Side One, Ep.2 "Double Dog Dare"

[Legendary Sidekick]

The boy turns to Vincent. He looks puzzled. A woman not far from Vincent rises, and approaches him.

"I'm sorry sir... Brian can't hear you. My son is deaf."

When Vincent sees the boy's eyes, it is apparent that he struggles to see as well.

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

"Oh! I do apologize." Poor boy... deaf and partly blind? That must be a struggle.

"How does he communicate?" I ask Brian's mother. Should I bother with signs at all?

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"He..." The mother uses sign language, to catch Brian up with the conversation. "...uses hand signing, written notes." She eyes Vincent's rose-print scarf. "Why do ask? Are you a preacher, or some kind of official or something?"

Vincent senses that the mother fears for her son's safety, though she doesn't necessarily see Vincent as a threat.

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

"I am nothing of the sort, madam. Simply a musician, traveling with my wife and niece." I indicate Diana and Bee. Diana smiles and waves, looking over at us with interest. "I was simply curious; I mean no ill will."

I look to Brian with a smile, and write in the air for him. I really should have picked up on this sort of thing sooner. Silly me!

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Oh... then will you perform? I mean, even if you don't follow a goddess, maybe another dancer could use your talent. Um... should I call you Diana's husband? Oh! I'm Brian's mother." She laughs. "Wendy."

She looks at Diana's dress, then at Bee's. "What a lovely family. Of the three Maiden's, I think your niece fits Her image best." She notices Diana is armed, and there are small spears and a shield, apparently Beatrice's.

When Vincent writes in the air, Brian signs, Can you do that when you sing? And when others sing? I cannot hear the music, but a good song reads like a poem. Sometimes I imagine the tune. I was not born deaf.

My eyes do not work well, but I can read your magic letters easily. When I see, it is like looking through a tunnel.

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

I smile and shrug one shoulder. "It would be an honor to perform on behalf of the Voice, but I believe the princess and her muse have that covered. Ah, a pleasure, Wendy. Apologies again. My name is Vincent."

Wendy compliments Bee, and I nod knowingly. "Indeed she does. I'm glad we arrived here in time for this."

To Brian, I write back, It would be a pleasure. I'd hate to see anyone left out of the festivities. I'm sorry about your eyes and ears. Diana is deaf too -- she was born that way. Ironic that she should marry a musician, isn't it?

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"As am I," says Wendy. "Feel free to talk to my son. It's not every day he can talk to one who reads hands and... wow... do you think Brian can learn your... um... magic words?"

When Vincent mentions the irony of his marriage, Brian signs, It is, but you must show her your words whenever you sing, right? I look forward to the next song. Thank you, Vincent.

Wendy turns to Diana and signs, He is wonderful!

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

"Certainly! It's one of the easiest spells I know. I'd be delighted to teach him."

I nod at Brian's comments. Indeed. She can read lips, but sky-writing is better in many circumstances. She isn't always lucky enough to have a front-row seat, after all. You are most welcome, Brian.

I make no comment about the words and images I picked up from their minds. They feel safe in my presence, and I am glad of that.

Diana

The woman standing near Vincent signs to me, and I smile as I join in the conversation. It's so nice to meet others who can sign! He is, isn't he?

Vincent

Don't make me blush! I sign to Diana, unable to keep from grinning. How can a man stay modest when people shower him in compliments?

 

[Noma Galway]

I smile at Fenella, and say softly, "What about this song?" I softly sing a few bars and hope she knows it.

 

[Ruby]

Fenella

I listen to the song that Mariya sings.

"Yes, it sounds vaguely familiar. If you sing the main part I'll just harmonise and hum a little," I say.

 

[Noma Galway]

I grin. This song should be perfect. "Wonderful. Once we start singing, you should know the rest of it. I used to sing it to you a lot."

 

[Ruby]

Fenella

"Yes, Mariya, I remember it well!"

 

[Noma Galway]

I sigh in relief. For a moment there I had thought she had forgotten this one. As the dancer finishes, we take her place. With a smile, we begin to sing. ((figured it would be better just to have us both do it for simplicity's sake. Hope that's okay.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Garden

Fenella and Mariya sing their song of prayer. As Brian sees the lyrics appear before him, he signs to Diana, The Maiden keeps us safe? What can a child do to keep us safe?

Beatrice is intrigued by the song. Images of Her birthplace appear in her mind. She tells Mariya, "I saw visions of Mount Neverest when you sang. I think I know where my sister is… I mean my other sister. I think your mother sent those visions to me as you sang?"—or rather, Beatrice tells Mariya that as soon as she gets the chance.

The moment Mariya finishes, Cindy gets up from her place of honor and runs to Fenella and Mariya. Her arms are outstretched to give a hug, but she hesitates. She curtsies and shy whispers, "Is a hug okay, Your Highness? And for you, too, Mariya? I can be gentle… I, um, hug my doll a lot."

 

[Noma Galway]

I smile at Cindy. This was the first time I had just sung since the events on the ship. "Of course you can hug us, Cindy."

When Beatrice tells me this, I think for a moment. "She may have," I say. "Where do you think your sister is?"

 

[Ruby]

Fenella

Our song is SO emotional. In my mind's eye I glimpse visions of my homeland, the castle and my folks. How I miss them!

Mariya and I are like opera singers as we hit those high notes. It's such a beautiful moment!

I hug Mariya and Cindy, too.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Garden

The crowd cheers as Fenella, Mariya and Cindy exchange hugs. Cindy's mother says to Sandy's, "How adorable! I can't remember such a performance at one of these festivals!"

Sandy's mother says, "I hope that princess' dad takes over the east coast so she and her fairy'll sing again next year."

Beatrice praises the performance—"It was beautiful!"—and moves up to the seat of honor to play Herself.




Alley

JJ says to Riff, "C'mon, kid. Let's get you out of all that crap before you catch an exotic disease."

((I didn't mean to have that question posted, but I'll leave it as sort of a head's up. You guys know that Holst is controlling the lazy, and there was talk of trying to save those under the demon's control. You can kill them or beat them unconscious, but just make your intentions clear when battle begins.))

 

[Ireth]

Diana

An odd feeling comes over me as I watch Bee take her place on the seat of honor. A presence flows through my mind and heart like a warm embrace -- the very essence of maternal love. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is my Goddess. I sink to my knees, and tears well in my eyes as She speaks to me, of Beatrice and other Shieldmaidens. One in particular She names as significant -- one who had vowed to guard the newborn Maiden many decades ago. How am I the only other woman in the world to do the same?

I take a deep breath and dry my eyes. Now I know what to do for Beatrice today, in honor of the Mother. I'll wait patiently until that moment arrives.

Vincent

Brian thinks about the child-goddess, and about his past suffering. He wonders how a child can save anyone. I try to find the words to reassure him, then notice Diana. She kneels and weeps, her immediate thoughts fixed on the Mother and on Beatrice. She rises and dries her eyes, and I sign to her in concern. Is everything okay?

She nods, smiling, and signs back. Everything's fine.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Father Ben sees Beatrice seated in the ivy-covered throne by the shrine. He watches from where the children are seated, and says to Vincent, "I follow two goddesses: Lady Death, and the young maiden goddess. Both oversee departed souls after all, but it was The Maiden who led the valkyries after losing Her own mother and her 'surrogate.' She experienced death as mortals do, and found coping with loss difficult even knowing the truth of eternal life. I have always been intrigued by The Maiden's mortal years.

"My choir shall perform when we represent Lady Death. Of course, I'll give time for one to represent The Mother." He sees Diana shedding tears. Sighing, he gives her a reassuring smile. "Take your time, dear. The men in my choir are patient."

 

[Ireth]

Diana

I take a few moments to compose myself, then move to Beatrice's chair. I sheathe my sword and kneel by Her, meeting her eyes as I sign. No doubt Vincent will write my words in the air so the audience can see them too.

Dearest Beatrice, I love you with all the love a mother ever had for her daughter. I will shield you from all the harm I can, even with my own life.

I wonder if Fannis Burby's vow to the Mother was anything like my own. I hope I'm strong enough to fulfill it.