Eliona's War 2: Veiled Healer

Chapter 79

Severance sat on the soft grass and leaned against the wooden legs of Mouna's bench. It was more comfortable than sitting on hard wood as far as he was concerned. In fact, he wanted nothing more than to just sit and think about nothing for the next unforeseeable future. That way, he could pretend everything was fine and normal and that he was fine and normal.

Mouna lightly tapped his shoulder. He craned his head to look at her. "What?"

You tell me, she signed. Something bothers you.

He gave a little half smile, because that was a huge understatement. There were so many things; where would he even start? It was better to not start at all.

He shrugged. "It was just a really long day. I'll be fine."

I will listen. Her lips drew into a thin line, and her signs were made with quick, sharp motions. It made it seem like she was insisting that he talk to her. Kind of like a certain golden-eyed player. Even if it was Mouna, who was a lot nicer, Severance wasn't in the mood.

"Thanks, but it's fine. Really."

It can make you sick, she persisted, and tapped the side of her head to emphasize what kind of sick she meant. Talk. It will help.

He thought it was almost funny in a sad sort of way; there were so few people that actually cared to listen in his life. But as it turned out, all he had to do was travel to another world to find them. Then they practically kicked down his front door one after another and refused to leave.

It made him chuckle, until he saw her face darkening. She didn't find any part of this amusing, apparently. Fine.

He lowered his gaze to the grass and idly plucked a few pieces. "I don't even know what to say. A few weeks ago, I thought this was only a game. Like, a fake place that we can go and explore and pretend to be someone different for a while. But then I learned it's real. All of you are real. And everything I've done here is real. That's kind of crazy, you know?"

Mouna's expression didn't change, but her signs became softer. It is easier if you think we are not real. Easier for all of us.

That was obvious. If a player thought everything was fake, they wouldn't care about the NPCs. They'd have no trouble slaughtering other clans and taking over cities. What would it matter in the end? They'd log off and be back in the real world, where they could conveniently leave behind all of the terrible things they did.

It was disgusting. No wonder the Traders and Chosen were scooping up as many Outsiders as they could; ignorant players made great soldiers.

His thoughts must have shown on his face, because her dark eyes narrowed. She leaned closer. Her thumb gently brushed against his cheekbone, so quick and fleetingly that he didn't have time to react until after it was done.

He froze, startled by the random touch.

I am sorry, she signed. Easier is not always better.

"No," he agreed, watching her fingers. Why had she done that?

Are you angry?

Severance shook his head. His cheek tingled. "I'm too tired to be angry."

And with that, he flopped onto the grass and lay on his back. The sky spread out above him, almost entirely covered by heavy gray clouds. Maybe it would rain later. And maybe she'd explain what was going through that mind of hers.

A shadow fell over him. Mouna peered down at him with her serious face.

You should be angry. We have not been fair to you.