Book 5: Chapter 49: A match made in Heaven

Book 5: Chapter 49: A match made in Heaven

A light, airy music full of harps and instruments too fantastic to describe filled a hall mainly made of glass and dark marble. Exotic foods from meats to fantasy fruits were laid out in grand displays along seven banquet tables. The air was full of the sweet scent of cakes and spiced wine and tinted by colored smoke from magical braziers burning with colored fire. People from a wide spectrum of races and classes mingled and laughed as Lady Maline encouraged them to enjoy the party. The maids ran about with trays of wine and delectable treats, laughing and smiling as they played their role. The whole scene was one of wonder as Heather saw magical outfits of shifting colors and glowing lights. She began to feel underdressed in her simple gown as a woman in layers of blue etched with luminous bands strolled by.

They were given a nook along the wall with a prominent chair for Blackbast and cushioned benches for her pets. A grand silk carpet defined the space and was bordered by planters of luxurious plants, creating a private pocked. Still, they were in the middle of the hall, drawing notice and bringing in curious players. Lady Maline didn't help, constantly encouraging people to visit her guests and pry for gossip.

Blackbast did her best to do the talking, but people began to address the others directly. Heather and the others quickly found themselves talking with guests while doing their best to keep up the ruse. The people kept asking if they were participating, but Heather wasn't sure what that meant. Some would laugh and stroll away; others would look her over before saying they wouldn't mind being paired with her. She began to develop a sinking feeling that perhaps people had the wrong opinion of why they were there. She took the liberty of telling a few interested men that she was betrothed to another and that Frank was here to ensure she didn't do anything improper.

That worked for most of the men, but a new problem began to surface. Women were approaching Frank and flirting quite boldly. Heather did all she could to politely dissuade these women, eventually coming up with a truthful lie. She told them that he too was engaged to marry a princess Hannah of Ellowshire. The wedding would occur when he completed his mission, and he vowed to remain faithful to her always. It worked for some of the women, but for a few, this only made him more a challenge, and they stepped up their advances. Eventually, there came a break where they were left to themselves, and Blackbast asked the maids to bring them some wine.

This is going well, Breanne scoffed and looked across the crowded room. We must have spoken to half the people in here already.

I couldnt get rid of that one guy, Quinny sighed and sat down. I finally had to tell him Blackbast was punishing me and wouldnt let me play. She smiled and looked toward Heather before asking how she managed to beat that one woman off of Frank.

You saw that? Heather asked and rolled her eyes. Why are people here so shamelessly forward?

Why not be? Breanne said. This world has very different social rules. Thankfully people are still inclined to be polite about it.

I hadnt expected to be in the center of the hall, Blackbast grumbled. That woman has put us on display.

Speaking of on display, Legeis said as he stood beside his armor in a fantastic outfit of pouches and leather belts. Is there some reason why Maline insisted my armor had to be here? People keep asking me if I am going to compete in it.

Yeah, I have been asked if I am going to participate in the game, Quinny added.

Frank and I got that question too, Heather said as all eyes went to Blackbast. She isnt expecting us to be some kind of entertainment?

Blackbast looked startled and shook her head vigorously as she insisted that she knew nothing about it and wouldn't allow it even if pressed.

Maline said nothing to me about some kind of contest or event to participate in, she stated.

But do we trust her to have told us everything? Legeis asked. She did go out of her way to invite us to her little party. If she was going to arrange some kind of embarrassing event, it makes sense she would pick on strangers.

I dont get that from her, Quinny said. She seems more like somebody trying to maximize her points. She probably heard we were in town and jumped at the chance to gain a few more.

That is most likely the truth of it, Blackbast agreed. But there is something planned that we have not been told. So be on your guard and see if you can learn something about it.

Are we allowed to get food? Heather asked as the maids returned with a tray full of glasses of wine. Heather handed one to Frank then plucked on for herself as Blackbast suggested they could all go to the food together. However, just before she could take them, Lady Maline arrived with a big smile.

Priestess Blackbast, Maline said with a warm tone. There is somebody you must come meet.

You wish me to meet somebody? Blackbast stammered and looked confused. I must insist you bring them here. I do not wish to leave my pets alone.

You have the guards to take care of your pets, Maline laughed. I am sure they can handle things for a few minutes. Come, I want to introduce you. He is quite interested in news from the south.

It was clear Blackbast didn't know what to do, so Heather quickly nodded and told her they would wait here until she got back. Maline took that as permission and grabbed hold of Blackbasts arm, whisking her away and into the crowds.

Well, I guess we eat later, Breanne sighed.

I bet we can ask the maids to bring us some food, Frank suggested as they all heard a stomach growl and looked at Heather.

What? Heather groaned and poked at her stomach. You be quiet. I have kept you more than fed with cookies.

I almost forgot that thing had a mind of its own, Breanne laughed.

I bet they have pizza on the table, Quinny added, causing another loud groan.

Stop it, Heather protested. I can't control it, and you're not helping.

Is there something I can help with? came a familiar voice causing Heather to turn and smile at the woman with rabbit ears.

Jilly! Heather cried. I am so glad to see you.

I knew you were hungry, so I came running, Jilly said with a smile. Did you need me to bring you something?

How did you know? Heather asked in surprise.

Jilly pointed to her ears and then explained she could hear Heather's stomach from across the hall. She offered to fill a platter with items from the buffet and bring it back so they could eat. Quinny immediately jumped in and began to list off sweets prompting Heather to ask if they had pizza. Jilly smiled and waved the scaled maid over, asking her to go to the kitchen for a special order. She then spoke to the others and hurried off to fetch a tray before returning with it laden with foods. She had a small table brought over and set the tray out so they could all pick at it while their errant master played good guest.

I havent eaten like this in so long, Frank said as he made a sandwich out of some kind of meat.

You should ask Heathers cook to make you stuff, Quinny said as she chewed a moist cake. She can make some pretty decent stuff.

It isnt that, Frank said as he took a bite. It's the lack of need to eat. I just kinda got out of the habit.

And I thought it was because it was so hard to eat with those claws, Heather laughed as she sampled some kind of steaming meat.

The fingers being so long made it hard too, Frank replied and looked at his sandwich. But I have to admit I am enjoying this. Its fun to see some of the world and go on an adventure.

See, Heather cut in and gave him a nudge. Its fun to do some exploring.

You two won't need to explore to attend functions like this, Breanne said as she tried some cheese. Once you're married, I am sure Gwen will invite you to all sorts of events.

I hadnt thought of that, Heather said with a smile. We will have a proper social life.

I just hope it isnt too often, Frank said nervously. I am still uncomfortable about being around so many people.

Oh, dont worry about that, she said and stood by his side. She promised he didnt have to attend anything he didnt want to, and she would always be there when he did.

Hey, can I play with your pillow spider? Quinny asked with a laugh and pointed.

Oh, I almost forgot he was there, Heather replied and turned to see the lazy spider bouncing on his pillow next to the wall where she parked him. Is there something here you will eat? He chirped as she heard his voice in her thoughts then shook her head. I am not summoning a cloud of bats. If you're too lazy to come and look, then you can just float there.

Aww, the poor little guy, Quinny said as she came to the pillow and began to push him through the air. She brought him right to the table so he could look it over and began to offer him meats.

He's a fussy eater, Heather said as he rejected item after item. She looked around for Blackbast but started watching as a guest put on a small magical display of illusions. He summoned all sorts of creatures while briefly describing where they were found and how to hunt them. Heather watched with mild interest until Jilly returned with a silver tray laden with golden treasure.

Here you go, she said and presented the tray to Heather.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Heather looked down to see the unmistakable glory of a pizza cooked to perfection. Steam wafted off the golden browned cheese dotted with sausage, onions, and mushrooms. It had that sheen of grease, and in a few places, she could see the red of sauce.

Pizza! Heather cried and nearly ripped the tray from the womans arms.

I hope those toppings are right. If you prefer something else, just let me know. The kitchens can make almost anything, Jilly added as the tray was thrust onto the table, and Heather immediately tore away a slice.

I could kiss you, Heather sighed and took her first bite. She hummed and savored the flavor as the cheese came away in strands bringing back fond memories. Her stomach rolled with groans of approval, urging her to devour more.

Do you think its safe to take some? Quinny whispered to Breanne.

If you want to risk losing fingers, be my guest, Breanne answered as Heather finished her first piece.

Don't be silly, Heather said with a smile. Take what you want. We can always ask for another one.

The others dived in and began to talk about the party, admitting that this was actually kind of fun. So far, everyone had been nice, and not a single person even spoke of something unpleasant. By the time the pizza was gone, Heather had already asked for another one with extra pepperoni, and they sat down to sip their wine.

A few guests wandered in to speak with them, and they played their role perfectly. It was all going very well until a woman called out with a strong voice.

Is that an infernal I see? she said, causing all of them to look up.

Heather spun about as her mouth fell open to see the woman who was approaching. She stood just taller than the average man with golden hair that fell about her shoulders. She wore a white hood trimmed with golden runes that shimmered with magic and seemed almost to float behind her. A ring of blue light hovered over her head, matching big eyes that simmered with the same power. What caught Heathers attention the most were the two feathered wings, silky smooth and white as a cloud. She approached in shining silver armor trimmed in white and decorated with blue stones.

Heather stood her ground as the angelic walked right up to her and locked her gaze. For once, she was grateful Blackbast had made her a little taller, so she was able to meet those scolding eyes evenly.

Heather tried not to shudder as she looked into the eyes of the only player to have killed her. Alura then introduced her as Heather, and she saw his eyes twitch in recognition. He immediately looked at Breanne then the others, and she knew he was figuring it out.

Lady, Heather, he said as he stepped forward and took one of her hands. He lifted it high and planted a delicate kiss on it before staring into her eyes. An oddly common name of late. I swear I met a woman just like you a while back.

It is a common name, Heather replied, then cleared her throat. I hope the woman who shares it was pleasant.

She was interesting, he answered and stepped back. Though she was in a spot of trouble at the time. I do hope she managed to find her way out of it.

So do I, Heather said nervously and went for more wine. She filled the glass and took a deep swig before offering some to Alura and Skullman.

No, thank you, Alura replied, but Skullman took one while constantly glancing between Heather and Breanne.

I hear you are traveling with a master, he said once he had a sip.

I am, Heather said while trying to be calm and wishing Blackbast was back. And what brings you here today?

I had little choice, he remarked and looked at Alura. She insisted.

Oh, he's going to be my partner for the adventure, Alura said with a smile.

What adventure? Heather asked.

The party one, Alura responded. Dont tell me you dont know about the main event?

I wasn't informed, Heather admitted with a halfhearted smile. Maybe Blackbast knows.

Ha, Alura said with a musical tone. Well, then I better tell you about this too. Lady Maline isn't just having a social event for gossip. Today is an adventure party, and soon teams will go into her magic labyrinth to hunt for treasure and try to escape. The rules are simple, anyone but your teammate is the enemy, and whoever escapes with the most treasure wins.

Wait, it's a tournament? Heather asked, and Skullman cut in explaining it in detail. He said the labyrinth was hidden under the island, and twelve teams would arrive in random locations. These would then have four hours to collect as much treasure as possible and get out alive. Teams were allowed to kill each other or work together, but in the end, there would only be one team as a winner. If multiple teams made it out, the winner wasn't the first but the team who escaped with the most loot. That team would get to keep their loot and all the loot from the surviving teams.

Why would she do it that way? Heather asked.

Because it's more entertaining, Alura said with a smile. It encourages teams to stay and explore until the time is nearly up. Meanwhile, everything you do will be observed up here for the guests to see.

But people will die? Heather asked in shock.

It's just a bit of fun. You will respawn in the town below, and all your stuff returned, Alura said.

Hmm, Skullman said as he looked at Breanne. What if we had a little more fun with this?

A little more fun how? Alura asked.

Why don't you two team up, he said, pointing between Alura and Heather.

Thats a fantastic idea, Alura cried. Angel and devil fighting side by side. It would be an amazing team, but I cant leave you sitting here alone.

I wont be alone, he said and gestured with his wine to Breanne. I will go in with her.

Me? Breanne cried in alarm. You dont want me. I am no good in combat.

You look like the ranger type, Skullman said. I bet you're fantastic with a bow.

You know full well I , Breanne began but cut herself off and cleared her throat. I would need my master's permission, and I doubt she would give it.

I would too, Heather said and smiled. You two should just go together.

Oh, don't be silly, Alura insisted. People seeing an angel and devil fighting as a team would help advance our cause. It would show monster and hero players can get along.

But I have this collar on, Heather said and explained it hindered her powers significantly.

Can you take it off? Alura asked as she looked over it. You did say it was coming off when you were married.

I promised never to take it off until the task was done, Heather said and put a hand over her neck.

Oh, you made a pact, Alura said with a smile. I admire how dedicated to your class you are. Still, you have a secondary class, right?

Flower singer, Heather said and tried not to notice the glare Skullman was giving her. Thats hardly a combat class.

Ha, ha, ha, Alura giggled. A devil flower singer. I love the combination. Please, you must be my partner in this.

I would have to ask Blackbast, Heather said.

Ask me what? Blackbast replied as she appeared behind the angelic woman with Lady Maline beside her.

Oh, lady Blackbast, Alura said with a bow. My companion here, and I would love to request two of your pets to accompany us on the adventure. I would love Heather to accompany me, and Skullman would like, she paused just now, realizing she didn't know the woman's name,

Lady Breanne, he finished and gestured with his wine to her.

Oh, I didnt realize you knew each other, Alura said in surprise.

I just overheard her name in the party, Skullman said and took a sip of his wine.

I see, Alura said and put her focus on Blackbast. Oh, please, you must let them join us. It would mean so much to show good relations between monster and hero players. Just think a devil and an angelic together side by side.

I dont believe I can allow that, Blackbast said with an aggravated swish of her tail. I promised to deliver her safe and sound, and she is not to be separated from her guardian. She accentuated her argument by pointing at Frank.

But it's just for the party, Alura insisted. Even if she died, she would respawn in a few hours. I am told you're not leaving until tomorrow, so she will be back long before you have to go.

I am a monster player, Heather interjected. I wont spawn in the local graveyard.

Oh, that is a good point, Alura said in reply and began to think. You know, Gerris is here. He could give her a soul stone, and she could respawn right here.

Gerris is still upset with you about last year's party, Skullman said with a raised brow.

That was a misunderstanding, Alura said and waved the objection away. I am sure if I asked nicely, he would do it.

I do not think this can be permitted, Blackbast said again. My pets are not here to compete.

Lady Blackbast, Maline said and shook her head. I will ask Gerris myself and have both your pet's soul stoned so they can't be reset.

I appreciate the offer, Blackbast replied as her ears started to pin back. But I was very clear that my girls are not here as entertainment.

As their owner, you would be the one to reap the reward if one of them wins, Maline added with a smile. And you would have two chances to win.

I will still have to decline, Blackbast said as she folded her arms.

Hmm, Maline said and gave Alura a wink. What if I sweetened the deal? I happen to know your devil pet likes rare books. Well, I have one under lock and key she would find very interesting. I will give it to her if either of them wins the dungeon.

A book? Heather asked with some interest.

A book from the researches of the necromancers when their schools of magic were at their heights, Maline replied.

A rare book indeed, Alura said and hoped it would sway the outcome.

Blackbast was speechless and turned to Heather for guidance. Heather didnt dare pass up such a tantalizing prize and asked if she could bring Webster in as well.

Of course, Maline said with a curt nod.

Then it is settled, Alura said with a wide smile. Don your armor because the adventure party is about to begin!