TEST DRIVE MEME #5

[fairyfoes]

TEST DRIVE MEME

Considering apping to EACHDRAIDH? Why not give the setting a test run here! OPTIONAL SCENARIOS 01. ARRIVING IN THE DRABWURLD. The Seelie and Unseelie courts welcome you with mirthful revelry and hearty food. After you have been briefed on your purpose here, you will find an endless feast and a night filled with entertainment to placate your concerns. Mingle with new arrivals, sneak down the castle halls and make sure your eyes are always on your glass; fairies and imps have no bias when it comes to tricks! 02. THE STATION. Looking for a little slice of home? The Station gives you all that and more. Take advantage of the wifi, have a cup of fairy-brewed coffee (the one they didn't spit in) or sit back and relax on the patio. You can even move your things into one of the available rooms! 03. WILDCARD. Your own scenario! Explore the Drabwurld or simply take advantage of your Locket!

Comments

[prioritise]

And how much was this sum?

[depicted]

Only five gold pieces, or the equivalent in work. I told him that I haven't worked a day in my life, so he said the five gold pieces would be fine.

[rich boys]

[prioritise]

And do you have five gold pieces?

[depicted]

Well—not at the moment, but it can't be that difficult to come up with them, can it? Fairies give away gold all the time. To worthy questants, that is.

[Wait. Has he made a mistake...]

[prioritise]

So you refuse to work, but you will be taking on a quest?

[depicted]

I don't refuse to work, I simply haven't, I mean, not unless you count philanthropy, and Lord Henry doesn't. Work would spoil me. But a quest is different! Knights and heroes take on quests! So I don't see why it should be any problem that I would. My family has had plenty of nights before, and now I am one too, by your hand.

[prioritise]

A quest requires training. Training is just another name for work. [a breath, and then she gives him a smile] And what better way to begin your training than by working off your debt.

[she unlinks their arms, and then takes his hand, and attempts to walk him back over to the clerk, like a parent dragging their child somewhere to apologize]

[depicted]

What? But that would be unbearable!

[PETULANT CHILD THAT HE IS.

And she's right about the clerk.]

[prioritise]

Not nearly as unbearable as being indebted to that person for who knows how long.

[depicted]

Getting the coins can't be that hard!

[prioritise]

Working isn't that hard. Did you negotiate the cost?

[depicted]

You mean . . . haggle? [Why would he haggle??? Ever????]

[prioritise]

If you want to put it that way. I only worry, perhaps, this clerk may have over-inflated the value.

[depicted]

You mean you think he cheated me?

[prioritise]

I wouldn't put it so bluntly. [yes]

[depicted]

Oh. [Well. That would be . . . annoying, probably.]

[prioritise]

I will talk to him. You wait here.

[time for the adults to talk, Dorian]

[depicted]

[Dorian is so flustered that he does exactly as she says. Also, no one argues with Mary when she's in Queen mode.]

[prioritise]

[damn straight]

[it's great coming to a place where prior rank still counts for something. so she can pull the queen card on this clerk, along with veiled threats about how terrible it would be if people were to suspect him of unethical practices, blah de blah. she returns to Dorian when she's finished]

Because of your unfamiliarity with this place, the clerk agreed to wave your debt.

[depicted]

[His eyes widen—joy slowly crosses his face.] Really? For you—he did that, really?

Thank you so much, Mary!

[prioritise]

He did it in the name of good business practice. [yes, he did it for her] It wouldn't have harmed you to work. There is nothing undignified about honest labor. You might even enjoy the satisfaction of earning something yourself.

[depicted]

[He actually gets a little indignant.] I have done work in my life, I have—I've toiled beneath a burning sun, just because some—

[His expression falls, and he draws back into himself.] It doesn't matter. I have attempted manual work. I did not enjoy it.

Besides, I'd ruin my hands and my skin.

[prioritise]

[indulgently and fondly] You do have very fine hands and skin.

You also have a sweetness that some might want to take advantage of.

[depicted]

[Dorian doesn't quite get that, although he does appreciate the flattery.] I . . . that isn't really a problem. I can take care of myself.

[prioritise]

Of course. That's why you mustn't let them, yes?

This place really is quite remarkable. I have never seen anything like it. Have you?