voice, un: strange

[rehandle]

To whoever might find this useful, I'm now the patron-by-proxy of all Ephes' magic users.

From what I can tell they're all very eager to help in whatever their patron might ask of them, and given how many people that accounts for there's a fair chance that if there's something you need done, I'll have somebody for the task.

What I don't have is a lot of money. [ And doesn't he just sound thrilled and not at all resentful about it. ] Should anyone wish to be so kind, I wouldn't turn down any generous donations made in the interest of the betterment of the citadel's magical community.

[ Public service announcement and desert-dry plea for somebody, anybody to give him some cash aside, that's everything, and he almost cuts it there - but actually, he'll need to get a sense for this sooner or later, so: ]

While I have your attention, it would be useful to know everyone's current stance on Messalina.

Comments

un: absterge

[downswing]

What manner of betterment?



( This money is all going to Wen Kexing's pleasure houses, isn't it. )

un: strange

[rehandle]

Whatever manner presents itself. I get a lot of requests.

[ If that's what the magic folk want, who are we to judge them. ]

[downswing]

They are held impoverished?

[rehandle]

Some are. Mostly they're looked down on, and if I'm to do anything about that I'm going to need more to work with than the price of a decent suit.

[ 1. Why is the price of a suit the example you're using here you're in AU Rome
2. Where were you buying your suits... ]

[downswing]

Brother is not without means.

un: Black Prince; text

[blackscales]

'The betterment of the magical community'? Is that the most deserving of causes around here?

[rehandle]

Ample means?

[rehandle]

If you'd prefer to fund-raise for someone else, you be my guest. It's a big city.

pls translate this comment from 'mega-rich'

[downswing]

Comfortable.

[blackscales]

I am, of course, already doing my part -- raising funds for the widows, orphans and war veterans of this fair city.

[ Think of the Orphans, Stephen Strange.

The Children.

Are you taking money that could be going to children?

Not that it's a competition, but Wrathion is here to be funny because he can be. ]

i'm crying

[rehandle]

[ Oh for God's sake, of course. ]

It warms my heart to hear it.

[ Warms it with the flames of a lightly simmering rage. ]

I wonder how many of those widows, orphans and war veterans also happen to be wizards, street magicians and amateur illusionists. Perhaps we should pool our resources.

[ Thinking Of The Children. ]

crying

[rehandle]

Comfortable.

[ He'd been 'comfortable' once. ]

I look forward to you sending him my way.

[ Thanks so much Lan Wangji you're a pal. ]

[downswing]

( The kindness, generosity and proactivity of these two men, who think of the magical children, warms the darkest cockles of Lan Wangji's shriveled heart. )

THINK OF THE CHILDREN, STRANGE

[blackscales]

Perhaps you could entertain the orphaned children with these 'amateur illusions'. They have so little.

[ Yes, he's doing this on purpose. ]

[downswing]

Noble calls are answered.

You ask of Messalina. To what end?

[rehandle]

I suspect we already do. The magicians here are very generous with their talents, as little as those talents are ultimately appreciated.

[ All he wanted was to plead for money in peace. ]

[blackscales]

[ If you thought this wasn't a trap -- ]

You misunderstand, I was hoping you might grace us with your presence personally. Perhaps such an act of kindness would improve the goodwill towards your cause?

[ You aren't an unkind man, surely? You wouldn't neglect children, Stephen Strange? ]

[rehandle]

My position has the potential to bring me into close contact with people who may ultimately sway the city's decision on her petition.

[rehandle]

You missed my performance the other night? I invited all the city's orphans, brought balloon animals and everything. I'm amazed you didn't attend.

[blackscales]

It appears I did! Quite disappointing. I'll have to ask them how they enjoyed it. Perhaps if they did, a repeat performance is worthwhile.

[downswing]

She makes weapon of a man-eater.

[rehandle]

[ There's nothing quite like two men in a private forum role-playing as their politiciansonas to the death. ]

Of course I'd do what I can to find the time, but as we both know our chief responsibility is to our patrons and the people they represent. I would hate to neglect that responsibility.

I'm sure I could find somebody excellent to send along in my stead. For the orphans.

[ Go away Wrathion (◡‿◡✿) ]

[blackscales]

[ Not So Fast. ]

You don't think the personal touch would improve the sadly lacking opinion when it comes to wizards and magicians here? I'm sure those who missed your balloon animals, as I did, would appreciate another opportunity.

[ You mentioned them, Stephen. You now must Commit To The Balloon Animals. The people want to see Balloon Animals. ]

[rehandle]

Elaborate?

[rehandle]

[ If that's how you want to play this, buddy... ]

If only I could afford more balloons...

[ You can put your money where your mouth is. ]