A reading witch [OTA]

[hagothehills]

Once she finds the time -- not hard, really, with so little obvious work to be found -- Tiffany decided the best idea was to go along to the library while she awaited an answer from the giant turtle. After that, she would be able to find a place to study in peace, she was sure

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[faramir_hurin]

There is a fair flood of questions, but nothing that I cannot answer.

"Some things are easier to adjust to than others. I find the hot water that does not need to be carried and heated to be a wonderful thing, as well as having fresh food the year around in the market." I smile. "Modern clothing, though I do wear some of it, is more difficult. What people, especially ladies, wear in the summertime is still startling."

I consider the next... not question.

"There is magic where I come from, and so it is not so strange for me to hear of it. Some people will not believe. I think that many here believe it so easily because they have seen it--and they likely do not know anyone who was raised on a farm. In Gondor, where I am from, there are many farmers. There are few of the technologies that seem like magic though they are not."

The do seem like it, even now.

"Most people here are used to using money always. Even I am accustomed to that, though many at home, especially farmers, will barter. The modern world is, to me, much more impersonal than the places we come from, and people are not likely to be interested in the details of trade. Objects cost a certain amount, which you pay or do not." If she cannot accept money, then how will she buy things?

"Can you not accept money at all, or only in return for service? Can you accept it as a gift?"

[hagothehills]

"A witch who can be bought isn't worth her steading," Tiffany said by way of explanation. A witch that can be bought is suspect. How do the poor, who are often very old or very young, know that she is not giving better care to those who cn pay her more? They don't.

Besides, money's only bloody useful if you've got something to spend it on. More often then not, old sheets, some good boots or maybe a bolt of cloth would work better for Tiffany's needs.

Still, the unspoken question - how will she buy things -- is the problem. She can't.

She's just going to have to hope others understand, and are willing to trade what she'll need -- even if they must buy it new. Tiffany would feel very poorly if they did, though.

"We will simply have to see how we can work things out," she says after those troubling thoughts. "I'm sure that it can be managed adequately."

[faramir_hurin]

"I would like to think that the people here will at least attempt to deal with your differences. We come from so many different cultures and most I have met have been understanding of my own ways." I think a moment. "I could not name anyone who has given me problems, though some are more understanding than others. I think those of us from more different worlds have to be more accommodating than most, but the nature of my own world makes me willing to do that."

I do not mind, as long as the other person is at least trying.

"I hope that you will meet people willing to help with those things you need but cannot buy. I can help you with a number of things--as thanks to those who helped me when I first came to this place."

[hagothehills]

"I hope that will be the case," says Tiffany. She'll have to figure something out, if it proves too difficult. Compromise is hard, but a witch is able.

"I shall go back to my books now. Thank you, Mr. Faramir."

[faramir_hurin]

"As you will. But, please, I am just Faramir. If you feel that you must use a title, at home I was a captain." But I prefer just my name.

"If you wish for any more assistance, simply ask me or any other who works here." She is busy, and so I will leave her in peace.