A Second Play for Mercedes and Teo

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

The crowd around us burst into applause as the curtain fell, and I joined in, uncaring that a single tear made its way down my cheek. The performance had been beautiful, simply beautiful. I glanced at Teo with a wide smile before I noticed the curtain slowly opening to show the troupe once more for their bows.

[teo]

There were tears in my eyes as I rose to my feet, applauding vigorously as the players took their bows. The performance had been stunning in its beauty and execution.

I glanced at Mercedes, hoping she had enjoyed it as much as I had.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I rose when everyone else did, the applause turning into thunder. Oh Mother, it had been so tragic but so beautiful. I met Teo's eyes and smiled, seeing how his eyes glistened as well.

[teo]

The look on her face was the only thing that could have made me smile any wider. Eventually the performers exited the stage and the audience began to file out.

“Did you enjoy it?” I asked, leaning in slightly so that I could speak to her without having to yell.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"I thought it was fantastic," I replied, my hand going to his upper arm and squeezing softly. "Thank you so much for suggesting it."

[teo]

“Thank you so much for coming. I don’t know about you, but I enjoyed this even more than the first one,” I said, smiling.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Oh yes, I agree," I replied with a smile. "The acting was simply exquisite. When she fell to her knees... oh Mother, I was ready to weep with her."

[teo]

“Oh I know. She was amazing, just amazing. My heart broke with hers, I truly felt like this was her life we were watching, not a performance,” I agreed, nodding.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

The aisles were clearing up, so I began to make my way towards the doors. "It was truly heartbreaking," I agreed, thinking back on how I felt. Tears came to my eyes again, knowing how close the actress's grief had come to my own. It was perhaps more dramatic, but having to give up love was never easy.

[teo]

“That it was,” I agreed, following her as we made our way to the aisle.

“Even so, I have an urge to buy a ticket for tomorrow as well just to go through it all again,” I said, chuckling.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I smiled as his words brought me back from my own loss and the one I had just shared with the rest of the audience. "That's the amazing part about art, and why it continues to hold me spellbound."

[teo]

“Me as well,” I agreed, smiling.

We’d reached the aisle and I offered her my arm.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Thank you," I said, taking his arm and letting him lead me up the aisle. "But I definitely understand now why their shows are selling out."

[teo]

“Indeed. I am going to have to pay attention for the next time they are performing here, I have a feeling no matter what the play they would be wonderful,” I said as I led her down the aisle.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"I'm sure that with the success of this show, it will be no time until they do another," I said to him, then smiled. "Or so I hope."

[teo]

“Me too,” I said, grinning. “I think we should promise to notify the other one if we hear they are returning.”

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I smiled wide. "I think that is a fantastic idea," I replied, squeezing his arm affectionately. Later I would marvel at it, I was becoming so bold here in my mother's land.

[teo]

She squeezed my arm and it sent a rush of emotions through me, several of which caused me to blush softly. I was grateful we’d reached the doorway to the main hall and I hoped the crowd would distract her from my reaction.

“Shall we call for the carriage or are you not ready to go home yet?” I asked, fumbling my words a little as I tried to calm myself.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Why don't we go back to that little cafe?" I suggested as we stepped into the large entrance hall. "If you'd like, that is."

[teo]

“I’d like that very much,” I said, smiling happily and angling us towards the doors that would let us out in the right direction.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I followed his lead, keeping a light hold on his arm. I caught some lecherous looks from some of the men we passed on our way to the door, and was grateful that Teo had never looked at me like that.

[teo]

I led her outside and headed us in the right direction, though my pace was as leisurely as I could manage without it looking like I was purposefully trying to make this last as long as possible. Which I was.

“What a beautiful night,” I said, looking up at the clear sky and all the stars that shone brightly.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I followed his gaze up and smiled at the sight. "It is indeed," I replied, my voice soft. "I've always loved watching the stars."

[teo]

“Me too,” I said, glancing at her and smiling. “That’s one of the better things about the countryside, fewer buildings to obstruct the view.”

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Yes, it was certainly one of the things I enjoyed about Siovale," I told him, still looking skyward. "Very few lights at ground level as well to ruin your night vision."

[teo]

“Can you see the stars well at your home in Aragonia?” I asked curiously.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"In Lleida yes, especially in the summer. They aren't quite so brilliant in Amilcar, but perhaps I'm biased," I said with a smile, turning my gaze back to his face.

[teo]

“I can understand that,” I said, chuckling. “I know I’m biased towards my own home.”

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Please, tell me of your home," I requested with a smile.

[teo]

“When you first come up on it from the City, you don’t see much. There’s fields to either side with grains and a few herds of animals, but nothing impressive. You can hear the rush of the river though and the sound leads you over the hill and you come upon the estate. When you stop t the top of the hill you can see everything, the manor, the buildings where we make paper, the drying huts, all of it,” I said, smiling wider.