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[color=seagreen][h1]Drake[/h1]

[color=greenyellow][b]Time:[/b] Morning of the 28th[/color] 
[color=greenyellow][b]Location:[/b] Edin Theater[/color]
[color=greenyellow][b]Mentions:[/b] King Edin, Queen Alibeth, and Charlotte Vikena [@princess][/color][/color]

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With the conclusion of the first act, and the foreign prince making his way offstage, Drake couldn’t help but smile at the man. Drake offered a silent bow towards Farim as he passed by, acknowledging his stellar performance. The curtains began to close, and the stage crew quickly got to work disassembling the complex arena that Farim had requested. Within moments the stage was once again clear, and out wheeled a grand piano with the golden letters of “Steinway” written across its front. [color=greenyellow][i]Never one to shirk on the expenses, King Edin.[/i][/color] Drake smirked as he approached the seat, and gave the piano keys a few telling strikes to test their tuning. The light sounds of musical notes may be heard from beyond the curtain, but people were far too abuzz with the previous act to notice or really care.

In the pit in front of the stage, a 5 man orchestra gathered and began to tune their instruments - an assortment of cello, bass, viola, and violin experts who would reach for their appropriate tools as the pieces progressed. Drake nodded at them, giving them a few moments to warm up, and finally waved at the stagehand to pull the curtain back. The still bustling crowd immediately found themselves captivated by the scene before them. The stage lights lowered to a more neutral dim, and a translucent blue filter was placed over them cast a pale blue light entirely on the stage. Out from the wings came Lord Edwards himself, dressed in a black and blue jacket. His coat was accented with golden filigree that drew the eye - a direct contrast to the jet black pants and shoes that he wore to complete his professional attire. Their eyes would be drawn to his upper half, and the painstaking hours he spent at maintaining his beautiful yet masculine features.

The clicking of his shoes on the polished stage floor echoed through the room until Drake had reached the piano. He gave a simple and silent bow towards the crowd and took his seat - forgoing an initial introduction. Drake would instead catch their ears with his [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3XyQCeNLZQ]first piece.[/url]

The slow start lead into the high-speed bridging of notes together while the strings plucked away - as if trying to catch the young man in his speedster piano playing. His arms began to animate far more than necessary with each stanza. Drake felt his body lean into the performance while the audience watched with held breath. A few even wondered if there would be a similar repeat to his blunder from several days ago. But as Drake finished and stood up, it was clear there was no suspicious alcoholism to fault his step.

The abrupt applause came and died rather quickly, with Drake’s hands politely ushering for their undivided attention. The man spoke clearly and loudly - with no futuristic sound system to bolster his voice he had to project as far back as he could. Yet his words carried a certain weight and deliberate level of calmness. [color=greenyellow]“Friends, nobles, and your Royal Majesties!”[/color] Drake paused for another bow directed at both King and Queen. [color=greenyellow]“It is my pleasure to be before you today with a few pieces that I think truly capture the essence of our city's culture. The work you just heard is titled ‘Blue Skies’. It has a rather uplifting tune, yet still carries this enchanting melody that has you wondering what else may be in store. That right there is our way of life. Our beautiful city and its boundless passions and beautiful arts!”[/color] He raised his hands, palms towards the ceiling, in a grand gesture towards the people.

[color=greenyellow]“I promise not to take up much more of your time - as I’m sure you are all excited to see what else there is in store today. The next two pieces you will be hearing are called ‘A Tender Feeling’ and ‘Illumination’. The former being a more melancholic melody that carries a weight on every note - that we may do the same with each step as we admire the natural wonders of our homeland. A bustling city by day, and a quiet realm of opportunities by night!”[/color] He took a breath, placing a hand behind his back and his hand into a softly closed fist. Pointed his thumb up and out, Drake gestured to random members of the audience as he continued. [color=greenyellow]“Opportunities that each and every one of you can take. Ways to make our nation greater. To be the best versions of ourselves! To Illuminate the way ahead of his with our prestige and extravagance - much like the way our royalty provides such opulent guidance in our most trying times! Something that I hope you feel when you hear the final piece of my act this morning. 

Now! Without further ado!”[/color] Drake walked back to the piano, taking his seat, and proceeded to play the [url=https://youtu.be/ZJGTrULrdUY?si=bGjlXGgEvrHsrN4p]next piece.[/url] This one was the same piece his friend Charlotte had given him. Drake hoped he could redeem himself in not only the eyes of the people, but in hers as well. He would not let her gift be remembered in mockery, but instead in beauty and reverence. The man’s heart and soul went into every keystroke. A single purposeful tear rolled down his cheek, prompting some of the spectators to do the same. As the piece came to its conclusion, there was loud, joyful, and sorrowful claps all around the theater from a wide range of participants.

Drake gave them their moment, and wiped the residue of his fallen tear off his cheek before launching into his [url=https://youtu.be/PEw629Bp7vU?si=gbj6_tJ7wq08KDl9]final piece.[/url] There was no gradual build - only the immediate speedy crescendo into a cascade of rhythms filled with hope, with joy, with determination. All of it poured from the stage, as the string instruments supplemented their own melodies to bring suspense and flavor to the already savory piece that filled the auditorium. Drake had practiced this particular piece since early on in his youth - he practically had it memorized. It was what he would play when things seemed bleak. When he felt like he couldn’t carry on anymore - and that his ambitions meant nothing against the grand scheme of what transpired around him. This was his fighting spirit - laid to bare for the people of his home to see. This, to him, was the essence of the arts. To channel your feelings - your emotions - your soul - into the very medium you chose so that others may share in your experiences. He channeled his thoughts and dreams into this performance, ending the last few notes with powerful slams of his fingers.

From there, he stood up, approached the edge of the stage and bowed as the audience gave their standing ovations. The roaring applause was like more music to his ears, and he gestured to the orchestra players to join him on stage to join for a group bow - which they all did happily. As the noise of the crowd settled, Drake had a final thing to say.

[color=greenyellow]“We are a great nation, we are great people, and we are a great city. Hurrah to the city of Sorian!”[/color]

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