Elizzibiana/Performance/Jungle Longing

"S'Kra Jungle Memories" was written at the time while I was unaware of the similar song called "Desert Soul" and first performed a cappella at the gathering of the Musparan Society of Misfit Mummers, many thanks to those in attendance for allowing Elizz to break their eardrums. So this has become my version of the "Desert Soul" set in the jungles Elizz remembers.

(Elizzibiana settles slowly onto a stool, tail curling loosely around the base as warm lamplight glints across her abyssal black scaled features.)

(Elizzibiana closes her eyes for a long moment, drawing in a slow breath as though remembering distant jungle heat.)

Elizzibiana stoically says in an archaic accent, "This one remembers the southern jungles."

(Elizzibiana flicks the tip of her tongue thoughtfully, tormented slitted abyssal black eyes drifting somewhere far beyond the tavern walls.)

Elizzibiana quietly sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   Lying here alone while the lamplight beneath my window,
     reminds me I am far from home.

Elizzibiana slowly sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   They say fortunes rise here in Ratha town,
     but all my heart remembers is the jungle's living sound.

(Elizzibiana tilts her head slightly, eyes half-lidded with quiet memory.)

(Elizzibiana rests clawed fingertips against the table, tapping in a slow rhythm like distant jungle rain.)

Elizzibiana longingly sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   Jungle leaves shining in the moonlight left my heart resting in her depths while days are warm and bright,
     I came here hoping to forget.

(Elizzibiana draws a slow breath through her teeth, the faint hiss barely audible.)

Elizzibiana thoughtfully sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   But my soul turns back to the jungle green as my eyes long to see you through the quiet vine screen,
     while my feet wish to walk those winding paths once more.

Elizzibiana quietly sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   My heart, oh my heart only seeks you as before.

(Elizzibiana lets her gaze wander toward the doorway as though expecting warm jungle air instead of the cold wind.)

Elizzibiana sadly sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   I tried to play my songs tonight but the notes move slow and wrong so all my rhythms drift from sight.

Elizzibiana fiercely sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   They say dreams grow tall beneath these trees,
     but all my heart remembers is the southern jungle breeze.

(Elizzibiana shifts her tail slowly across the floorboards, the movement patient and unhurried.)

Elizzibiana longingly sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   Jungle winds breathing in the twilight has left my heart resting in her depths.

Elizzibiana tenderly sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   Jungle nights deep and bright,
     as I came here hoping to forget.

(Elizzibiana presses a claw lightly to her chest as though steadying an old memory.)

Elizzibiana thoughtfully sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   But my soul turns back to the jungle green and my eyes long to see you where the tall reeds lean,
     while my feet wish to walk those shadowed paths once more by your side.

(Elizzibiana stares at you and slowly winks.)

Elizzibiana quietly sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   And my heart, my heart only seeks the one I adore.

(Elizzibiana blinks slowly, expression quiet and thoughtful.)

Elizzibiana wryly sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   Music on the docks moves too quick for one like me. 
     Shouting traders, creaking stocks, far from the quiet rivers where warm stones hold the sun and old serpent temples shiver.

(Elizzibiana grows still, tail coiling closer as her voice softens.)

Elizzibiana adoringly sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   Jungle flowers open in the sunlight has left my heart resting in her depths.
     Jungle eyes patient and bright have made me come here hoping to forget.

(Elizzibiana lifts her gaze toward the rafters, her eyes reflecting lantern light.)

Elizzibiana thoughtfully sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   But my soul turns back to the jungle green and my eyes long to see you through the quiet vine screen,
     while my feet wish to walk those winding paths once more by your side.

Elizzibiana quietly sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:

   And my heart, my heart only wishes to see you once more."

(Elizzibiana exhales slowly, a faint hiss escaping as the final note fades.)

(Elizzibiana bows her head in quiet reflection, claws resting loosely against the worn wood of the table.)

(Elizzibiana remains still for a long moment before finally opening her eyes again.)