise does not hurt, because the rooms have excellent sound insulation. This option is suitable for families and business travelers. A pleasant mood is created thanks to the design of interiors in bright colors. For convenience, an electric kettle and tea and coffee making facilities are provided. The price includes breakfast. Strawberry smoothie, carrot juice, porridge in milk, a variety of fruits – an assortment for every taste.

The bar serves famous German dishes. At the Paulaner beer brewery, you can enjoy a foamy drink combined with Bavarian specialties. Reception is round-the-clock. Any business issues are easily resolved, because several conference rooms are available at. The necessary equipment is provided. The location is also considered ideal – near Moscow Station, metro, center. Metro station is 100 meters away. You can use the underground

Akyan Saint Petersburg 4 *

Living here is an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of pre-revolutionary St. Petersburg. After all, once there was a tenement house here. Although the layout has changed, but some places – for example, stairs or halls – recall the past. Good location is another plus of this property. Nevsky Prospect, the main street of St. Petersburg – a 5-minute walk. Nearby are several shopping centers. The building itself is a mansion of the 20th century. in the modern style.

Details can be considered for a long time: bas-reliefs, stucco molding, majolica. Despite the central location, it is quiet here – the house is located on a quiet street. Rebellion. The rooms are furnished in a classic style, give a feeling of comfort thanks to the warm colors. Service is also consistent – guests note the courtesy and friendliness of the staff. All requests are completed quickly, within a minute. A restaurant of the same name with several rooms is available around the clock. In the mornings, guests are spoiled for a wonderful breakfast. A choice of cereals, slices and salads, sour cream and cottage cheese, vegetables and fruits, hot dishes.

In another, you can make an a la carte order – Russian and European cuisine is presented. This option is suitable for a romantic getaway. Akyan Saint Petersburg received recognition in this category – for example, from the TripAdvisor portal (one of the top ten romantic hotels in Russia). However, the place is suitable for shopping lovers. Nearby are shopping centers, one of the largest in Europe.

AZIMUT St. Petersburg 4 *

The main advantage is gorgeous views, because it is located in the highest building in the historical part of the city. From each room, the city is visible at a glance. Two metro stops – center. All rooms are bright and comfortable. In the morning, gulls arrive and walk important along the windowsill, because nearby is the Fontanka embankment. When arranging the space, emphasis was placed on the SMART concept.

Inside, there is everything that guests need for a comfortable stay, cozy sleep and productive work. Among the amenities are a wide bed, a water cooler on the floor, a tooth and shaving kit, and a refrigerator. Breakfast is served in the main restaurant, Avenue. Three meals a day and a la carte dishes are possible. Residents can take advantage of other opportunities – there is a fitness center, concierge, beauty salon.

Radisson Sonya 4 *

It is part of the Radisson Blu chain, which unites premium hotels around the world. Decorated based on the works of Dostoevsky. Even the building looks interesting – at the heart of the classic style. An addition to the thematic atmosphere – stunning views. In each of the numbers, Russian motives and details related to the “Crime and Punishment” are traced. For example, in one of the rooms you can find the “Sistine Madonna” – a source of inspiration for the writer.

Opposite the reception is a table with an image of St. Petersburg of the XIX century. There are other original furniture created to order. But the basic style of the rooms is classic. Guests can work out at the gym or relax in the sauna or hammam. For business purposes, we are ready to provide any of the four conference rooms. You can also hold a festive event – for example, a wedding banquet. The restaurant also traces the motives of the novel.

Breakfast is served daily – guests are offered European and Russian cuisine. The lobby bar serves a variety of snacks. Among other services – an early breakfast (from 5 in the morning), round-the-clock service, a tea and coffee station. In the summer, employees will help with organizing boat excursions (600 m – Neva). In 10 minutes – Chernishevskaya metro station, which allows quick access to the center.

Lakhta Plaza 4 *

Located in a new area overlooking the Gulf of Finland and the 300th anniversary park. Especially beautiful panoramas open from the south and west. The cozy apartments have a simple interior, impeccable cleanliness, freshly renovated and new furniture. Well thought out not only the layout, but also the zoning of space. There is everything for the convenience of vacationers: ironing facilities, a set for tea and coffee, a hairdryer, a radio alarm clock and even a makeup mirror with lighting. It is convenient to stay with the whole family. Some rooms have a full kitchen: with a dishwasher, refrigerator, stove.

They will install a baby cot for free and bring a feeding chair. Among other services – 24-hour reception, food delivery, fitness, sauna. A continental breakfast is served in the morning. The menu includes juices, cottage cheese and cereals, fresh fruits. On order are always ready to cook scrambled eggs. A metro station nearby allows quick access to the center. Nearby are several shopping centers. However, you can have a good time in the sauna or on the outdoor terrace.

Saint Petersburg 4 *

From the windows you can see the center, Neva and Aurora. Nearby is Pirogovskaya embankment. The rooms have everything you need – from wet wipes to threads of all colors. Even in the bathroom, basic hygiene products are at hand: paste, gels, shampoos, lotions, toothbrushes and a disposable razor. Room service is daily. You can contact the staff at any time – the reception is open even at night. Do not forget here about the compliments.

For example, a wedding package involves champagne, fruits and rose petals. The Bering restaurant serves Russian, Asian and European dishes. La Vue offers an overview of the Neva – you can eat in one of the five rooms and order a wine tasting. There are several famous Asian restaurants in the surrounding area. The nearest metro is a 10-minute walk. Relatively close are the main tourist sites – for example, the Hermitage Museum is 3 km away.

Courtyard by Marriott 4 *

This option in Vasileostrovsky district will appeal to those who like walks by the river and a pleasant atmosphere. The building looks magnificent – the historical appearance is recreated. Across the road is the promenade, where it is especially beautiful in the evenings. A pleasant impression remains from the view from the window – on the Neva River. Celebrities stop at the complex – for example, you can meet famous athletes, sports legends.

At a meeting, guests are treated to non-alcoholic mulled wine. A choice of 214 spacious rooms, including suites. The space is thought out to the smallest detail: a seating area, a working area with a chair and a table, a comfortable bed with feather pillows, a large dressing room. At hand the necessary hygiene products. Pierrot’s restaurant offers dishes of Eastern France and Northern Europe. From the restaurant-bar on the ground floor you can see the river with bridges. In the lobby bar you can drink wine to the lounge music or watch a football broadcast in the evening. There is a mini market, a souvenir shop and a gym on site. 500 m – metro station “Vasilievskaya”. One stop separates guests from Nevsky Prospekt.

Park Inn by Radisson Baltic 4 *

The windows offer beautiful views of the bay and high-rise buildings. Here you can spend a romantic weekend. They are even ready to deliver food directly to the room. It combines 1184 rooms – they are suitable for both business trips and family vacations. The apartments are recently renovated, good sound insulation is installed. The increased category includes bathrobes, slippers and a variety of cosmetic accessories. The place is also suitable for large business events – a choice of almost 30 rooms with different capacities (from 10 people to 1,500).

An exhibition room is also available (2 thousand sq. M.). In each room – wireless Internet, air conditioning, office supplies. Space decor, audiovisual equipment, catering – specialists are ready to help with this. Breakfast is served daily and the lounge bar offers snacks and drinks. Other services include concierge, luggage storage, treadmills, World Class fitness.

Baltic 3 *

Even a deep meaning was invested in the name – this is a semi-mythical island, generalizing the image of the Baltic countries. It is especially convenient for business trips – from here it is easy to get to Nevsky Prospekt or to the train stations. The conference area was also thought out: a transformer hall with different seating options, modern equipment, and opportunities for coffee breaks and receptions. From the windows you can see the houses of the Vyborg district. Convenient location is also a plus for family walks. On foot you can reach the Peter and Paul Fortress, the house of Peter I, the botanical garden.

The number of rooms is small – 90 apartments of various categories. For guests’ convenience, the rooms have a refrigerator and a work desk. Additional comfort is created by the necessary little things: a toothbrush, a nail file, a razor set, and a hairdryer. There are coolers on the floors – you can get water or make yourself tea. For a family vacation, a studio room is perfect. The staff is also ready to take care of the food. Breakfast includes a selection of different types of cheese, deli meats, fruits and vegetables, granola and cereal, pastries and juices. A coupon for a free drink is also issued at the lobby bar upon arrival.

Vertical 3 *

Feature – a combination of home comfort and hotel services. This accommodation is suitable for long-term residence. The view from the windows – on Moskovsky Avenue or elite high-rise buildings. The apartments have a kitchen and are fully furnished. A refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave, set of dishes, kettle – everything to feel at home. You can choose a specific option, independently determine the necessary service and adjust the cost. Guests can count on the following services: security service, IT services for productive work, a sports bar, and laundry.

The kitchen area is equipped to the details – you can cook your own meals. A continental breakfast is provided to save time. The hotel collaborates with Manneken Pub, which offers porridge, toast and hot drinks (tea or coffee) in the mornings. There is a grocery store near the building. The location of the complex is good – on Moskovsky Prospekt. For lovers of nightlife in 15 minutes – a night club. Thanks to the thoughtful transport interchange, you can leave for any of the city’s districts.

Okhtinskaya 3 *

The building is located almost on the waterfront. This allows guests to enjoy the beautiful panorama of the Neva River. The pleasantness of the staff contributes to a pleasant stay – from security guards to employees at the reception. Even in a restaurant, for example, they are here kindly ready to offer assistance in making tea on the go. The interiors of the rooms are decorated in a modern style. The combination of colors is thought out – mint, delicate pastel or deep burgundy shades. To make the dream a pleasant one, Bonnell comfortable spring mattresses are used for the beds, and curtains that do not allow light to pass through the windows.

The rooms on the sunny side are additionally equipped with a separate air conditioning. Guests are pleasantly surprised by the variety of dishes at breakfast. These are various types of cereals, scrambled eggs and omelettes, cheeses and cold cuts, pastries and coffee. But the main thing is the atmosphere: snow-white covers on chairs, white tablecloths, attentive attitude of the staff. It is convenient to stay here if you want to get acquainted with Petersburg. Near the building there are transport stops and shops.

#Akyan Saint Petersburg 4 *#AZIMUT St. Petersburg 4 *#Baltic #Courtyard by Marriott #Emerald 5 *#Kempinski Moika 22 5 *#Lakhta Plaza #Okhtinskaya #Park Inn by Radisson Baltic #Park Inn by Radisson Nevsky 4 *#Radisson Sonya 4 #Saint Petersburg #The Hermitage - the official hotel of the State Museum 5 *#Vertical #W St. Petersburg 5 *

0 notes