melodiesoflife | Event || The Answer

[Maybe Nanami and Rialynn can, but Ramza is not feeling confident about his abilities on the stage. This is important; their hosts have been so kind, and have asked so little in return. He feels his heart starting to speed up. It is too much pressure. They could ruin the whole evening.]

We do not even know the ending. Is this a story of triumph, or tragedy? Can we not give our parts to someone who knows the story?

A mix of both, I think.

[Rialynn shrugs in response to Barkeep's question.]

The narrator tells the scene, and we act it out as best we can through improvisation. I'm sure they'll have their own actors to guide us, so all we have to do is respond to what they say and do.

[Nanami seems ready and eager, and Barkeep seems to be onboard as well. Ramza is the only one showing any hesitation, and a surprising amount at that. He always was a humble sort of guy, so she can see where he's coming from.]

Ramza, you played make believe games when you were a kid, didn't you? Using sticks as swords, shouting words of challenge, things like that? It's no different here. Just react to the situations the way you would react, if this were actually happening to you. We can practice a little, if that will put you at ease.

Bwahaha! This story doesn't even have a conclusion. All the plays so far have had a different ending. [He then nodded to Ryalinn.] It's as she said. Listen to the narration and look at what the other actors are doing, you'll do just fine!

[ He then handed pretty but completely useless swords to Ramza, Barkeep and Nanami. ]

They're stage swords. They won't cut and the blade retracts when you stab into something, so don't hesitate to do your best. [He turned to Barkeep.] Your part in the play comes latter, so stay behind the scene until you're called alright.

[ And with that said, the man went back to the stage, so as to announce the upcoming scene. ]

And now, ladies and gentlemen! The Princess and her lover share a moment of peace, until General Beate catches up with her. The King is not far behind her, but will the General wait for his arrival to complete here mission?

[ And he moves off-stage. Good luck. ]

[Yes, Ramza had played with rocks and sticks and blades of grass as a child. But never with a throng of people sitting around watching him. Maybe practicing with Rialynn would have helped, but the narrator has not given them time for it. He takes the faux-sword, leaving Excalibur with Barkeep backstage. He wishes he had the Excalipoor instead. The weight was better than on this collapsible messes, and it looked just as flashy.]

I guess we should go... [He squares his shoulders and takes Rialynn's hand like a lifeline as he steps onto the stage. 'A moment of peace' means...what, precisely? Are they meant to be kissing, playing cards, staring off into the sunset? He looked at Rialynn, ready to copy whatever she does.]

[Rialynn was just about to offer her hand to Ramza to lead him out, but he beats her to the punch. Surprised, a touch of pink settles in her cheeks, but the feeling of butterflies passes quickly. He's nervous. She can feel it in his grip. So she smiles and gives a gentle squeeze with her fingers.]

You'll do great. We'll have fun, and it'll be something to laugh about on the journey home.

[So she steps out onto the stage along with her new 'beau,' and lifts his arm to twirl beneath it as if they had just taken a moment to celebrate their closeness to liberation. Then she steps in to twirl him too, laughing with delight.]

Can you believe it? Only a few more miles before we reach the border, my love.

[If he stumbles, she steadies him. If he doesn't, she continues to walk at his side as they face the other end of the stage.]

Once we reach my dear uncle's guards, they will see us safely to his castle. Then you and I will be free to--

[Rialynn stops, catching herself as if she were about to say something intimate, then smiles and ducks her head.]

Well. We shall be free. I know you will love it there.

Different endin's, huh? [A sly grin spreads across the barkeep-turned-actor's face as she stroked his mustache. The journey hadn't ruined his facial hair much, and after arriving at the campsite, he took the time to fix his appearance. Lucky him, that he was chosen to play on stage when he didn't look like a mess.] Can't wait to see how this one'll turn out. [What if there were more love triangles? What if everyone got married in the end? What if there was a greater evil to fight? Ugh, it's difficult when you're a supporting character.

He accepts the prop sword and pokes at the tip with a finger to test its lack of sharpness. Then he takes Excalibur in his free hand and holds it limply. This...this had to be kept somewhere safe in case the four of them were on stage at the same time.

While Ramza and Rialynn run onto the stage, the Barkeep whispers to the stage hands.] Anyplace with a lock I can keep this? It's really important to Ramza, don't want nobody stealin' it when his back's turned.

[Nanami had accepted the sword and was peering out from the backstage, watching Ramza and Rialynn]

Is it my cue yet?

[Because you had to give the audience a chance to feel like they were finally safe before you yank the rug out. Let the two lull the audience into a false sense of security before she made her grand entrance.]

[It was amazing how much being a middle school bully could be applied to acting and writing.]

Ummm...yes...my love. [He lets Rialynn guide them across stage, but the sight of the audience has him on edge. His words come out forced, mechanical.]

We will travel to your Lord Uncle and then be safe from harm. We will be free to be together at last. [He delivers his lines facing Rialynn, which puts his back to the crowd. How is Rialynn so good at this?]

Are you nervous?

[She walks backwards, drawing him along by their joined hands as she smiles.]

Don't be. My uncle is a kind man. He will surely consent. What's more, I can promise you a full night's rest in a soft bed. No more sleeping under a tree for shelter from the rain, no more rocks for pillows.

[Her nose wrinkles as she grins, reaching up to pluck lightly at his hair as if drawing out debris.]

No more waking up with leaves in your hair, either. Although it does lend you a certain sort of charm.

[Since they're nearing the edge of the stage, she slows her steps to allow Nanami a chance to make her grand entrance.]

[Right, it's her cue]

Halt!

[Nanami strides on stage, sword drawn and advancing on the couple]

Unhand the princess, you peasant! Her Imperial Majesty, has sent me, General Beato, to escort her to her wedding! She cannot escape her destiny to unite the continent under our banner.

[Ramza flushes red as the audience titters at Rialynn's mention of beds and leaves. The implications...!]

[Nanami's dramatic entrance spares him from having the figure out a response to that. He at least understands how this part of the story is meant to go. He lets Rialynn's hand drop and steps in front of her, drawing his phony sword.]

I-I will fight to the death for my lady's freedom! [He stumbles a little over these lines, but he is on more familiar footing now. He does not know what the love Djidane knows of swordplay, but he was given a sword. He took that as permission to engage Nanami's Beato in faux-combat.]

[Implications?! She never said they were sharing that bed, or even a room! But since she can't read his mind, she can only assume he's turning red because he's on stage performing for the villagers. When Nanami appears, Rialynn gasps, placing the back of her hand against her open mouth.]

General Beato! No!

[She takes a step back, only to stare at her 'lover' in growing alarm when he lets go of her hand and moves to shield her.]

Djidane, you mustn't! The general is as powerful and skilled as she is beautiful! Don't you dare speak of fighting to the death!

[She scrambles to intervene, arms spread with a hand pointed toward Ramza, and another toward Nanami, as if she could keep them apart.]

General, hear me! Such a union could only mean ill for the good people of both lands. They will be ruled with an iron fist, farmers enslaved as soldiers! You know the wickedness of my father, and the queen. Such an alliance must never happen, you know this!

[She looks between the two of them, shifting her weight anxiously from foot to foot as she flexes her fingers.]

If you will not listen, and persist in returning me to this wretched destiny of which you speak, then know this: We will run. Yes! We will run into these woods...

[Rialynn casts her hand toward the audience, looking out at the sea of young faces watching them with avid interest.]

...which are protected by the magical fey spirits. Their divine powers and tricky ways will see us to safety. Do you not see them? Particularly that one with the purple hat?

[A six-year-old clutches his purple hat with glee as he realizes she's talking about him.]

Yes, I like the looks of that one! He looks very strong. Very manly, and tough.

[The giggling is spreading in the audience. Rialynn turns her beseeching gaze toward Ramza.]

Will you consider fleeing with me, instead of fighting? Say that you will, for I could not bear it if you died for my sake!

[ From behind the scenes, the announcer gives them a thumbs up, what an amazing performance! He picks up a sign, which reads "1:30 minutes left till the king arrives".

After that, he goes back to Barkeep and asks him to be ready, as once the ongoing scene is over, it'll be his turn. ]

Even if you run, I will follow you, whether it be through the dark, haunted forest, or over the oceans to the other side of the planet, or to the moons! I won't break the promise I made to Her Majesty, or my oath to serve her. Not for you, and not for whatever threats to the country you might think are true.

[Ramza stares at the sign the stage manager holds up for a moment. Salvation. Surely when the king arrives, he can slip back into the background and let the more talented actors take center stage. He meets Rialynn's eyes, imploring.]

I know General Beato's determination. Her honor as a knight will not let her surrender. If we flee and those brave forest spirits come to harm because of us, how will we forgive ourselves?

[1:15 and counting. For Ramza, the choice is clear. Whittling down that time fighting is preferable to mingling with the audience, trying to sell the role when he is right beside them. Besides, a Beoulve fleeing from a fight against an honorable opponent? 'tis unheard of. But ultimately, he will follow Rialynn's lead. She is the professional here.]

[Rialynn falls silent as she looks between them, the air heavy with indecision. Internally she's debating on whether she should grab Ramza and run anyway, since she does have an idea that might delight the audience. But she's sure they'd also be delighted with a sword fight, and that's something Ramza likely feels comfortable doing. So that's what she chooses. She nods slowly, as if reluctant, before turning to face Ramza.]

If you must, then that is how it must be. But...take my favor.

[She reaches back, fingers picking open the knot of her long sash that she always wears, and ties it securely to his left arm just above his elbow, tucking in the tails so they won't get in his way.]

I pray it will keep you safe.

[She places her hands on his shoulders and leans in, her cheek against his with her face hidden from the audience. To them, it looks as if she's kissing them. In truth, she just makes the sound. Mwah. Then she withdraws, giving him the goopiest of lovestruck stares as she walks back, slowly, until she's at the far end of the stage clutching her hands together anxiously.]

[ Before the epic, and doubtlessly deadly, battle could begin, another man enter the scene. He was dressed as a king and remained in Nanami's shadow for the time being. ]

Stayeth thy handeth, General. For how disappointed I am in my child's behavior, I wilt not has't mine issue suffer the sight of blood and death.

[ The man stepped next to the General and he would look familiar to Ryalinn and only her-- For indeed he was the spitting image of her father, her real one and not the one in the play. ]

Mine daughter, cometh back with me to our kingdom. Don't thee understandeth this is all for thy own future?

[Nanami was clueless as to the actor's apparent identity. If anything, she was a bit put out that someone had stolen her thunder. Look, she had the epic swordfight all choreographed in her head.]

Yes, your Majesty. But, please, be careful.

[Oh! This scene was just reaching the climax, and that mean the dear Regent Uncle would have to make his entrance. The Barkeep had found a safe place to store Excalibur and was on his way adding the final part of his costume. Apparently, "royalty" meant that he had to wear every piece of shiny cloth he could fine. He work green pants with golden lining, a purple undershirt with a blue overshirt. Then there were the heeled shoes with little bits of painted iron attached to it to mimic jewels. Heavy, but impressive. Besides, he wasn't going to fight, so agility wasn't a factor.

After all, the point of an improvised play was to have fun.

The final part was a worn red cloak with the fur trim almost gone from years of use. Perfect! As he tossed the cape around to his back, it brushed loudly against something on the dark backstage shelf. He went int to investigate.

...A cheap, wood crown. There was no way he'd leave that behind.

The new voice drew his attention, and he scuttled to the side of the stage, where one of the stage hands shushed him and pulled him back. Then eyed his choice of outfit. There was no way the audience was going to be spoiled for that...ugly thing.

The king's outfit was conservative, but it fit. He was an antagonist, and obstacle to the love between the princess and her lover. He wondered if the actor was ever part of a professional troupe in the city.]

[Ramza's disappointment mirrors Nanami's as their chance for a stage duel is disrupted by the King's arrival. He pauses over his to respond to this new player. He does not necessarily disagree with him. The well-being of the kingdom must come before personal desires...but to sacrifice one's principles to do it is also wrong.]

Your Highness, I implore you, let your daughter choose her own path. She can never take pride in a decision not made of her own accord.

[Maybe, once the necessary dialogue is out of the way, Ramza and Nanami will be allowed to fight. That is how Ramza's speeches usually end.]

[That...that just can't be!]

[Rialynn freezes on the spot, hazel eyes growing wide as the man takes his place on the stage. She knows every wrinkle, every carefully trimmed point of his beard and moustache. Even the disapproving-yet-loving-yet-disappointed look on his face is exactly how she remembers it. Her throat bobs with a hard swallow. Wow, she really is a great actress, look how pale she just made herself get!]

I...I don't...

[Her voice sticks, refusing to work its way out of her mouth the way she wants. Nanami is speaking. Ramza is speaking. But none of their words really register, and her head is spinning wildly. She clings to the frame of the stage for support as her knees threaten to fail her.]

[This isn't real, of course. She knows about doppelgangers, knew there was a possibility she might see a familiar face. But to see it here, and especially to hear him say those lines of all lines, it's just too much for her.]

No, I...I can't go back. I can't.

[Rialynn sinks halfway down.]

I can't. I'm sorry. I can't.

[ Ramza gains no points, alas. ]

Beest silent! I shalt has't thy headeth for poisoning mine daughter with such heinous thoughts!

[ And then back to said daughter, or rather an impressive actress at the moment. ]

Mine lief issue, please cometh back. Thy marriage with Lord Jason wilt bringeth prosperity to our land and a bright future to our people! How can thee beest so selfish and disregard all but thy own interest?

[Ramza looks from the king to Rialynn, pale and vulnerable where she's sunken to the floor. She really is a high caliber actress, and the king as well. He can't really hope to match their intensity.]

Ummm... [This is much harder without Rialynn's guidance. He moves to her side and kneels beside her so he can offer her a hand up.]

What do we do now? [He whispers.]

Edited 2016-05-05 16:34 (UTC)

[Her breathing is quickened, and she can't seem to tear her eyes away from the visage of her own father.]

[Then Ramza is there, and his voice and presence combined manage to break the spell. She spares him a quick glance before looking back at the king, then at the interested audience. No, this is a play, she tells herself. Just a play. It's strange that her father's doppelganger is here, however. Does that mean her father was called as a Hero of Light in the past? And the situation is false too. It's Lord Jason, not Lord Jaxon. But the similarity is so strong, it can't just be a coincidence.]

[She looks at Ramza again, regaining more control of her senses, and grips his hand. As she rises, she leans in close and whispers.]

Be on your guard, Ramza.

[If she doesn't call him by his real name, he might not realize she's serious. Her fingers tighten, before she releases his hand and turns to face this new actor.]

The Lord and his mother would oppress our people, and turn sickles to swords. They do not want a kingdom of peace, they wish for foot soldiers to expand their reign. We would be nothing more than pawns, Father. Once they have our kingdom, what need will they have for us? For you.

[Lightly she touches Ramza's arm.]

Djidane knows this as well. That is why he has fought so hard to keep me from their grasp. He is a good man.

[ Disappointed father looks very disappointed. He does theatrical gesture displaying disappointment and anger. ]

Foolishness! How would this brigand knoweth anything? Doth thee not realize that gent is only after thee for what thee represent?

[ And then a look at Nanami. ]

If 't be true thee wilt not hark to reason, then I wilt bringeth thee back home there's few or none will entertain it the cost. General Beate! Taketh mine issue back without intention of the cost.

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