California Dreaming: Crucible of Change, #3

By Noelle Alladania Meade

After battling mutant slime creatures, eco-terrorists, and a ruthless mage bent on making her the guest of honor at a human sacrifice, Olivia Mitchell was looking forward to a nice, long, all-expenses-paid vacation in southern California. Frank is busy training for his role in the latest Warblade venture—a reality series called Dungeon Raiders. While Frank learns the skills he'll need for the show, it's time for Olivia to decide what she wants to do with her new life.

Olivia planned to relax, do a little artwork, and bask in the glow of expectant motherhood. She forgot that a 'trouble magnet' doesn't have an off switch and relaxing isn't in her genes. With the help of a powerful mentor, Olivia is taking her magic skills to another level—studying harder than she ever did in college. At the same time, a mysterious gallery owner promises to bring Olivia's artwork to a new audience. It would be fame beyond her wildest dreams—if she's willing to pay the price.

Television cameras attract all manner of crazy. Olivia wasn't prepared for obsessed fans, and she didn't expect the crazy team politics or would-be romantic rivals. Add a doctor with the world's worst bedside manner and Olivia's life behind the scenes is far more dramatic than anything that's actually part of the show. The chaos also cloaks a very real threat: a twisted mage from another world, intent on putting Olivia and her children on display in his personal menagerie. 

It's time for Olivia to get her Mommy Rage on—and this time, she's killing for three.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beasthold Books
• Release date: Dec 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393318088

Noelle Alladania Meade

Noelle usually has several irons in the fire at any given time. She likes to spend her time reading, writing, crafting, running two online shops to sell her crafts, and gaming. Life took a turn for the quirky in 2000 when she had her daughter, who turned out to have autism. As a child, her ambition was to be the first woman President of the United States. When she got older and learned more about politics, she recovered from that particular insanity. Her teens were spent on historical romances, science fiction, fantasy, and writing angsty poetry. In middle school, she had her first introduction to tabletop gaming in the form of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. As she explained to her dad, with all seriousness, it gave her the chance—as a terminally shy person—to try on different personalities and experiment with being a stronger person. From the time her daughter was born until mid-2014, Noelle worked out of her home providing IT support for a small local software company. She’s finally working in an office again as an administrator, and rather likes it. It’s nice to spend the day around adults who are mostly grown-ups.

Book preview

Chapter One

Opportunity Breaks Down the Door

MY SISTER HAS LONG told me, Opportunity knocks. You just have to let it in. This time opportunity took the form of Lorena Norris and Avalanche Entertainment. The company was only the maker of Warblade, the most popular online fantasy role-playing game on the planet right now, and Lorena was here to make us an offer we couldn’t refuse. When opportunity tracks you down to a hotel in New York City, kicks in the door, and grabs you by the scruff of the neck, how can you argue?

Our very public defeat of an evil wizard back home in Colorado, and Frank’s beheading of said wizard on national television, had gotten us invited to The Morning Show in New York. Lorena had good timing. I’d been let go as a consulting mage with the police due to being pregnant with twins, and Frank had parted ways with his teaching job at the university, mainly because he cared more about rescuing me from being the sacrificial guest of honor of the wizard than teaching paleontology to bored college students.

Lorena had cryptically promised us a chance to be part of the greatest new adventure in the Warblade franchise. Of course we agreed to meet her for lunch.

We arrived at the restaurant a bit before the appointed time, but according to the host, Lorena was already there. Rounding the corner of the bar, Lorena, sitting at a secluded corner table, came into view. I stopped so abruptly that Frank ran into me. Lorena was an actual Damazi from Warblade. She was all blue, with long black hair and sparkling green eyes. Later, I would find she also had the satyr legs and a blue furry tail shading to black. She was truly stunning.

She stood and shook hands with each of us when we reached the table. I’m delighted to finally meet you in person.

I wondered if the other diners were looking at us as the set-up for a joke. A Damazi, a Dark Elf, and a Troll walk into a restaurant...The mind boggled.

Order whatever you’d like, she said. Avalanche is picking up the bill.

After we’d placed our orders, she handed each of us a folder labeled Operation Epic Loot Drop. "Next month at BuzzCon, Avalanche will be announcing a new franchise of Warblade; a live action version, as a matter of fact. The working title is Dungeon Raiders and we’re going to bring television and gaming together in a way that’s never been done before. We have a number of other recruits, but when I saw the footage from the Arsenal, and found the older news footage of Olivia, I knew with the two of you we’d found the perfect pair to lead one of our teams."

What’s involved? asked Frank.

I have contracts and detailed information in the packets, and we’re about to hold our orientation session, said Lorena. I’d like you to take the time to read through the packets but I do need to ask you to sign the non-disclosure agreements first. Mainly they say that you won’t publically divulge information about this venture before it’s officially announced.

That seems fair, I said.

The agreement was the first page inside of each folder. I admit it; I just skimmed through the legalese and signed. Hopefully I hadn’t just promised to sell her a kidney.

With Dungeon Raiders, we plan to run mixed teams of Humans and Changed through challenges, both physical and mental, in pursuit of a million dollar prize. Our cast will go through an intense training program from April through June and we begin filming in July. We will, of course, be providing all room and board during training and filming. And that’s on top of the pay for being a cast member.

How physical are you talking? I asked. I’m pregnant with twins.

I found that out today during your appearance on The Morning Show, said Lorena. Gordon and I spoke, and we would still like you to be part of the cast. You wouldn’t take part in any physical challenges, but we see a great story line with you as Frank’s love interest. We’re not just planning adventures; we want the cast to have background stories that draw people in each week.

If you’re starting this in April, when is the orientation? asked Frank. We’re halfway through March already.

That’s the thing, said Lorena. It took us some time to find you and make contact. The orientation in Santa Barbara starts with a cocktail party tomorrow evening. I know the timing is tight, but I feel in my gut that this can be the beginning of a whole new life for the two of you.

Wow. That’s really short notice, I said. We have tickets back to Denver for tomorrow. I don’t know if we could even get a flight that fast, and that’s if we decided to do it.

Avalanche will reimburse you for those tickets, said Lorena. I flew out here on a friend’s private jet. If you agree, you can fly back to California with me. The orientation finishes on Sunday. If you join the team, as a signing bonus, we’d like to send you to Las Vegas for a few days of rest and relaxation at The Trove before flying you home to Denver. What do you say?

I say...we need to talk about this, said Frank. You’ve given us a lot to think about.

I have one other small gift I’d like to share with you before I let you go. Lorena tapped the box sitting in front of her at the table. Inside the box proved to be two smaller boxes. She looked at the bottom of the first one before handing it to Frank. The other one went to me. Go ahead. Open them.

Each box revealed a Warblade style character but dressed in regular street clothes. I had a Troll and Frank had a Dark Elf. It was really odd. I’d never seen any figures like these before.

Olivia! Look closer. It’s you! That’s what you were wearing when the slimes ate that Hummer out from under you. The Troll figure was Frank! It was what he wore that day at the Arsenal when he took the Red Wizard’s head.

You made us into action figures? How did you do that? And why did you do that? I demanded.

I wanted to show you how serious we are about wanting you for the show. Our techs scanned images from your appearances on the news and they were created using 3D printer technology. Our other cast members have a lot of potential, and given time, they will build a following. In the public eye, you are both already heroes. We want that and we need that, to give Dungeon Raiders the best possible chance to succeed. She handed each of us a business card. My cell phone number is written on the back. Let me know as soon as you can if you want to do this. I’m flying out first thing tomorrow morning. I hope you’ll say yes.

Back at the room, we devoured the information packets. This was a hell of a commitment, but what an amazing opportunity. The thought of being so far away from my loved ones, especially while I was pregnant, was scary, but I could tell how badly Frank wanted to do this. I hadn’t seen him this animated about anything for a long time. He’d been unhappy with his teaching job at the university and concerned about supporting a new family on an undergrad teacher’s wages.

What do you think? he asked.

I think we’re going to need to go shopping. If I have to go to a cocktail party tomorrow night, I need a new dress.

His face lit up and he hugged me tight. Are you sure? This is amazing. It’s the opportunity I’ve been waiting for.

I called Lorena to set things in motion; we made plans to meet that night for a late dinner. We also had a few logistical things to take care of. Frank had brought his two compys to New York for the show. We had to get them back to Denver. Sandy, the publicist we’d brought with us, offered to play escort. She was flying back to Denver tomorrow anyway.

I called my sister first. Cordie, you’ll never believe who we just had lunch with! After swearing her to secrecy, I told her all about lunch with Lorena and our last minute change of plans.

Of course I can get the compys at the airport, she said. Are you sure about this, Olivia? You’re going to drop everything and go to California just like that?

The only thing I’m letting go of is living with my loved ones, I said. I already don’t have a job. They’re actually going to pay me to be Frank’s love interest. And we’re getting a trip to Las Vegas to woo us. I want to be wooed.

Before you sign anything, promise me you’ll have an attorney look it over. I’m going to talk to Mikah and see if he can do it, or at least recommend someone that can.

I promise. This is the new responsible me. No more adventures.

My phone dinged with an incoming text. Mikah had sent me the contact information for an entertainment lawyer; Kinnion Engels. We used the hotel business center to fax over the contracts Lorena had included in our packets. While I worked the fax, Frank talked to the hotel concierge about my dress needs. By the time the last page went through on the fax, we had an appointment with a personal shopper at a very nice department store. According to the note on the contract, we needed dress clothes for the Friday night cocktail reception and a dinner out on Saturday. I wouldn’t mind getting something nice for our Vegas side trip, as long as we were at it.

AFTER MAKING SURE THE compys were taken care of, we caught a cab and headed out into the chilly March afternoon. We arrived at a department store famous around the world to everyone that watched the parade on Thanksgiving Day. Our personal shopper was waiting for us at the customer service department.

Frank didn’t end up getting a tuxedo, but he did get a few suits and some nice sports coats. While he wasn’t looking, I outfitted him in a few other accessories, such as new socks and underwear. I even talked him into a pure silk aquamarine dress shirt. They did all his measurements and promised the alterations would be completed by the time I finished in the dress department. I was feeling spoiled. I could get to like this.

My brother used to get bored when he had to take me shopping. Unlike Leo, Frank was happy to see me model my favorite dresses for him. They had an entire section sized for the Elven physique. Even though I only needed two dresses, I ended up with five, and all of the necessary accessories, including matching shoes. The four cocktail length dresses were in bright jewel tones, and the one full out fancy dress was long and all shimmering silver. It looked fantastic on me. I held it up and spun around. Isn’t this the perfect Dark Elf dress, Frank? It’s like liquid chain mail. And the cleavage is to die for. He didn’t disagree. Cordie would faint when she saw her credit card bill. I even added in some sexy satin lingerie while Frank was up stretching his legs.

We still had time before we needed to head back to the hotel, so I wanted to peek into the baby boutique. Want to come in with me? I asked Frank, almost shyly.

Of course.

We held hands and walked in together. I’d never seen so much baby furniture in one place in my life. We saw cribs and bassinettes, and comfy rocking chairs. Soft stuffed animals were everywhere. I fell in love with a beautiful carved wooden crib. It was gorgeous, and it even converted into a twin bed as the baby aged. Even I swallowed hard at the four figure price tag. The matching dresser was even more. It was scary thinking of a real live baby (or babies) to care for.

When we arrived back at the hotel, we had a message waiting from Kinnion. We officially had his blessing on our contracts with Avalanche.

Lorena had picked a very nice restaurant for dinner, so I wore one of my new cocktail dresses. Frank looked so handsome in his new suit. Sandy had her own dinner plans with a friend from the area.

I managed to get an earlier flight back to Denver, said Sandy. Frank, if you’ll help me get the compys to my room, I’ll take them with me now. I promise I’ll take good care of them.

I thanked Sandy for all of her help and hugged her goodbye. Have a safe flight. Thank you so much for babysitting the compys and getting them home.

Frank warbled to the compys and scratched their little heads before loading their carriers onto one of those rolling luggage carts that bellhops use. If anything comes up with them, call my cell, he told Sandy.

We met Lorena in the lobby. She’d booked a limo to take us to dinner. I guess she wasn’t taking any chances that we’d change our minds at the last minute. Her smile of greeting got even wider when we handed her the signed contracts. Welcome aboard! You won’t regret it.

During the Santa Barbara training, each team will live together in a house in a different area of town. You’ll train hard five days a week and have weekends off, for the most part. Sometimes there are mandatory weekend activities. Avalanche is covering all housing and food expenses, unless you want to buy something special or go out to dinner. The rule is going to be team members only. If anyone questions your presence, Olivia, we will confirm that you are a cast member. You’re just serving in a slightly different fashion. A friend is loaning us her RV while training is going on. We’ll be parking it at the team house so the two of you have a small place of your own during training.

Have you already picked the other team leaders? asked Frank.

No, we haven’t. It’s something we need to do as we observe people during orientation. I would prefer to announce all of the team leaders at the same time. Please don’t mention you’ve already been chosen prior to that.

Are you filming the show in Santa Barbara too? I asked.

No. We’ll be filming in Anaheim. We purchased an empty shopping mall that we’re converting into a mini studio, including room for housing all of the cast and crew. It looks a little ragged now, but it’ll be amazing by the time you all get there in July.

Lorena had the gift of conversation. We were never too busy talking to eat, but there were never any awkward silences. By the time we’d finished dessert, I felt she knew just about everything about me while I still knew almost nothing about her. If she got tired of working for Avalanche, she could always get a job as an interrogator for the police.

Tomorrow’s plan was to meet for breakfast at the hotel at nine before taking a car to the airport. We’d be arriving in Santa Barbara in plenty of time to get ready for the cocktail party.

I was dead on my feet by the time we got back to the hotel. This morning had started well before dawn. It was still hard to believe we’d done The Morning Show today, and now here we were, heading to California and a whole new world.

We were cuddled up in bed, but I couldn’t sleep. Frank, I have a question. What do we call ourselves?

Um, is this a trick question? I’m going with Frank and Olivia, he said.

No, not that. I mean, are we dating? Are we significant others? Are we partners? I asked. I don’t know how to introduce you anymore. You’re not my boyfriend; that sounds so juvenile, and I refuse to introduce you as my baby daddy.

I see what you mean, he said. I have an idea, but I’d like a few days before I present it to you. For now, let’s go with partners, okay?

Okay. I like that. I know you don’t want me to be with other men. Do you still want to be with other women?

Olivia, my love, there hasn’t been another woman for me since the first time we were together. I know we said no commitments and everything was casual, but I don’t do casual, and I didn’t want to scare you away.

So there weren’t any hot, young co-eds chasing after you?

Oh, there were some. I wasn’t interested. They weren’t you, he said.

I couldn’t stop the tears. Damn hormones. I love you, Frank. Partners.

I love you too, Olivia. Partners. He took my hand and kissed it. Tonight we made love, sweet and gentle. Afterwards, he spooned around me, holding me tight in his arms. I fell asleep to the sound of his heartbeat.

Chapter Two

California Dreamin’

LORENA WAS ON THE PHONE through most of breakfast. I don’t know how she managed, but she still ate and had time for two coffee refills between calls. I’d expected to see one of the tiny little planes when we got to the airport. I was wrong. Her friend really did have a jet. For having never flown anywhere before this week, this was an incredible second flight. The inside of the jet was like something out of a movie.

Even in a private jet, we were still flying all the way across the country. According to the pilot, our flight time was estimated at six and one half hours from JFK to LAX. From LAX we’d have to take an air limo to the Santa Barbara airport. It was too small to handle a 747. We’d be getting a meal and snacks, and we got to pick the in-flight movies. Frank read through the packet of papers Lorena had given us. I saw most of the first movie and fell asleep after lunch.

Lorena promised to see us at the cocktail party. She had some business to attend to in Anaheim. By air limo, we’d be in Santa Barbara within the hour.

By the time we arrived at the small Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, I was exhausted. Someone met us on the concourse with a golf cart. The driver loaded our luggage and zipped us off to a waiting limousine. He insisted on loading our bags into the trunk. The smile on his face said Frank had given him a very nice tip.

Two other Dark Elf women were already in the back of the limousine. These ladies are part of the same event, said the driver. Their flight arrived just before yours. I hope you don’t mind sharing.

I’m Lisa, said the woman with the same fine, white hair I had.

I’m Yuri, said the other woman with short red hair. Hey, want some champagne? It’s free.

There were handshakes all around, and we introduced ourselves. You go ahead and have some, Frank, I said. I’ll have something when we get to the hotel.

We found out they’d also flown in from the East Coast. Yuri had definitely been enjoying the complimentary champagne. I noticed an empty bottle propped up on the seat next to her. Hit it, Gaston, Yuri called to the driver. I gotta whiz.

She looked desperate when he informed her, The hotel is approximately twelve miles away, ma’am. Do you need me to find something closer?

Damn straight, she said. I’m doing the limousine pee-pee dance already.

We discovered limousines could be maneuvered like sports cars when the driver is afraid he’s going to have to mop out the back of the vehicle. Yuri hopped out at a convenience store and sprinted for the door. I didn’t say anything. If I hadn’t gone right before we left Santa Barbara, it could have been me.

Yuri half snoozed on Lisa’s shoulder the rest of the way to the hotel. She woke up with a start as the limousine glided to a stop. ...and that’s how you get a hippo to wear a tiara, said Yuri.

I snickered. She was a special kind of crazy. Lisa rolled her eyes in disgust. I expect that had something to do with the drool.

A number of folks in Avalanche entertainment polo shirts were waiting in the hotel lobby. They checked each arriving person against their list and handed over a bulging gift bag and room keys. The hospitality suite was already open and the itinerary was in the bag, informed one of the smiling young men.

A bellhop whisked away our luggage and escorted us up to the room. It wasn’t huge, but it was inviting. The bed was a California King. The decorations were all in bright colors. We had a balcony overlooking the beach. The computer on the desk was waiting on the Warblade login screen. Frank tipped Stan the bellhop, who reminded us, Don’t forget to set your watches to local time for the duration of your stay. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call the front desk.

Wow, I said. We’re here. I poked around while Frank dealt with the suitcases. "Look, there’s a card. It says Welcome, Frank and Olivia. There’s complimentary fruit and milk in the refrigerator for Olivia. Enjoy."

Working together, it didn’t take long to get our things put away. Even though we’d been traveling since first thing this morning, it was still only three o’clock local when we’d finished. I kicked off my shoes and brought over our loot bags. Frank and I crashed on the bed to go through our goodies.

There were hotel maps showing the meeting rooms and hospitality suites. They’d set up one on each floor of the hotel. It looked like we were on our own for dinner, but the cocktail party was scheduled to begin at eight. I’m going to wear my new silver dress, I said. I wouldn’t want you to mix me up with the other Dark Elf babes.

He pulled me onto him, hugging me tight. There’s no danger of me mistaking anyone else for you, he said. But you do look hot in the silver dress. I approve.

I could feel his approval as we kissed. Each kiss was longer and deeper than the last. He made no objection as I unbuttoned his shirt and ran my hands over his bare chest. I hear California hotel sex is amazing, I whispered in his ear and teased it with my tongue.

I believe it requires some research.

He pulled closed the curtains to the balcony as we both quickly stripped out of our travel clothes. One kiss melted into another and I gasped as he slid home, burying his cock inside of me. I urged him on, wanting it fast and hard. Don’t stop, I said, meeting his every thrust. I clenched my muscles tight around him, and he groaned as hot seed poured into me. He rolled onto his back, pulling me around with him. I rode his still turgid cock while I stroked myself, quickly reaching my own climax. I fell forward onto his chest, his organ still buried inside of me. We both glistened with sweat. I like hotel sex, I said. Welcome to California.

We made love again, in the shower this time, and Frank ordered room service. After dinner, we fed each other strawberries dipped in chocolate, interspersed with kisses. I wanted to play again, but reluctantly decided I wouldn’t have time to shower again and dry my hair before the reception. Later, I whispered. After the party. Then we take our time.

He playfully chased away my wandering hands. You need to stop or my pants won’t fit, he said. Behave yourself or I’ll give you a spanking.

Do you promise? I asked, and wiggled my butt at him.

I heard him say, We should travel more often, as I sauntered off to the bathroom to get ready.

The liquid silver sheath dress fit me perfectly. The neckline plunged halfway to my navel, and I’d had to use the special tape they sold me at the store. Thin, silver straps kept the dress from slithering off. Frank whistled when I walked out and groaned when I spun around. The side slits showed my legs all the way to mid-thigh. The fabric in back barely kept from showing off my nether cleavage. A delicate silver chain somehow kept the whole structure in place. His hands trembled slightly when I had him help me with a little tape back there. I’d always wondered how starlets kept from falling out of their low cut dresses. Now I knew.

I had strappy little silver sandals and a gossamer fine cashmere shawl. I even had a tiny matching handbag; barely able to hold lipstick and my phone.

I don’t see a panty line, he said huskily.

I’m not wearing any. You wouldn’t want me to spoil the look, would you?

He looked amazing in his new suit, and he’d worn the aquamarine silk shirt I’d talked him into. He made me stand still and not touch him while he closed his eyes and recited the names of dinosaur bones. It took a few minutes, but his raging salute finally subsided to a respectable bulge.

Our room was at the opposite end of the property from the reception. I expected we’d have to walk over, but Avalanche had provided little electric shuttle buses to ferry guests back and forth. Most of the people on our shuttle had made some effort to dress up. The hulking red-skinned Orc sitting across from us had even managed a sport coat. He made no effort to hide the fact he was staring at me during our short trip. I wasn’t sure if Frank noticed so I didn’t say anything. It would take more than a few rude looks to ruin my evening.

I stopped and stared as I entered the reception room. It looked like a Sun Elf palace from Warblade. Gauzy curtains draped the walls, and little lights flickered on and off, like tiny glowing insects. The regular lights were well hidden, but still provided enough light to see. There were some Humans in the room, but they were in the minority by far. Greeting each arrival was the president of Avalanche himself, Gordon Norris. Lorena stood beside him.

Gordon firmly shook each of our hands. Frank, Olivia, we’re delighted to have you. I saw the news footage of you fighting those slimes. It’s not often you see actual magic on the news.

It’s wonderful to meet you, I said. "I’ve been a Warblade fan for ages, though I admit I haven’t had as much time for the newest release."

I can imagine, said Lorena. It’s got to be hard to plan gaming time when you’re out fighting monsters in the real world.

We’re delighted you were able to join us, said Gordon. I want you to enjoy the next few days. Welcome to the team.

We’re holding up the line, said Frank. We should give everyone else their chance to meet you.

They turned to greet the Orc behind us. Calvin, how was your flight? asked Lorena. I didn’t hear his response.

Frank helped steer us through the growing masses and found us something cool to drink. He filled a plate with an assortment of appetizers, and we made our way outside to sit by the softly lit pool. It was cool out, but not too cold, at least for us.

If he bothers you again, said Frank, you tell me. I saw how he was looking at you. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was the type to get grabby after a few drinks.

We turned to watch the milling guests. There were a ton of Dark Elf women, along with a few Dark Elf men. I’d never seen this many in one place outside of the new city in the last Warblade expansion. I was sorry we’d signed the agreement insisting on no unauthorized pictures at any official functions. I saw a few Green Elves and Gold Elves. There were a few other Orcs, including one woman. Three Troll women were part of the gathering. Four Dwarves had taken over one of the other poolside tables. There was even one Minotaur on the far side of the patio.

A short, Dark Elf man with a truly ghastly neck scar and a younger Dark Elf man were circulating. They eventually made their way to our table. Mind if we join you? asked the older man, in a gravelly voice.

Frank gestured at the open seats, Please do.

I’m Angus, he said. I’m the head of the training program. This is my son, Alexander. He’ll be assisting.

I’m Frank, and this is Olivia. Pleased to meet you.

I smiled. Pleased to meet you.

Frank, do you have any martial arts experience? asked Angus.

No, not really. Olivia taught me some archery. I’m working on my PhD in paleontology. I was teaching at the university in Denver until the incident at the Arsenal. I’ve never really been the athletic type.

We don’t need athletes, rumbled Angus. "What we do need are people who are trainable and are players of Warblade."

The general concept sounds fun, I said, But I admit, I’m not sure how you’re going to pull it off without anyone getting hurt.

He smiled. "That’s where I..we come in. If we do our jobs right, we shouldn’t see any injuries worse than you’d see at a professional football game."

I can’t wait to see the presentation tomorrow, I said. I’m not sure how much I’ll get to do when they start filming. I’m expecting twins so I can’t really be an active member of a team.

Congratulations, said Angus. If this is as successful as we believe it will be there’s always time later.

They stood up and excused themselves. Time to meet the next group, said Angus. I look forward to speaking to you more tomorrow. Along with doing part of the tour, I’ll also be taking part in the interviews.

The two of them went to the table of Dwarves next. It sounded like Angus was already losing his voice. I didn’t know how he’d manage to talk to everyone in this throng tonight.

I’m going to find the restroom, I told Frank. I’ll be right back. The restroom wasn’t bad. Two other Dark Elf women were talking to each other in front of the mirror. They didn’t acknowledge me.

I was returning from the facilities, when a Green Elf woman in a tearing hurry jostled me and knocked me off balance. I stumbled and lurched into the broad back of an Orc. When he turned around, I recognized Calvin from the shuttle. Of all the crappy luck, it had to be him. He reeked of booze but was still solid on his feet.

Hey, you’re the little Dark Elf chick from the shuttle, he said. He shifted forward and I stepped back, trying to avoid the fumes. I bumped into the wall behind me. He leaned against the wall, blocking half the hallway. I was right, he said. I bet the guys you weren’t wearing anything under your slinky dress. He leaned forward and inhaled deeply, And you were being a bad girl before the party, weren’t you? Want to be a bad girl after the party too?

You’d better move, I said. I’m with Frank. And the only reason you’re not farting bluebirds is because I’m cutting you some slack for being drunk.

Frank? Who’s Frank? You mean the Troll you were with? He laughed. You’re fucking a Troll. Well you’re game for anything. I’ll take you back to my room and you can show the whole gang your party tricks.

I was drawing the magic when I heard Frank’s voice. Step away from the lady, right now.

I don’t think I will, said Calvin, And if she’s fucking you, she’s no lady.

He reached for my dress, ignoring Frank, as I ducked and scuttled backward along the wall. Two other Orcs blocked the end of the hallway and I didn’t like the looks on their faces. My ears were ringing and I felt a metallic taste in my mouth. In my head, I heard the chanting of drunken frat boys. Falling to my knees, I emptied my stomach on the ground.

The sound of fist meeting flesh was clear, and I saw two Orcs charging up the hall. A ghostly raptor leaped forward, claws extended, and stood hissing between me and them. They reared back and one of them reached into his pocket. The look on his face was almost comical as he turned to face the raptor with nothing but a pocket knife in his hand.

I turned around and saw Frank grappling with Calvin. Calvin was bleeding from a newly crooked nose. He ignored it, shoving Frank back. He slammed his massive fist into Frank’s gut, knocking the wind out of him, sending him reeling. I summoned a bluebird and cocked my arm to