Earth Time (IRT): Day 3

Ethos: Day 6

News Outlets: Scrolling banner flashes the interview time for Angela Maher’s update on virtual life in Ethos.

We walk into the room and see Ishtar pacing back and forth fuming. Argus and Callisto are playing a card game involving money. Effrion and I walk in with smiles and ask how everyone is doing... mistake. But, it gave Isthar the excuse he needed to blow up.

“So, after this time you decide today is the time to test your succubus powers? Do you really think that wise?” Ishtar growls and not waiting for an answer continues, “You have Argus waiting, we have no idea about this communication ability with your world and this involves the people who will change the course of our world. Are you using your brains or other parts of your body to think?”

I get angry, then stop and laugh. I hold out a hand, stopping Isthar from continuing his rant. “I needed to talk to Varuna and I did. During that little chat he informed me he has held my succubi powers and urges at bay. He decided that now was a good time to use them. Get mad at Varuna and leave me out of it.”

Ishtar looks at Effrion and continues his angry tirade, “And you... hours? You have better instincts than that. You know what is on the line and you waste hours?”

Effrion shrugs and says, “We were having a discussion involving dominance. I wanted to ensure I made my salient points clear to Asura.”

Callisto is laughing now, “I have many questions about that conversation. Can I pour you a drink while we discuss this?”

Argus steps into the conversation prior to Ishtar blowing up again. “I think we can forgive the two. They were training.” None of us miss the twinkle in his eye and the smile tugging at his lips. “Please sit and let's discuss this communication event and how it impacts us.”

He ends with a serious note, “I need to update the Queen and the ambassadors to the Elder Races.”

I hadn’t thought about that. I hadn’t wanted to think about this at all.

I lay out the short of it. People think this world is a game while others will live in Pathos committing great evils in that realm and across ours. I explain that most people will come for the adventure and fun. That the prophecies about the great turmoil and disastrous events happen because the players travel to Ethos to be heros and have fun. I also explain that not all are good. Many will be major assholes that just like to kill, loot and steal. We discuss respawn and basic rules. I make sure they understand that I am unaware of the rules and we have a year until they arrive. I also explain the time difference between the worlds.

I finish with the primary role of the champions, “We are here to fight the evil from Pathos and its impact on Ethos and eventually Logos. We aren’t here to stop players from reaching this world, we are here to save the elder races from enslavement and extinction.”

Argus asks, “How will you communicate?” I explain the messaging system available to myself and what Ms. Harb had sent me. I also explain that I think she is a total bitch and I look forward to never talking to her again once the game launches.

Now it is Argus’s turn to pace. He stops and addresses the four of us, “I need to meet with the queen immediately. I believe she will have input into the event tomorrow morning. I also know that as our champion she will want you outfitted to the highest standards.”

Argus looks to Ishtar, “Leave for your home in the capital, take all of you and see the clothiers. They have warning that Asura will come to them but not when so, they should have many fabrics and styles readily available.

I speak up, “Argus, I believe that Varuna wants the elder races and my abilities left out of the news conference. Remember that the information I give out informs those that take over Pathos. Please advise the queen of that.”

Argus nods his head and touching the medallion around his neck, disappears.

Ishtar, no longer mad at Effrion and I takes charge. Standing he says, “Asura take my hand. We are heading to the capital. Effrion and Callisto know how to get there.” Taking his hand and standing, we disappear.

The entrance hall we step into is breathtaking. I mean, so far everything is breathtaking but, the shear beauty is amazing. The walls are gilded and warrior statues line each side of the room. The devs, or developers, for the Demon Lands had a thing for the Orient. I never made it to Thailand but, this has to be an exact match to their style.

A servant scurries up to Ishtar bowing and asking for instructions. While he explains our plans Effrion and Callisto appear. Opening the front doors, I see a two palanquins waiting. Each have eight men, four to the front and four holding the rear poles.

Looking at Callisto I ask, “Really? We don’t walk?”

Ishtar answers, “No, high-ranking nobles do not walk... at least not here in the city. We must appear the part. Plus, this establishes you as someone of rank.”

Ishtar and I seat ourselves in one while Effrion and Callisto grab the other.

The men carry us through impossibly crowded streets. As we leave, I notice that Ishtar’s home is part of a larger palace-like complex. I know I am staring but don’t stop myself. I watch as we cross waterways, pass shops and taverns. Our transportation stops in front a beautiful shop displaying different outfits.

A doorman bows and directs us to enter the establishment. I see the sign swaying in the breeze states Alendria’s. We do not get the chance to seat ourselves in the front reception area when a stately woman comes out to greet our party. She claps her hands in front of her and bows towards us all. Her black hair shows signs of gray at the temples and there are a few wrinkles around her eyes and mouth. With her tall, thin build she radiates elegance.

Bowing again to me the woman says, “I am Alendria and your presence here brings joy to my heart.” Looking at Ishtar, “This is the new Duchess, yes?” she asks as he nods his head ‘yes.’ She stops open mouthed and looks closely at my features. “You are an elder and a succubus? I was not aware of your status, my lady. I will make you the envy of every woman in all the kingdoms.” The woman gushed.

She leads to a spacious workshop in the back. The room is light and airy, filled with seamstresses and tailors working on many outfits. With a clap of her hands, Alendria gathers their attention, gives out quick orders and a swarm of workers soon surround us.

I am led away for measurements while they show the men different fabrics in various patterns. Callisto doesn’t seem to care, Effrion just agrees with whatever they are saying while Ishtar takes the choices seriously. Fingering the fabric and asking questions.

Is he always serious?

As I am undressed the seamstresses measure my body. Several arrive back with lovely undergarments. This makes me wonder... they aren’t upset that I am naked, and no one raises an eye about it, not even the men... so the elder races are better at handling nudity.

As Callisto has zero cares for his clothing choices, he arrives to help with the lingerie. This seems his element and he is as serious as Ishtar. Soon the seamstresses are running back and forth for him as he selects his favorites. I start to say something about this, but when does a girl get a new wardrobe? A hand made, fitted wardrobe that the men in her life help pick out? Oh... Never.

Effrion soon joins our group leaving Ishtar on his own. I don’t notice when Ishtar finally joins us, but I am shocked as he points to a few items he likes. I look at him with surprise and then blush. Maybe his seriousness isn’t a bad thing? He seems to take these choices to heart and the look he gives me indicates his interest in me.

Effrion and Callisto laugh as the women giggle. Ishtar winks and walks away.

Looking at Effrion I ask, “Did he just wink or am I hallucinating?”

Callisto looks as shocked as I do, “Holy hell, Ishtar can flirt.”

Effrion slaps him on the back, “Lets go get a round of drinks. Asura is stuck here for a while. Let's go have a bit of fun.” And they leave me... damn it, drinking sounds better than having pins stuck into me. I sigh and then grin again. New wardrobes are worth it!

What surprises me is Ishtar. He doesn’t leave with the other two. He stays and discusses the different outfits I need, the events I will attend and how I must outshine everyone. I enjoy watching him and his seriousness take on the challenge of my clothes. He is tall, broad shouldered, well muscled with his longish hair pulled back into a partial man bun. I watch the seamstresses peek glances at him. I wonder if he knows how damn good looking he is?

Oh, what the hell am I thinking? This isn’t love, this is lust... get over it girl. Bang ‘em and get it out of your system. This puts a blush and a huge grin on my face. And... of course... Ishtar catches my blush and the shit-eating grin. I decide ignoring him at this point the best decision.

Fortunately Alendria’s seamstresses are quick, the outfits are boxed and waiting for our departure. I leave her shop in a formal brocade dress of saphire blue and gold. It is heavy for the humidity and I am not at all liking the heavy feel. On the other hand, it is flipping gorgeous and I feel like royalty. The dress is ingenious because it has two layers. The under dress is in golds with sapphire accents, has long slits up the sides and is sleeveless. The second layer is a stylized cape/coat. It is open in the front displaying the straight line of the underdress, ruffling down the sides and falling along the ground behind me. The material is the dark sapphire with gold accents, opposite the underdress. It is a long-sleeved affair with high collars falling into a plunging V pattern and held together with a single gold medallion at my slim waist. I realize that I only need the outer garment for formal occasions. That leaves me in relative comfort when I remove it and lounge in the underdress. Form and function... hopefully this means I won't sweat to death.

Bending over my hand kissing it Ishtar says, “Duchess, you look lovely.” Then he asks, “Shall we find out wayward companions and head to the palace and the queen?”

Answering with a curtsey, “Why sir, how very gallant... and what the heck? Who pulled the stick out of your ass and made you lighten up?” I ended this with a huge smile, hoping my straight forward attitude didn’t put that proverbial stick back into his ass.

Ishtar chuckles as he leads us to the cushioned palanquin. The whole nobility thing and being carried from place to place on a covered palanquin is awesome. Pretty sure that this will spoil me and my first adventure.

Ishtar answers, “There are times I need to set aside my preoccupation with duty and enjoy the time I have.”

While Ishtar explains his change of attitude, my packages are carried away to Ishtar’s home. We are carried to the nearest tavern in search of my wayward mentors. It seems they must peel themselves away from the barmaids. I raise an eyebrow at the two. They give me shoulder shrugs and huge grins as they hop into their own cushioned palanquin.

What I find mind-blowing is Ishtar’s home is part of the palace complex. I learn that, as a primary advisor, to the queen grants Ishtar his own housing within the floating palace. That is my other shock. I never saw the water on the way out of his home. The front is attached to land while the rest floats with the surrounded complex. The palace entrance is a paved floating bridge with back-and-forth traffic clogging the route. At the site of our pinions flying from the palanquins, royal guards yell out and clear our way through the entrance.

We are lead to a covered reception area with servants. I am helped out and Ishtar carries my outer dress across an arm. We are allowed to cool down in an outdoor room with large fans moving the stifling air. I can smell the lilac and other flowering scents. We lounge and sip from a variety of hot and cold teas and wine. Ishtar explains the ettique for visiting nobles to cool themselves prior to meeting the queen or her council.

We are allowed thirty minutes to cool ourselves. The last ten minutes involve maids escorting me aside while light cosmetics, hair and my outer garments are artfully arranged. The cosmetics involve heavy eyeliner and light lipstick. The men nod approvingly as we head toward our audience with the queen.

I am nervous. Meeting with royalty was not on my to-do list. Digital world or not, this is my reality, and this woman is my queen.

They lead us through winding and floating pathways, ending in a secluded garden on a small island within the water palace complex. A gorgeous woman lounges on pillows under flowing curtains with servants bringing light refreshments and drinks. This is Queen Lilith and her legendary firebird Karna. The queen’s features look fragile and serene. She has the atypical elder features in the eyes, cheekbones, and ears. Her skin has the demon reddish sheen to it and with her pitch-black hair and sapphire eyes she is intimidating.

At her right side stands a large firebird and I call to Una. I feel the familiar warmth flow out of my skin. With a soft cry Una launches into the air, circles our group and lands next to the queen’s firebird. He is smaller but struts his stuff near her and croons.

The queen’s face show a quick bit of surprise prior to hiding her feelings behind her serene facade. Giving up the facade, Queen Lillith smiles at the two cooing firebirds.

“It's been a long time my bird had another of her kind to visit. My understanding is firebirds are indigenous to Logos and Logos only.”

As I am led to me sit among the low cushions, the men arrange to either side of myself. Not knowing how to talk to a queen from a sitting position... curtsey, right? Not like I can, I sitting on a pillow. I perform a half bow and answer, “I received a boon from Varuna and Una is now my permanent companion. I am fortunate.”

With a small nod of her head the queen continues, “I may request your bird in stud duties, if it pleases you. My lovely lady here has missed many years of birthing her own children. I believe, if she finds Una acceptable, she would like to clutch again.”

I bow in reverence, “If Una is amendable to this, I would gladly offer his services to you, my queen.”

This answer pleases her.