Enjoy Chapter 27! I sure had fun writing it!
Chapter 27: The Gala
After sleeping in a bit, the four Narnian monarchs were informed that they were to hurry and freshen up after their breakfast in bed, for they were going with Nerina to her daily practice at the Aurum Theater. They were also told that the theater members had a surprise for them.
They all eagerly finished their breakfasts of toast with honey, hot chocolate, and fruit salad. Then they changed and met Nerina in Mousiki Nero's foyer.
"Are you ready to experience a normal day in Arcadia?" asked the Princess.
"Oh yes," clapped Lucy.
"Then let's go!"
And they were off. On the way they stopped at Filia's house, then continued to the theater.
The Narnians watched backstage as the troupe went through their daily routine.
First the group stretched to prepare for the dancing. Then after warming up their vocal chords, everyone went onstage. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy sat in the front row with a few other Narnians that were staying with other troupe members.
Today the group was continuing to work on a new production. Nerina received her script and a minor role. Every cast member found a comfortable place to sit while the rehearsed the songs. Some sat on the beams above the stage, some leaned against the props, and Nerina was among others that dangled their feet off the stage and into the orchestra pit. The songs were rehearsed and critiqued by the director, who was an older Arcadian named Karen. When this part of the rehearsal was finished, the dances were worked on. Adelphos helped teach Nerina the new dances, and before long the couple was flying through the air in time with the music.
Around midday they stopped, and the guests for lunch. Nerina told them all to come back in through the front doors.
"You're going to love the surprise! Especially you Lucy!" she said, eyes dancing.
As the siblings headed back to the theater after lunch, Peter said, "I wonder what the surprise is."
"I know, me too," agreed an excited Lucy.
Edmund opened one of the glass doors, and they all entered the grand lobby. Upon entering the lower-level seating area, the orchestra was heard. The large curtain was closed, and the four greeted the other Narnians before sitting down with anticipating.
The overture ended after a few minutes, and the curtain was raised. The scene was a ball in a very ornate palace. A young girl ran through the dancers to meet an older woman.
"I know what this is!" whispered Lucy jubilantly. "It's the musical about Princess Betha!"
"Yes Lucy, now please be polite," Susan hushed.
The musical was wonderful. Adelphos and Nerina were the infamous Trevet and Desta once again. Filia was the Duchess Vidya. Earlier that day, Nerina had told her friends that Filia was a ballet dancer as well. Mornings in Arcadia were usually spent in the theater. The King, Queen, and important members of the Royal Court had their own theater in the castle. Chorevo would change to that theater once he was crowned King. Afternoons in the country of music were then either spent at a second place of music, such as Filia's ballet theater, or Nerina's orchestra's concert hall, or at special practices and performances such as this one. When those were finished, daily duties were performed. Nights were when Arcadians attended performances, practiced solos, or, on special occasion like tonight, the gala.
The biggest con in history!
When the musical finished, the guests gave the troupe a standing ovation. The cast bowed one last time before the curtain closed. A while later Nerina, Adelphos, and Filia came into the lobby to meet their friends.
"That was wonderful!" Lucy exclaimed.
"Yes, very well done," agreed Peter.
"Almost as good as "The Ice Queen"," Edmund joked, to which everyone laughed.
Shifting her bags on her shoulder, Filia said, "I'm glad you liked it. I have to go now to ballet to practice for the gala."
"Oh, me too. I have orchestra practice for tonight as well," said Nerina. She turned to the siblings. "I want everything to be a surprise, so I'm afraid you can't come with me. I'm sorry."
"That's alright," said Adelphos. "I am free for the rest of the afternoon. You can all come to my house if you'd like."
This was thought to be a great idea, and it was decided that Adelphos would bring the Narnian monarchs back to the castle in time for them to freshen up and change before the gala. The group separated and Adelphos brought the monarchs to his home.
Adelphos' house was a cozy place. He lived with his parents and two younger sisters. The rest of the afternoon was spent talking and having fun at his house, with supper before they left for the castle. Adelphos told them he would see them later at the gala.
The siblings went to their room, freshened up, changed, and met in the foyer. The Royal Family was there, and looked at them strangely as they entered.
"Good evening," Susan said warily, aware of the looks.
Nerina came up to them. "Where are you all going?"
"To the gala of course," said Edmund. "Why?"
The Arcadian Princess looked at them. "Not dressed like that you aren't. I am really sorry. I never told you that we were special clothes to the gala. Those clothes will make you hot, and you won't be very comfortable in them."
The four looked around. The males were dressed in loose tunics, and the women in dresses made of a flowing material. Nerina herself was wearing a green and light blue marbled dress with silver flowers around the waist. She wore her jingle rings and silver lace-up sandals. Her eyes were painted a shiny green and blue. One of the hairdressers had put braids on the top of her head and let the rest hang loose.
She looked at Anthea. "Come help me get Susan and Lucy ready. Koros, could you help Peter and Edmund please? We have to hurry. I'm really sorry I never told you all."
A half-hour later, everyone was ready. Peter wore once of Koros' blue gala tunics and Edmund had on a light green one from Gelio. Both Lucy and Susan wore dresses similar to Nerina's. Lucy's was white and peach while Susan's was pink and yellow. Susan's hair was done like Nerina's and Lucy's hair was curled.
"Now you are ready," smiled Nerina. "We can go after we all stretch and warm-up and our voices. There is a lot of dancing and singing at the galas, and not just for the performers."
This they did, and then joined the rest of the country in heading toward the Aslan Theater.
The Royal Family brought the siblings to a large guest box with a good view of the arena. There they met up with the rest of the Narnian visitors.
"I hope you enjoy the gala!" said Nerina. "I start the show, so I must run. Bye!"
The rest of the family left as well, for it was tradition for the Royal Family to begin the festivities.
Everyone watches the Arcadians take their seats. When it grew completely dark in the open-air stadium, drums sounded. There were large drums on their sides all around the top perimeter of the seating area. The drummers banged these with large mallets. Everyone grew quiet, and music began. The entire open area of the arena was built with ash, the best acoustic wood, so whenever someone sang, it was as if they were right in front of you.
A voice was now heard humming. The four siblings recognized it as Nerina's. She began singing in the dark, and then a single candle lame lit up her face.
Can we touch the soul of heaven?
Can we unite a sacred lesson?
Every child creates a skylight of beauty
Can you hear cathedrals falling?
All the universe is calling
Cry a single cello from your heart
She began singing, all by herself. Then a cello played out above the orchestra. She slowly walked out to the center of the arena.
Every voice along the shoreline
Standing still within time
Spinning unresolved the walking
As each season passes
Wonderland of looking glasses
Secret garden shires beckons you
An instrumental started and Nerina lifted the candle above her head. A chorus chanting was heard, and soon many other candles were lit, revealing the faces of the chorus behind the orchestra in the far end of the arena.
Prayer
Prayer
PrayerNerina brought her candle in front of her face again, and came in once more, belting out the lyrics with all her heart and soul.
Bless the children for they are the light
They are the truth of spirit in flight
Yes the children engender the rain
As the river runs through life
Healing their pain
If you could just reach your heart one last time
Sweet angels, conceived you haveForever and always believed
Prayer
As the song came to its end, and slowly the candles of the choir members were blown out. Once more Nerina's candle was the only light. The song ended, and she blew it out.
Prayer
There was silence and then the whole stadium erupted with cheers and applause.
Dim lights were put on, and the Narnians saw ice slowly creeping over three quarters of the arena floor. The crowd cheered, knowing what was coming next. Everyone stood on their feet in respect as King Arion stepped onto a platform, an oil-powered spotlight centered on him.
"Good evening," he said. "Welcome to the gala. I would especially like to give a warm welcome to your honored guests from Narnia, who not only brought my daughter back, but performed a wonderful musical for us as well. Welcome."
Everyone cheered as a light was put on the guest box.
"As you all know, this gala is being held for two reasons. Tonight we are continuing the celebration of Princess Philyra's return, but we also are going to show these fine Narnians what we do best in Arcadia. Are you ready to show them the gifts Aslan gave to us?"
A roar of applause came back in response.
"Then let's continue." He turned to the conductor. "Maestro? If you please."
The conductor bowed and the orchestra began playing. Cheering was heard as a light turned on following Nerina, who skated on the ice while her father sang.
Once in every life
There comes a time
We walk out all alone
And into the light
The moment won't last but then,
We remember it again
When we close our eyes.
The King had an amazing operatic voice. The song crescendoed, and Nerina skated the perimeter of the now ice rink. She flung her arms back and skated faster and faster. The Narnians felt a rush as the King sang out a long note.
Guarda avanti e non voltarti mai
Accarezza con i sogni tuoi
Le tue speranze e poi
Verso il giorno che verrà
C'è un traguardo là
"Look!" gasped Lucy.
Nerina had leapt up for a jump when her father began the note, and didn't come back down to the ice. She continued to skate in a large circle through the air, going higher and higher with each leapt. Soon she was level with the Narnians, and they could see a look of complete euphoria on her face.
Like stars across the sky
E per avvincere
Tu dovrai vincere
We were born to shine
All of us here because we believe
The song began to slow down, and Nerina started gracefully sinking back down to the ice. Suddenly the King hit a loud, long note, and she shot back up into the air.
Like stars across the sky
We were born to shine
E per avvincere
Dovrai vincere
E allora vincerai
The orchestra ended with a flourish, and Nerina floated back to the ice.
Everyone clapped, and Nerina skated to her father, and the two bowed. Waving her hands, Nerina made the ice disappear, and she and her father walked out of the arena.
I pray you'll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe
The rest of the Royal Family followed. Queen Charissa played her harp, Chorevo and Anthea danced, Koros and Nerina sang a duet, Gelio and his father played a trumpet duet, and Iremo played all sorts of large drums with his troupe. At the end of the Royal Family portion, Koros sang a song he wrote for Nerina, and she smiled as she heard it for the first time.
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When you're heart's heavy I - I will lift it for you
Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you I – I will break it for you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you're lost inside I – I'll be there to find you
Don't give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you I – I will shine to guide you
After the Royal Family came the rest of Arcadia. There was a family of five young adults that all played five pianos at once. There were choirs, scenes from various musicals, and dancers.
The Narnians watched the gala in amazement. The full-orchestra changed for almost every song. They saw Nerina play her violin and Koros play his flute. They saw Filia dance with her ballet company. They cheered for Nerina and Adelphos when they danced and sang together. The Narnians noticed that the audience members would come and go, for every Arcadian performed at least five times. The audience hardly ever sat because they all danced with the music
The gala reached its height when three women came out. They sang, and the audience sang backup. Nerina was with the Narnians at that point, and she sang along. The audience was on their feet and danced while they sang to the sky. The whole place vibrated when the song reached its well-known chorus. At one point the music stopped and the entire nation of Arcadia sang a cappella, using claps and stomps to keep the beat. The nation sang, clapped, and stomped as one, and the Narnians joined in as best as they could.
The last event of the night was the dance competition. The current leader stepped onto a large platform. Everyone who wanted to participate poured onto the arena floor. The lead dancer began, and everyone copied while the large drums on the arena's top edge boomed out a beat so loud that you felt it in your chest. The dance steps quickly got harder, and soon everyone was cheering on the last four contestants. The competition ended in a draw, so the lead dancer remained the champion.
Exhausted, the Narnians began to leave for their host homes. Farewells were said, for tomorrow two of the carriages would leave for Narnia- the rest were staying for Nerina's birthday the following week.
The four siblings finally found Nerina dancing by one of the large outer rim drums. Her arms flailed about, and she twisted and turned as Iremo pounded out a beat. Nerina finally noticed her friends and waved, continuing to dance. Laughing, her brother stopped, and Nerina spotted Koros. She ran to him, returning to the group with his arm around her. Chorevo was escorting Anthea and her family home, and soon the King and Queen approached with Gelio.
"Did you enjoy the gala?" asked the King.
"Yes, very much sir," replied Peter. "We thank you and your country for holding one so that Narnians could experience it."
"Anytime, anytime," the King chuckled. "Shall we head home now?"
That they did, and everyone slept soundly that night.
Songs Used-A Rumor in St. Petersburg from the Animated Film Anastasia, Prayer by Celine Dion, If We Just Believe by Andrea Bocelli, The Prayer by either Celine and Andrea, or Charlotte Church and Josh Groban, You Are Loved by Josh Groban
I would also like to add that the last two parts of the gala were inspired by the movie Happy Feet, which I saw for the first time with my family over Easter weekend, and it is now one of my all-time favorite movies!
Please review!
Haras