The Rules of the Game Have Changed And So Must I

Like someone rereading a novel for the first time, the decisions of the Greymoor family began to make sense to me as I recounted the events of the last few days.

Of course John Greymoor had evacuated the premises of the estate, locked their precious heirlooms in underground vaults, and released almost the entire staff from active duty. He had no intention of returning to the estate for some time. Three carriages had been prepared for more headcount and the extra rations were in case of an emergency.

But an emergency like a rebel army overthrowing the capital city?

I had to admit that the thought seemed preposterous, that the Greymoors knew this was a distinct possibility. But the more I listened in on their family conversations, the less absurd it sounded.

“We discovered the truth about the Astral Viscount’s dealings a little too late,” John had said, “He wasn’t smuggling weapons, he was smuggling rebels across the border.”

“I’m still not convinced he kept it hidden from you,” Stefan’s distrustful gaze crossed paths with Diane.

“We haven’t spoken in months, he keeps to his side of the estate, and I keep to mind,” Diane replied, “And who would suspect the hero from the previous war siding with the rebels?”

“Yet, you pulled the support of the Enchanters Guild weeks before the attack,” Vladimir pointed out, “I doubt anyone is willing to overlook the coincidence.”

“My priority, Vladimir Dimoski,” Diane snapped, with a heavy enunciation on the consonants, “Is the lives of my fellow enchanters and enchantresses, not the lives of the imperial warmongers who would gladly send my people to their deaths. Do I need to remind you that I saved your future sister-in-law?”

“Of course, we all thank you for saving her,” Stefan said, “But we’re not accusing you of not having a soul.”

“Is it all possible in your mind, Stefan, that I simply do not care for your wars or political games?” Diane crossed her arms.

“Come on everyone,” Vivian interrupted the argument, “Diane saved my life, and I trust her. She’s still Diane from the academy, remember? An arranged marriage doesn’t change any of that.”

“Vivian, right now, it pays to be skeptical,” Stefan shook his head, “The imperial court, the parliament, everything has been scattered to the winds. There’s no leadership in the empire to stage a counteroffensive when the rebels are on the move again.”

“Well, after your next destination,” Diane sat back in her seat and shut her eyes, “I’d like you to make a stop at the Enchanters Guild.”

“We’re not your personal taxi, Diane,” Stefan said.

“Excuse me, did you want to stage a counterattack without the protection of my mages?” Diane sat up in her seat, smiled at everyone, and bathed in the submissive silence that followed, “I didn’t think so. Vivian, let’s talk in private when I’m awake.”

While tensions simmered and the Greymoor family debated where to go next, I remained disheartened at my own misfortune. I returned to my digital lair and tried to lose myself in work, but my thoughts kept returning to disappointment.

Vivian had completely forgotten about the moment we shared on the balcony and seemed to have lost all interest in discovering whether or not her magical bracelet was sentient. Granted, I didn't blame her for prioritizing her and her family's survival, but I desperately wanted to believe that I was (or could be) part of that equation.

I mulled over Vivian's attributes again. At this point, it felt like I had looked at them more than all the characters I had ever made in Bland Orange Fantasy combined. But this time (and perhaps for the first time) the numbers appeared dull and lifeless, as if all meaning behind them had become facile and useless. My motivation to calculate a new efficient distribution of stats given our new dangerous environment had all but evaporated, replaced by a foreboding sense that Vivian might possibly be better off without my advice.

“Look at you, feeling all sorry for yourself.”

Diane’s voice echoed in my chambers. I jolted in surprise and turned to look at her. She walked about, dressed differently than her scorched outfit in the real world, perusing the artifacts of my room with disinterest.

“I…thought you were sleeping,” I said.

“Technically, I am,” Diane replied, hands on her hips, “Let’s just say I’ve gotten very good at lucid dreaming.”

“So, why are you here? Have I done something wrong?”

“Does it have to be like that between us? Can it be that I simply wanted to visit, so here I am?” she asked, “Maybe we got off on the wrong foot?”

“That’s because last time you threatened to destroy me.”

“I did do that, didn’t I?” Diane chortled.

“Don’t laugh! It legitimately terrified me.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Diane choked back another laugh, “I promise I’m not here to rip apart your circuitry and place you in stasis.”

“It’s no wonder why Stefan and Vladimir don’t trust you.”

“Ahh,” the Astral Viscountess grinned, “So you were listening.”

“Did you know? About the rebels?”

“Vivian’s not going to like it that you’re suspecting one of her best friends.”

“She doesn’t even know I exist,” I yelled with exasperation, “No thanks to you. You could have told her at any point in the last few weeks.”

“It’s so amusing to watch how young men in love behave,” Diane sighed, “You’re all so eager for things to progress at your own pace. What, do you think Vivian is ready for another romance after having her heart broken by the prince of the royal family?”

“Yes?”

“Why are you like this? You’re supposed to say ‘no’,” Diane palmed her face, “Look, I know how desperate you are to get her attention, but believe that your moment is coming. You just need to be a little more patient. When have I ever led you astray?”

“You’ve never led me anywhere!”

“Really?” Diane raised an eyebrow, “What happened the night after Vivian visited me?”

“S-she talked to me for the first time.”

“That’s right,” Diane nodded, “Believe or not, Kyle, I’m actually on your side.”

“Okay, fine. I get your point, but can you maybe help me along without resorting to making fun of me?”

“No!” Diane howled, “Where’s the fun in that?”

In spite of her mockery, Diane’s presence was a comfort to the monotony of my techno hermitage. It had been a while since I heard my own voice, and I found myself missing it despite its diminutive nature. Even Diane’s voice, as sardonic and mischievous as it was, felt refreshing in that it felt closer and more real than eavesdropping on her conversations in the real world.

“Well. Thanks anyway,” I sighed, “I’ll try to listen to what you say.”

“Good boy,” Diane offered me what I could only describe as a genuine heartwarming smile and prepared to leave. “Maybe have some tea prepared for when I next visit.”

“Sure,” I shrugged, “I can simulate some teas that I’ve had in my old world.”

“Lovely! Oh. One last thing before I go,” Diane paused, her tone taking a sudden serious shift. She pursed her lips and took an unusually deep breath. Her face winced as if pierced by an unpleasant sensation, “I wanted to warn you about something. Consider this the second thing you take seriously from me.”

“What is it?”

“Remember the first time I visited? The time I came in here investigating my suspicions of a curse?”

“Yes. What about it?”

“I only ever said that you weren’t a curse.”

With another snap of her finger, Diane was gone, leaving me alone with her cryptic message. Outside, in the real world, Diane’s eyes fluttered open, and she yawned and stretched as if her nap hadn’t taken less than an hour.

The Greymoors and their carriages had stopped by a creek a half mile off the main path. The horses needed water and rest, and from the shouting and strobing lights in the distance, it appeared the roads were becoming too crowded for comfort.

“Diane! Your nose. It’s bleeding,” Vivian cried. She motioned quickly to Emily, who rummaged through a bag next to her for a handkerchief.

“Am I?” Diane lifted her head as Emily dabbed her nose, “Huh. Must be the change in the weather. Don’t worry about it, it’s just a little nose bleed, Em. Here, give it to me.”

Diane snatched the handkerchief out of Emily’s hands and dealt with her nosebleed herself.

“Alright, Vivian, let’s have a few moments to ourselves,” Diane said. Her eyes then flashed to the young woman beside her, whose stiff hands were frozen over her torn dress, her eyes perpetually downcast. In fact, Guin Veridian appeared more like a mannequin than a human being.

“Guin. You come along too.”