002 - In which Howl opens for business.

[likepaleglass]

[There's that man again on the screen. That one you can almost smell through the electronics, though that's a complete impossibility. (Lavender today, by the way.) The apartment behind him, obviously Newcomer-standard, is in the beginnings of what will become a fine shambles, dirty dishes piled high in the sink, a banana peel draped elegantly over the edge of a garbage pail, and everywhere books -- books upon books and scraps of metal and odds and ends that aren't even quite identifiable. In the midst of it, Howl is impeccably clean and groomed as always, with not even a wrinkle.]

An introduction seems in order. I am the Wizard Howl Pendragon, conjuror and constructor of magical artifacts, creator of curses, cantrips, and charms from the large to the small in scale. Need to win a duel or your worst enemy's hair to fall out? Find me. In need of your one-bedroom flat to become a 5-bedroom palatable estate? Call upon me. Fees are negotiable.

[A release of breath, and he nudges back his hair.] I usually rely on word of mouth, but considering the circumstances, it seems I am my primary advertiser.

[A pause.]

I'd also like to know more about this Core -- and its record. The library hasn't been as helpful as I would like.

Comments

[likepaleglass]

[The information is tucked away for a later time.]

And do you advertise in the phone book, Mr. . . . ?

[freeholding]

[amused] Some of my real estate ventures might be listed, but my talents aren't advertised.

[likepaleglass]

[No name, either. A man after Howl's own heart?]

[Perhaps.]

How do you stay in business, then, in so inhospitable an environment?

[freeholding]

[That's what he does, win hearts and minds. Or something.]

It is anything but inhospitable. I live in a sprawling metropolis. Let us say that I am the face of an inevitability.

[Yes, that is pretentious. Accurate, though.]