http://nohattrick.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] nohattrick.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2012-05-17 03:25 pm
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Cryptozoology 101, Thursday, Period One

Trick was not alone in the classroom today. There was a small, dapper little man standing with him, still slightly taller than Trick himself.

"Good morning, class," he said as the students filed in. "I would like to introduce you to my friend, Mumford." Mumford smiled at them, giving the students a bashful wave. "Mumford is a kind of Fae known as a Brownie. They are the Scottish and Northern English counterpart of the Scandinavian tomte, the Slavic domovoi and the German Heinzelmännchen. Brownies and their kin are incredibly helpful and friendly, excelling at cooking, cleaning, and chores, as well as an amazing ability to find bargains and deals on everything, including the latest in haute couture. Most wealthy Fae families employ several Brownies, as both domestic staff and personal shoppers."

Mumford smiled again and added, "We try to stay out of the way. Mostly, we work at night. So quiet, they never even know we're there."

Trick nodded. "Brownies adopt houses that they then look after. They have a very well-developed sense of responsibility and, traditionally, would come out at night to watch over farm animals, reap, thresh, sow, run errands, and generally make themselves indispensable. They willingly do the work left undone by the other servants--" Mumford snorted at that, a tiny little hmph! of disdain. "--though may plague them for their idleness if it seems to be deserved."

They also didn't handle extended idleness well, as Mumford wandered away to behind Trick's desk and began compulsively tidying it up. Trick just gave a good-natured sigh and continued his lecture. "Traditionally, Brownies ate bowls of cream or best milk, and cakes or porridge smeared with honey. These days, however, they've mostly updated and eat cereal." He pulled out a box of Honey Berry Crunch, causing Mumford to run back over, making grabby hands. "They have a long and fruitful relationship with humans, one of the few Fae races to do so, throughout history."

After getting his box of Honey Berry Crunch, Mumford practically skipped over to the door of the classroom and opened it. More Brownies streamed in, one for each member of the class. "Your first assignment for our class is to live with a Brownie for a full week. They will clean your dorms, cook your meals, and go shopping for you, either for basic necessities, or something more exotic, if you prefer."

"We have a gift for retail--and we never pay," Mumford boasted, making his way over to Kenzi. The others followed suit, choosing students to go home with.

"Next Thursday, they'll accompany you back to class and we'll discuss what you've learned," Trick finished. "They'll work very hard for you, so long as you don't take them for granted."

Re: Brownies

[identity profile] crapatnetball.livejournal.com 2012-05-18 12:58 am (UTC)(link)
Thelma spent a good long moment eyeing the Brownie assigned to her.

"Be prepared for the easiest job ever," she said. "As I don't exactly need much cleaning up after."

"This is weird, right?" she said, hoping one of her classmates would hear her and concur.