Leaders and Followers

[icebearforpresident]

[It's been a long time since Ice Bear visited the forum side of the Nexus, so today he's actually here to talk with other people and creatures. The polar bear is seated at a Nexus couch, cutting out coupons with a small hand ax. Yes, it look strange, but the bear cuts each piece of paper with an exceptional amount of accuracy. He looks up occasionally from his work to address the Nexus proper.]

Hierarchy. Ice Bear knows the definition of the word, however...

[Without unintentionally trying to scare anyone, he brings the ax down, embedding it into the indestructible? Nexus table.]

Ice Bear wants to know what you think hierarchy is and how it can be obtained. Power? Courage? Good Looks? Ice Bear is curious to hear your thoughts.

...

Ice Bear would also like advice on Nexus portals.

Comments

[ixis]

"I'm doing splendidly, thank you for asking." Granted, he's still a little inwardly twisted up over his recent homeworld revelations, but like Naugus is one to be plain about his concerns. Especially when there's magic to be discussed!

"Child's play! Where would the new one open up to? Still in your home? With a little fiddling, I'm sure something can be arranged. I trust you'll take me up on this offer rather than seek alternatives? Orrrr are you going to shop around?" He frowns at the notion. If Schön shows up and pulls business out from under him again...

[icebearforpresident]

[If he's distraught about it, Ice Bear sure doesn't notice. Instead, the bear just continues on discussing the current portal conundrum.]

Ice Bear's home in the Nexus. Need to have old portal put in a shed near Ice Bear's cave. [The bear's eyes narrow for a second, putting two and two together easily. He's not sure who to fully commit to just yet.]

Ice Bear isn't sure what to do. How much will you charge Ice Bear for such a service?

[ixis]

"No charge other than an agreement. That you would not tamper with the portal or blame me for any harm or mayhem that would occur if you did." No mention at all of the fine print that comes with an Ixian agreement; not even his friends are safe. Wicked old wizard.

[icebearforpresident]

...Ice Bear wants to know if you have other agreements attached to the original one.

[His eyes are still squinted, even as he proposes a sensible offer to Ixis's services.]

Ice Bear can make you meals. Ice Bear can even knit you a nice sweater.

[ixis]

"...We could do that as well. An exchange of services." That seems a kinder, gentler option. There's no agreement outside of rendering of promised goods, which leaves no room for the usual fine print to sink its little hooks in.

"I would look atrocious in a sweater, though. Pulling that over my head would shred it on my horn besides."

[icebearforpresident]

Ice Bear would be willing to do that. [And the polar bear nods his head lightly, his stoic gaze returning to normal. He does, however, give Ixis's wardrobe a glance over. Maybe a sweater wouldn't be the best thing.]

Ice Bear thinks a scarf would look on you. Maybe something dark colored.

[ixis]

"You are a bear of many talents, I continue to find! When did you even take up knitting?

"And I will say, you are free to court your options in this portal business. Just don't go with Schön. He's the worst sort of shyster. Debt up to your eyeballs. Terrible."

Slander in the portal business!

[icebearforpresident]

A while ago. Ice Bear decided to try making clothes for his brother. Found it to be a relaxing hobby.

[A small nod from the bear, especially at the mention of Ixis's rival Schön. Maybe Ice doesn't understand why they fight, but now's a great time to ask.]

Ice Bear wants to know why you don't get along with him. Also, Ice Bear thinks it be best to try and learn his skills as well.

[ixis]

"Purely a professional rivalry. He acts as a glorified bloodhound for staggering prices and debt that he prefers to call in whenever he pleases, and I create a portal on demand, as well as alter existing ones, all for little more than a handshake! Truly, there's no comparison, but people continue to flock to the mincing little fellow. I continue to be baffled by it, really."

[icebearforpresident]

[Ice Bear just sits there, calmly listening to what Ixis says, realizing that this rivalry really lives up to it's name. For a moment, the bear just thinks about what kind of solution Ixis needs to make him more marketable.]

Ice Bear thinks it's your looks. Ice Bear could see people being scared off or frightened to talk to you. Ice Bear thinks you should hire attractive people to help you get business.

[ixis]

Anyone else saying this would probably get him a little cross. But this is Ice Bear and he's a straight-shooter.

"How shallow. Do you really think that has something to do with it? Attractive to whom? What about hiring you? People seem to like you on account of being a kind bear."

[icebearforpresident]

[Ice Bear just shrugs his shoulders in response. People can be pretty self-centered and foolish at times.]

Ice Bear wouldn't be surprised if people think like that. Maybe Ice Bear can teach you how to be nice as well? Ice Bear could come up with a regiment to get Ixis to look convincing. Just like Ixis's thin, stylish rival.

[ixis]

"I'm not about to compromise my personal ways just to be as slimy as that slip of a man! Put the thought out of your head. What I really need is more people to attest to my helpfulness!" He looks at the bear pointedly. Like you, for instance.

[icebearforpresident]

Ice Bear thinks you would look good in a top hat.

[The bear just shrugs his shoulders and watches as Ixis stares at him. Oh. Hmmm. Ice Bear isn't sure how good he'll be at advertising Ixis, but it might be worth a shot.]

What do you want Ice Bear to do?

[ixis]

"Just endorse me. Especially if people show up asking for portals and I have yet to arrive. And doubly especially if Schön is already on the scene. Make a good case for me. I ask this strictly as a close acquaintance." Which is a fancy way to say friend, right?

[icebearforpresident]

Hmm...Ice Bear sees no difficulty in this. Ice Bear will do what he can for you.

[The bear extends one paw as a sign agreement. Looks like you've talked him into this one, Ixis.]

Ice Bear makes no promises in being successful, however.

[ixis]

He shakes that paw enthusiastically! "No promises needed! The effort is enough and vastly appreciated. Thank you, Ice Bear. And I'll still happily see to this portal problem of yours."