Name Day: Let me go over your requests.
Name Day: You need a space for your most energetic kids to play.
Vila: Yes. Indoor or outdoor is fine, but a place with some sunshine would be best. A little sunshine is good for everyone, you know.
Vila: And we'll need a lot of paper. Blank paper is ideal, but waste paper is also welcome. They can use it for drawing or to make paper planes.
Name Day: Yes, yes. A sunny, open space and paper. The paper should be simple, but as for the location ...
Name Day: I suppose you'll say a spare office isn't good enough. So, what about here?
As they converse, Name Day moves them from the Foundation's canteen and into the front hall.
The children follow him like a waddling line of ducklings. Vila can't help but think he might almost be mistaken for a teacher.
Vila: Here? Well, it certainly has light and space.
Vila: But this is the front hall. Won't it be too busy?
Name Day: Yes. It will get busy sometimes with everyone passing through.
Pasono: Mr. Name Day, please do it again, please!
Pasono: Show us the arcane skill that turns paper planes into birds! You promised!
Another interrupts him before Name Day answers.
Pyotr: Stop yelling. He won't do it! That sofa he conjured from the toy yesterday only lasted a few minutes!
Pyotr: And I fell off of it! It's a dumb power.
Pasono: But can you turn a paper plane into a bird? I didn't think so!
Pasono: So, Mr. Name Day is still better than you!
Their spirited debate soon turns into a rolling battle.
Thankfully, the many people passing by are too busy to pay it any mind and give them a wide berth.
Vila: What is it exactly that your arcane skill does, Mr. Name Day?
Name Day: Well, I can transform garbage into useful items simply by naming them.
Name Day: I admit, it's not a very practical skill, but kids usually enjoy it.
Name Day: Alright, stop yelling! I'll show you whatever you want!
Avgust: Mr. Raccoon, I would like to see the sea swallow too.
Nina: I think we should stop Pyotr and Pasono first.
Avgust: Why, aren't they just singing?
The boys' "duet" soon becomes a chorus as the others are pulled in. And their would-be teacher tries in vain to bring them back into harmony.
Name Day: My apologies, Ms. Vila. I really can't handle this.
Vila: Let me guess—you're the youngest of your family? You can always tell; you might as well be a kid yourself.
Vila: Hey gentlemen, you went a bit too far.
She raises her tone as she continues, but it remains calm—a reminder, not a warning.
A practiced tone that the fighters instantly recognize, bringing their battle to a swift end.
Vila: My lovely little comrades, you know that you are always free to express your opinions. But we must be peaceful, no? No shouting, no fighting.
Vila: Remember, children, we're here representing our town. We don't want people to think guests from Rayashki are rude, do we? Now, if you can all behave as good guests, perhaps Comrade Vila will find us some Alenka to share.
Vila: Because good children should be rewarded.
Pyotr: ...
Pyotr: I'm sorry, Ms. Vila, Mr. Name Day.
Pasono: Sorry, Mr. Name Day! I shouldn't have yelled at you.
Name Day: Oh it's ok, it's fine! No need to—
Vila: Alright, Mr. Name Day has accepted your apologies. Now it's time to give each other a hug.
The boys rush to each other, arms wide. Their frowns turn to smiles. Face to face, hair tangled, they look fluffy and warm.
And after releasing each other, Pasono turns back to Vila timidly.
Pasono: We hugged now. So, can we have Alenka too, Ms. Vila?
Vila knew the question before he even spoke and answers with an encouraging smile.
Vila: Don't worry, child. There will always be Alenka for you, no matter what.
Vila: Now this is better. A little sunshine and far fewer people!
Vila: A flat area with no obstacles, perfect for the children to run around.
Vila: Well stocked with paper and paint. A place like this should be just perfect.
Name Day: You almost sound like a TV salesperson.
Vila: Sorry, but what do you mean by a salesperson?
Name Day: I only meant, the way you described it, like someone from a commercial. I forget you don't watch much TV in Rayashki.
Name Day: Never mind. As you said, it should be a perfect place, and I've seen to it that you won't need any paperwork to use it.
Vila: Wonderful. I'm sure the kids are eager to have a place to themselves.
Vila: Shall we let them play then? Actually, I have some questions for you.
Name Day: Go ahead.
The adults walk to the other side of the hall, though Vila maintains a watchful eye on the kids.
Name Day speaks first, catching her before she can return her eyes to him.
Name Day: In fact, I had one for you as well, though I know I've already asked many times.
Name Day: Is there any way we might persuade you to join the Foundation and stay here, Ms. Vila?
Name Day: You said that you settled down in Rayashki because it took you in unconditionally, that it was so full of hope that it became the symbol of a new world to you.
Vila: "A new world where all races and ideas can coexist."
Vila: That is how I see Rayashki, how I will always see it. But each time I say it, I cannot help but add:
Vila: "Well, of course it may fail and end up a ruin ..."
Vila: "But at least we've tried."
Name Day: Perhaps then you see what I'm thinking, Ms. Vila! We share the same goal. Rayashki, the Foundation, you and I.
Name Day: We also strive for peace and harmony. Look at our slogan, "May the peace be with us."
Name Day: And should you agree, then your students could join the SPDM, the school for the Foundation. We've determined that they are all talented arcanists, especially Avgust.
Name Day: Oh, but please understand, it isn't that we're expecting anything from him. It's just ... sincere admiration.
Vila: I understand entirely. Don't worry so much over words. You have your job to do, right?
Vila: "For a brighter future," "for the children." In these cases, what you said was correct. They did mean something.
Vila: But adults think in their adult ways. Disguising their plans by saying it is "for the children," then they make decisions for them without even asking.
Vila: I choose not to be such an adult.
Name Day: Madam ...
Vila: After the first time you brought up the SPDM, I made it a point to talk to each of them and give them a clear and fair argument for it. But they all want to go home. Back to Rayashki.
Vila: As do I.
Vila: I question, though, why you feel you've decided to pursue recruiting us individually. Wouldn't it be more beneficial to build a long-term partnership with all of Rayashki?
Name Day: ...
Vila seizes on the pause with a smile, turning the questions back on him.
Vila: And on the subject of cooperation, I have another question.
Name Day breathes out, relaxing from his bracing stance.
Name Day: Please go on.
Vila: I have taken notice that the turnover rate in this branch is quite high. I assume, with so many coming and going, you must be getting a steady stream of information as well.
Vila: To that end, I ask that you might share some information about Rayashki with me.
Vila: And the most important of which ...
Vila: When will we be able to go home?
