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HTN 5-48 A girl and her spider balloon
🕑 Added 2022-03-01 22:19:55 +0000 UTCHeather 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.”
“Let’s not forget what Blackbasts slaves are asked to do,” Heather grumbled and sat up. “It’s basically another succubus.”
“I’m 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 don’t know, but it worries me,” Frank admitted. “This seems too welcoming and easy, especially after the experience we just had with Lydia. I can’t 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, it’s much bigger. You didn’t notice?” he said.
Heather looked around and had to admit she hadn't noticed. The house was a palace, to be sure, but it wasn’t 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.
“Don’t 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 woman’s 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.
Blackbast thought it wise to keep people looking south while they slipped through the far north. She had come to believe that they were perfectly safe so long as they kept up their disguise. She even let slip that Legeis was a goblin, explaining that his engineering talent was exceptional but that he came at a very high price. Next, she explained Frank's role as Heather's guard and insurance that she arrived safely. Finally, she shared a few personal secrets she had learned through her own means.
“You mean by sleeping with people,” Heather laughed.
“You would be surprised what men will tell you after a little encouragement,” Blackbast said with a smile.
“So was that all she wanted from you?” Heather asked while rolling her eyes.
“Surprisingly, yes,” Blackbast replied and then explained that she gained some valuable information as well. Maline earns experience by hearing and by sharing gossip. Blackbast used this to learn that there were more paladins in the south than usual. Meline immediately latched on to Blackbast's rumor about the necromancer and determined that had to be the reason. The two then sipped tea while discussing the politics of the north, and she learned something else. Many kingdoms were barely hospitable to Kevin, and one, in particular, had paladins of its own who disagreed with Kevin's stance. A member of that kingdom would be at the party, a woman Heather was to avoid.
“Why am I avoiding her?” Heather asked in concern.
“She is an angelic,” Blackbast replied and locked Heather's eyes. “And her class is a holy crusader.”
“And that’s bad how?” Heather asked.
“That’s like a triple paladin,” Quinny groaned. “I bet she has a holy aura we can’t even approach.”
“Which is why we are talking now,” Blackbast said. “A special place will be provided for us, and you three must keep up the act that you are my pets. This should allow us to stay out of this woman's way, and if she does approach, I will get up and meet her.”
“Why take the risk. Couldn’t we just skip it?” Heather asked.
“No,” Blackbast sighed. “Maline will earn extra experience from me because I am a slave master class. The more pets I bring to her function, the more points she will earn. It will be an insult to hide some of you away and rob her of the points.”
“Maybe we should go then,” Frank suggested. “We can't offend if we aren't here.”
“I was already suggesting that,” Legeis agreed.
“But I haven’t even finished one book,” Heather said and held up the one she was clutching. “And Webster loves these floating pillows.” She highlighted her point by pushing him out where everyone could see.
“Be that as it may,” Breanne began as she recoiled from the spider. “Angelics often have a holy aura that burns those who are darkness aligned. That includes the undead, demons, and devils.”
“Oh, so none of us are safe,” Heather grumbled.
“Legeis and I are,” Blackbast said, then looked at Frank. “You will be, too, so long as you remain in this form.” He nodded his understanding, but Heather wasn't done.
“So, let me get this straight. All these noble classes earn experience and social points by hosting events?” Heather asked.
“Of course,” Blackbast replied. “This is why Gwen wants you to marry. As a princess of her kingdom, she will earn many points for every guest who comes to witness the event,”
“I am starting to understand,” Heather replied and looked to the others. Once again, she was tangled in a web of players trying to level, and her friends were at risk. In the past, she would have done what she felt was best, but this time she would put them first. “I won't keep you all here so that I can read some books. If you want to leave, I say we go.”
“I don’t mind staying,” Quinny said.
“I will stay, but I have one request,” Breanne said with a firm glare. “I am not wearing this tissue paper to a noble function. I want a proper dress.”
“I think we can allow you something more appropriate,” Blackbast agreed.
“Then it's all settled?” Heather asked as she looked around. Heads nodded in agreement, and the plan was set. They would attend the party and see what came of it. They went to disperse, but Blackbast pulled Heather and Frank aside to give them some additional advice. She warned that Maline knew she was a princess. Something about her class allowed her to recognize that Heather was worth more points as a guest. She took what Blackbast said about her being a gift and surmised that Gwen was giving a princess away in marriage. Heather was to be very careful about what she said and to whom she said it, especially around the angelic.
“Why her specifically?” Heather asked.
“She can probably detect lies,” Frank groaned and explained that she got limited use powers like Heather’s lilithu devil class did. One of them was almost guaranteed to be detect lie, and if she was high enough, it would always be active.
“Alright, so I don't talk to her at all,” Heather sighed. “She isn't going to make a big deal out of a devil player being at the party?”
“I am told she is very nice,” Blackbast replied, but that wasn't an answer.
Heather spent the rest of the day pouring over a book about the link between shadow magic and the buffer. It contained a fascinating claim that a person could become a shadow under the right circumstances. Once a shadow, they could enter the buffer and move about. It didn't explain what that would accomplish, only hinting about using such power to create a path somewhere.
Frank and Legeis spent the day huddled around a table playing chess and complaining about why they were there. They didn't like the idea of being at such a public event, and we're planning to stay out of the way.
Heather thought more about the party, wishing she could wander about and mingle. She wanted to meet people and see what they thought of the world and its politics. It was already interesting that Kevin didn't have strong support from other kingdoms. It was even more interesting that there was a rival group of paladins that didn't answer to his authority. There was also another option that hadn't occurred to her before. If this was a party, would there be music and dancing? She tried to think of a way to get Frank to dance with her but decided that was probably asking for trouble.
Later they were treated to a lavish meal with drinks as Lady Maline regaled them with rumors about her neighbors. Despite playing the role of Blackbast's servants, they were treated respectfully and addressed by their names. Lady Maline tried to pry more rumors from the others, but they were careful not to say anything that contradicted their cover story.
They were waited on by an assortment of maids, with no two being the same race. Lady Maline joked that she was fond of collecting the exotic and got a giggle from some of her girls. They smiled and played as they went about their chores, with Maline playfully hurrying them along. Heather was surprised to see their dynamic and dared to ask a few questions about the nature of Maline's control. It was a lot like Blackbasts with the girls wearing magical chokers that marked them as Malines. Instead of the slave class, they had one called domestic servant, and it conveyed all sorts of bonuses to serving. Maline explained how she had skills that lent themselves to leading a household. She had bonus abilities if her girls were happy and went out of her way to ensure they both benefited from the exchange.
Heather saw the master classes in a completely new light. Now she realized that the visitors took great care to reward good behavior and punish or outright eliminate bad behavior. That there was a reward system for keeping her servants happy showed just how much they tried to tip it one way. It also showed that the visitors cared what happened to players to some degree. It was a point of consideration that she wanted to dwell on, but Maline asked her own question. She wondered if Heather was looking forward to being a gift and if she knew who she was being given to.
“I am kinda nervous about it,” Heather said as she glanced at Frank. “And I don’t know much about him.”
“How exciting,” Maline said with a smile. “I assume you will be married right away, or are there other plans?”
“As far as I know, I am his the moment I get there,” Heather replied and tried not to blush. The whole idea was making her uncomfortable, and playing along was making it worse.
“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 don’t 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. It’s important you don’t 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.
“He’s a he,” Heather protested and pointed at Frank. “I can’t 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.
“He’s not going to stand around all night and watch me sleep,” Heather said when Frank said nothing in protest.
“I wasn’t 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.
“You’re 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. You’re 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.”
“I’m not,” Frank admitted. “I don’t like crowds.”
“Oh, right. You’re 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 can’t 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.
