“Depend drunk, we,” Baffu said.
“La, la,” First Wife shook her head, then broke into the language of the poets. “My beloved younger brother, our venerable repository of justice and wisdom is anxious for your company.” She hooked a thumb in the direction of the patio and lapsed back into Market. “Out there, got bottle. Food soon.”
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“Spend night?” First Wife asked.
“Depend drunk, we,” Baffu said.
“La, la,” First Wife shook her head, then broke into the language of the poets. “My beloved younger brother, our venerable repository of justice and wisdom is anxious for your company.” She hooked a thumb in the direction of the patio and lapsed back into Market. “Out there, got bottle. Food soon.”
Once out of the corridor Baffu was able to stand up under the eaves that shielded the porch from the rain. Reeds like insect legs with spear-head leaves at each joint rattled around him and hid him from view as he stripped his wet tunic and kilt off, dried himself, and put the robe on.
He stepped onto the porch and saw old Doctors laying down on his lounge, cup in hand, and beyond him the oversized couch that had been made for Baffu’s visits.
Doctors greeted Baffu in the language of poets. “Younger brother, tower of might and terror of the unrighteous, would you deign to come and greet this worn and weary old man with the affection to which he has become accustomed?”
“Older brother, the delight with which the prospect fills this crass brute cannot be overstated; his meager grasp of the courtly tongue fails utterly his gratitude to be in your august company.” Baffu went to the old man and embraced him and they kissed one another’s cheeks. Since Baffu’s growth everyone seemed small as children to him but Doctors was a small man regardless, barely coming up to Baffu’s waist. Baffu could feel the frailty, the stringy muscles and soft flesh over bones turned cruel by the years, and it gave him a moment’s sadness.
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