The Descartes Troupe had come to Cerenis.
Word of mouth had spread quickly as soon as the troupe's elaborate caravan rolled into the edges of the prosperous coastal trade down, carried on the wind not unlike the scent of the salty ocean spray that every resident awoke to each morn. In truth, there had been rumors of their coming for several weeks, though nothing confirmed until that very morning when they arrived -- very sudden and exciting, an appropriate entrance for an acting troupe. While the large wagons, festively painted, wheeled through the center of town and onwards to a large rise just out of town that overlooked the sea some of the troupe's actors were already performing, dressed up in
elaborate masked costumes befitting their livelihood. Some played jester, walking on their hands or juggling colored balls for the amusement of onlookers, making a merry scene along their route, whist others strode along with a quiet dignity that seemed befitting of the masquerade they wore. In either case, the troupe's entrance was hard to ignore.
From the reins of the lead-most wagon, the troupe's lead and playwright looked out upon the reaction of the townspeople, giving the occasional gentle wave or smile as they passed. Unlike his trope he was dressed plainly in his usual fashion, the most elaborate part of
his ensemble being the expensive boots and longcoat. His was a face easily forgotten against the backdrop of colorful wagons and costumed performers... and that was how he liked it.
The troupe made their camp on the aforementioned rise and immediately began setting up for their performance while the people of Cerenis chattered and buzzed with anticipation. The performers would be in town for several days doing their trademark show, "The Unfortunate History of Doctor Faust" -- a morality play that was beginning to gain them the first flickers of popularity around Serendipity. The rumor mill already had quite a bit of fodder... but when, no later than noon, it was announced by a costumed member of the troupe -- in the town square, of all places -- that the first night's performance was to be
without charge, suddenly
everyone was talking about it.
It would not be a show to be missed, that was for certain...
