The Return of Turianus; Nirah is Put to Work

I was pleased to see the invitation sent to Quintus Turianus accepted, the very fellow striding the center aisle of the Great Theater as if it were simply the day following his performance of The Fall of Agamedes. The protagonist and antagonist are purposely not well-defined in this new play, but suffice it to say the son of Torcadino will assume one of two available principal roles. He is a handsome fellow, perhaps as handsome as the ill-fated Appianus' Milo once was, but that should not be held against him. He does not rely on his appearance to mask any shortcomings as an orator. I feel fortunate to have him.

I spent much of this morning and afternoon in the Tallux Theater, eager to get on with the construction of the set. There is not much to emulating a single room in the Insula of Achiates. The set will consist of a back wall with a working door, a couch covered by a dingy sheet, a ratty fur upon the floor, a night table with a small, oil-burning lamp and a chamber pot. Much of the building has been completed, leaving only the 'aging' of these items to appear as if they could be in a room of the humble tenement I hope to emulate. I set the girl, Nirah, about that task, exploiting her ability to paint. She will be charged with putting a faux finish on the wooden wall that appears to be water and smoke damage as well as the stains of age, perhaps layers of paint. One atop the other, peeling to reveal the previous efforts. She will work, too, on making the sheet and other surfaces appear sufficiently lived-in. These tasks, partially under my supervision, are well underway.

"When must the work be completed?" she inquired.
"Locutius is expected in five days," I responded.
"Yes, Master," she nodded.