Expectations and Reality
Cleo: Thank you for helping me dry the laundry, Elisanne.
Elisanne: Not at all; we all owe you our deepest gratitude for always washing it. In fact, I... Hmm?
Cleo: What is it?
Elisanne: Can you hear someone singing over there?
Cleo: That sounds like...
Lucretia: ♪♪♪
Elisanne: Ah, Lucretia. Her voice is SO beautiful.
Cleo: Yes, it's filled with warmth and kindness.
Lucretia: ♪♪♪ ...Hmm? Oh, hello, you two. Were you listening to me?
Cleo: I apologize for doing so without asking. Your voice was so beautiful that we simply could not help ourselves.
Elisanne: You truly are a singular talent.
Lucretia: Hee hee! Why, thank you.
Cleo: I'm glad to see that you haven't fallen out of love with singing, at least. Elsewise you would not be able to create such joyous music.
Lucretia: No, you're right—I don't dislike singing. On the contrary, I love it. Singing is who I am; how could I possibly fall out of love with it?
Elisanne: Then why did you decide to give it up as a career? I imagine you pursued that career in the first place due to your love of music, yes?
Lucretia: I answer your question with another: You put much hard work into becoming a Paladyn, did you not?
Elisanne: Hm? Well, yes, of course. But that was my dream. I knew it would be a thorny path, but I did not let that deter me. I spared no efforts in pursuing this dream.
Lucretia: In much the same way, I spared no effort when pursuing my singing career. I practiced from morning to night, and sometimes on to the dawn.
Elisanne: Then how could you give up so easily on what you worked so hard to obtain?
Lucretia: Because I...I don't know what I am doing any more.
Elisanne: What do you mean?
Lucretia: I don't understand what purpose there is in my taking the stage as a songstress. Oh, that's what my fans are expecting from me, and no mistake. They expect the perfection and beauty that my songs have come to be associated with. Nothing else will satisfy them. So what would happen if I was to take the stage and sing something different?
Cleo: I imagine that some of them would be quite disappointed.
Lucretia: Very much so. And yet, I do not sing to satisfy people's expectations—I do it because I love it. But so long as I wish to keep singing, I must be the performer people expect. The more time I spent thinking about this, the more frustrated and unsure I became.
Elisanne: I think I understand what you're saying. And yet, I also believe you are being more than a little naive. If you intend to make a living by singing, then answering the expectations of an audience is simply part of the job, is it not?
Lucretia: Oh, I know that. Believe me. And I always knew it would be difficult to keep answering such expectations. But more than anything, I wanted to sing. Now, however, I see that perhaps I wasn't as prepared for this as I thought.
Elisanne: I apologize if that was too forward. I know nothing about your chosen path, after all.
Lucretia: Your apology is unnecessary. I just fear that if this continues, I may lose the will to sing entirely.
Cleo: All right, that's enough of serious talk for one day. Incidentally, are you a fan of sweets, Lucretia?
Lucretia: I am, actually. Why do you ask?
Cleo: Because nothing cheers a person feeling low so much as sweets. Though if they aren't available, eating any food you enjoy can have a similar effect. I understand that singing is an important subject for you, which is why you are dwelling on it so. Still, it's vital to rest from time to time. Sometimes, the more desperate you are to find an answer, the easier it slips through your fingers.
Elisanne: Well, now that you mentioned sweets, I realize that I'm rather hungry. Shall we stop for some food?
Cleo: I've baked some real treats today. I'm sure you will like them.
Lucretia: Thank you. I'd love to try some. Mmm! This chiffon cake is spectacular!
Cleo: Heh. I knew you would like it. I put a lot of effort into making the cream just right.
Lucretia: The sweetness level is perfect. I think I could eat this all day. Maybe I should try making some myself.
Cleo: Please don't.
Lucretia: Ha ha! Don't worry—I was only joking.
Elisanne: You never struck me as the joking type.
Lucretia: Really? Even I have a sense of humor, you know. Although it does feel like some time since I've tried to use it. I'd almost forgotten that I used to be able to smile like this. I suppose I have the two of you to thank for helping me to remember.
Cleo: You're very welcome. Now, if you want more cake, I have plenty left.
Lucretia: I would love some!
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