“Let’s go home,” Alburet said to Stacia, giving her a kiss before they both used their Homestones.
Chapter Twenty-One
Alburet answered the knock at the door, greeting Gerald and Marysue, “Welcome to our house. Would you like to see the guild side first?”
“Please,” Gerald answered.
Alburet led them to the other door across from the one to the house. Unlocking it, he led them inside giving them the quick tour as there wasn’t much to see. “So, there it is currently,” Alburet said he locked up the door before leading them back to the house side.
“It’s a bit small, but player and guild housing aren’t even in yet, as far as we know,” Gerald said with a single brow raised. “How did you manage it?”
“Wedding gift from me family,” Stacia answered as she brought over a tray of tea things.
“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.”