"It's really not so bad, when you're staying here voluntarily and not paying off debt," the little gem says brightly. "The Ringmaster will grant you favors if you volunteer to work for her. Take me for example! Now I have both metal, AND fire at my every command! Watch!"

Grinning like a demon, Peridot holds both hands up. In one, she conjures a tiny flame in her palm. With the other, she reaches out towards a nearby refreshment table and makes a can of soda fly to her.

...Except she bungles her aim a bit, and winds up hitting herself in the face. She makes a doofy noise as the can bounces off of her cheek, the flame in her other hand flickering out.

"...I meant to do that."