Magamumi very politely waits her turn in the interview room, though she can't help chatting quietly to the other candidates. Periodically she giggles, as either she or her chosen interlocutor makes some form of joke -- and it's a big laugh, one might distinctly say belly laugh, for though she is not very tall, there is quite a bit of Magamumi in the width department. However, she realizes it's impolite to laugh so, when such serious business is being discussed, for she covers her mouth with her hand whilst doing so, and afterwards, if she catches her eye across the room, mouths to Larissia Landor that she's sorry, and looks contrite. However, she's clearly irrepressible, for it's rarely a few minutes that have passed before another chortle takes place. When it's her turn to be interviewed, she heaves herself to her feet, and waddles across the room, beaming broadly.
Hello, poppet. No, don't look so shocked -- I can well see what you're thinking -- "what's this fat old woman doing here?" And the belly wobbles yet again, as another deep cackle wells up from the depths. "Well, don't let my age cause you any concern, I've had 8 children, six of them boys, and they've all survived. Most of them strong as oxen. They used to have competitions to lift me! The little one put his back out the first time he tried -- I should have stopped him, really. Fortunately, I knew a special cure for that, and he was back upright within the week, I'm pleased to say. Until he fell out the top window of the barn when his brother pushed him." Another bubbling laugh breaks the surface.
"But hark at me, babbling on, you'll not want to hear about Golawi's trouble, and certainly not his broken arm. You'll want to know what I can bring to your little project here? Well, whatever I may lack in youth, I more than make up with experience, in my humble little opinion. Now lots of people call me a witch, specially my children, ha-ha-ha, but that's because they liked scaring their friends. It is true, however, I have certain skills that can seem -- unusual, to those that are not familiar with the ways of the world. But I reckon I can do the sort of things that may well come in very useful in this sort of expedition. And my life's a long way from over, let us hope! And now all the children have grown up and left home, and my bastard husband's gone and drowned himself in some stupid boating accident -- I blame the drink, of course, was always taking his silly little flask with him on that bloody boat, and I warned him, I warned him so many times -- daft old bugger."
Emotions are clearly never far beneath the surface with Magamumi, for now it's a sob that wells up, and in a second a handkerchief is out, and dabbing at her eyes. "Oh, goodness, this isn't making much of an impression, is it? Aren't I a silly old sod. I'm so sorry. I hope my make-up hasn't run too much, has it? It's just that Old Pappy may have been daft, but I have to say, he was the love of my life. I looked after him so much, and all the kids. But, he's been gone for over a year now, and I need to move on with my life. And Lilitha -- she's my youngest daughter -- said I should get out more, and here I am. What else would you like to know?"
Magamumi has a quick look at the heavens, as though seeking inspiration. She throws her hands up. "Oh my, aren't I a ninny. I've not even told you what I can do for you." The lady takes a deep breath, and begins a catalogue of abilities. "I can do a certain amount of magic, and I know a fair few secrets of alchemy as well, but my primary skills are as a healer -- as you might imagine with so many children, and, of course, all the others in the village sending their sicklies to me, old and young alike. That's where I think I might be of most use to use. I'm also a practising midwife, though I guess it's not very likely you'll be doing that on your adventures..." Magamumi makes a point of staring down at Larissia's belly... no seems not. And chortles yet again, magnificently. "Only teasing, my apple. Oh! I can also tell you the names of most flowers and herbs, and their uses, of course, and the nature and habits of many of the animals roundabout here, and indeed creatures that ain't really from around here at all. And did I mention the magic? Yes, I guess I did. Not much for hitting things on the whole, unless it's a clip round the ear. Haha! But I'm hoping there will be others in the group that can do that sort of thing. Having said that, I'm tougher than I look, and I hope you'll do me the grace of considering me. I'll make sure I serve you well. Spent me whole life looking after others, so don't see no reason to stop now, and I'll be having an adventure at the same time. That'll be something to tell the grandkids! Now, was there anything else?"
