"Don't you like wearing black?" (Patreon)
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the vixen asked incredulously.
"I like black just fine," the duck protested. "But not every day. It's sometimes nice to wear other colors, like pink with glitter. And maybe sequins if it doesn't look too tacky. I just want to know, is there a rule that states witches have to wear all black all the time?"
"Dude," the mouse (bear?) exclaimed as she turned away in disgust. "I feel like I don't know you anymore. Who even are you?"
"All right, all right," I interrupted before the negative energy could get out of hand. "Let's get back on track here. I have no intention of enforcing a dress code. As far as I'm concerned, you can dress however you like. I would suggest, however, that you break up the pink with an accent of another color. All pink on pink wouldn't look good. Anyway, to get back to your previously stated concern, there will indeed be thrills aplenty. As one of my acolytes, you will be able to travel extensively. As I said earlier, there will be mischief. Rebecca is learning the ways of pranks and japes, a number of which are magical in nature, and I'll expect all of you to do the same. Crude villagers are less likely to chase you out of town if they're laughing. No, in fact they are more likely to buy you drinks and listen to what you say. You will be powerful but not intimidating. The secret to respect and popularity is what I can offer you, and in return all you have to do is go out and spread tales of my deeds. You'll set an example of what the White Elf's followers are like, as well as giving potential recruits an idea of what kind of prizes they might expect in my service. You'll keep the mischief at 'lovable rogue' levels and refrain from causing any serious harm. What say you?"
The witches muttered among themselves and looked uncertain.
"Come on, you guys!" Rebecca wheedled. "Just try it out. I guarantee you'll like it. Plus we've been trying to summon a demon for months with no results, so this is probably the best offer we're going to get."
"All right, all right," the vixen shrugged. "I'll give it a try."
"I'm in," the duck declared.
"I guess so," the bear (mouse?) sulked. "But if I get bored, I'm gone."
"Well," Mother Didelphis snapped. "That may be fine and dandy for the youngsters, but what about me? Traveling, telling stories, and setting an example? I'm not as spry as I used to be. My bones are half dust already; how exactly am I supposed to do all that? And how am I going to enjoy any long term benefit?"
"It is within my power to restore your youth," I explained.
"Young again?" the old opossum snorted. "At the mercy of unsavory urges? Wearing foundation garments? Having mels treat me like some sort of toy all the time? No thanks, sonny. They call me 'MOTHER' Didelphis out of respect for my years, a respect I've earned! A respect I demand! I'm creaky and craggy and saggy, but I'm venerable dammit! My advice is listened to, and my displeasure is feared - none of which would be true if I was some giggly pretty little slip of a thing."