[ The voice speaking into the crystal is recognizably girlish. Because it is a truth universally acknowledged that no matter the world, no matter the era, no matter whether it's magic or technology driving it, when a new communications method has been invented, teenage girls will be the earliest adopters. ]

Oh, hello -

[ That's a dwarvish accent, too, for those of you playing along at home. ]

Is this actually working? Hello, hello - Hello - [ That last bit is said a little louder, like she's calling over a distance. But thank your lucky stars: she trusts the mages who told her about them and speaks normally for the next bit. ]

Well, either it is working, and I'm talking to all of you, or it's not, and the cat sitting across from me gets to hear a crazy girl sounding crazy for a while. So. This is Kitty, your favorite barmaid at the Herald's Rest, announcing that we have just gotten in a shipment of West Hill brandy. If you've never tried this stuff, I've been told that it has the aroma of blackcurrants, honey, slight notes of hay...and it'll knock you right off your feet. Come down, bring your coin, have a nip, forget just how cold these nights in the Frostbacks get.

[ And, then, with a grin: ]

What, like the first use of this system wasn't going to be drumming up business? Get real.