by Eden Redd
“Don’t want to lose me? You’ve been pushing me away for weeks. Lucas, I’ve been here before. Breaks never work out. Call it what it is!”
Lucas picked up his phone and looked at it, “I have to go. I’ll stop by this weekend to pick up some of my things at your place, if that’s okay?”
Laura barely nodded. “I’ll have ALL of your things on my porch by tomorrow morning.”
Lucas stood up, “Fine. If you want to talk, call me.”
Laura stayed seated as Lucas gave her one last look. He turned and stepped to the main doors. Laura looked up as he stepped out into winter’s grasp. Without looking back, Lucas crossed the street, around a corner and he was gone.
The young woman sat, stomach turning into knots once again. She wished it was because she loved him but deep down, she knew it wasn’t true. The emptiness she endured was one of history repeating its self, a constant tide of fast and fiery relationships that seemed to fizzle out after a year. With candid reflection, the young woman tried to smooth out the wrinkles of her life. Was she too nice? Did she bend more than she should? Why did she try to please jerk after jerk? Was this who she really was, some pathetic person not strong enough to keep someone happy or find someone that actually made herself happy?
Laura’s gaze fell on Lucas’s coffee cup he left behind, steam still rising. Standing up, she picked up the cup and walked to a trash receptacle. Images swirled around how she picked up after him again and again. Even now, she was still doing it even after he broke it off. Hating herself but not wanting to be rude, she poured the little coffee left into the trash and placed the cup in the recycling receptacle next to it. With a sullen gaze, Laura left the café and walked back to work.
Time flowed on as the rest of the day turned into blur. Finishing up on several reports, she attached them to emails and sent them off to everyone for Monday’s meeting. Turning off her monitor, Laura picked up her purse and waved goodbye to her fellow co-workers.
The ride down the elevator was quiet despite being jammed with bodies eager to leave for the day. It was Friday and everyone wanted to head out to the bars and restaurants for a well-deserved break from the week. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a dim light across the tops of skyscrapers. The wind picked up and the chill bit deeper. Laura wished she could go out for a drink to drown her sorrows but she had prior commitments.
Heading to the train station, she descended the stone steps, trying to forget the events of the day.
***
The door closed behind Laura and she let out a relaxed sigh. Tossing her coat and purse onto the couch, she looked around her apartment. One of Lucas’s shirts was on the couch and a pair of his shoes was by the door. Laura’s brow wrinkled. She picked up both items and threw them in a corner by a potted plant. She hoped the shirt would fall onto the dirt but it missed by several inches. Besides, she thought it would be rude to treat the potted plant with such disrespect.
Hands moved automatically as she lifted up her blouse. Shoes came off and dress pants were next. They pooled at her feet as she stepped out of them. Picking her clothes off the floor, she placed them on the couch and stepped to the bedroom door.
Flicking a light switch, the room glowed with dim light. The young woman unclipped her bra with expert ease, pulled it off and hung it on the bedroom doorknob. The freedom sent a familiar thrill through her body. Only in panties and socks, she sat at her computer, the Mind’s Eye Gear console, body suit and helmet resting about two feet away on a nearby dresser.
Tapping at the keyboard, Laura called up her Mind’s Eye e-mail to make sure the raid was still on. Checking her inbox, beeps chimed in one after the other. Eyes opening wider, she saw subject line after subject line scroll down.
“What happened?” “How could he do that to you?” “You better be in the raid tonight for cuddles!” “What a jerk!” “I’m so sorry you’re going through this.” “We’re here for you!” “He lost the best thing in his life!” “When I find him, I’m going to bury my sword in his head!” “We love you!”
On and on it went, message after message. Laura couldn’t read them all as more kept appearing. The dark sadness ebbed and a small smile bloomed. A new excitement filled her veins. The outpouring of the guild pushed back the cold dread, even if only for a moment.
Typing, she sent back a message to everyone that she would be in the raid tonight. Once she hit send, Laura was to her feet, fingers curling around the band of her panties. Pulling them down, she stepped out of them and flung them into the closet. Hands grabbed the Mind’s Eye Gear Suit and she quickly slipped it on. The white suit with blue lines hugged her form as she reached for the helmet. Lying down on her bed, she placed the helmet on and hit the activation button. The game console hummed to life as a red light turned green. The glowing edge of the helmet also turned from red to green as Laura lay down on her back.
With a dreamy gaze, she pushed away the ugly part of the day. Eyes closing, darkness cooled her mind before a light appeared. The oval shafts of light grew brighter until Laura felt herself drawn to it. There was a bright flash and she held out her arms, welcoming it as reality faded away to the background and the world of Lukken opened before her.
Two
Blinking away the light, Laura found herself in a middle of a tent. A simple cot lay to one side and a lantern hung from a thin pole. Looking down, the young woman smiled as she was back in her digital body. Pale arms rose up and she smoothed back her long black hair. Nearly white cleavage bounced as her arms came down, hand caressing a black pouch hanging against her left hip and a strap crossing over her chest. The foul memories of reality melted away and her game persona took hold.
Wynter moved to the tent flap and pushed it aside. Stepping out, she kept her wicked grin as she gazed upon the camp alive with activity. The sun was setting and two moons rose up against the darkening sky. Bodies moved in earnest between tents while some creatures and players checked their weapons and carried on in excited chatter. Wynter’s dark eyes moved, catching the sights and sounds of some players engaged in play, bodies moving to primal rhythms in plain sight. Gentle moans rose up as nude bodies joined in various positions. Limbs curled around hips while others were on their knees, heads bobbing. The mood was almost indifferent as small groups of orgies took place. Other players talked as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
Wynter opened her hand. A burst of blue flames flashed before a black metal staff appeared in her open hand, a metal skull at the top. Strolling along in black thigh high boots, the player walked toward the edge of camp. A large bonfire roared into the dimming sky. Trolls and players were slowly gathering at the camp edge. Wynter spotted a small wooden stage with troll flags billowing in the small gentle breeze. The player took hold of her cloak as the breeze unfurled it, opening to reveal her hourglass form covered in a black bikini and little else. Some eyes turned to take in her sensual curves before the wind weakened and the cloak fell back around her shoulders, covering up everything but her full cleavage, smooth stomach and pale thighs.
Several dark shadows moved from behind as Wynter looked on. Hands curled around her waist and before she could act, they took hold. Turning her around, a face buried in her cleavage as arms held her close. The player immediately noticed the long blonde hair and grinned.
“Wem mmirss yoo…..” the muffled words vibrated against large round breasts.
“I missed you too, Daven,” Wynter said as she ran her fingers through his thick, golden, yellow hair.
Several more figures moved in closer, some had sad smiles while others looked to the pale beauty with understanding expressions. The dam of restraint broke and they threw their arms around Wynter, hugging her tightly. The outpouring of love caused her eyes to moisten but she quickly blinked it away, letting their arms hold her in solidarity. After a few silent moments, the player shifted her body and the embrace quickly untangled.
Daven reluctantly pulled himself away but not before giving Wynter’s clea
vage one final kiss. The player looked to her guild mates, unable to form the words needed to express the love she felt. Instead she simply stood and basked in their glow.
A knight stepped forward, eyes sharp but filled with understanding, “Wynter, you know the whole guild is here for you.”
“I know Jakar,” Wynter nodded. “How did you all find out so fast?”
“Leopold didn’t seem to have a problem telling everyone as he left the guild hall. I told him I would break the news to give you some time to adjust but he didn’t seem to care until some of the guild pulled out their swords,” Jakar said with a touch of annoyance.
A female knight stepped forward, bright green eyes meeting Wynter’s, “He knew he fucked up and made a run for the door when I drew my sword.”
Wynter nodded to the knight, “Thank you but you all don’t have to worry about me. I knew what was coming for a little while now. I just couldn’t believe it.”
Jakar gently gripped Wynter’s shoulder, “Midian’s Lovers are here for you.”
“We take care of our own,” A tall blue skinned troll moved up, dressed in black leather armor, a bow strapped to his back and gentle smile on dark azure lips.
Wynter returned his gaze and smiled at the six-foot-four troll. Wondrous vibrations bounced off her alabaster skin. The player wasn’t sure if it was the suit or simply her own mind filling in the blanks but it felt too real, her guild mates needing to ensure she was okay.
Jakar squared his jaw as he prepared himself for the business at hand, “If you don’t feel up to it, you don’t have to be in the raid.”
Wynter eyed the handsome knight, “No, I want to be here. I have my whole weekend planned around this. It would be wrong to abandon the guild on such an important raid.”
Jakar nodded, “Good to hear because the masters need every able person here. Two more guilds have joined in, despite the frustration from the previous attempts. We are about a hundred players strong and the masters have doubled the amount of troll soldiers. I think this time we can beat the dungeon.”
Memories floated up from the guild meetings. No raid has reached the final levels of the Harkkon Dungeon. It was one of the toughest raids due to the fact that the dungeon rearranges its levels with each new group that enters. Every group that has gone in ends up wiped out. Nearly a hundred levels deep, it has remained one of the few that have not been conquered. Her guild had wanted to join in the raid but they simply didn’t have strong enough numbers to take it on. It was one of the things Wynter and Leopold had been working on, making themselves the strongest necromancers so they could assist in the raid when things grew nasty. Foul, sad thoughts bubbled up and the sensual necromancer pushed them down. There was no time to grieve her failed relationship.
Jakar noticed the twinge in Wynter’s eyes, “We don’t need Leopold to help us. We know how strong you are.”
Wynter nodded and gave a weak smile, “Thank you Jakar, I won’t let the guild down.”
The knight smiled before turning to the rest of the guild gathered in a semi-circle, “Alright, they’re going to start the announcements soon. I need everyone in their assigned groups. Daven and Nikki, you’re with Wynter. Since we have an open spot, I need a volunteer in Wynter’s group.”
Everyone raised their hands, causing Wynter to nearly blush. A troll ignored all the raised hands, stepped over and stood by the necromancer, a stern expression painting his blue face. Hands slowly lowered and sly smiles beamed back. Wynter looked up to the troll with a small grin.
Jakar shrugged, “It looks like Kai is part of Wynter’s group. Everyone else, get to your assigned troll escorts. When the meeting finishes, we’re going in so be ready. Any questions?”
The guild was silent.
“Good, let’s make history!” Jakar shouted.
The guild let out a roar. Wynter joined in, her voice merging with her guild mates. With senses dialed to eleven, it felt good to be part of something bigger than herself right now. She knew she had to use every bit of her power and abilities to keep her team alive. Feeling their compassion only further cemented her resolve. They were going to beat this dungeon or die trying.
The guild dispersed with most of the players hugging or giving Wynter a pat on the shoulder. She thanked them all in turn until only she stood with her raid mates. Daven smiled, a gnarled brown staff in his hand and long brown robe flowing down to his boots. Nikki stood in her silver armor, tying her long hair back into a pony tail. She was slightly shorter than Wynter but carried herself like she was bigger than anyone else. Wynter guessed that she made herself small to throw off the enemy’s perception of her. In battle, she was a tiny powerhouse and filled her harem with large male concubines and Amazonian females, almost to confuse any enemy of her true power.
The necromancer turned her gaze to the silent troll ranger by her side. Kai glanced at her and then looked away. She knew he had a soft spot for her, but Leopold was adamant that they could only have non-player lovers. Wynter stuck to that rule even if she felt it was an odd one to have since the game offered so much sexual freedom. The thought of him made the player mentally curse to herself. She was good and followed the rules, but there were always hints that Leopold was sneaking off to meet others. Wynter had her plate full with adventuring and growing her power.
Memories washed against the shores of her mind. Almost every weekend she and Leopold would have marathon gaming sessions at their tower, growing their dark power and abilities. They cast the bonding rituals so their love making would charge their soul shards together. It was the few times they were intimate where he wasn’t a rude jerk. But even after those bonding experiences, he sometimes said he needed some time alone so he could recharge his batteries. He said he was going on solo adventures but deep down, Wynter knew the truth and let it slide, telling herself that it was simply a game. Now that he was gone, she was no longer held to any such idiotic rules. The thought caused a small spike of pain in her heart coupled with a thrill knowing she was free of him.
“Are you sure you’re okay raiding this weekend?” Kai asked with dark eyes.
The necromancer looked up to him and smiled, “I know you’re all worried about me but I’ll be fine. I’m not defined by my relationship.”
The large troll bowed his head slightly, “I don’t mean any offence.”
Wynter reached up and touched his cheek, “Let’s focus on the raid. We can talk afterwards at the celebration.”
Kai nodded and returned her smile with his own. Nikki and Daven stepped closer. The four players felt the energy in the air grow as they talked over strategies. Each player confirmed their position in the group.
“I’m the meat shield,” Nikki said with mock stern authority.
“I’m DPS and healer,” Daven said enthusiastically.
Kai smiled at Daven and turned to Wynter, “I’m the Switch; DPS, range attacks and meat shield.”
“DPS and Enforcer when we need it,” Wynter said confirming her role. The Damage Per Second roles were shared with the group but the Enforcer role was for getting out of a bad situation should they be out numbered. Necromancers were the only class that could turn the tide of a bad situation which made them invaluable should any battle turn for the worst. Kai took on another important role as Switch. He could fill in a role should someone become weakened or need moments to recuperate. With roles filled, a horn sounded off from the simple stage past the gathered crowd.
The group turned and joined the crowd as trolls stood off to the sides of the stage. Banners flying, several trolls stepped out onto the stage. Their black leather uniforms gleamed off a dull light with insignias inscribed on their clothes, indicating their rank and titles. One troll walked up, nearly eight feet tall with bulging muscles. Wynter admired his deep azure skin, strong jaw and V shaped brow. A kind smile bloomed as he moved to the front of the stage, a simple leather shoulder piece covering his right shoulder, the strap crossing over his thick chest. The smile was disarming but his eyes carried a
strange glint and burning intensity. Looking out at the sea of faces, he raised his meaty arms to the crowd gathered before him.
“Allies, we have come here tonight to perform a great deed. For all those gathered, I am Master Kurss Darkwhisper and I represent the Kunarr Southern Kingdoms. Behind me is the Harkkon Ruins, a dangerous place but not so dangerous for those seeking fame and fortune. We are here to conquer this place and gain artifacts taken from the troll kingdoms many centuries ago. We have put out the call and you have answered.
“Tonight, we enter a place filled with monsters and enemies from the Troll Kingdoms. I have pledged two hundred of my finest warriors to aid in our quest. They are willing to give up their lives to reach the fabled depths. We go in three hundred strong but not all of us will make it. Your metal will be tested. Bring your finest weapons, clever skills and stalwart hearts so we may dispel the myth that this dungeon cannot be conquered.
“We gather as warriors but we shall be victorious as family!”
The crowd cheered, raising swords, staffs and fists into the air. Wynter lifted her staff, chanting with fellow players as the excitement grew. Kurss lowered his meaty arms and eyed the crowd with a pleased gaze and wicked smile.
The troll master continued and the crowd lowered their cheers to hear, “My captains will assign trolls to your groups. They are all familiar with the dozens of entry points to the ruins. From there we will make our way down. Take whatever treasure you find but leave any artifacts with your fellow troll escorts. When it’s over, I will have the biggest celebration Lukken has ever known! They will sing of it for generations to come!”
The crowd erupted again into shouts and cheers. When it died down, Kurss slowly looked out to the crowd and smiled his approval.
“We begin soon. Make your final preparations, for the gods will know of this very night!”
Kurss turned and stepped off the stage with his captains close behind. The crowd broke into excited murmur as groups splintered off. The troll captains addressed their warriors and they too broke off one by one to their assigned groups. The sun had set, stars dotting the now dark purple sky. Twin moons shined brightly, casting their pale light across Lukken.
