Twas’ only when I found myself beside her in the cave that I truly understood the mass of the beast before me. Scales of dark scarlet that glowed like embers, devil horns that twisted from her scalp towards heaven. The air was filled with a vile sulfurous smoke, it stuck to my lungs like tar as I breathed in the wretched scent. I reached for my noble sword, my hands shaking. The beast was terrifying and yet beautiful. She slept before me on her mountain of glittering gold and if you looked at her face behind the teeth and scales she almost looked as if she was smiling in her peaceful slumber. I put my sword back in its scabbard. I sat down beside her and spent my time drawing her, marveling at her glory.

I can go on! I know the role of Lucio by heart! Please! I have been at every rehearsal, I’ve been studying your artistry upon the stage, look! I know I am young but to be on stage is my dream. You need not worry about me and I will be as silent as a mouse behind the curtain. I will hold my tongue and not speak unless spoken to. Please I beg of you let me go on just this once! I won’t make fools of the playing company I swear upon my mothers life! Once Peter is well I shall return to my proper place and make no more fuss of this. Please I beg let me perform with you!