Roleplay > Vignettes
A Palace of Music
Achkaerin:
The Most Wonderful Time of Year
Peter, walked up the stairs of the Marble Palace from the lower level, he'd just been getting his quarterly check up on his arm from the resident doctor, he came up into the hallway just as Sakura Sheppard, his niece walked in
"Well if it isn't the woman of the hour." Peter said cracking a smile as he hugged her "Nice work with getting that Peacekeeping Force."
"Still only means we won the first round." Sakura said "Getting them to agree to an international presence was child's play compared to the more complex issues that come next- the future relationship, which is clouded by these elections, then there's Khalin which is their equivalent of Jerusalem..."
"Do you want to borrow Nettie?" Peter asked as they walked into the living area
"I may have to." Sakura said "Nice one on getting her working here. How's she getting on?"
"She's still in discovery mode." Peter said "Though I think she's coming to appreciate the differences between our way of working and Pyrena's."
"That's good." Sakura said
The pair soon came across Serenity and Simon
"This about the Snowflake Concert?" Peter asked, it was a new Christmas thing in Achkaerin starting that year, the Royal Family would put on a concert, for the less fortunate at Christmas.
"Yes." Simon said "Everyone from our end's on board and the homes and shelters have sent the information through, Kumiko and Kurt are organizing that part."
"Rehearsals?" Peter asked
"Going slow for the next couple of days until Renee gets back from going over that new film she's in." Serenity said "In short we've got the solo's and some of the group stuff down but the rest we haven't, plus she's got to choreograph it."
"I see." Peter said "I need to speak to Anezaki about the food for Christmas so I'll be back in a few minutes."
Peter left the room heading for the kitchens, meanwhile Simon, Serenity and Sakura looked at each other.
"I can't remember the last time we did anything quite like this." Simon said "And Dad's throwing everything he's got at it."
"Have we got him a Christmas present yet?" Serenity asked
"No." Simon said
"Then why don't we kill two birds with one stone?" Serenity asked, Sakura and Simon were puzzled for a few moments and then Sakura's eyes widened in understanding
"You don't mean..." Sakura said
"I mean." Serenity said "Everyone will be there. It's the only opportunity."
"Otherwise we're talking months." Simon said
"We'll have to play with the set list but I think it's possible." Serenity said
"I'll make the call." Simon said
Achkaerin:
Snowflakes, Songs and Something More
Christmas Eve, and the Royal Theatre had never looked quite like this, for the period of Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day the place had been transformed into a mission for the homeless of the Capital, there was a determination at the highest level that anyone who wanted to have a Christmas meal would have one. For Christmas Eve though there was the Snowflake Concert to deal with, a fundraising venture for the homeless and needy as well as an evening of entertainment for people put on by the Royal Family and everyone was participating. Backstage there were rapid last minute rehearsals going on, there were costume change logistics being worked out and secret surprises being kept as well. It was almost show time, just a few more moments and they'd be under the lights and the show would be on. Peter was taking a few deep breaths, he had the lead part for the opening number, he glanced over his shoulders and then left and right at the rest of his family each of them nodded, they were ready.
The curtain came up then the lights, the full house audience cheered, then the music started they'd opted to open with Somebody to Love, it was a nice easy starter for this sort of evening, could be sung as a group and was a crowd pleaser. When the song finished Peter took a step forwards
"Good Evening Valtheim." Peter said "It's a great night, cold perhaps but it'll be a great night, welcome to the first ever Snowflake Concert tonight we start a charity drive to help the homeless and the most needy in society because no one should have to live in poverty, no one should be left with no choices like this. So tonight the number on the screen behind me goes live for donations to this cause." he glanced at the broadcast camera's having the television companies there was helpful "So let's keep things going." The Royals cleared the stage leaving just Peter's nephew Jack Azurewind, now of anyone with the surname Azurewind he was probably the most comfortable in this sort of situation, he took a moment and then performed the first solo of the evening's entertainment Angels, when he'd finished he smiled waiting for the applause to abate
"Ladies and Gentlemen boys and girls it is a pleasure to introduce our Les Miserables Medley." he said
Jack stepped aside heading backstage as the trio of Serenity, Simon and Simon's wife Lydia took to the stage, the orchestra struck up, they weren't doing anything clever they were reprising their version of In My Life/A Heart Full of Love they'd performed this two years earlier and were in the same roles, Simon as Marius, Lydia as Cosette and Serenity as Eponine if there was one sequence of songs that was going to go right on the night it was going to be this one because they knew it well, this knowledge had been why they'd put this sequence up first once they'd finished there was no break as the music shifted and the spotlight shone on Lisa, Serenity's eldest as she took over with Castle On A Cloud, she was likely the most nervous of them all but she'd wanted to be part of it, when the spotlight went off her Serenity made her way over and placed her hands on her daughter's shoulders she'd done well. Now though out walked Carth Vittori
he was in a different role from when this had been the charity gig, he was doing the character of Javert's big solo Stars a song he'd had to learn quickly, he knew it though and di it well.
Next Renee Sandiego, Peter's fiancee, walked onto the stage the light on her this was the role she knew best, the role that had made her famous in musical theatre, the role was Fantine so naturally her contribution to the Medley was I Dreamed a Dream, then came the easiest transition of the Medley as the tune was virtually identical they just played right on as the spotlight came up on Serenity who went right into On My Own, it was weird singing this with Lisa directly in front of her but weirder was to come as she finished singing Lisa and Simon traded spots, Lisa went to Lydia while Simon came and stood behind Serenity, this had been the difficult number back when they'd done the Les Mis charity production purely because of how weird the song felt to them and here they were doing it again - A Little Fall of Rain, the end of that song meant that the sequence was almost complete there was just one last part to come as Peter returned to the stage reprising his Valjean role with the big finishing solo of Bring Him Home. When he'd finished the lights went down and the applause echoed through the theatre, on the stage they were all looking at each other that had gone well.
"Thank you, thank you." Peter said "I'd forgotten what doing that was like, for our next act allow me to introduce someone I'm really glad to have back in my life my sister Esme."
Everyone who'd been on stage for the Les Mis Medley departed the stage as Esme walked out onto the stage.
"Wow." she said upon reaching centre stage "I didn't expect it to be quite like this, mind you I didn't think I'd be here tonight, but here I am so I hope you enjoy this." she had a simple enough task she had a small set list of three songs the thinking was to give everyone time to recover from the hard work of the Medley this was why they'd grouped themselves into waves as it were, the music started her first song was Skyfall, her second song was Set Fire to the Rain, however her third was probably the one that meant the most to her being a former boxer and all that not to mention being the prodigal Princess her third choice was Fight Song, she smiled her way through this one and took the applause.
Backstage Simon stood side by side with Serenity
"She's here." Simon said
"Good." Serenity said "Does Dad suspect?"
"I don't think so." Simon said "Nor Renee."
"Well they're going to get the surprise of their lives." Serenity said
Out on the stage Carth and Jack were back performing a duet version of He Lives In You, then the pair were joined by Jack's sister Cerys for a rendition of Can You Feel the Love Tonight, in which Carth provided provided the support to the main roles of the siblings. But brother and sister weren't quite done yet, Carth left the stage following that song and the pair went right into a performance of Sun and Moon & Last Night of the World, in the wings Esme was looking on with pride as from the opposite wing was Peter. When the end of that song came, Jack gave his sister an encouraging nod, there was one number of the section left, Cerys moved to centre stage and after taking a deep breath started to sing Don't Cry for Me Rokkenjima.
"She's good." Renee said as she stood next to Peter in the wings "I just recorded that for that film I'm in."
"How fitting." Peter said
"I'll tell you one thing." Renee said "We're certainly doing more of these concerts."
"Agreed." Peter said
Cerys took her bow and applause and left the stage she was replaced by Becky Leighton and Peter's niece Sakura Sheppard
"Ok what have you dragged me into Sakura?" Becky asked
"Thought you volunteered for this." Sakura said
"Fair point." Becky said, sending a ripple of laughter through the audience "So can I go first?"
"Please." Sakura said
Becky half smiled, a calculated bit of fun prior to starting their bit of the evening to break the ice and settle in, they only had three songs to get through and it was hopefully going to be worth it, so first up Becky sang Don't Rain On My Parade, then it was the pair of them in a duet of Defying Gravity, Sakura as Glinda and Becky as Elphaba, something that they'd decided with the toss of a coin, and then staying with their roles they went into their version of For Good.
Now they cleared the stage as Renee came back on this was hers and Peter's section of the show and she was starting off with I Need a Hero, it was one of her favorites and it did what she and Peter wanted to do, she was starting a conversation with that song then Peter answered with Go the Distance, then Renee went for Writing's on the Wall followed by Peter choosing Music of the Night, they'd spent all their songs dancing around each other to the point where they were inches apart when Peter finished now it was time for their big duet of the night from West Side Story Tonight. They'd sang a fair few duets over the course of their relationship little did they know what they were letting themselves in for that evening. When they'd finished singing Sakura and Becky returned to the stage it was time to start the run in to the evening's shock or as Sakura thought of it Christmas Present, it was their job to get the ball rolling and that was exactly what they intended to do, their song this time was All That Jazz.
While Serenity sang, behind her the male members of the family were assembling Peter towards the front there was another big song coming, not to mention a costume change for Renee but first things first the men led by Peter treated the audience to a version of Who Wants To Live Forever, but there was no resting on their laurels as almost immediately following this, after some audience interaction, they along with the rest of the family went straight into Get Me to the Church On Time, Peter had thought this an odd choice for the night but then he had turned the set list over to Simon and Serenity so he'd been expecting odd and quirky, and his tap dancing wasn't that good, it was passable but not brilliant, still he soldiered on and when the song finished he was face to face with Renee who was now wearing a simple white dress, there was nothing surprising in that but the fact that standing on his left and her right was High Priestess Alexis Minette was the surprise, she'd been sneaked onto the stage towards the end of the song. Then the stage cleared so that it was just Peter, Renee and Alexis with Simon stood next to Peter and Esme stood next to Renee, also remaining on the stage were Serenity and Cerys who were stood on opposite sides of the other five, the started to circle the group of five as the orchestra struck up again it was time for a Serenity and Cerys duet their choice Sevendays Love, Sevendays Friend
When the song that Serenity and Cerys got to its instrumental section Alexis glanced at first Peter and then Renee, she was miked up so that the audience would be aware of what was happening
"I'll keep to the shortened version." Alexis said "Your Imperial Majesty Peter Azurewind are you lawfully free to marry?"
"I am." Peter said while mentally noting that his children were going to be in a world of trouble for this.
"Renee Sandiego are you free to lawfully marry?" Alexis asked
"I am." Renee said, at this point Simon produced the wedding rings handing them to Alexis
"Do you Peter take Renee to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and cherish, in sickness and health through good times and bad for as long as you both shall live?" Alexis asked, Peter looked at Renee and smiled
"I do." he said, he placed the wedding ring on Renee's finger.
"Do you Renee take Peter to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and cherish, in sickness and health through good times and bad for as long as you both shall live?" Alexis asked, Renee looked at Peter almost disbelieving that this was happening
"I do." Renee said, she place a wedding ring on Peter's finger
"Then I pronounce you husband and wife. Congratulatations" Alexis said "You may kiss the bride."
Serenity and Cerys might have just hit the second vocal part of the song but that wasn't about to stop Peter and Renee, they kissed passionately, the audience cheered wildly and then there were hugs from Simon and Esme, then the song finished which meant Serenity and Cerys gave their hugs
"You set us up." Peter said when Serenity hugged him
"Of course we did." Serenity said "You two were dragging your feet over this."
"You two are so grounded." Peter said
"Been five years since you last threw that one at me." Serenity said "Worth it for this."
"I bet." Peter said
The stage cleared except for the newly weds and Serenity, with this being a wedding it was only fitting that the newly weds got their first dance and Serenity had chosen the music for it, it was a song that had come to mean something to Peter and Renee - I'll Burn With You, so Serenity sang it from one side of the stage while Peter and Renee, both grinning like cats that had got the cream danced centre stage neither taking their eyes of the other.
When that song was done Peter and Renee were ushered off the stage, there was now the small matter of the marriage register to sign while they were doing that Simon, Carth and Jack joined Serenity on stage.
"Shall we?" Jack asked
"I think so." Carth said
"Ladies and Gentlemen we're almost done this evening but not quite yet so our next song is one of our favorites" Simon said, he had the lead on this one "Bohemian Rhapsody" this was yet another crowd pleaser, specifically chosen because it was such a popular song. In the wings everyone was getting ready it was very nearly time for the big finish. Once they'd finished Bohemian Rhapsody, a cheer came from the wings as everyone went made their way back onto the stage. The number this time was My Life Would Suck Without You, they were cutting loose now and really enjoying themselves, the audience were into it, Lydia led this song as Peter and Renee returned to the stage getting smiles, hugs and pats on the back from everyone. Then when they'd finished that song Peter took centre stage.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls it's been a wonderful...and eventful evening, more than I thought it would be." Peter said with half a chuckle "We come now to our final song of the evening, thank you for coming and please donate to this cause we're supporting tonight. Have a very Merry Christmas. Our final song of the evening is Footloose"
This was Peter leading what was a fast paced, dance heavy song, it had the most intricate choreography of the night to boot as well. When it finished with the appropriate pyrotechnic finale, everyone on the stage was sweating, they took their bows and their ovation and then headed backstage.
"So Mrs Azurewind." Renee said
"More than that Renee." Serenity said "That's Renee Azurewind, Duchess of Rosemoor."
"I'd forgotten about that." Renee said
"By the way you three." Peter said looking at Serenity, Simon and Sakura "Next time you're going to pull something like that...warn us."
"And miss the look on your faces?" Simon said "You must be joking."
"Priceless absolutely priceless." Sakura said
"Perfect Christmas Present reaction." Serenity said
Achkaerin:
Off On An Adventure
Another day at the Marble Palace and the same old routine near enough, which was always welcome as it meant that nothing new had come up that demanded attention. So as normal here was the Emperor Peter Azurewind sat in his study with his Foreign Affairs Advisor Nettie Taylor, Chief of Staff Kumiko Arkwright and Press Secretary Hannah Cartwright, they'd been all around the houses - Kaitaine, Phuebra, the Vaguzia issue and of course Lakhzovia. They did this practically every day.
"Is there anything else?" Peter asked looking at the three women who sat in the study with him, they'd just finished their discussions on Kaitaine.
"Not today." Kumiko said "Unless you want to discuss the upcoming Garden Party."
"I trust you to handle that." Peter said
"You always do that." Kumiko said
"Nettie anything?" Peter asked
"Not really." Nettie said
"Hannah?" Peter asked
"Well there's a group of University of Artaxia students deciding whether or not they can sue some company." Hannah said
"That's a joke right?" Peter asked
"Nope." Hannah said "It's not something we need to address but I thought you'd find it amusing."
"How are students even going to fund a lawsuit?" Kumiko asked
"No clue but it should be entertaining." Hannah said
"Ok that's it for today then." Peter said
Once the three women had stepped out of the study, Peter waited a few minutes before following, he went into the open plan kitchen diner and found Serenity eating her breakfast which was simple toast.
"Morning." Peter said
"Hi." Serenity said
"What's the letter?" Peter asked noticing an open letter on the counter top next to where Serenity was leaning
"My transfer orders." Serenity said "Took them long enough, you know I transferred out of sea duty for family reasons well I've got a spot at JAG."
"So that's you over in Avalon." Peter said
"Seems like it." Serenity said "Got to get Lisa into a primary school over there and Astrid a nursery spot. I'll have to have Helen along."
"This is the best opportunity to give them a decent childhood away from the public eye. Never happened for you, never happened for me, make it happen for them. Go live at the Avalon Estate." Peter said
"Thanks." Serenity said
"And tell Admiral Rankin hello from me when you start work." Peter said
"I will." Serenity said
Achkaerin:
Final Acceptance
Another great day in Valtheim, the harshest period of the winter was behind them, give it a few more weeks and it would be spring and then the sun would be out and it would get warm. Peter stood looking out of his study window, sat behind him on the sofa in the study was his Chief of Staff Kumiko Arkwright, this was a daily occurrence with Kumiko bringing things to Peter's attention.
"The military are not happy." Kumiko said "They just lost their concealed hand as Sakura would put it."
"I always worry when we start using Mahjong terms and other sporting metaphors to describe military situations." Peter said "As for the military I would have thought people would read the situation and know better than to put Kaitaine on notice."
"True but it seems some will never learn." Kumiko said she adjusted her glasses "What about the Papal visit?"
"The schedule looks fine." Peter said "Is Nettie still working on the negotiation points?"
"She's meeting with the Cabinet now." Kumiko said
"Good." Peter said "She's not been to Crystalline yet has she?"
"No." Kumiko said "She's intrigued."
At that point there was a knock on the door.
"Come in." Peter said, the door opened and in walked his good friend Celine Tyler, she'd been Peter's XO back in his navy captain days and now she was a high school teacher.
"Be thankful I'm not busy this week." Celine said "You asked to see me?"
"Yes, how would you like the job of Defence Advisor?" Peter asked, Celine couldn't even act stunned she half smiled
"Took you long enough to ask, how long have you been working up the courage to ask?" Celine asked
"A couple of months." Peter said
"Yeah right" Celine said "Closer to two and a half years. At least if what Yuki tells me is true."
"I didn't..." Peter said, he'd forgotten about that.
"Yeah you sounded me out to my daughter, but then you are the closest thing she has to a father." Celine said
"So?" Peter asked
"Count me in." Celine said
"Great." Peter said, he hugged Celine "Job number one..."
"I know" Celine said
"I'll get you settled in." Kumiko said "Feels like we've got the old gang back together somehow."
"Certainly does." Celine said
Achkaerin:
Before A Storm
With his Dad in Lodja for the coronation and sister over in Avalon working, the current running of the country from the Marble Palace was in the hands of Prince Simon Azurewind, this was something of a rarity for him given the line of succession but with his little sister now in the midst of her military service the odds were this would become more common.
"Simon" Kumiko Arkwright, the Royal Family Chief of Staff, said coming and sitting across the lounge table from where the Prince sat she had a phone in her hand and was accompanied by the Foreign Affairs Advisor Nettie Taylor
"Who is it?" Simon asked
"Serenity." Kumiko said, Simon looked up he knew what this was going to be about and had wondered when the phone call would come, he nodded and Kumiko switched it to speakerphone and placed it on the table.
"Go ahead sis." Simon said
"Have you seen the Rokkenjiman developments?" the voice of his sister Crown Princess Serenity asked over the phone
"I have." Simon said "I'm assuming it's bad?"
"That would be an understatement." Serenity said "I've just spent the morning going through the papers from the genocide trial, it's all there."
"I see." Simon said "She's due up here isn't she?"
"Knowing her she'll be coming by sea." Serenity said "Kumiko you there?"
"Yes." Kumiko said
"Get on to the Admiralty they'll know what to do under the circumstances." Serenity said "I'll deal with this in Avalon, Nettie you'd better get out here and ask Rion and Mark to join you."
"Will do." Nettie said
"Simon?" Serenity asked
"Yeah?" Simon said
"Who's running Dad's security out in Lodja from our end?" Serenity asked
"Zoe Silvermist." Simon said
"Then you need to send her the R&A for Dad to sign." Serenity said
"Are you sure about that?" Simon asked
"We haven't got a choice." Serenity said "If she's Empress again then we have to do it this way. Send the details."
"Ok." Simon said, he ran a hand through his hair "Serenity are you ok?"
"I gave that woman a chance to tell me the truth and she didn't. How do you think I feel?" Serenity asked
"Like I would." Simon said "Do I assume you don't buy all of this?"
"I don't buy parts of it." Serenity said "That's why I want to talk to Rion and Nettie."
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