CH 5 — From Eisbaer To Saffron

Reluctance set in once Eisbaer was on her own, standing before the faceless wooden figure. Her beloved Trenton idled at her heels, waiting for instruction. “Well, I never thought I’d be doing this again.” But it was either this or harassing poor bunnies in the woods, and she didn’t like those odds.

Or killing defenseless animals, no matter their construction. It was different when you were on the other side of the screen, or the critters were more cartoonish, and not so realistic they screamed with pain or twitched their whiskers when expecting their surroundings. A simple wooden target was far more approachable. They didn’t have feelings or perceived sentience.

Eisbaer timidly glanced around. Other players and NPCs lingered in the room, punching, kicking, or slashing at a variety of figures. Some blasted their targets with magic far stronger than hers.

She could do this…no one was watching or judging her.

Trenton, acting of his own volition, charged the target. It dug dulled claws into the wood with alarming ferocity, snarling as it did so. Finally, as the marks faded, Trenton backed away, expressionless face searching hers for…what? Assurance of a job well done?

She offered a shy smile. “Point well-taken, my little friend.”