Aurea Pre-Apprenticeship Song List and Scene Summary
"Life's Just the Way It Ought to Be"
A typical, glorious day in this Faerie kingdom. Everyone from the rooster heralds who announce the day, to the fierce dogs-at-arms who guard and patrol (and wench, but their song only hints at this), to the leonine nobility and even to the thieving rats who pick up their heads and walk away after being caught and punished, all live joyously and happily under the perilous wisdom of the (humanly bodied) Faerie Queen. Even the Unnamed Court Magician has a few, dour, good words to say. But Princess Aurea (Buttercup doesn't play well in Latin) isn't happy, despite all her animal friends. She knows there's something more.
"The Grass Isn't Greener"
Aurea tries to learn about the outside world, but the anthromorphic animals either don't know or assure her that this is the best place there is, superior in every way. No answers satisfy her as she works her way through the hierarchy of animals, until her mother tells her about the world outside, speaking truth and wisdom about the worst aspects of the world. Aurea takes leave despondent but chastened. Her mother is right, as always. Being a princess here is far better than being outside, and what else can she be here, other than a princess? Everyone else is perfectly suited to their roles.
"So Much to Do, So Much to Be"
The Unnamed Court Magician overhears her. (Well, who doesn't? :>) When they are alone, he notes that if her mother dies, somehow, Aurea will become queen. The soundtrack intimates that he wants this, but Aurea does not pick up on his evil intent. She is horrified at the thought, and wants her mother to reign forever. The Magician agrees quickly, and callously says that she will indeed rule forever, the perfect Queen, just as Aurea herself shall be trapped forever as the perfect Princess, as she has been since the beginning of time. Aurea asks the Magician to tell her all about the outside world, and whether her mother was right about it being so bad. He acknowledges the truths spoken by the Queen, but sings about adventure and possibility and freedom, inveigling various faeries to speak of their adventures.
"Make Yourself a Name"
When Aurea joins in the song, the Unnamed Court Magician hints that if she were bold, ruthless and willing to be true to herself rather than to others' expectations, she can break free and become the person she longs to be, deep down inside. But Aurea doesn't want to disappoint her mother, and the Unnamed Court Magician is evasive when Aurea asks about his name, and why he doesn't break free. He claims that he can leave anytime and will leave, as soon as he accomplishes what he came for. IThere is a party tonight, in honor of some guests, and Aurea leaves him to sing alone.
"I Was Once a Man"
Alone, the Unnamed Court Magician continues to sing, picking up from his being able to break free anytime he wants. He sings of his enmity for the Queen, for all rules and rulership, and how he has lived his life amassing the power to be free. But there is bitterness and sadnesss beneath the bluster. It slowly becomes clear that he is caught in the changelessness of the kingdom, trapped solely by his overweaning pride. There is a moment where he teeters on the brink of realization, but it passes, as he promises to strike a blow the Queen will remember.
"Noblesse Oblige"
Two human magicians from the mortal world visit the palace. Tarantella of House Criamon is a disfigured, disturbing woman bearing a large sword strapped to her back. It is sheathed and peacebound, yet radiates power even so. Calphalon of House Merinita is a man with golden hair, a cheerful smile and a voice as fair as any in the land. They are feted, and manage to avoid increasingly cunning faerie snares, while maintaining courtesy. At the end, they are complimented by the Queen and given lavish gifts in exchange for their entertainment and in appreciation of their wisdom and grace.
"True Love's Kiss"
Aurea is intrigued by the visitors and follows them. Thinking themselves alone on the balcony, they sing a duet about their day, their lives as wizards, and their love. They kiss. Aurea knows she must leave with them, to be part of their world and perhaps find True Love.
"Some Things Must Be Done"
The next morning she begs them to take her with them. At first they disagree. Calphalon says that it would be a deep breach of etiquette, and Tarantella just listens. But she pleads with them about being trapped in an endless cycle of the same day after day with no meaning to it, and Tarantella abruptly says they will take her. Calphalon protests. Even if it weren't a remarkably bad idea, it isn't possible, because Aurea is as much part of the kingdom as the foundation of the palace, eternal and unmovable. Tarantella isn't moved. She sings of determination and cutting cleanly, decicively, incicively, precisively... She draws her sword and the power is overwhelming. The sky darkens. All life shrinks back, except Calphalon, who says that they don't have enough magic. The Unnamed Court Magician appears, apologizes for the intrusion, yet could not help overhear something about magic. Surely with three powerful wizards, there is sufficient magic for almost anything. Aurea blurts out her intention. The Unnamed Court Magician says that being a wizard is difficult, that she will have to give up a lot, that she will never be able to return. They talk it over, and The Unnamed Court Magician agrees to help them, in exchange for their memories of him, and fifteen years of mortal life from each of the two magicians. And also to disseminate a book, which he hands them. Calphalon asks why the price is so cheap, and the Magician smiles.
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. Sort of interesting to see what comes out of it when you do.
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