Book 5: Chapter 48: A girl and her spider balloon

Book 5: Chapter 48: A girl and her spider balloon

Heather reclined on a plush couch with a book in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. She was situated before a window of clear glass that soared up ten meters, bathing the space in golden sunlight. Around her were shelves of books lining the walls in oaken towers that needed ladders to reach the top. They were arranged in a great hall with three levels, whose walls and floors were made of polished white marble. In the center was a magical fountain that made almost no sound while glowing blue liquid cascaded down a curled dragon's back. There were potted plants adorned with flowers of indescribable beauty tucked into every corner. The whole space was illuminated by magical lights that floated about the room, trailing glitter and producing a faint chiming sound. Everywhere there was something magical, from the ladders that moved and appeared when needed to the book faeries that would return finished books to their place. Even Webster managed to find something magical and now lounged on a floating pillow as he basked in the warm sun.

See, this kind of life could make me want to stay here, Heather said as she turned a page. Webster chirped, causing her to laugh before promising to ask where she got the floating pillows.

Everything about this day was remarkable, even down to how they got to the island in the first place. Lady Maline took them to a prominent white platform inside the city then called for her chariot. A golden light appeared and formed into a chariot fit for a giant and more than capable of carrying twenty normal-sized people. It glowed with what Heather could on describe as sunlight, and in place of wheels, it had wings of the same luminous material. They climbed aboard, and it flew so gently that she hardly noticed the movement. It went directly to the floating island, landing on a crystal platform so ornately etched with patterns Heather couldn't follow them all.

From here, they walked down a grand causeway that went straight through a garden of giant plants, making them all feel like insects. The house was made of gold and white blocks, but they didn't look like marble. Heather wasn't sure, but they almost resembled metal, and the seams between bricks were so slight she almost didn't notice them. The entire place was covered in windows like the one in the library. Great soaring cathedral-like structures that took in the sweeping views.

They were nervous at first, especially when Lady Maline introduced them to some of her staff. The lady of the house had an eye for exotic girls and dressed them in maid's outfits with very short skirts. Heather was concerned that Lady Maline might be expecting something of Blackbasts slave girls, but it was quite the contrary. She treated everyone, including her staff, like dear friends. She invited them to tour the house, surrounding gardens, and the lower cellars to their heart's content. Her girls would see to their needs and answer any questions they had. She then invited Blackbast to a private study to discuss a business matter and bid them all enjoy themselves.

The others spread out, investigating the house and discussing how amazing the space was. Heather and Frank wandered the house for a few minutes, taking in the palatial rooms and getting lost in all the details. She then turned to a maid with rabbit ears and asked her where the library was. Jilly was more than happy to show them where it was and explained how everything worked. She then ran off to bring them some wine and a bowl of chocolates while smiling and thanking them for putting her to use.

Do you think that girl is an NPC? Frank called from the balcony above. She was so eager to answer your questions.

She seemed like a player to me, Heather replied and stretched in the sun. But you're right; she was so happy that we wanted something from her.

I wonder if she has a maid class, He suggested and leaned on the railing. Maybe they get experience by being useful.

I wonder, Heather replied and set her book aside. That would be amazing if it was true. I guess it shouldn't surprise me considering how the succubus earns her experience.

Lots of classes earn experience by playing their role, Frank replied as a glowing green fairy fluttered past his face. Your slave class probably earns experience by obeying Blackbast.

Lets not forget what Blackbasts slaves are asked to do, Heather grumbled and sat up. Its basically another succubus.

Im sure she could give you other instructions, Frank said as he watched from above.

What do you think this private business is about? Heather asked and sipped her wine. She seemed very interested in speaking to Blackbast about it.

I dont know, but it worries me, Frank admitted. This seems too welcoming and easy, especially after the experience we just had with Lydia. I cant help but think she is being so nice to us because she wants something.

Well, whatever it is, I am sure Blackbast can handle it, Heather said and shooed a fairy that came to claim her book away. I want a library like this in my tower. The faeries are a nice touch.

I am sure you can have something like this, Frank replied and headed down the stairs. But she has to be a very high level to have a spatial dimension.

A special what? Heather asked with a raised brow and looked to Webster. Do you have any idea what he just said? Webster chirped and bounced on his pillow, causing Heather to shrug as Frank arrived on the ground floor.

Spatial, not special. It's a term used to mean the interior of a space is larger than the exterior, Frank explained as he shook out his golden hair. You see it a lot in old TV shows.

Wait, so the house is bigger on the inside? Heather asked.

Yeah, its much bigger. You didnt notice? he said.

Heather looked around and had to admit she hadn't noticed. The house was a palace, to be sure, but it wasnt any larger than the exterior, was it?. She considered the rooms they had already explored but couldn't get her mind around the idea that they exceeded the exterior space. So she asked Frank how it worked and how large a building could be created. He said that a castle could be hidden inside a shack in the woods if somebody wanted to spend the points. He then described how the elven nations had magical forests where you could wander for weeks and never find a single building. But if you walked between two specific trees, you would suddenly be in the heart of a forest city or hidden village. The whole place was a network of magical doors hidden in the landscape.

That sounds amazing, Heather sighed and looked to the handsome man before her. For once in her life, she had good friends who stuck by her side despite it being to their advantage not to. The world was full of wonder and magic, with something new to be discovered around every corner. She even had a talking spider the size of a house cat for a pet, and what girl wouldn't want that? You know, I have to say, there might be something worth staying here for, she said with a smile.

You don't really mean that, he said and looked away as if embarrassed.

Well, I hate the relationship between hero and monster players, and I am not particularly fond of Kevin, but this is alright. She accentuated her point by gesturing to the house all around them. Now that I see what I could build, I have to say; I am kind of excited.

But what about your family and your home? he asked as she stood up and walked closer.

I do miss my family, but I am not so sure I miss the hard work and constant bills to pay. I was comfortable, to be sure, but only because I never let up. I worked, studied, and kept a tight reign on my finances so I could afford a space that would fit in a closet here. Heather looked around and quickly picked up her book before another faerie ran off with it. Shoo, you little book thief. I just put it down. I am not done with it yet.

I had a fairly small space, Frank admitted as he thought about his previous life. All I needed was room for a bed and a desk for my computer, but now I have an entire dungeon complex.

See, Heather said with a smile and stepped up to him. You tried to tell me over and over how much better this place was. I started to see it back when we met Gwen, and I am beginning to enjoy a lot of what this world has to offer. Of course, I still need to figure out what to do about Kevin and his mad crusade, but we have time for all that.

I guess we do, Frank replied and rubbed the back of his head. I am pretty sure we have forever.

As Heather nodded, the back door opened, and a tall elven woman with green hair strode in. Breanne looked amazing with her disguise on, and Heather especially loved the moon marks around her eyes. Of course, Breanne wasn't happy with it, but she was willing to tolerate the disguise if it meant safe passage in a hostile land.

There you two are. Blackbast has been looking for you. She wants to speak to us all in the garden, she announced.

Heather sighed while clutching her book tightly. She would finish the reading later and perhaps ask if there was something to eat. Rather than bother Webster, she simply pushed his pillow along, floating effortlessly like a balloon. Breanne led the way, taking them down a glowing hall and through a double door into the strange garden. Blackbast was already talking to Quinny and Legeis, who seemed to be having a heated debate.

Did we miss anything? Heather asked as she and Frank arrived.

You have missed nothing, Blackbast said but looked concerned. I am afraid our host has made an unusual request.

Here it comes, Frank said with a roll of his eyes.

Dont be so quick to judge, Blackbast said and then explained that all the woman wanted was for them to stay for a few days. She was planning on having a party the next day and would be honored if they would be her guests. Heather remembered what Frank said about Lydia and was suspicious of the womans motives. She put her concerns before the group and asked why Lady Maline would want them to stay. Blackbast explained that lady Maline's class was a noble lady. As such, she earned experience through social events. This included inviting guests to stay, hosting parties, and, most importantly, through gossip. She had quite a talent for gossip and was eager to grill Blackbast for any juicy bits. Blackbast, of course, relayed the lie about Heather being a gift to a distant lord to help establish some kind of pact. Blackbast claimed she didn't know the terms of the pact but that it was very important to Gwen. She also helped spread the rumor of the goblin attack and a suspected necromancer far to the south.

Why would you tell her about the necromancer? Breanne asked in surprise.

I bet you're going to love it, Maline said and then pointed to the rabbit-eared maid. Jilly was a gift from a dear friend, and I have treasured her ever since.

Thank you, mistress, Jilly said with a dip of her head.

I am sure your mystery man will treasure you just as much, Maline said and looked to Heather. A pity you are already spoken for. You would have made a wonderful addition to my collection.

If you dont mind my asking, how many servants can you keep? Breanne cut in to steer the subject away from Heather.

Sixteen, Maline replied with a smile. I currently only have twelve. Its important you dont take just anyone. You need a girl who wants to embrace the role in order to reach the bonus rewards.

What about men? Heather asked with a slight smile. Are there any who like to embrace the role?

Oh, yes, Maline said with a wide smile. But you will find that a lot of them now play as women. I never ask what they were before they came here. I only care about what they are now and that they are happy.

Hmm, Heather replied and turned her gaze back to Frank. A dozen men waiting on my every want and desire. I might need to change my class.

Ha! Maline cried and held up a glass of wine. Too bad you already belong to another.

Too bad, Heather agreed and joined her in a drink.

After dinner, she returned to her studies as Webster stalked one of the book fairies. Frank and the others took a walk in the garden and came back full of stories about giant mushrooms and magical flowers that could sing.

When the sun vanished into a star-filled sky, a woman with blue scales for skin and a lizard-like tail arrived to show them to their rooms. She took them down a single hall, handing out rooms one by one until Frank and Heather were left. She went to the last door on the hall and announced that this was their room, and wished them a good night,

Wait, our room? Heather cried in alarm as the woman turned to walk away.

Is there a problem? she asked.

Hes a he, Heather protested and pointed at Frank. I cant share a room with him.

But, the Lady was under the impression he was your guardian. She assumed he would be in your room to watch over you, the woman replied.

Hes not going to stand around all night and watch me sleep, Heather said when Frank said nothing in protest.

I wasnt thinking that, and I don't think that's what she meant either, he said in defense and then offered to take another room. The maid shrugged and took him around the corner as Heather went into her room to discover a sitting room with two smaller private rooms, each with its own bed. She sighed and went after Frank, bringing him back despite his protests. She showed him the space and took the room on the left, pushing Webster along on his magic pillow. Frank took the room on the right admitting that he actually felt tired as a human. With a wall between them, they went to bed, wondering what the morning would bring.

She woke that morning with a shock as she discovered a black gown draped over the chair by a dressing table. Heather was confident she locked the door the night before and tested it again to prove she was right. She considered the window, but it didn't open, then wondered about her useless guard animal who was still asleep as he floated in the corner.

She dressed in the elegant gown that came complete with red flowers woven into a net with pins. She realized this was to be set in her hair and struggled in the mirror for an hour to get the row just right. Sitting on the chair was a small box with even more jewelry and a note from Blackbast insisting she wear it all.

How did that sneaky cat get into my room? She asked while tossing the note aside. She began the process of draping herself in gold and gems, then smiled to see her reflection. The gown was a simple drape with narrow shoulders and cut modestly low, but it accentuated her curves and exposed the layers of glitter and gold. She looked like some fairy tale goddess, or perhaps a dark queen as she considered her slits for eyes and horns. The one thing that seemed to be missing were shoes, but then they didn't need them while wearing the collars. With her outfit in place, she looked over the dressing table to discover it contained magical creams and makeup. After testing a few, she decided a little more bling wouldn't hurt. She darkened her lips and shadowed her orange eyes with a slight black shadow. So long as she didn't use the crown, her third eye wouldn't appear and spoil the effect. With one last look in the mirror, she smiled at the creature of dark beauty that looked back. Now that she was ready, there was one last detail to attend to. She took out a length of string and turned to face the snoring spider.

Frank was waiting in the sitting room, wearing a fine shirt and coat that Blackbast had brought him. He wasn't to wear his armor or weapon while at the party, but he was provided a tabard with Gwen's unicorn emblem to mark his position. He nervously waited for Heather to arrive and stood quickly when her door opened, and she strode into the room, pulling Webster along by a string tied to his pillow.

What is that for? he asked as he pointed to the spider.

What? Heather asked incredulously and gave the spider a look. He's my pet balloon.

That looks silly, Frank said and walked close as he looked her up and down. But you look amazing.

I do hope you appreciate the eyes, Heather said and went out of her way to blink them several times.

Youre eyes are.. Frank began but then choked on his words.

Silly boy, Heather teased with a smile full of pointed teeth, then reached up to pull at his coat. I take it Blackbast gave you this.

She was here an hour ago, Frank replied and looked at his outfit. She said we needed to dress the part. I offered to give you the dress, but she used a spell to unlock your door and went in.

Oh, right, she has a spell that unties ropes and opens locks, Heather groaned as she thought of why Blackbast had those skills. How does she enjoy playing that class?

She is living her life and having fun while not causing harm to anyone else, Frank replied.

Huh, Heather said and nodded at Frank. You know what. Youre right. Why am I so uptight about how people choose to live in a place like this?

You aren't a gamer, and this isn't how you think, Frank said. You are more comfortable in a world with well-defined societal rules.

And once again, you are there to help me understand, Heather said with a shake of her head. Well, for once, I am going to enjoy myself. We are going to the party together, and I am going to be happy.

Im not, Frank admitted. I dont like crowds.

Oh, right. Youre a bit of an introvert, Heather said with a nod of understanding. Well, I tell you what. We will let Blackbast do most of the talking while you and I play our roles.

Blackbast cant possibly stop everybody from approaching us. What if she is talking to somebody when another person comes up? Frank asked, but Heather promised him she would do the talking if it came to that. He was still nervous, but she walked up and looked into his eyes, assuring him that she would stand by his side just as he always stood by hers. He relaxed as his cheeks began to blush, so she handed him her balloon pet and told him not to worry anymore.

With the matter settled, they set out to find the others, pulling the spider balloon along as Webster's legs dangled over the sides. It was going to be a day to remember and her first proper social function with Frank. She only hoped it didn't end in a mad dash as they fled into the night.