A Soaring Aria
Euden: Thanks for taking us to Lucretia's recital, Vixel.
Vixel: It's the least I could do, considering the large volume of tickets I received. I think it was her subtle way of telling me to bring all of you along.
Lucretia: Just so. Thank you for coming, everyone. I worked it out so you'll be able to watch rehearsals as well as the performance, so I hope you enjoy.
Euden: Thank you, Lucretia.
Cleo: Typical of Lucretia to put on such a moving performance even in rehearsal.
Elisanne: ...Er, Elias? Why the long face?
Ranzal: Were ya totally overwhelmed by Lucretia's singin' there, kid?
Elias: Oh, it was undoubtedly amazing— and yet, I can't help but wonder if Lucretia is all right. Something about her voice felt... I don't know. Different, somehow.
Vixel: Lucretia, no!
Notte: Was that Vixel?!
Euden: It came from the back! C'mon! ...Lucretia collapsed?!
Vixel: Apparently she had been suffering in silence from a rather nasty bug.
Elias: That's terrible!
Luca: But she didn't look sick at all during the rehearsal.
Vixel: She was planning to tough it out until the end of the actual recital. I have her resting in the dressing room, but I'm not certain she'll be able to sing in her current condition.
Notte: So what's that mean for the recital?
Orchestra Member 1: Will we be forced to cancel?
Orchestra Member 2: Don't be a fool! Look at how many guests we have here today! There will be a riot if we cancel now!
Orchestra Member 1: Then what should we do? Wait and hope her condition improves?
Elias: I will sing in her place!
Vixel: Elias?
Orchestra Member 2: This is no time for games, child!
Elias: And I'm not playing one. But unless you happen to have a better idea...
Orchestra Member 2: Our guests have come to hear LUCRETIA. Not you.
Elias: Then I will simply be the opening act, which should give Lucretia time to recover.
Orchestra Member 1: And what, exactly, do you plan to sing?
Elias: What songs does the orchestra know?
Orchestra Member 1: I have a list right here...
Elias: Hmm... All the classical standards... Ah. What about this one?
Orchestra Member 2: Have you gone mad, child?! That piece is exceptionally difficult!
Orchestra Member 1: And it's rather too dark when contrasted against Lucretia's upcoming program.
Elias: In that case, how about I sing the melody an octave higher to brighten it up?
Vixel: I suppose that might add a bit more levity to the proceedings.
Elias: The audience likely won't expect a classical opening like this; I imagine the surprise will be rather delightful. I know how skilled the orchestra is based on their rehearsal, so I imagine this song is one they will be able to handle despite its difficulty, yes? My singing is only a small part, after all. The music itself will be the key. And skillful playing will make them all the more excited to hear Lucretia. Which is really the point of an opening act, don't you think?
Orchestra Member 2: That's a shockingly sound analysis considering he's only heard us rehearse this one time.
Orchestra Member 1: Maybe so—but being an opening act for someone like Lucretia is a lot of pressure. Are we sure this child can pull it off?
Vixel: I believe he can.
Orchestra Member 2: Now YOU have gone mad, Vixel!
Vixel: I have heard him sing time and again. He can do it, I assure you. At any rate, I believe his plan is preferable to canceling the performance outright. Or am I mistaken?
Orchestra Member 2: Hmm... If someone as skilled as you is advocating for him, perhaps we need to reconsider our position.
Orchestra Member 1: Very well—we'll start going over the score. Come, child. We've much work to do.
Elias: Coming!
Luca: You sure you're good with this, Elias?!
Elias: Of course I am! Don't worry—I'll make it work.
Luca: You say that, and yet your hands are shaking like leaves.
Euden: He'll be okay. I know your singing can win this audience over, Elias. I believe in you.
Elias: Thank you, Euden.
Lucretia: ♪♪♪
Elias: (I'm so glad Lucretia's able to sing again. And it's just as gorgeous as I knew it would be! Oh, if only I could sing like her someday...)
Lucretia: Thank you so much for coming to our show tonight, ladies and gentlemen.
Elias: Phew! She got through it without any trouble.
Euden: You were a big part of tonight's success, Elias. Your singing was exceptional.
Elisanne: It is astounding that your number came together in so short a time.
Ranzal: That's some real dynamite work there, kid. The audience ate it up!
Elias: I expected nothing less. Still...I think it's because all of you were here that I was able to pull off something so audacious.
Luca: Heh. You're just saying whatever pops into your head today. Must be leftover courage from your big performance.
Elias: Heh, I suppose I am. ...Ah, Lucretia.
Lucretia: Thank you so much for what you did today, Elias. You saved the performance. I heard you from backstage—your work was incredibly moving. I see now that your singing has changed. It is replete with passion, and even gave me strength as I waited to come on.
Elias: Thank you so much, Lucretia.
Lucretia: Might you be willing to accompany me on my next tour? The orchestra has actually been asking me if you're going to come—they seem to have grown rather fond of you.
Elias: They want ME to come on YOUR tour?!
Lucretia: Yes—as do I. So what is your answer?
Ranzal: Nice job, kid! This is exactly what ya been waitin' for, yeah?
Elias: Y-yes, but...
Cleo: I can think of no reason why you might decline this offer.
Elias: I got better at singing because I came to the Halidom. Obviously I can study and improve by working with Lucretia... But I feel like what I'm learning at the Halidom is ALSO helpful.
Euden: In that case, you can rejoin us once the tour is over. After all, shouldn't you be studying both singing AND other things?
Elias: Would that really be all right?
Euden: Of course! Honestly, I'd like to hear you sing again, so it's not like this is a completely selfless offer.
Lucretia: Well then? Does that assuage any hesitation you may have felt?
Elias: Thank you so much, everyone! Just you watch! I'm gonna grow even more and then come back to the Halidom!
Euden: Best of luck on the tour, Elias.
Elias: I'll see you all again soon!
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