[text] [audio]

[eldesthatter]

[The message is hand written, but you can hear to sound of it being written down on paper.]

To do:

1. Order one hundred yards of pink ribbon, three boxes of feathers, at least one bundle of lace.

2. Make sure Lettie and Martha clean their room before Friday.

3. Ask Fanny about the budget this week.

4. Visit the book shop?

[You can hear her scribbling out the fourth item and sighing heavily.]

No. Not today I think.

[Other voices can be heard, though they are faint. Perhaps calling from another room.]

Oh Sophie! Come look! Howl's Castle is coming into view!

Here to steal another heart perhaps? [Sophie is muttering as her footsteps echo off into the distance.]

Comments

[treatinferiors]

Well, it's been known to not let people leave their various connecting devices to do something else.

[eldesthatter]

The book won't hop up on it's own and follow me about, will it?

[treatinferiors]

Not unless it did that before.

[eldesthatter]

No. It stayed here in the shop.

[treatinferiors]

Then I think you have nothing to fear on that front.

[eldesthatter]

Then how would it possibly keep me from leaving?

[treatinferiors]

It tends to take over important things. For instance, if you were trying to do homework, it would repeatedly bring you here instead of the right page.

[eldesthatter]

I hope it won't find a way to interrupt me while I'm helping in the shop...

[treatinferiors]

The spoken posts might. I don't know if text would.

And there's another complication.

[eldesthatter]

Spoken. People would hear me like you just did?

Wait. What kind of complication?

[treatinferiors]

And occasionally talk back, yes.

A complication called viruses. They strike every so often and create a wide variety of problems. I believe someone has a guide to them, actually, if you're curious.

[eldesthatter]

... [It all sounds far too fantastical for someone like her.]

I suppose if I am at risk I should know what from. How can I find this guide?

[treatinferiors]

...Was that a bit much at once?

And if I remember correctly, someone named Jane Foster was keeping track of such things.

[eldesthatter]

Considering the most magic in my life a few moments ago were a few purchased spells to keep mice out of the storage areas, yes, a bit much.

[treatinferiors]

Shall I give you a moment?

...Purchased spells?

[eldesthatter]

I'll be alright. Thank you.

Yes. Fanny buys them every so often. It causes trouble if mice nibble on our supplies.

[treatinferiors]

Don't mention it. I'm at your service.

And yes, I'd imagine so.

[eldesthatter]

That's...that's quite alright. I don't need anyone at my service, really.

[treatinferiors]

Right, my mistake.

...I didn't get your name, did I?

[eldesthatter]

...[She's hesitating so much on this.]

...It's Sophie.

[treatinferiors]

Sophie, then. It's nice to meet you.

[eldesthatter]

...Yes. And you as well, Rably.

Ah, you said Jane Foster was the one I should look for? Would she see what I write here?

[treatinferiors]

I'd think so. You could also send her a message if you don't get a reply.

[eldesthatter]

How?

[treatinferiors]

If it's connected through here, I'm pretty sure it can take messages. I could be wrong, of course.