Fruits & Nuts

Small talk is something I hate. I should be used to it. As it seems to be a necessary weapon in any woman's arsenal. To me it often times represents a colossal waste of time and energy, unless of course there is something to be gained. Often times it normally starts and ends the same way, personal accomplishments followed, usually without pause, foiling any type of factious attempt to break away from the ongoing boisterous stream of accolades concerning their gifted offspring.
Being the magnanimously generous woman that I am, I allow them to dwell comfortably within their fools paradise, instead of pointing out the inherent obvious flaws concerning their bucktoothed dim witted prodigy.
Such would be the case with my most recent client, the Lady Matelda. The thrice companioned Scribe, the rotund blue clad shepherd to the most hideous flock of children I have ever had the misfortune of laying eyes upon. This has been the fifth such event I have catered at her request, marking the introduction of each disturbing eyesore. I am compensated generously for my time, it is for the reason alone that I clear my schedule to accommodate her. I am left to wonder at the end of each event, if any amount of coin is worth listening to her prattle on all the while reclining back upon her handsomely crafted couch and sucking the life out some poor unsuspecting oyster. Seldom have I felt such sympathy for anything dead or alive. I can only conclude she is like most of the High Caste, a tragic victim of excessive inbreeding, the results often time netting them coin than actual brains. The end of the evening brought about a sense of well earned relief. One foot out the door, coin in hand when she beckoned me back, normally conceding words somewhat slurred as put forth the offer to assist me in seeking out a companion. The offer caught me by surprise and truth be told it took all I had not to openly laugh in her face, instead I quietly informed her in no uncertain terms that instead of seeking a man, I was attempting to raise one.
The truth behind my reply was lost upon her, focus instead replaced by arrival of the serving slave and yet another vessel of wine allowing me the opportunity make my rapid departure. I left amused and continue to be when I think about the night, a shame she can't use some of her coins to purchase some common sense or at least seek out a caste more fitting to her true nature, perhaps an entertainer.

Speaking of entertainment, the recent production of the ' The Good Citizen' was orchestrated to perfection. I was uncertain how my assistant, Marina would do in such a social situation as I find her somewhat withdrawn and shy, this was a test of sorts concerning her character, one she passed beautifully. Skillfully balancing both customer service and salesmanship allowing me to enjoy the production. The bakery sales almost doubled compared to the last performance.

I stand in respectful awe of the performers as they successfully lived up to the Caste. I verbally stood in agreement with those in attendance, concerning the actors abilities. On many levels I believe it to be very difficult to appear so earnest while delivering such a stellar performance, at the same time drawing in the spectators causing them to immerse themselves completely into the scripted scene causing them on some level to identify with the characters.
Yet truth be told, aren't we all actors on some level? At time forced to perform upon the unseen stage, dancing to the silent tune in order to gain what we desire yet perhaps won't actually admit to ourselves much less others? I read, that back and find it to sound somewhat disingenuous. I however stand behind it for I think it bodes true especially when it comes to women. It simply is what it is. I will be the first to privately admit that it can be exhausting walking that invisible thin line that separates not only gender but more importantly statues. There will always be those that seem intent upon pushing your buttons, testing the way you react to certain situations, while making no attempt to hide their intent.

The only real reason I annotate such is largely due to the fact that I was recently faced with such public test. The setting for the pop quiz would be the markets, a place I normally enjoy visiting despite the fact it usually signifies work.It is there that I like the crowds, the hustle and bustle, the call of the boisterous merchants as they attempt to draw you into their financial web, along with the blending exotic normally hard to find ingredients.
As much as I enjoy all it has to offer, I seldom go there to simply browse my recent trip was no exception. I pride myself in being organized, working with food, time constantly remains a key factor in order to ensure the best quality, the bulk of items often times purchased in advance, fresh seasonal fruit is the only thing that is put off until last.
I was unaware of the fact that as I placed my order with the merchant, Kadiumn that I had unsuspectingly stepped in front of the self proclaimed storyteller and actor, apparently damaging his ego in the process. Actually I can't even write that with a straight face. I was aware of such, yet am I to penalized for his uncertainty of making a simple decision. I doubt it was his fault, most likely he was simply slow in memorizing his script, rendering him unable to make a speedy decision. The arrival of the Poet and his impressively long dangling chain proved the catalyst in causing me to speak the light sincere believable words of apology once my transaction was completed. Phineahas seemed to buy it, that along with a single piece of fruit. A sale that no doubts allow Kadiumn the luxury to comfortably relax upon the pristine Bazi beaches lavishly enjoying the remainder of his life.
The motives remain uncertain as to why the Poet chose to remind me of the recently issued writ, did he actually think I would attempt to provide shelter for the wanted woman? A choice I might have consider if of course the situation was different, the return increase of sales however prevents me from obstructing, instead I shall stand back allowing the inquest to proceed.
The end of the visit concluding on a better note than it started, credence confirmed with the note I received this morning requesting my company this evening. I find his company, interestingly charming, apparently he feels the same.
I shall seize the opportunity to wear the newly purchased gown, the beautifully matching yellow slippers perfectly suited in walking that fine thin line.