A Conversation With Vesutto

originally posted May 30, 2006

"Much of it was put aside when 'Fall' monopolized my attentions," I said, sipping the black wine. "Too, there was the matter of Emily's dance."
"Lovely moment," Vesutto mentioned. "Very nearly turned ugly, however."
"Indeed," I agreed.
"How much has been completed?" he inquired.
"Many of the props are built," I informed him. "I have been doing a bit of carpentry, working with itinerants. There remains some painting and costuming to be completed."
Two girls were attending us. As my cup emptied, the first of these deposited a cube of sugar and then, with the edge of her tiny spoon, portioned a part of a second cube into the cup. The second girl, then, poured. They refilled Vesutto's cup afterward and then, having completed the task, knelt back on their heels. A matched set, blondes with deeply tanned skin and wide eyes the color of the sky on a cloudless, sunny day, they were clad in sheer chalwar and high midriff bearing vests that scarcely contained the bounties of their chests. Their outfits, if it is of interest, were yellow. They wore silver collars that were polished to a high shine about their throats. About their ankles and wrists, they wore half a dozen silver bangles on each limb. About their foreheads, between and just above the brows, each wore a tiny jewel pasted to the skin. I did not think it was bana, but it might well have been. I am not often in possession of diamonds. In any event, they matched the silver black wine kettle, tray and matching service well. I wondered, briefly, if it would be considered overstepping my privileges as a guest to rape them both where they knelt but the thought passed quickly. My daydreaming did not escape the attention of Vesutto, however. It certainly did not escape the attention of the Second Slave. Her hips squirmed. Her breath caught. I noted the First Slave, too, licking her lips. Helpfully, Vesutto picked up the thread of our conversation.
"And how much is written?" he inquired.
"Three." I said, redirecting my attentions, gathering my thoughts, "Pardon, four. Four scenes. The beginning scenes and the final scene have been scripted, as well as a transitional device."
"Splendid," he replied, smiling. He was more accustomed to the black wine, I think, than myself.
He sipped from his fourth cup as I worked on my second.
"What news of Ar?" I inquired.
"The matter is in negotiations," he replied. "There were high-placed citizens of your city at the Fair. Many attended the showing of 'Fall of Agamedes' and wondered about staging it at the Tallux Theater. I have been in correspondence with them since."
"Knowing the playwright?" I asked.
"Even then," he assured me.
"It will be difficult to cast," I mentioned.
"Nikos of Tyros, I think, might be persuaded to reprise his role," Vesutto mused, shaking his head a little, chuckling. "Locutius, however, that strutting larl will want more money."
I laughed with him, setting aside my empty cup. He, too, had his fill of the black wine. I dismissed the two girls who served us after they gathered our dishes. I thought I detected a whimper from the Second Slave, but shrugged. She was only another needy slave. The world was full of them. I had writing to attend. After well-wishes, my friend, the wealthy Merchant of beautiful Venna, excused himself and left me to it.