"I shall try out for the role of Drovalid."
I stand there for a moment, a bit lost on stage, and then let out a mighty roar.
"Recant half-breed! Admit your twisted falsehoods, serpent-tongued traitor!"
"Recant and end this trial! Swift death shall embrace you and Asmodeus smiles upon those who admit their falsehoods—he may not rend your soul completely, may leave some semblance of your spirit intact."
I then grin, revealing the tips of my tusks, and walk off stage clearly relieved that the audition is over.
Robahl sits through Serjias passionate acting, stifling a yawn, before leaving her to stand still he eventually announces. 'Passable, but your awfully young and female. Millech will have to work a considerable amount of magic on you. But I do not have many spellcasting actors so you'll pass.'
He leans forward slightly as Ignatio takes the stage but leans back and finds himself unimpressed at the young bards theatrics. 'Your a little too convinced of your talent Aulamaxa, that was twice as long as I wanted to listen to you. But... but your man carries weight, and if anyone can make a leading man of you it is I, Robahl Nonon.'
When Krazga takes the stage, Robahl rolls his eyes and grits his teeth as if expecting physical torture, but his eyes light up at Krazga's performance. He jumps to his feet as the audition ends. 'Excellent! A truly chilling figure, though we need to work on your intimidation. Casting a half-orc as Drovalid. The upper classes will be scandalised! Why I could rewrite Dentris and Monris as female and be hailed as a true visionary! I'm a genius!!! I must go enact rewrites, Millech will run your through stage directions! Your quiet sneaky friend is my Monris! I'll be back in time, and you had all better up your game by then, we have a show to put on ladies and gentleman, the greatest show in Cheliax! Asmodeus be praised!'
Robahl rushes off to his office, and Millech returns to stage and runs the party through the first scene. 'Our Ilsandra and Henderthaan should arrive after we break for lunch. But first I had best get you all arranged for the first scene, our Henderthaan is an exacting man, but we must bear him as he is popular now after his last performance.'
Millech is quite smitten with the actress who plays Ilsandra, and despises the actor who plays Henderthaan.
I sigh with relief at the relative neutrality with which my performance was met and begin to talk to other cast and crew members in the wings, enquiring about Robahl himself and his reasons for staging this infamous play.
As he comes off stage, I approach Krazga, smiling openly.
That was a very good performance, I wasn't aware you were such a practiced actor
My eyebrow raises slightly on hearing the intonation with which Millech speaks of the actor playing Henderthan. And who will be filling the part of Ilsandra, Sir? I ask innocently, turning towards him.
"I have not practiced as an actor, Serjia. I merely imagined I was yelling at our close comrade the Not-Fancy Man after he had said something flippant about the Lord in Iron. I thought my roar was a bit weak though. Had a bit of a squeak at the end..."
Millech looks around before turning to Serjia, 'Ilsandra is played by the beautiful Calseinica Nymiss, a rising starlet, Master Robahl found her working in the dockside taverns but she has a great voice and poise. However the Dame does not like her very much...' Millech trails off as if this conflict deeply upsets him. Turning to Ignatio he says 'Henderthaan however is played by-'
Ignatio! Old boy! An immaculately well-dressed man has entered the hall now. He is the image of Chelaxian, high Azlanti cheek-bones, pale unblemished skin and handsome features, his sharp blue eyes contrast greatly his shock of pitch black hair which is also immaculate in cut and condition.
He strides down the main aisle with his arms spread wide, a pair of serving men trailing at his heels. 'What brings you here with a bevy of winsome beauties,' he looks over Euphemi and Serjia with a cheeky grin, 'and your servants.' He looks over Wat with less enthusiasm and seems downright scornful of Krazga.
'Come to see my paly have you? I play a mighty Henderthaan, the only man for the job. Its a difficult piece, unlike the rest of the rabble that have to fight for their lives rather than the audiences admiration. Robahl's hired on some ungodly platoon to do battle I'm told. So my friend, what has you in the Limehouse?'
|
"I se..." I wince as my name is called, turning to see who it is has called me. 'Thesing... Well I'll be. I am not surprised. He is one of the better actors around. Still...' My smile slips a little, as he refers to Serjia and Euphemi as 'winsome beauties'.
"Thesing, my old friend, how goes it? Too old to play Lazarod are we?" laughing softly, I shake my head. "I jest of course. And why I am here? Why I am Lazarod, old boy. No one better suited. My friends and I are part of the play!"
Nodding softly, I run my hand through my hair, poseing a little. "i guess we will finally see which of us is better, wont we old friend?"
'You? You are Lazarod. Ha! I guess we will see indeed,' the smug victorious manner of Thesing's smile lets everyone know that he doesn't expect them to survive to the play's finish.
'Well let's get in costume and rehearse the first scene then shall we. My sweet little Ilsandra should be along any moment now. Perhaps your green friend can play the part of the Baliff for this scene? Its normally enacted by illusions on Millech's part, but it would be a waste of magic for a petty rehearsal,' he turns to his servants and tells them to go and prepare his room, before nodding to Ignatio, bowing in an exagerrated fashion to both Serjia and Euphemi, and sneering at Millech before leaving the stage.
'That...' Millech announces unhappily. 'Was our Henderthann, Umbro Thesing. His reputation precedes him, and even Master Robahl cannot criticise him, his part in the play is our only guarantee of a show in the mayor's great new playhouse.'
Millech leads the party backstage and shows all of them their costumes, though Krazga need not change into his. 'Most of them can be worn with or under armor, Millech says as he holds up Tybain's tabard. [b]'And you'll need all the armor you can get I'm afraid.'
As the party are nearing the completion of thier costumes, a beautiful young woman enters, and smiles shyly at them. She is slight and fair, with green eyes and faintly coppery hair, her features are elven and delicate, though she is undeniably wholly human. 'Hello,' she says, raising her eyes to look around at the gathered heroes. 'My name is Calseinica. Are you the new actors?'
EDIT:
I step forward.
"Thesing, is it? I'm no servant, I'll let y' know. My name is Marlot Palagais, I'm an actor from th' city of Augustana in Andoran. I've always had a respect fer th' theatre of Cheliax, particularly this new fad fer th' Theatre of th' Real! Nothing back home allows a great thespian's true talent t' shine above th' bit players like Chelaxian theatre can."
'Well. You certainly caught me off-guard, I'm not as familiar with Andoran players, the country lost alot of its true appreciaters of fine arts when they let peasants run the show. But I'm glad you've returned to the fold of true civlisation, and of course the mark of true civilisation is great acting. Between yourself and Aulamaxa here, you should put up quite the show.'
|
|
I sigh softly, scrubbing my hand roughly down my face as Thesing walks away. "Excellent... Thesing. Well then, let us get in to costume hmm?" I follow Millech backstage, keeping my eyes on everything.
"Are you okay with this Krazga? We will need the Bailif, it is a good idea after all!" Nodding softly, I set about getting in to my costume, placing it under my armor, before tightening my swordbelt on top.
When the woman enters I look up and smile. 'So this is our lovely Ilsandra. Quite a beauty I must say!' I take her hand and bow, pressing my lips gently against her knuckles, before straightening. "Madame Nymiss, a pleasure. My name is Ignatio Aulamaxa, I will be playing Lazarod!"
'I see why Thesing is in to her. Interesting...' I meet her eyes casually, before smiling. 'Perhaps I should... We will see!'
I remain quiet as Thesing addresses Ignatio and our group, smiling courteously at him to hide the slight distaste that rises within me, lest I unleash a withering rebuttle to being called 'winsome'.
With no armour to concern myself with I slip into the garb of Dentris easily, tightening the robe around my waist to make it less cumbersome and give it some semblance of shape, shaking my arms until the folds of heavy fabric sit more comfortably on the contours of my frame.
After all, Robahl does wish to rewrite Dentris as a woman. I joke, winking at Wat and Krazga and smoothing the dark green robes down around my hips.
I step forward and extend my hand to the young woman as she addresses our group, her friendly soft tone a refreshing change to her compatriot.
I am pleased to meet you Calseinica, I say softly, bowing my head slightly as a mark of respect. My name is Rosa, although you may hear this one, indicating Krazga, call me by another, most unaffectionate name. I will be playing the part of Dentris.
GM Only
'Its lovely to meet you both! I had best go and get change if we are to perform the first scene! She smiles shyly at you both before retreating behind the screen.
You costumes lay out, Drovalid's costume involves black armor paint and a diabolic helm, but the Baliff's costume is simple black leather with a mask it is just small enough to fit but be uncomfortable for the hulking half-orc.
Tybain's costume involves a Arodenese tabard, and a large floppy hat in a ridiculous outdated fashion. Monris is clad in dark cloth and bindings obscuring all but her eyes. Finally Lazaord's garb is that of a penitent nobleman, stripped of jewelery, in dark colors, but still in fine cut and shape, it fits Ignatio almost perfectly.
After you are dressed Calsienica returns in a very revealing black costume, with fake red horns adorning her now highly elaborate hair style and black silks cut to be seductive. She smiles shyly on her return and bows to the party, her voice suddenly quite husky as she says 'Come let us mount the stage and take this day in hand!'
|
|
I swallow softly, suddenly completly enthralled by the young woman who is to be our Ilsandra. "Yes. Lead the way dear Ilsandra!" With a smile, I bow, before following her on stage.
I move around for a bit, getting a feel for the space I have to work with, for the lighting and everything else. I move towards the front of the stage, awaiting my direction.
I play with a fold in the heavy green robe as Calseinica reappears back stage, suddenly very aware of the shapelessness of my costume, a feeling so out of character it causes me to perform a double take, shaking it off.
I smile warmly at our leading lady and nod is assent, stepping from the wings onto the bare boards and facing the auditorium, trying to disguise a shiver as I imagine all of those seats filled, then steeling myself with several choice words.
Nerves receding I regather my typical calm and take up my position next to Ignatio when he finishes his exploration of the stage.
|
|
"Daunting hey?" I smile at Serjia. "First time I was up here, I was a child. I played the part of a Page Boy in some foolish Romance. I ended up crying mid performance. I never forget that. The stage is a scary place, as bad as any Dungeon, for diffent reasons. You look calm enough though, maybe it is just me. Still... If you need any help, during this, just look to me and remember, atleast you are not a howling seven year old!" Laughing softly I nod, before turning back to the 'audience'.
Turning to Ignatio, I bow my head slightly in thanks, smiling at the image.
I do not fear the play itself, despite the harrowing reputation. However, I acknowledge calmly, I am lacking the acting prowess shown by yourself and our half-orc friend. But this does not worry me unduly. I was chosen for this role and I shall endeavor to fulfill it as best I can.
But, I admit quietly, leaning in towards the bard, I would rather the dungeon. I return to my stance with a wry smile and gaze around the stage at my fellow cast members and the preparations being made
|
|
Hearing Serjia, I frown softly, chewing on my lip. 'Get him...? Who? The Half-Orc maybe? She does seem to be interested in him. Or maybe Wat...? Perhaps. It sure aint me!' Shaking his head, he grins. 'Best I do not pry quite yet, I'll ask later, if it comes up!'
"You and me both my dear!" Laughing softly I nod, looking around the stage, searching for Wat and Krazga.
Shifting uncomfortably in the ridiculous outfit, I try and improvise some Arodenese prayers to get into the feel of the character.
"By th' light of Aroden's sword, I bless ye fellows... ah hello there, Ignatio... I'm not feeling too ready for th' stage. A stout axe and a tree t' fell, or helping them as needs it, that's my idea of work, not reciting fancy words on yon stage. No offence to your profession!"
I share your feelings Marlot, I admit,But I believe we can do it. I stand looking pointedly for Krazga who has yet to appear on stage.
It takes me a good while to get in to my costume armor, spending an extra few minutes trying to adjust the straps for a good fit while complaining under my breath about amateur armor smiths and cheap theatre props.
I then stand on the wings and begin to flip through the script.
I attempt a hiss from the wings to attract Serjia and Wat's attention.
"Act one tonight is it? It looks like I don't come on til the second act..."
Upon hearing Krazga I turn towards him, flicking through my own script inquiringly.
I must admit to being slightly jealous, but Rohbahl may still want to gauge your ability in rehearsal my friend. I reply, my tone quiet and full of supposition. But I could be wrong.
Robahl returns with a dour expression and takes his, you now realise customary seat in the front row, and commands you to begins with a lazy wave of his hand, his eyes half-focused on a copy of the play, a match to each of your own.
The play begins slowly, each of you doing their best to quote the lines while maintaining the character of the part they play, Thesing and Calsienica soon join the party of stage, and the stagehands directed by Millech behind the scenes keep everything flowing. As you act Robahl puts down his copy and stares intently at the party as they begin to get truly into the play, Wat distinguishes himself and even evokes a smile on Robahl's face with his pratfalls, but the portly directors attention is focused almost entirely on Ignatio, much to Thesing's visible and growing chagrin. As the first act finishes Robahl hops to his feet and claps five short times.
'That was... That was actually quite good.' Though his praise seems sparse, the looks of shock on the faces of the stagehands show how rare and hard-earned it truly is. 'If... IF you can all play this way on the night, the Mayor may name us all lords on the night! Well done. Tomorrow you play the second act, and I expect an even better preformance!'
True to the man's word, the next two days pass rapidly in practice, during which you are informed of that your pay will be a part of the cut on the night, Ignatio can easily inform you that the percentages offered are more than competitive, even considering the danger you are likely to face. You grow closer to the cast and crew, and Thesing and Ignatio's bandied words grow increasingly vicious, on the morning of the third day Robahl had you preform the play in its entirity and told you that you were no longer allowed scripts on stage, and more importantly, that the dress rehearsal was at the end of the week, and the actual play two days after that.
That night Calsienica invites you to go for a drink and offers to meet you at any place you happen to name.
Elated by the adrenaline fueled rehearsal, I chat lightheartedly with the back stage crew and other support cast members, making friends
Seeing Calseinica speaking with our group I disengage myself and step in beside Ignatio in time to hear the plans for the evening.
Sounds wonderful Ignatio, I beam, my typical calm pushed aside by the excitement.
"Come Marlot, Vizarno, to the Widows Chair! Seems like a dour name for an actors alehouse, but I'm sure our fancy friend knows his way around. I must admit I am looking forward to the real performance of the play. I don't care for the crowds, but a real fight after all of this play-fighting will do me good."
I continue to try and get the rest of the crowd moving towards the pub, except for Thesing. I don't care if he comes or goes.
Vizarno and Calsienica meet you at the bar, Robahl doesn't socialise with his crew, the other crewmen are busy and Millech doesn't drink, but the 7 of you find a nice table, not far from the fire in the cheerful inn, the outside is as grim as expected, but the inside is a cheerful place with pretty girls serving the tables. One of them makes eyes at Ignatio as you take your seats.
Calsienica has already procured cups and a bottle and pours a dark red Bristlewark which makes a strange pop when it opens, a sound that sounds like laughing children had been trapped in the bottle.
'To our continued success!'
|
|
I smile broadly at the young serving woman and incline my head. Taking a seat, I lean back in my chair, smiling around the group. "To success!" Smiling, I take a long sip of wine, before leaving the cup down on the table before me. "Well... To not dying horribly, anyway!" Laughing softly, I nod.
I stare around the bar covertly, seeming to study the people at my table, rather than the rest of the inhabitants of the bar.
Sighing, I frown in to my cup, before taking a drink. "I must say... I will not mourn when the practice is over and the real thing begins. Oh for the roar of the crowd, the danger, the beauty of it all!" Laughing in to my cup, I nod to myself. "This is the most thrilling play an actor could ever dream of. Yes, I know I could be dead by the end of it, but what better way to test myself, than playing with my life. After this play I will be respected on my own merit, I will not have to use my family name to gain acknowledgment. After this..."'I will be better than my idiotic father and his spoiled, useless, obnoxious get!' Trailing off, I glare in to my cup, as I think, furiouxly, and vindictively, about the day I can finally gain the recognition I need, to bring down my 'family'.
"But that is enough of that..." Standing, I raise my glass and smile down at the party. "My dear friends, those of you I have had the pleasure of knowing a long time," I bow slightly to Wat and Euphemi. "Those I have known for shorter, but love no less for it," I bow and smile at Krazga and Serjia. "And those, who are new, but none the less appreciated!" Smiling broadly at Vizarno and Calsienica, I bow, a tad deeper to our lovely Ilsandra, than to the other. "We are about to undertake the hardest play, in the history of theatre. Let me rephrase that, we are about to undertake, and perform perfectly, the hardest play. We are ready, we have the skill and the talent. There are no small parts, my friends, only small actors!" I laugh softly, shaking my head, before raising my glass once again. "Here is to you, here is to us. Here is to success in the face of adversity. Cheers!"
I accept the glass from Calseinica, thanking her warmly. Taking a seat at the table I stare into the depths of the deep red liquid, lost in the reflections slowly dancing on its surface, allowing the buzz of the tavern to wash over me. I listen to the interwoven tagents and confused conversations, trying to pick out any that could possibly help our cause or anyone that may need help themselves.
As Ignatio begins to speak my attention is drawn back to the group and I listen to his words of encouragement, noticing the darkening of his facial expression as he breaks off to glare into his wine. As he continues I put it aside for the moment, smiling and raising my glass slightly as he acknowledges me. With his proposition of a toast I raise my glass to join his, smiling happily at all gathered around our table.
Here's to you all, my friends
Calsienica sits on the edge of her seat, and listens raptly before raising her glass. Despite her talent and strength of character when playing Ilsandra, she is shy and quiet off-stage.
In the far corner of the room, a loud drunk noble starts to shout about ahow if half the poor were sacrificed to Asmodeus, and the other enslaved, Cheliax would easily overrun her rivals and neighbours.
Cringing as I hear this galling statement I slowly quell the desire to respond, although the tremble of distaste that runs through my body fails to leave my hands.
Be calm, I whisper soothingly to myself, It is the ravings of a drunk, nothing more....
Not quite believing myself I sit straight in my chair, my calm smile and relaxed countenance unfaltering as I listen further to the words spilling forth from this ignorant nobleman.
"Here's t' our success, and our survival! Wat toasts.
I try to find out the name of the loud noble without drawing too much attention to myself.
The drunken noble lurches to his feet to a series of murmurs, some complaining about drunks, some disgusted at his behaviour, but there are also some who seem to agree.
As he stumbles past with two of his friends he spots Krazga, and swaggers over.
'I say.' *hic* 'Why have you brought your rabble,' he looks at Ignatio and gestures at his friends 'And your stinking pet.' At this he looks Krazga up and down, disgust plain on his face.
'No wonder this place has lost its charm if their letting just anyone bring their animals in.'
Slowly rising to my feet and wrestling the tremble of fury from my now stiffened limbs I relax my shoulders and paint a visage of calm politeness on my face.
Good sir, we are nobody's rabble, I smile sweetly, the muscles in my cheek beginning to tingle with the effort, In fact, I announce, we are possibly the bravest souls in this entire room for we have been chosen by the great Robahl himself to perform in his upcoming production of the Six Trials of Lazarod.
Pausing effect and to allow this information to sink in I then slink over to stand beside the noble and lean in towards him.
The one who you have called a pet, I divulge in a low voice, breathing softly in his ear, is playing the role of Drovalid, I doubt I need to tell a man of culture such as yourself what that role entails. I will tell you however that our friend fulfils it very, very well.
I pull back, the pandering smile once again frozen in place, I do hope you will come and see the show, it promises to be a spectacular performance.
|
|
Standing, I rest my hand lightly on Krazga's shoulder, before smiling at the Nobleman. "Sir, I do not know why you approached us this evening, it is a puzzle, yes? You are drunk... Unseemly so, it would seem, should you be lowering yourself to comment on my friends in such a manner. Fear not, however, we are of thicker skin, than to take the drunken mutterings of an old man to heart. But perhaps you should leave yes? The streets are not safe at night, after all. It would be a great pity, should your Lordship, be caught, drunk and disorderly, by the Hellknights, or the beasts that roam the night!" Grinning darkly, I bow my head softly, in a mocking gesture of submittance.
"But it is of course up to you, m'Lord. I would not deem to tell such an esteemed member of the community," I pause, studying the man for an instant, before giving an exaggerated sniff of dismissal, "how he should or should not act..." Taking a seat again, I turn my back on the man, and begin to pointedly talk to Krazga.
"The play shall be a success my friend. When that happens, the whole city will be at our fingertips!"
The drunk sniffs and stumbles out into the night, and the bar becomes still for a few moments, before the usual barroom clangor begins again.
The rest of the evening passes more quietly, and without event, the group subdued by the confrontation an example of what they face in hoping to change this city. Calsienica makes her pardons and leaves early, the rest of the group following soon after. They have a long day ahead.
The next morning dawns bright and clear, Westcrown is a riot of acitivity and color, the oppressions of Thrune, and dark of the night forgotten for a little while as merchants hawk their wares and children run underfoot.
Robahl dispatches the party from the Limehouse early, sending them to a corner on a main thoroughfare to perform the third act, in costume, without script and on the street. They arrive to find Vizarno scolding an urchin for trying to climb into a little are that has been fenced off for your performance.
|
|
My Dear,
You would honor me if you would accompany me to dinner tomorrow night. It would be a pleasure to spend time in your company once again!
If you are free, leave me a note at the Limehouse, with a time and place I may meet you at.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours
Ignatio Aulamaxa
Basking in the light of morning, I smile, as we walk towards the performance area. 'A beautiful day after a good night out with friends, what could be better?'
Coming across Vizarno berrating the Urchin, I step forward, pushing the man back a step gently. "Ease down man. He meant no harm. Did you boy?"
Grinning down at the boy I pull two silver coins from my pocket, offering them to him. "For having to deal with this grouch!" I wink and laugh softly, before pointing him towards a stack of crates, where he can watch the show from.
"A beatiful day for acting. Let us get to it hey?"
Earlier:
I reach the temple and slink inside, to find Janiven sitting in the main hall. I explain the events of the day and evening, her calming hand resting on my trembling arm as I describe the noble. When I can remember no more information I stand, stretching, and make my way to my sleeping area where I light a candle and open my script.
I wake up the next morning with my script lying open across my hip, the candle burnt to a nothing and an ache in my joints from sleeping on the hard floor. As I rouse myself and stretch I rub my arms, trying to banish the cold from my bones before returning my script to my bag and meeting the rest of the group to head out for the theatre.
My stomach clenches as we are sent onto the street but the sudden fear is soon replaced by a tinge of excitement as we approach our performance area. I hear Vizarno giving out before I notice the small boy standing before him. Approaching, I kneel down next to him and, ignoring Vizarno as he glares at me, speak directly to the child.
You weren't being intentionally bad, were you? I soothe, rhetorically, You were just curious right? I understand, I always used to climb on things I shouldn't and get into all sorts of trouble I hold out my hand to him smiling warmly, and lead him to the crates, his hand small and warm in my own. Lifting him up and setting him on the crates I smile brightly, I hope that man over there wasn't too mean to you. My name is Rosa, what's yours?
The silver coins dissappear into the boys clothing rapidly, they will be a great help for him to survive on the streets if they don't get taken from him.
He looks up at 'Rosa' with dark eyes from a smudged dirty face, nervousness engraved into him. 'I'm Cosimo missus.'
A small crowd starts to gather as the costumed actors enter the area penned in by the short fence.
Lovely to meet you Cosimo, I say brightly, smiling. I drop my voice a little and whisper, If you ever need help you can count on me or my friend over there. Indicating Ignatio I playfully tousle Cosimo's hair, flashing him a wry wink and a small wave before I turn away and walk casually back to the group, smiling at Ignatio.
Right,I sigh happily, Now that that whole situation has passed, time to perform I think. Act one if I'm not mistaken? Straightening my robes I step into my position facing Haanderthan and wait as my fellow children and the rest of the actors fall into place. Stooping my shoulders, I assume a haggard expression as the Bailiff begins the scene.
As Haanderthan delivers his first ultimatum, I round on Lazarod, a warning in my narrowed eyes. Hold your tongue, boy, I hiss vehemently, my voice carrying over the silence of the audience, and we’ll escape the firebrand yet. Your father was the model of a devil’s squire. Summon his wiles now, and keep shut that Abyss you call mouth, before we all tumble down into its darkness. Turning away from him I tilt my face towards the sky, my expression shifting to one of regret Had you been born deaf and dumb, I assert, bitterly, this loyal servant would yet live to see another midnight.
I hold my stern warning gaze on Lazarod and try to gauge the reaction of the crowd but too much of my attention is devoted to the task at hand and I fail to notice much if anything.
|
|
Coughing softly in to my hand, I smile discreetly, before before speaking up, making a point of having my voice carry. "A fine warm up dear Rosa. You play your part perfectly. We shall begin momentarily!" I pose and preen, playing my part perfectly.
Leaning in close to Serjia, I whisper softly, for her ears only. "We are performing the third act today Rosa. Do not worry, I do not think anyone noticed!" I pat her on the shoulder encourageingly and smile.
While I wait around for my entries to the play, I talk to Cosimo, ask him about his family, and give the boy a few silvers to buy some food for himself and whoever he shares with.
By midday, we begin to practice the third act. Slightly embarassed, I step forward to provide the comic relief to follwo Larazod and Tybain's steely determination in the face of carnal seduction. Exaggerating my already provincial, comedic accent, I shudder and writhe as I yell:
"Ooooh! Aaaaah! I know not this feeling!It is as if uh thousand feathers assault my flesh — especially my most… tender… parts. What strange pleasure is this!"
I bring both hands down towards my thigh and, turning slightly away from the audience, I tear at a bag of stage blood I had stored there for this purpose, bursting it over my smock and holding the shredded remains aloft. Panting heavily, and genuinely red-faced, I breathlessly stage-whisper, "I am well, though I may never be th' same..." and mock-swoon against the wall of the set.