"So we need to change their opinion," I said. "Somehow make them see that goblins aren’t automatically evil."
He nodded. "And that's where you come in, Andromeda. You're the key to changing the way humans see us. If you can show them that we're not monsters, that we're just like them, then maybe they'll start to see us in a different light."
"Okay," I said slowly. "Well, you're not just like them, are you? What has happened to give you guys this horrible reputation?" If they were all as hot as Bran and his friends, even beautiful Harry with his twisted foot, my job wouldn't be all that difficult.
"Several different circumstances. First, there is a group of humans..." He trailed off and chewed thoughtfully as he studied my face. "Many years ago, when we were banished, the effort was led by a group of humans who said magic allowed monsters to thrive and only science- their version of magic- would save humanity. We called them alchemists at that time.
“Magic is fundamentally belief and will. They wanted a kind of magic that gave the same results, every time, and called it science. I understand now the term alchemist has evolved to mean a magical science, which is ironic. After much discussion and research with Reynard, we believe people who are descended from the alchemists who banished us are now scientists of various studies. They have turned anything magical in this world into pure science."
"So it's all connected," I suggested. "Science and magic."
"Yes," Bran said. "But the alchemists don't see it that way. They want to rid the world of anything overtly magical. My opinion is that Franklin and Eldora are, if not members of that guild, being manipulated by them."
I sat back in my seat, a little stunned. "There's no way Freakin' Franklin is a scientist. He's nowhere near smart enough."
If my memory served, however, his family was. "I think his father might be in the sciences. I can't recall what Cassie said he did for a living, but I do remember her talking about working in a lab."
Bran nodded gravely. "That makes sense. Even if his son couldn't go into the family business, he'd still use him."
"I don't understand how or more importantly why Eldora and Franklin use magic if they hate it?" I shook my head and sipped my wine. "It doesn't compute."
He pursed his lips. "I think the scientists and magic users who still exist in this world have convinced themselves that their form of magic is physics and chemistry. Or maybe psychic powers, which while it’s a fringe belief, isn’t magic per se."
"So anything that doesn't completely align with that must go to Dream." I sat back, understanding finally. "If it doesn't fit, it has to go."
"Exactly." He grinned at me and held up his glass. "To bringing Dream to Earth."
I clinked my glass against his and took a sip of my wine. "To Dream."
The server came over to see if we wanted to order anything more, and I ordered ceviche . Bran ordered a sandwich. We both decided to get more olives as well.
"So, tell me more about your world," I said as the server walked away. "What's it like?"
He leaned back in his seat and studied me for a moment before he began to speak. "It's a lot like Earth, actually. We have the same animals, the same plants. The only difference is that everything is infused with magic."
"Do you have cars?" I asked.
He shook his head. "No, we don't need them. We can just use magic to get around."
"Do you have televisions?"
"No, we use seeing pools. Some like to watch humans in their daily lives, but some of the younger set found a way to tap into your entertainment programs. Others simply go to the barrier and watch the dreams that play out on them. I prefer hobbies that are physical."
We chatted about the world as we waited for our dinner. I was fascinated by everything he had to say, and it made me even more excited to see this place for myself, though that might not ever be possible.
When our food came, we dug in hungrily. The ceviche was delicious. I felt bad for dismissing this wine bar. While we ate, I asked more about their reputations. "Do goblins have problems? Behavior issues?" Knowing early would help me reverse the damage or keep it from happening.
He sighed deeply and looked down at his sandwich as if he wanted to hide inside it, between the lettuce and the tomato. Poor Bran. Why was all of this his responsibility? That was another question I wanted to ask but it seemed more personal. Maybe later, in a more private setting. After quality time to lift our spirits.
"Some goblins are damaged, yes. Some can be violent. Just like humans, there are some monsters who are good and some who are very bad."
I opened my mouth to ask if they had a police style presence in Dream, but he held up one finger.
"There's more."
Oh, goody.
"Other goblins came through about the time I did. I have my people searching for them, but the goblins we’re looking for are angry and dangerous. They don't want us to come peacefully back to Gaius. They want us to come here, subjugate the world, avenge our exile and then reign supreme."
