"I have no diamonds," said the travelling mercator projection, "but could I perchance summon interest in you to a hatful of rippled rust?"
"That truly is a magnificent headpiece. For how many pennies would you grant it? I've ample fortune to move for the sake of my desires and purposes." crowed her royal highness, the Queen of Innuendo.
"The hat is not for sale. Do you not find the rippled rust of royal calibre?"
"The crown of avarage they lie within would go together nicely with my sapphire dotted paper dress. Are you sure you'd not impart? My wealth knows no bounds."
"It was a gift from my uncle, the Nemesis of the Northlands. If I gave it away most cross he'd be at my visage."
"So show not yourself to him. Or are you close to your uncle, the madman we used to call when one was needed?"
"And mad he was, at me most times. But no, I beg your pardon, the hat won't do. What does the heart of your excellence desire? My wares are full as the season's just begun. Fallen Orchidaceae from the valley of wind and flare?"
"Given to me last winter by the duke whose name I'd not call out. A man of much doubt."
"He affects even you? He does have terrible reknown."
"Such it truly is. And only growing. Do tell, what are these pipes?"
"The last horns of Pazuzela. They alter shape as they play."
"These are them? My minstrel has been known to seek their ilk. What is your asking?"
"At the penalty of your anger could I ask a thing from your person?"
"Tell it, and in telling reveal your colours."
"I'll take the chance and make it so. Your tattoo?"
"This? The pride of my clan? The source of all my bitterness and shame? It is yours. For twenty cycles of the stars I waited for the words. Without the mark now I depart. To you and yours."
"No! Wait!.. and gone.. this tattoo.. it feels bizarre.. it gives me purpose I wish not.. but now it starts.. and I too must depart. And I am gone."