Visitors; Politics; Gossip

originally posted January 20, 2007

The Lady Baker made her appearance last evening at the Great Theater. I have decided to do business with her, allowing her to sell her noshes and baked goods to the patrons of the play tonight. She very generously offered to provide this service to me at no cost. While that was, indeed, generous of her, I protested and told her I would accept no more than fifteen percent of her total profits for the evening. That is an unexpected profit, but a welcome one. While a poor showing this evening would not cast me into financial ruin, it certainly would be cause for a tightening of the belt. Every copper tarsk counts.
Also visiting the Theater last evening was the mercenary, Reginold Guyon. His call was neither social nor business related. He simply wished a place to warm himself from the cold. I did not gainsay him a place in the upper tiers. While he and I have never been friends or even on friendly terms, I would not consider him an enemy or even someone I am ill-disposed toward. We simply walk in different circles. Different circles...
That reminds me of the notice I saw posted on the public boards. Nominations from the general public for Magistracies are being called for. Too, posts of prominence in the high castes will be conferred. Political appointment is never something I have considered important. Truly, it is something I have always looked upon with suspicion, particularly during the time of the occcupation. They will choose a 'Magistrate of the People,' however. Someone to represent the lower castes on the High Council. While I find their attempts to place a 'High Magistrate' over the Anbar somewhat dubious, as the Anbar polices itself, I cannot help but wonder if the opportunity to represent those of lower caste should not be given consideration.
At the moment, the play 'is the thing' as they say. The callers are out with their signs and will be afoot for the remainder of the day and well into the afternoon. I have purchased opaque silk of modest length and cut for each of the slaves that I own and given them instruction as to their appearance and mien for the evening. Sandal will wear pale green. Emily will wear red. For the Six Girl, I have chosen black. Samantha and Elise, per usual, will wear pink and pale blue, respectively. Portia is to be clad in cream. Nirah, as always, will be wrapped in purple.
While the women are preparing themselves, while the actors are engaged in final preparations, I will spend an ahn or two in the Capacian Baths. Dahlia, a girl assigned to one of my favorite pools, will have the latest gossip. Politics. Talk of the play. She will have heard the things that I am curious over.