A gnome looked up momentarily and went back to working on something in a corner as a colorfully dressed elf stepped into the tower. With a cheerful wave, he strode up to the document copier leaning against one wall, set aside his pack, and withdrew a small folder and a short note written in a clean hand.
To whom it may concern,
I've done some of the research on Saproo juice that you wanted. Although some of the concerns were understandable, since it does have an effect on halflings similar to alcohol, there are distinct differences that should set your mind at ease.
The similarities are in the effect on motor reflexes, leading to slurred speech, physical disorientation, and eventually, unconsciousness. However, it seems to be less dangerous than alcohol in that it doesn't seem to affect judgement the same way that alcohol does (though what an unconscious dreamer may do in his or her sleep after passing out is beyond the scope of what I was looking up).
I hope that this answers the questions you had.
P.S. I got to see some of the effects firsthand at the recent wedding of Ana and Pavel. They seem very close and strongly attached to each other, and it would be unwise for anyone to try to separate them. A most enviable relationship.
After examining the letter briefly, the elf inserted it into the copier, which made an unpleasant noise and belched out a little smoke, but spat out half a dozen copies, which the elf retrieved after hastily waving his hand to clear the air a little.
"Must have spilled a little oil," grunted the gnome, squinting at the machine a moment. "Sorry about that."
"Oh, no harm done," answered the elf cheerfully, before picking up his bags and heading out.
Copyright © 2004-2005 by Zed Pobre. All rights reserved. This text is NOT available under a Creative Commons license.
