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You push open the door to the spa Mae has been raving about. It’s extravagant—the floors are marble tile; the walls an array of mosaics inlaid with gold and glass; the columns finely carved with traditional Tevinter patterns. Attendants move smoothly through the space, carrying trays of wine and fruits that you think would probably pay your rent for a year. It’s a good thing today is Mae’s treat.
Even so, the whole thing is so intimidating that you’re halfway to turning and running when you spot Mae waving lazily at you from a corner seat. “Come join me!” she calls, heedless of the heads that turn in her direction. She’s never been one to shy away from scandal.
To her great delight, you pull the parcel containing the tiny cheese wheels out of your pocket and hand it over. “These are perfect!” she exclaims. “How did you know they were my favorite? You’re heading for a promotion, you know.”
“Sounds great,” you say, keeping to yourself the fact that you have no idea what the tiny cheese wheels are actually supposed to accomplish.
“Isn’t this relaxing?” she says as she lays them carefully over her eyes. “No more disasters for at least a week, okay?”
You heartily agree—on both counts.