And number three out of the major update...
Chapter 26: "The Ice Queen"
The next day was an especially bright one. A cool breeze filled the open-air halls of the castle Mousiki Nero, and everyone looked forward to the first out of four nights that "The Ice Queen" would be performed. Money was not used in the Arcadian theaters, it was simply first come, first serve. One had to wait in line and upon reaching the box office, state which performance date you desired, look at the map of available seating, point to the seat of your choice, and the ticket was yours. Within one week, all the tickets for "The Ice Queen" were taken.
You'll never know
What you've done for me
What your faith in me
Has done for my soul...
At Mousiki Nero, they had been eating three meals a day for the sake of the Narnian monarchs. It was over breakfast this morning that the Arcadian and Narnian Royal Families discussed shows. The Arcadians wished the Narnians to all see one of their country-wide musical galas before they left. It was decided that the gala would be held the night after "The Ice Queen had its last performance.
You'll never know
The gift you've given me…
I'll carry it with me
"What do you do at the galas?" asked Edmund.
"You'll see," smiled Nerina.
"What time does "The Ice Queen" start?" Susan asked.
"At eight," answered Lucy, picking up her blueberry muffin.
"What time should we leave for costuming, hair, and make-up?" Susan asked Nerina.
"Um, I would say around five-thirty, so it gives us enough time not to rush," Nerina said, looking up from her stuffed French toast. "We should eat an early supper then."
Everyone spent the rest of the day alone, except for meals, so that they could do some last minute practicing.
Through the days ahead
I think of days before
You made me hope for something better
And made me reach for something more
Finally the grandfather clock in the foyer sang out that it was five-thirty, and the five friends bid farewell to Nerina's family, who were coming to see the performance the next night. They met Adelphos just was they reached the theater's back door.
Once inside the enormous theater, they all went to their private changing rooms, where they had laid out everything the day before.
Flora and Fauna had made all their costumes, and they turned out wonderfully. The costumes for Jadis were stunningly intricate and regal. Bersaro and Gian's were all based on military uniforms. Lucy wore her princess and queen costumes like the true Queen she was. Mr. Tumnus looked very astute in his scholar's robe. Susan loved to twirl in her frilly but elegant dresses for Talina.
The nymphs had really outdone themselves when it came to Edmund's Aslan costume.
He stood upright for the part, but he wore a full body suit made of tan velvet. The headdress consisted of a material made to look like a lion's mane, and his face was painted to look like a lion's. The body suit even had a tail.
Edmund loved his part, and beamed as he wore the costume. He played his part exceptionally well, and could not understand why he had not wanted to participate at first.
After changing, the actors went into two rooms- one for the males and one for females. There, stage make-up was put on and hair was done.
When everyone was completely ready, they assembled in one large room with a piano. Nerina played chords as the singers warmed up.
The last thing left to do was get everyone motivated. They chanted various things, each time getting louder and louder. Everyone was jumping up and down when the stage manager came in and told everyone to get ready.
You taught me to run
You taught me to fly
Helped me to free the me inside
Help me hear the music of my heart
Help me hear the music of my heart
Last minute touch-ups were made and places were taken. The dark red curtain went up, and the musical began.
During the intermission, Nerina found the four Narnian monarchs and hugged them all.
"I just want to thank you for everything you've done for me. If you hadn't saved me last year, almost a year ago now, I would be dead right now. Also, if you had not believed in me and helped me get through everything, I would not be in costume, acting again. Thank you so much."
You were the one
Always on my side
Always standing by
Seeing me through
"You're welcome Nerina," said Peter. "If it were not for you, we would not be here in Arcadia, meeting new people, and experiencing a new culture. Thanks to you and Adelphos, Narnia will now have a theater league. We thank you also. Narnia thanks you."
Nerina blushed, and the happy moment was interrupted by a passing cast member saying that they had to take their places for Act 2.
"Prepare to be defeated, dear sister," Nerina said to Lucy.
"Never, Jadis," she laughed back.
Act 2 also went well. The script had been altered so that the only kiss was Adelphos kissing Lucy's hand. Nerina liked it that way.
On that night, and the three following nights, they received standing ovations. The final night every female cast member received a bouquet of roses, and every male cast member a single rose.
You taught me to run
You taught me to fly
Helped me to free the me inside
Help me hear the music of my heart
Help me hear the music of my heart
Late after the show, the cast party was held. There was dancing, singing, along with plenty of water and food.
Nerina stood up at one point and lifted her glass of water.
"I would like to propose a toast to the writer of "The Ice Queen." Though he or she still remains anonymous, I believe we all would like to thank them for a great script, score, and long-lasting memories. To the writer!"
"To the writer!" everyone chorused, clinking their glasses.
"To me," said Adelphos quietly with a smirk.
Song Used-Because You Loved Me by NSYNC
Please review!
Haras