xxiii. dictated

[heloise]

Spike
He came home.

What terrible months we have seen, before even the dog days arrive!

I say we put an end to it, at once. The Castle drinks our joys as greedily as it feeds on our sorrows; we might show it that happiness is what we seek. Happiness beyond bound, which we would gladly offer as payment for our borrowed time, and no more tears.

Summer brings music and merriment to the streets of Rome, gypsies and pilgrims alike dancing together. We can do similarly here.

Comments

[thraxios]

No. Would you?

[heloise]

An outsider, perhaps, but neither pilgrim nor gypsy.

[thraxios]

Precisely.

Perhaps what you really need are actors.

[heloise]

No, only music and merriment I think. We can all be the actors.

[thraxios]

Music and merriment would be a pleasant change from dinosaurs.

[heloise]

And evil ships and quakes.

[thraxios]

There's been little to celebrate in the past month.

Do you plan for it to be a party of sorts, or simply street musicians?

[heloise]

Perhaps a party. I was told of a barbecue though I know not what it means.

[thraxios]

I'm afraid I haven't heard the term before, either.

[heloise]

As long as there will be wine, music and dancing, I would have no complaints.

[thraxios]

It would be a disappointing party without them.

[heloise]

Indeed. What else would please you?

[thraxios]

I'm the wrong man to ask about parties; they're normally something of a chore for me.

[heloise]

A chore? You must have done it entirely wrong!

[thraxios]

Perhaps I did. How should I have approached it?

[heloise]

However you wish. Have stories told if that pleases you or tell none to speak. Have them write on tablets instead for the day.

[thraxios]

[That would thrust him right into the center of the festivities--the idea of making himself into a party game of sorts is faintly horrifying to him.]

Perhaps storytelling.

[heloise]

With actors playing out the parts? You could be the narrator.

[thraxios]

I'm sure there are others who would better fit that role. Would you care for it?

[heloise]

The narrator need not speak, if that is what you fear. There are many ways of expressing words.

[thraxios]

So there are. I generally prefer to observe than to tell stories, however.

[heloise]

You are the mastermind behind the scene rather than actors on the stage?

[thraxios]

That may be giving me too much credit.

[heloise]

How much is too much?

[thraxios]

What do you think?