Patronage
We are still a day or two away from the Great Gate. The small caravan of wagons from Venna, guarded by Vesutto's picked men, continues to grow in size as we approach the City. It is an important time in Ar, a time of festival and celebration. All of the Slaving Houses, large and small, will see a spike in their business. Were I a more savvy businessman, I might have put this trip to Venna off until after the fifth Passage Hand. Doubtless I am losing money by not having a full complement of whores turning tricks in my fair and beautiful City. Still, there is money being made and no doubt Mathor will need a few days to himself after assuming the added responsibility of interim proprietor while I have been away. Darwin, too, I imagine. Which brings to mind a conversation last evening with Phineahas.
It occured to the Fishmonger that having subletted his domicile in the District of the Central Cylinder, he would need a place to sleep at night. He also inquired into employment, but I could not get a straight answer as to what it is he proposed to do to earn money. As far as a place to sleep at night, I have offered him a room at Samsara. There is an apartment on the first floor that was occupied by a free woman once. It is used for storage now, but boxes can be moved. He seems eager to pay for the accomodations, even after I explained to him the patronage Samsara enjoys. Though it's lost some of its shine over the years, it was once a home for artisans, both resident and itinerant. Patrons of the Arts see to its upkeep to promote the creativity of the people that choose to live and work there. One cannot be expected to be very creative, for example, if one is laboring at positions of menial labor. His keep, I tried to elaborate, is earned simply by practicing his craft. If he tells stories, for he is a Story Teller, an artisan, a crafter of tales, then he is, in effect, paying his rent inherently. The more people that reside at Samsara, the greater the endowment. While I admire his ethics, his desire to pay his own way and remain without debt, accepting payment for his stay would be unethical on my part.
I really think that Accounting should be the domain of artisans, not Scribes. It is far too creative a science to be fully appreciated by the literalista in Blue.
We should arrive home, for the record, in plenty of time to enjoy the festivities of the Love Feast. It will go on for all five days of the Fifth Passage Hand, with the biggest auctions held during the third and fourth days. Typically, all eyes are on the Curulean on the fourth day, with the choicest of she-prizes vended on the Center Block, which is the largest that I know of in the world. In past years, the fifth day was reserved for general celebrations. Some Administrators and Ubars of the past put on grand spectacles at the Stadium of Blades or the Stadium of Tarns. The elite Players of Ar's high bridges often meet Players from other cities in Kaissa Tournaments, usually offering enough coins to the winner to ensure the fellow needn't worry about his next meal for the next ten years. In general, there is much to feast over. Many of the wine shops and Inns entice people into their doors with generous portions and potent beverages, but public tables are often set up where people may simply 'eat, drink and be merry' as the saying goes. This usually depends on the generosity of the current Administration or, in some cases, will be sponsored by a wealthy Merchant House in hopes of currying favor with the public consumer. It is not uncommon to see even lesser Merchants with a plate of cheese and the offer of a cup coupled with an enticement to consider the fellow's wares. 'Remember Licinius when you run low on Tharlarion Oil!' This sort of thing.
It will be good to be home.
It occured to the Fishmonger that having subletted his domicile in the District of the Central Cylinder, he would need a place to sleep at night. He also inquired into employment, but I could not get a straight answer as to what it is he proposed to do to earn money. As far as a place to sleep at night, I have offered him a room at Samsara. There is an apartment on the first floor that was occupied by a free woman once. It is used for storage now, but boxes can be moved. He seems eager to pay for the accomodations, even after I explained to him the patronage Samsara enjoys. Though it's lost some of its shine over the years, it was once a home for artisans, both resident and itinerant. Patrons of the Arts see to its upkeep to promote the creativity of the people that choose to live and work there. One cannot be expected to be very creative, for example, if one is laboring at positions of menial labor. His keep, I tried to elaborate, is earned simply by practicing his craft. If he tells stories, for he is a Story Teller, an artisan, a crafter of tales, then he is, in effect, paying his rent inherently. The more people that reside at Samsara, the greater the endowment. While I admire his ethics, his desire to pay his own way and remain without debt, accepting payment for his stay would be unethical on my part.
I really think that Accounting should be the domain of artisans, not Scribes. It is far too creative a science to be fully appreciated by the literalista in Blue.
We should arrive home, for the record, in plenty of time to enjoy the festivities of the Love Feast. It will go on for all five days of the Fifth Passage Hand, with the biggest auctions held during the third and fourth days. Typically, all eyes are on the Curulean on the fourth day, with the choicest of she-prizes vended on the Center Block, which is the largest that I know of in the world. In past years, the fifth day was reserved for general celebrations. Some Administrators and Ubars of the past put on grand spectacles at the Stadium of Blades or the Stadium of Tarns. The elite Players of Ar's high bridges often meet Players from other cities in Kaissa Tournaments, usually offering enough coins to the winner to ensure the fellow needn't worry about his next meal for the next ten years. In general, there is much to feast over. Many of the wine shops and Inns entice people into their doors with generous portions and potent beverages, but public tables are often set up where people may simply 'eat, drink and be merry' as the saying goes. This usually depends on the generosity of the current Administration or, in some cases, will be sponsored by a wealthy Merchant House in hopes of currying favor with the public consumer. It is not uncommon to see even lesser Merchants with a plate of cheese and the offer of a cup coupled with an enticement to consider the fellow's wares. 'Remember Licinius when you run low on Tharlarion Oil!' This sort of thing.
It will be good to be home.
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