Enter in awe, Musicant Theatre House! (3 part log)

[Roykagh]

********

Dear reader:

The following words are recorded accounts of production meetings and rehearsals between the staff members of the Musicant Theatre House. All of these listed events take place shortly after a fire-elemental named Celeistae and a Halfling named Flesico Majesco met and made arrangements to produce, direct, and star in an Aabahran wide opera. For reasons mysterious, the opera was never publicly performed, and few meetings were recorded.

With the Musicant Theatre House currently in dissolve, I, the production Maestro, can share with you what I have seen.

Hugs and Kisses,

Maestro Mathers

=Chapter 1 - Enter, Musicant Theatre House=

A Small House in the Southern Tylith Disctrict

You stand in a modest house in the Tylith District.

It is decently furnished and cozy. While small, the people

who live here seem to have some money.

[Exits: east]

Celeistae the Master of Notes is here.

Flesico hovers near the doorway. 'Hello?'

Celeistae seats herself at the couch, crossing her legs. She removes her boots, revealing two stocking'd feet.

Celeistae says 'Oh, do sit down.'

'Cozy!' Flesico remarks, closing the door behind him.

You close the door east of you.

Flesico plants himself in a chair across from the sofa and folds his hands over his lap.

Flesico flings one leg over the other, posing rather effeminately. 'Here I am.'

With a smile, Celeistae whips out a parchment, and hands it to you. 'Here is the outline for the opera,' she explains with a nod.

Flesico takes the parchment between his index and middle fingers. 'Mh!'

Flesico nasales, 'That was quick. Let's see here...'

Flattening the parchment against his palm, Flesico stares down through his monocle at the script.

Celeistae leans to the side, picking up her pointed hat. She gives it a spin on her finger before planting it on her head.

Flesico frowns powerfully. 'Oh MY!'

Flesico nasales, 'How exciting! How epic!'

Flesico turns his attention back to Celeistae. 'Very well done.'

Both of Celeistae's eyebrows pique, along with the corners of her mouth. 'Thank you, deer,' she replies. The heat in the house suddenly raises a notch.

A small meow is heard from Celeistae's backback on the floor.

Flesico fans himself with his free hand, the parchment nested in the other. 'The anticipation is just killing me...'

The *meow* eludes Flesico's attention.

Celeistae gives a trillingly melodic laugh, and tosses her hair. At that moment, the head of a white kitten peaks out of the backpack.

Celeistae says 'Oh dear, I suppose she couldn't wait.'

Flesico narrows his eyes on the sudden appearance of white feline fur.

Flesico nasales, asking 'Goodness?'

Leaving the comfort of her sofa, Celeistae scoops up the kitten, stroking at her head. Purring ensues, on... both of their parts.

Celeistae says 'Her name is Miss Demeanour.'

Flesico's mouth curls into an enormous smile. 'How very charming!'

Unable to help himself, Flesico stands and nears Miss Demeanour timidly.

Flesico coos, 'Lookit! Aww!'

Flesico waves his fingertips to the kitty. 'Hello! Helluu!'

The kitten in Celeistae's hands stretches her neck, sniffing at your fingers.

Flesico recoils, snickering like a little child, hands near his chin.

Flesico nasales, 'Adorible!'

Celeistae says 'Now unfortunately, I don't have the space to keep such a pet.'

Flesico puffs out a weighty sigh. 'Aww! Pity, that.'

Celeistae says 'Would you like to be her new father, Headmaster?'

Flesico nasales, 'Gracious would I!'

Celeistae playfully blows at Miss Demeanour's fur, and gives her a small kiss on the head. 'Say hello to your new father now,' she coos, taking up a paw and waving it.

Flesico meeps at the sight. 'How very lovely. I feel so bubbly!'

Almost hinting at sadness, Celeistae holds out the kitten to you. Miss Demeanour is hardly the size of her two palms.

Flesico, however, is a bit smaller, and the kitten nests cutely into the crook of his elbow.

Flesico looks down into the cat's big green eyes. 'Eyes like mine... Oh joy!'

After admiring the cat for a short while, Flesico looks up at Celeistae. 'Thank you, thank you, and again thank you!'

Celeistae gives a trillingly melodic laugh, fanning at her face with a hand. A tear evaporates before it rolls down her cheek. 'You're very welcome deer. I know she'll be in good hands,' she replies.

Flesico's smile fades into something a little more stern. 'I will make sure you get to see Miss Demeanour often. All right?'

Perking up, Celeistae says, 'Of course. I'm just having a few allergies, I think.' She continues to fan her face.

Miss Demeanour scrambles on to Flesico's shoulder, where she perches.

Flesico locks his hands behind his back and smiles affectionately.

Flesico nasales, 'You are past due for a promotion or two, Celeistae.'

Flesico elevates his index finger. 'You will have a head start!'

Celeistae says 'Well, I ought to get things done. Musicant Theatre isn't going to erect itself.'

Flesico nasales, 'Quite so. And with a copy of the outline, things should fall together smoothly!'

Flesico nasales, '...Assuming you're speaking of the opera.'

Placing two fingers in her mouth, Celeistae gives a shrill whistle. The front door of the house opens, and an avian messenger comes barreling in. 'You called?' he asks.

Flesico side-steps to edge of the chair, eyeing the messenger.

Miss Demeanour *mrows* softly, pawing Flesico's shoulder.

'Yes, actually. Scribe all this, and I want it sent to Mathers, Waite, Crowley, and Blavatski.' Celeistae says, turning expectantly at the messenger. He gives a nod, and whips out a quill and parchment.

Celeistae suddenly speaks in a quick manner, business-like, and unbelievably curt. 'Firstly, weoughttotelltheMaestroI'mcomposingascore. IwantCrowleytostartsketchingthecostumes, andBlavatskishouldnotifyherballerinastudentsoftheu pcomingproduction. Also, Waiteshouldgatherateamtobuildtheset.'

Celeistae partially turns to the messenger, who only blinks. 'Got all that deer?' she asks.

Flesico's monocle falls and dangles by its golden chain. Likewise, Flesico's jaw goes lax. 'Huh!'

'TelltheMaestroI'mcomposingascore. IwantCrowleytostartsketchingthecostumes, andBlavatskishouldnotifyherballerinastudentsoftheu pcomingproduction. Waitshouldgatherateamtobuildtheset,' the messenger repeats verbatim Celeistae's instructions.

'Absolutely smashing deer,' Celeistae remarks. She gestures 'okay' with her hand, and gives an animated wink. The messenger quickly writes it all down.

'Mwah, mwah,' Celeistae gives a chaste peck on each of the messengers cheeks before he leaves, flying off in a flurry.

Flesico polishes his monocle between his thumb and index finger.

Flesico nasales, asking 'Isn't being a producer marvelous?'

Celeistae returns to your side, placing a hand on your shoulder. Her other arm stretches out languidly as she announces: 'This is the beginning of the Musicant Theatre House!'

Miss Demeanour mews in response.

Flesico stares out along the length of Celeistae's outstretched arm. 'I see it. I see it! Hah! Not far off in the future!'

Flesico's eyes dance with thoughts of grandeur. 'The Musicant Theatre House. Smashing!'

Celeistae snaps her fingers, igniting a few sparks for a moment. 'Yes, and as our first production, we will have a full orchestra, dancers, a set... my oh my, it will be wonderful...' she says, letting her voice hang in the air. She inhales deeply, and then let's out a long exhale, steam escaping her mouth.

Celeistae looks at you.

Flesico, tugging at his bowtie, flares a grin and steps away from Celeistae long enough to spin on his heel.

Flesico nasales, 'I can hear it now. The thunder. The laughter. The applause!'

Celeistae places both of her hands together and lays her head on them, eyes closed in mockery as she says, 'The crying and tears...' she says. She gives a wicked little smile and laughs in melodious laugh.

'Oh, certainly', Flesico agrees, placing a hand on his forehead and tilting a little.

Flesico nasales, 'Speeeeaking of which, I have a story that you may enjoy.'

Celeistae makes her way across, her feet soundless in her black stockings. She settles in her sofa, simply replying with: 'Oh?'

Flesico leans against the back of the chair. 'I wrote by request of a certain Nexus.'

Flesico nasales, asking 'Shall I tell it?'

'Go right ahead, deer,' Celeistae says as she runs a hand through her hair.

[Tells a story of a Helpful Ogre named Blunk]

Celeistae gives a loud laugh, melodious, though it seems a bit hard.

Flesico takes a quick bow.

Celeistae says 'I love it!'

Miss Demeanour squints her eyes, nearly putting a hole in Flesico's vest with her tensed claws.

Flesico nasales, 'Oh my. Rather fast-paced.'

Flesico nasales, 'Blunk's saga shall continue, though, and with better editions than the first!'

Celeistae claps her hands together once. 'I won't be able to wait for it,' she says, a sincere smile on her face.

Flesico fans his mustache, beaming. 'Hm hm! Well.'

Flesico nasales, 'I think this was a successful business meeting!'

Miss Demeanour treads tiny circles on Flesico's shoulder.

Celeistae gives a nod. 'Of course. I always have success,' she says in a matter-of-fact-like tone.

Flesico 'hah's loudly. 'Soon, you will have something -beyond- success!'

Flesico approaches the door. 'So then.'

Yet another laugh begets Celeistae, the heat climbing in the house. She reaches for her fan, slapping it in her hand. 'Farewell for now, Headmaster,' she says, approaching him at the door and planting two chaste pecks on each of his cheeks.

Flesico hums contently while Miss Demeanour just purrs. 'It was a pleasure, Celestial Celeistae!'

You open the door east of you.

Flesico nasales, 'Toodles!'

********

[Roykagh]

********

=Chapter 2 - Scores and Scores=

A Small House in the Southern Tylith Disctrict

You stand in a modest house in the Tylith District.

It is decently furnished and cozy. While small, the people

who live here seem to have some money.

Celeistae the Master Poet is here.

Flesico circles the room, humming. 'Du-du-dahh!'

Celeistae looks over her shoulder, apparently she has just now walked in. 'Oh, how quick you are!' she exclaims with surprise.

Flesico halts right in front of Celeistae. 'Aren't I though?'

Miss Demeanour *meows* and paws Flesico's shoulder where she's pearched.

Celeistae gives a chaste peck on each of your cheeks, and strokes Miss Demeanour's chin.

Flesico rambles, unphased by the kisses. 'Oh dear. The script is fantastic! I feel so a part of Morsidion, it is almost unthinkable.'

'Come, come,' Celeistae says, leading you to the parlor. She slips out of her boots, her feet covered by a pair of black stockings.

Flesico follows, one hand against his hip while the other fiddles with his mustache.

Miss Demeanour leaps from Flesico's shoulder and prances about the house silently.

Celeistae seats herself on her sofa, bringing one leg over the other. As a result, her calf muscle is flexed in the process.

Flesico places himself in a familiar seat, his hands cradling the back of his head. 'What is on your mind?'

A trillingly melodic laugh escapes Celeistae's body as she responds, 'Well, I'd like to see your portion of the score, for one.'

One of Flesico's eyebrows elevates. 'Would you now. And I would like to see -yours-.'

Flesico nasales, 'Actually, I am far more anxious about rehearsal.'

Flesico curls a lock of hair repeatedly around his ring finger.

Celeistae looks at herself.

Celeistae reaches inside her vest and pulls out a ruffled sheaf of papers, leaning forward to hand them to you.

Celeistae says 'I keep them next to my heart.'

Celeistae flashes you a witty little smile.

Flesico takes the 'parcel' carefully and observes it through his lens.

'These are notes?' Flesico guesses.

'You don't read music?' Celeistae says with genuine surprise.

Flesico inches forward his lower lip. 'Aww. I do, actually.'

'And your score?' Celeistae cocks her head to the side.

Flesico turns to look briefly Miss Demeanour, who sits on her haunches near the center of the room. 'Here, little one.'

Miss Demeanour scurries up to Flesico and sits on his armrest. Around her neck is a golden collar and a rolled bundle of paper.

Flesico takes the scroll from Miss Demeanour's neck and unrolls it. He hands it slowly to Celeistae.

Taking up both sets of scores in one deft movement, Celeistae quickly looks them over. Her fingers unconsciously tap out the music as she reads.

Flesico nasales, 'You will find the theme is a hint... Nec-romantic.'

Flesico piffs out a little giggle. 'And somewhat foreboding.'

'Mm... I so love romance, deer,' Celeistae smiles, folding her copy, and rolling yours. She places two fingers in her mouth while standing, and gives a shrill whistle.

Flesico, in the meantime, gives Miss Demeanour one long stroke after the other.

An avian messenger barrels through Celeistae's front door and stands erect at attention.

'Mwah, mwah,' Celeistae gives a chaste peck on each of the messenger's cheeks, leaving the score with him. 'Please give those to the Maestro, and have him contact me when he's got all the copies scribed.'

'Will do, Miss Celeistae!' replies the messenger with a blush. He flounders out of the doorway and takes off into the air.

Flesico stands, with Miss Demeanour arching rather pompously on his shoulder.

Celeistae turns back to you, and with a grin, announces, 'So concludes our meeting, I suppose.'

Flesico nasales, 'Again, productive! It is always exhilarating chatting with you.'

********

[Roykagh]

********

=Final Chapter - First Rehearsal=

A Small House in the Southern Tylith Disctrict

You stand in a modest house in the Tylith District.

It is decently furnished and cozy. While small, the people

who live here seem to have some money.

Under a pile of sheets, Celeistae's head emerges. She opens her eyes with a yawn, twisting her body free of the sheets. As always, the heat of the room raises considerably with her awakened presence.

Celeistae springs out of bed, exuberance in her wake. Smiling and humming she combs her hair, slipping on her gloves.

The same careless rush never seems to leave her; Celeistae quickly trots to the door, simultaneously getting her boots on her feet. She mounts her guitar at the door.

However, before she reaches for the knob, the door bolts open. An avian messenger pops in, and gives a brisk salute to Celeistae.

Celeistae blinks, somewhat startled. The heat raises a notch as she raises a brow at the small intrusion. 'What is it?' she asks.

'I have word that Maestro Mathers is ready with his orchestra at the tavern!' the messenger exclaims excitedly to Celeistae.

Celeistae claps her hands together enthusiastically, chiming with, 'How wonderful!'

The door east of you opens.

An Undead Warrior walks in.

A Small House in the Southern Tylith Disctrict

You stand in a modest house in the Tylith District.

It is decently furnished and cozy. While small, the people

who live here seem to have some money.

[Exits: east]

An Undead Warrior is before you, preparing for a slaughter.

look warrior

Bearing the standard of Balwen, this creature appears ready for battle.

Always going forward, and never backwards - this creature appears to be of

one mindset: Servitude. Within its palm, you notice an interesting prism

that pulsates with dark energies.

An Undead Warrior is in excellent condition.

An Undead Warrior shambles forward and releases a battle cry!

The battlecry of the army of Khalandar reverberates throughout the area!

Celeistae frowns at yet another intrusion. 'Begone from my house!' she practically screams.

An Undead Warrior shambles forward and releases a battle cry!

The battlecry of the army of Khalandar reverberates throughout the area!

The undead warrior gives a blank stare at Celeistae. Her countenance is entirely engulfed in a fiery heat.

Celeistae grips her guitar tightly, and smashes it into the undead warrior's face. However, it doesn't seem phased at all.

An Undead Warrior shambles forward and releases a battle cry!

The battlecry of the army of Khalandar reverberates throughout the area!

The undead warrior turns to Celeistae, his jaw moving up and down, and then in a circle. A sick, gurgling sound is heard. The avian messenger backs away, and suddenly takes flight.

The undead warrior suddenly charges at Celeistae, sword raised above his head. His bloody warcry is heard as he brings it down.

Celeistae dodges at the last moment, tumbling into a roll. Again, she strikes out with her guitar in a flash, crashing it into his side.

An Undead Warrior shambles forward and releases a battle cry!

The battlecry of the army of Khalandar reverberates throughout the area!

Vincenz rides in.

[Vincenz destroys the Undead Warrior.]

Vincenz nods at you in agreement.

Somewhat annoyed, Celeistae lowers her guitar, and nods her thanks to Vincenz.

Vincenz says 'Did it attack you?'

You say 'Thank you, deer. He interrupted my meeting... now the messenger has fled.'

Vincenz nods.

Vincenz sits down and rests.

Celeistae nods. 'He did,' she replies.

Vincenz growls.

The cheerful notes of the temple of light bell announce sunrise.

Vincenz stands up.

Vincenz rides east.

A cloud of steam hangs in the air as Celeistae releases a sigh.

You tell Flesico 'Hello deer. I have wonderful news.'

Flesico tells you 'Oh my! That is the voice of Celeistae!'

You tell Flesico 'Of course, silly goose. The Maestro Mathers is waiting for us at the tavern.'

Flesico tells you 'Wonderful! I will meet you at the Red Dragon.'

Ringing with holy fervor the temple of light bell announces high noon.

Celeistae gives a playful smile, and mounts her guitar.

You open the door east of you.

The temperature returns to normal as Celeistae floats off on her guitar.

[Later, at the Tavern...]

The Red Dragon Inn Commons

You stand within the Red Dragon Inn commons. A large wooden

bar spans the room here, and a very pretty serving girl is

here, pouring ales for the guests. A large stage has been

set up here for traveling performers, and a small stairway

leads upward to the rooms on the next floor.

[Exits: north south]

A large wooden stage is built here, for performers.

Flesico the Master Bard is here.

The temperature gets warmer as Celeistae enters, mounted upon her guitar.

Celeistae hops lightly off her guitar, gripping it in her hand. The usual sound of steel is heard on the floor as she approaches Flesico.

Flesico's mouth curls into an enormous, emasculate smile. 'Hah hah!'

Flesico nasales, 'At last. There is our stage.'

Flesico turns to the opposite end of the room, pointing at a wide table covered with various implements of drama. 'Props. Costumes.'

Flesico shrugs one shoulder. 'Measurements for the costumes, I mean.'

'Oh, truly, a marvellous set,' Celeistae remarks, resting her hand on Flesico's shoulder. She smiles at Miss Demeanour, and coos, 'And how is my little hart doing?'

Miss Demeanour rubs up against Flesico's cheek, her back arching.

Flesico nasales, 'Oh my! She is very happy to see you!'

Miss Demeanour circles around on Flesico's shoulder and then hops off to the edge of the stage.

Flesico puckers his lips. 'Ooou! Darling!'

Celeistae gives a nod, and leads Flesico to the Maestro and his orchestra near the stage. 'Headmaster, meet our Maestro, Maestro Mathers, and his orchestra--the Philharmonic Orchestra of Rheydin.'

Flesico turns to the Maestro and extends his arms. 'Gracious! Maestro Mathers in the flesh! And his many music-makers.'

Flesico twists one end of his hooked moustache. 'It is truly a pleasure to meet you and the Orchestra.'

'A pleasure, Headmaster. I am pleased with the score,' the Maestro says with a smile. He turns to Celeistae and says, 'We will warm up, and prepare for the first rehearsal.'

As the sun rises, the churchbells of the Temple of Light announce the dawn of a new day.

Flesico removes his monocle and polishes it between his thumb and index finger while turning back to you.

'All right deer; then Flesico and I will have a vocal warm up, and run through the opera to find the timing,' Celeistae says, nodding to Flesico.

Flesico grins and makes his way up the tiny flight of stairs to the top of the stage. 'Ah. -This- is home!'

Flesico tip-toes across the stage, circling slowly as the Orchestra begins to harmonize and warm up. 'Grand...'

'We will have fantastic lighting', Flesico comments, 'Fantastic lighting!'

Celeistae ignores the stairs, and straightaway climbs up on stage, one leg over the other. 'How do you warm up deer? Usually I sing a syllable going up half-steps.'

Flesico roots his feet and adjusts his shoulders. 'Hah! Hum. I do not exactly know... Any form of warm up usually suits.'

The centres of Flesico's eyebrows elevate. 'Hm!'

You say 'From what I recall, you're in the tenor range, are you not?'

Flesico places a hand on his chest. 'That I am.'

You say 'All right. Then we'll sing 'ba', starting from middle C, then going up half-steps twenty notes. Ready?'

Flesico replaces his monocle. 'Absolutely.'

You sing 'Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba, ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba, ba ba ba baaaaaa...'

Flesico sings 'Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba - ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba, ba ba ba, baoo...'

Miss Demeanour walks precariously along the very edge of the slightly curved stage, looking toward centre stage at you and Flesico.

Celeistae winces slightly, and remarks, 'That was wonderful, but it sounded like your G# was out of tune...

You say 'Here, listen to mine.'

You sing 'Baaaaaaaaa...'

Flesico's entire forehead wrinkles. 'Oh my.'

Flesico meeps out an 'ahem' for effect. 'Let me compare...'

Flesico sings 'Baaaa.'

Celeistae shakes her head in disapproval. 'Hmm... no no, here, listen again.' This time,

Celeistae leans forward, as if it would help the acoustics.

You sing 'Baaaa... listen carefully to it, baaaaa...'

Flesico rubs the underside of his chin with the back of his ring finger. He re-adjusts his stance.

Flesico sings 'Baaaaa-ha-ha-haaaa...'

You sing 'BaaaaaaAAAaaaa!'

Flesico sings 'Ba-aa-ahh!'

Flesico squints and lifts his palms. 'Now wait. Wait!'

Both of Celeistae's eyebrows raise, reflecting a somewhat annoyed demeanour.

After removing his monocle and stuffing it into his vest pocket, Flesico relaxes his stance.

Flesico nasales, 'I believe my G# is in tune. Yours may be the one that is a little tweaked.'

'Hmm... no, I don't think so,' Celeistae says, somewhat sarcastically.

You sing 'Baaaaa...'

Flesico sings 'Ba... Baaaaa.'

You sing 'Baaaaa...'

Flesico sings 'Baaaa!'

You sing 'Baaaaaaaaaa...'

Flesico sings 'Baaaaa-a-a-a-a-a-a...'

You sing 'Baaaaaaaaaaaaa...!'

Flesico sings 'BA.'

Flesico's cheeks redden.

You sing 'BAAAAAAAA...!'

Flesico sings 'Baaaaa, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba...!'

You sing 'BAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...!'

Flesico sings 'BaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAA...!'

[Celeistae and Flesico both collapse on the ground, out of singing breath.]

Flesico rolls to his side, panting. '...Gracious! Enough!'

Holding his chest, Flesico casts a defeated look at you. 'Your G# is correct. It is correct!'

Miss Demeanour mews melodically, emulating a perfect G#. Celeistae turns her head to the edge of the stage, giving her a glance of recognition.

You say 'Or the kitten has ousted us both...'

Flesico slaps his palm against his forehead, not even bothering to look at the kitten. 'Oh my... she speaks true.'

Celeistae clambers to her feet and quickly dusts herself off. 'All right, now that we've properly warmed up, shall we run through the opera?' she suggests.

Flesico stands with an unbefitting feminine grace. 'Yes!'

Flesico nasales, 'I yearn to, actually.'

With a single hand, Celeistae tosses her hair and gives a melodic laugh. 'Begin when you're ready, deer.' she says with a genuine smile.

Flesico rubs his hands together and re-adopts his rooted acting posture. 'I'll run merely through the beginning lines.'

Flesico sings 'Ravishing. I will never stop gazing.'

Flesico sings 'Those eyes, like windows, are simply amazing.'

Flesico sings 'Do not fear! Search back to me!'

Flesico sings 'Give in, let go. Let us become we.'

You sing 'Get away. I will never stop running.'

You sing 'What about me is really so stunning?'

You sing 'Do not pry! Search into my soul!'

You sing 'Give in, let go. Do not be a fool.'

[There’s a long pause.]

Celeistae glances to the left, then the right. Her brown eyes then fall to Flesico expectantly.

Flesico sings 'Know not you my love for your complexion?'

Flesico sings 'It is what drives me! Such a fine selection!'

You sing 'Will you not learn! Answer me swift!'

You sing 'Accept my spirit or be gone to the Rift!'

Flesico sings 'From every bit of me I speak the truth!'

Flesico sings 'Is it so hard to imagine?'

Flesico sings 'Your eyes, Psyabelia! Your eyes!'

You sing 'Morsidion, they are lies!'

Flesico sings 'What then? Will I spill forth the secrets of my desire?'

You sing 'And be thought not a liar?'

Flesico sings 'Yes. Yes! Trust me in so, I will express my inner self!'

You sing 'What are you saying, Morsidion?'

Flesico sings 'They are the nectar of life, Psyabelia! With them, we will be bound!'

Flesico sings 'Inside me, I will not feign another painful or distasteful sound!'

You sing 'Stay back! Leave me be! What will you do?!'

You sing 'What kind of trouble dare you brew?'

You sing 'Will you take my eyes from my skull and put them in a stew?'

You sing 'Will not my blindness make you rue?'

Flesico sings 'Yes! Yes my love! Sacrifice them for me!'

Flesico sings 'Through my body then will you see!'

You sing 'No! How?!'

Flesico sings 'My secret divulged, my art unveiled.'

Flesico sings 'I could have easily left it sealed!'

Flesico sings 'But alas I explained my plot.'

Flesico sings 'And now our love then forgot.'

Flesico flaps a hand. 'She runs off... blah blah!'

Flesico nasales, 'Right! I love it.'

Celeistae grins, clapping her hands at the end of the first song.

You sing 'There is folly in this house, oh who'

You sing 'Is the Fool!? To fall in love with one'

You sing 'Who can only see lust with the limit of two'

You sing 'Mortal eyes... what am I to do? What is done?'

You sing 'I beat at my heart that beats inside, my pain due'

You sing 'On this day. O curses! Oh Hell! Now I must shun'

You sing 'All memory, all emotion. Now my love comes undone.'

You sing 'This be the truth: lust be the end. This here lamp'

You sing 'And the fuel within, burn! I will erase this tramp!'

You sing 'A smoke fills the mansion,'

You sing 'A smoke clouds my mind.'

You sing 'Into the darkness, a child's expansion'

You sing 'Will only be able to find'

You sing 'Her way in this world.'

You sing 'As I return to the forge, that sensual feel'

You sing 'The flames on my skin appear surreal.'

You sing 'Dancing, in search for the low sunrise'

You sing 'Of a new day, the moonshine caresses'

You sing 'My eyes, and into the fire I feel my tresses'

You sing 'Of life dissolving the darkness.'

You sing 'A smoke fills the mansion,'

You sing 'A smoke clouds my mind.'

You sing 'Into the darkness, a child's expansion'

You sing 'Will only be able to find'

You sing 'Her way in this world.'

You sing 'A smoke fills the mansion,'

You sing 'A smoke clouds my mind.'

You sing 'Into the darkness, a child's expansion'

You sing 'Will only be able to find'

You sing 'Her way in this world.'

Again, Celeistae claps her hands excitedly, accompanied by the shuffling of her feet.

Flesico withdraws a massive script from his vest pocket and pours over its contents. 'Gracious, that was wonderful.'

Flesico nasales, asking 'Now, I expect we can trust one another to block our own solo scenes?'

Flesico looks up at you with his intent, green eyes.

'Surely,' Celeistae replies simplistically. She smiles, her face glowing with an elated state.

Miss Demeanour pitters over to a bowl of milk that Flesico must have set for her earlier.

Flesico nasales, 'That should make things a little easier!'

Flesico nasales, 'The first act, however, we need to block together!'

Celeistae nods in agreement. After a brief pause for thought, she nods again.

Flesico snaps his fingers and a pair of young scribes prance on to the stage holding various props in their cradled arms.

Flesico eyes the two assistants. 'There, now set up our scene.'

The scribes take about a minute out of their lives to set up a table and two chairs before you and Flesico. They both then run back to the props table at the foot of the stage.

Flesico silently circles the setting. 'Ah. Their first dinner! Morsidion leaning in for a 'bite'. Hah hah!'

Boots clanking loudly, Celeistae approaches a chair. She gives it a customary twirl, then drops into a seating position.

Flesico hovers behind his own chair, looking across the table at you. 'Fantastic. We'll position the chairs so that the audience isn't forced to look upon our profiles.'

Flesico tilts his head, showing you a quaint little grin. 'We'll sit rather close in this regard.'

Celeistae scoots her chair, following Flesico's direction. She doesn't seem bothered at all by the fact that he is now leading the procedure.

Likewise, Flesico corrects the location of his chair. He sits at it and finds himself too short. 'Hm. We will have to fix the height of this seat.'

Quickly, the scribes return with a different, more halfling-suitable chair, which Flesico does not hesitate to sit in.

That signature, trillingly melodic laugh escapes Celeistae, steam rising out of her mouth in her amusement.

Flesico giggles. 'Wonderful! We're at eye-level!'

Flesico momentarily fans himself with his hand. 'Very, very good. Let us improvise!'

Flesico nasales, 'A good brain-storm improvisation with the blocking might birth us the perfect scheme.'

Flesico nasales, 'I'll start then.'

Flesico suddenly stands. 'Wait, let us take it from the top. Just stand briefly, will you?'

Celeistae stands on command, without so much of a second thought.

Flesico notifies toward the orchestra with a wink.

[The Orchestra begins with a gentle chime as Flesico and Celeistae take their seats at the dinner table.]

Flesico sings 'Ravishing. I will never stop gazing.'

Flesico sings 'Those eyes, like windows, are simply amazing.'

Flesico sings 'Do not fear! Search back to me!'

Flesico sings 'Give in, let go. Let us become we.'

Suddenly, the orchestra screeches into a higher end of the scale, the strings piping out.

Celeistae stands, somewhat confused.

You sing 'Get away. I will never stop running.'

You sing 'What about me is really so stunning?'

You sing 'Do not pry! Search into my soul!'

You sing 'Give in, let go. Do not be a fool.'

Flesico extends his shivering fingers to you from his seat.

Flesico sings 'Know not you my love for your complexion?'

Flesico sings 'It is what drives me! Such a fine selection!'

The first sign of fear creeps into Celeistae's demeanour. And then, she drops into that oh so fatal backstep.

You sing 'Will you not learn! Answer me swift!'

You sing 'Accept my spirit or be gone to the Rift!'

Flesico lifts from his seat, his voice deep and haunting.

Flesico sings 'From every bit of me I speak the truth!'

Flesico sings 'Is it so hard to imagine?'

Flesico crosses 'round the table with teasing slowness toward Celeistae.

Flesico sings 'Your eyes, Psyabelia! Your eyes!'

Celeistae crosses in front of the table, leaning forward to Flesico for effect. The fear in her posture is replaced with frustration.

You sing 'Morsidion, they are lies!'

The Orchestra's tension builds as Flesico returns your gaze fearlessly.

Flesico sings 'What then? Will I spill forth the secrets of my desire?'

The strings of the orchestra screech loudly once as Celeistae sings her retort.

You sing 'And be thought not a liar?'

Flesico sings 'Yes. Yes! Trust me in so, I will express my inner self!'

Flesico sings 'I believe in gifts, gifts of the flesh.'

Flesico licks his upper lip, hovering his hands inches from your cheeks.

Flesico sings 'What is beautiful in you titillates me, and your health.'

Flesico sings 'Give me your eyes, so pure and fresh.'

With each back-step, the orchestra screeches louder and louder as her feet connect to the floor. Celeistae's face pales.

You sing 'What are you saying, Morsidion?'

Flesico advances on you with lusting, hungry breaths, his hands extended toward your eyes.

Flesico sings 'They are the nectar of life, Psyabelia! With them, we will be bound!'

Flesico sings 'Inside me, I will not feign another painful or distasteful sound!'

The quick descension of a scale is heard at the revelation. Celeistae throws up her hands in defence, her eyes squeezed shut.

You sing 'Stay back! Leave me be! What will you do?!'

You sing 'What kind of trouble dare you brew?'

You sing 'Will you take my eyes from my skull and put them in a stew?'

You sing 'Will not my blindness make you rue?'

Flesico's tone becomes increasingly deranged.

Flesico sings 'Yes! Yes my love! Sacrifice them for me!'

Flesico sings 'Through my body then will you see!'

A symbol crash is heard as Celeistae simultaneously slaps Flesico on beat.

You sing 'No! How?!'

[The Orchestra's pitch plummets as Flesico gasps. Celeistae flees the stage.]

Flesico sings 'My secret divulged, my art unveiled.'

Flesico gazes down into his tensed half-fists.

Flesico sings 'I could have easily left it sealed!'

Flesico sings 'But alas I explained my plot.'

Flesico sings 'And now our love then forgot.'

[The music fades.]

Celeistae emerges from stage-right, smiling proudly.

Flesico claps his hands, laughing. 'Grand!'

Flesico nasales, 'How simply marvellous! The first act alone ... gracious!'

Celeistae bows, twirling her hand in two neat circles. 'Thank you, thank you,' she says, accepting the invisible applause.

Flesico turns to Maestro Mathers and takes a bow. 'Absolutely brilliant performance. Where did Celeistae find you! Hah hah!'

'Oh dear,' Celeistae says, dropping out of her excitement.

You say 'Seems I must take my rest for now, sadly.'

Flesico pouts his lower lip. 'Ah!'

Likewise, Celeistae returns Flesico's pouty lip.

Flesico nasales, asking 'We did accomplish much though! You could hear the applause, couldn't you?'

You say 'I did.'

You smile at him.

Flesico turns his mockingly sad face into a massive smile. 'Ho ho.'

Flesico nasales, 'Then you are on your way to stardom.''

Celeistae claps her hands twice, dismissing the orchestra. 'Thank you all for coming,' she says, turning to address them. Mathers bows, and prepares his leave.

Flesico sits in his height-modified chair and reclines. 'Morsidion. What an animal.'

Celeistae gives one last trilling laugh, and nods. 'Farewell, deer,' she starts, and the finishes, 'Or, Headmaster, rather.' She winks playfully, mounting her guitar.

The temperature returns to normal as Celeistae floats off on her guitar.

...

********