un: act_v (Voice) 📚

[rhapsodist]

When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end
The goddess descends from the sky
Wings of light and dark spread afar
She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting


Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess
We seek it thus, and take to the sky
Ripples form on the water's surface
The wandering soul knows no rest.
Three friends go into battle.
One is captured
One flies away
The one that is left becomes a hero.


Dreams of the morrow hath the shattered soul
Pride is lost
Wings stripped away, the end is nigh
There is no hate, only joy
For you are beloved by the goddess
Hero of the dawn, Healer of worlds


My friend, do you fly away now?
To a world that abhors you and I?
All that awaits you is a somber morrow
No matter where the winds may blow
My soul, corrupted by vengeance
Hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey
In my own salvation
And your eternal slumber


My friend, the fates are cruel
There are no dreams, no honor remains
The arrow has left the bow of the goddess
My friend, your desire
Is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess
Legend shall speak
Of sacrifice at world's end
The wind sails over the water's surface
Quietly, but surely


Even if the morrow is barren of promises
Nothing shall forestall my return
To become the dew that quenches the land
To spare the sands, the seas, the skies
I offer thee this silent sacrifice.

[There is the sound of a book closing and a sigh.]

It has been quite some time, but to this day, LOVELESS never gets old. If only I could see the play once more but alas...

[Chuckle.]

I do hope the poem entertained you as well, have a good evening.

Comments

voice; un: bard

[notgrande]

That's quite beautiful! I can't say I've heard of Loveless but if all of it is as poetic as that, then I imagine it's quite a work of art.

[rhapsodist]

I am, perhaps, biased when I say that it is a masterpiece. The play brings the poem to life and, when done well, can truly move the soul.

[Much like it had him.]

[notgrande]

So it's a favorite, then? I can understand. A well crafted story should capture the attention and hearts of everyone who witnesses it. I can't imagine what a performance would add to this, it'd have to be something I see for myself.

Which, of course, I know isn't an option here necessarily.

So I'll simply appreciate what you've shared. I'm a storyteller myself so I'm always glad to hear new work.

voice; un: afairguy

[fairlyheroic]

Geez. [he's trying to sound annoyed but, y'know, it's been a while since he's heard it] Last time I heard the whole thing was when I read it myself.

[rhapsodist]

[He laughed quietly.]

Since when do you read poetry? Don't tell me I actually had an influence on you~?

Heh, did you see the play too?

[fairlyheroic]

It is your fault I read it. [he huffs softly] I was curious. And I had nothing else to do when they put me on leave.

Someone did invited me to go see it, but I never had the time to. I probably would have gone.

[rhapsodist]

On leave?

[The realization dawned on him then and there was a soft sigh.]

Ah. I'm surprised you would even want to pick it up after that.

[fairlyheroic]

Really? Here I thought you wouldn't be surprised at all.

voice; un: warder

[beshackled]

[An interesting tale... yet a sorrowful one.]

Do the friends ever reunite?

[rhapsodist]

There are various interpretations as the final verse was never found. This was my own. I encourage you to draw up your own.

[beshackled]

Then I would choose to believe they do.

At journey's end, they will meet again.

[rhapsodist]

What is your reason?

[beshackled]

...'Tis well known on Etheirys that all life returns to the star. My hopes for these three friends is that they have a similar opportunity, after having had to endure such sorrow.

...but, if one must have a justification from within the story itself... perhaps the first part of the reading may offer a bit of hope?

I cannot imagine any greater bliss than reuniting with friends once thought lost.

Video; UN: Maglor

[bythewaves]

That was a lovely poem indeed, good sir, and I thank you for sharing it. Was it of your own writing?

[rhapsodist]

All but the last verse was not my own. It's a poem from antiquity, found beneath my home town and published into this book. It was then adapted into a story and eventually a play. The last verse was never found, so the story is usually left ambiguous at the end. This was simply my own interpretation.

[bythewaves]

You've done very well then, as I discerned no difference between composers for any of the verses. Tis a good ending, I think. I would have liked to see the play! It seems a pity that we will never get the chance here. Do you write much poetry of your own?

[rhapsodist]

I do not. The last few years have been... tumultuous, to say the least. LOVELESS was my saving grace during that time, although arguably even before then. I prefer reading to writing.

[bythewaves]

Are you a fan of any particular author then? I can see why this one would be favoured - it captures both the bitter and the sweet.

voice; un: dandelionknight

[vennessa]

[There's a little round of applause before she speaks.]

How lovely! I didn't know you were a bard, Genesis.

[rhapsodist]

Hah, a bard, hm?

[It's an amusing thought, as much as he loved reciting the poem. The occupation of bard was one that never actually crossed his mind.]

One poem is hardly enough to call oneself that, as flattering as that is.

[vennessa]

Nonsense, you have a clear talent for it.

[Her best friend is a bard! Look, she knows these things!]

I don't suppose that you know Venti?

[rhapsodist]

The name isn't familiar to me, but I take it they are a friend of yours and a bard?

[It only made sense.]

I thank you, nonetheless.

[Video] un: masamune

[silversoldier]

[ Sephiroth's eyes are downcast as he listens but at some point they snap up to the camera. ]

Hm...act five, is it?

[ The unspoken question is, of course, how and when did that happen? After all, Genesis has told him so much and yet Sephiroth doesn't know about this. But he seems to catch himself and almost hurries on to say: ]

It is good to hear it from you again.

[rhapsodist]

Yes.

[He didn't answer the unspoken question. It was a bit more fun this way, although he would let him know of outright asked eventually.

Instead, he chuffed a laugh through his nose.]

Is it?

[silversoldier]

Yes.

[ And since Genesis seems to be in a good mood, might as well troll him. ]

Surprisingly.

[ The corner of Sephiroth's mouth twitches upward. ]