Seeking actors

[cyranosavignien]

 And indeed, sitting nearby, at a table, is a very focused 17th century French man with a rather big nose, writing frantically on the last parchment of a very thick pile.  If anyone inquires, he will gladly answer any questions.

T: The play? It's here. Well. Its outline, anyway.  Original names but a common plot for a 17th Century French Comedy a

Comments

[yourladyship]

Alfred will linger around, wringing his hands and looking anxious -- a comedy! He's never been in a comedy!

[cyranosavignien]

Cyrano takes a moment to observe the newcomer, and decides to put an end to his misery.

"Well then, have you some curiosity, would you like to see the script, perhaps?"

[yourladyship]

Merciful of him! Alfred squeaks, as though he's been caught at something, and then shuffles forward, shyly peering between Cyrano and the floor.

"Y-Yes, sir. If you please, sir."

[cyranosavignien]

He hands it to him, patiently.

"Beware, the ink is still drying."

This typist refers her colleague to the referenced post on the puppet's journal....

[yourladyship]

Asking first, meekly, "Does no one die in this?"

[yourladyship]

Asking first, meekly, "Does no one die in this?"

[cyranosavignien]

"No-one," Cyrano replies. "It is a play written for my little niece, and is only merriment."

[yourladyship]

Alfred looks down at the script, reading it with intense interest, careful turning at pages so as not to smear the ink.

[cyranosavignien]

Cyrano keeps writing while Alfred reads.

He is preparing, yet again, a ballad. This one is for someone else, who does not know it is coming at her.

[yourladyship]

"S-Sir," he says, after some silence, like a stammering declaration. "I'm a player, sir. I-I've only ever played the woman's part -- and only in t-t-tragedies -- but --"

[cyranosavignien]

Oh dear. Poor Alfred.

Cyrano, waits, patiently. "But?"

He's amused - mercifully, he's trying not to laugh.

[yourladyship]

Eep! He looks down, cheeks all aflame, and his voice is tinny. "I'd like to be in your play, sir." Louder, "I-If you'd have me?"

[cyranosavignien]

"Why ever not," Cyrano looks at him, there's kindness, though he's concerned over the rendering. "What part have you in mind?"

[yourladyship]

"Will there be an audition?"

[cyranosavignien]

"Maybe," Cyrano replies. "I've no idea what manners of players are here, and so if there is a need, perhaps. If not..." he shrugs. "Tell me, fear not." He gives Alfred a sincere look.

"Tragedy knows me well."

[yourladyship]

He steels himself -- what does he have to be afraid of? If he's not going to be stabbed, smothered, strangled, or ravished, he'd be fine playing the maid. And he may as well start high --

"Petit-Jehan, sir."