Nadja and Her Suitor

[HaveLuteWillTravel]

Nadja and Her Suitor

     

Written by [tface=salt]Abigail[/tface]

   Characters:
  Nadja Durjure
  Gregory
  Mist Mage
  Chorus
 
 
 

Act I

 
  The play begins within a misty garden late at night. A young woman, Nadja Durjure, wanders, looking around as if searching for something.
 
  The Chorus enters.
 
  Chorus: Upon this Misty night two lovers seek to meet, one a simple dyer and a pauper, the other the daughter of a Lord. Forbidden by her family, their love is impossible, doomed to never be more than a few sweet trysts before their destinies shall pry them apart forever. This night, within the Mists, their fates shall be sealed.
 
  Nadja: [Calling into the darkness, she wears a fancy, low-bodiced gown.] I’ve not much time, soon I shall be missed by my nursemaid. Father has heard rumor of us, although I’ve lied to him most adeptly, but now she checks upon me. [She calls out once more.] Oh where are you, Gregory?!
 
  Gregory: [Slips onto stage, behind Nadja. He is dressed as a pauper.] The Mist swirls about you as a dancer, my dove. You look quite lovely this evening.
 
  Nadja spins, then rushes into Gregory’s arms, giving him a swift kiss.
 
  Nadja: I was worried you’d not received my note. We are in peril of being discovered, I can stay only for one kiss more. Oh how I wish I was a simple peasant, then only our love would matter.
 
  Gregory: Or rather, I would be your noble suitor, my dove. I’d not wish to see you in the rags of a simple beggar, they would ill-befit you.
 
  Nadja: [Laughs teasingly.] But then would you not be a bore like all my other suitors? They care for naught but power, or gold! But truly, I must away. We mustn’t be discovered.
 
  They kiss once more, then Nadja pries herself free of Gregory’s embrace, who releases her reluctantly. She then rushes offstage.
 
  Gregory slouches at Nadja’s departure, looking sadly at his feet. Now enters a robed man, the Mist Mage. He looks at Gregory, smiling wickedly, then approaches.
 
  Gregory: [Speaking to himself.] Oh Nadja, if only I were a gentleman suitor, then we’d not be apart.
 
  Mist Mage: Hail there, young sirrah, I could not help but overhear your troubles.
 
  Gregory: [Turns around shocked, a bit angry at the words.] What could you possibly know? I simply wander and think.
 
  Mist Mage: You do so on a Misty night, young sirrah, surely you know that the Mist brings such troubles to the ears of some. I am one of those who listens.
 
  Gregory begins to object, but the Mist Mage interrupts him, raising a finger.
 
  Mist Mage: However! I am here to help you.
 
  Gregory: [His eyes narrow with suspicion.] How?
 
  Mist Mage: Well, not only does the Mist carry such troubles as your own, it also carries within it magic! And a mighty magic indeed. I can give you what you seek, the wish you spoke. I can make you into a nobleman so that you may never be parted from your dearest Nadja again. However, there is a price, when you die finally, hopefully after many years together with your lovely dove, you must give your soul to me.
 
  Gregory: Prove it to me, magus. Show me you can grant me this wish and I shall gladly make this bargain with you.
 
  The sinister grin returning, the Mist Magus pulls a wand from his sleeve. He waves it about in the air and the Mist gathers around Gregory. The young man’s rough clothing seems to fall away within the shroud, to be slowly replaced with a fine tunic, trousers, and cloak suitable for a nobleman.
 
  Gregory: [Gasps in amazement at the transformation.] How…how can this be? I shall need to find my dearest Nadja and show her!
 
  Mist Mage: As I said, there is magic in the Mist. However, a word of advice, wait until the morrow after you have calmed yourself and thought, so that you can better play the role. It would not due for a gentleman suitor to arrive at her family’s estate at this hour, now would it?
 
  Gregory: [Nodding, he takes a moment to collect himself, although he is still quite excited.] Yes, yes, you are right. I shall find her in the morn, magus. I am eternally in your debt!
 
  Gregory runs off, leaving the Mist Mage alone. He laughs wickedly.
 
  Mist Magus: You don’t know how true that is, boy.
 
  The Mist Magus then begins to wave his wand, another cloud of Mist slowly takes shape. This time it takes the form of Gregory, but in his pauper’s clothing. Once the simulacrum is complete the Mist Magus speaks to it.
 
  Mist Magus: Go now, for when the girl comes you must be her dearest Gregory. Do not let the real one see you.
 
  Mist Gregory: Yes, my master.
 
  Both then depart through different curtains.
 
  Chorus: Oh what foul plot is afoot!
 
  The Chorus exits, end of Act I.

[HaveLuteWillTravel]

Act II

   The scene opens inside Nadja Durjure’s bedchamber. She stands at the window, peering out into the Misty night.
 
  The Chorus enters.
 
  Chorus: She moons, oh sorrow. Apart from her love there is nothing but sorrow. But perhaps there is hope? Let us see.
 
  Nadja: [She speaks softly out the window to herself.] Gregory, I would do anything to be a pauper, so that I might join you.
 
  A swirl of Mist grows in the chamber behind her, and the Mist Mage appears. He looks at the mooning young woman for a few moments before approaching to speak.
 
  Mist Magus: And what if I could grant you this boon, m’lady?
 
  Nadja: [Whirls, startled, putting her hands to her bodice modestly.] Who are you, how did you come within my bedchamber?
 
  Mist Magus: [Speaking in a silky purr.] You needn’t fear, m’lady. I mean you no harm. As a matter of fact I mean to grant you your every desire. You see, I heard your plight within the Mist, you wish to be a pauper so that you may join your dearest Gregory. This I can do, m’lady, but there is a price.
 
  Nadja: If this can be done, magus, then I would grant you everything. My Gregory is my only desire, I can live no longer without him!
 
  Mist Magus: It is a simple thing, really. After you have lived your long and happy live with your dearest, your soul shall be mine. But after such long happiness, what does it matter, m’lady?
 
  Nadja: [Hesitates just a moment to consider.] But…will not my family miss me and come searching?
 
  Mist Magus: That, m’lady, is a matter easily solved. I have the power to make certain that your family shall never find you. You shall have your peace with your dearest Gregory.
 
  Nadja: Oh…well then I agree. Please magus, you must do grant me this favor!
 
  The Mist Magus pulls a wand from his sleeve, grinning wickedly. He waves it about in the air and the Mist gathers around Nadja, as it had Gregory. Her nightgown slips from her, falling within the Misty shroud, and is replaced by beggar’s rags.
 
  Nadja: [Looks down at herself, grinning with delight.] Oh my, you are truly a godsend, magus! I must away to find my Gregory!
 
  Mist Magus: I would not be quite so hasty, m’lady. Slip away from this mansion, certainly, and I shall assure you are never missed. However, he is likely sleeping after a long day’s work, and might mistake you in the dark with his sleep-filled eyes. If you wish to truly delight him go in the morning, when he might behold you in full light.
 
  Nadja: Yes, magus, you speak wise words. I shall wander the streets as a beggar might, until such a time as the sun rises. I thank you, magus! To you I shall always be grateful!
 
  Nadja runs off, clearly delighted.
 
  Mist Magus: We shall see how you feel on the morrow, m’lady.
 
  The Mist Magus then begins to wave his wand, another cloud of Mist slowly takes shape. This time it takes the form of Nadja in her nightgown. Once the simulacrum is complete the Mist Magus speaks to it.
 
  Mist Magus: You know what you are to do when the boy arrives.
 
  Mist Nadja: Yes, my master.
 
  Both then depart through separate curtains.
 
  Chorus: Oh what foulness, oh what deviltry is this? I fear for our young lovers, I fear this trickery shall be their undoing!
 
  The Chorus exits, end Act II.

[HaveLuteWillTravel]

Act III

 
  The second act opens inside the Durjure mansion. Nadja Durjure’s shadow copy stands humming a tune as she brushes her hair.
 
  The Chorus enters.
 
  Chorus: The doppelganger of Nadja awaits her task. Soon the plans of the Mist Mage shall come to fruition. [The Chorus puts a hand to her hear as if listening.] Hark, I believe I hear poor Gregory arriving now!
 
  Gregory enters wearing his newfound finery. He smiles wide as he sees Mist Nadja, rushing to meet her, however the girl seems to not share his eagerness.
 
  Gregory: Nadja, my dove! Look! I am yours now! [Moves to hug her, but Nadja extricates herself and pushing him away.]
 
  Mist Nadja: Gregory? What has happened to my sweet pauper? You…you look like all my other suitors.
 
  Gregory: Yes Nadja, it is so. It is a wish granted by a magus. The barriers that kept us apart are gone, now you can choose me and your family will be none the wiser. We shall be together forever!
 
  Mist Nadja: [A look of displeasure shows on her face.] But…I wanted my sweet pauper, not another rich suitor, I have plenty of those.
 
  Gregory: [Looks confused, and stricken.] I...I don’t understand. This is what we wanted my dearest dove.
 
  Mist Nadja: No, it is what you wanted, not I. I want my sweet pauper. A man in rags with whom I can frolic in bed with, and giggle about with my maids. I want my forbidden treat which I can lead by the nose, and leave for my suitors come morning. You…you are like the others now, there is no romance or danger in this. [With a contemptuous look, she makes a dismissive gesture.]
 
  Gregory: But Nadja. You break my heart! I did this for you and only for you!
 
  Mist Nadja: No, you did this so that you might marry me and become rich yourself, do not lie pauper, for that is all you ever shall be to me. Now be off, or I shall scream and my father’s knights shall cast you into the streets.
 
  Nadja turns and exits, her nose held haughtily in the air as Gregory reaches a hand silently toward her. Once she’s gone he lets out a pitiful wail and exits through the opposite curtains.
 
  Chorus: Oh evil scheme, it seems the magus’ plot undoes their love!
 
  Gregory then enters once more, walking dejected and head down. He stops and tears off the fine cloak. The Mist Magus swiftly enters as well, a sly smirk on his face. He approaches behind Gregory.
 
  Gregory: My sweet Nadja, was it all a lie?
 
  Mist Magus: [In a soothing, overly-sympathetic tone.] Women are fickle creatures, sirrah. It seems you were naught but an amusement to her, one to be tossed away.
 
  Gregory: She was everything to me, I’ve no reason to go on. Hope has fled, and my light has faded. There is nothing that might mend my broken heart. I simply wish to fade away and die.
 
  Mist Magus: [His tone of voice turns sinister, almost maniacal.] And so the contract shall be completed! Your soul is owed to me, and now I shall take what’s mine!
 
  The Mist Magus pulls his wand from his sleeve and waves it in frantic, arcane gestures. Gregory’s fine clothing dissolves into Mist, leaving him naked as the Mist begins to consume him. A look of shock, horror and pain show on the young man’s face, he lets out a short cry for help but before he finishes the scream he simply vanishes.
 
  With an evil cackle the Mist Magus reaches into the Mist where Gregory once stood and grasps something unseen inside. He stuffs it into his cloak as he departs.
 
  Chorus: One lover is dead, Gregory’s soul is taken by the evil magus! I fear for the fate of poor, lovely Nadja now, surely she shall fare better than this!
 
  The Chorus exits, end of Act III.

[HaveLuteWillTravel]

Act IV

 
  The act opens with Gregory holding a bowl, mixing what appears to be berries to create a rich, red dye. He seems quite intent on his work, and the red color is spattered on his clothing.
 
  Enter the Chorus.
 
  Chorus: And here stands the false visage of Gregory hard at work. He awaits the arrival of the newly beggared Nadja, who dashes here as we speak to begin her time with her love. Ah, and she arrives.
 
  Nadja enters wearing her beggar’s rags. She looks excited and eager as she approaches to speak to Gregory’s doppleganger.
 
  Nadja: [Moves to stand before Mist Gregory.] I have a wondrous surprise! Look at me.
 
  Mist Gregory: [He continues to mix the dye, glancing up at Nadja only briefly, his face showing no recognition.] I cannot imagine what you might have that would interest me, beggar, but I am busy so I suggest you leave me to my work or I shall be forced to call for the militia.
 
  Nadja: [She laughs, seeming to be delighted with the fact that Gregory didn’t recognize her.] You silly boy, it’s your dove, Nadja!
 
  Mist Gregory: [Looks up then, his eyes narrowing as it takes a moment to recognize her. The bowl falls from his hands in surprise, splashing the dye on both of them.] Nadja? Is this a game?
 
  Nadja: No no, a magus has granted us a great wish! I am no longer the daughter of a Lord, but a simple beggar girl. We can now be together, Gregory, isn’t it wonderful? [She does a little twirl as if to show off her ragged clothing.]
 
  Mist Gregory: [Instead of joy, a look of displeasure and growing anger shows on the face of the doppelganger.] You foolish girl, do you think this is what I want? I could have a beggar girl at my side easily, indeed sometimes I do when the need arises. You were always naïve and stupid, which had been well enough for me, but who would have thought you would do such a fool thing?
 
  Nadja: [She looks stricken, and takes a step backwards.] But…is this not what we wanted? To be together forever? We can now, my love, can’t you see?
 
  Mist Gregory: [Steps forward in a threatening fashion.] Forever? No, just long enough for me to get a taste of your fortunes, Durjure. But now, you’ve nothing I want, and in fact are utterly beneath me. You’ve earned nothing but the contempt of a simple dyer.
 
  The false visage of Gregory slaps Nadja viciously, and she cries out in shock and pain. Pausing but a moment he lashes out to slap her again on the other cheek. Nadja goes down in a heap, sobbing amongst the spilled dye, and the doppelganger storms off.
 
  The Mist Mage enters slowly, grinning his evil grin as he approaches Nadja to speak in soothing tones.
 
  Mist Mage: Oh, m’lady, I am quite sorry. I suppose the man only wishes your fortune. Such is often the lot of nobility, but now even that’s gone, I’m afraid.
 
  Nadja: [Speaking between her sobs.] He was false, how could I be so deceived, I wish I were dead and away from this world.
 
  Gently the Mist Mage helps Nadja to her feet, and tenderly brushes her dye-stained hair from her face. He smiles warmly as he takes the wand from his sleeve. Nadja collects herself, smiling back gratefully as the Mist Mage begins to wave his wand.
 
  Mist Mage: Then my dear, your wish shall be granted.
 
  Nadja: [She looks confused for a moment.] My wish?
 
  Mist Mage: [His smile turns sinister, and the warmth leaves his voice.] Oh yes, the contract is sealed, your soul is now mine!
 
  The waving of his wand becomes frantic, and a look of fear spreads across Nadja’s face. Her beggar’s rags turn to Mist, leaving her naked before the Mist Mage. She convulses in pain as the Mist begins to consume her, then lets out a scream of horror which is cut short as she suddenly vanishes.d
 
  After a final flourish of his wand the Mist Magus reaches into the Mist where Nadja once stood and grasps something unseen inside. He stuffs it into his cloak, laughing evilly as he departs.
 
  Chorus: What horror! Both lovers are dead, taken by the magus and his Mists. Fate has dealt them a cruel blow, but what shall become of their souls? I shudder to think.
 
  The Chorus exits, end of Act IV.

[HaveLuteWillTravel]

Act V

   The act opens in a Misty cave. The Mist Mage stands near the center, intoning some manner of ritual. His hands wave, and magicks dance about in the Mist that surrounds him.
 
  The Chorus enters.
 
  Chorus: The lovers are slain, betrayed by the very hope they’d thought was their salvation. But their tale is not yet done as their souls remain. Let us pray for mercy, for even those with the hardest hearts can sometimes be swayed.
 
  As the Chorus finishes and moves toward the back of the stage the Mist Mage finishes his ritual. With a final several passes with his arms, and murmured arcane phrases, the Mist pools before him. Slowly it takes shape until a naked and ethereal Nadja stands before him. She looks around, the shock and horror remain on her face.
 
  Nadja: [Her voice is thin, like that of a ghost.] What…where?
 
  Mist Mage: [Bowing low] Welcome to my abode, m’lady. I apologize for the distress I have put you in, but you did after all make an agreement. But let us go beyond any ill-feelings we might have for one another, for it is time for the Mists to sup.
 
  Nadja: [In a miserable voice] But, why? Are you an enemy of my father? Why would you do this?
 
  Mist Mage: The reason is simple, my dear. I felt your passion and the torment of being apart from your lover upon the Mists. These things are like nourishment, for both the Mists, which I serve, and my own magicks. And now, since I have you, you shall feed both the Mists and myself for eternity. Torment, sorrow and loss, in this case, as these emotions are very strong.
 
  Nadja: My Gregory abandoned me, foul magus, what you do cannot be worse than that.
 
  Mist Mage: Oh, but he did not.
 
  The Mist Mage begins a ritual very similar to the first, although shorter. When the Mist parts again a naked and ethereal Gregory is revealed. However, he seems almost comatose, his eyes closed. Nadja cries out in alarm.
 
  Mist Mage: You see, m’lady, the Gregory that shunned you was a doppelganger made of nothing but Mist. He now toils in Gregory’s place, as does such a copy of yourself. I’m afraid, however, that such copies are not perfect, the deception shall not last forever, but likely long enough to ruin any good name you have carried until now. I apologize if this would despoil your legacy.
 
  Nadja: [Collects herself and drifts near Gregory.] Oh Gregory, my sweet Gregory, what has he done to you? What cruelty, I would wish to be with you forever, but I would not wish this torment upon you. If only we could hold each other one last time.
 
  Nadja tries to embrace Gregory, but due to the non-corporealness of each of the lovers, her arms simply seem to pass through him. She begins to weep softly.
 
  Nadja: Why does he not speak with me? Does he not hear?
 
  Mist Mage: Oh, he likely does hear, but I’m afraid his soul has been damaged, likely from the cruelty your doppelganger had shown him. He is quite lost to me, and useless to milk for emotion. However, he is still very useful to me.
 
  Nadja: [Her tears turn to anger.] How? Let his soul free if he cannot feed the Mists!
 
  Mist Mage: Why, my dear, as a torment to you! He shall stay here with your spirit, a sight just out of reach and oblivious to you. Of course, I shall need to feed, as I said, and with the work I have done to procure you both of late, I find I am quite famished.
 
  Nadja takes an alarmed step back at the ominous statement. Waving his arms once more the Mist Magus sends a ray of draining energy that envelopes her naked form. Nadja writhes in agony, groaning as if in great pain.
 
  The Chorus steps forward once more, Nadja’s torment continuing behind her as she speaks to the audience.
 
  Chorus: A foul ending, hope is lost for poor Nadja and her pauper suitor. I am afraid, my dear friends, that this tale has no happy ending, for such endings are the purview of fairy tales. This tale is one of truth, and the fate of Nadja Durjure is a sad one indeed. Such is the way of Ymph, and it’s Misty guardian.
 
  The curtain falls as the Chorus finishes.
 
 

The End.