[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

You nod, surprised at how…useful this all is. 

POLKA DOT: I’d have harder time getting rid of it.
POLKA DOT: It’s pretty much my anchor at this point.
POLKA DOT: Is there any way to make myself look more dangerous than I actually am?
CINDI: With the way you look?
CINDI: Find somebody else to travel with.
CINDI: I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it’s some of the best advice I can give.
CINDI: People can smell a newbie fresh on the streets, and frankly, you’re lucky you found a place that won’t prey on you on your first day.
CINDI: Could have gotten harvested or something. Rubber ain’t cheap.
 

You remember Marlowe’s talk about the underground surgery markets and shudder.

CINDI: So…best advice? Get a traveling partner who you can trust.
CINDI: If you’re just going out, go in one of the groups that goes to partnered businesses. Pawn shop, thrift store, library, the works.
CINDI: Laurie’s good at making connections where it counts.
CINDI: This way we got a whole network that’s safe for people to use, without worrying about people getting nabbed or maimed.
CINDI: If you want to leave the city someday…
CINDI: Get someone you feel comfortable watching your back first.
CINDI: And make sure you know they’re legit.
CINDI: I wouldn’t recommend leaving at all until you’ve been in the world at least a year. The wilds are no fucking joke.
CINDI: …but who knows, maybe you’re ballsy.
CINDI: Either way, don’t ask me to go anywhere with you. I don’t want to play babysitter for a grown ass adult.
CINDI: Got too much shit to do.
CINDI: Aside from that…just make sure you’re armed and don’t panic if stuff gets rowdy.
POLKA DOT: Got it…
POLKA DOT: What next?
CINDI: What next? Duck, I had to come up with that lesson on the fly. 
CINDI: Gimme a break.
CINDI: Next week, we’ll go over some more. Got it?
POLKA DOT: Fair enough…
 

They reach forward and whack you on the back, a far cry from Vine’s friendly pats. 

CINDI: You surprised me, duck.
CINDI: Next time won’t be so easy.
 

The horse walks past you and back inside the building, ducking under the doorway on their way. You follow suit, and to your surprise, Vine is waiting for you.

VINE: …you look fine. Good, even, if a bit dirty.
VINE: You should go get your stuff down to Laundry. 
VINE: Take a turn from the guest rooms and go down the stairs.
VINE: But…how’d it go?