Stardrifting Lullaby
Starter for @magicaldreaming's Tuesday
It was a strange set of circumstances for Jeff. Only two hours prior, he had been millimeters away from snapping over a fresh batch of bullet holes in the mansion hallways. A minute ago, he had finished reading the first chapter of Foundations of Mobility Magic (3rd Edition). Only seconds ago he was crawling into bed in his normal clothing. Now, he had suddenly found himself stumbling in the middle of an arid desert. Had he been so tired that he already started dreaming the moment he collapsed into bed?
No, he knew better. By even wondering if he was dreaming, he had ruled it out. Not a good sign. He immediately checked his watch and went pale. "Space-Time Warp complete," it read, along with a location unfamiliar to him and a time-to-recharge indicator.
So he was not stuck in this desert forever, but... Wait, did Patchouli not-- Oh, he was too parched to wonder. Best to get moving in some direction where there might have been water. He kept his eyes downward, watching for any wildlife that may have been present. A scorpion crossed his path; he lifted a hand, and the scorpion appeared to accelerate far past him. Taxing. He exhaled harshly, already feeling a little withered from his short walk, on top of being so tired.
He looked up and jumped. He had only traveled a decameter or two - how was he already in front of a multi-room building of rest? He pinched himself in the forearm. Nope, still awake. He lifted a hand to take out his contacts, but changed his mind after remembering he was in a desert. He sighed.
"Translate," he spoke aloud, lifting his watch parallel with his eyes until it translated the word "Motel" in real time. Still on Terra, it appeared.
Well, he needed water, and a place to fall asleep in peace, away from the gunfire of the Demon Lord's manor. He approached the front door and knocked on it before letting himself in.
