What little I knew of love...

[[I don't remember how conversation started, but Lief mentioned there was a play she thought Gurashi would like to see so he was like "*thumbs up*". She definitely mentioned it was a tragic love story. Gurashi definitely wasn't paying attention]]

Vesteran World Stage.
A massive chamber extends out and away from the entrance, sloping downwards towards a magnificent stage for performances. Elegant red curtains hang from the ceiling above, ready to be swept back at will. Carved into countless rows of stone seats connected by stairs, the cavern floor forms an enormous bowl-shaped amphitheatre leading down to the stage. The granite walls are perfectly smooth, rounded in order to echo the sounds emanating from the stage for optimal acoustics. Hanging from the ceiling, several light green crystals radiate constant light within the chamber and can brighten or dim depending on the needs of the performance. A vast stage fills most of the chamber, with opulent velvet curtains hanging from its gilt arch. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings.
You see exits leading west and out.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh..."

Lief enters from the out, emanating an aura of immense power.

You have emoted: Gurashi is seated upon the end of one of the many expansive rows of stone seats. He stares at the stage blankly until Bizirik's excited tail slapping draws his attention. He raises both left hands in salutations, sitting forward. "Many greetings."

You tilt your head curiously at Lief.

Lief wings into the massive chamber, relatively empty despite how many may be seated here. She flashes you a beaming smile, an answer to your greetings, before she settles down on one of the seats directly next to you. "I'm so excited to show you this performance," she says, leaning over to give Bizirik, the leothin a pet upon the head. "It is my second ever, I believe - and so I was still very young and unworldly."

Tilting his head as he leans against the empty seat in front of him, you ask, "Un...world...ly?"

Bizirik, the leothin thrums happily at the attention, then tosses its head, poking its snout into pockets in search of snacks.

Lief hesitates, then straightens, gesturing as she searches for the words. "I hadn't experienced much of the world outside the Serenwilde yet."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Lief, "Ohhh."

Arms folded across the back of the seat in front of him, you say to Lief, "Am sorry if had mentioned - but did not realize was YOUR play."

Lief giggles at Bizirik, the leothin's insistent attention, rummaging around until she conjures a plump bumblebee cookie from her pockets. "Here you go," she laughs, offering it forth.

Lief gives a plump bumblebee cookie to Bizirik, the leothin.

Bizirik, the leothin practically gasps in delight.

You chitter at Lief with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon laughingly says to you, "Yes - and I practically begged my sister to join me on stage for it."

Bizirik, the leothin's slender jaws close over the cookie, then akin to a bird it tosses its head back and swallows the cookie whole, rumbling happily and laying its head across the bench.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Lief.

Lief's smiling eyes turn to scan the list of productions, and then she pauses. "Oh," she exclaims, "it was my third! My second was a ballad about my Lady."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Leaning over to join in the list reading, you say to Lief, "Wowee, that is a lot of plays...."

Settling back into her seat, gray eyes lit by the emerald lighting above, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon says to you, "Are you ready to watch it?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods quickly, scooting back and looking to the stage.

There is a shimmering flicker in the air above a vast concert stage, as it readies itself to replay a recorded performance of 'Love Song of Ser Arrowdale'.

The curtains part on a vine-entwined stage, heralding the start of the performance of 'Love Song of Ser Arrowdale'.

Argent light filters in from above, spackling the ground with broad swathes of moonbeams which likewise lend the air a faint, ethereal shimmer.

From off-stage, distant violin notes fiddle through the air.

In a sudden burst of moonflame illumination, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon whirls onto the stage, spinning in mid-air with an ivory violin flowering with jade blossoms in hand. As her wings spin her about, she plays a melody which bounces with infectious energy until she arrives at front and centre.

Bizirik, the leothin looks this way, then that, then climbs up onto the bench and wedging its body comfortably between Gurashi and Lief.

You peer at Bizirik, the leothin unscrupulously.

There, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon waits, her music muting itself to merely maintain time, her foot tapping in mid-air.

You have emoted: Gurashi resumes staring at the stage, patting the leothin's head.

Lief giggles softly, scooting over a bit to make room for the leothin.

A spray of silvery motes burst from the stage, revealing Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon in their midst as they lazily drift to the heavens. Hefting her violin upon her shoulder, she nimbly draws her bow across the strings in a rapid movement. A joyous sound springs forth from the instrument's belly as a coy smile lights upon her lips. A pair of ghostly entities rise from the floor on either side of her. They dance to the beat in an upwards spiral above her head before slowly fading from view.

"Come join me with the flow'ring Maeve," Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings to Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon's violin, beckoning with her own violin's bow. "Come see her knights so hale! Come dance around the Faethorn Court and meet Ser Arrowdale."

You think to yourself: You can just play musics on stage... is so beautiful...

With a smile bright and a graceful step, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon twirls about as she nimbly crafts a rousing little ditty. As the merry notes flood the stage, her foot taps in time.
Dragonfly wings darting her to and fro across the front of the stage, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "A bold and regal lady who possessed these virtues fair--" Her bow-wielding fist raises, and she ticks off each item as she goes. "One, bravery, two, fortune's kiss, three, honour in her care."

"Invincible though she might be," comes from Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's lips as she lowers her arm, "she owned one weakness dire: she loved the fae of Faethorn Court, but in her heart burned fire."

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon dips her chin into her violin, briefly chiming in with Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon's melody. A little grin tugs at her lips, and, impulsively, her notes dance and rise, twirling like licks of flame reaching toward the canopies above.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out the tiniest of gasps.

Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon flashes a grin at Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, her own melody chasing after the faeling's rising notes.

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's bow drops from her violin, leaving only Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon to fill the stage with music. Instead, once more, she sings. "The ides of Dioni were fair, 'til screams tore through the day, and as the knights took up their arms, our hero warded fae."

Voice stronger with the drama, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Two forests fought in Faethorn Court, and Serenwilde prevailed; 'twas long and loud and hard, the fight, 'twas not a bit curtailed."

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "While soldiers cleared themselves away, stood Arrowdale concerned, to guard the dryads and the wisps from any threat returned."

An impish, indulgent grin pressing her lips into her cheeks, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "While keeping knight's post faithfully, one Serenwilder stayed; her fierce red hair like flowers bright, and music warm was played..." Without lifting her violin properly to her chin, she puts her bow to its strings, and a series of quick, short chords ring out. "For slender, nimble fingers strummed a luted melody, and Lady Arrowdale's vigil was taken from her tree."

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon lowers her voice, music becoming a stage whisper. "The elfen bard did not see her as silently she crept--" Her bow-wielding hand lifts as though to shade her eyes. "--and watched as brownies, sprites, and all cavorted to the set."

Voice melodious, though hushed, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Her lute sang like a dulcet bird which hummed to the bard's song, and new moon waxed to slivered beams, a crescent growing strong."

Words creeping along, mimicking the hushed nature of watching another, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon continues to sing, "Beneath that waxing crescent moon, the knight began to fall; the bard's enchanting music wove a spell upon them all."

Gradually growing stronger, more full-bodied, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "When finally the bard looked up and caught her sky blue eye, a flush began to touch her cheeks; she suddenly grew shy."

Casting her gaze aside bashfully, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon's upbeat melody suddenly grows timid. Careful, deliberate strokes of the bow portray hesitance, but also a steadily growing excitement as they begin to grow in pace.

Lief leans over Bizirik, the leothin to whisper quietly to you, "Elexia was a spiritsinger already, but I was only a druid when I sang this."

With a modest bow, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "'My name is Lady Arrowdale,' the knight said to the bard, and as the crescent moon shone bright, she rose and faced the guard."

Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "What honour that an Honour Guard might stay to hear me sing!"

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon grins back at Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, continuing on the tail-end of her interjection, "The blushing bard begat a smile, her lovely voice a ring. So as the lovely Arrowdale did sit upon the ground--" Oh so briefly, the faeling's wings slow their constant hum, lowering her nearer to the stage as though to mimic sitting. "The bard reclaimed her wooden lute which strummed such lovely sound."

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon spreads her arms to either side, using her instrument to indicate the stage's surface about her. "The notes went low to twine with roots," she sings, "to seep into the soil." Her arms lift above her head. "The notes went high to waterfalls, to meet where waters roil."

Wings vibrating behind her, lifting her once more, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Her melody was clear and bright, that song from bardic lips; the words were simple elegance, and blossomed with their dips."

"She sang," Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, a dip to her voice as she pivots in mid-air, ceding the stage to the elfen behind her.

Skipping joyfully forward, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon beams eagerly as her violin goes quiet and she parts her lips to sing, "Come with me to Faethorn, where upside down is right; Come with me to Faethorn, where all your fantasies take flight!"

Her leaf-covered dress swirling about her as she playfully twirls, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Come dance with me among the leaves which spiral endlessly! Come swim within the fragrant baths, and see the Queen Maeve's tree!" She clasps her hands in front of her, looking upwards as if towards a towering tree.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans closer to hear what Lief has to say before returning to face forward again, enraptured by the stage.

You think to yourself: ...oh, this is good.

Lifting both bow and violin in her revelry, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon's joyous melody continues, "Let's twirl in widdershins, arms high, hands stretching towards the moon!" She brings her hands down so they are extended towards the audience in invitation. "Together we'll unlock our fates, right here to Faethorn's tune!"

Dipping her head in a bow, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon hops back to give the stage to Lief Myeras-Silvermoon. Her hands take to her violin again, playing a romantic melody.

"Ser Arrowdale could not cleave from the music's merry spell," Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, body turned again to meet the audience, "And in the time it took to sing, her stalwart heart did swell."

Bizirik, the leothin lays its head down across Lief's lap, thrumming softly as it closes its eyes. It pushes Gurashi further off the bench with its butt as it settles in.

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Beneath the waxing crescent moon's unwavering, pale light, the lady knight bent her head close, and met with bard's delight."

Hugging her ivory-coloured violin to her chest, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Embracing one another tight, the fae and elfen both together came and joined in love, and swore to each their troth."

"The magics of the Faethorn realm are nothing to forget," Lief Myeras-Silvermoon reminds cheekily, "and though they each sought their own fate, 'twas destiny they met."

You think to yourself: Is it perfect fifth?

Lief's hand idly strokes Bizirik, the leothin's head, her gray eyes twinkling as she watches her own self - and her sister, too - upon the stage.

Her smile growing brighter still, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon's tune reaches a crescendo of celebration. Then, her expression suddenly grows dark and foreboding. Her violin's once-merry tunes abrupt into a somber, haunting dirge.

All good-natured fun begins to fade as Lief Myeras-Silvermoon listens to Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon's violin, until all that remains is a solemnity to her mien. "Remember this, when oaths are sworn beneath the crescent moon," she sings softly. "If waxing, each must keep the faith, or else must meet their doom."

The stage dims, as does the crescent moon above, signalling the first part's conclusion.

After a few heartbeats, the light begins to radiate through the canopy once more - only this time, the full sterling moon emits a fuzzy pink glow, unobtrusive yet humid in its way. It flushes all beneath it, casting both musicians in its tinted light.

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Stepping leisurely from side-to-side, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon plays a charmingly mellow melody upon her violin as a dreamy smile dances upon her lips.

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon drifts in place, swaying in the air with an indolent smile. Her own instrument has disappeared, leaving only the one violin to accompany her music.

Clasping her hands together, antlered head canted sweetly, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Many days were whiled away singing love's sweet honeyed words. Sunlight warmed their lips by day - fae and elfen now lovebirds."

"Nighttime's moon began to swell," sings Lief Myeras-Silvermoon while her hands disentangle. They lift skyward instead, shaping the air above her head to mimic the Full Moon. "Gaining Selene's fullness ripe, 'neath the stars they'd soon excel far above the wartide's gripe."

Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon's eyes are now closed as her bow dances lightly across her violin. She moves with an airy, oblivious step, as if she's been swept away by a lovely dream.

"Living in the Faethorn Court takes a certain kind of lass -" Lief Myeras-Silvermoon offers an impish grin as she gestures behind her, indicating the elfen clad now with pink light. "- Time obeys not Prime Plane's sort - fealty is to Moon's pass."

You tilt your head curiously.

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Seconds spent like years to her - days were only minutes quick; still, though all was but a blur, Bard and Knight cared not a lick."

You think to yourself: Fealty?

Joining her voice with that of the faeling, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Lazy, lazy grew their love," She spins in an unhurried pirouette. "All things dancing round and round."

Her hands reaching towards the skies as she sings alone, for but a moment, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon continues, "Bard would sing to Moon above;".

"-Knight would heed the earth and ground," Lief Myeras-Silvermoon chases Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon with her own lilting voice.

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon now leads the harmony, her sunniness warming the words which intertwine with the other musician on stage. "Neither listened to their heads, telling them to stop and think." Her head shaking, her hands clasp themselves over her heart. "Arrowdale, bound to Maeve's threads, loved by Moon and, too, Night's ink."

You have emoted: Gurashi's gaze softens slightly, frowning.

Her voice waning to a faint hum, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon mournfully shakes her head as the languid tune drifts from the violin.

Her own voice ringing from the stage, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "If you think love conquers all, love knows little of the fae. Love would be Bard's own downfall; Knight would submit to dismay."

Spreading her hands out before her, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon slowly shakes her head in time with the music breathed from between her lips. "Let's not think of future times, such though it might need to be. Hearts grew plump and in their primes, tasting sweetness, feeling glee."

With the faintest touch of melancholy darkening her smile and her words, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Sweet is summer at its peak, ripening all of its plums, tasting honey 'neath the creak of dryads dancing to drums."

Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon raps her knuckles against the lower bout of her violin, a wooden sound cavorting playfully through the air underneath Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's words.

With an impish grin rising to her cheeks unbidden, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Never had the bard before felt such fullness in her heart; eagerly she looked for more - happily she played her part."

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's smile fades as gradually as the shifting seasons. "With the cycles turning round," she begins, "soon Moon's smile became a frown. While they touched their bodies gowned, chill brought summer's weather down."

"Thinking not of what's ahead, Bard and Knight did lose their vows - one of Maeve, one Forest bred, both forgetting 'neath the boughs." As Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, her entire mien begins to droop like a wilting flower, shoulders slumping, bright voice growing dim.

Lief continues to gently stroke Bizirik, the leothin's head. Unbidden, the stage's melody rises in her throat, and she quietly hums before realizing and silencing herself.

With significance weighing her words, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Love intoxicates, it's true. 'Twould be next, they had no clue."

Her eyes closed as if within a dream, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon abruptly draws her bow across her violin to play a series of rapid, melancholy notes which stand in dark contrast to her previous lazy tune. Her sleeping expression turns to an unsettled frown as her eyes open with a start.

(redacted): You say, "LIEF??"
(redacted): Lief says, "Lief: It's a love song!"
(redacted): You say, "THIS IS A TRAP."

The blushing light wavers, then fades, blanketing the stage in darkness.

When the lights return, the crescent moon now displays a dangerously narrow face, waning nearly to its newness. Its light glows fiercely on the stage, shining with all of Albion's might, its light aided by the moonflame fireflies which now float about the faeling and elfen.

A cheery smile dancing across her lips as she sways, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Give me love which defies ages; Give me hummingbird sighs!"

Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Give to me life's simplest pleasures, drunk from honeycomb wines!"

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon carries her ivory violin in hand once again, and the notes she teases from its strings are slower, lower, ominous.

As the lingering, unsettling notes continue to play, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "The bard sang love throughout the night, enjoying Arrowdale, who wove fae blooms throughout bard's hair, their glitt'ring petals frail."

You have emoted: Gurashi shifts in his spot on the bench, gaining more purchase as he pushes back against Bizirik. He continues to watch the stage, antennae twitching thoughtfully, taking it all in.

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "The moon was just a crescent then, a slender blinking curve whose cycle nearly came to new, a darkness to observe."

Though her violin's tones have started to become dark and foreboding, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon continues to rock back and forth with carefree abandon as she sings, "We'll last forever, heart and heart, we'll dance with flowers bright,".

Eyes closing with a happy sigh, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "And sing no more of sorrowed rhymes, entwined with argent light!"

Her large, grey eyes glittering in the midst of the fireflies which drift about the stage, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon is motionless save for the slow, torturous draw of her bow. "The heady fragrance spun knight's mind while fell midnight drew near." Her voice grows hushed, though every syllable she utters hangs with dire portence. "A newer spell of blackest shadow into her heart wove fear."

Hushed, holding up a finger, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Insidious mistrust grew roots which bore one single thorn, and as the Moon gave one last sigh, the night turned black with scorn."

You think to yourself: This is very sad.

You think to yourself: But, maybe love is very sad?

Her voice raising in its revelry, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon sings "Come join me here within the Court, and learn of why I sing!" She appears not to notice as one-by-one the moonflame fireflies about her wink out of existence.

"Ser Arrowdale let fingers clench -" Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's fingers curl into a fist about her bow, "and crumpled blossoms twined within the bard's red, silken hair, as heart let darkness bind."

Brow furrowing with confusion, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "What had she done? The knight stared down at braids and petals all, and saw what silliness love wrought, herself in the bard's thrall."

"The luted melody strummed forth with notes that carried hope," Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, her shadowed figure bowing into her violin, "and as the bard's rich music sang, the vines were noose and rope."

Her violin low beneath the elfen's music behind her, and toothed, too, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "The fae around them fled and hid within the boughs and eaves, as guards began to gather round, emerging from the leaves."

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "While normally, their eyes were blue, they burned like embers red as swords rasped from their shadowed sheathes, their movements as though dead."

Still bent into her violin, its music is like a heartbeat to the words Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings. "Ser Arrowdale took a step back as bard laid her lute down-" Staccato notes whisk the instrument's strings. "-But when the bard looked to her love, she found only a frown."

Her bow-wielding hand falling to her side, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon's music and carefree smile are replaced by a look of startled confusion.

Eyes narrowing, her instrument lowered from her chin, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "'You've tricked me,' said Ser Arrowdale, her eyes now red in kind. 'Your beauty's not as it would seem; your words have only lied.'"

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's eyebrows lift, opening her face with a shift in demeanor more akin to Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon than her own dangerous disposition. "But in her heart glowed only truth; 'twas all the bard did know. She opened her mouth to confess, and *suffered* one cruel blow." The word comes out as a gasp, and her shoulders briefly crumple forward.

You have emoted: Gurashi flinches.

Her eyes fixed on the stage's floor, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "For virtues three did Arrowdale know closest to her heart. Her bravery and illest luck...made honour do its part."

Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon lifts her bow to her violin once more, her shoulders slumped in doleful dismay. A bittersweet sound comes from her violin as she pulls her bow across it slowly.

Lief Myeras-Silvermoon rests her chin once more against her ivory violin, lashes closing her eyes from the audience before her. Guided solely by Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon's instrument, she lifts her bow again, sweat beading at her brow.

With a sudden fury, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's bow attacks the quartet of silver strings, and note after angry, bloody note cuts into the air, low, vicious, and angry.

Time freezes abruptly around you with a sound like the shattering of glass, a heavy, oppressive psionic power hanging in the air. The clank of chains can be heard amid the snaps of whips as a Desolate Timequake invades existence.

Fright claiming her features, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon's violin plays a frantic tune of flight, only to suddenly cease with a sharp, ear-piercing cry as a gasp escapes her lips. She collapses to her knees, both violin and bow falling from her limp fingers.

Lief's fingertips still upon Bizirik, the leothin's head, her eyes fixed upon the stage as the violins take over.

Ruthlessly does Lief Myeras-Silvermoon continue her aural attack until, at last, the first violin's desperate ring dies out. Then, and only then, does the faeling lower bow from strings, and when she opens her eyes, tears glisten on her lashes.

All light about Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon dims until she is but a silhouette, difficult now to see in the brightness which once again illuminates the faeling.

Quietly, voice cracking with emotion, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "The cycles turn, as does the moon, and when night's spell did end..." She pauses, taking a slow, calming breath. Her next words sound with much the same surety as before. "A crescent shone above the Realm, its silv'ry light to mend."

"She bent her sober head to work," Lief Myeras-Silvermoon quietly sings, bow touching argent strings once more, "a shovel to the earth. Beside her lay her best true love, and all that she was worth."

Eyes lifting from her violin to the audience, Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "For virtue in the face of love can never hope to win, but when bound to Great Spirits two, Knight's love becomes a sin."

The light from the fireflies drifting about the stage begin to dwindle as they wander away, drifting through the audience until the stage is left dark and silent.

The curtains draw to a close on a vine-entwined stage, signaling the conclusion of the performance of 'Love Song of Ser Arrowdale'.

The air above a vast concert stage flickers one last time and clears, as the recorded performance of 'Love Song of Ser Arrowdale' concludes.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts in annoyance, tail slapping the bench.

Lief's fingers resume stroking Bizirik, the leothin, her eyes glancing sidelong at you.

With a quiet smile, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon says to you, "I'm very proud of this song. It was before I knew of much outside the Serenwilde at all."

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't move much, save for a subtle bob of his head. His mandibles twitch as he stares at the now empty stage, then slowly, very slowly, looks over at Lief.

Quietly, you say to Lief, "Was a very good song, yes."

Sitting forward a little, you say to Lief, "Many thank yous for sharing it with me."

Lief flashes you another smile, this one warmer. "Thankfully," she notes, "we mortals are not fae bound to the Maeve."

You think to yourself: It was sad.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods shyly, rubbing his hands together as he gazes about the dark stage. "True." He finally adds, breaking the lingering silence.

Laughing a bit, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon says to you, "In truth, sad stories inspired quite a bit of my earlier works. I think now, I was so inspired by the hope that rises from sorrow."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, carefully sitting up on the bench, then clammering down off of it.

Earnestly, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon says to you, "Hope is easy to have when you're happy and everything is going right, but it's far more precious when you are sad."

It is now the 1st of Kiani, 550 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 6 days until the New Moon

<-- timequake spam ahhh

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, resting his hand on either side of himself, drumming his fingers on the stone bench. "Also true."

Lief settles back in her seat without Bizirik, the leothin to take up her space, her gray eyes curious upon you, upturned slightly with the quiet smile lifting her cheeks.

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales, looking at a loss for words. "Sorry," He gestures, twirling fingers near his head. "Is going..."

Lief nods her antlered head amicably. Her knees draw her legs up into her seat, and she considers for but a moment longer before saying, "What little I knew of love...I'd learned it from my Lady. From Her love for Her Sister-Mate Kaenalye, Who She thought was dead. From Her love for Nocht, Who is now...you know."

Folding his hands together, you say to Lief, "Well, are certainly not friends."

"It's very complicated between Them," Lief agrees softly.

You think to yourself: Would resolve -everything-.

You think to yourself: Eternity is so long to be angry at a persons...

You think to yourself: Divine politics are so weird!!!

You have emoted: Gurashi's mandibles click softly against his face as he stares off, focusing at nothing in particular while lost in thought.

Quietly, Lief hums the middle's slow, lazy, lovely melody as she looks back to the darkened stage.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly lifts his head again, then rises to his feet.

Bizirik, the leothin lolls its head back, trying to see Gurashi while facing the opposite direction, but unable to turn in the narrow rows.

Your movement draws Lief's curious eye. The hum in her throat dies out as she tilts her antlered head.

You think to yourself: What little do -I- know of love...?

You have emoted: Gurashi glances down at his lute, adjusting the strap and beginning to wander down the aisle, making his way towards the darkened stage.

Lief's eyes follow after you, her ears twitching. Eyes lighting up, she shifts again in her seat, sitting straighter on her stone bench. "Is he going to sing?" she whispers to Bizirik, the leothin.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes his way up the stairs, slowly, out onto the great stage, his footsteps echoing behind him. He seems almost as if he's in a trance, stepping towards the front and gazing out over the almost entirely empty audience.

Bizirik, the leothin chatters softly, laying down but resting its head on the back of the seat beside Lief, staring at the stage with great interest.

Silently offering it in the cup of her palm, Lief gives a plump bumblebee cookie to Bizirik, the leothin.

You have emoted: Gurashi begins to pluck at his lute, a melody soft, slow, low - haunting. The dreamlike melody fills the space in gentle sung echoes, and Gurashi sways where he stands, watching his own instrument.

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "When dreaming of tangled webs, like violin with mangled strings," His voice is soft and just as dreamy as the song he plays, "am liking feeling that it brings."

Lief's ears twitch to the sound, and then her eyes draw forward with the words. Her legs tighten themselves to her in her seat, her gray eyes growing wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi steps suddenly sideways, whether on purpose or a stumble unknown. "Find thing that makes you sing, until the words come out like screams." His head bobs once. "Before flying is the fall."

You think to yourself: Miss Duet.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly lifts his chin and thusly his gaze, staring out into the empty amphitheater, looking for someone unseen. "Posing on empty business... Undisclosed love looks unfinished."

Lief lifts one hand to her freckled cheek as she watches you, cupping her palm over its curve. A glimmer of bittersweet sadness crosses her eyes with splotches of shimmering blue.

Softly, you sing, "Is nothing wrong with winter days, some listless, lost in gentle haze. The warm breeze you brought has moved on."

Even softly, your voice rings throughout the chamber, amplified by its acoustics. It captures Lief's full attention, her body swaying slightly in her seat to its melody.

More desperately, his eyes closing, you sing, "Do miss you in the flesh. Had a chance, but, let it pass," He sighs, voice cracking, "Did not know there would not be a next time."

Softer again, swaying, the melody changing to another dreamy tune, you sing, "In this life that we wrote... tiny flowers become a single rose."

Lief blinks her watery eyes rapidly as she watches you, silent.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns, taking a step backwards as he continues to play, wandering aimlessly, slow, as he plays. "Holding shadows in your hand... More of bird than of the land... Hearing the ravens mournful cry."

You have emoted: Gurashi's head tilts back, eyes opening as he stares at the ceiling. "Planting seeds inside of me, spreading through like weeds. As they grow the further I can reach."

You have emoted: The shadows around Gurashi begin to churn and writhe, slowly swirling about him. The rise, just barely taking the shape of a bubble, but fall in a silent hush, becoming as still as perhaps a shadow should be.

Dazedly making his way back towards the front of the stage, you sing, "Vanished like a magic trick, spinning around, left feeling sick, waiting for you to reappear."

Lief follows the shape of those shadows with mildly concerned eyes, but as they fall, she is easily drawn back to you and your song.

You have emoted: Gurashi's voice grows quiet, almost overtaken by the notes he plays. "Gossamer above, Oblivion below..." He once more gazes out towards the audience, shoulders heaving. "Nothing can take you for long."

Quieter with each new word, you sing, "So long, so long... so long....." He trails off, heaving a great sigh as his playing comes to an end, along with his voice. "So long....""

You have emoted: Gurashi totters a bit to the left, then suddenly snaps to, mandibles clicking and antennae raised in alertness as he stares out at Lief. "...oh!"

Lief blinks rapidly. Tears glisten on her eyelashes, sparkling beneath the pale green light above, and she hurriedly wipes her kimono robe's broad white sleeve against one, then the other. And then she claps her hands together, the lone audience member, filling the chamber with her own applause.

Chittering loudly, embarrassed, you say, "Er... ah, many thank yous."

You blush furiously.

Still clapping vigorously, Lief uses the time she buys herself to steady her breathing.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly descends from the stage, opting to hop off the front instead of taking the steps. He stumbles, nearly faceplanting into one of the stone benches, but saves at the last minute, letting out an audible "Ohthankgoodness!"

Lief lets loose a laugh, her voice cracking as she stills her hands. "You're okay, right?" she calls out, rising to stand on her seat.

Bizirik, the leothin chatters and trots down the aisle up to Gurashi, thrumming pleasantly and circling him.

Hands in the air, you exclaim, "Yes!"

After a moment, Lief follows after Bizirik, the leothin, her wings humming rapidly to carry her body aloft. "That was so beautiful," she says to you, her slightly reddened eyes searching your own. "What inspired it?"

You have emoted: Gurashi makes his way back down the aisle towards Lief, remaining standing. "Ahh... am sorry - am not sure why did that."

Lief tilts her antlered head, hovering in front of you as she offers you her full attention.

Blinking twice, you say to Lief, "The play was kind of ... uhm, -sad-! And you had mentioned it being inspired by your experiences."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Think."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Lief, "Uhm, and so, since you shared the thing with me, thought would share a thing with you, based on -my- experiences."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Lief, "It is not a flashy play."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Lief, "Er, not that your play was flashy!"

You have emoted: Gurashi covers his face, throwing back his head.

Lief smiles gently as she listens to you, bobbing slightly in the air. "It was your own Expression," she says quietly, reverence threading through her voice. She bows her antlered head, one hand touching her heart. "Thank you for sharing it with me. I could hear what lies within your heart."

(redacted): You say, "It's heartbreak! *throws confetti*."

You tilt your head curiously.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods once shyly.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Lief, "...eh, should probably go help. Am sure Xenthos will want to collect breads soon..."

Lief wings a quick circle about you, drawing back up to meet your front again. "I understand," she says, clasping her hands together. "Keep safe, Gurashi."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Lief, "Uhm - let me know if Elexia's gift from Lady of Roses explodes or something? Not that think it would, think is just a regular rose still made ... by..."

You nod your head at Lief.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Lief.

You wave goodbye at Lief.