ℑ first contract

[onlythesong]

Comments

[peonymarket]

[A queen? Like that barbaric woman ruling England, in his time? But surely not from any nation he has heard of, and thus of no importance. Still, the authority in her voice intrigues him....]

You would better spend your time asking the populace of this little town than the "highest authorities". The latter will begrudge you no answers.

[onlythesong]

But the authorities would be the ones with whom we would need to negotiate to secure my release.

[peonymarket]

The authorities cannot be negotiated with to achieve that. They have no interest in freeing anyone, regardless of.....claims of royalty.

[a pause]

Rather, at this time, they are taking a very active role in harming those who cross their path.

[onlythesong]

[Ouch. "Claims" of royalty... That's a sore point. Her voice is a little disgruntled when she responds.]

Yes, so an exceptionally helpful man told us.

[peonymarket]

[And he, in turn, sounds just a trifle smug.]

What else has he told you? It would save us both from rehashing the same information.

[onlythesong]

We are trapped in a town on Earth called Mayfield, and those in authority are not to be trusted. No one has found an exit.

[peonymarket]

Then let me give at least a little good news. Any items you have lost now- as well as any abilities, should you possess any -will be returned to you in time.

[onlythesong]

How long is "in time"?

[peonymarket]

It varies.....but usually after a very strange, and sometimes unsettling, incident has passed. We are in the middle of one of those right now.

[onlythesong]

But how long do those last? Something extremely important has been taken from me, and I need to get it back.

[peonymarket]

Anywhere from a few days to perhaps a month.

[a pause...]

There is a way to retrieve a possession quickly, but the cost could be extremely high.

[onlythesong]

Tell me.

[pause]

Please.

[peonymarket]

....there is a building here by the name of the Post Office. Inside, a man will give you what you ask. But in return he might take your arm, or memories, or something inside of you. You may return what you receive at any time for what you paid, but there will be a price upon the initial transaction, and it will not be painless.

The choice is yours.

[onlythesong]

[They stole these things from us. The thought that such costs are attached to personal possessions-- Mashiro sucks in an angry breath, then exhales. Some choice.]

Thank you.

[peonymarket]

Nothing to thank, "queen".

[onlythesong]

...What's your name?