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Post by Storyteller on Feb 24, 2021 13:24:45 GMT
Jax has run back and forth between Danal's townhouse and Desolation Row, and the end result is in another meeting at Istvan's.
Kimon has arranged the table with fruit and wine and bread and cheese, all on Danal's drusii.
Danal is waiting when Caoimhghin and Anak-Sa'ir stroll in, arm in arm.
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Post by Diocles on Feb 24, 2021 13:27:46 GMT
I smile broadly at everyone who happens to be in the common room, including Kimon, and then nudge Anak-Sa'ir with a gentle elbow. "The good librarian is here before us, and look at how the table is spread!" I stride over to Danal and bow with a flourish. "Good evening, lord!"
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 24, 2021 13:30:19 GMT
"Good evening good Caoimhghin, Anak Sa'ir. Please, sit, partake." Once they're settled "How would you like to provide entertainment for another one of my family's cenas?"
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Post by Diocles on Feb 24, 2021 13:32:44 GMT
I glance over at Anak-Sa'ir but answer more with my body language than with words. To shrug, smile, and spread my arms before me. "The Cygnet Committee stands ready!" I immediately laugh and wave my hands. "Oh dear gods! Makes us sound like soldiers, doesn't it, Anak? I've got to rephrase that."
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 24, 2021 13:48:12 GMT
"Excellent! This will be on Water Day next so you'll have about a week to prepare. I have a request about the play though. I want to get a read on the room for their feelings about the old Republic vs. empire. Can you create something that will stand these in stark contrast?"
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Post by Diocles on Feb 24, 2021 13:52:25 GMT
I feel someone lowered the boom, and it struck me in the face. I just stare ahead for a moment.
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Feb 24, 2021 14:27:00 GMT
"I have no doubt that our gifted Elunian could suss out an audience's preference for their right hand over their left. What do you have in mind?"
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 24, 2021 14:29:26 GMT
"Oh, I am not that gifted in creativity." Thinking about how much to divulge to them. Will post again soon.
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 24, 2021 14:57:34 GMT
"Let me provide some background. My Paterfamilias is keen on getting me quadded." I look a bit embarrassed. "So this cena is to meet a potential quad-made . . . of the Akar family. What is important to me in my life is my work and the Republic and I need to know that I'm not going to be committed to someone who will not let me pursue my life's work nor someone who does not believe in Republic virtues."
I sit quietly for a moment. "Such a match would be good for my family and perhaps good for me and my ends but I have to be sure. I do not want my life to end as a result of . . . politics." I almost spit the last word.
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Post by Diocles on Feb 24, 2021 15:06:58 GMT
I nod, my mind working quickly. "How about this, then? A dictator lies dying, and he tells his son that his last wish is for the dictatorship to be abolished. He makes his son promise that he'll restore representative democracy to the people. Then the dictator dies, and the son is torn, for he wishes to honor his father's dying wish and his (forced) promise to him, but the son also believes that, if anything, the dictatorship should be made to grow stronger, for the good of the State. So the next day he goes to stand before the Senate to read his father's last will, unrolls the scroll, and takes a deep breath. Then he looks up at the assembled senators and opens his mouth." I pause. "Curtain. And the audience is left to debate what the son did in the end. Does he read his father's will, or is he submitting a forgery to the senate?"
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 24, 2021 15:20:20 GMT
"Caoimhgin, that is absolute genius! I can't imagine a better device. Thank you my friend. I will be in your debt." Looking at both of them "Would you be willing to pay attention to the conversations after and help me in discerning how it impacted the various attendees?"
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Post by Diocles on Feb 24, 2021 15:21:08 GMT
"I will write it up and submit it to Censor Veral as soon as possible." I look over the fine food. "Now, what's good to eat here..."
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Feb 24, 2021 16:19:31 GMT
"Clearly I will not be able to observe the audience after the performance, but I always observe them during, so that I can play to them more effectively. If it interests you to have a sense of their feelings, I can certainly share what I learn."
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 24, 2021 16:34:40 GMT
"Thank you Anak Sa'ir, it would be very helpful. But please, do not let it divide your mind. I would not want it to come between you and your performance."
To Caoimhghin: "You must try their goat cheese and a bit of honey on bread."
"Now gentlemen, about 'The Silver Bow', tell me, what are your impressions?"
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Feb 24, 2021 16:42:29 GMT
"Reading the audience is half of my craft on stage. It will be no trouble. As for the Silver Bow, I was surprised it was as good as it was. The plot was insipid. A dull child could have written it. But the execution was divine. A glorious package, full of nothing. I cannot speak to the playwright, but the troupe are superb."
I look at Caoimhghin.
"What are your thoughts?"
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