As Drake delivered the good and bad news, Madame’s expression shifted accordingly. Happy to hear that the device was indeed not malfunctioning, she was disturbed to learn what the possible causes might be.<br/><br/>Madame nodded as he made his offer to investigate the matter and possibly take care of it. She had no doubt that he could deliver a resolution, but she knew it would not be cheap. Her comical little golden mice trinkets, which she had her visitors use to pay her for readings, certainly would not cover<strong>this </strong>bill!<br/><br/>She blushed at his kind words to her, murmuring her thanks. She had worked very hard on her Carnival and wished for it to continue and grow. She wondered at his compliment, but decided a man such as himself was simply clear with his words, and that they did not mean more than what he said.<br/><br/>Her brow furrowing slightly, she pursed her lips as her thoughts turned to a possible curse on her beloved Carnival. How could this have happened, she thought. And, why now?<br/><br/>“A curse, you say? Well, such things are not unknown to my…people. However, I have to wonder why it should suddenly manifest itself like this.” Echoing her thoughts, she continued. “Honestly, I have to wonder, why now?”<br/><br/>Pausing for a moment, her eyes lit up as she had a small revelation. “I may be able to assist you in this investigation, dear Drake. I have certain talents…skills, if you will…that you may find most useful.”<br/><br/>Noting the look in his eye, she added, “I offer you my assistance willingly and expect no discount of any sort. I assure you. I would never presume such a thing was even possible. Your expertise is beyond reproach and I value it highly.”<br/><br/>She smiled at Drake once more, hoping she had assuaged his concerns. “Shall I give you a tour of the Carnival as we discuss your terms and how I may be of assistance to you? I should probably tell you that I am very skilled in certain esoteric arts. Very skilled, indeed.” She says the last with a wink and a twinkle in her eye that could not be mistaken by anyone. She truly liked this man.