Can Beggars Be Choosers?

Though there aren't many coins in the tin plate on the ground in front of him, he is at least fully - if rather shabbily - dressed and appears to be clean, suggesting that his playing earns him enough at least to get by on. Perhaps he is looking for a partner? If he could provide her with an instrument, that would solve the problem of her having no money with which to buy one of her own.

As she comes up to him, he stops playing. "Hello, fair elven maiden." (There's that "elven" again, which puzzles her.) He goes on: "Unless you have found a novel hiding place for a coin, I don't suppose that you are about to make a donation."

"I'm afraid not. I'm a musician myself. I'm looking for work and I wondered if you might be interested in our becoming a duo. I play quite a few instruments. I'm afraid that you'd have to provide the instrument, though, as I haven't one of my own."

"I barely make enough money to support myself, let alone two. Besides, this flute is my only instrument and I can't afford to buy one for you. But it occurs to me that an attractive young elf dancing naked to my music could do wonders for my takings. Are you interested?"

1. He's a very charming and good-looking young man. Against her better judgement, Sarah finds herself agreeing. After all, beggars can't be choosers, the old proverb points out.
2. "All right. But only on the condition that, when we have earned enough to buy me an instrument and some clothes, I switch to playing and we become a duo."
3. "Sorry, no. Apart from anything else, I'm a rubbish dancer."

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree