Tonight is the night.

The newly reformed Tavern Troupe will be holding their début performance at the Arthe Dale Yulugri Wala Theatre at 9:30pm EST. The play which we will be performing is a completely original work that we have created for Sortny and the Traders Consortium. The theme of this play is one of orphans and adoptions, in support of the "Adopt a Young One" movement. Running alongside the performance, is a contest amongst the audience members to guess the identity of our lead role. The first pair to guess correctly will win some of the props we used in the performance.

All are welcome, gifts and drinks will be provided by the Tavern Troupe. Again, this performance will be acted in two-parts so make sure to come back the following weekend to catch the end.

---

System Announcement: The Night Sun has been snuffed. It's dark again. Now the scary stuff comes out.

So here is the conclusion to our play. We had some of our actors drop out so there was a shuffle in roles. Kasto had to replace Naute as the Shopkeeper, and Allye came to play with us and replace Eriniel as the Headmistress. Another huge thanks to Sortny for logging all of this for us again. And our warmest thank-you to Allye for being a Troupe-er for a night. :)

>>"The Boy With His Eyes On The Stars" Part 2
>>Announcer / Narrator - Arcticdark, Orphan Boy - Silverdrow, Headmistress - Allye, Judge - Mino, Shopkeeper - Kasto, Shopkeeper's Wife - Abylina.

Arcticdark clears his throat.

Arcticdark says, "Welcome to you all! The newly re-opened Tavern Troupe Performing Order is presenting the second half of its debut production to you, which began during last week's Adoption Day event! Tonight, we are bringing to you Part 2 of a presentation from the Troupe's own book of stories and fables, "The Boy with His Eyes on the Stars."

Arcticdark says, "Thank you for joining us for this heartrending, heartstopping, and dramatic story about a young boy forced into an orphanage following the death of his parents during the plague. You may already have guessed who this incredibly talented and well-remembered figure is from our own rich history, but his name WILL be revealed at the conclusion of our exciting tale."

Arcticdark smiles.

Arcticdark says, "And, I hope you've done your research to discover our young hero's identity! We are offering a prize to the first person to guess correctly who he is, but PLEASE WHISPER those guesses to __ when they are out there with you, while our actors perform. The winner will be announced shortly after the curtain closes so make sure to stick around."

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"Someone has already won the prize. Sorry folks!"

Arcticdark grins.

Arcticdark says, "When we left our tale, the evil headmistress had just noticed our runaway orphan being brought back by the noble shopkeeper and his wife. As you may remember, our headmistress is a shrewd woman who finds joy in tormenting the children under her "care." Our young boy, having had a wild ride since escaping (being drug around by a Ranger and thrown into a shop in the middle of the night is pretty wild to me!) is understandably reluctant to return to this dreadful place."

Arcticdark exclaims, "How will this end? Will our hero be beaten severly by the wretched woman? Lets find out!"

Arcticdark exclaims, "And now... to the conclusion of our story!"

Arcticdark applauds.

(Arcticdark takes a step back and turns towards the curtain.)

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"The scene opens in the orphanage courtyard. Broken toys and decrepit swings litter the small area. The shopkeeper and his wife have returned the runaway hero of this tale to the orphanage and are facing an extremely irrate headmistress, who clearly does not like children and this young boy in particular."

Abylina stands near Allye.

Abylina points at Allye.

Abylina angrily exclaims, "You should be ashamed of yourself, treating children this way!. They're just children!"

Abylina flails her arms about.

Abylina loudly asks, "How can they defend themselves from the likes of you!?"

Abylina snorts at Allye.

Abylina emphatically exclaims, "Maybe... the Zoluren Council will hear of this, and then we'll see how long you're mistress here!"

Allye glares at Silverdrow.

Allye taps her foot impatiently.

Allye darkly asks, "You know that boy's a fugitive, don't you?"

(Kasto stands straighter, emphasizing his height and looking down at the angry headmistress.)

Allye glances at Kasto.

Allye glares at Abylina.

Kasto says to Allye, "Yes, we know he's a runaway. Yes, we know he's a fugitive. And, we've brought him back."

Kasto frowns at Allye.

Kasto says, "But we are still going to adopt him, and we will be back with all the appropriate paperwork to do so."

Allye glowers darkly at Silverdrow.

Allye points at Silverdrow.

Allye rancidly exclaims, "You will answer for this headache you've caused, boy!"

Kasto glances at Abylina.

Kasto frowns at Allye.

Kasto moves over to guard Silverdrow.

Silverdrow shivers.

Kasto pats Silverdrow on the back.

Kasto glances at Abylina, nervously sizing her up.

(Silverdrow buries his face into the back of Kasto's leg, shivering in fear at these warring women.)

(Allye splutters, completely taken aback by this small woman's onslaught.)
Allye glares at Abylina.

Allye exclaims, "What business is it of yours? You don't have the responsibility of taking care of these brats!"

Allye scoffs at Abylina.

Allye asks, "And besides, I was appointed to this post! Who do you think you are to do anything about it!?"

Abylina glowers darkly at Allye.

Allye sneers at Abylina.

(Abylina folds her arms across her chest.)

Abylina points at Allye.

Abylina confidently exclaims, "You! Your day is coming, you misbegotten spawn of a ogre! If one hair on this boy's head has been touched by you while we are gone, you will regret ever having met me!"

Abylina glares at Allye.

Abylina looks over Allye very closely.

(Abylina turns to Silverdrow)

Abylina slowly empties her lungs.

Abylina kneels down.

Abylina tenderly says to Silverdrow, "You, child, will be in our home before the sun sinks tomorrow. Hang onto that because it is the most sincere promise I have ever made."

(Abylina looks deeply into his eyes.)

Abylina calmly asks, "Do you understand me?"

(Silverdrow looks worried.)

Silverdrow nods to Abylina.

Abylina looks over Silverdrow very closely.

Abylina emphatically exclaims, "She will not ever hurt you again. Ever! Or she will be sorry!"

Abylina glares at Allye.

Abylina hugs Silverdrow, who wraps his arms around Abylina with a warm smile.

Abylina stands up.

Abylina mutters something into the air about trolls running amuck in human form.

(Abylina stomps away angrily, dragging her husband with her.)

Allye glowers darkly at Silverdrow.

Allye darkly exclaims, "You are nothing but trouble, boy!"

Silverdrow winces.

Silverdrow stares meekly at the ground in a moment of embarrassment.

Silverdrow meekly says, "Yes, ma'am."

Silverdrow twitches.

Allye smugly exclaims, "You're going to the Quiet Room until I decide what I'm going to do with you!"

Allye smiles grimly as she drags Silverdrow off by the ear.

Silverdrow flinches.

Silverdrow helplessly exclaims, "Don't hurt me!"

A tear runs down Silverdrow's face.

(Silverdrow nearly trips over his own feet as he tries to scamper away.)
You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"The curtain closes on an empty stage. Mutters and thumps are heard coming from behind it."

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"When it reopens again, you see the shop interior brightly lit with lamps and candles. It is evening. The shopkeeper and his wife are looking over some legal documents laying on the table."

Kasto stops guarding.

Kasto says, "This looks more difficult than I first thought, Abylina."

Kasto frets.

Kasto sighs.

Kasto says, "We'll need to find a more experienced Trader than I am to get us through all this paperwork. And, it says here the boy has to be present as well for the final adoption. That's not likely after you spoke to the headmistress the way you did."

Abylina flails her arms about.

Abylina frowns.

Kasto gazes at Abylina.

Abylina angrily says, "I know, I know. Blast my mouth! She made me mad, and I couldn't help it."

Abylina blames herself for all her problems.

Kasto sighs.

Abylina sternly asks, "What an awful creature she is! How did she ever get appointed as the head of that place?"

Abylina stares blankly into the distance.

(Abylina frowns deeply at the whole situation.)

Abylina exclaims, "Those poor children!"

Abylina slowly empties her lungs.

Kasto nods.

Abylina emphatically asks, "Kasto, we have to do something! Could we go before the magistrate and explain things?"

(Abylina looks hopefully at Kasto.)

Abylina hopefully exclaims, "Maybe he would give us temporary custody until the adoption is final? The boy has to come out of there as soon as possible!"

Kasto ponders.

(Abylina pleads to Kasto with her tear-filled eyes.)

Abylina painfully exclaims, "I promised him!"

Kasto hugs Abylina, who wraps her arms around Kasto with a warm smile.

Kasto tiredly says, "We'll go to the magistrate in the morning, wife. We'll get the answers we need, but we both need sleep now."

(Kasto looks worried, rubbing his forehead, and walks wearily into the back of the shop towards the bedroom area and wearily crawls into bed.)

(Abylina, very slowly and mechanically and obviously deep in thought, snuffs all but one of the candles and lamps, carrying the last with her to the bedroom to join her husband.)

Kasto lies down.

Abylina lies down.

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"The stage darkens to black. When a wall sconce comes to life on one side of the stage, it illuminates a simple bed with the sleeping forms of Kasto and Abylina."

Kasto comes out of hiding.

Kasto snores.

Abylina comes out of hiding.

Abylina sits up.

Abylina gasps!

Abylina excitedly exclaims, "That's it!"

Abylina beams!

Abylina exclaims, "Kasto, wake up!"

Abylina grabs Kasto by the shoulders and shakes him!

Kasto grumbles.

Abylina happily exclaims, "I know what we can do!"

Kasto sits up.

Abylina is hugging herself.

Kasto rubs his right eye.

Abylina beams!

Kasto grumpily asks, "Huh? What? What're you yelling about, woman!?"

Kasto mutters something into the air about waking a man when he's sound asleep.

Abylina excitedly exclaims, "The boy! I know how we can get the boy! And the rest of the children too!"

Abylina beams at Kasto!

Abylina emphatically exclaims, "If we can't get just the boy out of that horrid place, then we'll take them all!"

(Kasto stares dazedly at Abylina.)

Kasto cautiously asks, "We don't have room for ALL those children! What has gotten into you?"

Kasto groans.

(Abylina bounces happily on the bed.)

(Kasto looks puzzled.)

Abylina happily exclaims, "No, no! Not here! We can get the whole orphanage full of children and take care of them all!"

Abylina beams at Kasto!

Abylina emphatically exclaims, "There! At the orphanage!"

(Kasto listens carefuly in his groggy state as the wife describes to him her brilliant idea, her arms and hands gesticulating in her excitement, the plan coalesces into a possible dream-come-true for the both of them.)

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"The single burning sconce slowly dims and goes out, and the curtain slides to a swaying close."

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"The curtain reopens on a courtroom setting. Present are the shopkeeper and his wife at one table and a frowning headmistress at another. Standing, they are waiting for the judge to enter. At the back of the courtroom, three children, the boy amongst them, and a nervous young woman, presumably in care of the children, stands with a court clerk. The clerk leans over to whisper something humourous to the children, and the boy visibly relaxes with a nod and a half-smile. The judge enters and sits on his bench."

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"You hear a voice from the shadows. An unnoticed clerk must be nearby:"

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"Presiding is Judge Mino, House Sorvendig, of the Zoluren Province. Please take your seats."

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"All but Abylina, Kasto, and Allyesit down."

Mino comes out of hiding.

Mino takes a seat.

(Mino hammers the table with a silver gavel.)

Mino says, "This court will come to order."

Mino taps a silver gavel that he is holding.

(Mino glances Abylina as he sifts through some documents he has brought with him.)

Kasto dusts himself off.

Mino says, "In response to the petition to have the headmistress of Zoluren Orphanage removed from her post, I will hear the petitioner speak first followed by the defendant. You may begin, madam."

Abylina nods to Mino.

Abylina clears her throat.

Mino nods to Abylina.

Abylina says, "My husband and I first came to the orphanage, Your Honor, to adopt a child. We have no children, no child to leave our family legacy, a small store and trading station on the west side of town."

Abylina fixes Mino with a frank, even stare.

Abylina says, "What we saw at the orphanage was appalling. The conditions those poor children live under are abysmal."

Abylina nods to Mino.

Abylina says, "The floors were covered with dirt. They looked like they had never been clean, and the children... the poor children."

Kasto frowns.

(Abylina glances at Kasto, who nods to her reassuringly.)

Abylina coldly exclaims, "All the children had marks on them -- bruises, Your Honor! We couldn't touch them without seeing them flinch. That 'cane', that broken broomstick, she carries is a tool for torture!"

Abylina frowns at Allye.

Abylina slowly empties her lungs.

Abylina says, "My husband and I want very much to adopt this wonderful boy, Your Honor, and he has told us about the abuse he and the other children endure, and the proof is evident."

Abylina exclaims, "The children were horribly dirty. Some looked like they hadn't had a bath in weeks, scratching their heads as if they had lice!"
Kasto nods in agreement.

Abylina glances at Mino.

Abylina asks, "Their clothing, Your Honor, was torn, worn, ill-fitting the bodies wearing them, and dirty! Are there no caretakers, a laundress or seamtress in that place to take care of these basic needs?"

Abylina glares.

Abylina emphatically exclaims, "And, you will see how thin they are, Your Honor. When was the last decent meal they had for their poor stomachs? These poor children!"

(Abylina frowns in exasperation.)

Abylina confidently exclaims, "I do not feel that this headmistress is fit to run an orphanage or to care for any child!"

Allye splutters.

Abylina glares at Allye.

Allye exclaims, "Your Honor, really!"

Mino exclaims, "Headmistress, you will wait your turn to respond!"

Allye glowers darkly at Abylina.

Mino glares at Allye.

Mino coldly asks, "You will hold your tongue or find yourself thrown out of this court. Do I make myself clear?"

Allye glowers.

Mino frowns at Allye.

(Allye nods angrily at Mino.)

Abylina painfully asks, "I can't stand to think of those children in those conditions, Your Honor. Is there nothing that can be done to help them?"

Allye snorts at Abylina.

Allye frowns at Abylina.

Allye mutters something into the air about believing sniveling troublesome Elflings.

Mino frowns at Allye.

Mino coldly says to Allye, "Madam, this is your second warning."

(Mino frowns again before catching the clerk's attention at the back of the courtroom.)

Mino loudly says, "Send the children here so I may speak with them."

Silverdrow comes out of hiding.

(Silverdrow grasps the hands of the two other children and leads them up to the judge's bench.)

(Silverdrow looks nervous.)

Mino smiles at Silverdrow reassuringly.

Mino asks, "Hello there, boy. Are you scared?"

Kasto smiles at Silverdrow.

(Silverdrow stares with frightened eyes at Mino.)

Mino kindly asks, "Do not worry about me, I'm just a big stuffy man in a wig. Can I ask you some questions?"

Silverdrow nods to Mino.

Silverdrow fidgets nervously.

Silverdrow nibbles his lip thoughtfully.

Mino peers quizzically at Silverdrow.

(Mino has a quiet, but lengthy conversation with each of the children in turn, asking questions, examining their arms and bodies, and smiling to reassure them.)

(Mino nods at their inquiries and smiles, putting them all at ease. When he is finished, they are all smiling and race back up the aisle to the young woman in the back.)

Mino clears his throat.

Allye glances at Mino.

Mino glares at Allye.

(Allye stands a bit straighter.)

Allye glares at Abylina.

Mino says to Allye, "Having seen the evidence, I will allow you, madam, to attempt some sort of explanation for this."

Allye snorts at Abylina.

Mino glowers darkly at Allye.

Allye confidently asks, "Does this woman think running an orphanage is easy, Your Honor?"

Kasto chortles softly at some secret joke.

Allye glances at Abylina.

Allye says, "She has no idea the endless work, the struggle, the costs for their care."

Allye nods.

Allye curtly says, "She came to me, first of all, to adopt a child and had no idea what or who she was looking for."

Allye smirks at Abylina.

Allye mockingly asks, "That is not well thought out, and she thinks she can run an orphanage!?"

Allye asks, "Then, when the boy runs away... where does he go??"

Allye glares at Abylina.

Allye loudly says, "Ask this woman, Your Honor. She and her husband hide him..."

Allye scoffs at Abylina.

Allye firmly exclaims, "...before common sense finally tells them he belongs with me!"

Abylina confidently says, "Yes, he did wind up at our home, ..."

Abylina calmly says to Mino, "...but we explained to him that if we were to adopt him the right way, we had to bring him back. He was so scared by HER abuse,..."

Allye snorts at Abylina.

Kasto nods at Abylina, obviously agreeing with her views.

Abylina points at Allye.

Abylina emphatically exclaims, "...he almost ran again, but my husband and I STOPPED HIM!"

Abylina frowns at Allye.

Abylina matter-of-factly says, "We brought him back to the orphanage, so we could take care of this here, in court, Your Honor,..."

Abylina confidently exclaims, "...and yes, I believe I CAN do a better job than HER!"

Allye splutters.

Abylina sneers at Allye.

Allye angrily exclaims, "Stopped him? Stopped him?? You encouraged him!"

Allye glares at Abylina.

(Allye turns to face the judge.)

Allye confidently asks, "I was appointed by the Judicial Council, Your Honor. I, and only I, have the legal rights to that boy! Who is SHE to try to change that!?"

Abylina exclaims to Mino, "I would make sure there were no marks on those children, Your Honor, that they were treated decently. They do not need to be beaten into submission! And, they and the place would be clean, spotless!"
Allye snorts, loudly.

Kasto frowns at Allye.

Abylina glowers darkly at Allye.

Abylina exclaims, "He was terrified, Your Honor, shaking and crying. And, you saw the fear in his eyes not a moment before, I dare say. No child should be put through that!"

Abylina points at Allye.

Kasto nods.

Abylina angrily exclaims, "You are a mean and horrible woman!"

Abylina glares at Allye.

Abylina fixes Mino with a frank, even stare.

Abylina coldly exclaims, "This woman should never be around children again!"

Allye scoffs at Abylina.

Kasto says, "Ever."

Allye smugly exclaims, "I have more than one child to care for. You think I should care for one more than another? Ha!"

Mino says to Abylina, "That may be true, my dear, but your opinions of this woman hold no bearing in this court."

Allye exclaims to Abylina, "It is a hard, dirty and thankless job, good woman!"

Mino nods to Abylina.

Mino frowns at Allye.

Abylina pointedly ignores Allye.

Allye glares at Abylina.

Abylina confidently exclaims to Mino, "I could take over the orphanage and do a much better than this woman, Your Honor, and I want to help those children, not hurt them!"

Allye smugly says to Abylina, "Well, I hope you have the money! If the orphanage had more money, the conditions would be much better."

Abylina fixes Mino with a frank, even stare.

Allye glowers darkly at Abylina.

Abylina matter-of-factly exclaims, "The conditions and the abuse are the facts, and that should be enough for something to be done for these children, Your Honor!"

Allye rolls her eyes.

Abylina glares at Allye.

Allye smirks at Abylina.

Allye exclaims to Mino, "She has no idea, Your Honor! No idea at all!"

Allye says to Abylina, "Do I carry a stick? Yes! To keep them all in line."

Allye frowns.

Allye emphatically exclaims, "Do I use the stick? Only in extreme circumstances!

Mino frowns at Allye.

Allye glares at Abylina.

Mino dryly says, "Well, perhaps I have an solution to this whole ordeal..."

Allye slowly empties her lungs.

Mino taps a silver gavel that he is holding.

Allye nods to Mino.

Mino loudly says to Allye, "It is the ruling of this court that you are in fact guilty of child abuse and negligence."

Allye blinks at Mino.

Allye slowly says, "But..."

Allye emphatically exclaims to Mino, "Your Honor!"

Kasto grins.

Allye acts puzzled.

Abylina grins.

Abylina lets out a deep sigh of contentment.

Mino says to Allye, "It is this court's opinion that you are everything this good woman has said about you."

Mino frowns at Allye.

Mino exclaims, "You have repeatedly interrupted her, sneered at her, and acted imperially towards her and towards this court!"

Mino emphatically exclaims to Allye, "And, you seem to be unwilling to acknowledge the damage, both mentally and physically, that you are causing these children!"

Kasto nods in agreement.

Mino coldly says to Allye, "Your buisness, granted to you by this province, will be stripped from your management."

Allye screams!

Allye glares at Abylina.

Mino glares at Allye.

Allye flails her arms about.

Allye glares at Mino.

Mino yells, "That's it!"

Mino leaps to his feet!

Mino exclaims to Allye, "I've had enough out of you!"

Kasto gasps!

Mino yells, "Officers, remove this woman from my court!"

(Allye screeches as two court officers approach Allye and each take her by an arm to drag her towards the courtroom doors.)

Mino glowers darkly at Allye.

Allye angrily exclaims to Mino, "You can't do this!!"

Allye yells, "I WILL CONVENE THE COUNCIL!!"

Mino exclaims to Allye, "Feel free!"

Allye glares at Mino.

Mino glowers darkly at Allye.

Mino angrily exclaims to Allye, "My words carry much weight in this province. You will find that road a hard one!"

(Allye struggles as the officers drag her out the doors.)

Mino slowly empties his lungs.

Abylina slowly empties her lungs.

Mino shakes his head.

Mino glances at Abylina.

Mino asks Abylina, "Now, my dear. What is it you were hoping to accomplish here today?"

Mino says, "If it is this child you were seeking, you have it. Although, now you have left all the others in a precarious position."

Abylina nods to Mino.

Mino observes Abylina with fascination.

Abylina says to Mino, "I was hoping, Your Honor, to be given permission to start running the orphanage -- both ny husband and me -- and take over its management."

Abylina smiles at Kasto.

Abylina says to Mino, "And, I'm willing to forego the adoption of the boy, so i can care for all of the children."

Kasto smiles lovingly at Abylina.

Mino says, "You understand there are some documents that must be submitted before you could be 'appointed' control over such an operation."

Mino smiles.

Abylina smiles at Mino.

Abylina confidently says to Mino, "Yes, Your Honor, I do understand that, and, yes, I know I can run the orphanage in the right way."

Mino says to Abylina, "As I said before, my words carry much weight in this province. You could very well find yourself with a chance for what you request."

Mino ponders.

Mino asks, "What are your qualifications, my dear?"

Abylina says to Mino, "First and foremost, Your Honor, I love children. I would have dozens if I could."

Kasto chuckles.

Abylina says, "Also, I have helped my husband with finances and the running of our trade shop."

Kasto nods.

Abylina confidently says, "And, before marrying, I was a teacher in our village."

Mino nods to Abylina.

Mino nods to Kasto.

Mino looks thoughtfully at Abylina.

Mino says, "Then I shall award you nothing for this case, pending your submission of the needed documents."

Mino says, "And, in the interim, the children will be placed into your care until either you gain approval by the Council or another has been appointed."
Mino smiles at Abylina.

Mino loudly exclaims, "That is the ruling of this court!"

(Mino bangs his gavel loudly on the table.)

Kasto beams!

Mino kindly says, "And, thank you, me dear, for bringing this grave situation to our attention."

Mino loudly says, "Court is hereby adjourned."

(Silverdrow runs up to Kasto, smiling brightly.)

Silverdrow excitedly asks, "We did it?? Are you going to take care of us now?"

(Silverdrow gazes hopefully at Kasto.)

Kasto grins at Silverdrow.

Kasto happily exclaims to Silverdrow, "We did it! I told you nothing would stop her!"

Kasto points at Abylina.

Kasto chuckles at Silverdrow.

Abylina beams at Kasto!

Abylina just hugged Kasto.

Silverdrow beams at Abylina!

Abylina smiles at Silverdrow happily.

Kasto kneels before Silverdrow.

Abylina blushes a bright red color.

Kasto smiles at Silverdrow.

Kasto cheerfully exclaims to Silverdrow, "You know, you never told me your name. I can't call you Boy!"

Silverdrow squirms.

Silverdrow giggles.

Silverdrow happily exclaims, "It's Jares, sir. Jares Braun!"

Kasto just tickled Silverdrow, making him laugh.

Silverdrow beams at Kasto!

Kasto laughingly exclaims, "Well, hey Jares... no Sir from you, sir!"

Kasto pokes Silverdrow in the ribs.

Kasto grins at Silverdrow.

Kasto asks Silverdrow, "My name is Kasto, remember?"

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"The curtains close slowly. Soft voices are heard coming from behind them as well as the sound of something being dragged."

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"When silence prevails, the curtains open again onto the orphanage play yard. There are no broken toys laying about and the swings seem to be in pristine condition. Children are playing and running around the play yard, laughing happily."

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"Kasto is off to one side with Jares looking at starcharts and occasionally pointing up to the sun filled sky. A small group of children, sit around Abylina in a circle as she reads them a story."

Abylina recites:

"...And with the wicked witch gone from the land, the people lived happily ever after. The End."

(Abylina closes her book.)

(Abylina giggles as the children all leap to their feet, rushing to fall into her arms to be hugged warmly by her.)

Abylina smiles lovingly at all the children.

(Abylina cries softly in pure joy.)

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"The curtain closes for the final time on a happy scene with happy children, running and playing and smiling brightly."

Arcticdark beams!

Arcticdark exclaims, "Wow!"

Arcticdark slowly empties his lungs.

Arcticdark smiles at the audience as he steps forward to the front of the stage.

Arcticdark loudly exclaims, "I hope you are as thrilled as I am at how our wonderful tale turned out!"

Arcticdark grins.

Arcticdark exclaims, "Oh, and for those of you who submitted a guess to the boy's identity, stick around after these next introductions. The award winner will be named!"

You hear a voice recite from the shadows:

"Once again Sorry the name was guesed."

Arcticdark exclaims, "Be well and safe, friends, and thank you very much for joining us for our debut performances!"

Arcticdark exclaims, "The Tavern Troupe Performing Order has returned to entertain you once again! Watch for our announcements coming your way in the very near future!"

Arcticdark exclaims, "Good Night!!"

---

The Shard Sentinel nods to Alexii and says, "Yes, you may pass."
Alexii says, "Sucker!"