For giogio: "Trickyfish. Periklean Athens and at least some of the boys are performer slaves hired out to the Athenian nobility nightly."

"All right," Joshua said. "You're ready. Or at least as ready as we can make you." He adjusted a fold of Justin's clothing, to make it fall more aesthetically, and nodded. "Are you nervous?"

"Yes," Justin said, and bit his lip. "I don't know what I'll do. I don't know if I can -- What if I forget what I'm doing?"

"You won't," Joshua said. "You're well enough trained, and none can doubt your talent. He'll want for you to sing for a while, to entertain the guests at his table. Be quiet and unobtrusive. Just loud enough to be heard, not so loud as to be the center of attention. Follow his cues; if he should desire for others to notice you, he'll call attention to you, and if not, you shall simply be background. Do not worry, either way. I've had clients who wanted both."

"Yes." Justin nodded, and then squared his shoulders. "And if he should want -- something other than the music?"

Joshua smiled. "Then give it to him. He has, after all, purchased your contract for the evening. It will be well, though. He has an excellent reputation."

"I'm nervous," Justin said, and turned his head to bury his face against Joshua's arm.

"You'll do fine," Joshua said, and stroked Justin's curls. "You'll make us proud."

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