Heather the Necromancer

Book 5: Chapter 61: To much to think about

Book 5: Chapter 61: To much to think about

Heather listened to Gisley sing for nearly an hour as the stars twinkled overhead. She was lost in thought while petting her spider, who chirped soothingly. Suddenly Gisley stopped singing and fluttered over to Chandice, Jaina, and Evalynn. Heather didn't hear everything, but it was clear Gisley overheard them talking about the dancing and was upset she missed it. It seemed a shame that such a beautiful creature should be so upset, so Heather set Webster down and walked across the magical forest.

We didnt do it to make you angry, Jaina insisted as she tried to comfort the upset fairy.

I keep missing all the fun because I have to pull the disk, Gisley said sorrowfully. I want to dance and play too!

Excuse me, Heather said as she approached with a smile. I know it's none of my business, but would it be alright if I danced with Gisley?

You want to dance with me? Gisley asked as her eyes suddenly changed colors from red to deep purple. Little sparkling lights twinkled in them, and the fairy did a little fluttering bounce.

I think she loves the idea, Chandice laughed.

Of course, Roric agreed and turned to consider Gisley. Would you like to dance with Heather?

Please! Gisley cried excitedly and fluttered up to Heather and dropped to her feet. I love dancing.

I could tell, Heather laughed as she looked to Roric, who nodded that she had permission. She took Gisley's arms and pulled her close, ready to begin the dance, when Gisley said they needed a song. Heather smiled and said she would sing Gisley a song, and the two would dance to it together.

Gisley practically jumped to her toes in excitement as Heather considered how she wanted to do this. She had a lot of powers based on singing and thought Gisley might appreciate a little magic in her dance. Then, with a smile, Heather began a sweet song that echoed a call to nature. It was filled with sunshine and rainbows that delighted those who heard. She pulled Gisley into the steps, swinging her around the field as flowers began to blossom all around them.

[lvl 4 flower singer skill: call to nature] Sing a song to the spirits of life and nature, causing flowers to burst forth and blossom in seconds. The effect is a four-meter radius around you but can be directly targeted by using hand gestures.

Gisley saw the flowers and squealed with such joy that it turned every head to their dance. It filled the onlooker's hearts with love as the most beautiful scene of magic began to unfold. Heather intentionally chose a dance full of twisting spirals as the flowers continued to grow thick around them. At the same time, Gisley's magic glitter filled the air, enchanting the flowers to glow with magical light.

Heather wasn't done with magic and quickly activated a fun skill she hardly used. Now her very steps would cause flowers to grow so that no matter where the dance went, the flowers would follow.

[lvl 3 Flower Singer skill: Blooming steps] Flowers spring up around your feet and trail behind you, growing rapidly into full bloom. You trail faint trails of golden pollen around your feet, causing the magical effect.

Silver glitter mixed with golden pollen as Heather continued her song of growth. Gisley was swept off her feet, smiling wide as she looked around to see the unfolding magic. It was now that Heather unleashed her final trick as her feet floated up, walking across the flower petals as if on firm land.

[lvl 15 Flower Singer Skill: Natures steps] You can step over any plant without harming it, your feet floating just above the delicate stems as if you weighed nothing.

Gisley cried out in such happiness it made Heather smile. She had to flutter her wings to keep up with Heather as the two women danced in the air over a carpet of magical glowing flowers. Around they spun, gold and silver sparkles spiraling out in all directions. Gisley's eyes sparkled with bright green light as her two little antennas unfurled to their full length. She was lost in the excitement and magic of the dance, and her enthusiasm affected her magic.Visit for the best novel reading experience

[lvl 20 lunar fairy skill: Dance of the lunar queen] [Boosted 10] When you dance under the moonlight, you produce a magical glitter that has the effect of enchanting the world around you. Shadows become sharper, fireflies come out to dance with you, and the moonlight glitters on all reflective surfaces. Your glitter pool, health, and stamina recover 10% faster during this dance.

Gisley began to glow with white light as fireflies filled the air, dancing with the two girls as their song carried on. Gisley joined Heather in her song, the two voices blending as Heather continued to lead the enchanting dance. Moonlight began to streak down in glittering rays, and every droplet of dew sparkled in the light like a thousand diamonds.

It was a powerful moment, and Heather decided she wasn't done yet. With her voice soaring high, she called to the trees around them, filling them with budding flowers and golden lights that floated about as if alive.

What is happening? Frank said as he came to stand with Quinny and Breanne.

The most beautiful thing I have ever seen, Breanne replied with a tear in her eye. Those voices are like angels singing in unison, and their magic combined is breathtaking.

Heather and her pair up perfectly, Quinny laughed. The magical fairy who likes to dance, with the magical singing girl who summons flowers.

They do look good together, Breanne agreed. I have to admit I admire how in love those girls are.

Frank heard that comment and wondered once again if maybe this was something he could have. He dwelt on that thought as the dance went on, until an hour later, flowers grew everywhere. Heather and Gisley stared into each others eyes as the fairy woman thanked her for the dance, then fluttered happily to her family to forgive them.

Well, that was fun, Heather said as she joined Frank and the others. I had no idea that would make her so happy.

That was amazing to watch, Quinny replied. You two were dancing in the air.

I just wanted her to feel special since she never gets to come to the graveyard, Heather replied as she looked at Frank to see Breanne on his right and Quinny on his left. There was no place for her, so she turned around and sat comfortably in Frank's lap.

You look comfortable, Breanne remarked as Heather leaned back into Franks chest.

I am comfortable, Heather replied. I should have done this a long time ago.

Me? Breanne said as a slight smile curled her elven face. I suppose my situation is rather dire. I dont understand why everyone is pushing me to consider being a slave girl of some ogre?

I think Rorics girls are happy with what they are, but they cant assume everybody else will be, Frank suggested. I am sure they found something special in their relationship, but you arent them. What makes them happy isnt guaranteed to make you happy.

No, and I am thrilled to finally hear somebody say it! Breanne cried. I have been going out of mind with worry these past few days.

I didnt want to argue with them in camp, Frank said as he drew closer. I know Jaina and the others like what they are, but I don't like these slave collars, and I wish you would all take them off.

Quinny jokes about how we should let them lock, Breanne said and folded her arms. That girl has been pushing me to accept Grumoshs offer harder than any of them.

That's because Quinny could be like Jaina. She has the right temperament to wear this all the time, Frank said.

In my case, it isn't that I hate the idea of wearing the collar. It's just I am old enough to understand the commitment, Breanne said and reached up to take her collar off. She changed back to her noble elf appearance with long black hair and fair skin. You don't just put something like this on for shallow reasons. This gives the owner power over you that you need to be sure you want them to have, she said and clutched the collar in her hand. I would gladly wear this collar for the right man, but those men are hard to find.

I think Heather would too, Frank replied.

Heather would gladly wear it for you, Breanne said with a sad note as her gaze wandered away. We all would.

What? Frank said as he struggled to believe what he had just heard. His mind spun to hear Breanne, the voice of wisdom and reason, admit her feeling to him.

Why does that surprise you? Breanne said and turned away. I have lived a long time and seen many relationships that ran for fifty years or more. I know what qualities make a man you can depend on to be your strength when you need him. I know when a man has a caring heart and the ability to do what's right. I have watched you fall madly in love with Heather, all the while doing your best to help her escape. You are selfless, caring, and loyal to a fault. Then you took on us, showing Quinny and I the same level of support. You have made us feel wanted with how much care you give us. Honestly, you have been like a boyfriend to us all. Fighting our battles fearlessly, and always there to support us with a genuine kindness that can't be faked.

I just wanted to be your friend, Frank said as his confusion grew. I wasnt trying to win any of you over.

And thats just the point, Breanne said. I have dated many men, and I know how we all put on our little acts. We try to pretend to be all those things that the other person wants when we know that isn't us at all. But you were never acting or trying to win any of us over. All those qualities are just who you are, and it makes you a good man.

I wouldnt know how to act if I wanted to. Ive never even had a girlfriend before, he protested.

I know, Breanne replied and looked at the collar in her hand. But you got the girl you deserved in the end, and I will go to an ogre I hardly know.

No, you won't, Frank said and came to her side. I don't want you going to him. You belong here with us.

Nobody else seems to think so, Breanne argued. Blackbast believes I should be honored by his offer. Rorics harem all think I am going to miss a wonderful opportunity if I dont go.

Roric and his girls are different, Frank said and started to pace angrily. Breanne was right; people were pushing at her from every side to give this idea a chance. They were making it sound like she would be crazy to miss it, but to Frank, it felt wrong. He didn't want Breanne to go, and he realized it wasn't just because she was his friend. Frank felt some connection to the woman after all those long hours spent talking in the graveyard. This Grumosh was like a challenger, coming to take her away from him, and he wasn't sure he could let that happen.

You belong here, he said at last. I want you to stay, and I dont care what Blackbast, Roric, or the rest of them have to say.

I appreciate that, Breanne said and smiled softly. She turned the collar over in her hand as if trying to decide what to do with it.

Frank could see the turmoil as she tried to decide if she should put it back on. The more he saw of these things, the more he disliked them. It was fine when the collar was just a magical tool to help disguise who they were, but now things were changing. The pressure was being put on his friends to consider wearing the collars for more than a simple disguise. He felt like he was losing them somehow, as if the collar was calling them away. Even his precious Heather showed signs of attachment, refusing to take it off even when they went to bed. He couldn't bear to see her indecision, so he reached out and put his hand over it, making the decision for her.

Dont put it on, he said and curled his hand over the device. You are far more beautiful this way.

Frank, Breanne said with a little laugh. That was a very sweet thing to say.

Please dont let them push you into something you dont want, he urged. I need you to stay.

I want to stay, Breanne said and looked around. This is my home, and you built it for me.

Heather used the kingdom heart to do most of it, Frank reminded.

And you never take credit for anything, Breanne said with a smile. But you were the one who spent a sizable amount of points on building my mausoleum. And you created all the lower rooms so I would have space of my own. I seem to recall how you asked me to describe everything in exacting detail so you could make it just right. You cared enough about me that you wanted to make sure I was happy.

Because youre my friend, Frank said.

Frank, friends, don't go to such lengths for one another, Breanne said and pulled her hand away. And I can't get in the way of your relationship with Heather. She walked away and snapped the collar around her neck before silently heading back to the bridge.

Frank was finally alone with his thoughts, and they were dark indeed. He looked to the grand mausoleum built in the center of the island with its marbled halls and decorative trims. She was right; he had built it for her because he cared. He gave it to her as a gift, expressing how he felt for the noble elf woman. That revelation staggered him as he walked away, unsure who he was or what he wanted anymore.

Too many things were happening too fast. Breanne was in danger of going to a man she didn't know or love. Heather was opening up in new and unexpected ways while clinging to her collar. The wedding was drawing ever closer, and Rorics harem was causing a disturbance in them all. Frank wished he could tear the collars from all their necks and cast them into the sea. All he wanted was for his friends to be happy, but he didn't know how to accomplish that right now. Brute force and raw strength couldn't win this battle, and he had no experience in the other ways. There was only one person who might be able to shed some light on his situation, and tomorrow he would ask Blackbast for her help.