Chapter 4: The Curse of the Moon

In virtual reality, touch like the other senses was muted. When your character took a wound, it didn’t hurt, but there was something, a shadow feeling. Everyone knew that developers were always researching ways to improve the experience, but in a game where you were killed quite often, no one wanted it to be any more real.

So it felt strange when first appearing in Magic-Life as a member of the opposite sex. There was a disconnect between my mind and my avatar body in this new reality. However, after spending a year almost full-time as Eleanor, I stopped thinking about those new or lack of body parts. I no longer felt a sense of wrongness, but now dreaded reality because it was Shawn's body that felt alien.

So, it shouldn't have been a surprise that after suddenly being transported to this world, I had trouble realizing what had happened because, to me, nothing changed. It took Mother Nature slapping me in the face to understand that my virtual body had actually become real. The morning after returning from the labyrinth, she would punch me in the gut and confirm that truth.

On any given day, I don’t think many people spent a lot of time contemplating parts of their bodies. Take the foot, for example, if you stub your toe, sure, or if you need to put on your shoes, then yes, but other than that probably not.

So let's talk about breasts, mainly mine. Stuck in armor, and not fully undressing for the last week or so, I rather forgot about them. Or, more likely since I had them, well virtually, for a year already, I was used to them. See my foot theory. The next morning, however, I knew I owned a pair because they really hurt.

Mother Nature, the bitch, finally brought me the lovely gift that I had been dreading, the one which women know only all too well. I didn’t freak out or scream. Ok, I might have hyperventilated a little, but my first thought was, how do you get blood out of a bed, and God, what a fucking mess.

Stripping out of my chemise, I headed off to the bathroom. As a former male, who probably made some inane comments about the monthly visitor, I also offered up an apology to any and all females before conjuring water to clean myself up.

Thank goodness, I had known this situation would eventually come up, so I wasn’t all that weirded out. OK, I totally was, but I think most girls were a bit freaked out with the thought of having their first period. Moreover, for some shitty reason, my Healing Lore skill kept insisting that this was perfectly normal. Right, because bleeding out of your crotch was a good thing.

Three women in my life came to the rescue of my sanity. Kathy, because she insisted I knew everything about what she had to deal with in her life, including her periods. An ex-girlfriend of mine from college, who liked to have sex while on the rag, her words, not mine, claiming orgasms were good for cramps. From her, I learned how to deal with the messy part, nothing else. I'm sticking to that story too. However, Rosalyn was the hero of the hour.

Discovering the bloody bed and chemise, she followed me into the privy, and I'm sure half expected to find a homicide. Thankfully, when buying all sorts of herbs, we discussed what they called the Moon Curse. Moreover, as a Lady's Maid, she was always prepared.

How do the women in each of our worlds deal with their periods? Surprisingly it was very similar. Yes, they used tampons and pads, well those women could afford the fabric. Obviously, they were handmade. Unfortunately, cotton doesn’t absorb as well as modern sanitary pads. The rest of the women just bled into their clothes. Scarlet petticoats were not just fashionable but helped in hiding the mess.

For me, a hot bath helped, and so did the wine mixed with the herb barrel leaf for the cramps. Rosalyn fed me, although I didn’t want to eat. She then made me as comfortable as possible, even though I felt like I was wearing a diaper.

Deciding that I was going to live, I pulled out my lower levels spells, hoping to find one, not in a total need of a rewrite. I still felt like hitting someone, though. Happy period, fuck that.

Setting down some clean linen, Rosalyn said, "Lady Eleanor, Master Leo, and Mistress Karin wondered if you are able to speak to them today."

I looked up from my work on the Witchlight spell. A relatively low-level incantation, so Iona should have no problems casting it. Truthfully, I was having a hard time determining what or what she cannot cast.

In Magic-Life, as you progressed in levels, you immediately mastered higher tier spells. In this world, did it come from a better understanding of your magic, a natural increase in your mana pool, or some third reason yet to be determined? Iona would be my own little guinea pig.

"That’s fine; we need to speak before we leave for Harmon anyway." Sitting back, I played with my skirt.

Rosalyn just smiled when I auto-equipped the black hakama and kosode, but I wonder what she thought of my garb. Wearing a tight corset was right out, so I was happy that I had this in my inventory. Wayland might be a little obsessed with Japan, but I have to thank him for making this for me if I ever see him again.

--0—

"Good afternoon, everyone," I managed a smile upon entering the room shadowed by Rosalyn.

A small part of me thought to change, but I decided against it. There was nothing at all wrong with the kosode. Besides the pink sakura decorations on the silk robe being rather pretty, the fabric was impossibly soft and comfortable. I did have to loosen the obi a little, though.

Everyone else seemed to have dressed up as well. I shouldn’t have been surprised as this was an important discussion for Iona, sort of like a job interview.

"Thank you for meeting with us, Lady Eleanor," Leo said.

"Of course, and I am happy to see everyone appears to be a little more rested. Amice informed me this morning that Warin was doing better. He even walked around the room a little. How are Myra and Katilia?"

"Doing well," Karin replied, "Although Iona found them still asleep before we came downstairs."

"Well, I'm not surprised," I chuckled, "Did the group come to a decision on what they will do going forward?"

"Well, with Denis and Argus's death and Warin and Amice's decision to retire, as a group, they will have to disband. Which is what we expected," Leo explained. "Myra and Katilia will remain together and travel with us to Harmon."

"I believe they eventually plan on signing up as caravan guards," Karin said, looking towards her niece who nodded. "It’s a good way to find new companions."

"I see, well, I wish them luck. So let's talk about Iona's future." I give the young mage a warm smile. "I do have a few reservations, though. Although I am not against it, she's a wonderful student; it's my own circumstance that makes this a bit of a challenge."

"But, I'm willing to travel back to your kingdom with you." Iona jumped in, ignoring the look her aunt was giving her.

"And I appreciate that," Which I did, but I wasn’t going to subject the poor girl to the modern world, even without me knowing how to get there. "But you're aware how I came to this kingdom, right? So as far as anyone knows, I might wake up one morning back home."

Both Leo and Karin nodded in understanding.

"So the four to six-year traditional time frame is probably unrealistic. And she is really beyond the point of a starting apprentice anyway."

I gave Iona a smile, which she looked down and nodded.

"That being said, I still would like to continue with her studies but with an understanding that it might not be for very long. She will, of course, move into my household, and like any other apprenticeship, I'll be responsible for her lodgings and clothing. I am also not asking for a Master's Fee."

Thankfully, Rosalyn was quite forthcoming in explaining to me how apprenticeships worked in this kingdom. There were legal as well as other considerations that I had not known. One was that the families often paid a fee, which was sometimes rather large for their child to become an apprentice to a particular master.

Although Iona's Aunt and Uncle didn’t look too surprised, they did look relieved.

"That's very generous of you, Lady Eleanor," Leo said.

"Well, I think I will benefit from the apprenticeship, as much as she will."

Besides Iona's assistance in helping me understand the magic in this world, I was feeling protective of this young woman. It was almost like having a younger sibling. I knew Kathy would like her as well.

"I am curious, my lady, have you taken an apprentice before?" Karin asked.

"Iona will be my first teaching magic."

"Of course, you had squires," my soon to be apprentice chirped.

Well, we did train the many Alts that joined our guild. And for the most part, the warriors called themselves my squires, much like my companions called themselves my knights, difficult people every one of them.

"Well, sort of. Sir Belvedere was actually responsible for them as I had other responsibilities. But I trained and adventured with all of my companions when I could."

No one in Magic-Life needed another person to teach them magic. However, since it wasn’t a computer game where you would point and click a mouse to activate a skill, you could improve some of them through training.

Those who had real-life swordsmanship skills (kendo, fencing, whatever) were sought after. And, although the computer did most of the work, we discovered that even learning the proper footwork gave us an edge.

It was common for most mornings to see players sparing with one another, learning new tricks, honing their skills. A little more of what I missed, although with beta-testing coming to a close, that daily interaction with my guildmates would have ended as well.

"Although, now it appears I have an Apprentice, if you're willing, Iona."

"Yes!" She called out happily.

"Excellent, I'll also be sure to add weapons training to what I am going to be teaching you as well."

She seemed surprised, but I could see the approval in both her Aunt and Uncle's eyes.

Iona's family still had a few things to arrange. Leo had to notify the Adventurers Guild, and because his niece was a member, he needed to arrange a formal contract. For her part, Iona understood apprentices needed to fulfill expectations, or her Aunt and Uncle could be fined. Not that I worried about such things.

We spoke a little bit more, mostly about logistics, and the upcoming visit to Harmon before I returned to my room for a nap. Iona went with her family to get her things before moving them into the room next to mine. She had been sleeping in Marcus's daughter's old bedroom until recently.

My Lady's Maid bobbed a curtsy upon entering my bedroom. "I have something to ask you as well, Lady Eleanor, when you have the time."

"You don’t need to stand on ceremony, Rosalyn, just ask," I said, trying not to yawn in her face.

"I wish to accompany you to Harmon, and continue to be your Lady's Maid."

That was a surprise, "Oh, Rosalyn, are you sure? I mean, that would be lovely. But, I don’t want to poach you away from Master Thomasyn."

I wouldn’t say I was distressed about the thought of leaving her behind, but it did feel as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Rosalyn had been invaluable in helping me grow accustomed to not just this world, but having a female body. I know this morning would have been a disaster without her advice and assistance.

"That’s not a problem, my lady. He knew that my working here was just temporary. Since Master Kenneth no longer needed my service after Mistress Margaret passed away, I had been looking for a more permanent position."

I motioned for her to take a seat, which she thankfully did. "I see, but you were there when I had a similar discussion with Iona. I still have no idea how I arrived in this kingdom. And as far as I know, I might wake up tomorrow back in my own bed."

"That is true, my lady," acknowledged Rosalyn, "However, you plan on traveling to Harmon and perhaps Volis. And if I am unable to return with you, being in the capital would improve my prospects of future employment, as opposed to staying in Wyndemere."

I smiled at her, glad she was thinking ahead. I also knew that her mother had been a Lady's Maid to a former Lady-in-Waiting for the Queen mother, so she had a good understanding of who might help me get back home.

"I believe I can also help you with Apprentice Iona's studies. Not magical or martial, of course, but she is supposed to have a certain proficiency in etiquette being a student of someone of your station."

I couldn't help but be amused at some of the other things Rosalyn wanted to teach Iona, including dancing, music-making, and other so-called elegant pastimes. Part of me didn’t think she needed such skills, but in this world, they would be beneficial to possess.

--0—

The next day morning was better. Rosalyn said that Dinya must favor me, as the bleeding was not heavy. The pads I wore during the night, at least, kept the bed clean.

I didn’t know if it was the same reason why I knew how to walk in a dress or just me being stubborn, but like every other woman in either world, I got on with my life. My only consolation, I remember female athletes tended to have infrequent periods. However, considering my luck, they will come in like clockwork.

After Iona settled in, the two of us, along with Rosalyn's help, came up with a schedule for the next couple of days. After breakfast, I would teach my apprentice magic until after the fourth bell. Afterward, my Lady's Maid would teach her etiquette while I worked on my scrollwork.

Iona had been able to learn Fire Dart in about a day; the Alarm Ward took almost three times that and the same with Conjured Water. Hopefully, she would be able to cast Witchlight before our arrival in Harmon.

Since I felt better and with everyone getting in another day of rest, we decided to leave the next morning. Captain Conrad appeared relieved after hearing the news. The poor man had received at least two more messages asking about the status of our departure.

Unexpectedly I had another visitor later in the day. As I entered the parlor, Marcus didn’t even raise an eyebrow at my new outfit. I had changed out of my kosode into something different. Admittedly, the many silk layers of the jūnihitoe were probably too much, but it was comfortable.

OK, although most of my outfits were gifts, I will freely admit to becoming a bit of a clotheshorse. Moreover, you might think that some beta-testers, including myself, were obsessed with clothing, and you would be right. However, since Magic-Life was supposed to be a virtual world, the developers wanted to include all aspects of life. We were not just there for fighting.

Although every player was an adventurer, we spent just as much time testing our non-combat skills such as cooking, sewing, smithing, and alchemy. Several players even challenged one another to find the most out of the way spots for fishing.

Holidays were where we went truly nuts. Halloween, for example, was a lot of fun, the food and costumes in-game became quite elaborate. Even the developers got involved for those who didn’t have those skills. Breaking out my magical fox ears would be amusing but would probably raise too many questions.

"Lady Eleanor, I hope you're doing well." The honorable veteran smiled, taking off his arming cap as I entered the parlor.

I told him that I was doing well, and we spoke for a few moments about his trip back from the Godstones. However, I could see that he was a bit anxious, so with the pleasantries out of the way, he passed an envelope to Rosalyn. I motioned for him to take a seat while my Lady's Maid opened it.

Giving it a quick glance, she then passed it to me before explaining, "It's an invitation from Baroness Sabena."

The very vocal 'eeep' from next to me made me turn my head. Iona stood there red as a tomato and with both hands on her mouth.

Chuckling, I read it over. The Baroness wanted to meet with me. Strange, I would have thought she would have more important things to do than meet with some random adventurer traveling through her lands. Then again, if she's anything like Mark's grandfather, Baroness Sabena would want to hear about the living labyrinth from someone who was there and not just read about it in a report.

Before Mark got all lovey-dovey with my cousin, he and I used to travel every summer with his grandfather. As the eventual owner of the company, Mark needed to learn the ropes and decided that I needed to come along for some reason.

One of the more fun things was when the old man decided to show up at some factory or office unexpectedly. The location didn’t matter, as he had his own private jet. Even government officials were fair game. I ended up meeting a lot of interesting people.

Remembering my own etiquette lessons, I said, "I will see about what type of gift I can bring. If either of you has a suggestion on where the Baroness interests might lie, that would be helpful."

Mark's grandfather always brought local confections or some other food for the office to share. Other times it would be more personal for someone like a factory manager. I will have to think about it.

Rosalyn suggested, "I imagine that the Baroness will also offer you a place to stay while you are in Harmon, Lady Eleanor."

I couldn’t imagine why. Sigh, ok, I understand it might be because of the whole noble thing. I'm not that dense. I just don’t feel like going there. An inn would be totally fine, as long as it had a bath.

"Well, I wouldn’t want to be an imposition, and I do have my own funds." Folding the letter, I passed it back to Rosalyn. "I imagine that there are plenty of inns or hostels in Harmon."

"Oh yes, Lady Eleanor," Iona spoke up, "I think you would like the Grande, is just north of the market district near the castle."

Smiling at my apprentice, I turned back to my Lady's Maid. "I believe it's unnecessary to send the baroness a response right now as we plan on traveling soon, but I'll need to one once we settle in Harmon."

"Yes, my lady."

--0--

The seven of us departed the inn with little fanfare just after the third bell. For most of the village, the day began hours before at sunrise, so the streets were full of people as we made our way towards the River Gate. Several of the villagers we passed even wished us a safe journey.

It was nice of Captain Conrad to arrange transportation for the trip down the River Southbourne. Since not all of us had mounts, it would reduce the almost four-day travel time on foot to just a little over two. Although I am positive that, a certain someone's desire for an in-person report on the labyrinth expedited our travel plans.

With Wyndemere being at the western end of the Salt Route, many merchants would either unload their supplies or continue deeper into the heart of the southern kingdoms by road. For those heading northeast to the Eagle Empire, it was the last town before traveling down the Forest Road and towards the dangerous Dry Hills.

For the masters shipping their cargo south, the river started from Lilly Lake and the Eastward Marches to the northeast and then meandered its way until it reached the sea. Along the way, the river passed several towns and cities, including Harmon, before emptying into the sea south of the kingdom's capital, Volis.

I couldn’t say anything good or bad about our transport as we found it tied to the docks. My slim knowledge about barge travel started and ending with knowing that they used to be horse-drawn on canals. The Vittoria was almost 50 feet long by 15 or so feet wide and ran up and down the Southbourne powered by poles, wind, and magic.

We found the ship's captain yelling at the small crew. The poor sailors or lightermen as they liked to be called moved over the barge, getting it ready to depart.

"Hail the Vittoria!"

The captain, an older man who features spoke of years working in the sun, stopped in mid-shout and turned to me in confusion.

"You Lady Eleanor?" He gruffly asked.

I heard a few chuckles behind me, and an unhappy sound from Rosalyn.

It seemed from the surprised look on his face that he did not expect an adventuring party. I had not been aware at the time, but some of his displeasure directed at the crew, besides being forced to wait an extra day, was the annoyance of having to host some pampered noble. This was a working barge, not some pleasure craft from the capitol.

"That I am, Captain, permission to come aboard!" I called out from below.

"Aye, come on we don’t have all day." He then went back to ordering his crew.

Two days later, while standing near the prow of the Vittoria, I half-listened to an older mage's discussion with Iona. Besides the Captain and his six-person crew, the ship's company also included two adventurers hired through the guild for protection.

The youngest, a warrior, was about the same age as Iona, while the second was an older mage who looked ready to retire. Both were pleased, however, at our appearance when boarding the ship. Our group was well armed and armored; even if river travel was safer than the roads, it was not without its dangers.

"Hey Blake, you're going to stab yourself if you can't stop flirting with Lady Eleanor's apprentice!" one of the lightermen called out, causing them all to laugh.

The young man, who had been trying to show off his weapon forms, huffed then turned away, finding a sport under the awning towards the rear of the barge.

"Sorry about my nephew, Mage Iona," the older mage chuckled then called out to me. "Lady Eleanor, are you sure it's alright for me to have a copy of these two spells?"

Witchlight and Conjurer Water were two that any low ranked mage should be able to learn. As predicted, Iona had already mastered Witchlight. The water conjuration, although wasn’t the best mana wise, was easier to cast than the Summon Water spell used by many D-ranked adventurers. The mage who sat with my apprentice had been traveling the river for twenty years but had not advanced beyond E-ranked.

"Its fine, Mage William, it's two spells that everyone should know," I assured him.

Standing up to give a bow, he rubbed his chin while looking over the scrolls. "Mage Light, I was never able to master, but these two, might take me a few weeks, but thank you."

The two of us had spoken the better part yesterday, allowing me to learn a few important things about this world, so if he wanted to offer me payment, I would point that out. Although I believe he was just happy to see another mage interested in his work. Besides overseeing ship security, he was responsible for the magic item that helped propel the ship upriver.

Much like in Magic-Life, there were many different types of magic items in this world. Potions, one of the least expensive, were consumed after use while weapon enchantments were permanent but not cheap. A third type, which I didn’t even know existed, were those that needed to be recharged.

"So, this isn’t permanently enchantment?" I asked, kneeling to look at a black iron box attached to a metal plate at the stern of the barge.

"Oh, no, my lady," William chuckled while puffing on his pipe. "The owners couldn’t afford such a thing. No, it's cheaper for them to buy mana stones every season. Plus, brigands are enough trouble trying to steal cargo, but if there was a magic item on board like that."

Leaning over, I studied the runes inscribed on the iron plate and on top of the box. Running a finger over them, I smiled. "So it's relatively inexpensive to make then, interesting. So you are the only one who knows how it works?"

The runes weren’t complicated, and I could probably turn it on if given a few minutes. From what I could tell, the magic box used several incantations to pull water into it, then propel it back out through copper tubes, almost like a waterjet.

"Ahh, well, I have the incantation to start and stop it. Plus, my contract allows me to purchase mana stones from the guild when they are needed."

"And of course, you’re the only one on the boat that knows how to charge the magic item too." I gave him a bit of a grin.

"Of course, my lady," he laughed. "Guild secret and all that."

He also informed me that in an emergency, he could manually charge the box using two brass rods attached to the rear of the box. Only in life or death situations, though, because the item might not let him go and would drain his magic and stop his heart.

I now understood the demand for information on our discovery. Much like our world, mana stones were a resource in great need. It could also be a new era of prosperity for the Kingdom of Estassa or, like many times in our world, plunge it headfirst into never-ending wars.

--0--

Author's Note: I am going out of town, so next Sundays chapter will be delayed a few days