Chives in Immortalis Logs a Daily Nicolas Report on Unusual Requests
7 October
Master Nicolas,
Your instructions regarding the maintenance of these logs remain uppermost in my considerations. The Hotel Immortalis continues to attract a procession of petitioners whose demands test the boundaries of propriety and reason. I append below the particulars of today’s more singular entreaties, catalogued in the order of their reception, with such observations as may prove germane to your deliberations.
09:17 – One Miss E. Hargrove, presenting credentials as a freelance archivist, solicited access to the sub-basement archives for the purpose of consulting our ledgers on “forgotten nocturnal migrations circa 1892”. She professed an academic interest in migratory patterns of certain long-lived species. Upon gentle reminder of our policy on restricted access, she inquired whether a personal introduction from yourself might expedite matters. I assured her that such endorsements are rare, and directed her to the public reading room, where the less sensitive volumes reside.
11:42 – A gentleman identifying as Mr. L. Voss requested the loan of a silver-tipped cane from the guest services inventory, citing an immediate need for “protection against undue familiarity during evening promenades”. His aspect suggested prior acquaintance with our clientele, though not of the favoured variety. The item was declined on grounds of hygiene protocols, substituted with a facsimile in ebony. He departed muttering of “archaic formalities”, yet returned an hour later to express gratitude for the alternative, unprompted.
14:05 – The party of three, styling themselves as “The Veil Collective”, petitioned for the reservation of the Crimson Suite for a private seance, stipulating the provision of fresh earth from unconsecrated ground and a selection of Type O-negative vitae, warmed to body temperature. Their leader, a Mrs. Thorne with hennaed hair and an excess of amulets, averred this was essential for communing with “transitional entities”. The suite was allocated per standing policy for verified occult practitioners, with the vitae sourced from approved donors. Housekeeping reports the subsequent disturbance minimal, save for residual chalk markings on the parquet.
19:33 – An anonymous correspondent via the secure line demanded an audience with you personally, concerning “reparations for a pact annulled under duress in Vienna, 1764”. The voice bore traces of Eastern European inflection, laced with what sounded like restrained hysteria. I recorded the particulars and cross-referenced against the Vienna dossier, finding no immediate match. A trace has been initiated; preliminary indications point to a routing through Gdansk. Shall I prepare the usual deterrents?
23:11 – Closing notation: A solitary figure lingered at the service entrance post-midnight, depositing a parcel addressed to “The Keeper of Hungers”. Contents: a single crimson rose, desiccated, accompanied by a note in spidery script reading, “She remembers the taste. Return what was borrowed, or taste oblivion.” The bloom has been quarantined in the cold vault pending your inspection. No scents or residues detected beyond attar of roses and faint decay.
All standard operations proceed without incident. The staff roster holds at full complement, with rotations unaffected by recent departures. I remain at your disposal for any elaboration.
Your obedient servant,
Chives
Immortalis Book One August 2026