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There's a beautiful blonde young woman unconscious in a chair by the fireplace. Her... dress is marvellous today.

Just thought you should know.

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"Ah. So you clearly do know of him, at least. His name's Detritus, by the way. He's been here a few times." And now Barry knows, if nothing else, that Eska - wouldn't have heard of this young diva. Not unless her career started exceedngly early.

"How long have you been in the opera?"

"Oh, a year at least!" she says. "I was given my first lead role within a day of joining the chorus! Wasn't that fantastic?!"

"You must be very good, then." Or must have managed to turn a few heads, to say the least. She is very, very pretty, in a strangely California Blonde kind of way.

"I'm told so!" she says modestly, but sincerely, tossing her hair back lightly. "Our musical director says I have Star Quality!!"

"I didn't know Ankh-Morpork was...advanced enough for such a concept." Or as much like Hollywood, at any rate.

"So you get to play all the starring roles now?"

"Not all of them, silly!" she giggles, batting at the air with her hand. "There's lots of starring roles in an Opera! For lots of different voices! I just sing soprano!"

"Oh, of course. Silly me. Been a long time since I saw an opera."

She has a certain charm, but it's like something learned.

"Did you take many lessons in singing?"

It's not learned. Or even affected. She really is this shallow.

"Oh yes! I spent three years at the Quirm Conservatory, and I have training all day at the Opera House! It's very hard work!" and she nods, seriously.*

*Well, seriously for her, which generally involves wide eyes, a tiny round mouth and a minimising of squeak

She's determined, that's for sure. Whether she's anything else, he can't tell.

But he doesn't want to talk to her like she's 12. Does he?"

"Quirm? I'm afraid I don't know that city. How far is that from Ankh?"

She'd be surprised he didn't know Quirm, except for the fact that she's dreaming him.

"Oh, miles!" she says. "At least two days journey by stage!"

"And is it as big as Ankh?" No, he doesn't expect to get useful answers, but the one thing that Eska doesn't seem to excel in was Discography. (Assuming that's the word.) It was interesting to meet someone from somewhere else.

How much has he asked her?

"Oh no!" Christine declares. "It's much smaller! Ankh Mopork has a million people, you know!" she adds impressively.

"Yes, I know.

"And Quirm? What's it like?" He feels like a teacher for some reason. But she doesn't seem to mind.

"Oh, it;s an adorable quaint little town!" she enthuses. "It is clean and pretty and has a Floral Clock, you know!"

"Sounds nice. Haven't seen a floral clock in ages.

"Well, it has been nice talking to you. I hope that the rest of your dream is pleasant and that you wake up in time for the performance." And with that, Barry starts to go.

What a strange woman, he thinks. She'll fit right in here.

Christine rises gracefully from her chair. It's amazing, really, how good her dress looks consdiering she's slep in it all night.

"Thank you very much for my water, Barry!" she says, smiling brightly. "I had better wake up now!"

And she almost skips off to the front door.

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