[The first voice is loud in a way that speaks of arrogance, and they sound—agitated, the sort of tired irritation of someone pushed to the edge.
"Glory fades in the blink of an eye. I'm merely a penniless scholar, now, so I'll bid you goodbye."
The second voice is calmer, gentler.
"Please, wait, M— Genius of the ages... you're known for never showing your face, so what brings you here tonight?"
An irritated sigh.
"I'm looking for a patron. You see, the rich aren't holding onto their wealth as good as they used to. Probably because of that approaching war."
"I don't believe it. The Western royals would shower you in wealth, for all of your talents."
The first man continues on, as if he wants this conversation as quickly as possible.
"No, they really have gotten quite stingy. Maybe because of the throne changing hands—but, say. Do you know the lady of Sapphire Castle?"
There's a confused, curious murmur.
"Yes, the lord of the Sapphire Castle is said to be even richer than the royal family, now, so I'm here to meet with the family's daughter. I've heard she's quite a talented musician, and I'm certain that sheltered girl will take quite the liking with me."
He launches into a speech, as the second man quietly hm's and adds input at the right places, about how nothing is as beautiful and thrilling as the moon, which remains ever out of reach, making it the subject of so much art. Artists all love beautiful and thrilling things, but with the most beautiful and thrilling thing something nobody can grasp, they must settle for what they can reach. Someone beautiful and thrilling like him, a man so desperate for funding...
"I will get on my knees before the sheltered princess and kiss her feet if that's what it takes."
There's a laugh in the second man's voice, now, barely contained.
"I understand, but it seems like even a man like you can make mistakes.
"You must have been so absorbed in your own research you failed to notice what was happening in the world around you. The only child of the Sapphire Castle's family is not a daughter, but a son. His name is Rustica—"
The conversation between scholar and noble fades, with the faint sound of a harpsichord being played.]
no subject
"Glory fades in the blink of an eye. I'm merely a penniless scholar, now, so I'll bid you goodbye."
The second voice is calmer, gentler.
"Please, wait, M— Genius of the ages... you're known for never showing your face, so what brings you here tonight?"
An irritated sigh.
"I'm looking for a patron. You see, the rich aren't holding onto their wealth as good as they used to. Probably because of that approaching war."
"I don't believe it. The Western royals would shower you in wealth, for all of your talents."
The first man continues on, as if he wants this conversation as quickly as possible.
"No, they really have gotten quite stingy. Maybe because of the throne changing hands—but, say. Do you know the lady of Sapphire Castle?"
There's a confused, curious murmur.
"Yes, the lord of the Sapphire Castle is said to be even richer than the royal family, now, so I'm here to meet with the family's daughter. I've heard she's quite a talented musician, and I'm certain that sheltered girl will take quite the liking with me."
He launches into a speech, as the second man quietly hm's and adds input at the right places, about how nothing is as beautiful and thrilling as the moon, which remains ever out of reach, making it the subject of so much art. Artists all love beautiful and thrilling things, but with the most beautiful and thrilling thing something nobody can grasp, they must settle for what they can reach. Someone beautiful and thrilling like him, a man so desperate for funding...
"I will get on my knees before the sheltered princess and kiss her feet if that's what it takes."
There's a laugh in the second man's voice, now, barely contained.
"I understand, but it seems like even a man like you can make mistakes.
"You must have been so absorbed in your own research you failed to notice what was happening in the world around you. The only child of the Sapphire Castle's family is not a daughter, but a son. His name is Rustica—"
The conversation between scholar and noble fades, with the faint sound of a harpsichord being played.]