aefenglom | BACKDATED video. theater, music, opera!

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BACKDATED video. theater, music, opera!

Name: mozart
Date: backdated to septeril 4th
Format: video

[ the video starts off with a theme of musical fanfare and no particular image to go along with it, but one might recognize the pulleys, lights, instruments and curtains in the background as belonging to the backstage of a theater. but wait, isn't theater banned?

either way, amadeus appears in frame a moment later. ]

Music is the substance of life. What better way to capture the hearts of a restless population than with a proper melody?

—Good evening, Mirrorbound! Try not to look so tense, now! Many of us are departing for the Black City tomorrow — myself among them — but before that, I have an important announcement.

I and a few others are putting together a production! We're recruiting artistic talent of all disciplines. Painters, tailors, actors, singers, conjurers, illusionists, and, of course, musicians. One can never have too many stagehands, either, so if you find yourself with idle, itching fingers, please make your way to [ [ADDRESS]. curiously, this is a throwaway location a ways away from the actual theater where rehearsals will be taking place ] this Friday and we'll put you right to work!

Don't fret about auditions, if you're willing to participate in a risky endeavor like this, we'll be happy to have you. My faithful producer will direct rehearsals in my absence, and the dates will be set shortly after my return in two weeks.

That's all! Don't miss this brilliant opportunity to spread the good word of music. [ musical theater, to be precise. ]

Addio! Remain healthy, my friends. I leave you with this.

[ more musical fanfare resounds, but this time the image focuses on a message of some sort. what could it mean? ]

( ooc: full disclosure, while parliament is distracted with political affairs, amadeus will be taking advantage and putting on an opera. theater is still very illegal by aefenglom's book, so keep that in mind! feel free to contact me here for questions. )

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I was in charge of my school's drama club. I acted and know how to help as a stagehand, too.

Wonderful! With such a short rehearsal period, we'll need fellows with experience.

[ yet, past tense, he notes. ] And what sorts of roles did you fill in your time?

That's true. And I was Adler in my school's production of Adler, mostly.

Oh? I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar.

The protagonist, then? Care to tell me a bit about this Adler character?

Adler is a reaper who fell in love with a woman he was meant to take, and ended up, very dramatically, dying with her in the end.

[ He's never really explained it like this before, but it's so simple. But it was meaningful to them back home for reason something like Adler wouldn't be meaningful here. ]

Oh, a tragic hero! If only a certain playwright were here around to adapt such a thing.

[ what would the world of aefenglom look like after a mozart-shakespeare collaboration hit it? we may never know. ]

This time we're aiming for satiric. We're going to blow the top off this silly old theater law.

He was pretty tragic.

[ He suspected that this was why. That stupid law. ]

But...that's what theater is for, I think. It's important. And, the law is stupid. It's almost like a dare.

I don't think I have any real talent for this kind of thing, but I certainly intend to be supportive!

[ A big, fat lie, but hey, it's not like Mozart would know to call her on that. ]

[ ursula quit being so sneaky. ]

Oh? Where have I heard that before? [ the insistence is rather curious! ]

This time no musical skill is required, mind you. Still, I'd be grateful to have you — among the patronage or elsewhere.

[ She'll be Shiny Chariot again when she's good and ready! Which is probably never. ]

Definitely patronage. Like I said, I'm not really cut out for this sort of thing.

[ boo. ]

If you insist, my lady. But remind me to bend your ear about it when the stakes aren't quite so high.

Bend my ear about it? I don't think anything like that is necessary...

I'm partial to the introduction of talented tailors, myself. If not to enhance the beauty and charm of such a handsome cast... Including me! But you know I am more than prepared to do my part, come what may.

[But that's all a given. He winks, but it's impossible to tell, given that he only has one visible eye.

Mettaton focuses next on Amadeus's schedule for the month, a curled fist posed under his chin.]

So you're off to Dorchacht... What a daring endeavor, if not an inspiring one. [He still hasn't decided whether he'll join, himself. Mettaton offers him a smile.] What do you plan to do over there?

Our scope is unlimited this time, comparatively speaking. Isn't it exciting? Perhaps we can sway a luxury line or two for the costumes—

[ dream big, amadeus, dream big. mettaton is in good company for coveting all things flashy and grandiose. ]

Just that. I certainly hope to be inspired. You can't properly comment [ criticize, satirize, put to stage ] on a world without first seeing it, can you? That, and — well, I'm not partial to war ballads at all.

Ooh, a compelling argument for going if I've ever heard one... Then it's settled!

[He drops his fist into the open palm of his other hand.]

I'll take an excursion to Dorchact for myself. Not only to broaden my horizons of this world, for the sake of inspiration... But they'll need someone with enough charm to sway their opinion to one of favor. I'm perfectly equipped for the task.

[He may be an monster, but he's... also a Monster! But he doesn't really know that very well, and doesn't think it'll be an issue.]

[ he laughs a little, only a tiny bit baffled. ] Oh, am I that convincing?

Is it your natural charisma you're relying on, my friend, or are you actually quite familiar with politics?

[Mettaton, in a neutral ending without Undyne or Toriel: unfortunately becomes a dictator of a leader

Fortunately, this isn't that Mettaton. So his response is quite simple. He thinks it over with a hum, but not for long.]

Not formally. Though being a star and businessman has its fair share of negotiation and leadership necessities... However. I don't think it takes political experience to set an example and make a difference! Besides, what better way to gain that experience than to throw myself into things??

[If anything, he's optimistic.]

[ true artistry compels some form of leadership — he headed many a production in his day, conducted innumerable concerts.

but on the "business" hand amadeus is a lot more ... clumsy, what with his history in debt and soliciting. maybe the troupe should get mettaton to do all their dealings from here on. ] Oh, don't I know it.

I plan to bring a touch of creative elevation with my music. My music just so happens to be perfect for loosening up an audience with sticks up their you-know-where! [ ok amadeus ] That being said, I do wish you luck, Herr Mettaton.

[thank you for refraining from swearing, amadeus... someone appreciates you

Mettaton nods again, satisfied with Amadeus's idea. In his world, these solutions are all it takes to right a wrong.]

Thank you, darling. The same goes to you.

[A brief pause, a mildly uncomfortable one at that. Mettaton's gaze scrolls to the side.]

Speaking of this excursion. Are you what Aefenglom calls a Witch? Or a... Monster?

[It troubles him only somewhat, but he's not about to let that show too much.]

[ mettaton you might want to do something about the moaning on your family friendly tv show

he's pretty expert at reading people, but he'll let the pause slide without nosy comment for now. it's not exactly unusual for folks to be uncomfortable with the whole monster thing. ]

A Witch! Or so I'm told. I'm not sure any Monster would ever go this long without ... [ don't say symptoms— ] transforming.

Why do you ask?

[the moment the camera is on it's mtt country now

Mettaton leans in, his eye widening.]

Transforming? [ah, the very word to indicate how very little he understands about Witches and Monsters.] Well then, how quickly should a Monster expect to notice these signs? If one found themselves without magic, I can only assume that would be a sure sign...?

[Not that he's 100% sure he's a Monster! He's very good at denial.]

[ on the other end, amadeus's expression seems to be questioning how much the coven is slacking it when it comes to doling out information. or perhaps his robot friend here is just that good at dodging the topic. ]

Monsters have their own type of magic, but you're right that they can't wield it as freely as a Witch can.

Plenty of factors come into play, such as how far away from the city you roam and the situation with your Bond, but as far as I've seen, most Mirrorbound Monsters develop features rather early. Say a month in, on the full moon.

If you stop by the Coven, you can be tested, should you choose. Though if you are without magic as you say... [ that probably does answer it, the implication. ]

[During the course of Amadeus's explanation, Mettaton's expression sobers, brightens somewhat, then drops once more — though only for a moment.]

Then maybe I should take advantage of a test, even if this ambiguity is perfectly exciting. Though... I'm not sure how they plan to test a robot. Nothing to sample from! ...Unless they need only feast their eyes. I have plenty to give in that regard.

[The longer he goes on, the less upset he seems. He frames his visage with his fingers.]

I might be a Monster. But I might be a Witch! What I DO know is that Witches have magic entirely unlike what I used to possess... So it's possible I haven't figured out how to wield it. That's all. And! Do you see any new features?? I think there's plenty of room for doubt. I'm one of the few androids present, after all.

[He points to himself. There is nothing out of the ordinary that seems to have developed since the last full moon, at first glance...]

[ even ambiguity is exciting now? yet something seems to be bothering the other that he can't quite pinpoint, even with all his expressive cues.

amadeus snorts. ]

Well, you are certainly unique. If I were still alive I'd have a difficult time believing my eyes, seeing you. [ if that's rude, sorry mettaton. he really just says whatever he wants. ] I wonder if you could be neither?

[ is that possible? perhaps not, if the mirrorbound have so many non-humans in their ranks. ]

But, I imagine you have a preference...?

I am so many things already, aside from stunning and handsome. I'm both robot and monster, machine and alive, organic and inorganic... What's another label to add onto that? [He shrugs.] No preference. It's just...

[His discomfort returns. This time, he allows it.]

I understand that being a monster already does not disqualify me from becoming a Monster, in this place... [Papyrus certainly proved that for him. Mettaton leans against the palm of his hand.] But if I were to become a Monster, my appearance could change so dramatically that I... Ha.

[That dream he had before showing up here didn't bode well for him. He'd have those NERDY TEETH... That is NOT beautiful.]

[ amadeus almost wants to ask what part of mettaton is "organic," but he settles for saying something perhaps equally as insensitive. ]

Oh, but it's so fascinating! Monsters have their own sort of flair, don't you think? They're beautiful in their unique way, even, if you can trust my judgement on such things, ahahaha. Outside of music, of course. [ probably not.

the composer has had an interesting history with the occult. he can't help finding the novelty of monsters, their appearances and their unique abilities so very compelling. exciting, if you will. ]

Such poetry. Their flair... You could almost persuade me once again.

[He flashes a smile again, the flattery directed toward Monsters renewing his confidence. He takes it with humor, and he rolls his eye.]

I'll be the first to admit that transformation can be a splendid thing. Beautiful... even if it's a process worth waiting for. Would you say the same about these Monsters, if you had an actor show up for his performance in the midst of an unsightly transformation...?

Oh, this sounds lovely. I have a very good singing voice, if I do say so myself - and I can act, of course!

[ She might be boasting a little. ]

[ confidence is key for efforts like these. ]

How exciting, I'm eager to hear it. And do you happen to know your range, madame? The sort of character you'd like to play?

I'm more of a contrallto or mezzo-soprano, I think...

[ She hasn't actually measured or checked, it's all by ear. ]

And the heroine, of course. It's what I am!

[ oh, unfortunate soul when one's ego clashes against wolfgang amadeus mozart's—

a quick laugh sounds on the other end. a mezzo-soprano is atypical for his heroines, not to even speak of contralti. ]

Hah. Perhaps it was cruel of me to ask both those questions at once.

I can help you determine your range, if you like. You sing quite often, I take it?

[ Ego fight! ]

Not professionally, but I do sing.

[ It's one of her many talents. ]

Shall I audition?

I promised no auditions, and I'm inclined to keep to my word. If you're interested, we'll find a role for you.

[ this production is a very special case, and the more mirrorbound lending their unique efforts to it, the more convincing the whole thing will be. ]

But determining your vocal range will help me place you proper. And it's always helpful to know.

Well, let's call it an analysis then, instead of an audition.

[ She pauses. ]

I imagine in person would be more ideal for determining pitch and so on?

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BACKDATED video. theater, music, opera!

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voice, as always.

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voice;

voice.

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