One joke making the rounds states that the price of admission to the Emerald Court is a six-pack and a quick tumble. In truth, while Lost who seek to join the Spring Court are rarely turned away, not everyone is truly suited for his or her role. Just as a gleaner may winnow away the useless chaff from the precious grain, Searces specialize in discretely interviewing new or potential Spring courtiers to determine their potential value to the Court. Those who impress the Searce (pronounced to rhyme with “rehearse”) with their talent, skill, passion, experience or attitudes are more likely to find themselves being introduced to higher Status members of the Court. Those who the Searce finds to be rude, clumsy, or even worse, boring, are often left to mill around the proverbial punchbowl while more promising individuals are put on the fast track to Court social and political workings.
