Hven and the Heavens

Abstract

We were now in a spacious room, the walls decorated with several paintings and heavy curtains hanging by the windows and doors. At a large wooden table, sat the two astronomers, Casanova had just mentioned. They were absorbed in animated discussion. The older one on the right was dressed in the finest clothes fashioned out of silk and velvet. An intricately designed medallion hung from a golden chain that he wore around his neck. Curled up at his feet lay a dog yawning from time to time, bored as it was with the conversation going on over its head. In striking contrast to the older astronomer, the younger one on the left wore modest clothes crumpled with constant use. He had a pale look as though suffering from some illness or the other constantly. Nevertheless, his eyes were bright and penetrating, reflecting an exceptionally keen intellect.