Another of those beginnings
May. 11th, 2008 07:38 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
desperanceOkay, as this is partly your fault for encouraging me, or else it's All Thanks to You, I thought it only fair to share:
I have surprised myself today, by writing the opening opening to I SHAVED HALF-EMPEROR CYRRHENIUS. It's nowhere near ready to write as a story, of course, but this is just setting up the board, bringing pieces into play, all of that stuff. Clearing my throat, perhaps. It's all vulnerable; nothing is safe.
I SHAVED HALF-EMPEROR CYRRHENIUS
Hands? These hands are the steadiest in the demi-monde. Still so. And still the best cared-for, too. A man's habits should last his lifetime, if they're healthful. Whether he's working or not. I still take care of my hands.
They used to reckon I ate stone-dust, granite dust from the palace masons, to hold them so rock-steady when I must. I never did, of course. They said that I could juggle raw egg-yolks and not break them, too. That one's true. I used to do that for the children. Your children, sir, did they ever tell you? Then I'd give them one apiece and invite them to try. When their hands were all eggy, I'd have them rub it into their hair before I washed it. Good habits last a lifetime, and egg-yolk is enriching. I always hope to see my clients boast a full head of hair, even late in life.
A full half-head of hair, sir, yes, saving your presence. Insofar as presence is what it is. Your semi-realisation. But your boys have a fine set of scalps between them, and never a bare patch yet. I don't serve them any more, professionally as you might say, but my training serves them well.
What would it all be for, sir, if not for that? For the children, and the Bisect Imperium?
And no, I don't just mean their hair. You know that. You were the one who made me what I am.
What I was. I am retired now, and this is a conversation. Nothing more.
* * *
Every barber is a spy. That should be better known.
I have surprised myself today, by writing the opening opening to I SHAVED HALF-EMPEROR CYRRHENIUS. It's nowhere near ready to write as a story, of course, but this is just setting up the board, bringing pieces into play, all of that stuff. Clearing my throat, perhaps. It's all vulnerable; nothing is safe.
I SHAVED HALF-EMPEROR CYRRHENIUS
Hands? These hands are the steadiest in the demi-monde. Still so. And still the best cared-for, too. A man's habits should last his lifetime, if they're healthful. Whether he's working or not. I still take care of my hands.
They used to reckon I ate stone-dust, granite dust from the palace masons, to hold them so rock-steady when I must. I never did, of course. They said that I could juggle raw egg-yolks and not break them, too. That one's true. I used to do that for the children. Your children, sir, did they ever tell you? Then I'd give them one apiece and invite them to try. When their hands were all eggy, I'd have them rub it into their hair before I washed it. Good habits last a lifetime, and egg-yolk is enriching. I always hope to see my clients boast a full head of hair, even late in life.
A full half-head of hair, sir, yes, saving your presence. Insofar as presence is what it is. Your semi-realisation. But your boys have a fine set of scalps between them, and never a bare patch yet. I don't serve them any more, professionally as you might say, but my training serves them well.
What would it all be for, sir, if not for that? For the children, and the Bisect Imperium?
And no, I don't just mean their hair. You know that. You were the one who made me what I am.
What I was. I am retired now, and this is a conversation. Nothing more.
* * *
Every barber is a spy. That should be better known.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2008-05-11 07:03 pm (UTC):)
(no subject)
Date: 2008-05-11 07:49 pm (UTC)are you going to serialise the whole thing on here? or is that just a teaser?
(no subject)
Date: 2008-05-11 09:01 pm (UTC)why is it when I'm drunk my brain can only remember the long words I don't know how to spell?
Date: 2008-05-13 11:29 pm (UTC)If you are really interested in engaging with the steampunk market & are not taking this particular idea too seriously as a commercial enterprise, can I reccomend http://www.steampunkmagazine.com/ or publicising it on http://community.livejournal.com/steamfashion/profile.
I think a lot of your stuff is generally in line with the steampunk aesthetic & as long as you don't have a really cracking idea for this story thats going to mke you a star with it, engaging with that community may well dramatically increase your readership.
Theres a lot of cool ideas on there that everyone enjoys that are a lot less well written & structured than you.
Re: why is it when I'm drunk my brain can only remember the long words I don't know how to spell?
Date: 2008-05-14 07:02 am (UTC)*goes to look*
[Ahem. I clicked through to the "Reference to how men can dress" on the
(no subject)
Date: 2008-05-11 08:25 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-05-11 08:58 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-05-12 05:09 am (UTC)