The Arthe Dale Concert and Performing Series/Cythra/8-3-2022

Arthe Dale Concert: THE Cythra 442AV (8-2-2022)
Arthe Hollow Inn, Arthe Dale, Zoluren
Recorded by THE Cythra
See Cythra's second show here.

A Concert featuring the comedy, songs, and acting of: THE Cythra

Introductions by: Nilme Iondu'il

The Attendees

• Daisy
• Cythra
• Eurynomile
• Nilme
• Akeiro
• Akolu
• Alanarue
• Allye
• Almarius
• Amaci
• Baelor
• Carronade
• Chrysagon
• Cote
• Dallylia
• Dromond
• Elurora
• Erieck
• Harsh
• Hebion
• Hvinir
• Iryta
• Kaedan
• Kintryn
• Mourghanna
• Nesra
• Psychmenon
• Pyppa
• Rhadyn
• Ruven
• Ryeka
• Saslisena
• Siendra
• Sliyder
• Sonatina
• Stelling
• Tichond
• Tirost
• Useff
• Vixonia

The Venue

[Arthe Hollow Inn, Common Room]

The room is filled with long, low tables and stools, where several people sit eating hearty bowls of Arthe Hollow's popular lamb stew. A large stone fireplace dominates one wall. Daisy Burdock, the inn's cook and waitress, crosses the room carrying a precarious arrangement of bowls and plates. She stops briefly to tease and joke with a regular customer or glance out the window. A sign is posted prominently next to the archway.

You also see a wooden menuboard, a polished wooden bar with several things on it, some wooden stairs and an open doorway.

Obvious exits: out.

The Performer

THE Cythra

The Event

Intro

Cythra says, "I suppose you are all wondering why I called you all together."

Nilme whispers to Cythra, "ready?"

Cythra nods to Nilme.

Nilme recites:

   "Hi!  My name is Nilme Iondu'il and on behalf of The Arthe Repertory Team (TART), I'd like to welcome you to the Arthe Hollow Inn for another in the Arthe Dale Concert Series."

Your mind hears Eurynomile thinking, "yes TARTs is continuing their concert series at the Inn in Arthe Dale featuring THE Cythra's stories and songs"

Nilme recites:

   "Daerlynn Soulmyste founded the Series and presented solo performers in approximately 20 concerts per year between 360 and 387 AV.  In recent years, she founded TART - with the idea to focus on Stage Performances of all kinds, and to revive the Arthe Dale Concert Series.  The first in the current series was held not long ago, and featured Tirost."

Nilme smiles.

Almarius chants in a sopranino voice: "Guild Mom! Guild Mom!"

Almarius lets out a hearty cheer for Nilme!

Cythra giggles.

Nilme laughs!

Nilme recites:

   "Today we are excited to feature a well-known Bard, THE Cythra.  If you haven't heard of her, it won't be for lack of shameless self-promotion!"

Cythra curtsies.

Nilme recites:

   "Cythra came to Crossing as a child from the West and never went back."

Cythra mutters something into the air about regardless of how much they begged me to go.
Cythra smirks.
Nilme smiles at Cythra indulgently.
Cythra stands near Nilme.
Cythra gets a stippled slate vellum greeting card painted with a happy sea otter from inside her traveler's pack.
Cythra clears her throat.
Nilme blinks.
Cythra smiles innocently.
Cythra offers her greeting card to Nilme.
Nilme gives Cythra a puzzled look.
Nilme has accepted Cythra's offer and is now holding a stippled slate vellum greeting card painted with a happy sea otter.

Cythra quietly says to Nilme, "Read this."

Nilme glances at a stippled slate vellum greeting card painted with a happy sea otter.
(Nilme smiles to those assembled, glances at Cythra with a raised eyebrow and reluctantly accepts the slightly crumpled greeting card.  She reads the card with a confused look, flips the card over, and a look of understanding crosses her face.)
Cythra hums to herself.

Nilme quietly says to herself, "She wrote it on the back of the - oh - I see."

Cythra nods emphatically.
(Nilme looks down, reading the notecard to herself, stopping half-way through to give Cythra an incredulous look.)
(Cythra points at the huge crowd that has gathered and says, "To them".)
Nilme peers quizzically at Cythra.
Cythra reassuringly says to Nilme, "You can do it."
Cythra nods.
Nilme quizzically asks Cythra, "Seriously?"
Cythra seems to be waiting for something.
Nilme clears her throat.
Nilme sighs.
Cythra blinks at Nilme.

Cythra proudly says to Nilme, "Is my best handwriting."
Cythra preens!
(Nilme pulls together an enthusiastic smile and turns to those assembled.)
Cythra cheerfully says to Nilme, "Which means Eerie took notes for me."
Cythra beams!
Nilme appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Nilme recites:

   "Well, if it's in Eerie's best handwriting, let's continue on?"

Cythra nods emphatically.
(Nilme continues on with the introduction, reading from the back of the card, occasionally squinting at it to make sure she's reading it correctly.)
(Cythra keeps peering over Nilme's shoulder.)

Nilme recites:

   "Silvyrfrost immediately discerned the greatness that would be THE Cythra, and took her in, where Cythra became one of the best known, most popular, and prettiest Bards ever."

Cythra giggles.
Cythra beams in loving admiration at Eurynomile.
Nilme quietly says to Cythra, "Eerie managed to fit a lot on here."
Cythra grins slowly.
Nilme chuckles.
Eurynomile laughs!

Nilme recites:

   "Cythra, the brilliant young starling.... wait, what? Starling?"

Eurynomile babbles something incoherent at Cythra.

(Nilme shows the card to Cythra who whispers something to her.)
(Nilme nods and examines the card more closely.  A look of recognition crosses her face.)
Eurynomile mutters into the air that it's just suggestions.

Nilme recites:

   "Starlet! The brilliant young STARLET - not starling - and groundbreaking performer worked hard and yet without any difficulty at all to become an Award winning singer, songwriter, and a consummate storyteller."

Eurynomile hums to herself.

Cythra snickers at Eurynomile.

Nilme blinks.
Nilme observes Cythra with fascination.
Nilme blinks at Cythra, shaking her head in exasperation before resting her face in the palm of her hand.
Cythra preens!
Cythra tactfully says to Nilme, "You missed where it says about great sense of humor."
Nilme sighs.

Nilme recites:

   "This Legendary Bard, who would later be known as both Diplomat and Lady of Snark, accomplished all this and became known as "THE Cythra", recognized most for her humble, unassuming demeanor."

(Cythra randomly wanders across the room.)
Nilme glances at Cythra.
Cythra asks Nilme, "Wha?"

Nilme recites:

   "Well then - there you go, in Eerie's best handwriting.  Please join me in welcoming the very humble Word Mistress - THE Cythra!"

Eurynomile grins at Cythra.

Almarius giggles at Nilme.

Almarius exclaims, "Sooooooo humble!"

Nilme takes a seat near Useff.

Cythra giggles.

Eurynomile exclaims to Nilme, "You did great!"

Cythra grins at Eurynomile.

Nilme offers Cythra a stippled slate vellum greeting card painted with a happy sea otter.
Cythra accept Nilme's offer and is now holding a stippled slate vellum greeting card painted with a happy sea otter.
Cythra glances at Nilme, a female Elf.
Cythra quietly says to Nilme, "I busy right now.  I'll autograph this for you later."
Cythra waves her greeting card around.
Cythra puts her card in her traveler's pack.

Cythra smiles and dashes onto the makeshift stage which is really just the front of the room.
Cythra says, "Wow, what a great introduction."

Nilme gives a half-hearted grin.

Cythra recites:

   "Thank you Nilme!  Let's hear it for Nilme!"

Cythra giggle.

Cythra recites:

   "Isn't she awesome?"

Nilme grins.

Cythra quietly says, "She reads pretty good too."

Nilme raises her voice in merry laughter.

Stelling says, "She's the best Nilme ever."

Useff gently kisses Nilme on the cheek.

Cythra say, "She works harder on this than I did."

Nilme grins.

Cythra recites:

   "Now let's hear it again for me!"

Placing one hand on her hip and the other behind her head, Cythra strikes a sultry pose while batting her eyelashes.

Eurynomile is giggling at Cythra.

Nilme looks at Cythra and applauds!

(Cythra subtly motions for more applause)

Cythra grins a bit oddly.

Nilme looks at Cythra and lets out a hearty cheer on her behalf!

Vixonia is giggling at Cythra.

Cythra recites:

   "Welcome to the final show in my "Life in Elanthia" tour!"
Cythra says, "Hi, I'm Cythra."
Cythra waves.
Cythra quietly say to Nilme, "You din't wave."

Eurynomile waves to Cythra, seeming not to want to take her eyes from her.

Nilme blinks.

Eurynomile beams in loving admiration at Cythra!

Nilme waves.

Elurora is giggling at Cythra.

Cythra giggles at Nilme.
Nilme chuckles.

Tichond exclaims, "Hi Cythra!"

Dromond quietly says to Nilme, "It's going smashingly so far."

Cythra humbly says, "Yes, THE Cythra."

Cythra recites:

   "I would like to take a moment to thank Nilme and The Arthe Repertory Team for begging me to be a part of their prestigious concert series."
Nilme appears to be trying hard not to grin.
Cythra cheekily says, "They really are a great bunch of TARTs."
Cythra giggles.
Cythra winks at Nilme.
Nilme appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Cythra recites:

   "I'm proud to be joining the likes of such great performers as Tirost who provided the first show of this revived series."
   "I'm sure they waited for a second show because Tirost is such a tough act to follow."
   "For any that missed it, I recommend you get a Moonie to help you travel back in time to see it."
Cythra quietly says, "It's a guild secret that they try to hide."
Cythra says, "Shhh."
Cythra says, "If you want proof just go ask Kssarh about time travel and he will pretend he doesn't know what you are talking about."

Cythra recites:

   "For those of you familiar with some of my previous work, don't worry..."
   "Tonight's show will be nothing like that."
   "So, without any further ado, here's... me!"

Nilme looks at Cythra and lets out a hearty cheer on her behalf!

Cythra curtsies.

Almarius exclaims, "The bestest you!"

Cythra says, "Nae worries.  I give you every opportunity to applaud."
Cythra winks.

Critter Interest

Cythra recites:

   "To borrow a line from Eerie, it's good to see your faces."

Cythra smiles.

Eurynomile frets.

Eurynomile grins.

Cythra recites:

   "You know, even though I can't really see them because I have the stage lights in my eyes."
(Cythra squints and tries to shade her eyes with her hand.)

Cythra recites:

   "Actually, some of you look better this way."

Eurynomile blinks in amazement at you. Good heavens, dear!

Cythra says, "I tease. I tease."
Cythra grins.

Eurynomile hums to herself.

Cythra recites:

   "Are you having a good time?"
Cythra angles her ears forward in curiosity.

Cythra recites:

   "The lights are in my eyes so I can't hear you very well."
(Cythra shades her eyes again.)
Cythra yells, "I said... are y'all having a good time?!"

Nilme grins at Cythra.

Akolu throws his head back and howls!

Cythra beams!

Cythra recites:

   "Nice. It looks like my work here is done."
Cythra winks.

Iryta chortles softly at some secret joke.

Nilme laughs!

Cythra recites:

   "For a change, I'm not here to tell you that your parents hate you."
   "Instead, this is going to be something new for me and might be an Elanthian first. I call it stand here comedy."
   "That's where I stand here and say funny stuff."
Cythra mutters something into the air about hopefully.

Cythra recites:

   "Since I've never had to write spontaneous jokes in advance before, I asked someone about ideas on how to approach this."
   "She said that biggest part of any performance is looking good on stage and acting like you know what you're doing."
   "I thought to myself, "I've totally got this.""
Cythra mutters something into the air about killin' it.

Cythra recites:

   "She was like, without thinking about it what's the funniest thing you can think of?"
   "That seemed a little contradictory to me but I played along and off the top of my head said, "Rhadyn.""
   "How many of you never think about Rhadyn?"
Cythra smirks.

Rhadyn raises his hand.

Cythra says, "Asking for a friend."

Cythra ponders.

Cythra recites:

   "How many of you go hunting?"
Cythra raises her hand.

Eurynomile says, "The lights she nae can sees."

Cythra babbles something incoherent at Eurynomile.

Cythra asks, "Right?"
Cythra says, "Like I can see you raising your hands."
Cythra chuckles.

Cythra recites:

   "Which critters do you hunt?"

Eurynomile babbles incoherently.

Cythra says, "Just go ahead and yell it out."
Cythra listens intently to the sounds around her.

Cythra recites:

   "Oh sure, I hunt those too. They're pretty tough."
Cythra nods.

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra winks.

Cythra ponders.

Cythra recites:

   "Have you ever wondered why they drop coins from all over the lands?"
   "Lirums, dokoras, and kronars.  What's up with that?"
Cythra tries hard not to grin.

Vixonia scratches one ear, looking bemused.

Cythra scratches her head.

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra recites:

   "No, it's not because they have victims from all over."

Vixonia quietly says to Stelling, "I never thought to ask that..."

Stelling grins at Vixonia.

Cythra giggles at Vixonia.

Cythra recites:

   "Some of you might be familiar with a special ability Bards have..."

Cythra paces back and forth.

(Cythra stops pacing and looks at the audience.)

Cythra recites:

   "That's right, it's called making stuff up."
Cythra snickers.
Cythra say, "Hey, I would never lie to you... except sometimes."
Cythra smirks.
Cythra asks, "I mean we're all friends here, right?"

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra says, "Unless the crime families showed up."
Cythra nibbles on her lip.
Cythra says, "It's a joke.  Please don't kill me."

Ruven says, "Friends is a relative term."

Cythra recites:

   "Once upon a time..."
Cythra says, "You knew that had to be in here somewhere."

Cythra recites:

   "The Riverhaven banking council was trying to find a way to increase their customer base."
   "So they came up with the idea of special interest rate critter club accounts."
Cythra grins.

Almarius exclaims, "Ewwwwwwwww math!"

Almarius flails her arms about.

Cythra recites:

   "The bank opened a special branch just outside of town just for critters."
Cythra says, "Seriously, rock trolls ride the ferry to Haven to take advantage of this."
Cythra says, "Of course you never see them because they hide to avoid the pickpockets."
Cythra mutters something into the air about tradition.

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra recites:

   "So the critters go to the bank in Haven to make their deposits and get some of their change in kronars and dokoras to spend on the critter wine tours."
Cythra says, "I'm sure you've heard of those."

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra says, "I just got back from entertaining at one."
Cythra mutters something into the air about tipping taking on a whole new meaning.

Cythra recites:

   "The tour leaves from the critter bank near Haven"

Elurora quietly asks Vixonia, "Critter wine tours?"

Cythra recites:

   "Goes through Crossing."

Useff says, "A gig's a gig."

Cythra recites:

   "Through Shard."

Cythra snickers at Useff.

Cythra recites:

   "Winding up all the way down in Hib."
Cythra points out.

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra recites:

   "They're sipping wine and shopping all along the way."
   "Rock guardians aren't invading, they're just a little rowdy after getting all sauced up on merlot."
   "You've probably seen their leaflets."
Cythra gets a neatly folded leaflet inked in periwinkle from inside her traveler's pack.
Cythra waves her folded leaflet around.

Cythra recites:

   "These are the leaflets for the wine tour, they just don't print anything on them to avoid all you crazed hunters."

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra recites:

   "Otherwise they would say things like..."
Cythra quietly peruses her folded leaflet.

Cythra recites:

   "Party at historical sites like the gates of Crossing and Haven!"
Cythra mutters something into the air about think about it.
Cythra grins.

Cythra recites:

   "Ride the gondola and see the famous ghost!"
   "Enjoy a meet and greet with young adventurers and then kill them!"
Cythra chuckles.
Cythra puts her leaflet in her traveler's pack.
Cythra says, "You just can't make this stuff up."

Iryta says to Cythra, "YOU can."

Cythra says, "It's a good thing that I can though."

Iryta sticks out her tongue at Cythra and lets loose with a loud, "Thbtbtbt" from her lips!

Cythra grins at Iryta.

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra ponders.

(Cythra stops pacing)

Almarius is giggling at Cythra.

Cythra recites:

   "Just imagine..."

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra recites:

   "...some guardian getting home with a display case full of rocks collected from Kermoria's hot spots."
   "...or some rock troll out there sporting a brand new weapon...  an Illithian oak tree."
   "...or some xala with a pile of skulls that..."
Cythra ponders.
Cythra nibbles on her lip.
Cythra says, "Forget that one."

Cythra recites:

   "...or maybe some warklin getting home after the tour and tacking up a painting of..."
   "Picturesque..."
   "Beautiful..."
   "Scenic..."
   "Undershard."

Cythra nods emphatically.

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra recites:

   "On black velvet."

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra recites:

   "Purchased at a roadside stand."

Cythra grins.

Cythra recites:

   "Though if they had waited, that same painting is like twenty plat less at roadside stands in Illaya Taipa."
Cythra chuckles.
Cythra says, "It could happen."
Cythra grins.

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra ponders.

Cythra recites:

   "Have you ever thought that we should rearrange the common alphabet in order of priority?"
   "Starting at A every time means that it sometimes takes too long to get to more important letters."

Cythra paces back and forth.

Allye cocks her head at Cythra.

Cythra recites:

   "...like P."
   "By the time you get all the way there it might be too late."

Cythra asks, "Oh, you too?"
Cythra giggles.

Allye giggles.

Cythra recites:

   "We got the numbers in the right order so why not the alphabet?"
Cythra grins.
Cythra says, "Think about it."

Cythra recites:

   "We should move P right to the front of the alphabet."

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra recites:

   "We could be eating papples."

Cythra grins.

Cythra recites:

   "And if we move A to where P was..."

Almarius gawks at Cythra.

You hear the voice of Psychmenon say, "Papples."

Cythra recites:

   "...it would take longer for adan'f to attack."

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra ponders.

Cythra recites:

   "And if we move I right after P..."

Cythra looks around, trying to appear nonchalant.

Cythra recites:

   "...it wouldn't take as long to get to the islands."

Cythra grins.

Cythra paces back and forth.

Cythra recites:

   "Another way to make things faster, instead of all that rearranging, would be to just get rid of the last half of the alphabet."
   "Then we would never P again."

Cythra ponders.

Cythra asks, "I got a little sidetracked, where was I?"

Iryta says, "P."

Iryta nods to Cythra.

Cythra laughs!

Cythra says, "Oh yeah..."

Pyppa says, "P ing."

Cythra exclaims, "Are y'all having a good time?!"
Cythra beams!
Cythra exclaims, "Alright!"
Cythra says, "My work here is done."

Tirost laughs!

Cythra exclaims, "Let's hear it for me!"
Cythra curtsies.

Nilme laughs!

Philosphy of Delusion

Cythra smiles as Nilme motions to her.
Cythra says, "Oh, I have more time?"
Cythra grins slowly.
Nilme nods to Cythra.
Cythra blinks at Nilme.

Vixonia laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Cythra recites:

   "I recently heard something kind of strange on the gweth."
Cythra sarcastically says, "What a surprise."

Rhadyn gruffly asks, "So, when does the entertainment start?"

Amaci asks, "Just one?"

Cythra recites:

   "Then a little voice in my head said that it might make a good song."

Cythra gives Rhadyn a gentle poke in the ribs.

Rhadyn just nudged Cythra.

Cythra recites:

   "That voice belonged to Nilme."
Cythra grins at Nilme.
Nilme chuckles.
Cythra emphatically says, "I guess all that's left to say is, "Challenge accepted."
Nilme laughs at Cythra!

Cythra gets a silverwood faenellica decorated with inlaid cambrinth from inside her velvet case.
Cythra smiles and begins hammering out a driving series of glassy chords on her faenellica.

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "When you...
    Are keeping yourself in seclusion,
    And you know,
    That you are lacking inclusion,"

   "You're fooling yourself with illusions.
    You should get your mind an infusion."

   "Seclusion, inclusion, illusion, infusion?
    It's all... a philosophy of delusion."

Cythra smiles and strums a single, arpeggiated chord along with each word.

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Oh... my... brain. Am... I... insane?
    It's such... a... pain. It's all... in... vain."

Cythra smiles and resumes the original chord progression.

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "It's clear...
    Everyone knows you're just insecure.
    Part of you,
    Always remaining unsure."

   "How much more do you want to endure?
    Take some time and make yourself pure."

   "Insecure, unsure, endure, impure.
    Stuck in... a philosophy of delusion."

(Cythra lets a single chord ring out.)

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "You're hiding inside yourself."

(Cythra resumes playing her silverwood faenellica.)

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "You don't realize,
    You're biding your time in confusion.
    Your brain is all full of pollution.
    One thing you lack are solutions."

   "You spend all your time,
    Making up brand new excuses."

   "Confusion, pollution, solutions, excuses?
    You live... a philosophy of delusion."

   "You can't help...
    Perpetuating delusions."

Cythra smiles and lets a final chord ring out as she stops playing.

Cythra curtsies.

Cythra beams!

Cythra exclaims, "Thank you!"

Cythra grins.

The Nothing Song

Cythra recites:

   "The next song was inspired by a different little voice in my head."
Cythra waves to Almarius.

Cythra recites:

   "I'm not sure that it's a good thing to pay attention to the voices in my head, but it seems to be working out so far."

Nilme appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Cythra recites:

   "This time it inspired me to write a song about nothing."
Cythra emphatically says, "Not that I'm saying there's nothing in my head."

Elurora blinks at Cythra.

Cythra recites:

   "This is...  The Nothing Song"

Cythra smiles and begins fingerpicking a catchy ditty on her faenellica.

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Nothing can keep you busy indefinitely.
    I'll do something else... preferably.
    How will you know when you're done?
    When is it time to stand up and run?"

   "Sometimes nothing is the thing to do.
    I tell ya, doing nothing will get you your due."

   "Sometimes I just save nothing for later.
    Save it for when my head is on straighter.
    I'll dig it out again another other time.
    When I'm not up to my neck in grime."

Rhadyn gruffly says, "This is my fight song."

Tirost grins at Rhadyn.

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Sometimes nothing is the thing to do.
    I tell ya, saving nothing will get you your due."

Rhadyn praises Cythra.

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Put nothing in a pocket that has a big hole.
    I think losing nothing is my special goal
    Cuz when is losing nothing a sin?
    I'm sure I will find nothing again."

Tichond nods at Cythra, obviously agreeing with her views.

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Sometimes nothing is the thing to do.
    I tell ya, losing nothing will get you your due."

Iryta asks, "Did you write this for me?"

Iryta squints at Cythra.

Cythra giggles.

(Cythra briefly plays an ascending series of chiming dyads in a combination of legato and staccato notes with an occasional bend.  She winces slightly as she hits a wrong note then tries to act like it was intentional.)
Cythra quietly says, "That was nothing."

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Nothing can keep you busy indefinitely.
    I'll do something else... preferably.
    How do I decide when my song is done?
    When will the audience get up and run?"

Cythra smirks.

Cythra squints.

Dallylia yells, "Never!"

Cythra smiles as her picking fades.

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Sometimes we don't need all the fussing.
    Maybe we should all..."

   "Forget nothing."

Cythra nods emphatically.
Cythra smiles and removes her faenellica waving it high in the air.
Cythra curtsies.
Cythra puts her faenellica in her velvet case.

Nilme stands up.

Cythra says, "Thank you all."

(Nilme moves from her seat and stands by Cythra.)

Almarius says, "Maybe my pockets have biggie holes in them too! My candy keeps disappearing."

Unboxed

Nilme recites:

   "This has been a great night so far, but Cythra has prepared something really unique as a final piece - a one woman musical play!  Everyone, let's hea -"

Almarius pats herself down looking for something!

Rhadyn gruffly asks Tirost, "Jealous yet?"

(Nilme, clearly distracted, stops speaking suddenly as Cythra steps away and begins motioning for a couple sitting at one of the tables to scoot their chairs back.)

Almarius says, "Awww, it disappeared again."

(Cythra tells the couple, "Excuse me, I need this."  They look at her in surprise as she starts to noisily drag the table - food and all - to the front of the room.  The couple manage to grab their plates, ale and newspaper.  They grumble as they search for another place to sit.)

Tirost quietly says to Almarius, "That's 'cause you're eating it."

(Nilme shakes her head and gives a half-grin to Daisy who has stopped serving to watch in amazement as Cythra dauntlessly shifts the heavy table past the fireplace. Miraculously she manages to not spill any water from the single glass remaining on the table.)

Almarius sticks out her tongue at Tirost and lets loose with a loud, "Thbtbtbt" from her lips!

Nilme gazes at Cythra in amazement.

(Nilme turns back toward those assembled and smiles as if Cythra's impromptu furniture arranging was most definitely planned ahead of time and not in the least surprising.)

Eurynomile offers Almarius a rainbow-swirled lollipop.

Almarius accepts Eurynomile's rainbow-swirled lollipop.

(Cythra dashes back to the couple and snatches a newspaper from under the arm of one of them saying, "This too".  Cythra takes the newspaper to the purloined table which sits to the left side of the "stage" and places it next to the water glass.)
Cythra ask, "Wha?"

Almarius gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer.

Tirost says to Rhadyn, "Hard to be anything other than happy at a show like this."

(Nilme blinks at Cythra and mouths a silent apology to the couple.)

Tirost grins at Rhadyn.

Rhadyn gruffly asks, "So I came to hear the Bard. When do they perform?"

Almarius hums happily to herself.

Rhadyn coughs.

Nilme recites:

   "I now present Cythra in Unboxed!"

Iryta says to Eurynomile, "Stop sugaring her up, we won't be able to wear her battery down for a week."

Sonatina grins at Rhadyn.

(Nilme smiles at Cythra and applauds before returning to her seat)

Eurynomile laughs!

Nilme takes a seat near Useff.

Put Me Away

Cythra smiles and raises a finger to her lips
Cythra quietly says, "Shhh."

(Cythra glances around as she winds up her music box with a soft clickiting sound.)
Cythra smiles as she raises the music box to hear ear and listens intently to the pretty melody flowing forth. She then carefully sets the music box next to a glass of water and a newspaper that rest on a table off to the side.

(Cythra waves a finger through the air as though conducting the music box.)

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Take me out for a while.
    When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away.
    I can make you cry or make you smile."

   "When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away."

   "Maybe dust me off a bit.
    When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away.
    Pose me here. I can stand or sit."

   "When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away."

Cythra smiles broadly as the music box tempo suddenly blossoms into a rousing tune.

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "So tip your server. Have a drink.
    Watch the show but don't you blink."

   "Grab a bite. There's food to share.
    Am I real? Do you care?"

Cythra smiles vacantly and her eyes glaze over as she twirls suddenly in dizzying pirouettes like a crazed music box ballerina, her long, auburn mane flying outward. As the tempo abruptly slows to the original tune she instantly ends her maniacal spin making it look effortless.

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away."

   "When the bright lights are all gone,
    When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away
    You won't find me, I'll be done."

   "When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away."

   "Without all your eyes on me...
    When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away
    What is there left to see?"

Cythra smiles sadly as the music box winds down and she slowly collapses in on herself with each additional note she sings.

Cythra sadly sings in a sopranino voice:

   "When... it's... no... long... er... time..."

Cythra softly says, "...to play."

Cythra falls over.
(Cythra lies still for a moment)

(Cythra looks up at someone you don't see.)

Cythra says, "Oh, hello.  I'm..."
Cythra asks, "Yes, that's me. You know who I am?"
Cythra stretches one arm along her side and props up her head with the other hand.
Cythra asks, "Who are you?"
Cythra tactlessly says, "That's a funny name."
Cythra says, "I just mean... umm..."
Cythra teasingly asks, "Did you parents hate you or something?"
Cythra winks.
Cythra says, "I'm just teasing."

Cythra sits up.
Cythra asks, "Oh? Which performance did you like?"
Cythra asks, "What do you mean, "Not a performance?"
Cythra asks, "You like... me?"
Cythra acts puzzled.

Cythra smiles and seems to subtly scoot closer to the other person.
Cythra says, "Aesry? No, I've never been there."
Cythra asks, "Right now?"
Cythra ponders.
Cythra excitedly says, "Sure! Let's go."
Cythra leaps to her feet!

Cythra smiles as she begins to leave arm-in-arm with an unseen someone while laughing at an unheard joke, then she suddenly turns back towards the audience.

Cythra joyfully sings in a sopranino voice:

   "It's love. Someone who sees me.
    It's love. Though I don't know them."

   "It's love. It brings my heart glee.
    It's love. I need to show them."

   "It's love. Such an amazing thing.
    It's love. It brings my heart joy."

   "It's love. Not some kind of fling.
    It's love. I feel so much joy."

   "I'm outside my box and it's love."

   "I know it's love."

Cythra smiles happily as the lights fade and off stage musicians play a tic-toc beat for several seconds apparently to show the passing of time.  It's not long before the lights come up.

Cythra paces back and forth.
Cythra smiles at someone you can't see and stops pacing.
Cythra bounces around happily.
Cythra exclaims, "There you are!"
Cythra happily asks, "Happy anniversary!  Can you believe it's been a month already?"

Cythra asks, "Tell me what?"
Cythra says, "But..."
Cythra witheringly asks, "What do you mean, "it's not me it's you"?"

Cythra paces back and forth.
Cythra ask, "With who?"
(Cythra abruptly stops pacing)
Cythra says, "But they... You..."
Cythra flails her arms about.

Cythra venomously exclaims, "A hug? No, I don't want a hug! Just go!"
Cythra scoffs.
Cythra points out.

(Cythra gazes towards the person she was talking to as they apparently walk away.)

Cythra begins to weep softly.
Cythra screams!
(Cythra falls to her knees)

Scarred

Cythra defiantly sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Shattered.
    I look at myself and see all the cracks.
    Shattered.
    You touched my heart, did you feel the gaps?"

Cythra wearily sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Life becomes a haze,
    My head is full of moss.
    The sleep I seek evades,
    I'm completely lost."

Iryta gazes sadly at Cythra.

Cythra unhappily sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Shattered.
    Everywhere I look, the world's turned to black.
    Shattered.
    Everything inside is suddenly all flat"

(Cythra stands back up)

Cythra wearily sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Life becomes a haze,
    My head is full of moss.
    The sleep I seek evades,
    I'm completely lost."

Cythra spitefully sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Shattered.
    So it ends as quick as it begins.
    Shattered.
    What's another scar between friends?"

A tear runs down Cythra's face.
(Cythra wanders absently over to the table and leans on it with both hands, emotionally exhausted.)
Cythra hiccups.
Cythra sniffles.

Siendra gazes sadly at Cythra.

Cythra blinks.
(Cythra picks up the newspaper from the table.)
Cythra asks, "What's this?"
Cythra rubs her right eye.

Cythra exclaims, "A song contest? I love those!"
Cythra sniffles.
(Cythra drags her sleeve across her nose.)
Cythra excitedly exclaims, "I have so much preparation to do!"

Dallylia sniffles.

Put Me Away (Reprise)

(Cythra begins to sing a slow, quiet, halting tune.)

   "Take me out for a while.
    When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away.
    I can make you cry or make you smile."

   "When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away."

Cythra smiles as she picks up the tempo and sings more confidently.

   "Yes, box me up but not yet.
    When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away.
    I'll win a prize, I just bet."

Cythra smiles happily.

Nilme smiles at Cythra.

Eurynomile bounces around happily.

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away."

   "Oh goodness there's not much time.
    When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away.
    I'll never find words that rhyme."

Cythra exclaims, "Hey, that rhymed!"
Cythra giggles.

In a single lissome motion, Cythra goes high on her toes to whirl in a pirouette that sends her gypsy skirt flashing out in a gossamer circle all around her.

(Cythra stops)
Cythra ponders.
Cythra nibbles on her lip.
Cythra asks herself, "What rhymes with standing ovation?"
Cythra grins.
Cythra winks.

Tirost exclaims, "Elation!"

Eurynomile asks, "Staycations?"

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away."

   "Box me up but not just now.
    When it's no longer time to play,
    Box me up and put me away.
    People there will all be wowed."

Eurynomile beams in loving admiration at Cythra!

Ryeka looks at Cythra and lets out a hearty cheer on her behalf!

Cythra sings in a sopranino voice:

   "When it's no longer time for fun
    Box me up... I'll be done."

Cythra smiles and raises a finger to her lips
Cythra quietly says, "Shhh."
(Cythra Picks up the music box from the table and raises it to her ear.)

Cythra softly sings in a sopranino voice:

   "Box me up and put me away."

Cythra sinks into a deep curtsy.
Cythra beams!
Cythra says, "Thank you so very much."

Outro

Cythra recites:

    "Thank you all for coming.  I sincerely hope you enjoyed the show."

Rhadyn gruffly exclaims to Cythra, "You should be a Bard!"

Cythra giggles.

Cythra recites:

   "Please, remember to get a gift..."

Cythra recites:

   "...at the next event you attend."

Stelling laughs at Cythra!

Elurora laughs at Cythra!

Allye chortles softly at some secret joke.

Nilme chuckles.

Cythra recites:

   "I would like to personally thank Nilme for inviting me.  Thank you!"
Cythra gazes into Nilme's eyes and applaud her heartily.

Nilme smiles at Cythra.

Cythra recites:

   "Let's have a special round of applause for The Arthe Repertory Team.  TART and the Tavern Troupe performing order work hard to show their support of the arts and artists.  I hope we can show them support in return."

Nilme smiles.

Nilme stands up.

Cythra recites:

   "Thank you all!"
Cythra waves.
Cythra curtsies.

(Nilme joins Cythra at the front of the room, and smiles warmly.)
Nilme warmly exclaims to Cythra, "Thank you, Cythra, for sharing a selection of your work with us!  That was just wonderful!"

Nilme recites:

   "Let's give another round of applause for THE Cythra!"
Cythra grins at Nilme.
Cythra shifts uneasily, gazing fixedly at her claws.

Elurora exclaims to Cythra, "That was a lot of fun, even if I didn't understand it all, thank you for performing for us!"

Cythra curtsy.

Nilme recites:

   "Thank you, everyone, for joining us today!  To our delight, Vixonia Toryan has agreed to perform, and we hope to present her concert in the coming weeks!  Vixonia is an incredibly talented Bard, dancer, Speaker of the Tavern Troupe, and amazing friend!  Her concert is not to be missed!"

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