001

[under_the_wire]

Especially with winter upon us so suddenly, I find myself with little to keep me busy. The people here are kind enough, especially now that they seem content with the flowers I give them and aren't trying to poke me in the eye or pull my hair anymore, but playing the kind benefactor isn't exactly a role I'm suited to.

Has anyone given any thought to running a business? Ruling a town? Anything that might require a clerk or a secretary? There is no paper on my desk save for that I've chosen to put there myself and I'm quite out of my element.

Comments

[unaccepted]

You say you have experience with budget and trade? Then I could use financial assistance of that sort. I do not seem to have enough gold to sustain my usual activities.

[under_the_wire]

And what would your usual activities be?

[That part is important. He can supply funds himself, but those gems are staying right in his hair if the "usual activities" in question are anything like the "usual activities" of the king he's used to serving. Sin can at least pay for his own bad ideas without it coming out of the national budget. Most of the time.]

[unaccepted]

[ Time to think of an elaborate way of saying that he usually just gets drunk. So, writing in a stream of consciousness: ]

An excellent question! So far, I awake in the late morning to the sounds of birds singing a rousing tune. I find them to be troublesome, but truly in this land of what one might call magic I am appreciative that they are in no way Stymphalian. That only tells us we are not near the Euxine Sea. Where might we be, then? I ponder that as I make my rounds about the town. It is up to a prince, I feel, to make good relations with those around him. It is also true, though, that Pylades is not a man of many words, and when he speaks it is mostly to Orestes. We shall not think of Orestes. This is an issue that causes me to become reclusive. How would Pylades address the people? Could he act as prince when he gives up his crown to sail unknown waters with Orestes? I do not care for people in the first place! Distraught, I stumble. This generally occurs in the area of the shopping district, and in the corner of my eye I see the sign of The Frog Prince. What is the impression one receives of a frog? Mindless creatures, all of them. They can do nothing but stare into the sky awaiting a king, and when their king comes he devours them all without a thought. So what is a frog prince, I ask. The men in there cannot answer but they offer me a glass—and I take it! For you see, the answer to my question is at the bottom of that glass. Or perhaps another glass. I search where I can for it. At the end of the day, I amble back to the loft I have taken up. I am worn out, and my feet are sore. Soon I will have to find new shoes. You can see my concern. I fall into bed and as my mind enters into a state of unconsciousness I realize: I have forgotten the answer to my question.

[under_the_wire]

So you go out, pal around with everyone you meet, get drunk, and come home to pass out.

[He should just say no and back out now, but he wanted something familiar and this is about as familiar as it gets...]

[unaccepted]

All under a troubled mind, I assure you. A royal has many worries, which is why I ask for assistance.

[under_the_wire]

I will offer you assistance and advice regarding your finances and your status as a prince, but I'm not funding drinking binges or cleaning up whatever messes you get yourself into.

[unaccepted]

[ But that's the most important part. After some hesitance, ] I will take it. What shall I call you?

[under_the_wire]

My name is Ja'far. And yours?

[unaccepted]

I am called Grantaire, but most preferably R. Whatever you feel appropriate to call your employer.

[under_the_wire]

[That seems to be a letter, not a name.]

I think Grantaire will suffice. When will you need me to begin work?

[unaccepted]

Whenever is suitable, I suppose. My pockets become emptier by the day.

[under_the_wire]

I suppose we should meet in person. Until then, I think you'd best start thinking of ways to bring in revenue.

[He has a few ideas of his own, but it seems wise to keep them to himself for now.]

[unaccepted]

I will consider it. Would you like to meet at, say, my usual establishment? [ The Frog Prince, he means. ]

[under_the_wire]

I suppose it can't be helped. I'm not paying for your drinks.

[unaccepted]

[ Damn. ] I would not think of it. I am free tomorrow and the next day and the next.

[under_the_wire]

I see you have nothing but free time. I'll find you tomorrow to see what can be done about that.