By the time strappy sandals had lead the exhausted derby queen across town it was nearly dawn. Bright blue eyes were burning from salt-laden tears that had so recently come cascading down narrow cheeks. A hand reached into the bag at her side halfway through the journey. The hot pink earbuds to her favorite music player were stuffed in the proper placement and Samilee breathed in deeply with the promise of rest on the horizon. You must've fallen from the sky. You must've shattered on the runway. You've brought so many to the light and now you're by your self. Pina colada glossed lips curled upwards in a subtle smile as tired legs carried her into the side of town where she knew the less reputable Inn was located. Arms wrapped protectively around her torso and the night breeze blew comfortingly over her shoulders. A hand reached down to pull the packet of cigarettes from her bag and one was set on the corner of her lips and lit just before a soft and broken voice broke the silence that hung around her.

"There comes a point in every fight when givin' up seems like the only way. When every one has said goodbye and now you're on your own." Thin stems swayed with fatigue and there was a strange glisten in weary eyes as they lifted to view the Inn a few blocks down. "If you need somewhere to fall apart. Somewhere to fall apart. The ruins of Cain, the rights you've made. The owls that caw, for those to blame. The broken glass, the fool that asked... the moving arrow to stop." The remnants of her cigarette were tossed to the wayside. Heels clicked against the stone driveway just before fingertips turned the knob to the infamous business run by Travanix and his associates as the music faded into the background.

Bright eyes lifted to peer at the girls and the patrons still lingering there in the main room. A half-hearted smile was offered to the hostess there at the front desk and the volume to the music player was turned lower so she would be able to hear the woman's voice. "Excuse me, I am a friend of Lord Travanix and will be needing a room for the evening." If you need somewhere to fall apart. Somewhere to fall apart. The ruins of man, the bloody black, the fool that bull the prouder hag. The night the makes the rattle ack, the wolves that follow the outed man. The falling star, the way we are. The vern, the rules that never ever mulitply. A hand reached to pull her bag up close and wait while the girl arranged whatever accommodations that were needed.

You must've fallen from the sky. You must've come here on the wrong way. You came among us every time. But now you're on your own... The power switch on the music player was flipped off and the derby queen sighed a moment and tried not to frown.

The gypsy bag slung over a bony shoulder carried a change of clothes or two, but there was otherwise no baggage. Chords of white trailed down her thin neck in the same way a woman's jewelry might. The sound of the sweet hostess's voice, so warmly welcoming the derby queen, was just the thing she needed after the positively horrendous night she had experienced. A deep inhale of the air and it was far cleaner than she had anticipated.

In silence the skinny minnie strolled behind the hostess through the Inn. The stairs almost made alto tones sound in a delighted coo. Perhaps it was a weird sort of quirk but she had always loved spiral staircases. They reminded her of the bayside haunts she used to frequent in the earlier days after her escape from her parent's old home. Spindly fingers clung to the bag and bright blues lifted to watch the hostess as the two of them moved. So ladylike and feminine with each sway. Her garment was finely tailored and trained steps were so subtle in their seductive powers. This woman was far removed from the breathtaking Cieara and Lyllianne, but the similarities were things that stuck out like a sore thumb in the derby queen's mind.

Burning eyes went wide and Samilee had to focus to keep from gawking at the beautiful expanse of the room she was being provided by Lord Travanix. Far grander than any of the accommodations she had previously encountered. Some of the woman's words were lost on her as the bag fell to the floor and the witless wonder stalked into the room with a sense of joy and affection welling up within her. Fingertips ran along the back of a flawlessly upholstered chair and every fiber of her being practically screamed out in admiration for the slaver and all his kind deeds for a lowly slacker.

Samilee turned to regard the hostess at the conclusion of her speech. "Is there a list of the rooms and toys located throughout this property? I would like to see what all is available." A few steps taken towards her and after a brief pause she considered another thought that struck her mind. "Also, I wonder if you wouldn't mind making me an appointment at a day spa tomorrow. I could use a bit of a makeover." Spindly fingers reached for the key and there was finally something of serenity and calm on the derby queen's face as she stood within this new Haven.

With the key in hand the derby queen turned and lazily swung to view the desk Nori had indicated. Through the haze in her eyes she saw the names and the specialties of each toy. This only half-registered in her head and was far from the most important thing in her mind. The lavish bed looked like a trip through paradise. With a smile to herself Samilee shook her head towards the hostess while still holding that same serene smile. "I believe that's all for now, thank you."

Once the door was closed Samilee locked it and turned to regard the luxurious room. Fingertips inched down to the ties of strappy sandals and they were cast aside as bare feet trudged along the plush carpet. Each detail was taken in... the design, quirks, amenities. Once the initial sweep was complete peepers narrowed in on that beautiful bed. With a running leap she jumped onto the comforter and let the pillows soak in her fatigue. A sigh leaked past previously glossed lips and Samilee let heavy eyelids finally press together. There was a definite smile upon her face as she curled into the delightful bed.

"I love this man." A bit of a giggle and the switch to her music player was flipped on again. The room, her things, future plans... they could all be dealt with in the morning. For now she embraced the chance for sleep in a place that felt altogether safe.
Well the truth it fell so heavy like a hammer through the room that I could choose another over her. You said I was an actor, baby, but guess it truth you thought me just amateur. That you never saw the signs, that you never lost your grip, oh come on now, that's such a childish claim. Now I wear the brand of traitor... don't it seem a bit absurd when I was so obviously framed. I have been so obviously framed...

Lyrics from Ray LaMontagne song Lesson Learned.