Ilithi Socialites/Logs/Play/Love Story/06042021

Performend in the year of the Iron Toad, 438 years since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer. It is the 37th day of the 4th month of Shorka, the Cobra. It is currently summer. (6/4/2021)

Production Note

This production was an encore performance of an original play written by Ruea Shai'lin, historically performed at the Shoan a Sidelkuloa theater shortly after the theater's initial opening in Shard.

Cast

Narrator/Co-Host - Ezerak Evyntine-Vershir

Lady/Co-Hostess - Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir

Lord - Mazrian Daemondred

Apprentice - Ali ibn-Jaal'alyin

Playwright - Ruea Shai'lin

Special Guests in Attendance

Lady Jamirah Vigneri, Social Coordinator of the Estate Holder Council

Introduction

Lady of Elamiri Ayrell came through a thick dark curtain.

Ayrell smiles warmly as she walks out onto the stage, her eyes alight as she turns to face the audience.

With a graceful flutter of her hands, Ayrell sinks down in a formal curtsy.

Ayrell warmly says, "Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the Shoan a Sidelkuloa."

Ayrell says, "We have prepared a very special performance for you all this evening. A performance that is, in many ways, a celebration of the Shoan a Sidelkuloa's history. If you will indulge me, I would like to take a brief moment to say a few words regarding it."

Ayrell says, "In the early years of the theater's opening, Shard was graced by several wonderful plays written by the extremely talented Court Bard of that time, Ruea Drister. She has proven her skill as a playwright time and again and, although she has since moved on to share her talent upon the stage in Therengia, the stories she told through the actors upon this stage here in Shard will never be forgotten."

Ayrell says, "Of these stories, there was one that remained with me, in my heart, all these years. Not only was it among the first performances to be held within the Shoan a Sidelkuloa, it was also the first show I had the honor of being a part of, as a member of the cast. The play itself was so powerful, so resonating, that it made me fall in love with performing and made me feel at home here in this theater. Upon this stage."

Ayrell gestures.

Ayrell smiles.

Ayrell says, "When Ruea left to take her place in Therengia, Ezerak and I were honored that she chose to entrust us with carrying on the legacy she left behind here in Shard. We have worked hard to keep the arts alive, but I wanted to do something special to celebrate the stories of this stage's past. Which is why I requested Ruea's permission for us to share an encore performance of the very play that led me to where I am today."

Ayrell says, "Before we begin, I would like to take this moment to say thank you to Ruea for allowing us the opportunity to bring this incredible show back to the stage. An impactful tale, entitled "Love Story."

(Ayrell gazes solemnly out over the audience.)

Ayrell ominously says, "Though, be forewarned. As with most things in life, not all stories have a happy ending." With a graceful flutter of her hands, Ayrell sinks down in a formal curtsy.

(Ezerak moves silently from behind the curtain to stand beside Ayrell.)

Ayrell smiles at Ezerak, nodding politely to him as she gracefully makes her way off the stage to take her place behind the curtain.

Ezerak smiles fondly in Ayrell's direction before turning to address the audience.

Ezerak doffs his top hat.

Ezerak says, "Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, it is our honor to present...Love Story."

Act One

Ezerak says, "Many years ago in the province of Theren there lived a man of middle years. He had given many years in service to the Baron, for which he had been awarded a minor title and a comfortable estate."

Ezerak says, "After looking over the accomplishments of his life, he realized that the one thing that brought him any regret was that he had never known the love of a woman with whom he could share his experiences and joys."

Ezerak says, "He had come to terms with this choice and, though it pained him, believed his story had been written. Then, the unthinkable happened. He met a young woman and was struck by love."

Ezerak smiles, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.

Ezerak says, "She was the fifth daughter of a blacksmith, and unspoken for. Her father was delighted at the prospect of giving his little girl such a lovely life and eagerly agreed to the match."

Ezerak says, "As luck would have it, the young lady soon fell in love with the Lord. They were wed in a beautiful but modest ceremony and returned to his manor to begin their life together."

Ezerak says, "And so our story begins."

(Ezerak slips quietly off stage.)

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain opens to reveal a lovely young woman sitting in an overstuffed arm chair, smiling quietly as she reads from a leather-bound book.
    Sun streams into the tower-top room through an open window, and there is an air of calm and contentedness in the room.
    She glances up at the sound of a gentle knock at the door."

(Mazrian opens the door quietly and enters, gazing at his young bride with an expression of deep love and devotion.)

Mazrian asks, "Am I interrupting you, dear?"

Mazrian smiles.

Ayrell smiles warmly at the Lord

Ayrell fondly asks Mazrian, "Never, my lord. What brings you inside on such a beautiful day?"

Mazrian coyly says to Ayrell, "The opportunity to steal a moment with my beautiful wife..."

Ayrell looks at Mazrian and blushes.

(Mazrian kneels down beside her chair, focused adoringly on his young bride.)

Mazrian just took the hand of Ayrell and gently kissed the back of it.

Mazrian contentedly says to Ayrell, "I also come with news for you, my love."

Mazrian smiles at Ayrell.

(Ayrell sets her book to one side, giving her full attention to her Lord.)

Mazrian contentedly says to Ayrell, "I have been contacted by a dear old friend. He is seeking apprenticeship for his son, who seeks to become a guard in service to the king."

Mazrian contentedly says to Ayrell, "I've met the lad and he is a good and hardy fellow. I have agreed to bring him here for tutelage, and hope that you will aid me in making him feel at home."

Ayrell smiles at Mazrian.

Ayrell says, "Of course, my lord. I only hope that the young man does not distract you too much."

Mazrian chuckles.

Mazrian says to Ayrell, "Never, my love. Never."

Mazrian laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

Mazrian glances at Ayrell.

Mazrian playfully says to Ayrell, "An entire library and my wife prefers to read the same book for the fiftieth time."

Ayrell blushes, the tips of her ears turning a delicate scarlet hue.

Ayrell bashfully says, "I cannot help it. It is my favorite."

Mazrian smiles adoringly at the lady.

Mazrian asks Ayrell, "I'm just teasing you, my love. What is it about?"

Ayrell chuckles.

Ayrell says to Mazrian, "It is a love story. It is beautiful and tragic... but it has a happy ending."

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain closes slowly on the happy pair as they gaze at one another, discussing about books and fairy tales.
    After a few moments it opens again, revealing the Lord standing in the sun drenched room, smiling broadly at a handsome young man."

Act Two

Mazrian asks Ali, "I trust the journey wasn't too tiring?"

Mazrian beams at Ali!

Ali shakes his head.

Ali says, "No, my lord, though I will admit I rode my horse to near exhaustion in my excitement to reach you."

Ali grins.

Mazrian laughs!

Mazrian sternly says to Ali, "Don't be so eager, you're in for a lot of hard work. Your father was a hell of a man, I expect you to live up to his example."

Ali exclaims, "Well, I'll give it my best!"

(Mazrian grins at Ali, belying the harsh tone.)

Ali chuckles.

(Ayrell walks into the room, distracted again by the book she reads even as she enters. She catches her ankle against a footstool and trips, dropping her book as she begins to tumble to the ground.)

(Ali darts forward to catch the lady in his arms, scooping her up just as she would have crashed onto the hard marble floor.)

Ayrell blushes, the tips of her ears turning a delicate scarlet hue.

Ayrell says to Ali, "Thank you."

Mazrian laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

Mazrian teasingly says, "I've warned you not to press your nose to your books while you're on your feet. You're just lucky a spryer fellow than I was here to rescue you."

(Ali stares at the woman with a look of awe before suddenly realizing she is still in his arms.)

(Ali gently sets her back on her feet and backs away a bit, still staring at her lovely face.)

(Mazrian claps the lad on the shoulder and grins at him.)

Mazrian briskly exclaims to Ali, "Quick thinking. If you're always this fast on your feet, you'll do well!"

Mazrian says to Ayrell, "Your timing is perfect."

Mazrian says to Ali, "My boy, I'd like for you to meet my wife."

Ayrell smiles.

Mazrian smiles warmly at the lady, gently drawing her into his arms. She leans back against his chest, smiling at the young man.

(Ali flinches once, almost imperceptibly, then rearranges his expression into a broad smile.)

Ali laughingly says, "I was beginning to think, from the way he talked, that the lady of the manor was simply a dream he'd had one night."

Ayrell laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Ayrell says to Ali, "No, quite real, in fact. My husband has spoken so often of you and your father; I am delighted to have you in our home."

Ali smiles.

Mazrian grins at Ali.

Mazrian casually asks Ali, "Isn't she a peach?"

Ali nods to Mazrian.

Mazrian exclaims, "This is a wonderful day, I think we should celebrate!"

(Mazrian turns, taking his wife gently by the hand to lead her from the room. He leans down and retrieves her book.)

Mazrian chuckles.

Mazrian says to Ayrell, "I'm going to have to borrow this some day. There aren't enough happy endings in the world."

Mazrian pats Ali on the back.

Mazrian resonantly exclaims to Ali, "Come along, young man, we've much drinking to do!"

Mazrian laughs!

Ali grins.

(Ali pauses a moment, sparing one last glance at the lady before following the pair from the room with a grin.)

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain draws closed as the lights dim.
    They open again to reveal the Lord sitting in his study, slowly reading a document.
    It is late evening and the room is lighted by a crackling fire, as well as a few candles around the room."

Act Three

Mazrian frowns.

(Mazrian sets the letter down on the large desk at which he is seated, then rises to his feet. He walks to stand before the fire, pensively staring into the flames.)

(Ali taps softly against the door before opening it. He looks at the Lord with concern.)

Ali asks, "My Lord? You sent for me?"

(Mazrian sighs quietly before turning to face his apprentice.)

Mazrian somberly says to Ali, "Yes, my boy. I have news, and I must ask a favor of you."

Ali smiles.

Ali says, "Anything, my Lord."

Mazrian chuckles.

(Mazrian takes a seat at one of the two armchairs by the fire, and gestures at the other.)

Mazrian says to Ali, "Please, make yourself comfortable."

Mazrian smiles quietly.

Mazrian slowly says to Ali, "I have become quite fond of you, my boy. In many ways, you are like the son I never had. The last year seems to have flown by with you here to keep this old man company."

Ali smiles at the Lord

Ali says to Mazrian, "It has been a privilege. I never dreamed I'd be so fortunate. To be apprenticed to a man as honest and generous as you is unheard of. You've been too kind to me."

Mazrian dryly says to Ali, "You give me too much credit. If you'd been lazy, or selfish, or indecent you'd have found me a much more difficult task master. The ease you enjoy here is of your own earning, not out of any kindness from me."

Mazrian says, "Since you've come here, you have done everything I have ever asked. You have earned my trust and my confidence. I'm afraid I must now ask you to take on a mighty obligation."

Ali blushes, the tips of his ears turning a deep shade of red.

Mazrian gravely says, "I have received word from the Baron that he again requires my services. I am to leave in the morning, and I have not been given any indication of my return."

Mazrian inhales a great swallow of air.

Mazrian says to Ali, "I have no concern for myself, but for my wife..."

Mazrian wistfully says to Ali, "She is the center of my life."

Ali gazes at Mazrian.

Mazrian solemnly says to Ali, "I cannot bear the idea of leaving her here, alone and defenseless. Under ordinary circumstances I would have you accompany me, to introduce you to the Baron and continue your training. Instead, I ask you to stay here. To protect her since I cannot."

Mazrian gazes at Ali.

Mazrian solemnly asks Ali, "Will you take this burden?"

Ali nods.

Ali reverently says to Mazrian, "It is no burden, my Lord. It is an honor."

Ali says, "I have grown to love you, sir, as a father, just as you see me as a son."

Ali faithfully says to Mazrian, "Your Lady is precious to me because she is precious to you. I would gladly give my life to keep her safe."

Ali smiles.

Mazrian smiles fondly, and then reaches over to clasp the hand of his apprentice.

Mazrian sincerely says to Ali, "I can never repay you for this, but I will try."

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain closes on the two as they begin to discuss the details that must be attended to in the Lord's absence.
    Moments later the stage is revealed again, the Lady stands by the window of her sitting room.
    She gazes out into the distance with a look of sadness."

Act Four

(Ali enters silently, pausing to gaze at the lady a moment before he speaks. His face is mottled with conflicting emotions.)

Ali asks, "My Lady, am I interrupting you?"

(Ayrell startles slightly, turning to look at the apprentice.)

Ayrell says, "No, no. I was just..."

Ali smiles gently

Ali says, "I know. I watch for him every day."

Ali softly asks Ayrell, "Still no word?"

Ayrell shakes her head.

Ayrell sighs.

Ayrell despondently says, "None, and every day I become more afraid I will never see him again."

Ali gives Ayrell a studious look, as if committing her to memory.

Ali says, "You love him very much."

Ayrell nods.

Ayrell says, "I do."

Ali nods.

Ayrell smiles graciously at the apprentice.

Ayrell says to Ali, "I am so glad you stayed. I would have been terribly lonely without you."

(Ayrell glances out the window again, biting her lip gently.)

(Ali walks to the window to stand beside the lady, watching her as carefully as she watches the window.)

Ali softly says, "If anything were to happen to him... I would stay here. You wouldn't be alone."

Ayrell gently says, "You are very kind. But let us hope it does not come to that."

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The lights dim as the curtain is drawn.
    When it reopens, the pair are found sitting in the study.
    They laugh merrily as they play a game of cards, relaxing at the end of another tense day of waiting."

Act Five

Ayrell laughingly exclaims, "You are cheating!"

Ayrell laughs!

(Ayrell throws her cards down on the table.)

Ali grins.

Ali exclaims, "Well that wouldn't be very sportsman-like!"

Ayrell playfully exclaims, "I do not hear you denying it!"

Ayrell smiles.

Ali chuckles.

Ali teasingly says, "I'll never tell."

Ali winks at Ayrell.

(Ali reaches for the cards just as she does. His hand brushes hers and he draws back quickly, as though recoiling from a snake.)

(Ayrell gazes at him curiously.)

Ayrell asks Ali, "Is something troubling you?"

(Ali meets her gaze silently.)

Ali quietly says, "Nothing that can be helped, my Lady."

Ayrell says, "No, if something is upsetting you, I want to know about it. You have been nothing but kind to me. If there is something I can do to help you, I demand you let me."

Ayrell smiles affectionately at the Apprentice.

Ali says, "I'm afraid there's nothing you can do. I want something I cannot have."

Ali gazes at Ayrell.

Ali says, "Something that belongs to another man."

Ali stares meekly at the ground in a moment of embarrassment.

(Ayrell face deepens into a red blush as understanding dawns in her eyes.)

Ayrell quietly says to Ali, "I want to tell you that you have become very dear to me. I do not know how I would have gotten through this year without you."

Ali nods.

(Ali is on the verge of speaking when he hears a commotion coming from the hallway. He and the Lady rise and start hurrying to the door.)

(Mazrian throws the door open, rushing in so quickly he almost smashes into the apprentice.)

Ayrell gasps!

(Ayrell runs the short distance between them, throwing herself into the lord's arms as tears begin to stream down her face.)

(Mazrian pulls her roughly into his arms in his eagerness.)

Mazrian catches Ayrell up in a fierce embrace, swinging her around exuberantly.

(Mazrian embraces her passionately, forgetting everything else in the world.)

(Ali watches the couple silently as they embrace. His presence is entirely forgotten, but he forces himself to watch. Again he is torn, looking upon them both with pain and love filling his eyes.)

(Ali turns and walks from the room silently.)

(Mazrian scoops his young wife into his arms, as she continues to shower him with kisses and tears. He turns and carries her from the room.)

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The scene ends on this provocative note, conflicting feelings abounding.
    The next scene unfolds with the Apprentice standing quietly in the study, arms behind his back as he paces the room.
    He takes a deep breath and clenches his jaw, resigning himself to some decision as yet unknown."

Act Six

(Ayrell walks into the room blindly, her eyes again focused on her book. She bumps the doorway and is jostled, drawing her attention up. She sees the Apprentice and smiles gently.)

Ayrell says to Ali, "Good morning."

Ali smiles at the Lady, very carefully averting his eyes from her.

Ali asks, "Good morning. Is your husband still resting?"

Ayrell lightheartedly says, "Yes, he was very tired after his journey home. I expect he will be up soon."

Ali nods.

Ali formally says, "If you'll excuse me, my lady."

(Ayrell reaches out to touch his arm, but stops herself, drawing her hand away.)

Ayrell asks Ali, "Must you go?"

Ali says, "Yes. I can't.. I need to..."

Ali sighs.

Ali softly says, "He's like a father to me."

Ayrell nods.

Ayrell softly says, "He is the best of men."

Ali quietly says, "I...I don't think I can be near you. We have not done anything regrettable. I want to keep it that way."

Ali shakes his head.

Ali says, "I should go, return to my family."

Ayrell gazes at Ali.

Ayrell quietly says, "I meant what I said last night."

Ayrell softly says to Ali, "I do not want you to leave. Not because of me. Because of this."

Ali sighs.

(Ali stares into the lady's eyes for a long moment, gritting his teeth from the restraint he forces on himself.)

Ali says, "Nothing can happen. I owe him too much."

Ayrell nods in agreement.

Ayrell sighs.

Ayrell says, "I did not expect this."

Ayrell gazes at Ali.

Ayrell says to Ali, "I love my husband. I know you do, too."

(Mazrian moves out from the shadows by the door where he has been standing. He turns and walks away without a word, unseen by the pair, a look of sadness on his face.)

Ali formally says, "Excuse me, my Lady. There are things I must attend to."

(Ali strides so quickly from the room he is almost running.)

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain closes slowly on the Lady, who stares silently at the door.
    The curtains open again to reveal the Lord and his Apprentice sitting in the study.
    They laugh and carry on jovially as they drink and play a game of chess."

Act Seven

Mazrian outrageously exclaims to Ali, "You're cheating!"

Mazrian laughs!

Ali laughingly says, "You always say that when you're losing."

Ali grins.

Mazrian says to Ali, "You've been practicing. You weren't nearly this good when I left."

Mazrian dryly says to Ali, "At cheating, I mean. You're still awful at chess."

Ali chuckles.

Mazrian says to Ali, "I wanted to thank you for keeping everything in such good order while I was away."

Ali flinches.

Ali says, "It was the least I could do. We missed you heartily."

(Mazrian gives his Apprentice a very direct look.)

(Mazrian carefully moves his white castle across the board, protecting the queen.)

Mazrian mildly says, "There are men who would have been hesitant to leave a young wife alone with another man. Luckily, I knew she was in good hands."

Ali smiles a moment, shifting his knight on the board to approach the bishop.

Ali says, "It's always a credit to be trusted by a great man."

(Mazrian pauses a moment, his hand hovering over the queen again before sliding a pawn forward, to a position in the path of the bishop.)

Mazrian mildly says to Ali, "A great man can be felled by a fool with the right weapon."

Ali ponders.

(Ali quickly moves his bishop to capture the pawn, then moves the piece off the board.)

Ali thoughtfully says, "I guess the difference is knowing whether you're arming a fool or a friend."

Ali raises an eyebrow.

Mazrian mildly says, "I've found that depending on the circumstances, they can be the same man."

Mazrian chuckles.

(Mazrian moves his second castle forward, felling the red bishop.)

Ali winces.

Ali says, "Oh, that's going to hurt later."

Mazrian flatly says to Ali, "I certainly hope so."

Ali sighs.

Mazrian smiles thinly.

Ali says, "I guess I should have been paying more attention."

Mazrian leans back.

Mazrian quietly says to Ali, "Only if you want to win."

Mazrian gives Ali a studious look, as if committing him to memory.

Mazrian knowingly says to Ali, "Sometimes you have to look closely to see what is right in front of you."

Ali glances at Mazrian.

Ali says, "Things aren't always what they seem to be."

Mazrian knowingly says to Ali, "Sometimes they're more."

(Ali carefully selects a knight to advance across the board.)

Ali says, "Your lady missed you greatly during your absence. She kept a vigil for you every day."

Mazrian gazes at Ali.

Mazrian mildly says to Ali, "She mentioned that you often joined her. It was kind of you to keep her company."

Ali nods.

Ali says, "I hated to see her alone and unhappy. I offered what comfort I could."

Mazrian slowly empties his lungs.

Mazrian hollowly says, "I have no doubt."

(Mazrian slowly moves his queen to the center of the board, directly between his castle and the apprentice's knight.)

Mazrian hollowly asks, "She's such a lovely creature, isn't she?"

Ali nods.

Ali softly says, "She's everything a man could want."

Mazrian smiles.

Mazrian hollowly says, "I've always thought so."

(Mazrian leans back in his chair, studying the Apprentice as he decides his next move.)

Mazrian slowly asks Ali, "Time to make a choice, boy. Do you go for the King or chance it for the Queen?"

Ali ponders.

Ali smiles faintly as he reaches for his knight.

Ali curiously asks, "There's no way to have both?"

Mazrian flatly says to Ali, "Not in this game."

Ali frowns.

(Ali studies the Lord for a long moment before moving his knight towards the white king.)

Ali says, "Check."

Ali smirks.

Mazrian raises an eyebrow in Ali's direction.

Mazrian slowly asks Ali, "Are you sure?"

(Mazrian casually moves his remaining bishop into the path of the red knight.)

Mazrian ironically says to Ali, "Come on, lad, pay attention. Make sure you can take down anything in your path to get what you want."

Ali glances at Mazrian.

(Ali moves another pawn forward to capture the bishop, unaware he's leaving his knight exposed.)

Ali says, "Check."

Mazrian sighs.

Mazrian slowly says to Ali, "You should have gone for the Queen. She'll always take you down."

(Mazrian moves his queen forward with one finger, capturing the knight.)

Ali gives Mazrian a studious look, as if committing him to memory.

Ali says, "You've seen that move before."

Mazrian directly says to Ali, "At my age, I've seen most moves before."

Mazrian smiles thinly at the apprentice.

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain closes as the two men watch each other carefully, evaluating and calculating the situation.
    When it reopens, the Lord stands before the window in his study, his Apprentice flipping idly through a textbook."

Act Eight

(Mazrian glances at a messenger who rushes into the room and hands the Lord an envelope. It bears the seal of the Baron.)

(Mazrian narrows his eyes as he opens it, then begins to read it carefully. He sighs deeply, crumpling the parchment in his fist.)

Mazrian bleakly says to Ali, "We've been called back to the field."

Ali blinks.

Ali asks, "We?"

Mazrian nods to Ali.

Ali gulps.

Mazrian quietly says, "Apparently the Baron is joining the battle raging in Shard. All able men have been called to service. I have been instructed to report immediately to take command of a cavalry regiment. He also feels that you have had enough education. He insists you join me."

Ali's skin turns a pasty shade.

Ali hesitantly asks, "But... What about...?"

Mazrian glances at Ali.

Mazrian curtly says to Ali, "She'll be left here with the servants."

Mazrian shakes his head.

Mazrian softly says, "I can't stand the idea of her here alone, but we've sworn an oath of fealty. There isn't anything to be done for it..."

(Mazrian turns, showing a sliver of anger as he stands and pitches the letter into the fire. Consumed by the reality of what is to come, his hardened gaze softens. Silently staring into the crackling flames.)

Mazrian hollowly says, "There's nothing to be done."

Ali sighs.

(Ali stands, shaking with the emotions running through him.)

(Ali without a word, he turns to the Lord and they embrace like father and son, hugging each other fiercely as they fathom the reality that both may not survive this war. They cling to each other, putting aside any lingering tension, desperate for the comfort of the bond they share.)

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain closes slowly on the friends, then reopens to reveal the Lady, staring out the window of her sitting room.
    A lone spot light shines her, capturing her isolation.
    She thinks aloud to herself, as though attempting to fight through the despair she feels by interrupting the silence around her."

Act Nine

Ayrell quietly says, "Both. They have taken them both. For a battle that no one should have to fight. They have been sent to die in a land I have never seen, never wanted to see."

Ayrell says, "They will give their lives for strangers, among races who condemn them for their mortality."

A tear runs down Ayrell's face.

Ayrell sorrowfully says, "It has been months with no word, no sign. The Baron cannot be expected to think of a lonely wife when men are dying around him, but I had hoped someone would return, have some news to share."

Ayrell haggardly asks, "And even if they should return, what then? We will continue to live this way?"

A pained expression crosses Ayrell's face.

Ayrell quietly says, "For me to have one, the other must die."

A tear runs down Ayrell's face.

Ayrell tearfully says, "But I fear I cannot live without either of them."

(Ayrell takes a ragged breath, stilling the tears that well up in her eyes. She struggles to gather herself, then resumes her silent vigil at the window.)

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain closes a moment, then reopens to reveal the Lady sitting silently in her favorite armchair, high in the tower where her chambers lie.
    Her favorite book lies in her lap, unopened.
    She stares blankly at her hands, seeing nothing."

Act Ten

(Ayrell glances dumbly at the messenger who enters her chamber, a trembling young man with a pair of letters in his hands. She stands to accept them silently, as all the color drains from her face.)

(Ayrell silently opens the first letter, a parchment reddened by the blood of its author.)

You hear a voice say, "My dear lady, it is with regret that I must inform you of the death of your husband and Lord. I wish to relay to you that he died as a hero, sword in his hand. He sacrificed his own life for thousands of others. His bravery and strength will never be forgotten..."

(Ayrell begins to shake uncontrollably, dropping the note to the floor. She grabs blindly for the second letter, ripping it open clumsily as she trembles.)

You hear a voice say, "I am sorry to report the death of the young apprentice who has been working in your service. He was a good and hardy fellow, who gave everything to serve and defend. It is a true loss to Theren that such a valuable asset must perish on the field of battle..."

(Ayrell lets out a soft scream, then collapses to the ground, body racked with the force of her sobs. Overwhelmed by grief, she lays on the ground for several moments, letting the emotions wash over her.)

(Ayrell slowly eases her breathing back to normal, pulling herself to a semi-sitting position, leaned forward with one arm supporting her. She pushes her hair back with the other, then wipes the tears from her still lovely face. A look of determination settles on her features, and she shakily begins to climb to her feet.)

(Ayrell walks numbly back to her chair and retrieves the letters from the ground, gently tucking them both into the pages of her favorite book.)

(Ayrell carries the book to the window and carefully sets it on the sill before pushing the window open, letting in a cool burst of night air.)

(Ayrell spares a heartbroken glance around the room, allowing her mind to flood with cherished memories of love and laughter that echoed, even still, through the now empty walls of this once happy home.)

Ayrell smiles quietly, another tear escaping her lashes. Turning back to the window, she grasps the sill and climbs onto it, precariously balanced for just a moment.

(Ayrell blinks the tears from her eyes one last time, then leans forward, allowing the night to claim her as she falls to the hard flagstone of the ground below.)

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain closes for the last time on this tragic scene, leaving the audience in silence to wonder how far they would go for love."

Curtain Call

Ezerak says, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us for the production of this powerful piece."

Ezerak says, "It played an important part in Ayrell's love for the theater, which is coincidentally where we met."

Ezerak says, "Introducing our cast, as the Lady, Lady Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir."

With a graceful flutter of her hands, Ayrell sinks down in a formal curtsy.

Ayrell smiles.

Ezerak says, "In the role of the Lord, Mazrian Daemondred-Rudeone."

Mazrian bows.

Ezerak says, "And as the Apprentice, Ali ibn-Jaal'alyin."

Ali waves.

Ali bows.

Ezerak says, "Thank you all again for coming, we hope you enjoyed."

Ayrell smiles.

Mazrian waves.

Ali asks, "And now, the drinks?"

Ali grins at Ezerak.

Ayrell exclaims, "And perhaps a round of applause for the playwright. Ruea!"

Mazrian pats Ali on the back.

Ezerak nods at Ayrell, obviously agreeing with her views.

Ezerak says, "Yes, a special thanks to Ruea for letting us use this one."

Ayrell smiles.

Ali gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer.

Mazrian applauds.

Ayrell applauds.

Ayrell graciously says, "We shall see you all in the lobby."

Ezerak smiles, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.

Lady of Elamiri Ayrell's group went through a thick dark curtain.