"So, um. What were the potions for?" James asked with slight trepidation.
"Mistress Elspeth asked for me to ensure you test them today" Lucinda answered awkwardly.
"And if I don't?" James answered.
"That would be completely understandable" Lucinda answered sadly "but I would likely be punished for it"
"Punished how?"
"Mistress Elspeth has granted me life and my own free will. That would almost certainly be taken away from me and the task would be given to someone more...likely to get the job done"
"That's awful" James had no reason to disbelieve her "well, what would the potions do to me?"
"I'm afraid I don't know" Lucinda sounded completely genuine "but there are only five of them and the effects wouldn't be long lasting. I'm supposed to observe the results"
"Can't you just make something up?"
"Sorry, Mistress Elspeth would know for sure" Lucinda was rubbing her arm anxiously, as if her life was in James's hands.
"Ok, well let's get this over with" James sighed reluctantly "before I change my mind"
"Oh, thank you Master!" The doll seemed genuinely shocked and delighted by this response "I'll fetch them at once!"
Minutes later, James was stood in front of a rack if different coloured potions. Lucinda stood opposite with a notepad and pen, poised to record whatever happened next.
Against his better judgment, James reached for the..