Act 1 Scene 6:
(Lord Preen, the protagonist, The Adapetus Æther, and Dragoon-Mage Drakonvyr are now in a grand hall within the ÆDF Headquarters, adorned with banners and emblems. It features elegant wooden furniture and tall windows)
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(A man enters, his attire adorned in lavish white and gold, exuding an aura of pride and grandeur)
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(Stage directions: bright lighting for the entire scene in order to attempt to create a warm “Golden Hour” effect)
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Baron Vanity: (Announcing with posh accent) Greetings to thee, fine company, for I am Baron Vanity, emissary of Narciss, the land of splendour and opulence. (He bows extravagantly) 'Tis with great pleasure I stand before you, as befitting the grandeur of our realm.
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(None of the characters respond)
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Baron Vanity: My distinguished cohorts, I bring tidings from the heart of Narciss, the grandest region in all of creation. Earl Bigot, the illustrious ruler of our cherished realm, hath extended an invitation, requesting your presence in the thriving city of Worcestershire. The purpose, thou may ask? To partake in a remarkable gathering where ambitious endeavours and radiant ideas shall converge. (He gestures dramatically) It is an honour, a privilege, to serve as the harbinger of such grand opportunity.
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Lord Preen: (Awkwardly) Ah, yes, I am... um, Preen, just a humble... err, nobleman of modest means.
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Baron Vanity: (With a raised eyebrow) Preen? Ah, but you cannot be mistaken for any other! The Earl's own son, if I am not in error. We are honoured to host such esteemed company.
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Adapetus Æther: Well met, ambassador. The rumours of the advancements that the Narcissian Fleet have made fill me with pride.
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(The ambassador smiles broadly, clearly pleased by the flattery)
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Baron Vanity: Ah, the advancements of Narciss, indeed! The wind carries whispers of our innovations far and wide. One mustn’t reveal all the cards, though; a touch of mystery adds a certain air of delight, does it not?
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(The protagonist decides to join the conversation)
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Protagonist: (Shyly) Thy hath come across many grand-sounding titles among the folk of Narciss. Could thou, in all your wisdom, shed some light on the importance of these titles and the deeds that have earned them such respect?
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(Baron Vanity sighs to himself audibly before explaining)
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Baron Vanity: You see, my dear, Narcissian society is quite the intricate tapestry. The omnipotent Earl of Narciss presides over all, a towering beacon of authority. Below him, the five illustrious High-Exarchs govern our extensive regions: Worcestershire, Luxequinox, Valerium, Xyrolith, and Chalcrystis, their power extending like mighty tendrils across the land. Beneath them, common Lords dutifully serve, biding their time to inherit their ancestors' prestige. And the humble AeroBarons, they art of humbler origins yet rise by their own merit, striving to claim their piece of the grand Narcissian tapestry.
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(Both Lord Preen and the Adepetus Æther remain suspicious of the invitation)
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Lord Preen: (nervous) It is rather unorthodox for Narciss to bestow such an invitation. The weight of uncertainty rests heavy upon me.
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Adapetus Æther: (Equally uneasy) Thou speak thine thoughts exactly. The abruptness of this summons is confounding, and thy am unable to dispel this disquiet.
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Protagonist: (With innocent enthusiasm) Ah, but the prospect thrills the heart, does it not? To be summoned to a grand place like Worcestershire, what a journey lies ahead of us!
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Baron Vanity: (Offended) I perceive a touch of doubt in your words. Allow me to assure thou that this invitation is a distinguished privilege. The illustrious Earl Bigot yearns to revel in your presence and bestow his generous hospitality. Pray, thou do not entertain thoughts of declining such benevolence, do you? In our society, it is considered a grievous offence to spurn such an offering. Lord Preen, hath thou forgotten this? And to the fair maiden, with a heart as pure as gold, I implore thee to contemplate the elation your acceptance would bestow upon Earl Bigot and the populace of Narciss.
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(Lord Preen knows he is defeated)
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Lord Preen: I..I-
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Baron Vanity: (Interrupting) Your father hath been longing for the presence of his only son and heir, Lord Preen. It has been many years, and your company would bring joy to him. He wishes to reconcile and celebrate your return.
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(Before Lord Preen can respond, the ambassador directs his attention upon the Adapetus Æther)
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Baron Vanity: (Looking to the Adapetus Æther) As for you, esteemed Adapetus Æther, your presence is of particular interest to our people. Your knowledge and abilities could prove to be of great value in Worcestershire. Our airship designers and researchers owe you a great deal.
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Protagonist: (Excited) I am absolutely thrilled by this invitation, and I humbly accept on behalf of all of us. What an incredible opportunity this is!
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Baron Vanity: (Pleased) Excellent. Your understanding is most appreciated. I assure you that you have made a wise choice. Now, if you all would be so kind as to follow me to your transportation. We have a wondrous journey ahead.
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(The characters exit the stage, and the lights dim to darkness)
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(End of Act One)
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