Intrigue At The Crowned Jewel : The Musical, a Play fanfic

Title: Intrigue at the Crowned Jewel : The Musical

A/N: I don't really know who on this website desires plays or musicals. But I came up with this idea and couldn't resist, so consider it my apology for not getting to the updated version of the Jewel yet. This play goes off of the original plot, quickly scrapped for a long fantasy, but I think adequately fine for a short play. (By the way, this is a serious adaption, not a parody, although like the Jewel it will have its humorous parts :) )

Speaking about the Jewel, it got nominated for a prize, so if you're interested, check out the website and vote! (no spaces: http:// skow. byethost18. com /nomform . php? nominees )

And enjoy.

ACT ONE.

The stage is set with tables and chairs, with a backdrop cloth of a starry sky. Elegant candles burn at each table, which are set with beautiful china and bright fruit in bowls. The CHORUS lounges at the tables and against a railing in the background, dressed very elegantly and provocatively. They laugh amongst themselves as they sing for their own amusement.

Chorus (singing): Welcome, oh welcome

To the guests we open up our doors—

you dashing lords and ladies,

you smiling dukes and duchesses,

you moneyed kings and queens!

Dance upon our rooftop in the darkling light:

a sweet drink,

a soft kiss,

a drop of glistening coin...

Welcome, we welcome

those of you with gold to burn on the pleasures of the night!

From stage right rushes a scowling, older woman with her hair done up in braids, CYPHONIA ANDRIONA, the owner of the CROWNED JEWEL. She halts a moment, takes a deep breath, and becomes perfectly composed, smiling and pleasant. She claps her hands and the CHORUS members all stand and turn to face her, rushing to take organized places in two rows down the center of the tables.

Cyphonia: I need not speak sweet words or pleasant platitudes

for you to know the poses performed

night in, night out all of these years:

I see each head borne high, each limb poised at perfect angles.

But what disgrace, o mine!

Has nothing impressed upon you the importance of this day?

Cactus, your hair is mussed,

Red Ivy, your doublet crossed,

Ash Star, an earring lost,

Diamond! Is that lipstick on your cheek?

Dolphin, your slipper off,

Fawn, your eyes are glossed,

Fled Iris, a belt askew,

Sweet Lavender—

As everyone else quickly fixes the offending problems, she stops in front of a beautiful girl, who smiles brightly back at her. Unable to find anything wrong, CYPHONIA makes an annoyed noise and scans the rest of the group, frowning.

I see a hole upon the line. Though

loathe I am to know this time—

where has Black Viper gone?

ASH STAR, a dark-eyed blonde with a haughty expression, steps forward, clicking her heels together in attention.

Ash Star: In trouble, most like.

Your son has scarce been seen:

he treads not the darkness where the Viper hides,

nor his favorite garden.

He frequents not his room,

nor stalks the halls with those who know him.

GRAY DIAMOND, SEBASTIAN's oldest friend, leans against the table behind her in an elegant manner and smiles mockingly.

Gray Diamond: You sought to catch a snake in shadows

yet your eyes failed to spy him? Poor child,

who does not know

that Viper does and Viper goes

where a serpent pleases:

where best to strike and sink his fangs

when you least expect it—

now, in fact.

A black-dressed man in obvious disarray strolls in casually from the left, fixing his appearance as he does so, straightening clothes and brushing his dark hair back in order. BLACK VIPER wears a black leather mask that covers his upper face, and little ornamentation. He steps into the hole at the back of the line and nods.

Black Viper: Present.

Gray Diamond: So I am proved.

(to audience) See how this snake, the Jewel's dark star,

belies the beauty we so proudly bear—

a secret lies beneath his mask,

not the pallor you expect but

another altogether.

He is his mother's son yet not;

the man beneath holds that acclaim.

How, you ask? The cloth upon his face

is dread magic, the like you have not beheld before.

If he should don his true guise—

but he will not,

for it is bound

and he is charged:

the black mask of Viper he must don when e're he steps outside.

Cyphonia: A demerit—

The sound of bells tinkling off stage. All heads snap that way, then back to her, and the irate woman smiles once more. All artistically pose at her cue, except for the VIPER, who looks backwards towards where he entered.

Cyphonia: (muttered)—shall be determined later.

(to chorus)Attention! A guest comes near,

a new man, with new money in his hand.

His coach was drawn by five blood stallions,

his driver bearing silver on her coattails.

He must not leave displeased!

My beauties, take your stances,

each leg poised and each chin high:

Our reputation—continue!

Our rules—uphold!

I do not have to say

that those who fail today

their heads and resignations I will see upon the morrow!

CYPHONIA goes to stage right, holding open a door and looking expectantly inward, motioning behind her for the chorus to sing again. The CHORUS, long used to their boss's empty threats, shrug and resume position.

Chorus (singing): Welcome, we welcome you!

Our doors and dresses open,

oh lord! Oh knightly duke! Oh king!

Fish and fowl for you, behold,

stars and pearls,

boys and girls,

our desire is your own tenfold.

And together we will choose

for at the Jewel, finest the land has seen,

we bear no acts false, or misleads;

no whorehouse we, nor ill repute

but only mutual pleasure,

sensuous,------------

sinuous,--------------

----------------entwining,

----------------entangling,

sensual,-------------

seminal,----------

------------ecstatic,

-----------ephemeral,

----------------------------(costly!)

for us and yours alike!

The CHORUS bows towards the door, except for BLACK VIPER, who leans over only when ASH STAR pulls down on his arm. He remains staring off in the opposite distance.

Black Viper (singing quietly among chorus): This life

interrupted—a lover

I have left in shadows behind me

a partner to thousands more.

This life

a lie—the masks here invisible to mine

but each face bears one I alone can see,

the skin beneath it torn.

This life

a farce—no sir

or dame who passes through our door

knows what they seek

nor what for.

Gray Diamond (spoken to VIPER): For you to mourn

or be so drear—where have you left my best companion, snake?

This dark face I do not know.

BLACK VIPER pulls down the edge of his shirt, showing two fresh, vicious wounds on his chest.

Black Viper: Mortality sits ill with me.

GRAY DIAMOND looks sympathetic and makes fussing motions. They do not notice the CHORUS grow suddenly alert and start paying attention to the doorway. Instead, GRAY DIAMOND and BLACK VIPER continue to talk amongst themselves.

Gray Diamond: Still, no sulk suits you my dear friend. O star of confidence,

o mule-headed backbone,

when will you return to the life you loved?

The Jewel has not changed; only you, black snake.

Do not let one crazed patron

darken your eyes forever—

tomorrow you will wake and find your hope anew.

Black Viper: You mock me through

these wishful thoughts. Your advice as e'er is sound—but

I will not snap my fangs at

fleeting birds of hope,

nor scurrying joy-filled mice.

Do not make me force a cheerful air

where there is little cheer to be found

and less still to hope for.

Temptation alone is my right

and all I care to bear.

Gray Diamond: Then through temptation may you be saved.

This new patron, perhaps:

a fresh experience will warm your scales

as you warm his bed and draw blood on his skin.

Win this stranger over, bring him to your sheets of dark desire—

entangling him chains and cries

will brighten your eyes as it always does

and, your mother's wrath belayed as well.

Black Viper: I think you optimistic.

(singing) What can a new stranger

hope show me unfamiliar?

Is he a prince? I care not

for I have slept with emperors.

A good soul? I fear not

that one will think to visit here.

Is he beautiful? Of course not,

for then he would work amongst us now.

Is he rich?

What have I to fund,

what could his money buy me?

Gray Diamond: (singing) Is he a savior? I fear not

for you must save yourself, my friend.

Is he a white knight

to take you to a better end?

I care not what doubts you have

but that you try,

your snake scales turning to bright feathers.

Fly, my friend, and hope—

Black Viper: No.

Gray Diamond: Trust—

Black Viper: I fear not.

Gray Diamond: Believe—

Black Viper: I care not.

Gray Diamond: Perhaps he could be all you seek.

Black Viper: Your assurances, please: keep.

CYPHONIA recoils slightly from the door, then smiles more brightly than ever as she ushers in a tall, RICHLY-DRESSED MAN. The right side of his face is heavily scarred and his movements are shy and hesitant; he is taken aback by the sight of the CHORUS arranged before him. GRAY DIAMOND and BLACK VIPER, still whispering quietly amongst themselves, pay no attention.

Cyphonia (singing): Welcome, grand sir, to our humble gathering,

feast lovely eyes upon what we offer you today.

Do not have fears, for each and every one

listens for nothing but your voice

upon their ears. Only the cruelest would deny them

so stay reluctance—

or we shall hear their cries of sorrow all throughout the night.

Richly-dressed Man: (singing, confused) My most heartfelt pardons,

but some mishap has occurred here.

I am not the one you've waited for,

or stopped my driver the wrong door;

perhaps the gods have closed their eyes

or my friend's lips are full of lies.

I was told perhaps that I...

could find...

Cyphonia: (spoken) Oh sir, this could not be the wrong place.

You are at the Crowned Jewel, where dreams are made for you alone.

If you must, humor me thus:

try.

If we cannot please you,

you may choose a different door.

But protests aside,

you must be who I've waited for.

(aside) I know a customer when I see one.

He is moneyed:

thus, a patron.

(to Richly-dressed Man) Which of these desires my lord tonight?

I would see my honored guests

well-pleased with any purchase they might make.

Richly-dressed Man: (singing) Pardon my ignorance further still,

but what have you for sale? I cannot tell.

Clothes? Perchance, this is a restaurant?

I see tables set with dishes fine.

Ideas? These men and women seem to have

a world behind their eyes.

I wish to speak with—

you, do you play chess?

Or you—a scholar's look upon your face,

what do you know of science,

have you heard the latest theory?

You speak of dreams—are you foretellers,

prophets, seers?

How wondrous that jewel on your neck,

how fine the craftsmanship!

Is it for sale? I know a maid t'would weep to see it.

The RICHLY-DRESSED MAN walks down the line, smiling enthusiastically as he investigates each courtesan, who smile back in puzzled but polite manners. CYPHONIA hurries after him, placing her hands on his arms and steering him back to the beginning of the line. She gestures at each of the CHORUS when named.

Cyphonia: Ah, sir, perhaps I can help you after all.

This is still the place for you!

(singing) If clothes are what can catch your eye,

perhaps Red Iv', his velvet fine

and softest silk upon his spine;

Fine food, Slashing Cactus here,

who appetite does hold so dear

the tender flesh upon your ear;

Ash Star's words are godly clever

and her arguments cannot ever

fail to turn the hardest lever—if you get my meaning, oh fine lord.

Fled Iris can play chess

as you hold her to your breast;

Dolphin, science speaks

with your lips upon her cheeks;

Brown Fawn's dreams

won't drown her screams

under your careful hands, my lord.

If visions are what draws your mind,

Sweet Lavender's words are kind

when upon her mouth you've dined.

She is our best prize, dear sir,

in whose bed many a great man and woman

has slept away content.

Richly-dressed Man:—Bed!

Do you mean to say, madam,

your business deals in—!

that these people are—!

you are asking me to—!

I fear there must be some mistake

for surely I have wandered here

unprepared and unaware.

I beg for your forgiveness, and of those whose time I've wasted,

but I think it best if I leave now.

SWEET LAVENDER bows her head and tries to look as appealing as possible; the rest of the group titter but do their best to remain in formation, intrigued by the visitor's confusion. BLACK VIPER and GRAY DIAMOND finally pay attention to what is happening on the other side of the room. Both are taken aback by the new patron's looks, the woman conceding that she may have been wrong about her earlier statements, the man smirking at her, though not too unkindly, beneath his mask. But then BLACK VIPER takes a second look at the man; he pauses, and all other action on the stage stops.

Black Viper: (to himself) What have we here? Oh friend,

you spoke of hope and trusting,

urged me to fly without regard

to what skies lay before me.

How idly you suggested that an unknown man

could guide my twisting path,

how cruelly. The one who here

answered your summons—well.

(singing) What fool is this,

a laugh is he

who thinks but for a moment

that all his dreams are granted?

What fool is here,

standing still:

a naive boy believes

all his fears recanted?

What a fool am I!

His eyes, one dark, one pale—

his face, half stained, half hale—

his lips!

If I did not restrain it, my hand would raise

up to them—how senseless!

What has happened here?

A glance and the blood boils in my veins.

This man that I know nothing of,

what fool could think to lay with him

when this fool knows nothing but

only those that love the lash

lay in thrall beneath my fingers?

For once—

for once—

I know a fool who thinks

for once he could give in

to another's warm demands.

Idiocy.

What fool is this,

pitiful he

who works in a brothel and

wants to hold back a desire?

What fool is here,

waiting for

a word that won't be spoken

and a wish that can't transpire?

What a fool am I!

His words, some bright, some slow—

his voice, first joy, now woe—

his brow!

If I did not restrain it, my hand would raise

to soothe—how brainless!

There is a man I know not at all,

what fool could think to seem enthralled?

This fool will say nothing but

steal away into beloved darkness

and keep foolishness at bay

for only the wisest ones

can speak their heart in truth.

If only—

I know a fool who thinks

if only for a moment

and now that time is past:

I play my part.

BLACK VIPER bows his head for a moment to compose himself; when he raises it again, movement resumes on the stage. He steps forward up to the man, sinuous as the serpent he is named for, and begins to walk around him in flirtatious circles, to the RICH-DRESSED MAN's discomfort. CYPHONIA and the CHORUS look nervous as well.

Black Viper: (singing) Dear guest, you seem reluctant.

Did you miss the writing on our door?

I find it quite suspicious

you were not expecting whores.

Dear guest, you seem disturbed.

Does a stranger in your bed

surprise you? I think perhaps

your confusion harmed your head.

Belay your fears as you were asked

for words do not mislead us here.

And since the time has not yet passed—

(suddenly kindly)

the values you hold dear,

all the thoughts you fear,

put them aside. Have you never

had a dream? A wish ungranted,

a whim unpleased?

We have. Each of us

the nights have spent alone and cold,

as you have spent nights alone and cold—

growing old,

no more.

(spoken) Review her offer carefully, for the owner

of the Jewel cannot be wrong. You are needed.

For one night—

stay warm in another's arms.

BLACK VIPER ends his speech with his hand touching the RICHLY-DRESSED MAN's chin; the other man looks quite dazed. BLACK VIPER smiles and slips away off stage left. CYPHONIA looks gratified and the CHORUS relieved. Only GRAY DIAMOND seems worried, looking where BLACK VIPER has exited.

Cyphonia: Well! Do you

find yourself convinced, good sir?

The RICHLY-DRESSED MAN shakes himself out of his stupor, seemingly embarrassed.

Richly-dressed Man: Convinced, or not,

I beg one last pardon.

Never have I set foot in a place such as this.

What does one—do?

Cyphonia: One does as one chooses.

Richly-dressed Man: And if I choose to play chess?

Cyphonia: One may play that nude, a hand upon a breast.

Richly-dressed Man: And if I choose to dream?

Cyphonia: One may fall asleep to passion's screams.

Richly-dressed Man: And if I choose to hear the past,

or future ventures that might last?

Cyphonia: One may do that as well.

Richly-dressed Man: --------Aghast,

surely, I must feel at such talk.

To treat people as objects for my desires

when I could only wish to know what they know,

to feel what they feel. I was told companions could be found here:

full of thoughts and hopes and passion.

My ears heard that bedsport could be found in any place in town

but the Crowned Jewel—

it is different.

Cyphonia: Your words are crystal clear to me, my lord,

and how further do I believe you're at right door after all.

There is no demand that cannot be met here,

never a whim ungranted.

Perhaps, if I may,

let me tell you of my wares

and you can choose among them as you please,

your wisdom directing my advice?

Richly-dressed Man: As I have set foot inside your door

it would scarce be polite to disagree. Pray speak.

Cyphonia: My pleasure. Ahem!

The CHORUS straightens into more attentive positions once more.

Cyphonia: (singing) Our finest blossom, Lavender,

her fragrance sweet and haunting.

Her gentle touch upon your skin

will leave you warm and wanting—

her specialty those newly come, my lord,

and it is said

her words so kind

even the cursed prince could sleep at peace beside her.

Richly-dressed Man: (singing) Her beauty undeniable

her smile seems reliable

and kindness has been scarce upon my ears.

(spoken) No.

Cyphonia: My lord?

Richly-dressed Man: (singing) Some things better left unsaid

so I beg you, madam, let them lie.

My answer stands. Please take no offense,

sweet lady so ill judged by a fool

with darkness in his mind.

Sweet Lavender: (singing) I will not ask thee reconsider

nor pry secrets thick with pain

and daunting. But please—the Viper's words obey—

(spoken) if not me, than another.

Richly-dressed Man: Your kindness leaves me breathless.

I thank you.

SWEET LAVENDER bows deeply and steps backwards. CYPHONIA clears her throat.

Cyphonia: (singing) Perhaps a shining glow, Ash Star;

with eyes of coal she beckons you.

Her tongue and mind with yours may spar

as you dance with lies and truths—

if it is intellect you seek, my lord,

she would be best

for you to choose

even philosophers praise their stays in bed beside her.

Richly-dressed Man: (singing) Her passion obvious

undeniable acuminous

and speech in fellows hold I most dear.

(spoken) But, alas, no.

Cyphonia: Why's this?

Richly-dressed Man: (singing) Some things better left unsaid

so I beg you, madam, let them lie.

My answer stands. Please forgive me,

clever lady, to be so judged by

one who scarce can tell

what lays in his own mind.

Ash Star: (singing) I will not press you beyond your due

nor force truth from your lips.

But Viper can be wise too

when the mood strikes him—

(spoken) another, choose.

Richly-dressed Man: Your graciousness shames me.

Health to you.

ASH STAR too bows and retreats.

Chorus: (singing, to audience) We begin to spy

a pattern with your words.

Who is this man when

faced with the kingdom's jewels

looks each in the eye and walks away?

Cyphonia: (singing) A pretty face, Red Ivy's grace

can softly bend to worship you.

His body blazons poet's tastes

and blesses all you think to do—

if in form your preference lies, my lord,

this one I think

will do you well

his willingness will leave you a sleepless night.

Richly-dressed Man: (spoken) Pardon—but is he not a man?

Cyphonia: You have eyes to see, I trust, good sir.

Chorus: (singing, to audience) Is he a man?

Gracious us.

Who is this one who

does not know what his own

land prefers to join with here?

A boy to boy,

a girl to girl,

a fox to squirrel and all between.

If the wife's a shrew, the husband churl,

the lover limp, the sibling mean,

we at the Crowned Jewel meet any need.

Is he a man?

Good lord!
-

Richly-dressed Man: (singing, hesitantly) His appearance incontrovertible,

an allure immarcescible,

and I cannot deny a certain elven charm.

But—no.

Chorus: How did we guess?

Cyphonia: How is this?

Richly-dressed Man: If I may, madam.

(stands before Dolphin) Pale beauty like a winter storm

a thousand times the sun;

but no. I'm sorry.

(stands before Diamond) In piercing eyes a fire borne

weighing ill deeds done;

but no. Forgive me.

Madam, a thousand you might parade before my eyes

and each would bring thoughts to my mind

dark, irremissible. Beauty only haunting,

kind words suspicious;

confidence is daunting,

shyness best capricious.

A thousand wishes I might lay upon myself

to find joy in this one's touch or that one's laugh

would echo off the heavens and come back

as little more than curses.

Cyphonia: Do not fear. What you see here is not all we have:

surely in our walls waits there someone for you.

Do me but this favor:

try.

We will walk the halls until one who brings only brightness

to your mind is found.

Richly-dressed Man: We shall walk the halls forever. I—

Cyphonia: —will hear no such talk! Come.

They exit stage right. The CHORUS sighs, shaking their heads, and takes seats at the tables.

Slashing Cactus: What a guest we have! Who knows what was in his mind tonight.

Sweet Lavender: He was frightened.

Slashing Cactus: Of you? As the hawk fears the rabbit,

as the cat fears the mouse. He is foolish.

Sweet Lavender: Do not mock.

I could see it in his smile: he feared us so deeply

not because of what we were, not out of some petty moral or false hearsay.

I could see it in his eyes: he adored us so deeply

he was afraid of speaking further. He would impale himself

on his feelings of joy, cut his arms on blades of hope:

he was afraid.

Slashing Cactus: To fail in bed?

Sweet Lavender:To fall in love.

Slashing Cactus: Preposterous!

Fled Iris: It has not been said that our flower is a fool,

nor her words unwise. But Lavender,

I cannot tell what see your compassionate eyes.

What fellow, man or woman, comes to a brothel seeking love?

Sweet Lavender: He does not seek, but only fears.

Something haunts him across the years:

misdeeds? Ill-judged? An unpure violation? A lover's scorn?

I am a prophet, not a god.

Red Ivy: I liked him.

Gray Diamond: You would, dear.

Something further tears me more than a patron's rejection,

unremarked upon: Viper's words.

What sits upon his mind tonight?

Sweet Lavender: I could not tell, but you are right;

t'were most strange.

Slashing Cactus: Slithering minds are hard to pin down

as they twist around all trapping efforts.

You would have better luck bedding the lost prince

than deciphering what goes on in that mind.

Fled Iris: He alone of all of us has never left

these brothel walls, and the mask he must don

means no outsider ever sees his true face.

How lonely it must be with only whores for company,

for thoughts of seduction alone does not a healthy soul make.

Gray Diamond: Seduction is Black Viper's burden alone.

It is the man beneath the mask I fear for,

not the spells' own persona.

Slashing Cactus: Sebastian is a lost cause.

Red Ivy: I like him!

Gray Diamond:--------I'm glad, dear.

But Cactus knows not of what she speaks

and I would bid her hold her tongue

less she longs to see how sharp

and deeply diamonds cut.

Fled Iris: Enough! Do not fight like this, it is not seemly.

Let us resolve this peacefully.

Cactus, why do you speak your ill words?

Slashing Cactus: How many here ran away from a parent's thumb?

Yet he is forced to live his life under familial whims;

his onerous mother, the father he hides in shadows from.

How many here escaped the wars outside?

He knows nothing of fighting nor bloodshed.

He has not seen death nor life cruelly denied.

He does not know to look for lies

or how to court a lover:

not bed a patron, but one whom

one wakes the morning beside.

Fled Iris: Black Viper does—

Slashing Cactus: But we are speaking of Sebastian.

Fled Iris: It was his mother's wish that working here would not tarnish him.

So she devised a plan with her magic,

that Black Viper would bear any ugliness her son might spy.

Slashing Cactus: Now they are one and the same, yet different:

one innocent, one worldly, together ignorant.

He chose this life, he begged for it—

Gray Diamond: Because he has never known another.

It was his wish, yes, but what can one choose

when only offered something, or nothing?

(singing) It was our job to guide him, to raise him

by the light

but what can we few hope to gain

in the brothels of the night?

Oh, our summer child,

oh, our fair Sebastian.

How we have done you ill.

Slashing Cactus: I don't remember this item on my payroll.

It is not my job!

Gray Diamond: (singing) It was for us to teach him

right from wrong, from left.

But what can we few hope to teach

our own knowledge bereft?

Oh, we scarlet persons,

oh, we ones of darkness.

How we have failed you.

Chorus: (singing) Kept and tied, bound and blind,

this is the only sky he ever saw.

Stripped and bare, scorn and glare,

this is the only ground he's ever walked.

Oh, our burning blossom,

Oh, wayward flock of one,

How we have done you ill

all our hopes undone.

The CHORUS, upset, leaves stage left. GRAY DIAMOND and SWEET LAVENDER linger behind, glancing at the doorway stage right.

Gray Diamond: The plan, did it succeed?

Sweet Lavender: I could not tell. His eyes were difficult to read—

but I think,

nay, believe,

something must have happened.

Gray Diamond: Then we shall see in coming days

what was made of this one. With luck—

Sweet Lavender: And fortitude—

Gray Diamond: may we fail no longer.

They exit stage left. The curtain is drawn down, and a vanity and hat rack are wheeled out. The vanity has several stacks of paper on it, as well as a brush, makeup, etc. After a moment, SEBASTIAN, an exceedingly lovely man with long red hair and dressed in brightly colored silk robes, appears from stage left, humming the welcome song. In his hand is BLACK VIPER's mask.

Sebastian: Welcome! Ah.

He sits down on the vanity stool and spins around on it several times, holding the mask aloft.

Sebastian: Oh dark leather and twisting lines,

what have you brought me today?

Nothing, it seems, and nothing more.

I put you on and my mind goes blank—

now you are off, and I awake, alone in my room.

No bedfellow? No light caress?

What good are you to me?

Despite his words, he seems cheerful. With a flourish, he hangs the mask upon the hat stand, then grabs for the brush and starts using it on his hair.

Sebastian: It seems I have a memory, a ling'ring thought

of starry skies and—someone,

a man, perhaps? His eyes filled with bewilderment;

but were those eyes dark, or light?

I cannot recall, but they were lovely.

I only hear a song of longing,

not his voice—

I wonder who is singing.

Is it he? Is it me?

Who could say?

He poses thoughtfully, staring into the mirror. A bell rings offstage and he jumps in the chair, then looks up and catches a sheet of paper drifting down towards him with casual practice.

Sebastian: Ah! A summons you have brought me

at the least. Who is the patron today,

a blushing violet, shy and shrinking,

or a proud lad, his glare flashing

with morals slowly crushed beneath my hand

until he whimpers, wanting it,

each proud thought dust spread

across the sheets...

He trails off, then seems to recall the letter.

Sebastian: Ah, yes. This is—my

mother wishes to see me?

How fortunate am I. What sort of

trouble have you brought me this time,

stupid snake? Cannot you shed

your skin in someone else's bed?

Very well, the dutiful son will go to answer in your stead.

SEBASTIAN sets down the letter and brushes his hair briskly a few more times, then jumps up. He waves a hand at the vanity and stand—STAGEHANDS visibly come out and remove it—then walks pointedly around the stage right curtain side. The curtains are raised again, showing the backdrop of a gold-and-red wallpapered hallway, with several dark windows and a large, centered gilded painting. An enormous vase is on the floor near stage-left. An ornate bench is below the painting, and the RICHLY-DRESSED MAN is seated upon it, nervously drumming his fingers on his knee. Seeing this, Sebastian quickly ducks behind the vase, peeking out from behind it.

Sebastian: Oh my luck—a customer out in the hall?

Strange, for the spells that guard these walls

should have not let me enter,

not without warning or my mask. What to do?

My mother's anger will grow with each idle minute,

but greater still should I be seen without.

Perhaps I will walk quickly by, eyes adverted,

for what evils I cannot see perhaps cannot in turn view me.

SEBASTIAN attempts to cross the stage quickly, putting on an expression of annoyance and haste. The RICHLY-DRESSED MAN jumps up immediately upon seeing him, smiling in a friendly manner, and appears confused when SEBASTIAN passes him by.

Richly-dressed Man: Wait, madam!

SEBASTIAN halts with a visible wince; after another moment, he recoils, mouthing skeptically 'madam?' and turns in place. He is taken aback by RICHLY-DRESSED MAN's scarred appearance, but recovers himself and bows, seeming forcibly polite and glancing on occasion hesitantly offstage. The other man is shyly and awkwardly looking away from him.

Sebastian: I'm afraid you are mistaken—I am no madam.

Richly-dressed Man: My deepest apologies—honored mistress.

Sebastian: Nor a mistress.

Richly-dressed Man:Forgive me, for my eyes are poor, half-blind though I am.

In this light I must have taken you for older than you are, young miss.

Sebastian: Nor am I a miss—sir, how is it that I can help you?

Richly-dressed Man: I was bid here wait, for the owner

says she seeks in every corner someone perfect for me.

The idea—so ill fitting, so undercooked my tongue

gives it voice only reluctantly.

Why, dear friend, a brothel did you send thee?

There is only—ah, but I speak too long, and

you in such a hurry. I only wished to tell the

owner not to worry, I cannot steal her time further.

Will you show me where to find her?

SEBASTIAN seems ill at ease at the request, but, noticing the way the man's face falls at his silence, smiles and nods.

Sebastian: As luck would have it, our goals coincide.

I will take you there.

Richly-dressed Man:My gracious thanks.

May I know your name, kind one, so that—

RICHLY-DRESSED MAN takes a close look at SEBASTIAN for the first time and takes a second glance, much like the BLACK VIPER did earlier. SEBASTIAN is frozen in position. RICHLY-DRESSED MAN starts to reach out to him in wonder, then notices his movement and quickly snatches his hand away.

Richly-dressed Man: I do not understand, oh mind

that falls in ways I have not felt

all these years, false and unending.

How quickly now, how suddenly you betray me

out of thin air, for no reason at all.

Just a glance, and—well.

(singing) What sight is this?

My eyes have seen

so truly all of my life

until this enchantment.

What sight is she,

standing still?

I so naive who

awaits her lip's advancement!

What a sight is this!

Her hair, so soft, so bright—

her gaze, so quick, so light—

her cheeks!

If my heart was not so frozen, how it would

quickly beat—how senseless!

What has happened here?

A glance and the life flickers in my chest.

This dame that I know nothing of,

how could I think to speak with her

when I can know nothing but

how cursed those that do so

so quickly become?

For once—

I know someone who thinks

for once he could give in

and damn yet another soul.

Idiocy.

What sight is this?

Pitiful he

who cannot touch her skin yet

dreams of it the same?

What sight is she

waiting for

a fool with scars upon his face

who does not know her name?

What a sight is this!

Her skin, so warm, so fine—

Her smile, so right, sublime—

her eyes!

If my soul was not so tarnished, how it would

burst in flame—how brainless!

Here is a dame I know not at all,

what man would chance to heed her call?

This one will say nothing but

slip away as quickly as I can

and pray she does not remember this;

for only the wisest ones

can speak their heart in truth!

If only—

I know a man who thinks

if only I could see her

everyday—that time is past.

I go now on my way.

SEBASTIAN moves again, tilting his head to the side as if listening to the last chords of the song.

Sebastian: I am afraid I cannot speak my name:

company policy. I do not work here.

Richly-dressed Man: (quickly) Mine is Adrian.

Sebastian: Then, let us be on our way, Lord Adrian.

(to the audience) What fool is this?

At the Jewel,

no one uses a real name, only that which they desire.

Yet he speaks this word so familiarly

it only can be his true calling.

And if he names me a woman one more time—

Adrian: Please, just Adrian, fair lady.

Sebastian: I am a man.

Both exit stage right. ADRIAN looks quite surprised, while SEBASTIAN walks huffily. The curtains close.

END ACT ONE.

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