Bastien has joined the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger arrives, following Sparte.

Costas has joined the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Sebastian has joined the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Duarte has joined the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Tomwell is laughing at something Ianna has said as they enter the theater, arms linked. Still grinning broadly at her, they move to take their seats.

Mirari has joined the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Cristoph has joined the Noble Seating, House Left.

The sound of the crinkling unwrapping of parchment paper to get at a candy.

As the audience enters and takes their seats, the set is fully visible upon the stage. What there is of it, at least. It's a simple affair: mostly chairs and table, a constructed bar top set diagonally at one side. Simple, but more than enough to build the suggestion that the play they're about to see takes place in some sort of standard inn or tavern.

The playwright, for anyone who knows him to notice, has hidden himself in the back of the house in the commoner seats. He looks like someone wound tight enough to spring who has medicated themselves heavily to be here.

Sometimes, it's hard to miss that Ianna is a country girl. She openly gapes for a moment at the beautiful theater, before schooling her expression. The lights are coming down! They dash for their seats.

Daemon looks up to Thena from his spot at the noble's seating. He gives her a weak smile. "Commander. Enjoy the show." He offers with a gesture to the stage, paying mind to other guests who pass by with a nod or a polite 'Hello' as he settles in for the evening.

Roland sneaks in as quietly as he can so as not to disrupt the beginning of the performance, finding a seat at the back behind a rather tall lady with spectacular hair. He can mostly see. Mostly.

Ugarte arrives, following Fortunato.

5 Thrax Guards, Bastian, the Reformed Rogue leave, following Cassima.

Fortunato has joined the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Lysander was actually dressed up to his station. It's amazing what sleep, a shave, and not having things explode while you're holding onto them and screaming at them will do for a Lord. Dark blue eyes took curious inventory of the gathered, pausing with a lift of one eyebrow as the Princess Cadenza joined he and Silvio. "Well hellow to you. We saved you a seat." Then with an eficient lack of ceremony did make himself comfortable after the Princess sat. He may be bitter, but he was not without courtesy.

Alaric and retinue cause the requiste hubbub of lots of guards! and it's the King! His typically brilliant smile and royal waving goes to all sides. Since he has a weekly quota of 'giving Leona a headache' to keep up, of course, the royal procession goes right past the entrance to the royal box and all of them file into the noble seats in the center for a Real Theatre Experience. Presumably.

Aneka, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Meeka arrive, following Merek.

6 Malvici Guards, Adjutant General Vincenzo di Malvici arrive, following Calypso.

Alaric has joined the Noble Seating.

Merek comes in and finds a seat to watch!

Duarte has left the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Duarte has joined the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Ailith has joined the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Calypso has joined the Noble Seating.

Cristoph wanders in and takes a seat at the edge of the noble's seating.

Percephon has joined the Noble Seating.

Rook reappears from behind the stage and steadily walks up the path toward the seating area, pausing to dip into the rows at the front of house, sweeping his jacket underneath him to ensure it remains unruffled. As he quiets there, he looks left and right, then widens his eyes only the tineist amount at the presence of the king. Oh boy.

Rook has joined the Noble Seating.

Lethe sits comfortably with an eager look toward the stage. She waits patiently for things to begin.

Sparte has joined the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Sparte settles into a seat to watch the performance, looking relieved.

A towering figure embedded in a suit of armor clanks into the theater. His helmet comes off to be placed in the crook of one arm as the large knight instantly looks lost. Bearing the tabard of the Knights of Solace, Sir Jeffeth Bayweather looks about with a certain helplessness, apparently having no earthly idea what to do upon actually stepping into the theater. The big knight gulps uncomfortably as his eyes search the different areas of seating desperately.

Hana steps into the theater quietly, eyes widening at the sheer /quantity/ of people present. She makes her way over towards where her uncle Fortunato sits, offering a nod to the others present.

Shard eyes Jeffeth for a long moment before she goes back to giving just about everyone else the same scrutiny.

Caspian has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Caspian has joined the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Thesarin makes his way into the o

Thena just nods again and makes her way towards commoner seating. Place is crawling with Solace tonight; Jeffeth's entrance is noted and she waves her blue-clad arm in an arc to catch his attention before choosing a seat.

Thena has joined the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Jeffeth's relief is palpable when Thena waves at him. The large knight clink clanks forward at a rapid pace, going to join Thena.

Jeffeth has joined the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Thesarin makes his way into the theater, dressed up for the evening, and looking... curious as he scrutinizes the space and the people in it. He makes his way toward the noble seating, with a few low nods to familiar faces.

Thesarin has joined the Noble Seating.

Daemon has left the Noble Seating.

Daemon has joined the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Percephon enters the theater, dark eyes narrowed behind the lenses of his glasses as he scans the room that's steadily filling up with noble and commoner alike. He catches his breath, hitches his shoulders up, and takes a few long-legged strides toward the nearest seating. Although, once seated, he starts to look a little unsettled. So, he is back on his feet and moving to sit elsewhere.

Percephon has left the Noble Seating.

Percephon has joined the Commoner Seating, House Left.

When one acts by way of natural lighting and torches, there is little to mark the beginning of a play except the entrance of the first player. The first two actors take the stage, Jareth and another actress of the Mummers striding out and confidently beginning their first lines to begin the performance. (Fortunately, little of importance is included in those opening lines, which end up half-obscured by audience chatter.) Delmar, and Idana, cocky Crownlander and brash Crownsworn, kick off the play with familiar, establishing banter of two people without rift or drama between their fealties. It becomes clear that the tavern in stage is actually Traders Tavern itself, and the opening scene introduces the various characters. In addition to Delmar (played by Mummer veteran Jareth) and Idana, there is Fienne, the idealistic and honorable Oathlander; Sully, the young, awkward, empathetic Northerner; Xander, the quiet, intelligent Islander; and Olivetta, the witty and sarcastic Lycene, played by Yasmine in her Blackrose debut. All of them commoner soldiers in the midst of the Siege of Arx during the Silent War. Each demense is given representation: Crownlands, Oathlanders, Northlands, the Lyceum, the Mourning Isles, and the Crown itself.

The characters and relationships are slowly drawn out over the course of that opening scene, and friendships built over those opening scenes as the group commiserates and connects over the strangeness of all of them defending the same thing for once. Delmar and Idana seem to have known each other for some months and so already have a sense of familiarity, while Delmar and Olivetta's senses of humor play well with each other, and Fienne and Sully find commonality in their similar senses of caring and empathy. Delmar and Xander, however, begin those early scenes of the play with a tension that's both personal and political. Xander is the quietest of the group, but perhaps the most intelligent; he seems used to people underestimating his mind and is sullenly resigned to it. There is something both familiar and enriched about each of the characters, taking them beyond mere regional archetypes or counterarchetypes into the reality of layered, complex individuals. The earliest scenes have a certain lightness to them: there is a war, yes, but it's the early days, and the group is still optimistic.

Waldemai is sprawled out alone in the center stage, watching with an almost child-like wonder.

Yasmine checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

Soon as Jareth takes the stage, there's a LOUD whistle and then the stomping of feet - followed by the jingle, jingle, jingle of bells with those stomped feet. There's applause for the other actors and actresses, but not quite the fanfare, not until Yasmine steps out. "Wooowoo!" comes a call from a voice that's totally Joscelin and not Mae, who's sitting next to Joscelin. (No, it's totally Mae.)

Ianna has left the Noble Seating, House Left.

Tomwell has left the Noble Seating, House Left.

Arlo, an impossibly fluffy dog with an impossibly grumpy face, Tomwell leave, following Ianna.

Joscelin just looks mortified and shakes her head with wide eyes, no gods, it's not her holy Abyss, don't look at her like that.

2 King's Own Guardsmen arrives, following Eleanor.

Eleanor arrives, following Paloma.

In what may very well become the play's most popular scene, in the first half of the play there is a sequence in which Olivetta starts bringing in collected copies of White Reflections; the scene in the play is clearly not the first time she's done so, from everyone's anticipation. The group takes turn reading the inane complaints of nobles made throughout the Siege, with Olivetta doing the bulk of the performance: missing certain foods that have become difficult to import, birthdays tragically forgotten by their peers, an extended treatise complaining about a sudden attack ruining a party that was planned for months(!!!). It's the nobility at their worst and most petty, and those who were in the city during the siege may recognize the sequence as likely inspired by actual journals written at the time. Yasmine's performance in particular is exemplary, standing out as a tour de force that takes total advantage of what's probably Olivetta's best moments in the play.

"So true! So true!" Duarte laughs as the journals are portrayed.

When Yasmine's performance is complete for her first number, Thorley gives a loud cheer towards the actress in encouragement and acknowledgement of her wonderful performance.

That laugh? That's Percephon, and he's laughing so hard that he chokes on his laughter.

It seems someone sent word to the King's Own that the king decided to forgo his nice and secure box in favor of mingling with The People. Because Dame Eleanor, recently appointed First Captain, and Dame Paloma have arrived at what seems to be a quick pace. Eleanor surveys the crowd for a moment before spotting their target. Grinning, she sends a nod in Paloma's direction and moves to join the noble seating.

Eleanor has joined the Noble Seating.

"However did the silks survive!" comes another call from around Joscelin... but is probably Mae.

Joscelin covers her mouth with her hand, eyes full of mirth, proud of her friend Yasmine.

"That poor person's party! Someone find them and give them a hug!" Caspian rises from his seat to shout out to the stage in a sarcastic tone, grinning from ear to ear.

Merek hides his own smiles under his scarf with a chuckle.

Sparte can't help but grin at this part of the play, though he puts a hand over his mouth to help conceal it.

Darrow watches silently, his stoic features a stony mask as the play unfolds. He nevertheless appears intently interested, but the humor seems completely lost on him.

"What flowers are they most like, though? THE PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW!" someone shouts from the commoner's right in a disguised voice.

Paloma takes a moment to walk down an aisle to get a better idea of the layout of the theater, before making her way into the box after Eleanor.

Paloma has joined the Noble Seating.

Dust the rat arrives, delivering a message to Ailith before departing.

Waldemai throws and old shoe at the rat scuttling by.

Hana has joined the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Tila stands to offer enthusiastic applause for Yasmine's Olivetta. It's not particularly raucous. It's...a restrained sort of show of enthusiastic enjoyment.

Olivetta's pivotal scene starts with humor. Sarcasm with a thread of amusement that runs through it. With each successive entry read, her voice becomes more strained, quivering with anger and frustration, underlined with incredulity. Her eyes are on the audience, penetrating even from the distance of the stage. Her body is used to its full effect, a conduit for the emotions felt and heard in her voice as it carries over the house. Finally, that symphony of sarcasm, anger, and disbelief swells to its peak and she delivers the final line of the monologue, "How kind of Lord Jasper to throw me a belated birthday party. There was even a cake with pink icing. My -favorite-." Olivetta lets the papers slip from her grip to fall to the stage. Her eyes are fixed on the audience for a long, silent moment, particular on the noble seating before she steps back and moves into her next position as the play continues.


Joscelin inhales sharply at Yasmine's performance, silent, eyes wide.

"Sounds Valardin!" calls the same woman's voice from Commoners' Right.

In another scene, Sully talks frankly about not even knowing if he's firing arrows at the right people sometimes, which the group as a whole commiserates on. By now, the nervousness is expected from Sully, who's the greenest of the group, but by the end of the scene, each of the six characters has admitted some shameful, ridiculous, and straight-up comedic flub in the heat of combat. Even Xander, the quietest and most serious of the group, finally breaks his silence to talk about a time in his youth that he got turned around in battle and managed to stab his commander right in the ass. It even gets a laugh from Delmar.

A spotted stray cat arrives, following Roran.

Thena looks slowly from one Knight of Solace on one side of her to the one on her other side. In low tones, "Don't ever stab me in the ass."

Roland lets out a bellowing laughter at the commander stabbing, confiding in a low voice to those near him, "That sort of thing does happen, you know!"

It does not, however, get a laugh from Darrow.

Cadenza would just stare, her brow raised as she murmured. "...oh my...."

Roran has joined the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Darrow has joined the Noble Seating, House Left.

"I WOULD NEVER!" Comes Daemon's bellowing voice, as if that was just the absolute -worst- thing he'd ever heard. Shame.

Lysander watched the seige times start to play out. The artist watched with a critical eye but warned, "Jasper, she's going to evisserate you, dear, frosting or not." There was a faint cringe knowing too well what happens when events get dropped.

"Gods -- sorry AGAIN Sparte for the dart in your shoulder," Percephon can be overheard saying enthusiastically. Maybe a little too loudly, too.

"Just stab the ones that look like shavs, right?!" comes the call from Mrs. Loud Mouth in the Commoner's seating.

Sparte speaks up in response to Percephon. "Quite alright! I've been stabbed in worse!"

Merek checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Silence. As he's listening to the tales, Thorley's good humor slips and his expression becomes more stone-faced, the knight continuing to watch the play from his seat next to Joscelin.

Merek hears something spoken, not from stage, but from somewhere else. He stands up, and just shakes his head in disappointment at something, before he starts to move towards the exit.

There is a booming laugh from the other Silver Order knight on the other side of Thena, it quiets a few moments later. Jeffeth takes a moment to compose himself. Looking down at Thena he can only chuckle again.

Roran is moving in, quietly as possible and likely really late to the production. But the pair of caterpillars in a human suit finds a seat in the commoners rows and takes it.

Jareth checked charm + performance at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Cadenza before departing.

[space(2)]Having found a kindred spirt in the need to be adored and the center of the party, Jareth as Delmar, easily and casually falls into his character. Upon Sully's frank statement and himself even tries to fight off the look of futility the seige has brought upon them. A slow smile graces the actor's face as Xander makes his confession about stabbing a commander's backside. Perhaps more a smile solely for Xander not quite reaching his scarred brow.

Cadenza would blink as that messenger came in but when she opened that note, her out dropped open.

Darrow has left the Noble Seating, House Left.

Darrow has joined the Noble Seating, House Left.

Narses, 6 King's Own Guardsmen arrive, following Leona.

Leona has joined the Noble Seating, House Left.

Binky, an asshole crow, Gregory, an unassuming disciple arrive, following Aureth.

The characters' humor grows more strained as the play continues and they clearly feel the loss of the continued siege. Their grief at losing compatriots is felt mostly in the silence in between words than made explicit. Towards the middle of the play, it becomes apparent that Xander and Delmar have grown romantically involved, just as it's clear that this is kept small and private and precious between the two and not shared with the others. A look here, a quiet comment there. A rare smile when the others aren't looking. Even, in one brief moment when no one else in on stage, a touch before they're interrupted: Xander reaches, fingers curling at the nape of Delmar's neck, almost as if he's about to pull him in for a kiss -- before they quickly split apart when they hear others coming.

And then Xander is gone. It comes in hints in the silences between the characters, the way Delmar holds himself apart as he tries to navigate a grief that clearly the rest of the group isn't fully aware of. (It's only Sully who seems to figure it out, to recognize how Delmar's reaction holds the shades of something a bit different than the rest of the group's.) It eventually comes out that he's been lost in a recent battle in a moment of great courage and sacrifice. Lives saved, but only a few, and only fellow commoners: the group is convinced the sacrifice won't be remembered or honored by those who commanded the army he served in without knowing his name.

Aureth has joined the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Nisaa has joined the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Merek quietly leaves, trying not to disturb the play, still seeming in his thoughts.

Aneka, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Meeka leave, following Merek.

Leona slides in late, taking her seat just before the next act, quietly catching up. It seems she's familiar enough to start following along immediately, but her expression is bleak as the play touches on lives lost and sacrifices unremembered.

Calypso looks a tad unamused at the notion that any life under ones command would not matter. But she stays still, watching with interest.

Late, Nisaa slinks into the theater and quietly takes a seat in the Commoner's area, towards the back so as not to interrupt the show or block anyone's view. The Whisper takes in the theater, but soon, her attention is set on the stage.

"Oh... Xander!" cries out Mrs. Loud Mouth aka Mae. Though if anyone sends looks her way, she's quick to point to Joscelin and give a wide-eyed look of innocence. "We won't forget you!" she adds, her voice earnest and sincere, despite her shenanigans.

A knight rises from his seat in the commoner section. "Honor holds, Xander!" Thorley calls out in a rough gruff of a voice before he drops back into his seat.

Cristoph has left the Noble Seating, House Left.

For the last time there's someone getting up and lugging his steel-suited frame through the audience. "Sorry, sorry, excuse me. Sorry. I know. I'm really sorry." Daemon murmurs to all those he must pass in front of before he makes his way down the aisles and out the door.

Daemon has left the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Elegance leaves, following Daemon.

The end of the play comes with the end of the Siege, leaving the surviving characters to wonder at how their lives are supposed to continue after the war seems to have ended through some mysterious means that they don't even fully understand. It ends as a fairly cynical take on war overall, the characters given little context or appreciation for the war they were called to fight and leaving them adrift once everything is over. It's a play that appeals to common sentiment in its call to treat these soldiers as people rather than numbers on a ledger, and it culminates in a razor-sharp skewering of noble leadership, and a call to do better.

Jareth can be seen standing alone to the side of the stage during the act, a look of dispair and sadness which he tries to not loose himself into the grief of Xander's loss. "Sadly ya left me and bettin ya enjoying a nice warm ale while we sittin here starin over da wall. Hold a mug ready for me, though hopin I ain't collectin it soon." He smiles wryly as always there is more time they are pressed back into defending the city.

"Don't fret, Delmar!" calls Mae, again. "I'm sure the nobles will congratulate themselves for their victory! Might even grant you permission to feel accomplishment!"

Waldemai whistles. "Pheeeoooo! Pheeoo! Pheeeeeooooo!"

And then -- it's over. There is no curtain or blackout, naturally, but the actors do take their bows to -- whatever applause may come! And then the actors are left to disappear backstage to change or come into the house as they choose, while a few Mummers stagehands start setting up the /booze/. Because now it's time for the party.

Percephon seems keen to take his own exit at the conclusion of the production. He's far too drawn into his own thoughts to notice much on his way out.

In the end, Olivetta stands alone, silent when she had been full of jokes for most of the play. Her thousand yard stare is one of a soldier that has Seen Some Shit and her expression grim, cautious, and even a trace bitter as the war draws to a close. Then, the moment that the play ends, Yasmine resurfaces from beneath the character, a bright, charming grin on her lips as she steps forward to take her bow.

Percephon has left the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Sparte rises up, beggining to clap loudly with the close of the performance.

Calypso applauds from her seat as the actors take their bows. She is a very serious woman, steeled in nature, so there are no hoots of hollers. But the applause is appreciative.

Soon as the performance draws to a close, Mae whistles, loud and sharp. Then starts clapping, as she stomps her feet and sends bells jingling.

Orazio applauds as well, rising from his seat to do so. No yells or whistles, just applause to the stage for a bit, and then he sits back down.

6 Thrax Guards arrives, following Abbas.

Jordal, a bodyguard, Abbas arrive, following Isabeau.

Joscelin is overheard praising Yasmine for: For being SPECTACULAR.

Samantha applauds quite sincerely, a thoughtful expression on her face along with a ghost of a smile.

Caspian rises and applauds with the rest of the crowd.

With the end of the play, Jareth's usual smile returns to his lips and the lithe actor beams to those in the crowd as he makes his bow with the florish and wave to the crowd. He disappears to get changed for the play after party.

Joscelin moves to stand and applaud, pride on her face

Shard is a little slow to clap, and she looks a little uncertain or distracted (or both), though when she does, she does as much as anyone. With another careful glance toward the audience.

Leona speaks to those with whom she's sitting as the play comes to an end, her eyes hard and her face impassive. And then she's standing, clapping loudly, her eyes looking for Bastien in the crowd, giving him a nod.

Rook rises regally, then smoothes down his front, before clapping enthusiastically. There's even an-- for want of a better word-- uncharacteristically pleased call, "Very well acted!" Maybe even a quieter, "That's my protege, you know. Oh yes. She's rather talented. Did you know that's my protege? Yes, yes, thank you." I said quieter, not less -less- humblebragging.

Orazio is overheard praising Yasmine.

Thorley is overheard praising Bastien for: For makin an awesome and thoughtful play.

Orazio is overheard praising Bastien.

Sebastian is overheard praising Bastien for: For an excellent production.

Rook is overheard praising Yasmine for: Congratulations on your debut, Mistress Rovashani!

Sebastian is overheard praising Yasmine for: For an excellent performance.

Orazio is overheard praising Jareth.

Ailith rises to applaud the performance.

Leona is overheard praising Bastien for: It was as excellent as I knew it would be.

Ailith is overheard praising Bastien.

Mirari gets to her feet, her applause slow, but appreciative.

Ailith is overheard praising Jareth.

Leona is overheard praising Yasmine for: A stunning performance!

Ailith is overheard praising Yasmine.

Rising with Joscelin, Thorley applauds as well, before glancing aside to the Guildmistress, assuming she wants to go mingle with the others.

Costas is overheard praising Bastien for: Not the puff piece I was expecting.

Leona is overheard praising Jareth for: A heartfelt performance indeed.

Samantha is overheard praising Bastien for: The dialogue was witty!

Thesarin sits still in his seat, watching the crowd, and the performers, chin in his hand.

Roran is overheard praising Yasmine.

Roran is overheard praising Bastien.

Roran is overheard praising Jareth.

Mae is overheard praising Bastien for: It could have been worse!

Jeffeth is overheard praising Yasmine for: You looked very nice.

Sparte is overheard praising Bastien for: Priorities.

Silvio stands up and claps slowly, in a distracted manner, though he is definitely looking around to see who is clapping vigorously.

6 Thrax Guards leaves, following Abbas.

Jordal, a bodyguard, Abbas leave, following Isabeau.

Fortunato is overheard praising Bastien.

Fortunato is overheard praising Yasmine.

Tila stands again to applaud for the actors as they take their leave of the stage. She seems to have no urge to linger, saying a few polite farewells as she winds her way out.

Tila is overheard praising Yasmine for: Magnetic performance. Made the play.

Standing she would clap politely with a small smile on her face. Cadenza looked to her brother with a smile before looked back to the actors.

Darrow slides his gaze over to Leona, his cold, reflection-pool blue eyes flat, stoic. "My point is that innocence is no defense. A pity for this Lily, but her body is as cordwood to the piles I've seen. I don't see that playwright doing anything about it, other than pointing fingers at those who are forced to make the decisions." His lip curls in a sneer. "Yes, such a tragedy that commoners died in the Siege. So did many. But they died so others might live, and now they're reaping the benefits whilst spitting on the sacrifices." He stands, conspicuously not applauding, though, honestly, it would hardly be expected from the Knight of Sorrow, who might have come for the Tragedy but not for enjoyment. "Duly noted that I'll need to 'do better', Dame Thrax, whilst preparing my entire county for the likelihood of perishing in the next siege."

Yasmine follows Jareth off stage, murmuring a few words to her fellow actor as they remove themselves to get changed.

The reception-slash-party that's set up is not the most extravagant of affairs, but it's certainly well-stocked. Soon enough there is food and drink laid out for anyone who wishes to stay, talk, and socialize. The playwright, Bastien, finally stands at his seat towards the back of the house, turning towards Sebastian to draw in a slow inhale before he starts to make his way towards the front of the house near the stage with anyone who wishes to yell at him. Er -- join him. He does grab a drink on the way. His gaze snaps over to Darrow, narrowing with clear thought, but the smile that curves on his lips is pure, sharp satisfaction.

Mae turns, squinting as she hears someone talking through the din. Is that Darrow? Surely it can't be Leona beside him. "Boooo!" she calls towards the nobleman. "Booo!"

Bastien has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Bastien has joined the Stage.

Rook glances over his shoulder as he hears Darrow, excusing himself from his bench, then stepping out in preparation for meeting his protege after her change. Pausing a short distance away from Darrow, however, he raises his brows pointedly and clears his throat. "As I just said to a few around me, my lord," he calls, to the one unknown to him, "this is not a personal attack and that you would take it so shows a distinct lack of grace. Perhaps plays that make you think aren't for you? Or perhaps you might consider that these moments are for you to reflect on -hard truths-?"

Rook has left the Noble Seating.

Thena snaps a look around at Darrow's outburst, black eyes narrowing at him though she does nothing more than stare for the moment.

Joscelin watches the others with amusement, mostly, veiled observation, quiet for the time being as she stays with the Grayhopes and Thorley for the moment.

"Everyone is welcome to take the play as personally as they think they deserve," Bastien finally breaks his silence to declare magnanimously.

Fortunato turns a sudden, fixed look at the gathering of Darrow, Leona, and Rook.

Roran's attention is diverted from the clapping that he's offered up to the actors and playwright, by the comments around him and the outburst happening between the Darkwater Lord and the Valardin Prince.

Shard sits up straighter, ever so slowly, also looking toward Darrow.

Eleanor half nods at Paloma, but her attention is clearly captured by Darrow. She gives Paloma a pointed glance before drifting slowly down the aisle, leaving her closer to Alaric.

Leona looks at Darrow. "What a stupid point," she states calmly. "I would encourage you to remember that some commoners - and some noblemen and women as well - die in wars for no purpose at all. Dying so that others might live is indeed a heroic thing. And yet sometimes they die because their superiors are idiots. Or because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or because they were utterly betrayed by those who should do better. Perhaps instead of reminding us what /we all/ are facing, you would do better to take a moment and give due honor to those who die in the middle, torn this way and that for no reason at all.

The big Knight of Solace stands right behind Thena. Jeffeth's arms curl over his chest. His gaze going where hers does. Like a giant mastiff sitting at attention, the man stands silently.

Bastien's barb procokes an amused grunt from Costas as he turns aside to Mirari and offers an arm up.

Darren has left the Noble Seating.

Phantom, the Great Grey Owl leaves, following Darren.

Orazio rises from his seat, not far from where Darrow is sitting, with a sigh and a slight clearing of his throat at the heads turning in this direction. He offers Leona a hand. "Lord Commander. Perhaps you would like to get a drink with me? Congratulate Master Bastien on a provoking and well-written play?" His expression is a polite mask.

Mirari takes Costas arm and gets to her feet. She leans in to say something quiet and then smirks derisively.

Sorrel has left the Noble Seating.

2 House Wyrmguard Guards leaves, following Sorrel.

Joscelin frowns, looks to Mae. "Who's Lily?"

For some reason, Samantha Deepwood, the alleged 'Counscience of the Peers', shakes her head, and begins to chuckle softly.

Silvio moves through the seats with his hair swaying in pretty curls to come closer to the argument developing near to Darrow. "In the same breath, if the play is meant to provoke a reaction, /surely/ in making it, the intent was not always that the reaction would /agree/ with the play's intent. I think a difference of opinion is to be celebrated, for surely a work that was lifeless and worthless would provoke nothing at all beyond a mean amusement and little else. I, for one, commend such an opinion, boldly spoken." He touches his chest and looks at the Dour Knight, Darrow, with a slight bow of his head. Then he smiles, without showing his teeth.

Mae stops booing Darrow long enough to look back to Joscelin. Whatever comes next, comes quietly... whispers.

Thorley remains with Joscelin, a smile towards her as she seems to be far more relaxed than when she was arrived as the knight considers the others in his section, and his lips purse into a thin line.

Cadenza would blink as her brother ran off then looked to Lysander. "Well then....." Grinning she would offer him her arm. "Where to?" Looking to Caspian she'd wave and looked around a bit to see who else she knew...spying some but saying nothing for now as she looked back to the man next to her.

Rook interrupts his levelled look to glance toward the location of Bastien, canting in consideration, before he nods. "Mm," is allowed, neutrally, before he turns his attention back to Darrow and briefly aside to Leona-- each having pitched notable words on the topic. As Silvio steps up, he even smiles broader, saying, "Debate is one luxury that separates man from hound, after all," he permits. With a glance in the direction of the backstage, he continues to wait patiently for the arrival of his protege. "Congratulations, Master Bastien," he adds, finally, to the playwright. "I'll see a glass of champagne lifted in recognition of your writing."

Thena glances over her shoulder at Jeffeth and heaves a little sigh. "It's fine. I just wish he'd put a little more thought into who is and is not a commoner before saying something like that."

After taking time to change out of her costume and into 'civilian clothes', Yasmine finally emerges from the back of the stage and starts to make her way into the house of the theatre with a smile. Her gold-flecked green eyes are still lined with kohl, but her dark hair is loosened from the hairstyle she'd had in character. Her steps slow as she nears the little knot of people around her patron, her smile shifting to uncertainty as she gets a feel for the tension in the room. Her eyes find Bastien's and she lifts her brows, still smiling.

Caspian lifts his hand up to wave towards Cadenza, giving the woman a wide, friendly smile in return to her.

Samantha has left the Noble Seating.

Samantha has joined the Stage.

Thesarin sits in place a moment longer, and then stands with a shrug, and starts following Samantha. Alaric and Calypso both get a low nod before he goes.

Darrow's response to Leona is hollow, but level. If the withering looks shot his way register at all on the lord's sallow, drawn features, it isn't reflected in his limpid gaze. "Perhaps you do understand. Death is pointless, and unavoidable. It doesn't care for innocence, decency, dignity, or fairness. And -that- is the hard truth." His eyes shift to Rook, and Silvio with a cursory assessment, before turning to leave the seating. "Lamenting the circumstance is living in shadow."

The large knight relaxes some, his arms falling to his sides. "I honestly didn't hear. I just saw you lookin' irritated so I figured I'd look menacing." Jeffeth quickly explains with a bright smile. He looks out over those gathered, his gaze catching Mirari who is offered a brief wave and then he's back on Thena. "Are we hanging around here then.. Or..?"

Sebastian has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Thesarin has left the Noble Seating.

Thesarin has joined the Stage.

Sebastian has joined the Stage.

Tila has left the Noble Seating.

Bastien is swallowing down wine readily when Yasmine reemerges, and he offers her a particularly wan sort of look; however, notably, there's maybe the slightest bit of hard-won approval there before he's turning his attention those who have approached the stage to speak to him.

Shard barks a laugh, short and sharp. "No one's /impressed/."

"Ah," conjures the Valardin prince courtier, as he sees Yasmine, hands extended. With only the briefest and most final note taken of Darrow in his turn to leave, the Crown minister of coin moves quickly toward Yasmine to press hands to her shoulders and enthuse, "You were brilliant! I heard someone say you even made the show, you know," he insists. "Did you enjoy it? The accent was almost spot on-- except when you-- no, nevermind. Well done, Yasmine!"

Referencing an earlier act in the play, a voice from the commoner's section bellows out: "Maybe yee take yer cryin' to the journals - mah lawd!"

"I do not suggest people wail in grief and despair. Hope and determination move us forward, even when we must take the best of the terrible choices available to us. But always people will die, and their deaths should be remembered and honored - whether necessary or not, honorable or not. For that is the price of the freedoms we have and the world as it is now. We should never forget the people who die in these conflicts or we risk turning into the monsters ourselves." And now Leona turns her attention to Orazio, eyeing that outstretched hand and she takes it with an inclination of her head, much as the princess she once was might have done. "Of course," she says to the Legate. "Your company is always welcome, and I do want to congratulation Master Bastien on his triumph."

Thena laughs, though it's brief and quiet. "That's perfect, Sir Jeffeth. I appreciate it." She rubs at the back of her neck with a leather-gauntleted hand. "Elsewhere, I think. Did you want to say anything to the playwright? I don't particularly."

Jareth walks back from the dressing area having changed from his commoner in a seige outfit into his us usual black leather pants tailored perfectly for his lithe frame, and a white cotton shirt with loose sleeves. He pauses long enough to find a glass of whiskey which he holds while roaming through the crowd mingling without apparent destination.

Thesarin makes his way over to the stage with Samantha, keeping a few steps behind. He looks precisely as though someone's dressed a shav'arvani out of the woods and put him in fancy clothes. He keeps silent, stopping only to take a glass of whiskey set out around the stage.

Fortunato makes a silent exit as the knotted, tense conversation continues.

Fortunato has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Ugarte leaves, following Fortunato.

Waldemai has left the Commoner Seating.

Ailith has left the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Orazio smiles, briefly, at Leona. He bows, equally brief, to Darrow, before leading the way down towards the stage so that there might be congratulations and silly things like that.

Lethe has left the Noble Seating.

Nisaa has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Orazio has left the Noble Seating, House Left.

Orazio has joined the Stage.

Shard waves her hands. "Hey, death exists! Look at me, I'm an adult. I've seen bodies and shit." She mutters, "Fuck's sake."

Roran is quite frankly watching the interaction and interplay with no small amount of fsacination from his seat.

Darrow shoots a gaze towards the Commoners' section, his eyes narrowing briefly. A response is called out - unusual for the dour Lord to raise his voice, but its sharp at this moment. "I'll take my Tears to the teeth of the enemy. The only question is if -you- will." The tears, in return to the reference, are obvious: the brutal-appearing steel heads of his flail. The lord makes his way to the exit of the theater, with determined relentless purpose.

Yasmine snorts in amusement at Bastien's faint praise, but seems to good-humoredly accept it with amusement. Her eyes light up when she spots Rook and grasps his hands, laughing as her words spill out in a rush, cheeks flushed with her excitment, "The 'r's! I know. I couldn't quite roll them properly! I practiced all week, but I just got into the character." She leans in ever so slightly toward Rook, laughing as she murmurs something and then glancing around as she calls out, "Should we all have champagne so we can toast Bastien?" She glances over at the playwright, almost michievous as she calls attention to him once more.

While it could probably be said better or more eloquently, Jeffeth looks around at his surroundings for a fraction of a second before finally just shruggin. "No." Though he then pauses for a bit. "I could tell them I liked that ass-stabbing bit. And maybe they should try to work more of that into the rest of the play." He chews on this thought for just a second before sighing and dismissing the thought. "Probably everyone else is already tellin them that." Sir Bayweather falls in line with Thena.

"Booo!" calls Mae, as Darrow starts towards the door. "Boooo!"

"Ugh, /no/," Bastien says /immediately/ to Yasmine's idea.

"Yes, your 'r's! But ff course, of course, anything you like," Rook enthuses, completely ignoring Bastien. "Champagne, especially for Master Bastien. Maybe -two- whole champagnes," he incorrectly speaks, on purpose, because it's en vogue. "Come, come," urges the courtier, already moving to see to drinks, because -champagne-.

of course*

Shard says in Northlands shav, "Stop drinking your own piss, man."

Thena nods, veers rapidly from another dark look towards Darrow's section to shaking her head and chuckling about ass-stabbing, then, "Trader's Tavern, I think. In honor of the play." Assuming Jeffeth will follow, she heads on out.

Thena has left the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Jeffeth has left the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Jeffeth leaves, following Thena.

Calypso has left the Noble Seating.

Costas gathers up a heavy winter cloak, holding the wings wide for Mirari to step into, and then the pair wend their way through to crowd and out into the wintry street.

Shard says something in Northlands Shav'arvani that...uh...sounds colorful.

Costas has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Mirari has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Mirari leaves, following Costas.

Sparte glances around at all the loud personalities in the audience. After a while he decides to shout out. "It was a performance, people! If you felt something he did alright! Visit the shrine of Death and pay some respects to the fallen if you're still feeling it!"

Leona has left the Noble Seating, House Left.

Lysander looped an arm out not leaving Cadenza stood to wait. With that he walked with she and her brother Prince Silvio out to celebrate the culmination of the work. Love it or hate it, there was a respect due for putting together a find quality of production, or so it would seem. He stopped and the glazier that oft went between silent and shrieking looked up to Lord Darrow offering, "Any you have to explain it to?" His dark eyes traveled back to Mae and squint either judgmental or curious, and back again, "Not worth the explaination." The nod, brief, was one for the soldier Lord, and the artist, with no more fanfare, walked in sharp cadence stageward.

Leona has joined the Stage.

Joscelin says in Eurusi, "He should be toasting YOU, Yasmine!"

Silvio props his hands on his hips, "Everyone is allowed to have their problems. Just because someone is having a /different/ problem, does not exclude someone else from having an unrelated problem that isn't within the other person's realm of caring. I do not judge a courtier for having a bad day when his codpiece is squashing him, though that might seem trivial to someone whose house burned down because it is made of small, flamable sticks." At the last, he lifts his hand and flaps it back and forth.

Rook checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 30, rolling 13 higher.

Eleanor, still standing near the king in the noble seating, would recognize that booing anywhere. Snorting a half-laugh, she glances around until she finds Mae, and lifts her chin in silent hello.

Darrow has left the Noble Seating, House Left.

Alaric has left the Noble Seating.

Alaric has joined the Stage.

Hana has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Paloma has left the Noble Seating.

Paloma has joined the Stage.

Eleanor has left the Noble Seating.

Eleanor has joined the Stage.

Following along with Lysander she would just lift her skirt so as not to trip. Chuckling she would look to Lysander before smile. "Give me a moment....I'll be right back." Letting go of his arm for a moment she would turn and make a beeline for Caspian. Waving she would move next to him and nodded. "So...I take it you enjoyed it....?"

Yasmine completely ignored Bastien's protests and begins circulating glasses of champagne. Once most of the crowd has something to drink, the dancer raises a glass and lifts her voice to say, "To Bastien, a difficult writer who has written a difficult, but beautiful play that I feel honored to have been a part of!" She seems to be ignoring the debate, either purposely or so caught up in the thrill and excitement of her first acting performance that she can only be enthusiastic. She grins over to Joscelin and winks at her before slanting a glance at Rook, still grinning as she watches the courtier a moment before her eyes find Bastien once more.

Caspian offers a smile over to Cadenza, giving her a small as he says, "It was well written and well acted, but in my opinion it is too preachy. If you are handling things like this, you can't beat your audience over the head with it, you have to lead them to draw the correct conclusion. But overall it was still good. Yourself?"

Silvio has left the Noble Seating, House Right.

Cadenza has left the Noble Seating, House Right.

Rook calls to Silvio, "Any courtier worth his silk wouldn't mention his-- well," he spreads his hands skyward, as if to say, 'isn't it obvious!'. Right before he sources champagne, lifts it and joins in the toast, in recognition of Yasmine's words. "To Besieged, the play he wrote, as well," he tacks on, as if anticipating part of Bastien's complaint for the celebration. There's a gleam to his eyes, then he drains his glass and only just out of the corner spots the king and his Own heading toward the stage. "Please tell me his majesty isn't about to sing," he jests mildly, lips behind his glass.

Roran for his part, is smiling still and rising from his seat to take his leave.

"It was obviously thought provoking...." Chuckling softly she would lean in to whisper before nodding with a smile. "But we'll talk more, hm? I need to go see what the glazer and my brother are wanting to do..." Giving his upper arm a gently squeeze she'd nod before turning to head back over to Lysander.

Of all the complaints, it's /Caspian's/ that has Bastien shooting a dirty look in his direction. His gaze narrows there for a long moment before it's pulled back by the shove of champagne into his hand. "What, ugh." His lips thin. "Yes, fine. I'm brilliant, and all of that."

Aureth watches the playwright being feted with an ironic amusement in his expression and remarks, "You ever try to give a cat a bath?" to -- by the angle of his head, probably Mae.

Caspian gives a smile over towards Cadenza, dipping his head towards the woman as he says. "Enjoy your evening, your highness, I will see you around some time." Rises from his seat himself, bowing to the woman before he begins for the door.

"You give it very carefully Blessed Aureth." Roran calls out to the man. "Very carefully!"

Roran has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

A spotted stray cat leaves, following Roran.

Mae gives a sorrowful sigh as Josceline seems to be leaving. /All/ the pouting. It's very fake, of course. Then she turns to look at Aureth. "What? Is-... Does Bastien not have a-..." She gasps, and stares at Bastien.

Caspian does notice Bastien's look and look his way a moment, but he's heading for the door now, and seems intent on leaving.

Shard, now that she's not heckling, seems to be giving her attention to the crowd again. She's less tense now though. Tired still, but less tense. She studies those gathering around, rather than those leaving, and remains where she is for the moment, standing next to the seat she was taking up during the play.

Joscelin frowns at Aureth, and then Mae, looking scandalized. "Are you saying Bastien doesn't have a pussy?"

Rook clears his throat.

Yasmine has joined the Stage.

Jareth lifts his glass of whiskey to the toast Yasmine proposes for Bastien, "Huzzah." He then tosses back the amber liquid enjoying the feel as it burns a path down his throat. "Good art should make one uncomfortable. Drama, tragedy, romance, and even comedy should not always tell a happy fable. Our lives are often uncomfortable .. especially when focusing on how war effects the individual."

Mae's eyes flash very large, and the red starts to instantly creep into her cheeks. She whirls on Joscelin, and reaches out to thwap the woman's arm.

Joscelin ows, rubs her arm, contriving to look very, very confused.

Yasmine hears Joscelin and starts to laugh. Hard. She takes a long drink of champagne, but nearly chokes on it for giggling.

Orazio turns around to look at the scandalized exclamation. He sees Joscelin. And Mae. And Aureth. Stern frown incoming, although MOSTLY for the last. Poor Aureth.

Aureth looks baffled. "Wow, you took that joke in a really different direction than the one I intended," he says in plain mystification. He's developing a pretty good radar for Orazio glares, though, and opens his hands in a gesture of ingenuous innocence that is not, however, as good as the one Aleksei might have in his place.

Caspian has left the Commoner Seating, House Left.

"Not me!" exclaims Mae. "I thought you were talking about if all cats go to Elysia!" Mae exclaims. Cause /that/ makes a lot more sense, right?

Joscelin turns red. "I was referring to a -cat-!"

Samantha seems well satisfied with her experience, retreating and heading for the exit, offering a final smile for Thesarin before she's on her way.

"Better than saying he doesn't have a crowing cock." Thorley offers dryly before taking Joscelin's arm to start to escort her off.

Orazio just heaves a slow, sad sigh, and turns back to the stage.

Samantha has left the Stage.

Joscelin squints at Thorely. "...that wasn't subtle at all."

4 House Deepwood Guards leaves, following Samantha.

Cadenza would make her way to Lysander and Silvio, whispering to them both before nodding to the door. With that, she would start to the door. Glancing to Thorley, she would smile before looking to the leaving Caspian and just shook her head. The amount of people had gotten to her...it was time to go relax.

Isla, a small silver fox leaves, following Cadenza.

Thesarin nods in return to Samantha, and glances over the crowds. He starts moving toward Shard, giving the prodigal woman a short nod.

"No more than your talk of pussies, dear Josie." Thorley points out with a glance down towards the dark woman.

"Okay, I'm going to go over there, where there's more to drink. Yasmine, a minute? I don't think you need this kind of bad influence," he insists of Joscelin, waving a hand allllll around her presence. It may be half in jest. Who knows, with Rook. If they can find themselves far enough away, there's an avid conversation to follow.

Shard gives Thesarin a nod in return, although she's still devoting part of her attention to studying the thinning crowds.

Sparte has left the Commoner Seating, House Left.

Thorley has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Joscelin has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Mongoose leaves, following Joscelin.

Joscelin leaves, following Thorley.

Mae eyes Joscelin, then Thorley, and then she tuts. "You two are..." she huffs. But they're leaving. Finally she turns, to spot Shard. And she slips over to the woman's side, greeting her with a quick cheek kiss, followed by a whisper.

Sparte finally starts making his own way out. He seems to have enjoyed the play moderately.

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger leaves, following Sparte.

Yasmine seems as though she might make her way to the stage, but something diverts her path. Instead, she stands to the side with Rook, nodding and listening intently, as if receiving some sort of instruction, though a slow smile manages to curve her lips despite that.

Shard allows the cheek kiss, in that it happens and she doesn't seem to have any real reaction to it, be it objection or otherwise. And then she tips her head toward Mae and whispers in response.

Lysander made his way to teh front watching people with some curiosity. He wasn't much one for crowds, but he did love watching people. It was quite the conundrum. Waiting, he shared a word lound enough for the playwrite not looking triumphant or insulted in lieu of the hot topic of the entire ordeal. To Sebastian there was an expression shared in a silent greeting before taking his elave

Bastien arches a brow when Lysander approaches and offers a few quiet words. He cants his head, his expression gone somewhat skeptical, and he offers him little response beyond a purse of his lips.

Sebastian stands next to Bastien on the stage, nursing a glass of wine and seemingly providing quiet moral support. It's the playwright's night, and he seems content to have been present for the performance. When Lysander approaches, he lifts his glass a little in the artist's direction and gives him a familiar smile before his attention returns to those nearby.

Mae continues to murmur to Shard, making a series of faces as they do, and shrugging more than a little. She finally gives Shard a little nudge, and a gesture towards... oh... someone. She drifts away, then. Not towards an exit. Not up and stage, but... back!

Mae has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Cheryl the Assistant Innkeeper leaves, following Mae.

Lysander has left the Noble Seating, House Right.

Shard snorts at something Mae says, and then, when she's nudged, she looks back toward Thesarin. "Need anything?" she asks.

Duarte has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

"Not now, nah. Just being... friendly, I reckon." Thesrin shrugs his shoulders again, looking over to the crowd, and then bak toward Shard. "Wasn't expecting I'd find you. You like it?"

Rook ends up laughing, then turning away from Yasmine after a time, moving off in the opposite direction. "You're impossible," he insists aloud, finishing off his glass of champagne, then setting it onto a platter aside. There's a bow for the stage-- the king-- and then the gathered audience still hanging around.

"It was okay," Shard says, in a manner that suggests this is meant as a compliment. "And it pissed off an asshole." And this, clearly, is meant as a higher one. She jerks her chin in the general direction Mae went. "There's a conversation I need to have though, if there's nothing urgent. Keep yourself safe?"

"And you." Thesearin nods slow to Shard, makes a low grunt, and turns back to the thinning crowds.

Yasmine gives a quizzical look to Rook as he starts to wander off, head tilted, before she glances over her shoulder at the group gathered near the stage.

Rook only gets a few yards away before he's looking back over his shoulder towards Yasmine, focusing on where her attention strays, before he calls, "His majesty's interest in the stage is clearly avid, Mistress Rovashani. Let's not disturb him, hm? If you like, we can head off for a meal to celebrate." Their exit strategy, he makes polite excuses to those around, awaiting to hear the response from his protege before the departure.

Shard moves off down the aisle, following a similar path to that Mae took. She's mostly unhurried, and she keeps a narrow eye on those remaining until she passes through the door. Just in case.

Shard has left the Commoner Seating, House Right.

Nalani leaves, following Shard.

"One moment! I'm going to go say goodbye to Bastien." With a little flounce, Yasmine turns toward the stage and, with no heed for prior conversation or personal boundaries, pushes in close to Bastien, leans in to murmur something and, almost, -almost- starts to kiss his cheek. And then she stops and says with a bright laugh, "Oops! I forgot you don't like that! My bad!" She trails off in an almost sing-song voice as she bounces away, laughing. She reaches Rook and takes his arm, "Yes, let's eat something. I'm starving."

Leona has left the Stage.

Orazio has left the Stage.

2 Faith of the Pantheon trained guards, 2 Faith of the Pantheon novice guards leave, following Orazio.

Narses, 6 King's Own Guardsmen, Orazio leave, following Leona.

Thesarin has left the Stage.

Bastien bristles distinctly when Yasmine GETS ALL UP IN HIS PERSONAL SPACE, shooting her a glare when she /just/ manages to resist kissing him. "You do that on purpose!" he calls after her as she bounces away. He huffs out a breath, looking back to Sebastian. "She does that on purpose," he tells him very seriously.

Rook exhausts a short breath, then escorts Yasmine out, asking casually enough, "-Do- you do that on purpose?" And the answer is due outside the earshot of Bastien.

Yasmine glances over her shoulder and calls back to Bastien, "I totally do it on purpose!" She waves her little hand and starts for the door with Rook in tow.

OR NOT

Yasmine has left the Stage.

Yasmine leaves, following Rook.