Vacation of the Squeaky Kind (Preview)

Leona's eyes shot around the hotel lobby. Exit behind me, two doors leading to the hallways on both ends of the room… big door way off to the side of the front desk. Her eyes darted around more. Five people… beachwear, no way to hide anything on th-

The Hrothgar shook her head, grunting. Dammit, get out of this mindset. She took a deep breath and released it. Remember: vacation. No enemies around. Take it easy. No need to be in soldier warrior mode here.

She took another breath and released it, shoulders drooping. God, I really need this…

Leona Moonclaw was right. She needed to get away from the action, from the fighting. A proud warrior as herself needed some R&R every so often and after going without any for several years, this needed to happen. She needed a vacation, to free her mind, body, and soul from the battles she's waged, even for a little bit.

Taking one last breath and settling her mind down, the Hrothgar approached the hotel desk. She let her tension wash away, focusing on the fun she would have and nothing more. She felt some of her body relaxing already, though most of it remained on edge.

She found the desk empty and hit the service bell once and then twice. “Yoooooou rang, honeycakes?” A giggly, bubbly voice echoed from the backroom behind the room and with a flash red of a new figure zipped out in front.

Leona flinched, reaching for her belt… but remembering she had nothing and was being stupid. The figure that figured was a bright red canine lady. She positively glowed with how vibrant her fur was and how dashing her wavy, long, raspberry-red mane was. She was a sight for sore eyes or one that would give sore eyes given the vibrancy of her colors.

“Welcome welcome!” the dog yipped, holding out her rather puffy paws. “My name is Cassie and thank you so much for choosing our hotel to spend your vacation at! How may I help you today?”

“Ahh… I have a reservation?”

From there, the two talked and got everything sorted out. Cassie checked the computer and got everything set up, while Leona got the payment all squared away. It was boring small and business talk, something that felt quaint to the warrior.

“And here you are, Ms. Moonclaw!” Cassie pulled out a room key from behind the counter and dropped it into her hand. “Please enjoy your stay and let all of your worries, troubles, and whatnot drift away!”

“That's what I'm hoping.” What I'm reeeally hoping.

As Leona pocketed the key, Cassie's ears twitched. “OH!” the clerk said with a gasp, “Almost forgot something important!”

She dipped behind the counter outside of sight, low sounds of her rummaging heard from behind. She eventually popped back up and plopped something on the counter with a soft, plasticy smack. “Here you are!”

Leona took one look at it and blurted out, “What's that?” It appeared to be a handle of sorts. It looked like a very weird, gray handle that was made of rubber and plastic, almost like it was ripped off a pool toy. Though, this one stayed inflated without any air being sealed in.

“This is our resort gift!” The red dog's tail swished about excitedly. “We provide one for every guest so they can have a most enjoyable, light-hearted experience here!”

Leona did not understand. It looked like junk to her. Unless… it's used for… She dismissed the idea straight away, feeling foolish to think such a hotel would provide something so scandalous to its guests.

Regardless, it appeared to be harmless. She took the item and held it in her paw, squeezing it. Definitely didn't feel any bit troubling. She could take it. It would be rude to turn down… whatever exactly the item she had was.