Nervously he waited for the young musician.
When will he show? When will he show?
At last he arrived.
The young man held his violin in his right hand, the other hand containing his bow.
Walking slowly toward the other man he placed his bow in his right hand and extended an arm, "Didier Moreau."
The other shook, "Satordi Duboi."
His hands were soft. Very soft.
Didier meant desired or yearned for, and this man understood why he was named such.
Didier was slightly intimidated by this older man. Even though his age was only two years more he was on edge. Was this man here to test him? Was this man here to show him how poorly his performance was the night before?
All of those presumptions were incorrect.
Satordi gestured for him to sit down. Accepting, but still on edge, Didier sat. Satordi offered pastries, which Didier accepted, including tea.
The room was decorated with a grand harpsichord, paintings, a vast fireplace, and fine china.
Satordi noticed his guest's red lips and powdered skin. The white hair tied back by a black bow, his chin fair and his cheeks lightly painted with rogue. Didier noticed Satordi's stern look, yet his blue eyes were the most calming aspect about him.
Satordi sipped his tea and preceded to speak, "I wish to challenge you."
Didier was confused, "I beg pardon?"
Satordi went on, "I wish to challenge you to play me."
Didier feared this. He feared embarrassment, but he kept his guard, "What piece? Where? When?"
The older man stood, walking over to the harpsichord and handing Didier a sheet of music.
"Now," Satordi gestured the guards to leave, "here, and this piece."
Didier looked at the music, then at his competitor, "A duet?"
"Improvisation," Satordi pulled out his own bow and began to rosin it, "Do not just sit there. Prepare your instrument."
The young man was very hesitant, but preceded with what he was told to do.
Satordi tuned his violin as Didier practiced a quick piece just to get his fingering back on track.
Satordi set a metronome, "We go at this pace. You are allowed to add whatever you wish to the piece, but you must stick to the basics. Understood?"
Didier nodded.
"One…" Satordi whispered, "Two…Three."
And they played.
