Crystal City Players/Logs/Eve of Mercy
Eve of Mercy was the second performance conducted by the Crystal City Players. It was a collaboration done with the Order of the Dragon Shield and the Jackals of Eylhaar in celebration of the goddess of peace in death. The play was a "stage" adaptation of the story "The Gift of the Maiden."
Credits
Playwright/Narrator - Siendra Vauns'Arotru
Director/Actress of the wife - Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir
Actor of the husband - Ezerak Evyntine-Vershir
Actor of various roles - Senthic Lupercus
Actress of "The Maiden" - Shaylynne Kendiahle
Event Announcement
You overhear a conversation as several pass nearby. "I hear the Order of the Dragon Shield is hosting the Crystal Players of Shard, and they're putting on a play adapted from the story 'The Gift of the Maiden' at their Order House in Riverhaven. Another group, the Jackals of Eylhaar, are going to be there too, and there'll be a discussion after the performance. Another adds, "We should absolutely check that out. Let's go!" The conversation fades as the group travels into the distance. [OOC: Join us at 9:00 PM Eastern. From outside the east gate of Riverhaven: go northeast, go gates, go door, east.]
Opening Statements from ODS and Jackals of Eylhaar
Aislynn quietly says, "Welcome, everyone, and thank you for joining the Jackals of Eylhaar in a celebration honoring Eylhaar. Please join us in welcoming the Crystal City Players of Shard, who will perform a play adapted from the story "The Gift of the Maiden". There will be discussion after the play. Make yourselves comfortable, please."
Arkalye gruffly says, "It is my pleasure to welcome you to this celebration of our Lady Eylhaar, Though many of us adventurers, soldiers, and champions of the realms may not receive her mercy at our end. It is through our efforts that the citizens of this land do."
Arkalye gruffly says, "We the Jackals of Eylhaar have asked the Crystal Players of Shard to put together an adaptation of the Gift of the Maiden, a story found in the Book of the Void."
Arkalye gruffly says, "It was through this text we have surmised that it was around this date between the years of 197 and 198 BL. that Our lady walked the lands around Shard offering Her mercy to the poor souls in the path of the Dragon Priest armies."
Arkalye gruffly exclaims, "We hope you will enjoy the performance, I know I am looking forward to all of their hard work. With that said, I will turn it over to the amazingly talented Crystal Players of Shard!"
Introduction
(Ayrell steps forward, hands clasped in front of her as she smiles out at the gathered crowd.)
Ayrell warmly say, "Hello, everyone, and thank you for having the Crystal City Players here tonight to help commemorate this inaugural holiday celebration! We were honored to be invited by the Jackals and have worked hard to write something that properly venerates the Lady Eylhaar. The story of this evening is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and I think spoke to all of us as we learned of it and strove to bring it to life. And so we are pleased to present - The Eve of Mercy."
(Ayrell bows her head and steps back, as a halo of mist begins to rise around her. Slowly it envelops her and she disappears from sight, while the shuffling of scenery being set up behind the veil can be suddenly heard.)
Act One
(Siendra steps out from the curtain of mist, clearly the one responsible for the unnatural fog. With a smile she moves to the side and waves a hand, parting it to reveal a newly assembled scene. Ezerak and Ayrell, the latter of whom appears quite pregnant, stand in a cozy looking home, holding each other close. A bassinet sits behind them - empty, for now, but two knitted blankets are folded over the side.)
Siendra recites:
"The heat of summer has ebbed and the changes of autumn have come about, crisp and cool and full of color. In any other year it would be a season of harvest and happiness, but not this year. This year the lands are on the eve of war. A husband has been called to battle, and his wife is - understandably - hesitant to let him go."
(Ezerak brushes Ayrell's cheek lovingly.)
Ezerak gently says, "I will be home before you know it, my love. We are on the right side of this war and we will be rewarded."
Ayrell pulls Ezerak to her in a tight hug.
Ayrell doubtfully says, "Of course, my darling...just as you say."
(Ayrell's face shows clearly that she feels otherwise, but she smiles for her husband as best she can. Fighting back tears, she looks up at Ezerak who tilts his head down to rest his forehead against hers.)
Ezerak quietly says, "I promise, dear wife, I will be back before our children are born, just you see. I promise..."
(Ezerak, as though fearing already that his words are empty and not wanting to make things worse, swiftly kisses his wife and turns to leave. He disappears through the door at the back of the set, closing it behind him.)
(Ayrell gazes at the door for a long while, one hand resting on her swollen belly protectively. She waits, knowing her husband is gone, yet willing him to return, until a tear falls and she crumples in on herself. The mist rises around the scene once more.)
Act Two
(Siendra returns to stand in front of the misty shroud, looking solemn.)
Siendra recites:
"The wife gave birth to twins - one boy and one girl - just as winter came upon the land. Despite the bitter cold of the season the war raged on red hot. No word came from the husband, but there was talk of the Dragon Priests sacking Shard and moving north."
(Siendra brushes the fog away once more to reveal the same room, though now Ayrell holds two small bundles wrapped in the blankets from before. She holds them to her, swaying back and forth across the room, as she glances nervously out the window.)
Ayrell calmly says, "Shush, now, shush. All is well, my sweet babes. Sleep..."
(Ayrell continues her soothing even as her eyes widen, suddenly spotting what everyone had feared for so long - the Dragon Priests were drawing near their small village.)
(Senthic, dressed in a long black robe with its cowl pulled up to conceal all of his features, comes around from behind the scene. The flickering of wildfire behind him casts him in even deeper shadow, the flames a beacon of destruction at the Dragon Priests' hands.)
Senthic darkly says, "The armies grow closer, little village. Soon you will all be the playthings of the Dragon Priests. And where are your protectors, where, where..."
(Senthic laughs low, a throaty cackle that rises in pitch as he turns back to disappear behind the scene once more. The sound lingers uncomfortably.)
(Ayrell chokes back a sob, burying her face into the bundles in her arms as her shoulders slump in defeat. The mist returns, engulfing the scene silently.)
(Siendra remains off to the side, looking sadly into the swirl of fog that has overtaken the scene.)
Act Three
Siendra recites:
"And indeed, Shard burned. The city where the wife had met her love was razed by the Dragon Priests' army. She watched the flames rise higher into the sky, the smoke so thick the sky was obscured from sight."
(Siendra seems to hesitate before she releases her spell again, seeming to hope that keeping the mist might help to keep the final scene at bay. A hand comes out from the swirl and nudges her, however, and with a sigh she lets it dissipate.)
(Ayrell stands in the room, gazing down into the bassinet. The sounds of a crowd, moving in panic, can be heard from beyond, but the wife remains seemingly unaware of it all. The door is suddenly flung open by Senthic, Ayrell s entire body flinching slightly with surprise before her face softens in recognition of her neighbor.)
Senthic wildly exclaims, "We must go! Now! The Priests are upon us. Bring your children and run!"
(Senthic beckons the wife to join him, hand outstretched.)
Ayrell gazes sadly at Senthic.
Ayrell despondently says, "It will not help. They will find you, and your fate will be thrice as terrible as you would have found here."
Senthic scoffs.
Senthic angrily exclaims, "You're a fool. If you will not do it for yourself, then at least do it for your children!"
(Ayrell simply gazes silently at Senthic, unmoved, until Senthic throws his hands up in exasperation. He exits, slamming the door behind him. Ayrell turns her gaze back to her children.)
Siendra recites:
"The noise continues outside, eventually fading as the fleeing village moves away. Then there is silence, until...a soft knocking comes upon the door of the home. Startled, the wife moves almost unconsciously to open it. There stands a woman with deep black hair tumbling over her shoulders, framing a snow-white face. The stranger holds a basket woven from grape vines in her hand, and her lips turn up in a smile that does not seem to reach her dark eyes."
Shaylynne gently says, " May I come in? I've lost my way and found myself here, unable to traverse the path I was on what with the commotion outside. It was ill-fated to be out on this most dangerous night."
(Ayrell, stunned at this quiet presence after all the chaos, steps aside, letting the woman into her home.)
Ayrell numbly says, "Yes, of course. Come in. This is no night to travel these roads."
(Shaylynne smiles softly and steps through the cabin's doorway, the sound of her footsteps on the floorboards barely more than a whisper. She quietly observes her surroundings, her eyes settling on the bassinet.)
Shaylynne somberly says, "At times, I've found, there is more comfort in traveling off the roads than on them..."
(Shaylynne takes a seat near where the sleeping twins lie.)
Shaylynne curiously asks, "Are these your children?"
(Ayrell nods, her gaze shifting from the beautiful stranger to rest on her children sleeping peacefully in the bassinet. She bites her lip, her body trembling. Tears well in her eyes and spill over.)
Ayrell grievously asks, "Oh, how I miss my love! He would have adored them, and he he will never see them! And what is to become of us now?"
Shaylynne soberly says, "Peace, gentle lady...You only need have faith in me and I can bring your family together once again."
(Shaylynne reaches into her vine basket, her hand emerging with a black plum.)
Shaylynne gets a black plum from inside her gardener's basket.
(Shaylynne cradles the plum delicately in her hand before holding it out in an open palm, offering it to the wife.)
Shaylynne wryly says, "I grow them myself. The taste is bittersweet, at first, though once eaten I am sure you will find them quite satisfying."
(Ayrell peers curiously at the maiden, understanding slowly dawning on her. Her breath hitches in her chest and she turns away, gazing out the window. Flames, drawing ever nearer, dance in her eyes. For a long moment nothing is said.)
Shaylynne gazes silently at you.
Shaylynne puts her plum in her gardener's basket.
In the blink of an eye, Shaylynne disappears into her surroundings.
An oval gardener's basket made of twisted vines suddenly appears.
(Ayrell finally nods resolutely and turns - to find the maiden gone. All that is left is her basket, with three perfect plums resting inside.)
Ayrell gazes at an oval gardener's basket made of twisted vines.
Ayrell picks up an oval gardener's basket made of twisted vines.
(Ayrell turns to the bassinet, drawing two plums out as she walks to her children. With each step, the mist draws around her, and soon the scene is gone from sight.)
(Siendra takes her time coming back to stand in front of the fog, letting the final scene settle. Everything seems eerily quiet, and without another word Siendra clears the mist away one last time, revealing - nothing.)
Siendra nods to Arkalye.
Closing Statements and Audience Reaction
Arkalye stands up.
Arkalye applauds.
With a waver like a mirage, Shaylynne fades into view.
Senthic stands near Ayrell.
Aislynn beams!
Siendra stands near Ayrell.
Shaylynne stands near Ayrell.
Siendra smiles.
Aislynn stands up.
Aislynn applauds.
Miskton applauds.
Ozmondo applauds.
Ruecolle applauds.
Elurora applauds.
Selame applauds.
Crobin gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer.
Deathbeing applauds.
Navesi applauds.
Aislynn gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer.
Nithhogr applauds.
Chrysagon applauds.
Deathbeing gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer.
Cote gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer.
Mendira applauds.
Kamisama applauds.
Shaelisa applauds.
Ayrell smiles at Senthic.
Diplomat Blaytox goes west.
Ayrell smiles at Siendra.
Anliis begins to weep softly.
Cote gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer.
Ozmondo says, "Sad."
Ayrell smiles at Shaylynne.
Almarius gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer.
Cote gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer.
Ozmondo mumbles something under his breath.
Aislynn nods to Ozmondo.
Navesi hums mournfully to herself.
Senthic sweeps an Elven gold crown displaying a massive green dwalgim off his head and in front of him in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing at the same time.
Aislynn settles into the overstuffed recliner and reclines comfortably.
Arkalye gruffly exclaims, "That was well done!"
Siendra smiles at Arkalye.
Almarius exclaims, "Frowny faces!"
Siendra bows.
Almarius flails her arms about.
Chrysagon applauds.
Ozmondo nods at Arkalye, obviously agreeing with his views.
Raising his Howling Coyote rum to Shaylynne, Kamisama gives her a toast.
Cote just tickled Almarius, who laughs and returns the favor.
Ayrell curtsies gracefully.
Shaylynne grins at Kamisama.
Kamisama grins at Shaylynne.
Almarius giggles.
Shaylynne gives Kamisama a smooch.
Elurora leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face.
Almarius sticks her tongue out at Cote.
Cote exclaims, "No frowns! Eylhaar gave her peace!"
Aislynn quietly says, "Ozmon A better death than the one waiting for them under Dragon Priest knives, arguably."
Aislynn coughs.
Senthic beams!
Senthic accepts Kamisama's diminutive swan.
Kamisama winks at Senthic.
Almarius gives Shaelisa a smooch.
Anliis takes a bite of the fritter.
Senthic gives Kamisama a brotherly hug, ruffling his hair with his knuckles.
Navesi softly says, "Peace does not always mean happiness."
Jaelia smiles.
Ozmondo says, "True that."
Kamisama chuckles.
Ozmondo nods to Aislynn.
Chrysagon takes a sip of his wine.
Ayrell nods at Navesi, in complete agreement with her views.
Mendira smiles.
Deathbeing goes west.
Senthic lets out a joyful rumbling noise.
Arkalye gruffly says, "Aye the fact being she could not have fled far with such young babes... they would have perished on the roads for sure."
Crobin says, "That was very well done."
Almarius hugs Mendira, who wraps her arms around Almarius with a warm smile.
Miskton says, "Sad, but appropriate for the occasion. And well performed."
Miskton nods.
Mendira hugs Almarius, who wraps her arms around Mendira with a warm smile.
Miskton takes a sip of his rum.
Mendira grins at Almarius.
Almarius grins at Miskton, her dimples flashing into view.
A pained expression crosses Navesi's face.
Ayrell smiles at Miskton.
Almarius hugs Navesi, getting a smile in return.
Ezerak smiles, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.
Siendra says, "Choosing your fate seems to be a better way to die, I think I realized while writing this."
Anliis asks, "Was the mysterious old lady a god in disguise or a sneaky dragon priest?"
Aislynn nods in agreement.
Arkalye nods.
Ayrell says, "Siendra did a wonderful job with the adaptation."
Ozmondo nods to Siendra.
Ayrell gestures at Siendra.
Shaylynne nods to Siendra.
Ezerak nods at Ayrell, in complete agreement with her views.
Almarius grins, revealing her dimples.
Siendra blushes a bright red color.
Ozmondo says, "Go down on your own terms."
Crobin says, "I think having to choose a fate like that would be the hard part though...maybe better, but still hard."
Cote perks her ears up happily as she gazes at Siendra.
Senthic nods to Crobin.
Siendra nods in agreement.
Navesi hugs Almarius, who wraps her arms around Navesi with a warm smile.
Arkalye gruffly says, "Lady Eylhaar offers us death, but a death without pain, a death with dignity and comforts those we leave behind in their mourning."
Senthic praises Siendra.
Senthic lets out a hearty cheer for Siendra!
Cote nods at Arkalye, obviously agreeing with his views.
Crobin says, "Even worse she was not picking for just herself...but the family she had birthed as well."
Jaelia says, "It was beautifully done."
Ruecolle says, "The gods offer justice that we seldom grant each other."
Chrysagon nods in agreement.
Siendra says, "Thank you for allowing us to perform it."
Siendra smiles.
Crobin says, "You all did amazing."
Almarius gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer.
Cote quietly says to Senthic, "You were the star."
Cote flirts with Senthic. Senthic smiles slowly, giving Cote his full attention.
Almarius exclaims, "You were all amazing!"
Elurora glances at Senthic.
Almarius hugs Shaylynne, who wraps her arms around Almarius with a warm smile.
Shaylynne hugs Almarius, who wraps her arms around Shaylynne with a warm smile.
Aislynn quietly says, "That was a fantastic performance. Well done, everyone."
Aislynn rolls her tail along the surface of the ground.
Kamisama laughs!
Senthic nods emphatically at Cote.
Ayrell smiles at Aislynn.
Arkalye gruffly says, "The priest Schakal was to offer a prayer and a small sermon tonight, but unfortunately our Lady had other plans and directed his attention elsewhere."
Mendira smiles at Arkalye.
Cote says, "I'm no good at prayers and stuff, but I do hope you all will leave here with at least a bit of appreciation for Eylhaar. Everyone fears death, but it's just another step in what life is. Peace in it is we should seek."
Shaylynne nods to Cote.
Arkalye nods to Cote.
Navesi nods to Cote.
Siendra smiles at Cote.
Ayrell smiles at Cote.
Crobin nods to Cote.
Arkalye sways unsteadily for a moment.
Crobin says, "Thank you all for the performance, I hope your travels are safe, and keep up the good work."
Ozmondo says, "It's been a pleasure."
Ozmondo bows.
Senthic lets out a hearty cheer for Crobin!
Ayrell says, "And thank you to the Jackals for letting us be a part of this."
Cote's ears perk up happily.
Ayrell smiles.
Ayrell says, "It was an honor."
Shaylynne nods.
Ezerak nods at Ayrell, in complete agreement with her views.
Crobin says, "Have a good day all."
Crobin waves.
Arkalye gruffly says, "This concludes the evenings festivities, Thank you all for coming, and again Thank you to the Crystal City Players for such a fantastic performance."
Ayrell curtsies gracefully to Arkalye.