second wish ♛ video;

[minorgod]

[ Yato looks positively ecstatic when the video turns on, practically vibrating in his seat, and he's holding up a weird little thing, made of twisted bits of fishing net, a broken lure, some seaweed strands, a cracked shell, and some other assorted marine bits. In other words, it looks exactly like something you'd reel in off a snag on your hook (and normally throw away), except someone's tied a bow of old twine on it. ]


I've finally got it! My perfect solution to making more of an impact in Aifaran! This is an Erol'an good luck charm!

[ He caresses it fondly, like its presence is a dream come true! ]

An Erol'an mystic woman sold it to me when I was down on the docks doing a job! She said she sensed a strong, positive aura from me, and this would help me focus it, all I have to do is keep it with me at all times.

It's going to work, I can just feel it!

Comments

[rutility]

Forgive me, but how would you describe this mysticism? I'm not familiar with gods or magic myself, and I'd like to know more.

[minorgod]

Describe it...?

I don't know, it's more like something you feel. She kept looking off into the distance, and humming under her breath sometimes? She definitely looked like she was in tune with the world around her!

[rutility]

I see. That is certainly esoteric behavior... I can't say I'm unfamiliar with the profound wisdom that accompanies it.

[Perhaps Yato is right. Rutile still has reservations, but their expression, though somewhat reticent, is a little gentler.]

I would like to examine it more closely, if you don't mind. I'm sure we can learn much about her work from studying its component materials.

[minorgod]

[ Rutile's reaction, especially in comparison to some of the others that Yato has been getting, is welcome, and he gives them a grin. ]

I don't mind, just don't take it apart. Wouldn't want the good luck escaping!

[rutility]

[Damn, he saw straight through to their intentions. Time for Plan B.]

Aren't you curious to know whether you could replicate the structure? You might be able to make enough good luck charms to hand them out yourself, with your own unique flair! I think the experiment is certainly worthwhile.

We may even be able to understand the nature of luck itself more deeply. That could only benefit both of us.

[minorgod]

[ Yato appears to be thinking that over with possibly more consideration than it deserves. ]

Maybe? I mean... I'm more interested in people asking me to do things because I can do them, not the charm itself. I don't want to accidentally put myself out of business with them.

[rutility]

[It deserves all the consideration. All of it.]

You're already going to go out of business if this mystic continues to sell them. You ought to at least know what you're up against.

[minorgod]

Wait, you think so?!

[rutility]

[This is very straightforward. Rutile has only a rudimentary understanding of economics, and already they see where this is going.]

You said yourself that the good luck charms might put you out of business. The only difference is that if you make them, you'll at least gain yourself a reputation. If you are known as the maker of the best good luck charms, people will know that you are the lucky one. They will continue to come to you to see if you have more wares. That is how mastery of a purpose works.

If the mystic makes them, on the other hand, you have bought into your own demise.

[minorgod]

[ This is Yato clearly torn between both Rutile's logic and his own insanely protective behaviour considering things 'his'. Eventually he sighs, admitting defeat, and looks crestfallen. ]

... okay, you can do what you want to see how it works.

[rutility]

[Rutile's just happy they got their way. They won't damage it too much - it's the mark of a good physician to put things back exactly as they were left.]

Wonderful. I'll be waiting in our room at the Dreaming Bridge when you have a chance to stop by.

[minorgod]

[ Yato doesn't exactly drag his heels on the way back to the Dreaming Bridge, but it's a near thing, and the charm is clutched to him like it's made of precious metal instead of old fishing net and twine. He opens the door and offers a watery "tadaima" of greeting more out of habit than expecting Rutile to know what it means. ]

I'm not sure about this...

[rutility]

[ Rutile turned the windowsill by their bed into a makeshift desk ages ago, and they stand near it now, their tools in a meticulous line off to the right. They smile at Yato, with an attempt at being gentle and reassuring, but the excitement in their eyes is clear as they reach for the charm. ]

You have nothing to worry about. I'm no mystic, but between my dexterity and skill and your strong aura, I believe we will learn a great deal.

[minorgod]

[ Well... Yato doesn't have any reason not to take Rutile at their word, so he'll reluctantly hold the charm out for them to take. ]

Nothing to worry about, okay. Right. It'll be fine.

[rutility]

Absolutely fine.

[ Rutile plucks the charm out of his hand and sets it on the windowsill, then - with a grace rather unapparent from their personality - begins to untie and dissemble it. ]

These seem like quite ordinary objects to me. Do you feel the aura changing anywhere?

[minorgod]

[ He looks momentarily flummoxed, like he hadn't been expecting to be included in this process, and slowly shakes his head. ]

I just want something like to work for me, you know? It's hard getting my name out there for wishes when people forget so easily, even if it's not their fault.

[rutility]

[ They nod, acknowledging Yato's input. ]

Then I believe we're quite safe to assume that either dismantling it does not reduce its power, or it had no power to begin with. Either way, no harm is done.

[ Carefully they examine each little piece, holding it up to the light and peering at it with golden eyes. ]

Oh, yes. You try to run a wish-granting service, right? I've seen some of Ilda's advertising. It is an ambitious trade to take up.

[ They are delightfully neutral on whether they think it's a good one. ]