[[a survey + eventual survey discussion closed post]]

[ravkanwitch]

As promised, there’s a new stack of paper on the welcome table in the main lobby; each sheet has many questions on it along with a cup of pens on the side and a brightly colored box with a large slot cut into the top of it. Nina’s ready for her new project. For most characters, if they don’t see this, a very charming and friendly Nina Zenik will be tracking them down with the sheet of questions and a pen eventually…

“MANSION SURVEY: Help us take stock and plan fun and activities!*

*answers are private to Nina and Susan only”

[[Please check out the Fun Mansion Questions tab in the Mansion Demographics spreadsheet and have your characters fill it out! Check the discord if you don’t have a link.]]

Comments

[ravkanwitch]

"I'm just agreeing that SecUnit would be our best bet," Nina says, gently. "Everything alright?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Fine," says Susan, firmly. "I shall speak to it about our options."

[ravkanwitch]

Nina's not going to press any further. She gives Susan a small smile. "It looks like we have a lot on our hands, but I'd rather stay busy than-- well, not be."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Oh, agreed," says Susan, latching onto the topic. She makes a little face at the pile of surveys. "We ought to have asked about favorite chores, too. I know I said we oughtn't do a chore chart, but wouldn't it be lovely if there was someone here who just really enjoyed washing-up and laundry?"

[ravkanwitch]

Nina also makes a face. "Not me. Or cooking."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"They're not my favorite, either." Though Susan had been pleased to find that cooking was more palatable with a partner, when she and Laertes baked together.

[ravkanwitch]

"That's fine. We don't have to sign up for a chore rotation. You can be the brains behind the operation and I can be the, um-- the charm," she grins.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Are you suggesting I'm not charming?" Susan asks. This is a joke, but Nina would be forgiven for not realizing it - Susan's lost her touch a little, around most people.

[ravkanwitch]

Nina's eyes widen and she scrambles to stand up. "Your Majesty, I would never," she says, dropping into a curtsy -- and then ruining the act with a small laugh.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan draws herself up and puts on a coldly imperious expression. She cocks a hip and raises an eyebrow. "Off with her head," she says, flapping a hand and then gesturing broadly at Nina.

[ravkanwitch]

Since they were talking about theater... Nina lets out a soul-rattling sob. "No! I have children at home-- I promise I'll never doubt your charming personality again!"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Guards? Guards! Remove this interloper from my sight!"

[ravkanwitch]

"I'm ruined," Nina says, crumpling onto the table that they had been working on. She waits a beat, then opens one eye. Sits up a slightly, giving Susan a Look. "Well? Where are your guards?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Dead, I should hope," says Susan, in dire tones indeed. "To ignore their Queen so egregiously after she has been so viciously maligned?"

[ravkanwitch]

Nina laughs. "Well, I suppose you'll have to just carry on talking to me, won't you?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan rises smoothly to her feet and draws an invisible rapier. "En garde," she says, falling into a fencing stance.

[ravkanwitch]

Thrilled at putting to use the forms that Laertes had taught her, Nina raises and draws an invisible rapier as well. "Oh. So it's to be this, then?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"A queen must be able to defend herself," says Susan, sternly. "Even if it is against her own traitor of a protege." And she makes an opening move.

[ravkanwitch]

"Protege? Not in the world of the rapier, you'll find," Nina says grimly, deftly blocking Susan's invisible blow and sending a seeking attack of her own.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan blocks it, and then counters the movement. "Is this what led you to such a betrayal? Is this why you spurn your queen?"

[ravkanwitch]

Nina tosses her hair and gives Susan a rebellious look. "No," she says, dramatically slow. "It was the suggestion of a list of chores."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Subterfuge," Susan gasps, clasping her chest, and dances forward in a half-lunge.

[ravkanwitch]

Nina's eyes widen, parrying the move. "You're faster than I expected," she admits.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"A queen must always be prepared to defend herself, in a kingdom like this one," Susan sighs.

[ravkanwitch]

"Yes, can you defend against this?" Nina asks, making a move with a slight spin that Laertes definitely did not teach her.