(OOC Esther rolled [Sight-Oriented] to discern Billy's motive - 5, 6, 5, - 3 Successes, but I'm not sure if I beat Billy's.)<br/><br/>Esther was listening intently, and seemed to be at ease other that the balled fist held close to her chest.  The fact that Billy was right about her needing something was a truth that rang her like a bell.  She took a deep breath as he explained the terms, feeling her suppressed fears and desires stir within her.  There was hope.  She would have spent years crawling naked through the desert to be given this chance, and here it was.  Offered with what appeared to be dignity.<br/><br/>He'd answered several of her questions.  So, there were others, in secret.  And every one of them.. and everyone here.. needed something just as badly as she did.  Her eyes moved over the three as she took a quick tally.  Jason was easy.. his music.  He probably needed that spark to make him great.  He certainly did need some sort of leverage to get his so-called mentors to help him grow.  She almost thought to herself:<em>is that all he wants?</em>before she caught herself.  She'd seen artists who would have killed for less, and she understood it.  She felt herself flutter at the romanticism of his need, or what she imagined it to be.  It was the other two were strange.  What would such promising people need so much, that they'd be willing to do this?  She had money, beauty, and charm: a triple threat that could open almost any door in this world.  And he was practically an idol: a male paragon who would easily sail through his adult life.  Did he want to become a pro?<em>..Would anyone sell their soul to become a professional athlete?</em>And then she stopped herself, again.  It wasn't that different than bargaining for artistic greatness, really.<em>God, I really am a hypocrite,</em>she thought to herself, for the first time in a while.<br/><br/>Still, she had a few more questions.. A life time of folk-tales teaches one to be careful when accepting a bargain, to make sure you can afford the fine print.  Billy didn't seem like he was lying or holding anything back, but she was curious about the price, the effigy.. She wanted to know 'why them,' and what was in it for Billy?  She was about to move forward as soon as he asked for a volunteer, eager to ask, and eager to buy.  But she hesitated for just a moment, and Mike stepped forward in front of her, bristling with rage, offering himself.<br/><br/>It was incredible, really.  His fury was tangible, coming out of his back as surely as spines from a porcupine.  Veins pulsing from his arms.  So, that was it.  Golden Boy was human, after all.  He wasn't going to go pro-football.  He wanted more power.  Power enough to punish Billy..  And then Esther had a scary thought.  If Mike wanted to hurt Billy, and he went first..<br/><br/>On impulse, Esther moved beside Mike, touching him on the arm and looking into his eyes, her expression two parts compassion and one part fear.  "Mike.." she coaxed.  "Let me go first.  You don't know what will happen.  You don't know if you'll be hurt, trapped, or whatever.  And even if it won't.. even if you get the power to pay him back, you'll still need an ally.  So, let me, just to be sure."<br/><br/>If she is allowed, she'll step forward and volunteer.  Honestly, Esther could care less than she does about Mike.  But this chance...<br/><br/>(OOC: I think this is how this works, but Esther will use [Cheat the System] to try to persuade Mike.)<br/>(Esther rolled 3d10 to [Cheat the System] by persuading Mike to let her volunteer ahead of him. - 1, 9, 10 - One failure and 2 successes.)