21st February; followed after <a href='http://mementomori1792.jcink.net/index. ... wtopic=984' rel='nofollow noopener' target='_blank'>Carnival Morning Joy</a>
The excitement of the second show, fire whirling, people tumbling and audience cheering had brought the show to a marvelous climax and caused Ria to fish another small coin from her pouch for the artists' benefit.
She had clapped enthusiastically, her eyes reflecting the playful flames with as much joy as it seemed to bring the artists bowing under all their Da Capos
By the time the cheering had lessened, the crowd had pushed themselves between Ria, Bessina and Bastien and soon he was lost to her sight behin all the hats and high wigs of people in front of her.
"Hach!" She sighed contently and once more Ria found herself on Bessina's arm. She was glad for her new friend to have agreed to watching the second par of the performance, but she was also right. It was time for them to find the nearby coffee house.
Hot spiced drinks would do them well after standing in the still frigid February air.
"Let's go before others have the same idea!" She said with laughter in her voice and wove herself slightly ahead of Bessina, her wide dress clearing a bath for them both.
The two women led each other it felt to Ria, their steps comfortably alike in length and stride in a way she felt neither the need to hurry or hold back.
Once in a while, Ria would point out other people, they would pass by - masked, and regular dressed alike and smile. "I am proud of my dresses like a mother of her children at first communion" she explained with soft, self-depreciating laughter. "Seeing so many of my creations out here, worn and displayed makes me giddy and happy!" Indeed, her eyes shone with warmth and pride and many a one of her customers would recognise her in return and nod - and some, then hastily glance away at the sight of <a href='index.php?showuser=154' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>@Bessina Forgaria</a> by her side.
Ria shook her head "I do apologize for their rudeness not to include you in their greeting." Her tone was earnest then, and her smile had fled. "The rumors will start flying - but I care little. At first, they will all come to my shop, buy at first, before needling me, what I was doing with you on my arm... It'll bring customers anew, the curious vultures of gossip. And it'll be only jealousy driving them, for I can guarantee the majority of each of their husbands will likely have been a customer at one brothel or another." She shook her head, then turned to Bessina in full, halting her steps. "Bessina - you chose a locale for a hot drink. I know there are many places, and some will likely be rude to you or unfriendly and today of all days I do not want you to be subject to that! Let's be merry and content and forget all the natterers and complainers!"
Throughout it all, Ria never had let go of Bessina's arm, the touch warm on her hand as now, her hazel eyes shone at the woman by her eyes in green intensity and full of compassion and ... well... shame for the people who had dared snub up their noses at the women. Her cheeks were flaming red. From the excertion of their walk, her heated speech - who could tell...
#2
Bessina had enjoyed the show and she had admired the performer. She liked her new friend too, so hurrying to the coffee house made sense in order to make sure they find a free table. Ria was indeed enthusiastic about seeing the dresses she had made on the masked people on Riva degli Schiavoni – and she had all reasons for it. The dresses she was showing were beautiful.
”You have all the reasons to be happy and proud of your artistic talents. I can sew too, but I wish I had an actual talent. Yes, I have always loved singing and dancing. It provided entertainment for the customers of the inn my parents kept. My brothers played the mandolin too.”
She noticed that some people recognized her and glanced away. She was accustomed with this. Ria felt the need to apologize and to explain that the rumours would do her good. Bessina shrugged.
”Of course most husbands had been to a brothel or another, either in the past, or they are still going. I have seen plenty of family men, of all ages… Some need what the wives won’t offer, some want to feel young again when they are ready to be fathers-in –law… and others have their wives far away, at the estates, while they party in the city.”
She looked at Ria, who tried to cheer her up.
”indeed, let’s be merry and content today. As long as I am dressed decently and not like those who are soliciting in the street, I know I am welcome in any place. In the brothel, I am a prostitute. In the street, I am a woman like any other. My profession isn’t written on my forehead as long as I don’t shout it out either… and those who had been in my arms, should know better than to be rude, if they want to come again.”
The truth was only half this way, given that, ultimately, it was a business like any other.
”Better tell me more about yourself.”
<a href='index.php?showuser=200' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-6'>@Koalaroo</a>
”You have all the reasons to be happy and proud of your artistic talents. I can sew too, but I wish I had an actual talent. Yes, I have always loved singing and dancing. It provided entertainment for the customers of the inn my parents kept. My brothers played the mandolin too.”
She noticed that some people recognized her and glanced away. She was accustomed with this. Ria felt the need to apologize and to explain that the rumours would do her good. Bessina shrugged.
”Of course most husbands had been to a brothel or another, either in the past, or they are still going. I have seen plenty of family men, of all ages… Some need what the wives won’t offer, some want to feel young again when they are ready to be fathers-in –law… and others have their wives far away, at the estates, while they party in the city.”
She looked at Ria, who tried to cheer her up.
”indeed, let’s be merry and content today. As long as I am dressed decently and not like those who are soliciting in the street, I know I am welcome in any place. In the brothel, I am a prostitute. In the street, I am a woman like any other. My profession isn’t written on my forehead as long as I don’t shout it out either… and those who had been in my arms, should know better than to be rude, if they want to come again.”
The truth was only half this way, given that, ultimately, it was a business like any other.
”Better tell me more about yourself.”
<a href='index.php?showuser=200' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-6'>@Koalaroo</a>
word count: 362
#3
As Ria continued to walk beside <a href='index.php?showuser=154' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>@Bessina Forgaria</a>, her Columbina was half forgotten as she carried it losely in her free hand, barely bothering to lift it to her face. It allowed her new friend to see her facial features in full, and would show that there was no deceit coming from the seamstress. She genuinely enjoyed the company and conversations.
”You have all the reasons to be happy and proud of your artistic talents. I can sew too, but I wish I had an actual talent. Yes, I have always loved singing and dancing. It provided entertainment for the customers of the inn my parents kept. My brothers played the mandolin too.”
"Oh! Hush - I am sure you HAVE talent. Singing and dancing is a wonderful talent. See, I could not carry a tune in a bucket if my life depended on it. I love music, I love going to Operas, and concertos, and performances, but I can neither play nor sing myself. I would love to hear you sing one day!"
Ria truly hoped they would get a chance to explore and getting to know each other's talents, like friends would, and she found herself looking forward to building this friendshp!
Bessina's words comforted her, after Ria had expressed her concern due to the profession, so many looked down on. "You are quite right, Bessina, and I apologize if I made it more complicated than it needs to be! I was acting a coward!" The seamstress thoughtfully looked around them - then back at Bessina. No - she would try not to repeat this mistake, if she were to have this woman for her friend, then she would not project what she'd expect of society to behave - of what might be - and fear away before it had happened. Bessina was right. Nothing was going to happen!
Confident in Bessina's words, she smiled gratefully at her and then spontaneously pulled the woman into the nearest coffee house she could see. She had never been inside this place herself, but they air around them was filled with the sweet scents of a coffe house - the way one should smell.
"Better tell me more about yourself!" Bessina then asked Ria, and she could only shake her head.
"To be fair, your life is probably a tenfold more exciting than mine, and if I were to talk about what I am most comfortable with, I would bore you to tears - I live and breathe for fabrics, so often I talk nothing else."
She chuckled softly, self-depreciatively. Before she could continue, the two women were approached by a waiter, and Ria smiled at him with warmth, asking for a table for two, please and the menu.
”You have all the reasons to be happy and proud of your artistic talents. I can sew too, but I wish I had an actual talent. Yes, I have always loved singing and dancing. It provided entertainment for the customers of the inn my parents kept. My brothers played the mandolin too.”
"Oh! Hush - I am sure you HAVE talent. Singing and dancing is a wonderful talent. See, I could not carry a tune in a bucket if my life depended on it. I love music, I love going to Operas, and concertos, and performances, but I can neither play nor sing myself. I would love to hear you sing one day!"
Ria truly hoped they would get a chance to explore and getting to know each other's talents, like friends would, and she found herself looking forward to building this friendshp!
Bessina's words comforted her, after Ria had expressed her concern due to the profession, so many looked down on. "You are quite right, Bessina, and I apologize if I made it more complicated than it needs to be! I was acting a coward!" The seamstress thoughtfully looked around them - then back at Bessina. No - she would try not to repeat this mistake, if she were to have this woman for her friend, then she would not project what she'd expect of society to behave - of what might be - and fear away before it had happened. Bessina was right. Nothing was going to happen!
Confident in Bessina's words, she smiled gratefully at her and then spontaneously pulled the woman into the nearest coffee house she could see. She had never been inside this place herself, but they air around them was filled with the sweet scents of a coffe house - the way one should smell.
"Better tell me more about yourself!" Bessina then asked Ria, and she could only shake her head.
"To be fair, your life is probably a tenfold more exciting than mine, and if I were to talk about what I am most comfortable with, I would bore you to tears - I live and breathe for fabrics, so often I talk nothing else."
She chuckled softly, self-depreciatively. Before she could continue, the two women were approached by a waiter, and Ria smiled at him with warmth, asking for a table for two, please and the menu.
word count: 475
#4
Sweet Ria tried to convince her that she had talent, and even expressed an interest in hearing her sing.
"Actually, this is more possible to happen today than any other day. With the Carnival around, do you think the people would do anything else than admire – or pass by me ignoring me?" she laughed, amused by the new idea brought by her new friend's plea. "We have first a hot chocolate, then we'll find around one of those little bands playing Friulan songs, to offer you some from the area around Udine, where I was born," she said. "I bet they wouldn't mind a few more people stopping to listen to them and drop a coin – as I would have no claim on their gains."
Bessina tended to be more optimistic than she should sometimes, and hopefully today wasn't one of these days. She considered herself realistic, and partially she was, just that there were things when she considered things more how they should have been instead. But Ria tried to follow her line of thought now.
"Don't need to apologize. I know you are right too, especially after having seen those reactions. But I am accustomed to them and I don't mind. I sell illusions. And if they want the illusion that they have never met me, so be it."
Right when Ria tried to convince her that her life was way more exciting than one surrounded by fabrics, they entered a coffee house of Ria's choice, got seated by a waiter at a table for two, and they got a menu.
She looked at the menu and asked Ria:
"What would you like? I'd take a hot chocolate and some frittole, as they are traditional for the Carnival time. My mother made very tasty ones, all the siblings were fighting on them," she sighed at the memory. "As for an exciting life, I guess both of us see lots of people and hear lots of stories every day. The difference is that you meet the women you are clothing, and hear all the gossips, while I meet men, and their stories might be different."
<a href='index.php?showuser=200' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-6'>@Koalaroo</a>
"Actually, this is more possible to happen today than any other day. With the Carnival around, do you think the people would do anything else than admire – or pass by me ignoring me?" she laughed, amused by the new idea brought by her new friend's plea. "We have first a hot chocolate, then we'll find around one of those little bands playing Friulan songs, to offer you some from the area around Udine, where I was born," she said. "I bet they wouldn't mind a few more people stopping to listen to them and drop a coin – as I would have no claim on their gains."
Bessina tended to be more optimistic than she should sometimes, and hopefully today wasn't one of these days. She considered herself realistic, and partially she was, just that there were things when she considered things more how they should have been instead. But Ria tried to follow her line of thought now.
"Don't need to apologize. I know you are right too, especially after having seen those reactions. But I am accustomed to them and I don't mind. I sell illusions. And if they want the illusion that they have never met me, so be it."
Right when Ria tried to convince her that her life was way more exciting than one surrounded by fabrics, they entered a coffee house of Ria's choice, got seated by a waiter at a table for two, and they got a menu.
She looked at the menu and asked Ria:
"What would you like? I'd take a hot chocolate and some frittole, as they are traditional for the Carnival time. My mother made very tasty ones, all the siblings were fighting on them," she sighed at the memory. "As for an exciting life, I guess both of us see lots of people and hear lots of stories every day. The difference is that you meet the women you are clothing, and hear all the gossips, while I meet men, and their stories might be different."
<a href='index.php?showuser=200' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-6'>@Koalaroo</a>
word count: 382
#5
Ria grinned, then nodded when Bessina suggested to find a place where there was music and where she could show off her dances.
"It is a deal, friend." The seamstress was looking forward to a full day of joy and bliss and not having to think of her shop, or her Mamas for once. On Carnival, venice was large enough to not run into folks one doesn't want to run into! And small enough to spend time with those one wished to.
Ria relaxed, when Bessina washed her concerns away and followed the younger woman's lead.
She agreed to Bessina's suggestion for the Hot chocolate and frittole and when the waiter stepped over, she ordered both.
Their conversation continued after the man was gone.
"As for an exciting life, I guess both of us see lots of people and hear lots of stories every day. The difference is that you meet the women you are clothing, and hear all the gossips, while I meet men, and their stories might be different."
Bessina had said, and Ria nodded.
"This is true. In the end, often I end up the confidante of the spurned wife, whose husband may have just confided in you. All stories somewhere connect, and in the end, it's between folds of fabric where they are shared and mulled about. In my business, as well as yours."
When their sweets arrived shortly thereafter, Ria wrapped her hands around the mug, warming her fingers on them. Carnival was a chilly season, and she felt it in her fingertips. The hot mug was balsam for her hands and she sighed contently.
"So you are from Udine.. what brings you to Venice?" Ria asked curiously - she was born and raised in Venice and had never travelled beyond. People leaving their roots struck her as odd, but then, she already lived in the best city of the world. How could she blame others for wanting to live, what she considered home and normal?
<a href='index.php?showuser=25' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>@Elena</a>
word count: 352
#6
Ria had a point – they found themselves at the opposite ends of the same stories, with Ria comforting the women whose men got comforted by Bessina. She laughed, admitting it:
"You are saying it so beautifully, that you should have been a poet instead. Not that a needle with the right colour of thread can't make a poem on a fabric too…"
Then, Ria asked her how she had got to Venice. Bessina sighed. That hot chocolate had just arrived, so she took a sip of it, before starting the bitter story:
"What's bringing me to Venice, it's called bad luck. Youthful stupidity and a crazy, star-crossed love," she replied, trying her best to summarize the situation. "I was naïve at sixteen. A charming adventurer persuaded me to run away with him to Venice, promising me then a bright wedding in France. Just that he had the misfortune to get killed in Venice. Or I had this misfortune," she shrugged.
It could be, indeed, summarized in a few phrases. The downward spiral of dishonour that followed didn't need to be described. It was somehow understood this was the last resort for a woman who wanted desperately to survive.
<a href='index.php?showuser=200' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-6'>@Koalaroo</a>
"You are saying it so beautifully, that you should have been a poet instead. Not that a needle with the right colour of thread can't make a poem on a fabric too…"
Then, Ria asked her how she had got to Venice. Bessina sighed. That hot chocolate had just arrived, so she took a sip of it, before starting the bitter story:
"What's bringing me to Venice, it's called bad luck. Youthful stupidity and a crazy, star-crossed love," she replied, trying her best to summarize the situation. "I was naïve at sixteen. A charming adventurer persuaded me to run away with him to Venice, promising me then a bright wedding in France. Just that he had the misfortune to get killed in Venice. Or I had this misfortune," she shrugged.
It could be, indeed, summarized in a few phrases. The downward spiral of dishonour that followed didn't need to be described. It was somehow understood this was the last resort for a woman who wanted desperately to survive.
<a href='index.php?showuser=200' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-6'>@Koalaroo</a>
word count: 222
#7
"Poetry, Bessina, I'll leave to the bards and dreamers." she gently chuckled, shaking her head with amusement. "I barely have time to dream, let alone spin fancy words these days." And it was true, her life had been consumed by work.
Particularly in the week's leading up to Carnivale, she was so thickly steeped into getting gowns and dresses ready she barely had time to think about her Mamas' meddling with Cupido, nor the fateful encounter she had had with Rinaldo d'Este almost a month ago.
When Bessina's story unfolded, Ria's expression darkened with compassion.
"I am unsure on whether to express my sorrow that your husband to be died before he could wed you - the life of a widow does not come without its perks - " a brief, wistful smile softened her darkened hazel eyes "or congratulate you for never having to feel the backside of marriage... She paused and reached across the table, briefly offering Bessina's hand a squeeze, before her fingers wrapped around her own hot, steaming drink.
"It is almost ironic, that both of us are, what we are - and who we are - at the graces of men no longe rin our lives..." Ria mused, then let her smile deepen at the younger woman opposite her. "But I dare say, we are better and stronger for it." She lifted her mug as if to toast with it, though the dish was woefully unsuited to such an action and so she lowered it again, leaving it at a symbolic gesture rather than a full execution.
"You certainly seemed to have come out on top this time, and seem to be at least in some control and freedom of your life, no?" Ria at least hoped, it was for the better for <a href='index.php?showuser=154' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>@Bessina Forgaria</a>now - the woman did not look unhappy to her. Though she knew better than she cared to admit, how easy it was to put on a beaming facade, burying soul rendering pain so deep it lay near forgotten, festering away on the inside - only to be allowed to bubble to the surface when one was alone and unobserved.
Strength on the outside, was all she cared to display and every day she did just that. She kept everything else tightly wound inside, away from the public eye. Most days, she believed her own happy mask and was grateful for it.
"You promised me dances - tell me about them, before you show me, so I don't look a fool when we do dance and I know not what I am looking at." Ria changed the subject then and with her mind focused ahead, her prior dark thoughts were once more banished deep inside within her and she could start believing in her own joy once more.
Particularly in the week's leading up to Carnivale, she was so thickly steeped into getting gowns and dresses ready she barely had time to think about her Mamas' meddling with Cupido, nor the fateful encounter she had had with Rinaldo d'Este almost a month ago.
When Bessina's story unfolded, Ria's expression darkened with compassion.
"I am unsure on whether to express my sorrow that your husband to be died before he could wed you - the life of a widow does not come without its perks - " a brief, wistful smile softened her darkened hazel eyes "or congratulate you for never having to feel the backside of marriage... She paused and reached across the table, briefly offering Bessina's hand a squeeze, before her fingers wrapped around her own hot, steaming drink.
"It is almost ironic, that both of us are, what we are - and who we are - at the graces of men no longe rin our lives..." Ria mused, then let her smile deepen at the younger woman opposite her. "But I dare say, we are better and stronger for it." She lifted her mug as if to toast with it, though the dish was woefully unsuited to such an action and so she lowered it again, leaving it at a symbolic gesture rather than a full execution.
"You certainly seemed to have come out on top this time, and seem to be at least in some control and freedom of your life, no?" Ria at least hoped, it was for the better for <a href='index.php?showuser=154' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>@Bessina Forgaria</a>now - the woman did not look unhappy to her. Though she knew better than she cared to admit, how easy it was to put on a beaming facade, burying soul rendering pain so deep it lay near forgotten, festering away on the inside - only to be allowed to bubble to the surface when one was alone and unobserved.
Strength on the outside, was all she cared to display and every day she did just that. She kept everything else tightly wound inside, away from the public eye. Most days, she believed her own happy mask and was grateful for it.
"You promised me dances - tell me about them, before you show me, so I don't look a fool when we do dance and I know not what I am looking at." Ria changed the subject then and with her mind focused ahead, her prior dark thoughts were once more banished deep inside within her and she could start believing in her own joy once more.
word count: 484
#8
Bessina laughed.
”I can’t do poetry, even if I could be in the category of dreamers. I think dreams keep us alive in a world of work and sadness. They help us keep our joy and get up for a new day.”
She was a dreamer, indeed, but not one with her head in the clouds. She had inherited also some of her father’s practical spirit. Dreaming was a matter of survival too, especially when confronted with the ugliest parts of life. It wasn’t as if one could do anything else than dream for the better… And time for dreaming? This could always be found, during any activity. Thoughts were the only ones other people couldn’t see and censor.
Ria saw things in another perspective, with which Bessina agreed completely. Seeing that Ria had lifted her mug almost for a toast, she did the same, a smile on her lips, looking directly in Ria’s eyes.
”This is sure, we are better and stronger for it,” she confirmed, only to sigh softly at the next words. ”Yes, where I am is better than other possibilities I am aware of,” she admitted. ”I am honestly grateful for this. As for freedom and control… I think they are illusory. All of us are not exactly free to say and to do what we‘d wish, and those who have the money are always in control.”
If she thought well, this applied for all trades in the world, not only for her not being free to reject any customer… It was true, Bessina wasn’t unhappy – except sometimes. Anyone had their moments, and she was more similar to Ria than she believed. However, she was selling illusions and she had got accustomed to appreciate what she had. It was always possible to be worse, this town was full of such examples. It was always possible to be better too – to belong to only one man, for example. And if she didn’t like him as much as to devote her whole life to him, a discrete young lover on the side might be the best idea. But for now, she had only customers. Too many to matter, albeit she was trying her best to make each of them believe he was special. This came with the illusions…
She took another sip of the chocolate and another taste of the pastry, then the discussion switched to songs and dances.
”Come on, I am sure you have seen them at the Carnivals and other festivals!" Bessina protested, with a smile. "We, the ones from the mainland, are here more than those from the Venetian colonies! We have been a part of the Serenissima Reppubblica since the depths of history! It is true that you can’t understand certain words.. but I guess each village has its own expressions too.”
<a href='index.php?showuser=200' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-6'>@Koalaroo</a>
”I can’t do poetry, even if I could be in the category of dreamers. I think dreams keep us alive in a world of work and sadness. They help us keep our joy and get up for a new day.”
She was a dreamer, indeed, but not one with her head in the clouds. She had inherited also some of her father’s practical spirit. Dreaming was a matter of survival too, especially when confronted with the ugliest parts of life. It wasn’t as if one could do anything else than dream for the better… And time for dreaming? This could always be found, during any activity. Thoughts were the only ones other people couldn’t see and censor.
Ria saw things in another perspective, with which Bessina agreed completely. Seeing that Ria had lifted her mug almost for a toast, she did the same, a smile on her lips, looking directly in Ria’s eyes.
”This is sure, we are better and stronger for it,” she confirmed, only to sigh softly at the next words. ”Yes, where I am is better than other possibilities I am aware of,” she admitted. ”I am honestly grateful for this. As for freedom and control… I think they are illusory. All of us are not exactly free to say and to do what we‘d wish, and those who have the money are always in control.”
If she thought well, this applied for all trades in the world, not only for her not being free to reject any customer… It was true, Bessina wasn’t unhappy – except sometimes. Anyone had their moments, and she was more similar to Ria than she believed. However, she was selling illusions and she had got accustomed to appreciate what she had. It was always possible to be worse, this town was full of such examples. It was always possible to be better too – to belong to only one man, for example. And if she didn’t like him as much as to devote her whole life to him, a discrete young lover on the side might be the best idea. But for now, she had only customers. Too many to matter, albeit she was trying her best to make each of them believe he was special. This came with the illusions…
She took another sip of the chocolate and another taste of the pastry, then the discussion switched to songs and dances.
”Come on, I am sure you have seen them at the Carnivals and other festivals!" Bessina protested, with a smile. "We, the ones from the mainland, are here more than those from the Venetian colonies! We have been a part of the Serenissima Reppubblica since the depths of history! It is true that you can’t understand certain words.. but I guess each village has its own expressions too.”
<a href='index.php?showuser=200' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-6'>@Koalaroo</a>
word count: 521
#9
Bessina surely had the right of it. It was Dreams only that had kept Ria sane throughout a decade of a hell of a marriage. Ria was aware, that there were women out there that led even harder lives, and harsher marriages than her was. She was fed, and she was often left to her own devices. And she had the freedom to move around, and work as a seamstress. The dressmaking was where all her dreams flowed into. Yes, she knew exactly what Bessina was saying and her eyes were filled with that understanding.
"You are right, of course... Money always helps." Briefly, Ria's nose crinkled. She was well aware of who truly held the monetary controls of the city - and she was just as aware, that she had now joined that cogwheel of economics herself. 5% of her own, financial autonomy had been traded away. It didn't sound much. But it was enough, to give up a sliver of control, hoping for larger success. She hoped it paid off.
When conversation turned to the more lighthearted topic of songs and dances, Ria relaxed and at Bessina's smile, she laughed, raising both hands in a defeated gesture. "Of course I have seen a few dances here and there. I love music, and I love visiting the theatre and the opera, and concerts. But it is quite different from what you see on the streets, and apart from Carnivale, I rarely get out. My husband did not dance - or rather, never took me for them. And alone, as a widow, I didn't go either. So... while I enjoy seeing and hearing this, I cannot boast much knowledge."
She grinned at Bessina. "Please, do take the lead and show me?"
Her own coffee and sweet were nearly gone, and fully eaten. They would not be able to sit around much longer without ordering more drink and food. By now, Ria was warmed up nicely and was curious what else Bessina might be having in store for them on this fine Carnivale day.
<a href='index.php?showuser=25' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>@Elena</a>
"You are right, of course... Money always helps." Briefly, Ria's nose crinkled. She was well aware of who truly held the monetary controls of the city - and she was just as aware, that she had now joined that cogwheel of economics herself. 5% of her own, financial autonomy had been traded away. It didn't sound much. But it was enough, to give up a sliver of control, hoping for larger success. She hoped it paid off.
When conversation turned to the more lighthearted topic of songs and dances, Ria relaxed and at Bessina's smile, she laughed, raising both hands in a defeated gesture. "Of course I have seen a few dances here and there. I love music, and I love visiting the theatre and the opera, and concerts. But it is quite different from what you see on the streets, and apart from Carnivale, I rarely get out. My husband did not dance - or rather, never took me for them. And alone, as a widow, I didn't go either. So... while I enjoy seeing and hearing this, I cannot boast much knowledge."
She grinned at Bessina. "Please, do take the lead and show me?"
Her own coffee and sweet were nearly gone, and fully eaten. They would not be able to sit around much longer without ordering more drink and food. By now, Ria was warmed up nicely and was curious what else Bessina might be having in store for them on this fine Carnivale day.
<a href='index.php?showuser=25' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>@Elena</a>
word count: 363
#10
Yes, money helped. Money made the world go round. Exactly how the lack of money was keeping her where she was, in the brothel. The French she had a penchant for used to call her fille de joie – it sounded better than putain, the usual word. And the illusions peddler could be considered, indeed, une fille de joie – it was joy what she was selling. Or, rather, its illusion. That she was really happy there or sad, deep in her heart, what did it matter, and for whom? Nobody cared, and nobody wanted a moping woman. So she’d better live up to her nobility title and be happy… at least on the surface.
Songs and dances had a contribution too, exactly how the bittersweet taste of chocolate resembled life itself. As they finished their drink, they were ready to leave, with merry-making in their minds.
”I would wish going once to the opera,” she confessed. ”I had heard a few opera songs in the streets, though, at various festivals. I like it, indeed, and I can’t say I have the opportunity to get out either. But I’m looking forward for us to meet one of the Friulan bands somewhere at a corner.”
Or in the middle of the street, or in the square – where actually the band proved to be. Bessina asked Ria to wait a second and approached those who were playing a stajare, having a few dancers caught in the dance not far from them. A brief, whispered negotiation followed with the band leader, who seemed to enjoy her proposal.
”I’ll sing the next two songs,” she told Ria when she briefly returned. ”Special dedication, only for you,” she winked, when in reality the whole area was going to listen to her.
Then she started singing, at the first accords of the new song, thinking about the inn which had been her home. There was a song about <a href='https://youtu.be/ZXmQ4155ymM' rel='nofollow noopener' target='_blank'>the most handsome of Udine</a>, a young man thinking there was none like him, among the noblemen, despite he being a simple shipwright, and he was looking for a marquis’ daughter… In Carnival songs, everything was possible! From time to time, she was looking at Ria, who was there, enjoying the sounds.
The next song was titled <a href='https://youtu.be/1LAq0kSXj9s' rel='nofollow noopener' target='_blank'>I want to get married</a> – which girl didn’t dream of marriage, since having seen a wedding for the first time? Yes, she was aware this avenue was closed for her, by her own doing or by the twists of fate. So what? She was free to sing and move in the rhythm, and the passers-by seemed to enjoy her performance. The band she chose to accompany her too, since coins were gathering and she had stated from the beginning that she had no claim on them. She might have a claim on the town near which she was born, and on life in general, instead…
It was up to her to make life pretty - for herself and for her new friend alike. Because Ria was clearly becoming a friend.
<div align="center"> - THE END - </div>
Songs and dances had a contribution too, exactly how the bittersweet taste of chocolate resembled life itself. As they finished their drink, they were ready to leave, with merry-making in their minds.
”I would wish going once to the opera,” she confessed. ”I had heard a few opera songs in the streets, though, at various festivals. I like it, indeed, and I can’t say I have the opportunity to get out either. But I’m looking forward for us to meet one of the Friulan bands somewhere at a corner.”
Or in the middle of the street, or in the square – where actually the band proved to be. Bessina asked Ria to wait a second and approached those who were playing a stajare, having a few dancers caught in the dance not far from them. A brief, whispered negotiation followed with the band leader, who seemed to enjoy her proposal.
”I’ll sing the next two songs,” she told Ria when she briefly returned. ”Special dedication, only for you,” she winked, when in reality the whole area was going to listen to her.
Then she started singing, at the first accords of the new song, thinking about the inn which had been her home. There was a song about <a href='https://youtu.be/ZXmQ4155ymM' rel='nofollow noopener' target='_blank'>the most handsome of Udine</a>, a young man thinking there was none like him, among the noblemen, despite he being a simple shipwright, and he was looking for a marquis’ daughter… In Carnival songs, everything was possible! From time to time, she was looking at Ria, who was there, enjoying the sounds.
The next song was titled <a href='https://youtu.be/1LAq0kSXj9s' rel='nofollow noopener' target='_blank'>I want to get married</a> – which girl didn’t dream of marriage, since having seen a wedding for the first time? Yes, she was aware this avenue was closed for her, by her own doing or by the twists of fate. So what? She was free to sing and move in the rhythm, and the passers-by seemed to enjoy her performance. The band she chose to accompany her too, since coins were gathering and she had stated from the beginning that she had no claim on them. She might have a claim on the town near which she was born, and on life in general, instead…
It was up to her to make life pretty - for herself and for her new friend alike. Because Ria was clearly becoming a friend.
<div align="center"> - THE END - </div>
word count: 543
