Ophelia:Moonlight Song/Memory

## Chapter 1: Dusk of Yesterday

Narration
10 years ago, Valentine.
The glamorous crystal chandelier in St Callier illuminated from dawn to dusk.
Music resounded through the concert hall as the Royal Orchestra played the theme song of Pigeon endlessly on the grandiose stage.
Ophelia and King August rested in a luxurious loge on the second floor. Fine wine filled the crystal glasses that gleamed with dazzling lights from the stage.
August
My dear Ophelia, will you look at this.
Only when people live in Pigeon's territory are they able to perform such elegant pieces.
Narration
Ophelia looked away from her wine glass and towards the nobles.
Their outfits were so incredibly compatible with everything in the music hall that God might as well have created them as a set.
Then, knocks on the door stopped August cold. A guard with a long face came in. When he had finished whispering to August, the king had grown visibly irritated.
August
Ophelia, there is a situation I need to attend to, so please head back to your room first with the maid.
Don't worry, sweet heart. It is only a minor dissonance that needs to be fixed quickly.
Narration
When Ophelia raised her head to look at St. Callier's locked doors. She realized she was having no illusion—there was music coming from behind the door.
The music sounded heavy and aggressive, threatening to storm through the music hall's door and walls in the next second and overtake the stage.
Maid
Your Highness, it's time for you to rest.
Narration
With a nod, Ophelia dragged her long dress across the golden stairs and past the engrossed nobles, heading in the direction opposite the main entrance.
The music outside the door grew fainter the further away she walked—until it was barely audible, like a flickering star in the pitch black sky.
[Screen fades to black, transitions to outside St. Callier]

Narration
Outside the hall, the blazing red sunset has stained everything in sight a crimson red—St. Callier's magnificent gates,
the musical instruments of the crowd and their faces and the sharp edges of the guards' gleaming swords.
Tragic singing rang through the otherwise silent square of St. Callier as notes from the crowd's lyres grow more intense.
When the crowd stormed through St. Callier's door, cries of agony and freshly spilled blood brought the never-ending banquet to a stop.
Musical instruments were smashed and shattered without mercy, eventually awash in blood.
Golden rays illuminated a few drifting white plumes dropped by pigeons that had already disappeared in the distance.
Blazing lights that beamed from St. Callier couldn't even drive away the heavy cloak of darkness that was befalling the city.
[End Transcript]

## Chapter 2: Music and Instruments

[Player]
What were those just now?
Ophelia
Those were moments from when I first came to Pigeon's Capital of Music 10 years ago.
Narration
I am always fascinated by beautiful places that I have never been to, so I asked my father to allow me to pay Valentine a visit.
Sitting in the royal carriage traveling through the hushed, desolate streets, I can see hurried pedestrians and tightly shut windows.
But the books I've read about Valentine all described the city as being a place immersed in music—day and night.
Ophelia
There was a traveler from the royal city who'd traveled to Valentine and written about the city.
What I'm seeing, however, is a far cry from what the traveler has written about the city...
Rigel
This is, Your Highness, because we're at war now.
Narration
Rigel is Earl Houghton's only son. He's been chosen by father to travel with me.
Rigel
This place is plagued by mourning, war, bloodshed, and death—so much so that no one is able to bring themselves to sing for the king.
Narration
I am reminded of my time at the palace. I remember seeing a general dressed in a uniform covered in medals and badges slamming the door as he left the war room.
Only to have Father wave his hand to call in the musician, whose sheet music overlaps scattered paper bringing news from afar.
Ophelia
Father told me that Valentine has just won the battle. This is worth a celebration, no?
Rigel
I don't see what's there to be celebrated when the blood of so many of our people has been shed.
[Player]
▸ His words seem to carry a deeper meaning to them...
Ophelia
And it wasn't until I was older that I finally understood what he'd said.
The battle had taken a much heavier toll on Valentine than what I was told at the palace.
Narration
The chilly wind from the river comes carrying music with it and stops Rigel cold.
There is a group of youths by the river playing a sort of music I've never heard before.
It sounds low and heavy, reminiscent of the sound flags make when blown by the wind in the wilderness.
Ophelia
I really like your performance because I'd never heard the piece you just played. A celebration concert will be held at St. Callier, so do join us there.
Narration
People usually respond with a smile when they've received such invitations from the royal family.
These people, however, stare at me in silence, seemingly wanting to say something.
Young Man
St. Callier has never played our kind of music, though.
Narration
The young man stroked a few notes on his lyre. The tune that flowed from between his fingers is not one that I recognize.
Young Man
Your Highness, I saw you in the royal procession coming to our city. Might I ask why you want us to perform at St. Callier?
Ophelia
Because I've heard that Valentine's victory celebration marked the beginning of Pigeon's victory. That is worth a celebration.
Young Man
Do you understand the war between Pigeon and Apple Federation, Your Highness?
Ophelia
I'm sorry, but I've only heard of the war from my father and his chancellors.
Narration
The youth starts playing his lyre without saying another word. As night slowly sets in.
The melodious tune gently travels away in the same way a warm breeze wound gently drift past a frozen pond.
The rest of the band follows the tune and starts singing a song.
You lie on your side under the shades of willows and cypresses
Your lips and teeth kiss the thin reed leaves as you play the ballad of dusk
The red buds have replaced the soft golden spikes of autumn
The flickering campfire shines upon the dust and ashes
You polish your organ and silver spear with the moonlight
As you play the piece under the myrtle in your dream
...
Narration
When he finished playing the last note on his lyre, the youth cast a glance over at me.
Young Man
What you have just heard, Your Highness, was "Farewell to My Dusk".
Ophelia
That's one toughing piece, and I feel as if I just saw a different side of Pigeon that I'd never been privy to.
Young Man
I've never seen the scenes from the song myself.
A friend of mine went to war and he wrote me the lyrics of this song in one of the letters he sent me. He was an amazing musician himself.
His lyrics came with his harmonica, and it was the only thing he had to keep him company at war.
He wrote that he would always play Valentine's songs at night under moonlight when battles during the day went well for them.
My friend can no longer play his harmonica, which is why I turned the lyrics into a song, so I can share his stories with people.
But I don't think the king is going to like it.
Narration
I recall the famous Pigeon classical music played all day at the manor. I think he is right.
He seems to know father better than I do, although he's never met him.
Young Man
You needn't be sad, Your Highness, for St. Callier isn't our stage on which to perform.
Narration
He turns to the river quietly flowing. The rippled water glistens in the starlight and lands in his eyes.
Young Man
Some pieces exist in praise of Pigeon and its nobles' deeds.
There are pieces that exist as messengers bringing good news from afar and inspire people to be brave in the face of power.
And music like this, Your Highness, can not and should not enter St. Callier.
Narration
The silver moonlight shines on St. Callier and casts a dramatic shadow, engulfing the young musician and concealing his expression.
[Screen fades to black, transitions to a marble courtyard]

Narration
The young man by the river and the song he received from the battlefield stay on my mind until I've reached the manor.
My quiet hums are quickly drowned out by the sound from the rehearsing Royal Orchestra.
Ophelia
Are people really looking forward to the concert in the middle of war?
Orchestra Conductor
Of course, Your Highness. The people of Valentine will sing in honor of Pigeon.
[End Transcript]

## Chapter 3: Old Stories, New Sounds

Narration
The sounds from the strings on the street grow intense and they travel through the heavy door and cut my flashback.
Sunlight filters through the floral stained glass windows, leaving sprinkles of light and dark in the room.
Two weeks have passed since the Valentine Music Festival audition was announced.
It has no status requirements, meaning that every citizen has a chance to stand on St. Callier's grand stage.
People still perform out on the street, but none of them has taken the initiative to sign up for the audition.
[Player]
▸ Why aren't people going to the audition?
Ophelia
Because the protest that happened 10 years ago at St. Callier became a taboo subject that no one has dared to speak about.
St. Callier's door closed forever following the protest, too.
[Screen fades to black, transitions to outside St. Callier, dimmed]

Narration
For a lack of sufficient weapons and supplies, the people of Valentine only won after sacrificing over half the city's population.
In the wake of war, people need condolences for losing loves ones and support with which to rebuild their city and continue fighting for their homeland.
The royal family and the nobles, however, failed to see what the people needed.
It costs an arm and a leg to hold a concert. Having just come out of war, Valentine certainly was in no position to carry such a heavy financial burden.
The anguish and rage in their voices and condemnation of the royalty disturbed the nobles' peaceful concert, which eventually turned into a violent riot.
Many citizens lost their life to the protest, including the lyricist who played his lyre by the river.
It was then that people lost their faith in the royal family and St. Callier.
When I close the notebook, I realize that I can sympathize with the people's pain, although they aren't on the same side as Father.
[Player]
▸ Are you still going to hold the audition then?
Ophelia
Yes, I think I am.
Narration
Winning people's trust might not be the easiest thing in the world, but I can feel their courage by reading about them.
Holding a non-discriminatory audition might just be a good chance for the royal family and the nobles to really be with the people and see their strengths.
[Screen fades to black, transitions to a marble courtyard]

Narration
Hurried footsteps can be heard echoing through the manor. It is Mary with the morning papers and a cup of warm black tea.
The news reports on the ensemble of young musicians from the Royal Orchestra and folk musicians playing a piece together last night.
The performance was well received and the plaza brimmed with laughter and applause.
Within a few days, the audition committee sends out invitations to many folk musicians.
The invitation state that all music halls in Valentine will be open to the public for free during the audition.
Player Selection
▸ Did you do all these?
[Player]
Did you do all these?
Ophelia
This is all I can do.
▸ All for the people, I see!
[Player]
All for the people, I see!
Ophelia
Thank you. I've only done what I should have.
Ophelia
I just want them to know that I'm willing to be on their side.
Be it during the music festival or not.
Mary
Your Highness, preparations are finished. We can leave whenever you wish.
Narration
Morning calls from birds enter through the window. I put down the paper in my hand and look outside. The branches are already lush with green buds of spring.
The rays of sunrise seep between the foliage and settle on the enlarged title of the morning paper, reading "Her Majesty to Visit Folk Public School".
[Screen fades to white, transitions to a small stage with red curtains]

Narration
A class is singing in the auditorium as their faces shine brightly in the lights.
The performers passionately sing their souls into the slow, soothing ballad.
They take their listeners over fields of boundless green grass and bring them the song of spring from the spirits of the mountains.
Conductor
Do allow us to present you "Farewell to My Dusk", Your Highness. May glory be with you and Pigeon.
Ophelia
I really appreciate your performance. Your voices touched my heart, and I'm sure you would make a valuable addition as a participant to the audition.
Narration
With hesitation on their faces, they say nothing. Then, sounding surprised, a little girl breaks the silence as she starts speaking.
Little Girl
Is what you just said true, Your Highness? Will I be able to go to St. Callier, then?
I just want people to hear me singing, but... I've been told that St. Callier isn't a place for regular citizens to perform at.
Narration
The little girl grows visibly upset as her voice gradually turns into a whisper.
Walking up to her and holding her hands in mine, I look at her clear eyes.
Ophelia
The music festival is meant for all music lovers to come and enjoy performing and singing.
The music festival is for all. Even if you don't sing to praise anyone, your song that brings people courage will be remembered by Pigeon.
[End Transcript]

## Chapter 4: Daybreak Commemoration

Narration
As events for the audition kick into gear, registration numbers begin to grow.
At the same time, however, people seem to have grown uncertain when the St. Callier Protest from 10 years ago is brought up again.
When I raise the subject of a war memorial service, dissent erupts once again during the morning briefing.
Viscount Frant
We don't need to mention what happened at St. Callier, and I don't think we should keep cowering away from the citizenry.
We must take the royal family pride into consideration here, Your Highness.
Narration
The nobles all agree with what Viscount Frant has just said as they look my way, apparently expecting me to comply to them as I always have.
Ophelia
Viscount Frant, you do not need to be afraid of the past.
It was the people—and not the royal family—who brought peace to this land 10 years ago.
The war's memorial ceremony will be held at St. Callier's square.
No matter how long it has been since the protest, I believe people will be there to pray for the deceased.
[Screen fades to black, transitions to outside St. Callier, dimmed]

Narration
Dark clouds still blanket the sky at dawn on the day of the war memorial service, but a faint stream silver moonlight glints down from the heavens.
I finish drawing the moonlight and starlight onto my gown design template before the service begins.
When the wide night has fallen, light—no matter how insignificant—will shine in the dark.
Eventually, however, people will find themselves awash in the warmth of the sun on the other side of night.
St. Callier wakes up from its ten-year sleep to the sound of the bell in the distance.
As solemn music fills the air, I feel people's eyes on me.
Ten years—it's but a blink of an eye for the elves. But to humans, it could feel much, much longer than that.
Time, however, can never wash away people's heartfelt pain and memories of their loved ones.
Ophelia
When St. Callier closed 10 years ago because of war, the people of Valentine stood on guard for their land.
With peace and hope back in our hands now, St. Callier welcomes all music lovers with open arms.
From now on, all Pigeon citizens shall be able to freely sing, perform and commemorate everything regardless of the location and circumstance.
May glory be with all of us and Pigeon.
Narration
Voices of children resound through the quiet square as I place the lilies in my hands onto the piano before the crowd.
You lie on your side under the shades of willows and cypresses
Your lips and teeth kiss the thin reed leaves as you play the ballad of dusk
...
Narration
The song flows through my heart like cozy, healing springwater, inviting still more people to join in.
...
You polish your organ and silver spear with the moonlight
As you play the piece under the myrtle in your dream
The endless wind traveling past Pigeon's flags
Carries with it tales of distant lands and songs of the homeland
O', God of the Glory, please do bless your traveler
So that he crosses people's minds every now and then
When the moon sings in the wilderness
...
[Screen fades to white, transitions to outside St. Callier]

Narration
People first played this song in Valentine 10 years ago in memory of those who had lost their lives.
And this very same song is played yet again today before St. Callier as a symbol of peace and hope.
Night fades gradually into day. When the first beam of daybreak pierces through the clouds.
It baths the people of Pigeon in warmth and gleams in their eyes like the glory of their kingdom.
[Screen fades to black, transitions to a river in Valentine at night]

Narration
St. Callier's square shines through the night as people come and pay their respects with flowers and candles in music and performance.
The stream of water flowing through the tranquil night seems telltale of the imminent spring.
[Screen fades to black, transitions to a large marble piano room]

Narration
When the last of the auditions at St. Callier was over, the only sound left resounding through its manor was "Farewell to My Dusk".
After I've played the last key from the piece, Modric and I look each other in the eye.
With an invitation in his hand, he seems to have been standing there for quite some time already.
Modric
You play with fluidity and confidence, Your Highness. Most importantly, you're able to share the composer's emotions from when he composed the piece.
But the lyre is still by far a better choice for the artist to express his feelings, which is why it's better for this piece to be sung out.
This piece has never been approved as the composer was a regular citizen. People, however, have never stopped singing it as it is cheerful and heart-touching.
I probably talked more than I should have, but I, as a matter of fact, really admire this composer who left us so early on in this life.
Ophelia
That's fine. I happen to want to learn a few things about this score myself anyway.
Yes, Modric?
Modric
I hated the idea of bothering you at this hour, Your Highness, but we've just received an urgent message from Ninir.
The audition itself went well, but we've run into other roadblocks while preparing for the music festival.
Narration
The last note from the piece lingers in the room, reminiscent of when Ophelia first heard it 10 years ago by the river...
As the young composer stared at the setting sun, the wind carried away the last note from his lyre along with the band's voices into the distance.
Holding Modric's invitation letter in my hand, I see Ninir's royal stamp shining in silver moonlight.
Ophelia
For there is hope that a new song will be sung in the Land of the Pigeon.
[End Transcript]