D.D. Ward is Writing

We sat in the Witch and the Willow, a public house that managed to straddle the line between noble and commoner. Fiona had suggested it. It didn’t demand membership or reference from another member. The walls had extensive mahogany paneling. The game designers had placed decorative ceramic tiles between the panels. Somebody had painted a wide array of subjects on the tiles. The pub was lit by lanterns, and the gloom was only somewhat banished as a result. The smell of oil smoke mingled with the smell of spilled beer. The crowd was not yet raucous, but well on their way, and volume was rising.  In Moonlight Hearts the player could go on dates with the suitors. Each suitor had a list of preferences, things which they liked or disliked. By giving liked gifts and choosing liked locations, the player could raise a suitor’s interest and respect. I knew Fiona’s likes and dislikes well. This pub wasn’t one of them, it was one of Vincent’s favored locations. I assume she knew of it from Vin...

“What do we do next?” I asked Fiona and Amy,” I can’t imagine that we have time to do a regular investigation.” “We could use your precognition.” Fiona said, “Or my gift of sensing auras.” “I don’t have much control over my gift. It happens when it happens.” I deflected, “And using your gift would mean that we have to  go around and question people one by one. I don’t think those are options.” Amy raised her hand, “You could try to force a vision, Lady Ren. I know it doesn’t always work. But it’s an option. Also, I can do more than I have with my gift.” “Indeed? What else can you do?” Fiona asked. I shook my head, “I’ve already got you bleeding for my sake. No, you’ve done enough.” I wiped at Amy’s face with a fresh handkerchief. She brought her hands up and clasped them over mine. “Ren. I have done this before. I do have control over my gift. It hurts a little when I push things. But this wouldn’t do that. But I would need you to watch over me and keep me safe.” She smiled.  ...

“So, can you use your gift to take a look at this?” I asked, digging into my pocket and producing the badge of service. Amy looked at it, holding it close to her face, “An Octavian badge? Sure, I’ll give you a read on this. But Manfred hands out all the badges so it’ll end with Manfred and then the jeweler who made it.” “But the points in the middle might tell us something,” Fiona said. “The person who had it before the gentleman we took it from will likely be the most important person.” “Alright. Lady Ren, may I sit? Using my gift is taxing. I can lose my balance when I receive the impressions of the other people who’ve held the item.” I patted the spot on the loveseat next to myself. Amy sat next to me. She took a moment to nuzzle me. I noticed she was staring at Fiona. They had their eyes locked. After a moment longer than I liked, Amy looked away. She clasped her hands around the badge and then closed her eyes.  She sat still and silent.  Nothing happened. Amy sat motionle...

Back at Castle Octavian, I led Fiona to my bedroom. At the door to my room Fiona stopped me. “What is it?” I asked. “Taking me back to your bedroom is not appropriate at this juncture.” Fiona said. Of course not, I realized. The Castle had a drawing room and a parlor for entertaining guests. Fiona had stopped me from making a major mistake. Bedrooms weren’t social spaces in Victorian times. I had been far too familiar with a woman who had only asked to court me today. “You’re right. I wasn’t thinking. I am so sorry.” I held my hands up as if in prayer and bowed my head. “You need not apologize. But I thank you.” “I’ll take you to the parlor,” I said.  “That would be fine.” Fiona answered. We headed for the parlor, only for Lynn to intercept us. She wore a simple pastel purple empire cut dress. I noticed a woven silver and gold graduated necklace with amethysts.  "Did you deliver my message and your apology?" Lynn asked. "I did." "Do you think it helped?" S...