Work Text:
*We open on a chorus of little feet pattering down the sidewalk, guided by a cheery young girl with a well-stocked backpack.*
The girl (probably no older than 17 or 18): Come along, children! To l’aire de jeux!
The kid in the front of the line: What’s that mean, Ms. Ee-vin?
The girl: *laughs goodnaturedly while twirling her ponytail about* The playground! And, mon nom is Yvonne—
*A kid screams at the sight of the playground and breaks the line, causing many others to follow suit. After Yvonne is relieved of her duties, she sits back on a bench to watch the children play and pulls out her phone…*
*Only to see a camera lense in the reflection of her black screen.*
Yvonne: Ah! *turns around and gives a nervous, yet cheerful look to the camera* Bonjour! I think I have seen you around town before…
*Sounds of wood cracking faintly can be heard as one kid goes a little too hard on the swings. The camera swivels to it, with the CM in question obviously being alarmed.*
Yvonne: *sighs, a bit pitifully* Yes, there are few funds to attribute to this school. I’m working on a fundraiser to try and build these dears a new place to play, but…Mon dieu, it hasn’t worked out as I expected.
Mystichite: *steps out from behind the camera, giving a nod to Yvonne’s comment* I’ve lived here all my life, and I know for a fact that there’s just not quite enough to go around. *smoothes back his hair* But, I’ve never known WHY.
Yvonne: *contemplates the stranger’s presence, then scoots over to offer him a seat next to her* I believe my parents told me about a tragic incident in the old theater…*shakes her head* Rid this town of much of its incoming profit.
Mystichite: That would make sense…*looks at his hand* But, if so, I’ve got a lot to work on. *moves smoothly into his proposition* My name is Malachi Morris, but to those visiting Trancehall, I shall soon be known as…*whiffs out his cape (using it as a security blanket of sorts like he did in the last episode)* Mystichite! (Hisses the “misssst” syllable a little bit)*
Yvonne: *gasps excitedly and leans in for a hug* I have HEARD of you! No more than speculation and curiosity, but it is so nice to have you here to clear a few things up! *pulls away with her arms now on Misty’s biceps* May I call you Misty?
Mystichite: *sighs goodnaturedly* You are neither the first to ask nor the first to be granted permission. You’re very kind, young lady.
Yvonne: Oh, yes, yes! *waves her hand down like it’s nothing* I have made many friends. I am Yvonne Dubois, of the Nice Duboises.
Mystichite: Nice…France?
Yvonne: *nods vigorously* Mon cher, mon maison. I visit now and then, when I am not busy with my work. *shrugs off her backpack and pulls out a bouncy ball, which she proudly throws to the kids (they go gleefully feral)* Haha…
Mystichite: *listens intently to this* Do your parents live with you?
Yvonne: Oui, we moved to Les États when I was very young…it is not easy to make it here, but we do our best! I help the children, my mother assists the sick, and my father, those in need of renovations!
Mystichite: *making more obvious eye contact now* In that case, I can certainly see where your enthusiasm comes from.
Yvonne: *looks a little closer into Mystichite’s eyes, although…nothing seems to happen* You have very lovely eyes, monsieur.
Mystichite: *taken aback by the lack of functioning magic; speaks under his breath* This usually doesn’t take so long…
Yvonne: Hm?
Mystichite: Er…*pulls out his collar with mild embarrassment* I said, I have something to inquire of you, and it won’t take too long.
Yvonne: *nods and scoots closer* Asking for assistance with your theater? I am free, aside from this. *gestures to the children*
Mystichite: *smiles, glad she’s picking up so fast* We’ve been doing some troubleshooting when it comes to actually GETTING to the stage, and, well…
CM #1: I almost puked going down those hallways.
Mystichite: *winces* Yes, their twisty nature is not ideal for the simple-minded.
CM #1: There were probably better ways to word that…
Yvonne: My mind is a bit simple, I would say…not in a bad way, of course!
Mystichite: No, no, I wasn’t suggesting that. What I AM suggesting is the possibility of an…usher of sorts. *points to Yvonne* An escort, really. And we might need more than one, but…you seem like the sort who works well with others.
Yvonne: *blinks for a second, then nods vigorously* You have yourself a deal!
Mystichite: *chuckles* EX-cellent. Would you care to tell me more about that bag?
Yvonne: It holds everything I may need…shall I bring it with us, to the theater?
Mystichite: Call it Trancehall. And when you’re there, call yourself…*looks at her shirt, which happens to be purple* Amethyst.
Yvonne: *giggles and jumps off the bench, calling for the kids* LITTLE ONES! I will find you a replacement caretaker; I have business to attend to!
The crowd of kids: BYE, MS. EE-VIN!
Yvonne: *to herself* They never get it right. *to Mystichite* Come! A new adventure…where you had best lead the way. *bows for him to take up the front*
Mystichite: I like you already.
CM #1: *turns the camera around to focus more on Misty as he and Yvonne head down the sidewalk (Yvonne now being on a call to get another school worker with the kids)* Psst. Why didn’t you…you know…
Mystichite: It’s simply a matter of finding an opening…which I believe will present itself in due time. *sad glint behind his eyes; he’s telling himself that for a reason*
CM #1: *turns to Yvonne and gives a terse observation* You’re more excited for this than the other ones.
Yvonne: *unfazed* Other ones…I cannot wait to meet them! *pulls a small kaleidoscope from her bag and focuses one eye on it*
CM #1: *incredulous chuckle; turns the camera off*
*Trancehall now has 4 employees…and a much higher rate of morale!*