Title: The Bill
Fandom: Dragon's Crown
Rating: PG
Length: 325 Words
Content Notes: This is silly. Yes, economics can be silly, too.
Author Notes: My first idea for this prompt got too big and acquired a life of its own, so I am going back to a certain familiar well for a fill that is a little more manageable.
Summary: Adventuring is business by the numbers for our heroes.

* * * *

"All right, milady," the Wizard said, rolling open the parchment and showing it to the Sorceress, "considering your ability to create food from nothing, I imagine you and I can agree to strike that particular expenditure from the list. Is that acceptable to you?"

The Sorceress replied, raising a brow, her arms crossed under her bustline as she tapped her foot and put on her best 'not buying that' face, "Calling me 'milady' does not excuse you from handling the biggest item on the list, Wizard, or are you conveniently trying to forget that you and I need to drag the Dwarf down to the temple?"

The Dwarf, being dead, did not get a voice in this discussion of ways and means.

"If you and I bring him back to life straightaway," the Wizard said, "there will be no money for ... anything else. Look at the numbers –" He used one long finger to tap the parchment. "– and you will see that my arithmetic is not to be doubted here."

"I am looking at the numbers," the Sorceress said, making a sour face, "and your arithmetic is incorrect. Follow my finger." She made a series of corrections that made the Wizard turn varying shades of pale. "So ... you will have to forgive my doubts."

"In other words," the Wizard grumbled, "I am paying to bring back the Dwarf."

"And for wasting my time," the Sorceress said. "I will at least do you the courtesy of helping you to drag him to the Temple. After that, you are on your own, and I will meet you at the Tavern, as per usual." She laughed. "I see no ale in your future."

"Fortune-telling is a depressing business," the Wizard lamented, already wondering if the Fighter and the Elf might be so kind as to loan him a sip from their tankards.

The Dwarf, despite being dead, nonetheless seemed to manage a smile.

END.