16. Olivia

CHAPTER 16

OLIVIA

I wake up with a jolt, my heart racing with excitement. It's game night! I can hardly believe Kalen is really doing this - introducing me to the whole town. Part of me wants to hide under the covers, but a bigger part is thrilled. This is my chance to show everyone who I really am.

And then there's the fact that Zoe is here! I still can't get over that she is the girl who got leashed.

Hilarious.

But to think I was already totally committed to being here in Fablewood with Kalen, even without knowing a single soul. And now, she's here too? It's incredible! It's like the cherry on top of the icing on the cake! Briefly my mind drifts to the strange events with Mia on that last trip from the outside world. Absently I play with her bracelet, still on my wrist.

"Morning, beautiful," Kalen rumbles. I bring my hand on top of his, as he cradles me in his arms. "Ready for the big night?"

I turn to face him, drinking in the sight of his strong features, those soulful eyes. How did I get so lucky? "As ready as I'll ever be," I say, trying to sound confident. "Though I might need to make a quick pros and cons list, just to be safe. I mean I ‘ve never been "presented" before. I guess it's fitting that my "debutante ball" is going to be a Dungeons and Dragons game."

Kalen chuckles, pulling me close. "'Cubicles and Chihuahuas.' And yeah, you don't need a list. We'll wing it. That is, you can make one if you really want to. Up to you."

I laugh, but I can't quite shake the nerves. "What if they hate me? What if I mess up and say something stupid?"

"Impossible," Kalen says, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "They're going to love you. And if anyone gives you trouble, well ..." He flexes his impressive biceps, and I can't help but giggle.

"My hero," I tease, but warmth spreads through my chest. He really would fight the whole town for me, wouldn't he?

"And hey, if you get nervous just look down at this, okay babe?" He gently caresses my claiming mark.

"Right. ‘Bee in my heart.'"

"Exactly."

We head downstairs to set up the tavern, and I'm struck by how natural it feels. Like I've been doing this my whole life instead of, you know, cataloging jewelry dusty and whatever else in a museum basement.

As we're arranging chairs, I catch Kalen watching me with a soft smile. "What?" I ask, suddenly self-conscious.

"Nothing," he says, shaking his head. "Just ... I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't returned."

"You would have come after me."

"Well yes ... but you know what I mean."

"Of course I do. I'm just teasing. I don't know what I would have done either. Fortunately, it's pretty clear fate wants us together." I give him a soft kiss on the cheek.

The first guests start arriving, and I have to remind myself to breathe .

A little gnome who looks awfully excited, is among the first through the doors.

"Ah Fiddle, excellent! Just grab any table you'd like for your group!" Kalen points to one of the many tables set up for gaming night.

Soon after Koda and his son Whisper, Finn, and Nox arrive as well. They all greet me warmly. Even Elder Faelar shows up, looking both curious and slightly uncomfortable.

"So," the elf says, eyeing the collection of dice and Kalen's Cubicle Master set up, "this is a... human pastime?"

I nod enthusiastically. "Well sort of, I mean not really, we play a ... different version ... and by "we" I mean mostly nerds - but that's changing. Or maybe it's changed. I don't know. I think nerds are cool now."

He nods and smiles, but it's pretty obvious he doesn't have the faintest idea what I'm talking about.

"Anyhow, seems you monst- can I call you that in polite company?" I continue without waiting for an answer. Sorry I'm nervous. So, you're here to play Cubicles and Chihuahuas?"

"Yes. I thought it would be good to perhaps spend some time learning more about human ways."

"Well, this is not actually a human pastime. It's not like the games we play at all, so really, it's a first time for me to. From what I understand, it's all about imagining being in a post-apocalyptic human world and trying to survive and thrive in it – as a human of course. You can play as an ex-accountant, or teacher, or a scientist ... I think there are many classes to choose from. The idea is to raid cubicles for treasure, like coffee makers and cell phones and such, and then take them back to build up your suburban enclave. Or something like that. Kalen only explained a little."

Faelar's brow furrows. "Fascinating. And humans find this ... entertaining?"

"Oh yes," I say, warming up to his interest in the topic. " Our version of it at least. It's a little different. A lot different actually. It's a way to live out a fantasy, and to use your imagination. Also, it's just fun."

As more monsters file in, I notice Kalen greeting everyone with his usual charm. But it's maybe a shade less, I don't know ... slick? More genuine? Not that he was ever not genuine. He just seems more ... what's the word? Comfortable?

Grounded .

Weird thing to say about a minotaur. But yes.

Finally, everyone's seated in groups at tables across the floor, and Kalen clears his throat. "Alright, folks! Welcome to our first-ever Cubicles and Chihuahuas night at The Bullhorn. Now, picture this: the human world, centuries from now. Civilization as we know it has crumbled. You're all playing humans trying to survive and rebuild in this wasteland. Some of you were once business-men or maybe you were a house-wife!" He says it as if he is talking about some mystical themes.

If only they knew.

I can't help but giggle a little as I watch as the monsters lean in, fascinated. Even Faelar looks intrigued.

"Your goal," Kalen continues, "is to scavenge for resources, build alliances, perhaps restart a human business. Who knows? Maybe you'll even succeed in finding a way to create coffee again ... the key to rebuilding human society! Good luck!"

A murmur of excitement ripples through the crowded room. I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing. The basic premise is kind of on-point though in a weird way, I have to admit.

As the various tables of players all begin their various campaigns, I focus in on our own game here with our friends. I find myself playing Olivia Jones, Daring Treasure Hunter.

Kalen is the Cubicle master and describes the scene. "Word is there's a cache of ancient artifacts in the ruins of what was once called a 'mall.' What do you do?"

To my surprise and delight, the monsters get really into it. Koda's character, a burly ex-soldier named Charlie is the muscle. Finn, playing a scrappy mechanic called Joe, is an expert in crude human technologies ...

As we navigate the imaginary wasteland, I laugh to myself at the absurdity of it all. Here I am, a human, playing a monster game about humans with a bunch of magical creatures.

Totally bonkers.

During a break in the game, Zoe pulls me aside, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I still can't believe you are here too. Who am I kidding. I can hardly believe I am here! It's incredible! And this C&C game is actually fun! Who knew?"

I nod, grinning. "I know, right? Who knew monsters would be so into roleplaying as humans? But I guess it's not that different?"

Zoe chuckles. "It's crazy. Let's face it. This is all crazy! But I am super glad the night is a success. Did you see how excited Elder Faelar got when he thought he'd found a latte machine?"

Elowen joins us, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Speaking of the human world," she says, "I've been meaning to ask you two about that seal you found on the map, and the murals ... and you said you saw it in the outside world too?"

I feel a thrill of excitement. "Oh yes! Have you seen it before?"

The witch nods slowly. "I had seen it on the building, but that was it. I never really gave it much thought, and actually always thought it was a fairy or sprites face. But now with it showing up all over, and in your world on the outside, suddenly it is looking decidedly ... human ... and of course it begs for further investigation... "

Elder Faelar joins our little huddle, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "I couldn't help but overhear," he says, stroking his chin. "This business with that seal ... the whole mystery of it is absolutely fascinating. Who knows where it could lead ..."

I feel a thrill of excitement shoot through me. "Really? What do you think it means?"

He shakes his head. "Well, beyond this idea that there was some sort of um, what did you call it?"

"A Secret Society."

"Yes! That ... beyond that, I really don't know. But with the statue being unveiled, and now the seal, it only adds to things. I had thought that the statue and this Charlotte with her orc was an isolated incident. But it all seems to point to far more."

But before we can dive deeper into the mystery, Kalen's voice breaks into our little conversation. "Alright, humans. Ready to keep going? When we stopped, you had just come across the ruins of a coffee shop ..."

As we return to our seats, I can't help but grin at the monsters' enthusiasm. Koda's character, Charlie, is adamant about exploring the ruins of an ancient "gym," convinced it must be some kind of human battle arena.

"Wait," Kalen interjects, "As you get closer to the strip mall, you realize it is not just any coffee shop. A battered old sign above reads "Star-Bucks."

Instantly, the monsters' attention shifts.

"Just throwing this out there," I add, trying to keep my voice steady despite my urge to laugh, "but maybe we're getting a little too fixated on the coffee angle?"

"But coffee is life!" Koda insists, pounding his furry fist on the table.

I catch Zoe's eye, and we both burst into giggles. "Oh, if only they knew how true that was," she whispers.

"Speaking of which, we are going to have to get coffee going in Fablewood, aren't we. Coffee and research go hand in hand, after all."

"I always knew we had the potential to become besties ..."

Just then, a familiar meow catches my attention. I turn to see Othrix sauntering into the tavern, followed closely by ... "Mary Poppins!" I gasp, a bit louder than I meant to.

Zoe's jaw drops. "Wait, what? That's Mia's cat? Here?"

I nod, my mind racing. "Sure is, but I don't know how ... remember we were looking for her when Mia read the words ... something about feeling free ... Zoe, what if Mia's somewhere in Fablewood too? Oh, speaking of which, this is her bracelet, you should have it ..."

She gives me a quizzical look, accepting the bracelet, but before we can discuss further, Kalen stands, raising his mug. "A toast," he says, his voice carrying across the room. "To new beginnings, to acceptance, and to my beautiful mate, Olivia. Welcome to Fablewood, sweetheart."

"Huzzah!!!" A roar erupts as all the monsters cheer. Practically everyone in the room turns to me and raises their glasses in a kind of salute or welcome, it seems, and I feel the most incredible warmth spread through my chest. This is home now, I realize. This crazy, magical, wonderful place.

And before I know what I am doing – before I even think of making a list of pros and cons – I am on my feet raising a glass to the room as well. "And to my mate's brand new beer garden! May it and the tavern continue to be a place to gather with both your old friends and new!"

"Huzzahhh!!!"

One look around the room, and at Kalen's face and it is obvious he has nothing to worry about as far as the continued success of Fablewood's most popular tavern.

But as the crowd sits down again and I look around at my new family - Kalen, Zoe, our monster friends - I can't help but wonder about the mysteries still unsolved. The seal, the map, the murals ... and what about Mia ?

Somehow, though, I just know it will all work out.

I just know it.

Fate hasn't let us down yet.

And one more thing's for sure too - life in Fablewood is never going to be boring.