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[herfourthorns]

The Rose is a spoiled thing, yes, she is, and she hates to have anything taken away from her. Right now, for instance

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[thistledownking]

At first, it appears that the vine has responded. "Does it trouble you? I could arrange for more sunlight; nothing is easier!"

[herfourthorns]

Delighted, "Oh, could you? And put the sun back where it belongs -- it doesn't climb as high as it used to. It's causing me no end of discomfort!"

[thistledownking]

"But you have tried to deceive me--you are not a woman at all!" exclaims the gentleman, stepping into view. "Certainly, I will help to return the sun to its proper place, but I shall have to see you in your proper shape."

[herfourthorns]

She stands up, skirt flurrying rather, cheeks charmingly flushed. "You should introduce yourself, you know, before trying to make deals. It isn't etiquette."

[thistledownking]

"Neither have you introduced yourself," he counters, coldly-politely. "And such a beautiful creature as yourself should at least do others that much honor."

[herfourthorns]

"I am a Rose." And she juts her little chin out proudly.

[thistledownking]

"And I am a king in Faerie," he answers, with as much pride.

Typist: Er. I think he is about to do something awful. Is it okay if he does something awful?

[herfourthorns]

"Oh, a king. I've been cared for by a prince, you know. He called me beautiful."

typist: how awful?

[thistledownking]

"And you are quite beautiful." A hand to her cheek. "Especially beautiful--I would wear you in my buttonhole, I think, to set off my brooch."

typist: very. see his suggestion, above.

[herfourthorns]

Flushed, "But you mustn't think I'm some wild rose, growing on the wayside to be picked! I belong to somebody."

[thistledownking]

"Why should a trifling thing like ownership concern me?"

[herfourthorns]

"Because my beauty is for the one who owns me, and not to offset your brooch."

[thistledownking]

"Who is it who owns you? Perhaps I shall have to bargain for you." And he detests bargaining--it is a low, human thing--but he thinks that willingness might make the Rose more charming.

[herfourthorns]

"Her name is Kyllikki ... she has hair like the sun, and I know she won't give me away for anything, not even a husband."

[thistledownking]

"Not for anything? Not for anything at all, when I could give her stones from the moon, or the west wind in a jar?"

[herfourthorns]

She scoffs. "What does she need the west wind in a jar for, when she has a Rose?"