D.D. Ward is Writing

We sat in the smoking room at Myrddhin House. Quincy lay curled up on a pillow in the corner, nestled into the fur of an aging wolfhound. Myrddhin House swam with dogs. And Quincy had been overjoyed to see his old playmates again. The designers had covered the room in rosewood paneling. The few exposed areas of the walls, they had painted a cream color that has since turned nicotine yellow. The people who smoked in Myrddhin House preferred pipes. I discovered that I preferred the smell of my aunt’s cigars to that of pipe smoke. I hadn’t ever expected to have a preference for types of tobacco smoke.    “They announced our courtship already,” I said.  Fiona nodded, “Yes. Your family announced it. I have not announced it to my people or my allies. Besides, it is an excuse to have a party, and get you into one of your fabulous dresses.” I giggled, “Well I do like an excuse to put on a good ball gown.” Fiona nodded, “And I like a good excuse to take off your ball gown.” I shiv...

I sighed and shook my head. “Well, it looks like I’m matching my outfit to my cane,” I said and sighed.   “Oh Ren, I’m so sorry. I'm glad it wasn’t worse, but it must be so frustrating to backslide like that.” Amy draped herself over me. I sat on the edge of the bed, “You’re so tense. Is there anything I can do?”  I shook my head, “No. Maybe. I don’t know.” I hadn’t told her about the content of my latest vision. And she hadn’t pried. I worried about this. I hadn’t been able to recognize the voices. But the conversation seemed to point to my relationships with Amy or Fiona. Was all this already doomed? And what should I tell Amy? “You’re so tense,” Amy said, placing her hands on my shoulders, “Perhaps my lady would like a massage?” As she spoke, she traced her fingers up my neck- drawing a shudder of pleasure out of me. “Do we have time for that?” I asked. “Well,” Amy said, “we need to get you out of those clothes and into your evening wear. We could extend the middle process ...

Wulfric didn’t remain after his dramatic announcement. He left. To prepare, he said. Something felt off to me. But I couldn’t figure out what it was. Our fathers left as well. They had to inform their wives and prepare for the sudden party they were hosting.    Lynn and I found ourselves alone. Lynn was grinning, “Did you recognize that dialogue?” “It sounded familiar, but I was too busy holding my tongue. You seem pleased though, so I’m happy.” “I am pleased. That was game dialogue. You get it when Wulfric’s story path progresses from his initial rejection. The game has reactivated or got itself back on the rails somehow. But I can still save things!’ “So, what is your next move?” I said, trying to stay positive.  “Well, I rejected him. So that means I have to recover the interest that rejecting him cost me. No discussion there. I’ll need to tailor my look for his preferences. Will you help me? You’re better at fashion than I am.” I hated this. But what could I do? I cou...

The next day I sought out Lynn. She was my best friend, and I intended to stay her best friend as well. I found her in the parlor, wearing another empire cut dress- this one in a canary yellow and yellow chiffon. Lynn was a summer, and avoiding yellows was a good idea for summer people. But she’d chosen pale unsaturated yellows and was getting away with it. “How are you doing?” I asked, walking to the table where she sat. “I’m on edge.” She said, and nodded for me to sit, “Still no word from the prince. I don’t understand why nobody knows where he is.” “It was like this in the game,” I said as I sat.  “And it was weird there. No discussion. Weird. He was the only one you couldn’t visit. He always had to come to you. I assumed it was a difficulty level thing. But it has to actually be something now, doesn’t it?” I nodded. “I don’t know what it is though. It feels a lot more suspicious in person though, don’t you think?” Lynn grimaced, “More conspiracy theories? But of course you’re ...