Inside the Premises of Perkins, Perkins and Perkins

Astra enters the building. She finds herself in a reception area. There are a number of easy chairs placed around two low tables. None of the chairs are occupied. At the back of the room is a reception desk, but no sign of a receptionist. On the desk is a handbell. Astra rings it.

A door in the wall behind the desk opens, and a rather stout, middle- aged man with a greying goatee beard walks through. He is several inches shorter than Astra.

"Hello," she says. "You must be Perkins. Or maybe Perkins, or even Perkins. My name is Boo- Astra."

The man does not seem to take in what Astra has said. His gaze is fixed on her bust. "Ahem!" Astra says. "Up here."

The man manages to drag his head up sufficiently to look Astra in the face. "Sorry, Boo-astra," he says. "Yes, I am Perkins - the middle one. You're here about the receptionist job?" His voice has taken on a hopeful tone.

"No. I want some magic done on my breasts."

"You'd like them a little larger?" Perkins suggests eagerly.

"No, I'd like them considerably smaller. They are only this size as a result of my being force-fed some magic mushrooms."

"Hmm, I'd like to hear the full story behind that. But I'm afraid that a potion that will reduce your breasts will require some ingredients that are expensive and difficult to get hold of. Won't you reconsider?"

"No. Just how expensive are these ingredients, and how long would it take you to get them?"

"I would have to charge you... let's see... ten gold pieces for the potion. And I would have to send away for some of the ingredients. We don't need them often enough for it to be worth keeping them in stock, you see. I imagine it would take two weeks or so for them all to arrive."

Astra frowns. She only has two gold pieces left. She could sell her horse to raise the money, but she would be needing it if she was ever to get home. Besides, there seems little point in raising the money now if the potion will not be ready for two weeks.

Perkins notices her unhappy expression. "If the price is a problem," he says, "then I have a proposition for you. Why not take on the job of our receptionist temporarily? By the time the potion is ready, you will have earned enough to pay for it."

1. Astra agrees.
2. Astra refuses.
3. Astra asks what the job would involve.

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