“Interesting. I do believe that treating everyone equal is one of the big points you want the guild to adhere to?” Gerald nodded as he took the proffered cup.
“Yup,” Alburet agreed. “This is their world for all intents and purposes. Treating them as equals is only fair, and we will be as close to equals as we can get with the long-term immersion.”
“Do you think they’ll extend it past one month?” Marysue asked.
Shrugging, Alburet replied, “I have no idea. I wouldn’t be surprised if they did. I have a feeling the eventual plan is to offer really long term immersion.”
Marysue’s eyes lit up with eager hope, “Can they do it?”
Alburet chewed his lip for a moment before he answered. “It depends on the government, I think. Do they have the tech to pull it off? Probably. You’ll understand in a few days.”
Marysue looked at Gerald, “If they offer an extension, I want it.”
Sighing Gerald looked away, “Your father might balk at that. We’ll do what we can, okay?”
Alburet watched the byplay before he interjected, “I take it she isn’t just another pretty face?”
Marysue laughed and Gerald shook his head, “Far from it. Are you going to be at the testing site?”
“I doubt it. I’m pretty sure I’m at another facility,” Alburet’s smile was tight as he tried to avoid the issue. “Sorry, the NDA prohibits me from saying more.”
Marysue sat forward, “I knew it, you’re doing something more than just month long testing.”
Stacia leaned forward as well, “Iffin ya go down tha’ road, ya mayhap cause an issue tha’ will make him leave me. Please, leave it be.”
Gerald touched Marysue’s shoulder, “Mindblown has attorneys that rival your father’s. And Alburet might very well be yanked entirely if he breaks the NDA.”
Marysue sat back with a huff, “Sorry, I just really want what I hope is coming.”
Nodding, Alburet sighed, “I understand. I can’t say any more, though.”
“On a different note,” Gerald cut in, blatantly changing the topic. “I was wondering how you’re thinking of recruiting people.”
“I’m hoping my contact at Mindblown will help out,” Alburet replied.
“Well, all of the immersion testers on this continent, all five hundred of us, are going to be in a single place in a few days. If you don’t mind, I would like to use the guild emblem to get some recruiting done during the medical exam period.” Gerald sat back, “I can have five hundred shirts with the guild emblem made up and brought with us to hand out to everyone there. That would help make them aware of us. Mary and I can talk to those interested and set up meetings here. That way we know they are indeed testers.”
“Sounds fine. Hey, does that mean Fluff and Karen will both be there, too?”
“Yes. That’s why I asked if you would be there. I was hoping to put a face and name to our guild leader. But at least we can meet the other two and work on recruiting. Since you’re not going to be there I’ll tell you now, so others don’t tell you later. Mary here is Marysue Ellen Dorn, heir to the Dorn family.” Gerald watched Alburet for a reaction.
“Dorn, as in the billionaire recluse? Huh. Nice to meet you, never would have thought you were rich. You’re much too grounded. So, who are you then?” Alburet turned to Gerald, to find Gerald looking back at him a little blankly.
“I’m her friend. My grandfather and hers were friends and my father has been running the non-profit companies her family set up for years now. We grew up together, basically. I’ve been asked to watch over her, while also running those companies my father wants to me take over for him.” Gerald sighed, “It was hard enough getting the time away for this month coming up. If they do let people extend her father is going to insist I stay with her, while my father will insist I came back. When those two argue, it is never pleasant.”
“Must be like watching the captain and my old sergeant get into one of their snits,” Alburet laughed.
“We’ve ventured off topic,” Gerald shook his head, “do you approve of the plan?”
“With the shirts? That’s fine. I admit I’m a little jealous that you’ll get to meet Fluff and Karen.”
Stacia patted his leg, “I’ll go check on the food.”
Gerald watched her go with a wince, “Don’t you think that’s a bit harsh to your wife?”
Stacia laughed from the kitchen nook, “Nay, it be fine. Mayhap I will be able talk him into another wife, with enough help.”
Face palming, Alburet sighed, “I should have known a Succubus would want more and more.”
Marysue giggled, “Oh please, all men want the adoration of as many women as they can get.” She stopped giggling when she continued, though, “Which is wrong, because if a man does it he’s a player or stud. If a woman does it, she’s a slut.”
“Double standards are everywhere,” Alburet agreed. “Frankly, one day I might, maybe, perhaps cave into her wish, but I can’t see it happening for a long time.”
“Even with Karen?” Gerald asked, his lips quirking up slightly.
“Even with Karen and or Fluff,” Alburet replied. “Both of them are fabulous people, but my father instilled an old-school belief in me. One marries their life partner, singular. Not partners.”
“We have time for me to work me dark magic on ya, though,” Stacia put in as she stirred a pot on the stove. “Dinner will be ready in a moment.”
The conversation dropped off as they moved to the small table. Stacia set out wine glasses, pouring them each a glass then setting the rest of the bottle on the table. Once they were seated she brought over the pot, setting it in the middle of the table and took her own seat. Alburet ladled the stew into bowls, handing them out as he did. The smell of beef stew filled the room.
Dinner was a simple, hearty beef stew, not fabulous but not terrible either. The red wine went well with the robust flavors of beef, potatoes, carrots and onions. Conversation was at a minimum while they ate. Alburet noted the refined way both Marysue and Gerald ate, very polished and careful. Once the meal was done Gerald and Marysue made their goodbyes, leaving for the evening.
Gerald stopped at the door as Alburet walked them out. “Don’t tell Karen or Fluffball about the shirts. I want to surprise them at the meeting.”
Alburet agreed, watching the duo disappear as they logged out. Closing the door, he locked it. He joined Stacia in cleaning up before they went to bathe and retire for the evening. As they lay in bed a few hours later, Stacia spoke softly. “When the two-souled are gone in a few days, ya will be comin’ back right?”
Alburet pulled her more firmly against his chest and nuzzled the back of her neck, “Of course, Kitten. I will do everything in my power to come back just like last time. I’ll try to send a message if it ends up longer than a day again.”
“As ya say, so it shall be, master,” She pressed her back against him as she relaxed into his embrace.
The next two days the group got together and ran the Gnoll Cave a few more times. It was easier now that they knew the fights and how to deal with them. The Shaman was still the hardest part, but Alburet would drop the duplicate Stacia after the adds and bring up a second Bob to help free the group from the vines faster. With that tactic, it never got as close as it did the first time.
The last morning the group got together knowing that it would be their last day as a group until the four joined Alburet in the immersion testing. They cleared out the Gnoll Cave twice that day, pushing Alburet well into level twenty. Karen and Fluff both leveled to nineteen and Gerald and Marysue ended up at level twenty themselves. As the day was turning to night they returned to the city after selling the old gear and loot drops they didn’t want.
Alburet had arranged for a meal for them all at the Dead Man Inn, in the private dining room. They all arrived within a few minutes of each other as the place starting to fill up with the usual evening crowd. Entering as a group, they found Marian waiting to show them to the
dining room. The table was set up, with small placards at each spot bearing their names. Alburet helped seat Fluff, Karen and Stacia, while Gerald helped Marysue. When the men sat, Marian stepped forward to fill their glasses with wine.
“Tonigh’ the meal is the specialty of the house,” Marian told them as she poured. “Ma was just finishin’ up the stew, so it will be fresh when I bring it to ya.”
Stacia smiled, “Tell Ma’ I’ll be by tomorrow to learn how to make it.”
“Aye,” Maria replied even as her free hand trailed over Karen’s shoulder. “Be right back with ya meal.”
“So, once we’re done here, Marysue and I will be heading for the airport,” Gerald told the others.
“I’m on a flight tomorrow morning,” Karen put in.
“I don’t need to fly,” Fluff added in her quiet voice.
Before they could add anything else, Marian came back with a loaded cart. Smiling, she first set out small baskets of bread on the table, wisps of fragrant steam rising from them. She put a bowl full of stew before each of them next, the steam was full of the fragrance of the meal. The smell made their bellies rumble, eliciting chuckles from some. “For those who have nay had the stew before, every bite will increase the heat. The wine will only complement the meal, nay dull any heat ya feel. The bread is there to dampen the heat. It be recommended ya take a bite or three then nibble on a bit of bread. Iffin ya be needin’ anythin’ just ring this bell and I will come to check on ya.” She placed a small silver bell next to Alburet’s spot at the head of the table. With a curtsy, she left them alone to enjoy the meal.
“She does the whole service thing well, doesn’t she?” Karen mused.
“Her massages are good from what we’ve heard,” Alburet chuckled.
“She gives massages?” Marysue asked.
Stacia replied to her before the others could, “All of me sisters know how to give massages. Our Ma’ taught us how to ease the muscles to help people relax.”
“Do you think she would be free after dinner?” Marysue asked.
Gerald shook his head, “We have a plane to catch. You can see about a massage when we’re here next. Or would you rather miss the test?”
Marysue tsked, “We could just get the flight delayed a bit.”
Fluff shook her head and took a bite from the stew as the others watched Gerald and Marysue. Her eyes got a little wide and she quickly took a second bite. A contented purr came from her, cutting off the conversation as all eyes went to her. Fluff flushed pink when she realized they were all watching her. Somewhat flustered, she took a sip of wine which made her close her eyes as the flavors mingled, enhancing them both. The purring grew louder.
“Well then, shall we eat?” Alburet asked to break the moment, trying to pull attention from Fluff.
Gerald nodded, “I think it warrants the attention.”
Gerald and Marysue each took a bite of Lilith’s stew for the first time. Both of them made approving sounds as they took a second bite. Marysue quickly sipped her wine pausing as her eyes closed before she quickly took a piece of bread and nibbled it. “That is so good, but the heat does start picking up doesn’t it.”
Gerald took a third bite, also sipping the wine. His smile grew wider. “This is fantastic,” he said as he looked over at Stacia. “This is your family’s recipe?” He took a piece of bread, chewing it as he waited for Stacia to finish her bite.
“Ma’s recipe, she’ll be teachin’ it to me tomorrow,” Stacia replied.
“I have had meals made by world renowned chefs that could not approach the complexity of this dish, much less the way it increases in heat or mellows quickly with just a little bread. Not to mention how the wine is in perfect harmony with it.”
Nodding, Marysue joined in, “He’s right. This could easily be in the top ten meals I’ve ever had.”
Smiling, Stacia replied, “I will pass along ya kind words to me Ma’ tomorrow.”
The rest of the meal went in relative silence, with occasional appreciative comments about the food. When they finished Alburet rang the bell and Marian appeared. “We seem to have finished, Marian.”
“Aye and all the bowls be cleaned right nice,” Marian said as she cleaned the table. “Will ya be wantin’ coffee or dessert?”
“I heard you’re talented with massages,” Marysue quickly interjected.
“Aye, all of me sisters be talented in tha’. Would ya be wantin’ one?”
Sighing, Gerald looked away in frustration, “Mary?”
“Oh, shh. It’s dad’s jet, we can get it bumped back two hours without any problem. When was the last time I had a massage? Two years ago, which is much too long.” Marysue stood up, “I would love one, how much and where do we go.”
Karen chuckled as she stood up as well, “Gerald, to ease your mind I’ll go with, okay?”
Hands flexing slightly in his frustration, Gerald nodded once, his face clearly showing his tension. “Make sure nothing untoward happens. The last masseuse was less than professional.”
“She will be in me hands, sir. I will nay lay one finger wrong on me family name,” Marian said, taking Marysue’s hand and leading her and Karen out of the room.
Fluff stood up a moment later, “I’m off to see Lilith. I’ll see you all in a few days.” She quickly left the room.
Alburet watched her go before turning back to Gerald, who seemed put out. “So, she does do the spoiled rich girl thing at times.”
“Yes. Mostly she doesn’t, but when she fixates on something…” he sighed as he stood up. “Well, I should go. I have to arrange a change in our flight plan now.”
“It almost seems like you’re her minder,” Alburet said, getting to his feet as well.
Looking away, Gerald shrugged, “I care for her. I tried once to make it plain to her, but…” Sighing, Gerald shook his head, “Friends, that is what we will be.”
“Ya carry the burden of love,” Stacia added as she stood. “It be tough at times, but she mayhap will come to return ya feelins.”
Frowning, Gerald looked at Stacia, “I’ve held that thought for years. I wonder now if it is true anymore. Well, enough of my issues, I have things to do.”
“Actually, Gerald,” Alburet said holding up a hand. “Stacia here can give you a neck and shoulder massage if you would like. It might help ease some of the tension for you.”
“Aye, tha’ be a good idea,” Stacia added, motioning Gerald to sit. “Ya only need take off ya armor, ya can leave ya shirt on iffin ya want.”
Hesitating for a moment, Gerald looked at Stacia then Alburet. “I thank you for the offer but I should go. Maybe once we get back here. By then I very well might need it,” he gave a small false laugh before bidding them a good night and vanishing.
“It strains him,” Stacia murmured sadly. “Iffin ya do nay need me, asthore, I will go join the others for a massage of me own.”
“I have a feeling you’re plotting something, Kitten.”
With a ‘Who, me?’ grin Stacia stepped to the door, “Me?” She didn’t wait around but ducked out quickly with a laugh.
Standing there in the room alone, Alburet wondered if he should stop Stacia. She was obviously going to go talk with Marysue about Gerald. Shaking his head, he opted to go see Stewart about training his new ability instead. He found Stewart at his normal table and made his way over through the growing crowd. “Hey Stewart, it’s been a bit.”
Looking up from his mug, Stewart nodded, “Been busy, I see. Here to train your next ability?”
“That was my plan, yes. You good to help me?”
Standing, Stewart led the way to the back room and down the tunnel to the room. As they got to the desk Stewart nudged the book to Alburet, “Take your time, you have a lot of choices to make if you go the one way.”
Alburet turned the book around to see his first option, Lasting Haze. Lasting Haze took Demonic Haze and turned it into a thirty minute buff instead of a five minute buff but at five times the mana cost. He h
ad wanted a way to extend the duration of his buffs, so that was a decent option.
He glanced at his next option, Infernal Upgrade. Infernal Upgrade gave him the option to pick one of his minions and give them an extra ability. The book had him flip to the back to see all the options, so he did.
Blinking, he skimmed through all the options then went back over them slowly again. Each minion had four options he could choose from. Bob could get an AoE spell, the ability to remove a debuff from an ally, a passive one that turned his fire into Infernal Flames which cut fire resistance by 50%, or a spell that doubled an opponent’s mana cost for a short time.
Tiny’s options included an AoE taunt, which would be really useful in groups. There was also a single target stun with his shield, like Gerald had, an AoE interrupt, which hadn’t really been needed as of yet. Finally, there was also a damage mitigation ability that would stop seventy percent of all damage for five seconds that had a two-minute cooldown, perfect for tanking big boss abilities.
Forming the Company (Alpha World Book 2) Page 31