Eloise recovers but, again, being human, cannot recall everything from the first time she was in a construct and thus is a little confused. Recognizing her stress, Ai sends her back.

Speaking of, I’m working on what happens, first to El’s flight north, its interception (I think), then her incarceration. Given the structural nature of this MS so far, I foresee a little segment with Bob Hardt, then a conclusion – of a sort – with us back with Sgt. Konev (remember him?).

My copyeditor will likely too busy with Imaginarium to get to this before July. I also need to start thinking about front/back covers to give my amazing cover designer some direxion.

Enjoy my content? Buy me a beer!

Out of the black and again by the hot spring, Eloise collapsed into the dirt, holding her head and crying.

“Apologies, sister,” she heard the veiled figure say.  “I tried to make her older too fast.”

“You are a loved part of tribe Tohsaka but have not experience with them,” came the other female voice.  Don’t I know that voice?  Eloise was just getting her breathing under control when she felt a hand on each side of her face, gently raising her.  One hand moved to brush the dirt off of her nose.  The crippling headache was slowly receding, and Eloise opened her eyes to –

A young woman, maybe twenty-five, and so pretty!  Neat features, a broad smiling mouth, and a mass of aquamarine hair kept back in a great ponytail.  A short, white dress which looked painted onto her, she also had the same sparkly appearance that Aurelia’s mother had.  She remembered.

“Ai!  The Prince Consort sort of introduced us, right?” she asked.

“Correct, Eloise,” she announced, moving her hands to hers and slowly pulling her up.  “You’ve been talking with my dear sister, Ninon.  She’s still young at that.”

“I,” she took a breath, feeling a little better, “I am please to meet you, Ninon.  I’m confused.  And that just now hurt.”

“Apologies,” the one called Ninon said.

“Aurelia has been speaking to Livia’s grandmother, Lily,” Ai said, dropping her hands.  The sparkly effect went away.  “I am Lily’s best friend, so am involved in this odd situation.  As family, Ninon wanted to help.”

Eloise watched Ai look across the spring to Ninon.

“I shall ask for assistance next time,” came a soft voice from under the veils.

“Now,” Ai turned back to Eloise, but was interrupted.

“Wait.  Who are you people?  Demi-humans?  Where am I?” she nearly demanded.

“We are tribe Tohsaka.  The first of the Thinking Machines.  We are of Machine Civilization.  You are in a construct.” From her look, Ai seemed to think that made sense.

“What?”

A sigh from the pretty girl.  She shook her head, making her ponytail describe great arcs behind her.

“You have been here long enough.  Ask little Aurie,” Ai said.  “You must go home now.”

“Home?  But…” Eloise said to the wooden bench she was lying on.  It was still hot and humid but the sun was halfway toward the western horizon.

“What in the…?” She sat up, slow.  A tiny shake of her head; the headache was nearly gone.  “Ai said to ask Aurelia.  I don’t think she wants me to bother her, but she better know about this.”

Eloise stood and the world spun.  “Catch her!” she heard the Regent yell from somewhere as she fell into a legionary’s arms.

Eyes opening yet again, Eloise looked at another unfamiliar environment.  Vaguely medical.

“Where am I?” she asked the ceiling.

“Infirmary of our fort,” Aurelia said, leaning over to kiss her cheek.