by Eden Redd
Vanya lifted a clawed hand into the air and took a deep breath.
“Thank you kind stranger,” she screeched in manic glee and then laughed as two crescent moons rose up into the night sky.
Two
Thomas was humming a tune as he shut down his computer and fixed up his desk. The architect’s heart was light and full of energy as he watched the screen turn black. Needing to rush out, he turned his upper body and grabbed his jacket off the back of his chair. Standing up from his cubicle; eyes centered on the elevator doors across the office. Pulse quickening, he knew he simply had to reach the elevator and he was free.
“Tommy!”
Thomas’s good mood soured as his eyes shifted to James crossing the office toward him. A thought crossed his mind that he could still make a run for it but knowing James, he would chase him down or worse, ride the elevator with him and talk endlessly about bullshit.
James stopped by the edge of the cubicle as Thomas put his jacket on, “Glad I caught you. A bunch of us are meeting for drinks and everyone wanted you to join us.”
Thomas gave his best fake smile, “Sorry James, but I have plans this weekend.”
James eyed him with a smirk, “It seems every other week you have plans. Those long weekends must have recharged your batteries because you’ve been a super star the last few months. What gives? Are you moonlighting with another company?”
Thomas kept his face blank as annoyed tension filled his heart. The architect couldn’t stand James’s insinuations. He had a bad habit of assuming the worst in everyone, even if you were doing the right thing. As much as Thomas tried to keep his work and personal life separate, James went out of his way to dig for every bit of information he could on someone. Rumors persisted around the small office that when James took you out for drinks, he was trying to lower a person’s defenses so he could file anything said or done for later. Thomas had deflected James’s pushy behavior with constant plans outside of work but it seemed to make his boss try harder to reel him in.
“I just have a busy life,” Thomas said simply as he looked to the elevators miles away.
James kept his gaze steady, as if trying to read Thomas’s mind. “I don’t get it. We are part of something big, rebuilding the most famous city in the world and you are rushing out the door like none of it matters. We should be celebrating. Our designs are winning almost every bid and you don’t want to enjoy the spoils?”
Thomas repressed the urge to shake his head. James was quick to say it was “our” designs when most of the time it was the team’s designs and to an extent, Thomas’s designs. James enjoyed putting his name on everything without doing much of the work. Thomas’s eyes couldn’t help but drink in James as he stood, leaning on the edge of the cubicle and dressed like some high-powered stock broker in an 80’s movie.
James pulled from the edge of the cubicle and looked Thomas up and down before giving him a sly look. “You have a girl, that’s why your weekends have been so busy, you sly dog.”
Thomas’s expression shifted into surprise just enough for James to smile and nod his head in approval. “Hey man, I’m never one to stand in the way of love. You should bring her around so we can give her a tour of the office sometime. I’ll talk you up so you get extra brownie points with her, if you know what I mean.”
The happy mood turned into a decaying sickness in Thomas’s stomach. How he hated anything James would vomit up and try to pass off as bro talk. Skin crawling, the young man simply nodded, unable to get a single word out for fear he would lose his job.
James stepped back, sly smile still on his lips. “Enjoy your long weekend. I fully expect to hear all the weekend dirt next week. If you change your mind and decide to bring over the new girly, we’re hanging out at Bull Tavern in the East Village.”
With that, James turned and walked back to his office. Thomas let out a long sigh as energy returned to his legs. Eyes laser focused on the elevators, he nearly darted to them, pressing the down button like the office was on fire behind him.
A short elevator ride down and waving goodbye to security at the front desk, the front doors burst open as Thomas stepped out into the evening air. Cold touched his face as he breathed it in. The tension in his shoulders and sourness in his stomach faded away, replaced with a comforting freedom. Turning on his heels, he began walking down the busy street, basking in the bliss of work chains slipping from his body.
The sky darkened and people flooded the streets on a Friday night. Thomas looked up as he walked, marveling at the city he now called home. He wasn’t sure when it happened but New York City seemed to coil around his heart. Where he had felt homesick and lost several months back, now, he felt like he was finally getting the hang of it. The entire city pulsed with excitement and wonder. Looking to the buildings, their history glowed in his mind as street lamps blinked on. Steam rose from sewer grates which only added to the mystery of the city.
Thomas walked along, a gentle bliss caressing his frayed nerves. The last few months had been busy but nothing he felt he couldn’t handle. Work was work but James made the days a little trying. As much as he wanted to tell his boss to go fuck himself, he remained dutiful and silent, waiting for the weekends to come so he could revel in his dreams.
The thought of his boss sent Thomas’s mind sinking into the ether of his memories. James was right about a girl, but in the wrong way. The young man pondered on his life over the last number of months. A girlfriend would have been a big change; instead he had an entire second life in Lewd Saga which was just the tip of how complicated his life had truly become. The demands of a city seemed to grow with the population and now the player was taking nearly every other Monday off so he could spend more time in the game. Ruling over a fantasy city had consumed him but it didn’t break him. It caused his passion to burn brighter as the muses sang on, causing inspiration to flow in the digital and real world.
Thoughts swam on as Thomas recalled his fellow players and friends. Warmth glowed in his chest as the excitement of seeing them spurred him on to pick up the pace. He and his fellow players worked their schedules together so they could be there and ensure their city prospered. It had become a labor of love in many ways. Thomas couldn’t deny how warm his heart felt for his fellow rulers. They had become special in a way he never imagined. Images flowed of a certain ogre and the player smiled to himself. Another image of a blue skinned troll with a pink strip in her hair caused his heart to skip a beat. It had all become so maddening and beautiful at the same time.
The tapestry of images melted and reformed, a tanned wood elf with strawberry blonde hair seeping into his thoughts. A sliver of gloom touched the player as he soon reached his apartment building. Not wanting to spoil his good mood, he gently pushed away the image and slipped into the building lobby.
A short elevator ride and a quick fumbling of keys, the young man stepped into his apartment and closed the door behind him. Stepping in further, Thomas tried to keep the thoughts of work at bay. Despite all the good work and high praise, it was only a matter of time before he moved on. Working with a toxic boss only pushed at him to take his future into his own hands. James spoke of changing the greatest city in the world for the better but Thomas knew his boss didn’t mean it. James was constantly concerned with dollar signs and how many he could get his greedy hands on. Everyone in the office saw it, but it felt like poison in Thomas’s veins. Building Elora in Lewd Saga showed that you can do something magnificent and not be a douche to everyone around you. Thomas promised himself that when the time was right, he would move on in real life to something more meaningful. For now, he would watch over his kingdom and keep to his promises of helping those who could not help themselves.
Pulling out day old take-out from the fridge, Thomas grabbed a fork in the kitchen and scooped noodles into his mouth. The excitement burned as he continued to shove food in before taking the dive back into the game. Tossing the empty carton in the trash, he rushed over to the ladder and began to
climb to the upper loft area. Shedding his clothes, he marched over to the Mind’s Eye Gear suit and helmet lying on the bed. In mere moments, he slipped the suit on and put the helmet over his head. Pressing a small button on the side of the helmet, the Lewd Saga console hummed to life on a nearby shelf. Thomas sat on the edge of the bed as the helmet glowed with an edge of red around his eyes. A light glowed red on the console.
Thomas lay back onto the bed. The red light turned green along the helmet and then the console. Thomas smiled as he closed his eyes. Heart thudding in his chest, the darkness shifted into a line of light before it streamed past him. The player felt his mind leave his body as the streaming light parted and flashed across his vision, hurtling his digital self to a realm beyond.
***
Edric opened his eyes as he settled into his virtual body. The familiar bed chamber lay out before him as he smiled to himself. A gasp from behind caused him to turn his head, eyes on a short woman in servant’s clothes, folded sheets in her arms.
“Forgive me my lord, I didn’t see you come in,” the woman bowed.
Edric turned to her, his smile remaining. “It’s okay. I was just stopping by for a moment.”
“Very good my lord. I was merely changing out the linen. Is there anything else I can do for you while I’m here?”
Edric eyed the servant, a thin pink braid hanging from one of her temples. The rest of her hair was black and tied back into a neat bun but the braid stood out against her fair skin. It was enough for the summoner to pause, gaze caught on the hanging braid.
The servant bowed her head, “Forgive me my lord. Is the braid not to your liking?”
Edric woke from his trance, “No, it’s fine. I just didn’t expect it. I assume you’re wearing it because of our guest?”
The servant kept her head bowed as she spoke, “Lady Reed has inspired many with her kindness. She walks the streets, helping and assisting any who need it. Many…of us only wish to follow in her footsteps, my lord.”
“You don’t have to bow,” Edric grinned.
The servant lifted her head up, eyes on her lord.
Edric continued, “She is pretty special, isn’t she?”
The servant nodded. “She inspires us with her strength and her beauty, as do you all.”
The summoner nodded. Ever since Juna made Elora her home, the people had treated her like she belonged. Unlike the trolls camped outside of the city, no one had an ill word to say about the beautiful half-troll. Her light seemed to set everyone at ease and as Edric eyed the servant’s pink braid, it seemed to inspire the populace to follow her strength.
Edric gave the servant a kind gaze, “What’s your name?”
“Andrea, my lord,” the servant said and almost bowed before catching herself.
“Tell me Andrea, what is it about her that inspires you?”
A small shy smile bloomed. “She makes us feel safe as she patrols the streets. She has saved a number of citizens from,” Andrea’s smile faded away, “…the dead.”
A shadow bled down from under Edric’s eyes. At night, the dead have walked the streets. It started out as a skeleton here and there. The guards would quickly dispatch them and report in but soon the frequency began to grow. When a guard was killed, many of the guards refused to patrol the streets at night, fearing they would be next. Even the promise of a higher wage was not enough for them to take up the duty which in turn, left the city fearing the night. It was one of several things Edric was supposed to discuss with his fellow rulers today.
“There hasn’t been any undead sighted in some time and we are all grateful for it,” Andrea finished.
“That is a good thing,” Edric looked up, the shadows under his eyes melting away.
“Indeed, my lord. We pray she can root out this evil once and for all.”
Edric could see the hero worship in Andrea’s eyes. The summoner and his fellow rulers had each taken steps to patrol the city themselves but it was clear, Juna was getting all the glory. Edric didn’t mind for he thought it would help ease her into staying, but it clearly was influencing the entire city. Several paladins and clerics even took the time to aid in handling the recent undead threat but all eyes were on Juna.
“I’m sure we will all do our part to make Elora safe,” Edric smiled.
Andrea nodded. “Will there be anything else my lord?”
The summoner shook his head, “Not right now.”
Andrea bowed slightly at the waist before making her way to the door and stepping out of the bedchamber. Edric looked to the open balcony of his room, a small breeze causing the light curtains to billow. Hand reaching down to his satchel, he opened it and dove in, fingers curling around a stone. Pulling it out, he whispered arcane words. Energy flowed with his breath, snaking down to the floor and an arcane circle glowing to life. A figure rose up, yellow eyes on the summoner.
Edric watched as Leeta rose up from the circle before it faded from sight. The ogre stood nearly seven feet tall, an ivory horn curved up from her forehead. Tanned skin covered her strong but feminine body. A black dress cascaded down her womanly curves from her neck to her ankles. Slits ran along the sides up to her hips and her large breasts strained against the tight black fabric of her top. A diamond opening showed her deep cleavage as bare arms rose up and she charged. The player never had a chance to say anything as the ogre grabbed him and hugged him so tight, all the air was pushed out of his lungs. Face buried in her exposed cleavage, the summoner struggled as he wriggled like a caught fish.
“I missed you!” Leeta squealed.
“Mmmm mmmrph…” Edric tried to speak.
Leeta looked down; eyes wide as she pulled him back from her cleavage and set him down. The summoner fixed his dark green robe while smiling like a fool. Lifting his head up, he gazed on the ogre with loving warmth. Leeta stepped closer, gently hugging him closer and being careful to let him breath.
“I missed you too,” Edric said as he pulled away.
“Will you be staying a while longer?” Leeta asked with hope in her eyes.
Edric nodded, “I sure am. There’s too much to do and you know I can’t stay away for long.”
Leeta clasped her hands before her chin as her eyes and smile widened. “That is good news! Can we celebrate your return with some wine? I will gather some from the cellar. I have been thinking about a Syrah that may fit the occasion and…”
“Leeta, I was gone for two days.”
The ogre let out a small, girlish laugh. “Two days too long. It feels like a lifetime since I’ve seen you and I don’t want to waste a moment.”
The ogre was going in for another hug when Edric lifted his hand. Leeta stopped, looking down at her master with a puzzled gaze.
“I know you’re happy to see me but there are duties I must attend too. We can make some time for us soon but I should be meeting with the ladies of Elora.”
Leeta’s happy gaze shifted as she stood taller. “I understand but promise me you will have a drink with me.”
“I promise,” Edric chuckled lightly.
The beautiful ogre nodded her head, fingers resisting the urge to grab Edric. A knock at the door caused the summoner and ogre to turn their gaze to it.
“Lord Temple,” said a muffled voice from the other side of the door, “a servant just informed me you were here. Lady Pearl and Lady Discord wait for you in the council chamber.”
Edric and Leeta stepped to the door. The summoner opened it to see Thalia reared up from her snake-like lower half, hands clasped before her and eyes drinking in her lord. The lamia’s body was poised but the glow of her eyes showed she was happy to see him.
“Thalia, so good to see you, have they been waiting long?”
The lamia bowed her head, “Only a few minutes but Lady Discord said you should….move your ass.”
“What about Lady Riverwood?”
Thalia’s face blanked as she looked away, “She is still in the Riverwood District. She informed the messenger she would
not be attending the meeting and to carry on without her.”
Edric let out a small exhale. Faye had been distant for a while and now she was avoiding meetings. The player knew he had to address this but part of him didn’t know how. The wood elf monk did not like the idea of trolls taking residence in the city but Edric couldn’t believe that was the only reason. She hadn’t talked to him and tried to avoid him at every turn. It was reaching a point where the summoner was beginning to take it personally.
“Please follow me,” Thalia said as she turned and began slithering down the corridor.
Edric and Leeta followed. The summoner’s mind drifted as they turned corners and walked down long corridors. The last few months had kept Edric and his fellow rulers busy but not busy enough to not spend quality time together. It was Faye who distanced herself, spending most her time in her district and very little in Gray Haven Keep. It caused Edric to question if she was going to stay or perhaps move on to other things. The thought of the wood elf leaving caused the player’s heart to squeeze in his chest but he had to remind himself that he was just acting silly. The people adored Faye and he doubted very much she would leave, he hoped.
The trio reached the double doors of the council chambers. Thalia took hold of a handle and pulled it open. Edric stepped through while Leeta took her place by the door and stood guard. Thalia closed the door as Edric stepped into the medium sized stone room. Tapestries covered the walls with the banner of Elora, showing a single blooming tree with angel wings spread out from the trunk. Claudia and Rayna looked up from a round table, with the same design carved in the middle, and smiled. Claudia sat in the chair opposite of Rayna, who was leaning back with her boots up on the oak table.
“Glad you can join us,” Rayna said with a sarcastic edge.
“You weren’t waiting that long,” Edric smiled as he took a seat at the table.
