Viggo Gets A Job
Viggo walks along the market, whistling a tune as Thierry pads beside him silently. He finally finds a good spot and lays out his cloth, next to the woman selling embroidered cushions. He takes out his art folder, and squinting around his surroundings, he wonders if he might make a sale today.
Viggo: *shaking out a piece of canvas gently from my folder, I arrange the painting beside the ones I have already laid out, and it makes for a bizarre splash of colour over the mat. A baker walks past carrying a basket of bread and slows down, casting a curious eye over my art display and smiles cautiously at me. He goes on his way, and I continue to lay out the precious art pieces, careful not to let them smudge or overlap. Satisfied, I stand up to get a better view, not aware that I am almost standing in the middle of the boulevard*
Bernard: *Walking the avenue with Anna Aiis, I'm distracted by the sweep of human throng, gaily flitting by me. Ladies with parasols twirl in their bright poufy shouldered day dresses, while men suavely attend to their needs, lending a hand or darting a fleeting kiss to them. Posters plastered on nearby walls by the shops along the way bring a collage of bright color to the eye. My sight is riveted by a bicycle poster advertizement, surprizing me how the lady floating above it looks just like La Dame Rouge. I'm oblivious to the clatter of a contraption clamboring down the street.dashing headlong for me. Shouts scatter up from the crowd as it draws nearer, but I'm in another universe altogether, when Anna Aiis starts barking , rousting me out of a daytime drugged fantasy of La Dame Rouge. The bicycle careens only a few meters away and swerves this way and that, the driver trying to avoid me.* "Imbicile!" I yell, I leap out of the way , bumping into a young gentleman in the street with artwork.*
Viggo: *I'm staring at the arrangement of my paintings thoughtfully when I hear shouts, and am jolted forward as someone bumps violently into me, almost causing me to fall onto my art pieces but I manage to regain my balance. Annoyed, I spin around, ready to give the culprit a piece of my mind, but the words die in my mouth as I am faced with a kindly-looking, distinguished elderly gentleman who looks terribly flustered and probably doesn't mean any harm* Monsieur, faites attention. Êtes-vous bien? [Be careful. Are you alright?]
Bernard: Idiot damné! Vous menance! [damned idiot! you menace!] *Screaming at my assailant as he lumbers away and bumps into the curb, falling off * Morceau mécanique de stupide d'ordures! Stupide! [stupid piece of mechanical filth! Stupid!] *brushing myself off, now chasing after Anna Aiis* Pardon me, Monsieur. I was in a daze.
Viggo: *Staring at you with wide eyes, I wonder if you're as kindly as you look. I smile instead and pat you gently on the shoulder* Ah, another Briton, I see. There is no other accent so clipped, sharp and recognised. I can barely speak French anyway so this works out for us. *looks you over quickly for any signs of injury* I hope you are alright, and that was just a scare and you are not hurt.
Bernard: Oui, oui, I am unhurt. *catching Anna Aiis's tether* But I am afraid I may have ruined one of your drawings, mais oui?
Viggo: *My eye falls on your dog, and I smile at her* She's beautiful. I hope she isn't too nervous about my dog, though. *points towards Thierry lazing behind the art display, watching Anna Aiis carefully* And non, you did not ruin my paintings, some of them are messy on purpose. *laughs*
Bernard: Ah, yes, thank you. *starting to unruffle from the onslaught, petting Thierry on the head while Anna Aiis sniffs around in us in tight circles around her new acquaintance. Shifting the leash from right to left, and then thrusting out my now free right hand* Professor Bernard Hill. I'd say you have a few beautiful canvases strewn about on this fine day.
Viggo: *shakes your hand warmly* Viggo Mortensen. Enchante, Professor Hill. I have to admit I am genuinely surprised that you seem to appreciate my paintings, most people stare at them in bewilderment or confusion. *picks a painting up gently and hands it to you* This one elicits the strongest reactions from people, I find. Are you an art connoisseur?
Bernard: *Picking up the canvas, giving it a thoughtful turn, then back, admiring it* Oui, Monsieur, in fact I live to scour the streets of Paris looking for artwork. Mon dieu, if it wasn't for art and appreciation of beauty, nous irions tout aliénés. [We would all go insane]
Viggo: *Nods very seriously* Je conviens. [I agree] I feel that art is happening around us all the time, and if we simply let it pass us by without a thought, then we might as well be animals. *bends down and pets Thierry* No offence to you, mon ami. *Looks at you thoughtfully as you inspect my painting* So it must be a good life, going about and spotting artwork.
Bernard: I made quite a fortune at it. *grinnning a wide smirk, sniffing with faux haughtiness and a slyly cocked eyebrow* In fact, that's how I've travelled the world, finding treasures that make decrepitly blank walls sing with awe. By Jupiter, few things tickle me more than swiping collections for a pittance and seeing them grace a museum.
Viggo: *Shaking my head, I can't help laughing at the haughty expression you jokingly put on* I can only pray then, Professor Hill, that you do not buy my paintings for a song and attempt to sell them to museums at an eyebrow-raising price. *shrugs* I am after all a poor painter who lives on the goodwill of strangers. To tell you the truth, I draw caricatures in the park for a living, but these paintings are merely a hobby. However, I somehow was inspired to display them today, just to see if they would sell.
Bernard: Hmmm! *Raising my face to the sky and stroking my beard thoughtfully* You know, I recently received offers from a pair of acquaintances. One Monsieur Billy Boyd of La Jarretiere Verte and Monsieur Harry Sinclair of the Club d'lEuropa. Know either of them? They are newfound clients of mine and they indicated some interest in some artwork to grace their halls.
Viggo: *Shakes head regretfully* Alas, I have only arrived in Paris for about two weeks or so. I have met a few kind, interesting souls and many fascinating strangers, but I do not recognise the two distinguished gentlemen you speak of. But you are searching for artwork on their behalf?
Bernard: *scanning your drawings * Indeed I am, Monsieur Mortensen. I do need another pair of eyes to seek out some masterpieces. Tant d'occasions, tellement peu d'heure. [So many opportunities, so little time] You seem to have a great eye being an artiste yourself. Would you care to be employed as my revendeur auxiliaire? [assistant dealer] I would pay royally. *cocking my head towards you inquisitively*
Viggo: *Taken aback, I stare at you, unsure whether you are being serious, but you seem to be very much so* Mon Dieu, really? You are offering me a position? I simply..don't know what to say. *Scratches head, overwhelmed by the flurry of thoughts, but one in particular sticks out in my mind and I realise this is too good an opportunity to miss* Professor Hill, what can I say? I am only too glad to accept your offer. *extends hand to you again*
Bernard: Done, then, mon amie! *shakes hand in response, reaching inside my coat pocket for my card* Here's my address, my fine fellow. You are duly appointed as my denizen des requins d'art [art sharks] by the head shark!
Viggo: *Blinking, I take the card from you and staring at it in disbelief* Merci beaucoup, Professor Hill. It means a lot that you place such trust and faith in me. I promise I will not let you down. *Gestures vaguely towards the card, still in a daze* When would you like me to report for work?
Bernard: Non, mon amie, l'honneur est le mien. [the honor was mine] Start yesterday. *with a devilish wink, and a tug on the tether, pulling Anna Aiis reluctantly along. She had been sniffing Thierry's hindquarters in friendly houndlike welcome* Give me a contact on the morrow, and we'll see what you discover. *tugging* Come along! We have a boulangerie to roustabout..
Viggo: *shaking out a piece of canvas gently from my folder, I arrange the painting beside the ones I have already laid out, and it makes for a bizarre splash of colour over the mat. A baker walks past carrying a basket of bread and slows down, casting a curious eye over my art display and smiles cautiously at me. He goes on his way, and I continue to lay out the precious art pieces, careful not to let them smudge or overlap. Satisfied, I stand up to get a better view, not aware that I am almost standing in the middle of the boulevard*
Bernard: *Walking the avenue with Anna Aiis, I'm distracted by the sweep of human throng, gaily flitting by me. Ladies with parasols twirl in their bright poufy shouldered day dresses, while men suavely attend to their needs, lending a hand or darting a fleeting kiss to them. Posters plastered on nearby walls by the shops along the way bring a collage of bright color to the eye. My sight is riveted by a bicycle poster advertizement, surprizing me how the lady floating above it looks just like La Dame Rouge. I'm oblivious to the clatter of a contraption clamboring down the street.dashing headlong for me. Shouts scatter up from the crowd as it draws nearer, but I'm in another universe altogether, when Anna Aiis starts barking , rousting me out of a daytime drugged fantasy of La Dame Rouge. The bicycle careens only a few meters away and swerves this way and that, the driver trying to avoid me.* "Imbicile!" I yell, I leap out of the way , bumping into a young gentleman in the street with artwork.*
Viggo: *I'm staring at the arrangement of my paintings thoughtfully when I hear shouts, and am jolted forward as someone bumps violently into me, almost causing me to fall onto my art pieces but I manage to regain my balance. Annoyed, I spin around, ready to give the culprit a piece of my mind, but the words die in my mouth as I am faced with a kindly-looking, distinguished elderly gentleman who looks terribly flustered and probably doesn't mean any harm* Monsieur, faites attention. Êtes-vous bien? [Be careful. Are you alright?]
Bernard: Idiot damné! Vous menance! [damned idiot! you menace!] *Screaming at my assailant as he lumbers away and bumps into the curb, falling off * Morceau mécanique de stupide d'ordures! Stupide! [stupid piece of mechanical filth! Stupid!] *brushing myself off, now chasing after Anna Aiis* Pardon me, Monsieur. I was in a daze.
Viggo: *Staring at you with wide eyes, I wonder if you're as kindly as you look. I smile instead and pat you gently on the shoulder* Ah, another Briton, I see. There is no other accent so clipped, sharp and recognised. I can barely speak French anyway so this works out for us. *looks you over quickly for any signs of injury* I hope you are alright, and that was just a scare and you are not hurt.
Bernard: Oui, oui, I am unhurt. *catching Anna Aiis's tether* But I am afraid I may have ruined one of your drawings, mais oui?
Viggo: *My eye falls on your dog, and I smile at her* She's beautiful. I hope she isn't too nervous about my dog, though. *points towards Thierry lazing behind the art display, watching Anna Aiis carefully* And non, you did not ruin my paintings, some of them are messy on purpose. *laughs*
Bernard: Ah, yes, thank you. *starting to unruffle from the onslaught, petting Thierry on the head while Anna Aiis sniffs around in us in tight circles around her new acquaintance. Shifting the leash from right to left, and then thrusting out my now free right hand* Professor Bernard Hill. I'd say you have a few beautiful canvases strewn about on this fine day.
Viggo: *shakes your hand warmly* Viggo Mortensen. Enchante, Professor Hill. I have to admit I am genuinely surprised that you seem to appreciate my paintings, most people stare at them in bewilderment or confusion. *picks a painting up gently and hands it to you* This one elicits the strongest reactions from people, I find. Are you an art connoisseur?
Bernard: *Picking up the canvas, giving it a thoughtful turn, then back, admiring it* Oui, Monsieur, in fact I live to scour the streets of Paris looking for artwork. Mon dieu, if it wasn't for art and appreciation of beauty, nous irions tout aliénés. [We would all go insane]
Viggo: *Nods very seriously* Je conviens. [I agree] I feel that art is happening around us all the time, and if we simply let it pass us by without a thought, then we might as well be animals. *bends down and pets Thierry* No offence to you, mon ami. *Looks at you thoughtfully as you inspect my painting* So it must be a good life, going about and spotting artwork.
Bernard: I made quite a fortune at it. *grinnning a wide smirk, sniffing with faux haughtiness and a slyly cocked eyebrow* In fact, that's how I've travelled the world, finding treasures that make decrepitly blank walls sing with awe. By Jupiter, few things tickle me more than swiping collections for a pittance and seeing them grace a museum.
Viggo: *Shaking my head, I can't help laughing at the haughty expression you jokingly put on* I can only pray then, Professor Hill, that you do not buy my paintings for a song and attempt to sell them to museums at an eyebrow-raising price. *shrugs* I am after all a poor painter who lives on the goodwill of strangers. To tell you the truth, I draw caricatures in the park for a living, but these paintings are merely a hobby. However, I somehow was inspired to display them today, just to see if they would sell.
Bernard: Hmmm! *Raising my face to the sky and stroking my beard thoughtfully* You know, I recently received offers from a pair of acquaintances. One Monsieur Billy Boyd of La Jarretiere Verte and Monsieur Harry Sinclair of the Club d'lEuropa. Know either of them? They are newfound clients of mine and they indicated some interest in some artwork to grace their halls.
Viggo: *Shakes head regretfully* Alas, I have only arrived in Paris for about two weeks or so. I have met a few kind, interesting souls and many fascinating strangers, but I do not recognise the two distinguished gentlemen you speak of. But you are searching for artwork on their behalf?
Bernard: *scanning your drawings * Indeed I am, Monsieur Mortensen. I do need another pair of eyes to seek out some masterpieces. Tant d'occasions, tellement peu d'heure. [So many opportunities, so little time] You seem to have a great eye being an artiste yourself. Would you care to be employed as my revendeur auxiliaire? [assistant dealer] I would pay royally. *cocking my head towards you inquisitively*
Viggo: *Taken aback, I stare at you, unsure whether you are being serious, but you seem to be very much so* Mon Dieu, really? You are offering me a position? I simply..don't know what to say. *Scratches head, overwhelmed by the flurry of thoughts, but one in particular sticks out in my mind and I realise this is too good an opportunity to miss* Professor Hill, what can I say? I am only too glad to accept your offer. *extends hand to you again*
Bernard: Done, then, mon amie! *shakes hand in response, reaching inside my coat pocket for my card* Here's my address, my fine fellow. You are duly appointed as my denizen des requins d'art [art sharks] by the head shark!
Viggo: *Blinking, I take the card from you and staring at it in disbelief* Merci beaucoup, Professor Hill. It means a lot that you place such trust and faith in me. I promise I will not let you down. *Gestures vaguely towards the card, still in a daze* When would you like me to report for work?
Bernard: Non, mon amie, l'honneur est le mien. [the honor was mine] Start yesterday. *with a devilish wink, and a tug on the tether, pulling Anna Aiis reluctantly along. She had been sniffing Thierry's hindquarters in friendly houndlike welcome* Give me a contact on the morrow, and we'll see what you discover. *tugging* Come along! We have a boulangerie to roustabout..