(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

{Continued from here}

Sinric heads down the stairs and out into the gardens, a wrap pulled around his shoulders and his hair still damp. He breathes in the scent of approaching evening as if committing it to memory before turning towards the lake.

He has no idea which way Athelstan might have gone but the lake always seems like a good place to start.

Comments

[thewidewideworld]

"Both." He smiles fondly. "Many of the groups of musicians have eateries that they play at in the evenings. But after that or during the day they gather in the markets or taverns to compete out of friendly rivalry."

[athelstanthescribe]

"That's often the best way. When they're closely matched and the only real prize is the enjoyment of playing."

[thewidewideworld]

"And the coins of any patrons who can spare them. People are often generous with musicians during the festival season."

[athelstanthescribe]

He nods.

"Even those who don't have coins to give might be able to feed them."

[thewidewideworld]

"Or buy them drinks." He agrees. "But more often by the end of the night the playing is for the pleasure of playing. At least until the tavern owners chase us out."

[athelstanthescribe]

"They'd be wanting to get to their beds", he agrees, "when it gets very late."

[thewidewideworld]

"Just so." Sinric smiles, offering Athelstan a cherry before pipping one himself. "Festival time must be had on owners of taverns and market stalls."

[athelstanthescribe]

"But then, perhaps the increase in takings makes up for it."

He accepts the cherry.

[thewidewideworld]

"Only so long and only so late, I suspect. Vengi grandmothers are fierce!"

[athelstanthescribe]

He laughs quietly.

"Grandmothers everywhere are fierce."

[thewidewideworld]

"Very true but in the Vengi Empire, they tend to be very involved in the running of family businesses. Usually with the first and last word in all things."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Have they been so since young women? Or taken over on becoming widows?"

[thewidewideworld]

"Both, I suspect. And a culture of families being ruled by their mothers and grandmothers."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Their men don't mind that?"

[thewidewideworld]

"I don't think their men get much choice about it. Growing up with dominating grandmothers, perhaps they expect that their wives and daughters will grow up to be equally powerful."

[athelstanthescribe]

He nods thoughtfully.

"It would just be the way things are."

[thewidewideworld]

"Just so." Sinric smiles. "Just as Sino noblewomen had the freedom to stay out as late at night as they wished, leaving their husbands to manage alone."

[athelstanthescribe]

"You never told me that. It was safe for them to do so?"

[thewidewideworld]

"In the right places, yes. Certainly within the court and the precincts of the palace - which was the size of a small city. No-one would dare accost them."

[athelstanthescribe]

He nods.

"Lest the emperor's guards came down on them heavily."

[thewidewideworld]

"Not to mention what the women would do themselves. In large groups they are fierce and frightening."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Oh yes. Lord help any man who attacks a woman where her sisters can hear her scream."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric laughs warmly. "Just so." He strolls under the trees, running his hands over the smooth bark of the trees.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan follows, slowly.

"You like this orchard?"

[thewidewideworld]

"Very much." He smiles, looking up at the darkening sky. "I have fond memories of dancing amongst the blossoms here. This is my home, this place."