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[a_lowly_player]

What with the play and everything going on, Will Shakespeare had barely had time to write. Which, mind you, was a good thing as he was having more and more difficulty writing as he tried to progress with the play. It was difficult to decide what was important and what was not, who should be included and who shouldn't and it all turned into a great

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[herfinalsong]

The daily walks had become something for Satine to look forward to. She liked the feeling of the sun, warm and rich on her face. It was a strong, stark contrast to the interior of the Moulin Rouge and while there was still a yawning ache in her chest where Christian's presence had been, she was trying to get past that.

The sight of a man jumping into the air helped distract her greatly.

"Oh!" Satine gasped, lifting a hand to her mouth. Her surprise was complete, eyes widening.

[a_lowly_player]

"Good day, my lady," Will said exuberantly, grinning from ear to ear while he bounced.

"I apologise if I have startled you," he added, but couldn't seem to figure out how to slow down to talk with her at a more measured pace.

[herfinalsong]

Satine's surprise gave way to a giggle, and she laughed with her hand against her mouth. He did look rather funny that way, bouncing up and down so.

"It is all right," she said reassuringly. "I have never seen a man fly this way, not without the assistance of other men or the stage."

[a_lowly_player]

"It is really quite fantastic," he said. Plop! Shakespeare fell down and started bouncing much slower in a sitting position. The world spun a little less this way.

"You're welcome to try if you like."

[herfinalsong]

A few weeks ago, Satine would have been appalled at the suggestion. But it did look like fun.

"You don't mind?" she asked, tempted as she stepped out of her shoes.

[a_lowly_player]

"Not in the slightest," Will said, climbing down to help her up. "It would be my pleasure to...bounce with a fine lady such as yourself."

[herfinalsong]

Satine took the offered hand, not hesitating to linger over doing so. "You're quite the gentleman," she said with a charming smile. "I think the pleasure will be mine."

Now this surface was unsteady..very much so.

[a_lowly_player]

Will arched a brow but said nothing to her lingering hand and charming smile. Instead he just smiled back and bowed his head. "It is nothing," he said, climbing up after her. His legs were at least a little more used to the surface so that he did not fall down as he had done so many other times previous.

"Now, it's really quite simple. All you have to do is jump," he said cheerfully.

[herfinalsong]

Just jump? Well, that sounded all right. Satine bit her lip on a grin, then allowed her feet to move slightly. Gathering her legs beneath her, she jumped once, and then again more freely.

"Oh!" she cried, laughing for sheer joy of it. Her eyes were sparkling, and while she was unsteady on her feet she didn't mind it.

[a_lowly_player]

God's teeth she was beautiful. One of the most fascinating creatures he'd ever seen. He grinned, corners of his eyes crinkling.

"Does my lady have a name?" he asked, unable to keep his curiosity from getting the better of him.

[herfinalsong]

"One I'll happily give you in exchange for your own," Satine said, her eyes brightening. "Does that sound like a respectable trade to you?"

This was fun. Oh, it was.

[a_lowly_player]

Will's brow arched again and he couldn't keep his features from settling into a smirk. "Verilly, my lady. I am known as William Shakespeare, poet and playwright from Stratford, England 1602. But, simply Will shall do to call me by."

[herfinalsong]

William Shakespeare? Satine's astonishment and fascination were complete, and she didn't mind showing so in her eyes. Of course she wasn't one to go to pieces and swoon, but her smile did brighten.

"I'm afraid I haven't as fine a name to offer in return. The only one I can give is the only one I've ever known, and that name is Satine."