Love Abridged: A Therengian Parroty

   Musparan Society of Misfit Mummers presents
   
   ~*~ LOVE ABRIDGED: A THERENGIAN PARROTY ~*~
   
   CAST OF CHARACTERS
   
   Eskerith as the Narrator ~ Responsible for keeping the plot moving forward, provided the rest of the cast actually sticks to the script.
   
   Stelling as the Court Advisor ~ An overworked official who survives on bourbon and bureaucratic spite.
   
   Kiashandra as the Page ~ A cynical court errand-runner who thinks everyone is out of their mind.
   
   Zersha as the Lady of the Sands  ~ A Velakan Sand Elf who is deeply aggrieved by Baronial taxes, especially after being locked out of Telomin Hall in the rain while holding a plate of courtesy cupcakes. Armed with Caress of the Sun and zero patience.
   
   Senthic as Dumfre ~ Gnome Twin #1. Easily distracted, completely incapable of staying in character, and directly responsible for ruining things with his greasy ham hands.
   
   Cote as Deevre ~ Gnome Twin #2. The "serious" brother. Spends the entire performance attempting damage control, reining in Dumfre, and trying not to break the fourth wall while everything crumbles around him.
   
   Shaylynne as the Mime ~ Intermission Entertainment. Trying their absolute best, though their performance is constantly undermined by a pesky parrot.
   
   Cherisse as Xanto ~ A mysterious Necromancer and vital segue to the upcoming sequel   keep an eye on this one.
   
   Sit back, relax, and enjoy seven scenes of ridiculous satire and one intermission.
   
   We would like to thank the generous donors from our silent auction.  They helped make this production possible, especially Anino's Rainbow Retail for contributing more than fifty percent of the funds raised!

[Heketha Theater, Twilight Stage] The curved lip of the wood-grain floor flares out into the darkened theater. A band of stamped platinum and gold has been inlaid into the rim. Curtains dyed a dark indigo fall as a backdrop behind the stage itself. Thousands of small, sparkling flecks wink from their thick velvet folds.

Shaylynne recites:

   "Hello and welcome to the Heketha Theater, the home of the Misfit Mummers!  We are honored to host here in Muspar'i, also known as the Jewel of the Desert, and showcase the arts and culture of this beautiful city."

   "May it shine a little brighter, and at least for tonight, encourage you to laugh a little louder."

   "Many of you might remember how the old rope bridge was replaced across the ravine between Mistwood Forest and Therenborough."

   "Beside the hard labor, stolen blueprints,  and that famous final tainted brick, there were friendships forged and follies that inspired us to write about the events that transpired during its construction."

   "As a comedy written based on the true story, we did ask permission to use the likeness of notable characters in the script.  We can solemnly swear that no Therengians - or parrots - were harmed in the making of this production."

   "Without further ado, from my fond and fuzzy recollections, twisted sense of humor, and bottom of my playwright's heart, I present to you the Musparan Society of Misfit Mummers and Love Abridged: A Therengian Parroty."

Shaylynne pulls a bustling village backdrop with images of merchants selling various items out of a hidden chest.

(Shaylynne disappears behind a gap in the curtains, pulling them closed behind her.)

The rushing sound of unanimous applause rises in volume. Glancing over the audience members, you notice Trajan, Lasciel, Ahneya, Nilme and Crobin are applauding and cheering.

A voice from the shadows recites:

   "With a creak of ropes and pulleys, the curtains slowly pull apart, unveiling the first scene.  Thunderous timpani drums rumble from the orchestra pit, flickering sconces mimic flashes of lightning, and the sound and smell of pouring rain permeate the air from somewhere nearby."

The rushing sound of unanimous applause lowers in volume.  Glancing over the audience members, you notice Saoirsi and Tweedee are applauding and cheering.

(Zersha walks out onto a faux cobbled quad with city buildings as the backdrop.  On her way across she passes a young man sitting at the edge of a fountain, penning what may be a love letter if one were to judge by the wistful look on his face.)

Zersha smiles knowingly.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "Love is forever, they say.  Forever a disappointment, I say."

(Zersha tosses a coin into the basin.  With a *plunk* it splashes water onto the boy's paper.  He looks up and opens his mouth in protest, but the Lady's demeanor convinces him otherwise.  He shuffles off towards the wings, damp parchment in hand.)

(Zersha smirks, then scowls, her amusement with the lovestruck fool cut short by a sudden crack of thunder.  She looks up, clearly displeased.)

Zersha sighs.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "A Sand Elf roaming in the rain, this meeting better be worth it."

(Zersha draws up the hood of her cloak.  The youth nearby picks up his pace to prevent his letter from getting any wetter, and disappears behind the curtains.  Water begins to shower from above, casting visible droplets across the dry floor of the stage.  The Velakan Bardess invokes a few harmonious chords from a familiar melody, and basks in the aura of a warm, dry air that envelopes her.)

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "Sweet relief."

(Zersha stops at one of the buildings on set and knocks three times, rhythmically, of course.)

You hear a voice exclaim, "Come in! The meeting's about to start!"

(Zersha twists the doorknob.  Suddenly, a tall guard appears, seemingly out of nowhere.  She recoils and eyes him with disdain, her enchante coming to an abrupt end.)

Zersha annoyedly says in a Velakan accent, "There is a sizable brute blocking me, like it's his job or something."

You hear a matter-of-fact voice ask, "That's because it is his job. Are you a citizen?"

Zersha exclaims in a Velakan accent, "I paid my taxes to Therengaria, and on time, too!"

You hear a voice say, "Simply show him your papers."

(Zersha shows a passport to the burly guard, who shakes his head and only further reinforces his position in front of the entryway.)

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "I am under the impression he is not impressed."

You hear a voice ask, "Are you are a criminal... or something worse?"

Zersha impatiently says in a Velakan accent, "No, I am unwanted, nothing worse, and feel more so if you don't let me in.  Also, it is raining, and I brought cupcakes.  If the icing melts, they will just be a pile of messy muffins."

You hear a voice ask, "Well, what kind of identification did you show him?"

Zersha proudly asks in a Velakan accent, "My Velakan one, what else would a Sand Elf present?"

You hear a snide voice say, "Oh, you won't be allowed into Telomin Hall.  Therengian Citizens only."

(Zersha, with a slight head tilt and flip of the hair, sweeps her bangs away from the front of her face.)

Zersha curiously asks in a Velakan accent, "Why do my taxes end up in the Baron's coffers, if I cannot even enjoy the citizen spoils within his city walls?"

You hear an arrogant voice say, "I'm sorry, I can ask His Grace but Musparan city taxes are probably allocated differently than the Therenborough ones --- an unfortunate consequence of being sovereign, perhaps. I wouldn't know, I work for the Court, not the Treasury."

(Zersha once again flips her hair to the side emphatically, tucking a stray lock behind her left ear.)

Zersha irritably asks in a Velakan accent, "Sir, I came all this way, do you have a manager I can speak with?"

(Zersha is met by a faint mumble which sounded like someone said "I am the manager." followed by a long moment of awkward silence.)

You hear a distant voice say, "Alright, folks, let's get this meeting started. About that bridge..."

(Zersha retrieves some thin lemon-shaped wafer cookies wrapped in translucent wax paper from within her basket of sweets.  She slides them beneath the door with a calling card.)

Zersha mischievously exclaims in a Velakan accent, "A snack, then.  Special recipe.  I hope that wasn't one of the... poison ones.  That would be unfortunate.  Oh well, can't take it back now!"

Zersha laughs with delight, her eyes full of merriment.

(Zersha spins on one heel and saunters off stage.  The rain sounds stop, and the curtains slide together, allowing a brief glimpse of stagehands crossing the set with mops.)

Shaylynne appears to stuff a bustling village backdrop with images of merchants selling various items back in the chest.

A voice from the shadows recites:

   "The curtains open, revealing the interior of the meeting room from the previous scene."

Stelling smiles from a comfortable chair and beckons a nearby servant to come forward.

Stelling says, "I shall try some of that new wine that was delivered earlier today."

(Stelling settles back into his seat.  The man pours some pale golden liquid from a carafe into a long-stemmed glass.  Handing it to the Advisor with a "Here you are, Sir."  and a brief bow, he stiffly returns to his station near the far wall.)

From the seating area you hear Lasciel  yell, "Stellllling!!!"

(Stelling tilts the glass from side-to-side, and sniffs at the mouth of the glass prior to drinking any.)

From the seating area you hear Crobin yell, "Go Stelling"

Stelling holds his hand up before his mouth and begins to cough, his shoulders shaking.  Hope it's not contagious!

Stelling gulps.

Stelling says, "Oh, my, that is a bit tart isn't it?"  He waves the waiter back over.  "Do we have any of that sherry from House Trigomas?  No?  Fetch me some whisky from my own private reserve.  I'll take it neat."

(Stelling places the barely touched wine on a nearby table.  When the servant returns with a generously filled tumbler, the Advisor savors a leisurely sip of the dark amber bourbon.)

Stelling says, "Ahh, much better.  Note to self, the wine in small doses and this in small batches.  Now, where were we?  Oh, right, the bridge."

Stelling says, "As you all know, funds and materials have been acquired for the structure across the chasm which will be, thankfully, replacing that precarious rope bridge.  This should provide safer passage between here and Rossman's Landing, with less bottlenecking and milling about the edges of our forests, where danger lurks nearby."

Stelling asks, "That said, do we have any petitions?"

Stelling smiles and glances about the meeting room.  The sound of crickets begin to chirp around the stage, reverberate around the theater, then just as quickly, they stop.

Stelling says, "Good!  Less paperwork for me.  You would all be glad to know we did finally receive a report from the local health inspector confirming the coffee shop was not, in fact, cutting costs by using the moat water."

(Stelling's voice gets quieter and quieter until his words are but a mumble, and the curtain draws closed.)

A voice from the shadows recites:

   "The curtains part, and the stage is empty.  It is the same meeting room, but everything is adjourned and abandoned save for some unfurled blueprints spread out upon a table."

A voice from the shadows recites:

   "Oh wait, there are two Gnomes in the corner by the buffet.  How did I miss them?"

Senthic loudly says, "Yeah, how did you miss us?  Psh, someone needs to go back to Narrator school."

Senthic snorts, loudly.

Cote quietly says, "Dumfre, we are super serious actors now, say your lines and stay on script."

Senthic quietly says, "Okay, okay.  But...just one thing.   I don't think Gnome voices are that deep. You might want to adjust your pitch, a little falsetto, maybe."

Cote glares.

Cote clears her throat.

Cote annoyedly says, "Anyways."

Cote asks, "Oh, brother, who left all this free food behind?"

(Cote nabs a hunk of ham from the rolling food cart and plates it.)

Cote exclaims, "Don't mind if I do!"

(Cote walks over to the conference table, and cuts his food into bite size pieces with a fork and knife.)

Senthic says, "I think I'm supposed to be shorter."

(Senthic lowers himself down to his knees and shuffles across the floor towards his now taller brother Deevre.)

Cote rolls her eyes.

Cote rolls her eyes heavenward and mumbles, "Why me?!"

(Cote ignores their costar in an attempt to stay in character.)

Cote wistfully says, "Therengian Ham is the best ham."

(Senthic takes an oversized chunk of ham-pink ham the size of his head and chomps down.)

Cote annoyedly asks, "Would it kill you to use utensils?"

Senthic mischievously says, "That's for civilized Gnomes that like the view from Thain's Box."

Senthic giggles a little oddly.

Cote gruffly says, "This 'civilized' Gnome is resisting the urge to war stomp your face right now."

Senthic says, "Oh, we can rumble, just let me get this ham grease off my hammy hands first."

(Senthic puts the ham down, picks up the blueprints, dabs the corners of his mouth and uses it to wipe off his fingers.)

Cote gasps!

Cote says, "That's not..."  He sighs deeply. "...a napkin."

Cote frowns, shaking her head with an expression of exasperation before resting her face in the palm of her hand.

Cote asks, "What have you done?"

Senthic slowly asks, "Ohh noo.  What have I dooone?"

(Senthic holds the parchment in front of him, the architectural designs now smudged and indecipherable.)

Cote quietly says to herself, "Seriously getting you acting classes after this."

Senthic slowly asks, "Hmmmmm?"

Cote says, "Hmmmmm."

(Cote strikes an exaggeratedly pensive pose.)

(Cote holds his fist up in the air and points one index finger towards the ceiling.)

Cote confidently asks, "I have an idea!  Dumfre, what if we hold the plans for ransom, then use the ransom money to buy new ones?"

Senthic asks, "Do I really get a say in this?"

Cote says, "Actually, no.  We're doing it."

(Cote scribbles something on a piece of parchment and leaves it where the blueprints were earlier.)

Senthic says, "Cool.  Maybe we can get them to add some working gears and interactive parts that spark and shock people."

Cote scoffs.

Cote says, "That's ridiculous and highly unlikely.  Anyways, grab your new 'napkin' and let's go."

(Cote starts walking off stage.  Dumfre struggles to keep up, still on his knees, with the ruined blueprints in his hand.  The leftover ham is still on the table.)

Senthic says, "Hey, I didn't forget my lines this time."

Cote sarcastically says, "Yeah, you only forgot to stand up and wait until we are off the stage to say things like that."

Cote rolls her eyes.

(Cote disappears behind the rapidly closing curtains with Dumfre, now on his feet, in tow.)

A voice from the shadows recites:

   "A lone mime, dressed in black-and-white stripes with stark theatrical makeup, stands upon the stage. A high-top table nearby is draped in a cream colored tablecloth and holds a small platform perch, a charcoal companion slate reading "Intermission", and some vivid violet chalk."

A chorus of applause starts up, seemingly led by Tweedee.

The lingering echoes of applause hang over the dais before ceasing altogether. 

A voice from the shadows recites:

   "The mime's glossy red-tinted lips curl into a smile when a parrot flies in from the wings, landing on the roost and tilting its head inquisitively."

(Shaylynne waves. The parrot squawks, watching the mime expectantly. The mime opens her mouth as if to speak and closes it again. The parrot begins repeating "hello, hello, hello!")

(Shaylynne looks at the bird and shrugs, and the parrot responds by ruffling its feathers, perhaps intending to mimic their body language instead.)

(Shaylynne returns to their routine, touching the invisible walls of a box. The parrot takes off from its post and flies erratically around the table in a tight circle, imitating the sense of confinement.)

(Shaylynne discovers an opening at the bottom and crawls on the ground to get through it. The parrot crouches down at the edge of the table and hops through a similar unseen exit, landing on the floor next to the mime.)

(Shaylynne reaches the edge of the table with a triumphant grin. Alas, victory is short-lived. A storm hits. The mime leans forward at a precarious angle, struggling against a gale and the parrot beats its wings in place nearby, resisting the "wind.")

(Shaylynne grips the piece of furniture and pulls themselves toward it with exaggerated effort, nearly stripping the tablecloth. She finally gets her hands on the slate.)

(Shaylynne cleans off the board, writes "Scene 4" with the purple piece of chalk and sets it back down, and holds it up for the audience to see. The parrot snatches the small calcite stick in its talons and breezes by, obscuring the audience view.)

(Shaylynne's eyes widen and she watches the bird in wonder. Once finished, the parrot returns the pastel medium to rest beneath the roost. The words "Blackmail for Blueprints" are sloppily scrawled beneath the mime's handwriting.)

(Shaylynne takes a bow, the parrot dips its head and screeches "Bye! Bye! Bye!", and they both exit the stage.)

A chorus of applause starts up, seemingly led by Tweedee.

The audience response of unanimous applause surges louder.  Glancing over the audience members, you notice Allye, Salvitoriel, Teavira, Nilme and Tweedee are applauding and cheering.

A voice from the shadows recites:

   "The now familiar sound of pulleys, ropes, and rustling fabric meets your ears.  The curtains slide open, once again."

You notice Lasciel whistling in the seating area.

The rushing sound of unanimous applause rises in volume.  Glancing over the audience members, you notice Trajan, Lasciel , Ahneya, Amabalis, Harkour and Crobin are applauding and cheering.

A voice from the shadows recites:

   "A boisterous voice booms throughout the theater declaring "Meanwhile, back at the Meeting Hall.".  Deevre can be heard from backstage scolding Dumfre, who is ever so quick to blame the mime."

(Stelling stands triumphantly, chest puffed out, surveying the area with a look of accomplishment. He turns toward the wings of the stage.)

The lingering echoes of applause hang over the dais before ceasing altogether. 

Stelling exclaims, "The materials are ready!"

(Stelling approaches the main table.  He comes to a halt, his expression shifting to one of utter confusion as he finds a half-eaten ham and a soiled scrap of paper where the blueprints should have been.)

(Stelling picks up the permeated piece of parchment with two fingers, holding it out at a safe distance in front of him out with a heavy, weary sigh.)

Stelling confusedly asks, "Hrm, I recognize this letterhead but not the handwriting. What is it for this time, did they resurrect another victim of their own violence?"

A chorus of applause starts up, seemingly led by Crobin.

The lingering echoes of applause hang over the dais before ceasing altogether. 

(Stelling peruses the document, his eyes widening the further down they move.)

Stelling annoyedly exclaims, "This isn't an invoice, it's a ransom note to recover my own documents!"

Stelling scowls to himself.

(Stelling strides back and forth across the floor, clutching the note.  His weary sighs shift to ones of exasperation and he presses his face into the palm of his hand, shaking his head.)

Stelling resignedly says, "Well, we do need to get those plans back or there will be no bridge in the near future."

Stelling knits his eyebrows together in a thoughtful frown.

Stelling exclaims, "Page! Come in here, please!"

(Stelling paces impatiently a few moments before a Page rushes onto the stage, bowing low.)

Stelling asks, "How much is left in the coffers?"

Kiashandra nervously says, "Plenty, Sir, but most has been reserved for His Grace's eventual wedding."

(Kiashandra mumbles under his breath and turns to the audience.)

(Kiashandra whispers audibly "IF it ever happens.")

Kiashandra smirks.

Kiashandra quickly clasps both hands over her mouth.

Stelling thoughtfully says, "Hmm... why don't we split the bill with the Velakans? Send them an -actual- invoice, not a threat like this garbage."

From the seating area you hear Lasciel  yell, "Kiashandraaaa!!!"

Stelling confidentially says, "I am certain they will pay it and we can reimburse the purse later."

(Kiashandra faces the Advisor, visibly jarred by the suggestion.)

Kiashandra hesitantly says, "But Sir... what if they don't pay it?  I don't think this bridge benefits them the way it does us."

Stelling says, "Then I will be sure to throw a bachelor party that both makes up for it and makes him forget all about this little debacle."

Stelling waves dismissively.

Kiashandra quietly says to herself, "Yeah...and those nuptials are less likely to occur at this point than the Velakans helping us."

Kiashandra ponders.

Kiashandra says, "Very well, I will retrieve the keys and the ledger, Advisor.  I shall be right back."

(Stelling waves a hand toward the door to shoo them away, confirming the conversation is over.)

Stelling says, "They owe us, anyhow. That Sand Elf's cookies had the entire Court sick for days.  We're still catching up on the backlog of paperwork and petitions."

Stelling grumbles.

Stelling firmly says, "What we can't afford are more delays on this bridge. We already cut down the rope, and cupcake revenues have already dropped considerably."

(Kiashandra, who hasn't finished leaving, chimes in.)

Kiashandra asks, "I don't think that many people were carrying cupcakes over the rope bridge were they?"

Stelling looks at Kiashandra and sighs.

Stelling says, "I've seen what some event planners can do with one hand and a picnic basket."

A chorus of applause starts up, seemingly led by Lasciel .

The lingering echoes of applause hang over the dais before ceasing altogether. 

(Stelling appears deep in thought, pivoting towards the right wing as the page exits stage left. He mutters something about them wanting the currency in dokoras, too. The curtains meet at the center of the stage, segueing to the next scene.)

A chorus of applause starts up, seemingly led by Amabalis.

The audience response of unanimous applause rises in volume.  Glancing over the audience members, you notice Lasciel , Amabalis and Harkour are applauding and cheering.

A voice from the shadows recites:

   "Creak, groan, squeak.  Night has fallen over the quad.  A single, overflowing bag of coins sits atop a marble pedestal near the fountain.  Large shadows stretch across the cobbles as two small figures in bandit masks emerge, eyes darting suspiciously in every direction."

A chorus of applause starts up, seemingly led by Crobin.

The audience response of unanimous applause rises in volume.  Glancing over the audience members, you notice Ruea, Lasciel  and Crobin are applauding and cheering.

Cote muffledly asks, "Is it there? Do you see the loot?"

(Senthic awkwardly waddles forward on his knees, committed to the vertical challenges of his role.  He fumbles his shoes, which he was still holding, and falls face first onto the floor.)

The lingering echoes of applause hang over the dais before ceasing altogether. 

(Senthic regains his composure and reaches the pedestal.  He heaves the bag from it, and it *clinks* noisily.)

Senthic exclaims, "Dumfre says, vociferously..IT'S HEAVY! We're rich, Deevre! We can buy so many gears! Or our own butcher shop.  OH, a whole pig farm!"

Cote says, "Not so loud, you bucket-head! Put the "new" blueprints where they belong and let's scram before the guard comes back."

Cote tiredly says, "Also, I am pretty sure you're not supposed to read the part of the script with your name in it."

Cote smirks.

Senthic snarkily says, "You can't make fun of the shape of my head, we're twins, we have the identical ones."

Cote urgently exclaims, "That's not what I... We don't have time for this argument, Dumfre!"

(Senthic gets a mostly clean and crisp roll of parchment from his pocket and swaps it for the platinums.  Mostly.  A single fingerprint mars the surface.)

Senthic doubtfully asks, "You sure they won't notice this one is also stained?"

Cote gruffly exclaims, "They're politicians. They're used to grease. Move it!"

(Cote grabs Dumfre by the shirt collar and drags him off-stage as a faint whistle of a patrolling guard is heard in the distance.)

A voice from the shadows recites:

   "Voices and activity can be heard behind the curtains before they divide.  The sounds of hammers hitting wood, the scraping of stone, and the grunts from the exertion of manual labor fill the theater."

(Stelling stands amidst a chaotic construction scene.  He wears a bright yellow hard hat decorated with a Therengian white rose.  Unfurling the blueprints left by the Gnomes, he squints at the parchment.)

Stelling asks, "What in the name of the Chadatru is this? Why is there a pink spot where the central support should be? And... is that mustard on one of the keystones?"

(Stelling turns the paper upside down, then sideways.  He raises it to his nose briefly, and recoils.)

Stelling says, "It looks and smells like a small child designed a bridge while eating their breakfast, that is now at least a day or two spoiled."

Stelling wrinkles his nose.

Stelling sighs deeply, looking very depressed.

Stelling says, "Well, the workers are already billing us by the hour, and the Baron wants to see results."

(Stelling waves a hand dismissively toward the wings.)

Stelling resignedly says, "Let's build it!  Tell them the pink and yellow marks are nothing of import.  If it stands, it stands. If it falls, we'll blame the Velakans for not paying us back."

Zersha glances at Stelling.

Zersha snidely says in a Velakan accent, "I don't feel we owed you anything to begin with.  Perhaps you should have let us into your precious Telomin Hall."

Zersha sticks her nose up in the air haughtily.

(Senthic whistles a jaunty tune, and Deevre hums happily as they move about the construction site.)

Senthic asks, "What's a Telomin Hall?"

Cote says, "The place where you found your favorite napkin."

Cote winks.

Senthic slowly says, "Ohhhh."

Senthic excitedly exclaims, "Yes!  The one that made us rich!"

Cote places her hand over Senthic's mouth.

Cote says, "I'm just glad we can afford more food, it means your mouth is busy doing something other than speaking."

Cote smiles.

(Cote returns to work, glancing at the section of bridge he was tending to and scratching his head.  He shifts his gaze to the remaining materials, and back again.)

Cote confusedly says, "Hey, um, Advisor?  One of the bricks is missing."

(Stelling sees the empty materials box, and the gap in the parapet.  He drops his hammer, right on his foot, and curses.)

Stelling quaveringly asks, "Don't tell me... is that brick being held for ransom too?"

A nervous tic starts up around Stelling's eye.

(Stelling waits for an answer with a wild-eyed, unhinged countenance.)

Senthic mischievously says, "Maybe the Baron's previous fiance took it in a fit of jealous rage."

Cote joshingly asks, "Would you call that...ex-tortion?"

Cote holds her hand out towards Senthic for a highfive.

Senthic and Cote highfive each other and follow it up with simultaneous finger snaps.  Sassy!

(Cote and his brother nearly collapse in a fit of giggles, and both Gnomes wander off stage.)

Zersha tonelessly says in a Velakan accent, "Nice."

Zersha smirks.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "I think I left my oven on."

From the seating area you hear Lasciel  yell, "Kiashandraaaa!!"

(Zersha shrugs at the Advisor and saunters away behind the siblings.)

You notice Amabalis cheering for Kiashandra from the seating area.

Stelling asks, "Why does she always smell like lemons?"

You notice Lasciel  cheering for Kiashandra from the seating area.

Stelling shudders.

Stelling says, "I suppose I should report this to His Grace.  I'm going to end up back on moat duty at this rate."

(Stelling follows suit and leaves the scene after the Sand Elf.  The curtains remain open.)

A voice from the shadows recites:

   "Some time passes while a flurry of stagehands breeze by and set the final scene. Not a lot has changed, the fragmented bridge still stands as it was.  An actor appears, nearly unrecognizable as the fountain boy from earlier, except paler-skinned, darker-haired, and dressed in filthy, tattered robes."

(Cherisse hoists a dark, soot-stained brick into place, completing the construction. He hums a low, haunting tune and taps the brick at the very center of the railing.)

Cherisse darkly asks in a Kreshi accent, "There. Something to capture the soul of the city. It adds character, don't you think?"

(Stelling walks out onto the bridge, gasping at the dark slab in horror.)

Stelling exclaims, "We can't have that! That... it's vibrating! And it's definitely not Therengian homeowners approved grey!"

Cherisse looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

Cherisse darkly says in a Kreshi accent, "It's a centerpiece with more structural integrity than most people have, once you dissect them.  I mean their personalities, of course."

(Cherisse villainously steeples his hands, fingertips tapping rapidly.)

Cherisse darkly says in a Kreshi accent, "The vibrations remind me of the void."

Cherisse squeals!

Cherisse darkly says in a Kreshi accent, "Er, I mean..."

Cherisse cackles deep in her throat, her voice rising in chilling laughter.

Stelling disgustedly exclaims, "Ugh, fine. We will hide it with some ivy later. Now, clear the bridge, the opening ceremony is starting!"

A voice from the shadows recites:

   "Fanfare fills the air from within the orchestra pit, the din amplified by the acoustics in the theater."

(Cherisse steps out onto the structure, eyeing something intently at the other side of it.)

Stelling exclaims, "Umm, His Grace was to be blessing the new bridge, not you!  Get back here!  Guards!"

Zersha coyly says in a Velakan accent, "I am sure your compatriots will arrive soon, perhaps in a day or two, when that rickety drawbridge finishes lowering..."

Zersha smiles at Stelling, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "...and that is only if it doesn't get stuck in the middle, like this project.  At least it wasn't entirely abandoned, like I was outside Telomin Hall."

From the seating area you hear Milja yell, "clean it with lemons!"

Zersha's eyes roll back, and she sways precariously.
Stelling says to Zersha, "You know, I'm never quite sure if you're flirting or insulting me."

Zersha says to Stelling in a Velakan accent, "Ew.  No, I'm not flirting.  But they sure are."

A little bit of laughter floats over from the audience.

(Zersha points at Xanto, the last bricklayer.)

(Cherisse is met at the other end of the bridge by a beautiful woman wearing an ethereal white cassock.  The stage darkens and spotlights shift to cast a glowing halo of light around her head.)

(Cherisse shares a long, suspenseful exchange with the lady cleric.  She takes his hand and leads him off the set to the right, just beyond a wayfinding sign reading "Rossman's Landing".  The lightning effect returns to the stage and everyone hurries away before the next storm hits.)

Stelling says, "Oh, great, more rain."

Zersha amusedly says in a Velakan accent, "Maybe it will help cleanse your tainted bridge."

(Zersha opens an umbrella over the Advisor's head as they move left, towards Therenborough.)

Stelling says, "You're still not getting into Telomin Hall, Sand Elf."

A voice from the shadows recites:

   "And with that, our story ends, for now.  Love, it seems, can bridge even the widest ravines... or at the very least survive the most ridiculous construction projects.  But THAT is a story for another time.  To be continued..."

A chorus of applause starts up, seemingly led by Nilme.

You notice Lasciel cheering for Kiashandra from the seating area.

The audience response of unanimous applause surges louder. Glancing over the audience members, you notice Trajan, Lasciel , Ahneya, Salvitoriel , Teavira, Hebion, Vendelt, Nilme, Crobin and Thaylinia are applauding and cheering.

You notice Amabalis cheering in the seating area.

You notice Trajan whistling in the seating area.

You notice Lasciel cheering for Stelling from the seating area.

You notice Amabalis cheering for Kiashandra from the seating area.

The cacophony of unanimous applause lowers in volume. Glancing over the audience members, you notice Saoirsi, Trajan, Lasciel , Salvitoriel , Vendelt, Nilme, Tweedee and Harkour are applauding and cheering. A few of the audience members are standing while showing their appreciation.

Shaylynne sinks into a deep curtsy.

You notice Harkour cheering for you from the seating area.

You notice Nilme cheering for you from the seating area.

Shaylynne recites:

   "Our sincerest thanks for coming out to our inaugural play!"

   "If you've enjoyed this one, I have good news, because we've got a few lined up and there are more to come."

The sound of unanimous applause rises in volume. Glancing over the audience members, you notice Ruea, Ahneya, Salvitoriel , Hebion, Nilme and Harkour are applauding and cheering. A few of the audience members are standing while showing their appreciation.

   "Our next feature is a piece called "The Troll Bride" written by the talented storyteller Zersha - tale of love, custom, and the unexpected consequences of killing a troll."

The rushing sound of unanimous applause lowers in volume. Glancing over the audience members, you notice Allye and Nilme are applauding and cheering.

From the seating area you hear Crobin yell, "Way to go you all"

From the seating area you hear Vendelt yell, "Bravo! Brava! Braveee!"

You notice Tweedee cheering in the seating area.

   "And someday, in a sequel to Love Abridged, find out what became of the necromancer and cleric who found companionship from an ill-fated construction crew."

The lingering echoes of applause hang over the dais before ceasing altogether.

   "Keep an eye on the bulletins and we hope to see you again."

From the seating area you hear Harkour yell, "You broke all the legs!"

   "That said, let me introduce our hard working players for some much deserved applause, with much gratitude for those who were good sports about us telling the story my way."

Shaylynne grins impishly.

   "Eskerith, our narrator, to whom we promised an easy job, except for when the twins kept going off script."

   "Zersha, our Lady of the Sands, based on Ahneya."

   "Stelling, our Court Advisor, based on Aaiyaah."

   "Deevre, played by Cote, and Dumfre, played by Senthic.  While a bit too tall for their real life counterparts, they were representing our beloved ham loving twins, the infamous Tweedee and Tweedum."

   "Maven of Fire Kiashandra played the Page as her first foray into the acting world.  We are happy she resisted the temptation to set the Court Advisor, and possibly the theater, alight tonight."

   "Last but not least, Xanto, played by Cherisse.  A cleric who bravely took the stage for the role as the necromancer who laid the last brick.  We hope to see her back on stage for the second part of this story and more!"

   "Thank you again for being in our audience and we will see you in the lobby if you wish to hang out and have a drink at our pavilion afterward!"

Stelling exclaims, "And don't forget to give an extra cheer for Shaylynne, the writer!"

Shaylynne waves her hand dismissively, blushes, and leads the Misfit crew backstage.