Bait productions chapter 2

Myrrh sat across from Phoenix. “My dear I see you are working hard away on homework, very noble of you. You already have an infallible career and you still are on the pursuit of greater knowledge, by our fine academic establishments.”

She had already put back her brush. “What’s your point, Mr. Vandes?”

“Nothing, you could use your time for more pragmatic things. Such as a full time job to help with bills and such but you-“

“Vandestalkin please, you know how the committee feels about schooling.” Millie spoke, her tone darkening slightly.

“Ah, yes, the same committee that would have tossed me out because of my…  ‘techniques’.”

Phoenix eyes widened. “You may be weird, but to toss out your films?”

He smiled. “But you didn’t hear that from me.”

Millie wiped down the counters and the table. “Then why haven’t they… done it? Not to be rude.”

Myrrh took a swig from his cup. “It’s not rude, it’s human nature M’lady. I had paid up front for full uses of the studio, plus the interest. Cash does decrease in worth over time.” Phe took a cautious swig staring at him.

“I don’t believe that, they’d throw you out even if you paid in advance.” Phe said each word carefully, treading on the fine wire that is courtesy. Thinking quickly, she changed the topic. “Vandes, we were talking and we’re curious how long will it take to produce your second movie.”

Myrrh laughed heartily, “Truthfully it’s half over. Many of the props are being used for it.”

Millie shook her head “We figured as much.”

“The first film goes into editing tomorrow. The pick ups are the real first cinematic production.” Myrrh opened his messenger bag, pulling out a script. “Can you help me Phoenix? I need to flesh out a scene.”

Phoenix sighed. “Why? You always ask me… sure.” Myrrh handed her a familiar, worked over script. She flips though the black and red inked marked pages until she reached one with a dog eared corner.

“Okay Phoenix you are Sarina McIntyre, she is a 16 year old-”

She glared at him. “Vandes I already know who she is. Where in the story are we?”

“It is when she leaves the clan and the school for her romantic interest. I’m going to read for her Magic Principles teacher Numato.” She scans down the page. “Start from line 21.”

Phe relaxes into the character, “So professor you wish me to stay in a school where I’ll be criticized for what I am?”

“No Sarina I want you just to focus on what’s important, your studies.”

“No I have to be able to stay calm just to cast… take out the ‘able to stay’… just to cast a spell.” Taking another deep breath she sank into the sea that was Sarina. “Besides, my clan is going to hunt me soon. I need to get away with Kana now or else… I never will.” She looked up from the script. “Is that good, Vandes?” He nodded. They didn’t notice mike and tom walk in. They are patrons who have drank here since Millie’s parents first opened it, as an homage to travelers.

Soon Millie went and turned off the open sign. The few patrons put their chairs up on the tables, and emptied their change into the tip cup.

Vandes spoke before he walked out the door. “Do you girls need a ride to the studio?”