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Opening Speech of the Collectivist Ball
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written and directed by Grand Libretto Eritheyl Windwhisper, Scion of Beauty
recorded on 1st Shanthin 318

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Cast

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera ............ Eritheyl

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You examine an ornate crystal stage and see:
Pristine in appearance, the stage has been left relatively bare for this performance. Lush, cerulean curtains have been drawn to shroud its depths, leaving only a small partition near the front marked by a lone podium.
The following props can be seen (STAGE LOOK to examine them):
Podium : Carved of a semi-translucent crystal awash with striatio
The following roles are being performed (STAGE LOOK to examine them):
Eritheyl : Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of by Eritheyl

stage look podium
You examine an ornate crystal stage and see:
Carved of a semi-translucent crystal awash with striations and prismatic streaks of colour, this podium is otherwise plain in appearance. Masterfully cut and rectangular in form, it houses a simple emblem against the front side; a trio of feathers, gathered at the quill and spread in a fan. The stem of some mechanism rises from the top surface, ending with a small bud of what appears to be spongy, black cloth.

stage look eritheyl
You examine an ornate crystal stage and see:
Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera
Portrayed by Eritheyl
Costume: Dressed in a smart, rigid suit of black cloth, this trill stands in a resolute, yet still visibly comfortable stance. His wings are bone white and sit flat and unmoving against his back, further exemplifying his propriety and effortless poise. The joyous sparkle of his amber eyes nearly rivals that of his peaked feather cap, which shines with an application of shimmering dust.

The lights of the Auditorium begin to dim, almost in an ominous manner.

A clear, authoritative voice resounds from all sides, "Please welcome to the stage: Grand Libretto Eritheyl Windwhisper, of the Grand Hallifaxian Opera Symphonium."

A soft click from the rear of the Auditorium ushers in the presence of a large spotlight, which centres upon a crystal podium positioned atop the stage.

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera steps lightly in from the hidden alcove of stage left, his wings folded primly against his back. He ascends the half-step before the crystal podium, surveying the gathered audience with a smile.

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "Greetings, Citizens of the Commonwealth and honoured guests! I trust this day finds you well, and in high spirits."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "While these words will be directed more towards the proper Citizens of the Commonwealth, I trust even those of our allied nations will find inspiration."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera pauses for a moment to clear his throat, his smile weakening somewhat.

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "We have known hardship, Citizens. This cannot be doubted."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "It is no simple matter, standing as the Beacon of Harmony; the sole pinnacle of cultural, scientific and philosophical supremacy within the Basin."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "There are those who would doubt our strength in the previous years, even some within our ranks. But this event shall stand in testament to all that we bring to the Basin, all that we strive to exude for the well-being of Lusternia as a whole."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "We may not always raise the banner of victory, but neither do we know only defeat. Through time and trial, one thing has remained constant - Hallifax stands strong, ever ready to jump into the fray and try our hand at claiming success."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "For this, Hallifax is in your debt. Each of you, whether Citizen of the Commonwealth or member of an allied nation, has sacrificed much to ensure that this city will never again fade into the annals of time."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "Sacrifice is a necessary facet of perfection. It is a step that must be taken to even begin plotting the course of achievement. In service to the Collective, no sacrifice is ever made in vain. This is our solace in times of hardship."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "Recently, we have witnessed one such sacrifice by our cherised Elder and first Patron, the Lord Enigma. Holding true to His title, He was not a being easily understood by the mere mortals He sought to oversee and guide."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "However, in the end, it goes without saying that His motives and aims were only to further those of the Commonwealth. As He gave His essence to protect our fine city from the assault of Almighty Kethuru, this became painfully clear to our more ignorant citizens, myself included."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "Through sacrifice, we are given the means to carry out our duties. Through servitude, we provide the force that drives this city to greatness. And so we come full circle, to commemorate this principle."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "There cannot be Harmony without Law, nor Law without Order. The foundation of Order that sustains this city, however, is found through sacrifice and dedication to a purpose higher than the ego or preservation of the self."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "We acknowledge this sacrifice, this servitude which allows us to live as those seeking Harmony and Order in the face of opposition."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "And so this event, this celebration of our culture and our unity, reminds us of the cost of seeking perfection. We will not forget such sacrifice, for in the end, we owe all that we are and have to the actions that lie outside of personal gain."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "For the preservation of Harmony, and in memory of the Lord Enigma, I welcome you all once more. I trust you will enjoy the proceedings."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera fans his wings once behind him, looking over a small pamphlet left atop the podium.

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera says, "We begin then, with an orchestral arrangement provided by Morshoth Windwhisper, Sublime Opus of the Grand Hallifaxian Opera Symphonium, entitled 'Melodies of Assimilation'."

Eritheyl Windwhisper, Grand Libretto of the Opera steps down from the podium, placing himself by its side and bowing once more before departing from the stage.