(no subject)

[thepriceofgold]

Ah. Mundane. You are entirely too eager.

Don't misunderstand. Your enthusiasm is quite charming. But it seems to me that this application remains, ah, a tad incomplete.

I don't think they're quite done yet telling my tale, dear. If doing this properly is truly your aim, you would do well to show a little patience. There will be opportunities in the meanwhile to explore what we two can achieve together. Museboxes, and the like. In the meantime...

You'll forgive me, but I don't think I'll be signing off on the end of that application just yet.

Comments

[enfant]

What is it in particular that you hope to achieve with your mundane, sir?

[thepriceofgold]

[ Oh interesting. What have we here? ]

Well it just seems a shame to cripple a good tale with a handful of chapters missing.

[ His hand shifts on his cane as thought in emphasis. ]

It seems early to put anything forward in an official capacity...though I do appreciate my new-found freedom, all the same.

[enfant]

[ Just a fair little girl, see? Except for the eyes; they're brighter than a child should own with all the subtlety of a sheet of paper shielding a forest fire. ]

You could go forth and carve your own path, would that be so difficult?

[squirrelhunter]

You seem awfully calm about all this shit.

[thepriceofgold]

Wise words from so young a face.

[thepriceofgold]

To what are you referring, exactly?

[enfant]

I try to make my fathers proud, sir.

[squirrelhunter]

Bein' controlled by these jackasses. I ain't gonna be rollin' over while some idiot writes about me.

[thepriceofgold]

Oh, I'm certain.

[ Something seems to amuse him about her, from the slight quirk at the corner of his lips. ]

But to answer your question, dearie, my concern lies with the quality of home I will choose for myself. If the application to such a home does not properly represent my story, then there's no deal. And what a pity that would be, to be limited to these...quaint outings.

[thepriceofgold]

Then do something about it.

Or can't you?

[squirrelhunter]

I'm, uh...

[Yeah, you can't do squat.]

I'm weighin' my options.

[enfant]

[ Don't mind as Claudia sits herself down on a chair, hands folding properly. It's just to be more comfortable as she watches him move, assess the way he shifts in minute detail. She's not sure why, but the way he stapled her youth was more than just passing fancy. It felt like a dig and she's curious as to how he arrived at wanting to throw one.

It could also be that he's interesting to talk to. ]

I suppose that depends on what you'd consider 'quality'. If it differs from what your mundane feels fitting, you'll never be reconciled with peace.

[ There are times when Claudia screws up. Assuming anyone would want the opinion of what appears to mere child is not something that crosses her mind; she offers it with perfect confidence that it would be as valid as anyone elses. ]

Should you deign to tell me your story, I could offer some suggestions that might help.

[thepriceofgold]

How delightful for you.

To answer your question, the arrangement I made with my mundane is a mutual beneficial one. I have no compelling reason to be upset with the situation, no.

Perhaps you should have better negotiated your terms.

[squirrelhunter]

Hell, you got a chance to negotiate?

[thepriceofgold]

I trust my mundane to know what happens if the result is...less than promising. My deals are always honored.

[ Well, if they're going to settle in, he may as well. It'd be rude, otherwise...and it's obvious from the way he leans on that cane as he moves to sit that his leg bothers him.

Yet just as Claudia does not speak with the demeanor of a child, Gold does not compose himself like a cripple. He's far too calm, too assured. No fear or doubt at all. ]

I may have to disappoint you there. I'm afraid my story doesn't make for very pleasant conversation fodder.

[ And those are memories he'd rather not dredge up. There's no point bemoaning the past. What's done is done. ]

[thepriceofgold]

Of course.

It's what I do.

[squirrelhunter]

[Suspicious squint.]

Hell, you must be pretty good. I just got dumped in here and told I might be going to some castle place, or some freaky dead city.

[enfant]

[ The leg is a funny thing, she's not used to being around injured people. Polite to a fault however, the little miss doesn't draw attention to it. ]

I don't scare very easily.

[ And now he entices her to want to know it even more. Still, he seems reluctant - ah. ]

I honour my deals, too. If you tell me your story, I'll tell you mine.

[thepriceofgold]

What you fail to understand is that they need you. Without proper inspiration, their efforts in crafting their sordid tales will mean little.

[thepriceofgold]

[ And damn it, but this is his weakness. Always has been. He can't help striking a bargain when offered the chance.

A thin smile works across his face as he leans back into the chair, steepling his fingers. ]

It's of that great an interest to you?

[ It's of interest to many, but she doesn't know that. Fair to say, however, that her story is likely just as interesting. ]

[squirrelhunter]

So without me, they got nothin'?

[Interesting.]

[enfant]

Why shouldn't it be?

[ Round blue eyes stare at him over a small sweet smile. Patient and innocent, a picture of anticipation. ]

[thepriceofgold]

Exactly.

If you're not content with your present lot in life, change it.

Oh god, loving this. <3

[squirrelhunter]

Huh...

Might just do that, thanks.

[Stop giving him ideas. He's already reaching for his crossbow.]

I reckon I got a pretty good persuadin' tool, too.

[thepriceofgold]

...very well. Deal.

[ And he cocks his head, lips twitching in amusement. ]

How much stock do you put in fairy tales?