E book 5: Chapter 6: The painful Reality

They stepped into the shimmering floor of the portal collectively as Heather closed her eyes and gritted her tooth. She wasn’t certain what to anticipate from the expertise. Would it not be like Breanne pulling her by a wall, or would they arrive in some darkish house that needed to be traversed? When nothing felt completely different, she dared to peek and noticed the cave below town tower.

Have been right here already? she exclaimed and appeared about. I didnt really feel something.

We walked proper by it prefer it was a door between rooms, Frank replied as he stared again into the shimmering mild. I wager if Quinny was on the opposite aspect, we might attain by and hand her one thing.

I like this a lot better than the darkish tunnel within the workshop, Heather mentioned with a relieved smile. I used to be ready for droning noises and flashing lights.

You thought it labored just like the tunnels within the workshop. I did too, he mentioned as they each stepped down, coming to face within the cave as Frank peered down one of many tunnels.

The place do you suppose these go?

Heather paused to look down the tunnel with him however had nothing to supply. They have been massive sufficient for ten individuals to stroll abreast and maybe thrice as excessive as she was. The ground was stage, however the partitions have been studded with rock formations, glowing fungus, and mushrooms.

Gwen did not say, however I assume to different components of town, possibly even into the citadel, she replied and pulled at his arm. Frequent, let’s go see the bookstore and wander town.

Do you suppose gamers have began to return but? Frank requested, questioning what they could encounter within the metropolis.

I suppose it’s attainable, Heather remarked, sensing his concern. However we’ve got to recollect, I’m a princess, and you’re a lord. The guards will come to our rescue if we’d like them, and I’m certain Gwen will as effectively.

I do know, Frank replied as they climbed the steps. I simply dont need to trigger any hassle.

She nodded and took a breath feeling responsible that he was involved. We are able to return to the swamp if you would like. I wont make you do that.

I need to do it, he replied and appeared down at her. I need to be right here with you. I’m simply nervous and dont need to damage your expertise.

Heather smiled as they climbed the steps, arriving on the bottom ground of her metropolis tower. She relished the abundance of flowers hanging from each floor and smiled when a backyard fairy dashed by, spreading a skinny blue stream of sparkles behind.

Oh, how stunning. I cant consider Gwen made this for me, Heather remarked and checked out Frank. Actually, you deserve this greater than me.

You have been the one who battled the wizard and acquired the guts, Frank identified. The remainder of us have been stumbling round separated for many of it.

Frank, I would not be right here or have completed this with out you, Heather mentioned and took his hand. You are my anchor to maintain me sane.

Then I’m a foul anchor since you are clearly loopy, he replied as she began to snicker.

Hear, I imply what I mentioned. Heather started as she tugged at his arm. You need to be a prince and have a plaza or one thing within the metropolis. I’ll do good now and again, however often, that is since you have been there to save lots of me from my errors. We must always have left with Legeis, not gone on one other pointless journey with Eribold and Margus.

Heather, you probably did what you thought was proper. None of us objected strongly or argued to make you see purpose. We went together with it since you supplied us an opportunity to do one thing enjoyable.

She nodded however blushed to consider how foolish it was to have delayed. They might all have been reset and left in a spawn with nothing. She could not think about how responsible that may have made her really feel, understanding it was her fault. They walked throughout the gardens to the partitions, the place an ornate gate allowed them into town’s streets. The cobbled roads have been huge and clear, flanked on either side by massive manor homes and iron fences. A few of the buildings went up virtually as excessive as her tower with hovering home windows, stained glass, and embellished with statuary.

My gargoyles would mix into the roofline right here, Heather remarked, trying as much as see all of the faces leering down.

These are participant homes, Frank mentioned as they handed down the empty avenue. A participant should purchase one after which spend factors to make it look the way in which they need. Proper now, they’re set to Gwen’s default model.

So we are able to purchase a home, quiet down, and lift a household, Heather mentioned as she walked alongside till she realized Frank had come to a cease on the street. Are you alright?

We will not increase a household, Frank mentioned in alarm, almost tripping on his ft.

I used to be kidding, Heather mentioned with a roll of her eyes. You might be actually confused about us, arent you?

He appeared away, strolling again to her aspect as she took his hand.

Frank, you’re overthinking this. If you wish to be boyfriend, do not change. You have been boyfriend from the second I arrived. The one factor that is modified between us is I discover it now.

I used to be simply being a pal, he mentioned as they resumed strolling. I wasnt attempting to win you over.

Which is what I like about you, Heather remarked. You probably did these issues anticipating nothing in return. You probably did them since you’re a pleasant man who needed to assist. Actually, if this world had extra individuals such as you in it, it might be a tremendous place.

There are many good individuals on this planet. I feel you bought off to a horrible begin due to how remoted we have been. You’ll have been higher off spawning within the north the place all of the participant kingdoms are. Then you definitely would have had an opportunity to see that the majority gamers are good. Belief me, most of them are like Margus and Eribold.

I hope so, Heather replied as they got here to a nook. She appeared up and down the cross avenue, attempting to identify one thing that screamed bookstore earlier than shaking her head. I dragged you out right here to see my bookstore, and I do not know the place it’s. If I had taken even a second to consider this, I might have urged we ask Gwen the place it was. Am I at all times this impulsive?

Not at all times, Frank replied with a scratch at his bald head. Generally you suppose issues by to scary levels, and different occasions it looks as if you leap with out trying.

Thats as a result of I used to be leaping with out trying. All I needed was to get out, and I refused to be blissful right here. I had no concept what to do or tips on how to go about doing it, so I simply did issues with no thought. I solely suppose issues by when there’s a puzzle to be solved or some thriller to uncover. I ought to truthfully be glad about this Hathlisora enterprise as a result of it gave me one thing to give attention to. What I want is time to take a seat nonetheless and truthfully take into consideration what I’m doing.

Then I’m grateful we moved since you lastly have a spot to be nonetheless. We’re hidden, and no one is aware of the place to seek out us. We’ve time to construct, suppose, and make good choices. We’re lastly away from the hazard of bounty hunters displaying as much as declare our heads.

Heather shook her head and turned on him, pointing a finger in his face. See, that proper there may be my fault! What number of occasions did you inform me we should always depart, a dozen or extra? How typically did I brag I might stand and face them? What did I feel I used to be going to do? I knew I could not win a combat in opposition to a small military of upper gamers, however I used to be so decided to not play by the foundations. I wasn’t going to run as a result of I should not need to, as a result of I shouldnt be persecuted for being a necromancer. None of my stubbornness was going to alter the end result. All I did was put my mates at risk.

These have been dangerous decisions in your behalf, however look the place we are actually, he identified whereas holding his arms up. If we had run once I first advised you, it might have been to a distant spawn level to cover from Moon. We’d by no means have met Breanne, Legeis, or Finneous. We’d by no means have come right here and met Gwen, and we would not be strolling down a metropolis avenue along with no fear about what would possibly occur. Sure, you made a few dangerous decisions, however ultimately, it labored out.

Heather smiled and stepped nearer to run her hand alongside his arm. That is what makes you particular. You at all times see the nice factors and attempt to make me see them too. How on earth didnt I discover it earlier than?

You have been nonetheless coming to phrases with being kidnapped and thrown right into a world stuffed with issues that need to eat you. You too can dig in your heels and refuse to cooperate worse than any particular person I’ve ever recognized.

Alright, thats sufficient honesty for at some point, Heather remarked as she appeared away.

Quinny additionally mentioned I friend-zoned myself by being too good, he replied with a shrug.

Ah sure, Quinny the grand thinker of affection. She tried to inform me you have been being greater than good to me. I did not see it even when someone pointed proper to it and advised me to have a look at it. I’m blind typically.

Heather, Frank mentioned in a agency tone. He got here to a lifeless cease and turned to face her, placing a hand to her arm as she appeared up into his face. I’m a ghoul. Not solely that, I went out of my approach to make myself look as unappealing and repulsive as attainable. You didnt see me as a result of it was so laborious to have a look at me.

I ought to have observed sooner, she protested, however he shook his head in return.

Why ought to you might have? As when you being in shock and my look wasn’t dangerous sufficient, you have been attacked by gamers at each flip. Moon distracted you, then the goblin enterprise got here alongside and put you on that path. Gamers stored coming to the graveyard attempting to find the necromancer, and each day you needed to face some menace. Half the time I hid underground, afraid to allow you to have a look at me.

Why? Heather requested, feeling horrible for him. She had no concept he was hiding from her sight. Did she react that badly to his look that he felt self-conscious about it? Come to consider it, she did look away so much and even made faces as if disgusted.

I didnt need you to go away, he admitted. I lastly had a pal, and I used to be afraid I might drive you away.

Hardly, Heather laughed. I wanted someone who might carry heavy issues.

Would you be critical for a second, Frank sighed.

Oh, I did not imply to mock your ache. I make jokes to lighten the temper. I do not imply to be insensitive. Actually, Frank, I’m not a really good particular person. I’m self-absorbed and bratty. I take issues out on others, lose my mood, and as you already mentioned, I could be cussed. Perhaps you’d have been higher off when you had pushed me away.

Then I might be alone, wishing I had a pal, he replied.

Heather smiled and took his hand or extra a finer since his palms have been thrice the scale of hers. She gave him a agency squeeze earlier than choosing a avenue at random to stroll down, desperate to get previous this awkward dialog. They wandered by the buildings smiling every time an NPC addressed them as lord and girl. Patrols of guards sometimes walked by, nodding their heads in acknowledgment however in any other case ignoring them.

Ultimately, they arrived at a market sq. to seek out it very completely different than once they first visited. The entire of the plaza was longer, with a inexperienced garden of grass within the center. Tall bushes grew in neat rows down the perimeters, and stone paths wound their approach by gardens of sunny flowers. A statue within the middle made Heather groan as she checked out one more picture of herself. This one was slightly extra daring than Franks, with a unadorned physique whose delicate components have been lined by rigorously positioned vines or flowers. She appeared as if she was flying into the air, holding one hand aloft and looking out up into the palm. The opposite hand-held a disk with the unicorn image at her waist.

Effectively, Frank started as he scratched at his head. It actually captures my picture of you.

Heather laughed and shoved him earlier than taking a step nearer. Should you had put this in my backyard, I might have chased you out after which eaten all of the cookies.

I suppose its slightly daring, he supplied, taking a step round to see the bottom.

Hey! Heather snapped as he appeared a the marble posterior. Thats dangerous boyfriend conduct!

There is no such thing as a flower of vine again right here, he supplied as Heather stormed round to see he was proper. Her marbled posterior sparkled within the mild, the graceful floor uncovered for all to see.

Oh no, no, no, no, no no! she stammered as Frank leaned over to look nearer. Hey, go stand in entrance!

I used to be admiring it for its inventive worth, he urged as she shoved him once more with no impact.

This has acquired to go, Heather sighed as they walked round it. I’m not having my bottom displayed in marble for the entire metropolis to see.

Does that imply you do not prefer it? Gwen requested, startling them each.

Heather jumped and turned about to see Gwen standing simply ten paces away, smiling with a hoop of blue stones on her darkish hair. She wore a darkish blue robe with golden trims that had impossibly broad sleeves that draped almost to her knees.

Why is that this right here? Heather demanded a sound of shock in her voice.

I needed to honor the brand new princess of town. You probably did do one thing no one else even cared to do, and I needed others to know.

I recognize the sentiment, however this is not precisely honoring, Heather countered. I’m virtually bare.

So what’s unsuitable with that? Gwen requested, a glance of amusement on her face.

That also makes them NPCs, Heather mentioned. Wild or summoned, they’re generated by the world and thus NPCs.

Are they now? Gwen mentioned. Kevin believed his dragon was a participant. He swears on it to this very day, not permitting anybody even to counsel in any other case.

I knew gamers who insisted some giants have been gamers, Frank added.

I by no means noticed dragon as a selection, and I appeared, Heather mentioned with a shake of her head. Is there one thing even larger than a selected which may have extra choices?

Not that I’m conscious of, Gwen mentioned with a nod. However then I nonetheless know little or no about this world. I typically surprise what could be discovered past what gamers have explored. I suppose Hathlisora is aware of.

Monsters no one desires to think about, Heather remarked.

Gwen resumed her smile and motioned them ahead as a patrol of guards saluted earlier than passing.

So you’re blended up in Hathlisora as effectively, Gwen mentioned, her voice displaying no trace of emotion. King Kevin would kill to have you ever in his dungeons. A necromancer with a direct connection to certainly one of his hated rivals. How I want I had recognized her, she was fearless earlier than his wrath.

She seems like Heather, Frank mentioned. Solely with horns and wings.

Hmm, Gwen replied with a look that made Heather nervous. They are saying the goblins served her, and so did a few of the dragons in thanks for being rescued. The necromancers and her have been supposedly engaged on some horrible challenge. Do you know they broke the solar?

I heard that, Heather replied, rising increasingly nervous. Hear, Frank is true, I appear like her, and the goblins suppose so too. That is why they assist me, however I dont perceive how that translated into you having the ability to use them.

Nor do I, and it’s a fascinating thriller, however we are able to speak about this later; we’re right here. Gwen turned and approached a broad constructing fabricated from chiseled stone and slim home windows. It was two tales tall, trying very unassuming among the many different retailers and buildings on the road. An indication above the door mentioned Hannah’s used books, purchase, and promote.

Lets go in? Gwen requested earlier than main the way in which.

Inside was a easy store stuffed with darkish wood cabinets and tables on which have been a tiny number of books. Many of the house was empty, however Heather appeared about, marveling on the pretty little store.

I’ve an NPC in thoughts to run it, Gwen mentioned. I’ll set some boundaries for costs and ensure she does job.

Heather walked down a slim aisle between two cabinets as Gwen defined how shopkeepers labored. She ran a hand alongside the polished wooden, feeling proper in regards to the store and wishing bookstores have been nonetheless frequent in the true world. She beloved the quiet surroundings of a bookstore and as soon as dreamed of opening one. Now she had one, in her personal little fantasy world the place she was a princess and her boyfriend a ghoul. It was a humorous form of feeling to consider how unusual her life was and the way accustomed to it she had turn into.

Do I’ve to deliver some cash to purchase books with? Heather requested as she picked up one of many few books within the store.

Judging by what you might have in that room, I’m certain you might have loads to spare, however don’t be concerned about it. I’ll set the bookstore up to make use of my funds, Gwen replied. I’ve one other thought since you might have shared your secret with me. I knew a person who was near Hathlisora. He labored together with her band of adventurers for some time and would possibly have the ability to inform you extra about her. If you need, I can ship a discreet letter asking him to return to talk with you.

Perhaps we shouldnt do something to attract consideration, Frank urged. We’re lastly free, and making contact with this particular person is likely to be harmful.

Why wouldn’t it be harmful? Gwen requested.

Frank ran a hand over his head as he appeared about nervously. We do not know the way he feels about Hathlisora now or who he talks to. For all we all know, he would possibly deliver mates or notice who Heather is and search the bounty.

I can phrase the letter to make it clear he ought to inform no certainly one of its contents or the place he’s going, Gwen countered with a displeased look.

Heather was about to argue however remembered their dialog from earlier. Frank had been proper about almost every part, and he was greater than seemingly proper now. They have been free and will lastly play for enjoyable as a substitute of at all times questioning who was about to assault. She rotated and took a deep breath, unable to consider what she was about to say.

I agree with Frank. We’ve been on edge for weeks; nervous someone was about to kill or seize me. We really feel protected right here, and all I need to do now’s assist my mates construct. Hathlisora can wait till I’m able to take care of her.

I perceive, Gwen mentioned with a look at Frank. She trusts your judgment. You have to be pal.

I’m only a pal, Frank mentioned, feeling decidedly uncomfortable.

Frank is my boyfriend, Heather spoke up as she walked proper to him and took his hand. He’s the nicest man I’ve ever recognized, and I owe him a lot.

Gwen nodded, her smile by no means wavering. I had a sense you and him have been shut. I’m happy with you. Not many can see by the floor to the particular person inside, although I might have made him change these tooth too.

Oh, I do know, these needed to go, Heather groaned.

I appreciated them, Frank argued as each ladies ignored him.

He seems higher strolling upright, Gwen mentioned as she studied him. Can you modify the colour of your pores and skin?

I can choose from shades of inexperienced, grey, and mustard yellows, Frank replied, feeling like he was on show.

The grey is the only option then, Gwen agreed as she stepped round him. He has a really broad body.

He retains taking toughness upgrades, Heather mentioned.

And energy, Frank added. I need to be tanky.

Hmm, you might have the zombie lady and the banshee as effectively, Gwen mentioned as she started to tempo. You’ll be able to summon pets in quantity, cannot you?

I can below the precise circumstances, Heather replied. I even have one sturdy guardian skeleton. He does most of my combating.

Heather is often our healer, Frank mentioned. She will be able to heal each residing and undead.

Proper, as a result of she is the flower singer as effectively, Gwen nodded. The banshee lady is sort of all ranged, you’re a tank, the zombie is uncooked dps, and you’ve got a healer who packs her personal backup tank. You will have fairly the adventuring group.

It really works effectively, Frank mentioned. Legeis comes with us now too. He’s a reasonably good tank.

The goblin, Gwen mentioned. I figured him for extra of a rogue.

He’s, Heather replied. He can discover traps and choose locks, however he builds machines and bombs and may dish out a variety of harm.

What about your father? Gwen requested as Heather choked.

Please do not name him that, Heather replied with a roll of her eyes. He already pulled that on me, and it makes my pores and skin crawl.

Finneous is only a pal. He does not journey with us, Frank mentioned. He wandered in at some point and supplied to construct a city close by our final lairs. We wanted a city, so we mentioned sure, however later discovered he was out right here as a result of he was attempting to cover from one thing.

Sure, he seems to have one thing to cover, Gwen mentioned with slim eyes. I’m wondering what it’s.

He looks as if a pleasant man, Frank insisted. However he doesnt need anyone to look too intently at him.

I’m wondering if he has a bounty? Gwen replied. I ought to put up a discover board and see if a bounty for him seems.

Whats a discover board? Heather requested out of curiosity.

It is a form of message board you could hyperlink to different cities and cities. Something one city posts to the board seem on all of the boards that share the identical hyperlink. It is a good way to put up bounties and requests for uncommon gadgets to commerce.

Hmm, might I put up advertisements for the bookstore asking for particular books?

By all means, Gwen mentioned. I used to be very effectively linked to the area. I had deliberate to place one up in a day or two after which promote that town was open once more and participant housing is considerable. That ought to attract variety of gamers searching for a house and place to play.

We had some mates we despatched north to unfold the phrase, Heather talked about. They need to have individuals on the way in which already.

Effectively, it seems like our metropolis can be bustling very quickly then.

That jogs my memory! Heather cried out as her reminiscence lastly jogged. What’s the identify of town?

You dont know? Gwen requested with a broad smile.

You advised us the dominion is Ellowshire, however none of us has a clue what town known as.

Gwendalhall, Gwen mentioned with a smile. I named it after myself.

I figured, Heather laughed and swung Franks hand. Effectively, this has been a enjoyable date.

Oh, is that this a date? Gwen requested with palms on her hips. You’ll be able to’t take a lady to a bookstore.

It was her concept, and it isnt a date. We simply got here to town to see the guide retailer, Frank mentioned defensively, glancing to Heather for help.

Did you ask her to return? Gwen requested.

Sure, Frank mentioned in a sluggish voice.

Then, its a date, Gwen huffed and threw her head again as if aggravated with the entire state of affairs. You two will comply with me. I’ve a tavern arrange and operating with NPC’s the place you’ll be able to have a meal and a bottle of wine. She paused to offer Frank a slight smile earlier than turning that smile on Heather. when you marry him, I can identify him a prince.

Gwen! Heather cried as Gwen began to snicker.

Come on, your desk is ready, Gwen mentioned and led the way in which.

Heather and Frank adopted behind in silence, each suitably embarrassed as Gwen advised all of them in regards to the marriage ceremony they might have within the cathedral. Heather glanced at Frank to see he was much more uncomfortable than she was. He jumped when she took his hand however relaxed as she tightened her grip. How her life had modified in so quick a time, and the way grateful she was it had. With a sigh, she gave up being so self-conscious and determined to play alongside, asking Gwen if her marriage ceremony gown may very well be yellow.