Page 3 of Bargains with Benefits
I glanced out the window where the sky had darkened,though it was only late afternoon. The last of the sun’s setting rays danced on the calm waters of Sandrin Bay. Crowds of people filled the streets, and we were still weeks from the Long Night celebration.
“I’m sure more will come,” I said offhandedly. I wasn’t dying to have Sandrin packed with tourists from remote villages on the continent, but I could admit it was nice that folk were no longer afraid to travel. Or that theycouldtravel, for that matter. So many had recently been awakened from the mist plague. This year’s solstice celebration was sure to be a grand one.
“I hope so,” she said. Her black hair was pulled back, showing the early signs of aging on her brown skin. She was human and probably in her fifties, but I was sure there hadn’t been a Long Night with this many visitors in her lifetime.
Our editor, Patricia, still hadn’t started speaking. Daisy must have felt some pressing requirement to fill the silence. “They’ll all want one of those…what did you call them? Sweet Solstice Sips?” Her voice turned playful.
I stretched my neck, never quite sure if she was speaking in jest. “Yes, well, they should go nicely with the festivities.”
She hid a smile that leaned toward teasing. A muscle in my jaw twitched as I refrained from clenching my teeth. It would do no good for her to know it bothered me. Before I could find a suitable reply, Patricia spoke. “Thank you all for joining on such short notice. As you can see, tourists are pouring in.” Our leader had white skin, short blond hair, and wore dark glasses. She was small in stature and had a no-nonsense attitude that I appreciated.
“We must tailor our content for the next few weeks to the visitors and the upcoming celebrations.” She glanced at Arnold, who had moved on to dabbing at the red stain on his white shirt now that the sandwich was gone. Her mouth pressed into a thin line, but she continued. “Arnold, we’ll need one feature per week on the visitors. Where they arefrom, why they traveled, what they hope to wish for on Long Night.”
Arnold looked up, mouth slightly agape at being referred to while busy with his shirt. “Oh…yes, alright.”
Patricia either didn’t notice or ignored his hesitation. “We will also need features that dig into the city politics with so many tourists here. With recent changes in fae court leadership, we’d be remiss not to survey the people on their opinions. I hope you can help cover some of these topics, Daisy.”
“Has there been any news on the magic school?” Daisy asked. “It’d be great to poll visitors on how they feel about it.” Her gaze slid hesitantly toward me. “Since reactions in Sandrin have varied.”
I sat up straighter, my wind and anger rising at the implication. The changes in fae leadership allowed half-fae or fae with mixed court lineage to be educated in their magic for the first time. Apparently, it was well known that some old fae families weren’t thrilled with the change.
“No news on the school since it was announced.” Patricia pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “But great idea, Daisy. Add it to the list.”
Unsurprisingly, Daisy brimmed with excitement. I wanted to roll my eyes. If anyone should be writing about the changes to the fae courts, it should be, well, a fae. The stories Patricia mentioned would be the perfect material for me to sink my teeth into as a more serious journalist.
Patricia looked my way next. “We’ll also need to help the tourists make the most of their trip to Sandrin. The next few issues should have lists of ‘Benefits of Magic’ greatest hits.” She counted off her requirements on her fingers. “They need to know where to eat, where to shop, where to stay, and where is best to make their wish on Long Night.”
Of course they needed that, but I could write my weekly column and some bonus feature content for the celebration,especially if she wanted to highlight pieces previously reviewed. “Not a problem.”
“We should do one new big recommendation as the city fills,” she added.
I nodded and raised my quill hesitantly.
“Yes, Vincent,” Patricia said as she leafed through a stack of papers in her hand.
“I thought I might be of assistance with the feature articles, given the overflow.”
Patricia stopped sorting her notes and glanced at me over the cat-eye glasses that had fallen back down her nose. “With the success of your Sweet Solstice Sips, and was it that zesty tasting dressing before that…?” She let the sentence hang. It was clear she didn’t even remember what had come before the dressing. She’d never give me better material if she didn’t take me seriously. “Well, with all your column’s success, we must put our best foot forward with recommendations for our visitors.”
I opened my mouth to press the point further, but Nathaniel interrupted, asking about his series on traditional Long Night celebrations. This wasn’t over. I’d approach Patricia after the meeting. This was the perfect opportunity to write something other than “Benefits of Magic.” I need only find the right angle to convince her.
“Vincent.” Daisy turned to me when Patricia finally adjourned the meeting. I tracked Patricia’s retreat to her office, but Daisy pressed, “Do you have a moment?” Patricia sat down and started writing, so I nodded, deciding I had time before missing her for the day.
“Well, you see…my husband…” Her tone was softer all of a sudden, more hesitant. Something prickled at the back of my neck, and I knew what this was before she finished. It had become all too common since my column had gained success.
My nostrils flared. “You want me to recommend something?” This part of the job was wearing on me. Daisy and Iweren’t close, but I’d thought she had more professional integrity than to ask for a favor for her husband. What, did his business need a boost?
“My husband loves Parkview Tavern. Do you know it?” She rambled, not waiting for my acknowledgment before continuing. “It hasn’t been doing well. I thought a feature in ‘Benefits of Magic’ could help boost visitors.”
While it was slightly better that it wasn’t his business, I still didn’t appreciate the ask. Recommendations were not requested. They were earned. They were demanded by superior products and experiences, usually with a dash of magic somewhere in the mix. Occasionally, I’d feature an establishment or product with no magic whatsoever, but those columns never did as well. I never regretted those products I recommended, though. My toes wiggled in my well-worn walking boots. The bootmaker had been my last human feature and these were the most comfortable footwear I owned.
“I don’t think so, Daisy. I don’t take requests.”
Her face pursed in consideration. I knew she would say something I didn’t appreciate. “You might not take requests, Vincent”—she stood, wrapping her sweater more tightly around her chest—“but you should try to experience things outside of your fae bubble.”
My brow pinched in confusion, then in rising anger. First the comment about the old fae’s varied reaction to change, now this? This city had been my home since birth. I experienced all parts of it. How dare she. There was no fae bubble I hid in.
Movement in Patricia’s office caught my attention. She stacked papers on her desk, placing some into her travel bag. I was about to miss her for the day. “Please excuse me.” I gave Daisy a final glare. My conversation with Patricia was more pressing than a fruitless argument. With my head held high, I walked across the room to Patricia’s office and knocked gently on the door.
