justashotaway | (no subject)

Have a small purse, but hang it on the front of your hip, not the back. And check it immediately if someone bumps into you on the street.

I should explain... When I lived in Orlais, I had explained similar things to elves who had never before handled coin. If you need any more help, I'd happily provide it.

[Easier, she thinks, to keep it under her shirt. Anyone who attempts to pick such a pocket will come to her claws long before they reach any coin. But there is no reason to tell him that.

She's quiet for a bit in the darkened room, up where the air is warm and a little stale, wondering just what he did to become the advisor to all those other elves.]

They did not know how to use money. [Not a question, not exactly.] Why?

There is no slavery in Orlais.

But there is indentured, indefinite servitude. Elves fall victim of it most commonly. They are given food and lodging-- occasionally-- in return for their service, and naught else. If they can find a way out of the terms of their servitude, if they can find paying employment, well. They can end up in bad straits, without advice.

[She's quiet again, thinking through that, resolutely leaving aside how her own life fits into the situations he describes. That is something she can think about when no one can hear her.]

What is the difference?

Between what?

Slavery and indentured servitude.

They sound the same.

They often are in function. In legal terms, however, it varies enough to allow one where the other is illegal.

So they are the same. Nobody cares about what's legal.

Some do. There is difference enough for the distinction. Legal guidelines do matter. Indentured servitude is legal in Orlais, but illegal in Kirkwall, which is why I am able to speak with you now.

You were indentured.

Yes. For the last twenty years, almost exactly.

I benefited from being in a position where my education aided my employers. Many of my... fellows... were not so lucky.

What did you do?

I was a clerk, and a scrivener, and anything else that needed filing and organization. I managed finances, or correspondence, or kept stock and accounts. Not fascinating work.

No.

[It sounds incredibly boring, frankly. Better than the things she's done, but nothing she'd ever want to do.]

Do you do that here?

At the moment, yes. Mostly bookkeeping.

Do you read much?

I can.

[The only real option for response. She can read; in the past, she hasn't been allowed to.]

Do you read books at all?

[A pause.]

Sometimes.

Would you mind greatly if I suggested a few books for you to read?

I would not mind.

What sort of things would you like to read about?

[A very long pause.]

I do not know.

What do you enjoy? I assure you, there are at least five books on the subject, two of which disagree with each other, and one of which will be below your standard.

[Quieter this time, perhaps embarrassed, and only drawn out because he hasn't yet done anything but speak softly and offer advice.]

I do not know.

What don't you like?