A Fool's Tale

Chapter 14 - A Fool is Born

Talia propelled me to a stool in front of the tall mirror. "Just sit there and try to think about your stage name. Leave the rest to us."

I sat, as a whirlwind of activity swirled around me. Sabrina took my measurements while barking commands, 'stand up, sit down, arms up, arms out,' and so on. She kept running back and forth from a side room, pins bristling between her lips. I believe she was keeping the jester costume out of sight on purpose, despite the fact it made her task more difficult. I frowned. Likely, she was following Talia's orders.

Meanwhile, Phoebe pulled out a giant pallet of makeup and began applying it to my face. "Don't worry Gael, this won't hurt a bit."

I bit my tongue before blurting, 'what about my pride?' and avoided looking at my reflection in the mirror.

Talia stood nearby with one hand on her chin, evaluating their efforts, and adding the occasional recommendation. When things seemed to be progressing to her satisfaction, she began her own task; teaching me.

"If there's a large banquet, and you're performing, what do you think is your most important job?" Talia asked.

"Uh, to entertain the guests," I ventured.

"Close, but not quite right. Your primary concern is to entertain my parents, King Roland and Queen Vivien. If they're happy, it doesn't matter one fig what anyone else thinks. Trust me on this. I've seen very funny entertainers offend my parents during their act. The nobility may have been amused, but the king and queen were not. Those performers are no longer welcome at Castle Brimstone."

I nodded. "Okay, got it."

"To that end, here are some rules to follow. Number one, do not make fun of the king and queen. Number two, do not belittle the princes."

"Sorry, who are the princes?"

"They're my idiot, elder brothers."

Phoebe and Sabrina tittered.

"You'll recognize them by their dull, vacant expressions and their crass behavior. If that doesn't give them away, they'll usually be sitting beside the king and queen. My parents are well aware that the princes aren't the sharpest swords in the armory, and you would do well not to remind them of this fact."

"Number three, do make fun of pretty much anyone else, particularly if you have observed them irritating the king and queen. The best jesters I've ever seen were quick witted. It's easy to find a good tumbler." Talia winked. "Just remember to take it easy on the princess."

"I don't know Talia. I've barely spent time any time around other people in my life. My tongue isn't that quick."

"Yeah, I figure comedy will be the hardest part for you, but don't forget, you can also act like a fool. If someone gets the best of you with their wordplay, all you have to do is giggle and tweak their nose, or...I hate to say this, blast a giant fart."

"What?!"

"Trust me, if you can pull that off, every person in the place will laugh until their sides burst." She grimaced. "Especially my brothers."

"Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of talent." I laughed.

Phoebe stepped away from me. "Done. What do you think?"

I looked in the mirror. My face had been painted white and there were black diamond shapes around the eyes. My mouth had exaggerated red smile lines, and there were purple dots on my cheeks. I smiled and the face in the mirror gave a wicked grin. It was unbelievable. I actually looked like a real jester.

"I love it." Seeing that unfamiliar face gave me a feeling of freedom, like I could act like an entirely different person.

"Your outfit is ready as well," Sabrina announced. She held up a tunic and tights that were decorated with patches of purple and green squares.