Senecio and Tide

[VisAnastasis]

" That's what I am trying to figure out now. How to make a distinction. " Hans acknowledged. " In clear writing, I would know - it is just a play of right words to pull the heartstrings. But here, I have to literally paint it, with acts, instead of just words, so that's why I need you, to help me stay of from cheesy territory. I have couple of possible ways I am considering to subvert this danger, as the introducing scene is so important to keep audience interested, but without you, I'd have to spend way too much time reading hundreds of scripts and so on, to search for best way to show nuances and learn for it, and I have no time for that, so I'd rather learn this by diving straight into it, with you as my beta reader. If I hired some drama writer for help, it'd take too much time, and if actors found out, it would send wrong message, that I don't really know what I'm doing. " he  shrugged innocently. " Which, I most surely, certainly do. "

[Mirach]

"Okay then," Senecio nodded. "How about you write that part as you would in a book, and then we will see how we can best transfer it to the stage?"

[VisAnastasis]

" That sounds good. We could do that for brand new scenes as outline, before he get to transferring that in rhyme. " Hans nodded slowly. " How about the nature of that first scene? It has to be sympathetic, sure, but do you have any suggestions, perhaps? " he bid. " I was thinking that perhaps we could maybe actually show the scene with Death being chosen as king. It's just the idea, because it would be handy, in sense of combining expositions. Demons already had general structure of influence by time Death was chosen as leader of Spirits. If we first represent scene where Death is chosen as king and everyone rejoices and all - we can then send a messenger Spirit from Death's new court, to Court of Demons, to tell big news... And then we can add sympathetic scene with Demon King, to establish his court as well. It would tie in nicely. I would like to show it all menacing at first, and show how Spirit Messenger is scared, having never been to Demon Court before - and then have Demon King act so gentle and understanding, that both Spirit and audience are relieved and grew soft spot for Demon King. " Spirit suggested, having, quite clearly, much more thought about that part of scene. " Grendel likes to sing, in a whistling language of demons, and had a really rich baritone. Power in his manners would make you fear him, but warmth in his voice would make you love him. I would like to convey that. It didn't happen like that, in real world, and he wasn't first, but second ruler of Demons, sure, but, as we have to convey too much history in too little time, I as thinking of maybe making that blend, and and making that Messenger Spirit from Death's to Grendel's court be the Spirit that would eventually fall in love with Demon King, so we don't have to introduce her character out of nowhere only for few minutes with no speaking role, but actually have her present from the start. "

[Mirach]

"Yes, it's always better to have fewer characters that the audience can remember," Senecio agreed. "Besides the practical reason of paying less actors... But I would maybe start a bit sooner, with introducing Death. Why was he chosen as a king? Could it be some deed, that revealed his nature? It woule be good to also introduce him as a healer right from the beginning."

[VisAnastasis]

" It was not one single deed, per se. It were... Lot of subtle ones. He was always mysterious. Back then, very joyous, quick to laugh and free to play - but you always felt as if you barely scratched surface with him.  Hans whispered. It was clearly more difficult for him to speak of Death than Grendel, specially in light of danger Death posed upon his best friend in so near future - but he tried to gather resolution to reply as truthfully, to person that will be playing Death. " He is... Literal force of healing, strongest in universe, that we know of. It's hard to explain his rise to power.... He just kind of walked into it, as gardener walks into fields of flowers, naturally, with confidence. At first, it was just, people starting to gather up around him.... Him starting to interrupt quarrels between Beings, and making peace, as he went along... Little things, as such. Good deeds gathered up with time. He became more involved with Spirits in particular, and he grew to love them dearly, look after them... And they loved him back. There was not one single act. There were too many. It just kind of happened like.... He tried to find better ways to protect Spirits from hurting each other. He became so immersed, into making through various agreements, rules, laws, to make everyone behave... As if you'd make when you make rules on playground, for kids not to fight. And he just kind of stepped into role of lawmaker, of parent, making sure kids don't hurt each other... And there is was. It was very simple, organic... It was really, as if laws of physics, bended to his will. Gorgeous, untouchable, gentle - you was drawn to him, not because of some specific deed, I think, at least I didn't, because he never did something specific nice for me. You was simply drawn to him... Like you are drawn to ground, by gravity. Like by laws of phisics. It was beautiful yet terrifying. "

[Mirach]

"That's really hard to convey in a play..." Senecio murmured. "We should make it one deed, just as an example, with hints that there were many more. He could be just healing two spirits that got into a quarrel, and helping them to make peace with each other, when he gets the news that he was elected as a king... but he lets the messanger wait, because healing is more important. Would that work?"

[VisAnastasis]

" That would be very powerful and typical thing, for someone like him." Hans nodded quietly. " What do you say to this arrangement - first scene, of Death rreaching to help a needy Spirit who is in pain - and being iinterrupted by female Spirit messanger teling him he was elected king and must come with him at once Because everyone is waiting, but refused to go before helping a Spirit, like you said. Death then stays to help needy Spirit, and just tells and sends that same mesanger to Demon court to share news with them, and we have sympathetic scene on Demon's court, introducing Grendel, being woried about sudden news, but gentle and kind still. Grendel captivates her but she is shy about it, and we grow to like her and rooth for her too. He sends back messanger to Death, to wish him well, despite worry, hoping peace and good may come of it. That way, mesanger connects both courts, and we have more time to grow fond of her. And then, when she comes to Death's court, she arrived just in time for coronation - and she is awed, as we see Spirits rejoice, and we are first introduced to Death in all his splendor, and to love of his life, Fairy Queen."

[Mirach]

Senecio thought for a moment, imaging that on scene. "That would be a good introduction to the story and characters, but there is one problem. In just one act, there are two scene transitions. That means a change of coulisses, and that's usually done between acts, as it takes some time. I remember that was a problem in the original play as well. It switches between the spirit and demon court a lot, and the transitions were boring... We should think of a way to make it more fast and fluent. The work on the coulisses should also start as soon as possible, right after we figure out what scenes do we need."

[VisAnastasis]

" Yes, I understand why it would work better in literature than on live stage. " Hans acknowledged, stroking his chin, thinking about the problem. " I don't know if this is educated suggestion, but let me see - when exactly is play supposed to be? Since stage in the theater is really spacious, I think... That perhaps, we can work out something interesting... If we start playing it only when night falls down and we can only use artificial lights, instead of natural one. We could build some strong custom lights - I know some good human craftsmen, and some Spirits that love working with strong reflective crystals, that can be used to direct light from distance, on particular part of stage. Same technology that's used for lighthouses, only more directed. What we could do... Is basically build a Spirit court on one end  of the stage, and Demon court on another end of the stage, all in the dark, and direct proper light upon part of stage that current scene is happening in, like drawing the focus. As great number of scenes until start of war happens between those two courts, we could basically be switching scenes only by changing light focus from one court to another, and as well, we could do it organically, by having light reflector follow the Messenger that travels from one court to another. We could even have bound scenes, where we quickly pass from one court to other, to mark the rising panic and dread, that culminated when whole scene is lightened up, and both sides and courts rush towards one another, as war breaks out.... And we end with sudden Grendel's death followed by climactic battle, with which ends that particular act, so we can make a brake on a high note, before light fades out, where we can remove both courts from scene, as after war starts, Grendel is dead, Death is broken with grief and pain, and there are no more scenes in courts anymore, only at battle fields. I mean, if scene would be too static, we could add some moving parts in courts, with some form of mechanism, to make scenery of it always shift a bit, and also always shift colors a bit, to make sure it doesn't grow too hard on the eyes. If we can't use words but only show, we can let colors do the drama, as ell as music, of course. Death and Grendel's costumes will, hopefully, have some nice sparkling parts, so it would look even better, to have them sparkle and shine from all direct and secondary light. I mean, it is all just an idea, you know if it can work... I really don't know when generally plays are played, but, knowing my Beings friends, they'd prefer it to be at night, anyway... And Tide would feel better if he could more easily blend in the shadows as well. "

[Mirach]

"Slowly getting there, but not yet..." Senecio murmured. "It doesn't matter when the play is, the stage has no windows. But I haven't heard about light focused enough to just light one part of the stage and leave the other in darkness. It's starting to seem like you on purpose picked a bad play to show people what you can turn it into. But, as visually interesting as the idea is, I don't agree. The stage is big, but not too big, and even if we could fit two scenes at once, it wouldn't do, having the whole action for several acts happen in one or other half of the stage. The audience sitting closer to the demon court would have to strain to see what's going on in the spirit court, and vice versa. The action is usually centered in the stage. Actors move around, but if you would track their movements, the main ones always return to the center. So, I'm thinking... how about making just one court, with a general layout? The lights could make it appear darker or brighter. I don't know, maybe your friends knkw some material that is dark or light according to the angle the light is hitting it from? Also, to not have people running back and forth, the people in the court without bigger roles could be the same. They would just have left side of the costume black and right side white, or the other way, depending where they stand. The would just switch sides with the scene transition. But music... The original play didn't have any. If we want to get someone to compose it, we should have hired him... somewhere here," he pointed at the desk far above the timetable, indicating some weeks ago. "Or..." he looked at Hans hopefully, "get a Listener. I heard they can compose music instantly, most fitting for the occasion. We could just show him the play at the final rehearsal, and let him play what he feels at the premiere. It's a running joke in the theatre - *or we could get a Listener*. Because there are not many and would not want to work in a theatre... But maybe you know someone whom you could convince? The other thing, we should start advertising the play tomorrow. You will easier convince actors to take the roles if it has a massive campaign already and people are curious about it. And you already have me in the main role, that should work..." he said a little vainly. "But what I'm thinking about, why we should start advertising this early, is to give people time to make costumes. Let's say we give tickets for half the price, or even free, to people who come in Being costumes, as the play is about Beings. That would cut our profits, but let your friends blend in nicely, free to move around the theatre without hiding."

[VisAnastasis]

Hans nodded to actor a little cunningly.  
" You guessed a bit of my thoughts, regarding advertising. " he shrugged little innocently. " This is first play we work on, and since it's first play we will present this way, I wanted to make prices of premiere half the usual, to fill in theater as much with humans, for this one occasion. But I didn't really knew costume bit is custom... So, what do you say we give 30 percent discount to usual prizes for all, and 60 % of those who come with a mask? To be honest, I was wondering if I should make it free altogether, but honestly, it would look unprofessional, and while I don't want to make any assessment of big profits, I am counting reduced tickets prize would be best, to return some part of investment, just to make sure I am not too much in the minus for this pleasure. I didn't get this far by throwing money *just* randomly. I will start with marketing campaign early in the morning, or as early in morning as possible, depending when I come back with the glasses for Benito. As for how are we going to work through making of court... That is our bigger problem, I think. The thing is, really, that aesthetics are completely different. I told you. Spirit court is more flowy, like wind, playful and soft... Demon court more firm, like earth and stone, firm and reliable, but warm. I don't want to make Benito sacrilege good costumes by making it half dark half light, like it's for some kind of harlequin, instead of powerful Beings. I would still like keep them separate if we can - specially because in end of the act with Grendel's death and all, we have a big battle between Demons and Spirits, where it could look confusing if we suddenly have same actors fighting like... themselves.. ? I am not sure. I am having a little trouble imagining the solution, I fear, as I only sow couple of plays in my life, and one I sow with Tide was just an adaptation from some of my old pseudonym books, so I was just curious that once. This is different. But unless we can make a 360 degrees moving platform or something, that would rotate to switch between two sets that are back to back on it, I fear I am not sure if there's any way to keep separate costumes... In that case, perhaps only solution would be to perhaps make all costumes of different graying hues, like, with symbolism for gray morality and all, costumes that would then be made to look different only through different lights - if light is more saturates, they'd look whitish, if light is more dimmer and foggy, costumes would look darker. We wouldn't look cheap if we'd turn that disadvantage into *oh, we could have had costumes, but we did this to have audience question nature of morality, to see nothing is black and white, only gray, in truth* and all that kind of pathetic pulling of heartstrings and all. I can guarantee that I do know people that can help you borderline magical lights for play, with very strong beams, and that can even help you use light for prompts - I can show you, if you have trouble visualizing, if you want... " creature narrowed its eyes at actor a little thoughtfully, and its voice was more hesitant, as if it was little insecure about offer, and watching closely what actor will reply. " One of my rooms, has glowing prompts made by one of my friends. It's quite neat... Actually, I think I would like us to continue work on the script there - I think we would be better able to get in right mood for those kind of decisions.

[Mirach]

"Yes, let's go there," Senecio agreed, and on the way elaborated further on this thought. "So we can make the scenery change from demon to spirit palace with light, yes? And the actors have to change too... How about pillars? That would make the impression of a big hall. Imagine many revolving pillars, black on one side and white on the other, empty inside. When the lights go off, the pillars turn around their axis, and through a hidden door in them, one actor steps out and another in. It would take just a few seconds and when the lights go back on, there is a different court and different actors. It would look like real magic... The kings can hide behind the throne, too. And, about the masks - it's not a custom, but we can make it one. I've got an idea, and it might sound crazy with the tight deadline and all, but... how about a ball after the play? The season of masquerade balls is coming. We can keep the tickets at equal price, but make a costume a condition to attend the ball afterwards. Will the king's visit be official this time? It could be a ball in his honor, and a great boon in advertising the play, if he attends it." Senecio chuckled. "He could have a costume as well, so he will be half incognito. People will know heis there, but not in which mask. And how about the Listener? Do you think you could find one?"

[VisAnastasis]

"King will visit officially, yes, to watch your play. To be honest - I wanted to use him in advertising. Like - gee - who wouldn't want to try to get tickets to, not only see play, but catch a glimpse of your new king, am I right? " Senecio replied, but despite joking ords, his voice was a little serious, as he watched actor from a side. " I like your ideas about pillars - I think that would be our best bet, at really having a big impact. Practical, grand, yet simple, with symbol of duality - I like it. I think I would like us to go that way, as well. " he paused, as he focused on something that most caught his attention. " Idea of ball, though - I really like that one... But for little selfish reasons, I admit. " he cleared his throat, before asking slowly. " On scale of 1 to 10, how good of a dancer would you call yourself? Because, let me tell you, Tide is pretty much 10... And it would be pretty big treat to him, to have a dance with you, in such a romantic setting. Do you think you could pull it off? "

[Mirach]

"I love dancing..." Senecio smiled. "I hoped he would like it as well. So, a whole new level of tasks in the timetable? And, um..." he looked a bit unsure about what he wanted to ask next. "Since the costumes were my idea... do you think it would be worth a deal in that restaurant, so we could go there after the ball?"

[VisAnastasis]

" I don't see how those things are connected. You are working for me now, and I expect you to give your best, without expecting rewards on every step, every time you have a good idea. " Spirit said simply, as he stopped beside a door at end of hallway, in dramatic pause, before adding. " However, I look after my own, and it seems going there at end of the long work day, and passionate night of dancing, would be something to quite boost up your happiness, wouldn't it? " he bid innocently, adding with little shade, but some kindness, still. " I don't feel like, um, personally returning there anytime soon to make such arrangements - but I would say seeing you that happy would be worth a deal with *me*. " he whispered meaningfully, and paused, before offering. " Let's say... You promise me to have a hell of a good time, dancing out the evening with Tide, and make sure to fill up brakes from dances with kisses in public, as he adores that. That would already be something I would consider making a deal over, not costumes. In turn, I'd borrow you my moneybag for the night, with plenty of money, so you can order any meal you two feel like, and enjoy yourselves, and just return it to me by the evening. Are you willing to make that deal with me? "

[Mirach]

"Yes," Senecio said simply. "Just... it will probably be morning, when we return. With the play in the late afternoon, the ball would go on during evening and night, and we would go to the restaurant for a sort of breakfast, I think. Although, will it be open? Maybe the cook would like to go to the ball as well..."

[VisAnastasis]

" Ball will be romantic enough, I think - wouldn't you rather save restaurant for romantic dinner for some other time? Specially if you'd like to do some *other* things after the ball instead? "Hans asked innocently. " I am just saying... Romance is all fine, but passion is important, too. I can borrow you money some other time for restaurant. As for cook himself, though - no, I don't think he'd appear as such a thing as any Ball. He keeps to himself. " he paused, before explaining simply. " He is a kind of creature you can call sea guardian. A slender childlike Spirit, that barely reached your waste, that looks after other small Beings at sea to help them live. He was friends with lot of demons, that he lost in wars, though, and that let him to grow corrupted in solitude. He was like feral animal, when Tide found him... But with his help, he got better. The healing from corruption is long, though. You don't just get over such deep anxieties and pain.. He is better now, treating people to nice food as he likes, but he keeps to himself, and prefers avoiding crowds of unknown people. He doesn't feel comfortable enough breaking his routine and having free days yet. "

[Mirach]

Senecio nodded slowly. "If we could go there some other time, I will see what Tide would prefer. A premiere is always quite draning for actors, though..."

[VisAnastasis]

" That's what I am saying - going all the way to restaurant after premiere and big dance - it would take at least hour or two, and be too straining, isn't it? Wouldn't just some nice time alone with Tide before bedtime be more, let's say, pleasant? " Hans shrugged innocently. " That would be my suggestion, at least. Tide likes having good time, but he likes closeness just as much.  " he said, as he unlocked the door to the room they were to be in, with big keys bundle similar to Tide's, as probably this floor of mansion belonged to him.

[Mirach]

"We will see when we get there, I guess. Let's focus on organizing the play, and the ball so it's perfect," Senecio smiled.

[VisAnastasis]

" Deal. " Hans graced him with a little, light smile, before he opened the door hesitantly, and let him in, closing it behind them.
The room was rather simple, actually - with but one central elevated element, though element peculiar and delightful - a strange, glowing tree, made in form of cut outs. The room seemed kind of private, as it probably, to Hans, had some kind of comforting vibe, and he'd come here when needed peace and clarity of mind. It seemed no actual magic was involved here, only some precise and peculiar kind of light technology, soothing and pleasant to the eye.

http://p3.pstatp.com/large/ad000e27cafa4da656

[Mirach]

"Wow," Senecio breathed out, walking around the tree so he could see it from the other side and figure out how it works.

[VisAnastasis]

Hans chuckled a little, seeming bit tense in waiting of response, but little freer now, with actor's wonder, as this place was more personal to him. He crossed his arms and stood aside a bit, letting him check it out and see how it worked - it seemed combination of materials that were reflective and were able to be turned on a off like lambs on command, and of focused light beams, falling upon intricate sculpture from different sides of the ceilings.

[Mirach]

"With the pillars and this," Senecio said thoughtfully, imaging it, "it will look amazing in the stage."

[VisAnastasis]

" Well, duh - do you think I push my hands into causes that I don't believe in? " Hans approached him quietly, sitting down beside the tree, inviting him to sit down with him, using elevated part as writing table. " The people that work on things like this, are a group of five Beings - Two light Spirits, and Three demons tied to earth and soil. They have special fascination with making things sparkle... They mostly make those things as gifts, and invent cool stuff as suck for their home in second layer, where they live. They are Tide's friends. When it fell on my mind, idea to use lights for this - I immediately though of this. They don't collude with humans often, but don't hate them, either, so this could be a bit of fun for them as well. Light Spirits specially, are very talkative, and very fun to work with. "