0 The Fool

[fairy_tale_trainer]

[A young girl with blond hair is on the screen, looking rather scared,] Is this working? Can someone tell me how to get home? I need to get back there now! [She takes a deep breath, raising her chin and looking more determined,] My family needs me right now. I don't know what kind of place this is, but I need to go back.
[There's a small cry from off screen,] Eevee!

[Mary picks the little creature up,] I don't know what kind of animal this is, how this device even works, or where I am. Would someone please explain? I truly need to get home.

Comments

[video]

[paladinlost]

How can anyone without minimal competence be allowed to teach? Surely your world has talented tutors who could truly improve your musical education?

[video]

[fairy_tale_trainer]

Well, that may be my fault in part. I have a tendency to scare off my tutors.

[video]

[paladinlost]

...Not by turning them into frogs, I hope. A few black mages in training tried that once, and it did not end well.

[video]

[fairy_tale_trainer]

[Mary laughs brightly,]Not at all! I don't think that could be done in my world, though I suppose it would be just as strange as some things I've seen.

[video]

[paladinlost]

Things that you've seen in your own world, or that you've seen since you activated your Pokégear?

[video]

[fairy_tale_trainer]

In my own world. Most people would have no idea about some things, but I saw the results of some strange magic. I could always very accurately read fortunes and see spirits myself.

[video]

[paladinlost]

Those are both rare and powerful gifts. Did you scare your tutors away with stories from spirits?

[video]

[fairy_tale_trainer]

No, I just wasn't afraid to point out their flaws.

[video]

[paladinlost]

...You'd think adults would be able to accept constructive criticism.

[video]

[fairy_tale_trainer]

Well, I wasn't particularly nice about it.

[video]

[paladinlost]

...That would explain it. The bitterness of criticism is more easily swallowed with the sweetness of kindness, or at least politeness.

[video]

[fairy_tale_trainer]

I really don't have anything to say for myself.

[video]

[paladinlost]

Luckily, you are young enough to learn better. Adults are all too often too set in their ways to change.

[video]

[fairy_tale_trainer]

I think I have learned better....

[video]

[paladinlost]

Excellent. Perhaps that'll allow you to keep the next talented tutor to come along, if one can be found.

[video]

[fairy_tale_trainer]

I am sure we will find one. I believe it will be important to continue my education further than most girls, since managing the family and the title has fallen to me.

[video]

[paladinlost]

Ah, a very heavy task to bear on your shoulders. But one I've no doubt you'll find extremely fullfilling, in time.

[video]

[fairy_tale_trainer]

I hope so. My brother had faith in me to be able to manage it, so I will do my best to not let him down!

[video]

[paladinlost]

...Had, you say...

[That implies unpleasantness. Best not ask too many questions.]

I've no doubt you'll greatly exceed all his expectations. And I've no doubt that would make him very happy.

[video]

[fairy_tale_trainer]

I hope so! And I hope he doesn't let me down. He promised me a picnic in the garden before he left. [She speaks with an edge of finality to her words.]

[video]

[paladinlost]

Brotherly promises should always be kept, even if the impossible must be achieved to do so.

[Which is perhaps why he's never received one.]

[video]

[fairy_tale_trainer]

I have faith in him. I know he's still alive somewhere.

[video]

[paladinlost]

You'd surely know that best. Just as he surely knows it is his duty to return to you.

[video]

[fairy_tale_trainer]

[Mary remains quiet. She doesn't know how to move past the topic, so it just hangs in the air with the silence.]