Book of Paid Work

The Festival of Spirits

*START*

The had made it , a plane trip across an ocean and  then driving cross country through fields and forests and they had finally made it to there destination. Andre was first out of the car  ,stretching his long legs and groaning from being the one to drive the last 3 hours. Nico and Erik quickly followed , Nico flinching at the bright mid day light that filtered through the treeline. Erik took a look around the clearing they had parked , the property was surrounded by tall pine trees and oaks which provided privacy , he couldn't help but be impressed that Andre had managed to find a place like this. The building before them was like a log cabin but much larger , with three stories including an attic and a spacious deck which had a solid black metal table with a small brown paper wrapped box on the front. As Nico and Erik began to unpack the car discussing there desires to get inside and take a moment to unwind before exploring , Erik wanted to set up a knife throwing spot in the back of the garden as the varying levels of tree growth made a wonderful throwing galley , Nico wanted to check out the attic which was said to have a huge glass window which looked out across the haunted Silver Peaks. Andre scampered up the front porch dressed in his black tee and jeans with sneakers , snatching the box off the table and tearing into it like a kid on Christmas. Inside was a key to the front and back door as well as a list of local attractions advised by the owners which included a "haunted forest tour" which was bookable over the phone. Andre smiled and knew he had picked the right place for Nico's birthday. December 21st would be in 2 days which was within the festival period. The festival of spirits it was called. He knew Nico would love the occult festival coming up , the timing with his birthday was all to perfect.

Erik moved grabbing the majority of the bags. He was stronger then his lovers so he didn't mind , Nico carried in a huge rucksack full of books and a plastic bag stuffed with energy drink bottles and empty bags of jerky and veggie crisps. Travel food littered the car. Nico had been copilot  for most of the journey with Erik sleeping half the time but he didn't mind. He looked up at the house and then to the clouds , they seemed thick with snow and hung heavy in the sky. Perhaps they would get snowed in? He wouldn't mind a day cuddled up with Erik and Andre on a sofa watching the snow fall. It would be so peaceful. He headed into the house following after Andre as he opened the front door. Inside it was split up fairly nicely , there was a large kitchen off to one side which seemed to have some basics already , a casual dinning room with a large pine wood table and chairs. Then there was the open living room with a huge working fireplace which worked off arcane symbol's so it was easy to light which was surrounded by plush and warm sofa's , arm chairs and a bean bag which called to him. Then there was a small bathroom and a pantry. Andre looked like a hyper puppy as he tossed the keys down onto the coffee table in the living room calling out "I drove last so I get to pick first!". Nico chuckled as he followed after him , he already knew the room he wanted. He had seen it from outside , it was smaller then the master suite back it had a arched Gothic window and it looked like a big bed from what he saw. He rushed up the stairs hearing Erik dropping bags in the front door before going back for more.

Erik couldn't help but hide a grin , yea yea leave the bags to the half orc boys. He pulled a red shabby suitcase from the boot of the car looking back towards the house. The cold wind air bit at his exposed skin and he stretched out pulling the bag into the house and leaving it against a kitchen counter before going into the adjoined living room and laying back on a plush grey leather sofa. He stretched out enjoying the leg room. He pulled out his phone texting his sister he and the guys had made it to the cabin and that signal looked to be not to bad so he should be able to text her easily. Sending the text he looked at the picture and couldn't resist grinning , his sister's contact picture was one they had taken recently of her just giving him a goofy face,  in the background both Andre  and even Nico were doing the same face. It was possibly his favourite photo he had ever had. Turning off the phone he moved upstairs knowing whilst he would have last choice of the rooms he didn't really mind. He was mature enough to know that whilst each of them would have there own rooms to throw junk in that it didn't matter who's room was best because whoever had the biggest bed would be the one they would all end up sleeping in. He did hope Andre would let Nico pick first however since the trip was for him. He strolled up stairs spotting Andre in a bedroom with bright blue paint and a huge king sized bed , then Nico in a room that seemed perfect for him with a dark green paint and simple double bed with a desk pushed up against a window. The final room , his room was a decent size with a pale green wallpaper and a large double bed. He tossed his smaller backpack on the bed and threw himself back onto the bed. He couldn't wait for dinner as he had a nice surprise planned.