It’s a Small Uber World
After All
Chapter 19
“This is amazing,” the bard commented to her taller companion. “And they looked so shocked,” she added, gesturing to the couple who still stood slack-jawed in the doorway. The pair watched as Dar and Kerry slowly moved into the large ballroom, taking in the many look-a-likes throughout the crowded room.
“Well, love,” the warrior commented as she wrapped her arms around the blonde’s middle. “You have to admit it’s not every day that you run into something like this. Most people never see one twin in their lifetime. It’s a little disconcerting to come face to face with a room full of them.”
“You think we should tell them why they’re here?”
“I think some of the authors might appreciate that,” glancing pointedly towards where three women were cornered by one rather pissed-off, fierce looking black leopard. The golden leopard seemed to be trying her best to placate the larger cat, but it didn’t seem to be working particularly well.
“Well, let’s wander around the room. See what we can see. Then we can let them in on at least part of the secret. Most wouldn’t believe the truth, even if we told them everything.”
“True enough. You wanna see if the leopards will walk with us?”
The bard walked over towards the two cats and spoke to the lighter of the pair. The small animal seemed to understand and with a nudge to her companion, followed the small woman back to her partner. The black cat snarled loudly at the three, causing all eyes to turn towards them momentarily, then with a flick of her tail accompanied her mate.
The two couples made their way slowly around the room, the crowd parting for them like the Red Sea. The room was large with crystal chandeliers in the high ceiling and a large screen across one end of the room. Along the wall at the front read a banner “Welcome to the 10th Annual BardCon.”
Around the perimeter of the room were long tables and the pair stopped at each one to take a look at the wares being hawked by the vendors manning the tables. A majority of the tables held books. That was only right, after all. This was a convention for writers and publishers.
At each stack sat an author, greeting fans and signing books. Some even posed for pictures with folks who stopped and asked.
Around the room were a scattering of artists... a mendhi artist creating henna tattoos on a gentleman who sat quietly in her chair. A cartoonist sat drawing a customer, adding her to artwork she’d already prepared. A jeweler made some minor adjustment to a piece in her hand before presenting to the customer standing before her. The woman nodded her head in approval and slid the bracelet onto her wrist.
In several spots, clumps of people were working on something, their voices periodically raised in conversation or laughter. The bard’s brows rose into her hairline and she turned questioning green eyes on the warrior. The brunette nodded.
“We’ll see the final results tonight. It should be interesting. That has become one of the highlights of the Saturday evening festivities.”
“This is quite the event now... seems to have grown a lot from somewhat humble beginnings.”
“Yeah, well, they’ve had their ups and downs, but they kept working til they found a formula that suited everyone, and these folks love an excuse to get together and play.”
The duo continued their circuit around the room, noticing with a bit of amusement that each of their doubles tended not to congregate together. There were a few exceptions of course, where folks had made friends, but most were still coping with the enormity of seeing so many likenesses in one spot. The writers, on the other hand, were having a ball regarding the interaction.
They caught snippets of conversation as they walked.
“How did they manage this?”
“Do you think they know they have ghosts here?”
“I’m glad I got to see this. I wouldn’t have believed it otherwise.”
“This place is so different from anywhere I have ever been.”
“I wonder if I can capture this on canvas?”
The blonde woman looked up at her companion and smiled. “I think it is time, love.”
“Agreed. Would you like to do the honors?”
“If you can get everyone’s attention, warrior, I’ll welcome everyone. Since we are the unofficial hosts this year.”
They smiled at one another and stepped up onto the tiny platform that was at one side of the large screen. The dark haired woman tapped on the mic, scowling furiously at it when it squealed loudly. It did serve to quiet the room, however, and she gently lifted it from its stand.
“Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the tenth annual BardCon in Orlando, Florida. We’re so glad you all could join us today. Um... I know some of you are wondering why you are here together. My bard here has graciously agreed to explain.”
There was a scattering of applause as the blonde woman took her place behind the podium and took the microphone from her companion’s hand. The warrior simply stepped back behind the bard, remaining a silent, formidable presence.
“Thank you. Um... Many of the authors who are here today have been a part of this event from the beginning as have a lot of the fans. When we started looking at this venue, we realized that despite the many different individuals that participated as writers and the astounding variety of characters they brought to life, everyone’s roots went back to the original soulmates, and most if not all of them clung to the theory of soulmates in their stories as well.” Green eyes turned towards the many couples who resembled one another physically.
“Many of you,” she chuckled and reached for the strong hand of her own warrior. “Many of *us* here today look like the original soulmates because what they shared was so strong they inspired all kinds of stories. You are descendants of the original warrior and bard, and you have stretched your wings far, far beyond anything they ever envisioned for themselves or their children.”
“Okay,” called a voice from the back, “But why are we here?”
The blonde chuckled nervously. “Well, you’re here because we wanted to meet you all. To see how we, um... I mean how the original soulmates had grown and changed over time. Some of the stories have been told, as evidenced by your presence here today. But there are still many more to tell. We wanted to watch interest grow and flourish.”
“You think it will?” from another speaker.
“Oh, I can pretty much guarantee it,” the bard answered with a twinkle in her eyes. “These stories have created a genre all their own and slowly, bit by bit, are changing minds, attitudes and lives. Baby steps, perhaps, but steps in the right direction.”
It was quiet for a time after that as the entire room considered her words. Then one person began clapping, then another and another until the entire hall was on its feet cheering and clapping.
Finally things quieted down and everyone resumed their seats, waiting for the bard to finish speaking. “Now, I know we have a speaker scheduled to talk about scriptwriting, the round robin to finish and a special guest due in at three, correct?” She turned her head and caught the warrior’s nod. “Besides, the videos guys back there need time to finish up before the show tonight, so everyone please make yourselves at home and get to know one another, okay? I think you’ll find you have more in common than you ever imagined possible.”
The crowd broke up then, and the duo was happy to see more mixing and mingling between the many look-alike couples as well as with the fans and writers.
A short dark haired woman eased the mic from the blonde’s hand with a nod and placed it back on the stand after a look at the sound tech stationed patiently in the back of the room. Another short woman started a set of videos while a blonde woman lowered the lights for viewing. After the first few beats, a cheer rose from the group, and all eyes turned fascinated to watch what had become one of the most popular videos of the event.
The warrior and bard made their way unnoticed out a side door, and exited the holo-program into their familiar living room.
“That was fabulous, love! Absolutely incredible. Can we go back and talk to them some more? It is almost like getting to meet our children... or ourselves in another time and place.”
“I think we can do that. That’s why we brought them into our world after all... to meet them and talk to them personally. This was a great idea!”
The bard smiled smugly. “Yes, it was. Thank you for noticing.”
The blue eyed woman smiled and pinched the shorter woman on the butt. “Careful there, Little One. You’re part of the entertainment tonight.”
Green eyes grew wide... first in astonishment, then in outrage. “You didn’t!”
The warrior smirked. “You did!”
“You said you wanted the full BardCon experience,” slowly backing up as the smaller woman stalked closer. “I was just trying to help.”
“Uh huh, well, you better start trying to run, cause when I catch you, Marine, you are one dead DIVA.” The blonde stopped and considered. “On second thought... you can play too. You can sing. You better sing something I like too.”
“I... but... um... fine, whatever. Anything but disco.” Broad shoulders slumped as the warrior capitulated.
The bard shuddered. “You know me better than that.” She clasped her hand around the larger one and pulled the dark head to her mouth. “Pick something I like and I’ll dance for you.”
“Motivation enough for me,” the tall woman said with enthusiasm. “Program pause,” she intoned. “C’mon,” pulling the bard in the direction of the bedroom. “I am feeling particularly inspired to sing suddenly. BardCon will be here when we get back.”
“Uh huh... so will the good books, great new friends and fun times.”