Open [ACT 3, SCENE 1. Harbor in Kasselrei, Cassandra and Oskar enter from stage right, conversing. Harbor moves between local stalls, Lysander seen amongst them on stage left]
[CASSANDRA] Still, I refuse to accept such grim stance. Look around! How can you not be excited?
[OSKAR]
Exactly for what?
Haven of loud mouths and airheads. What truths can be sought In holler? None I can't easily find in majestic Telrand. Honestly, your fascination with this place is baffling Great Schools back home hone your instincts into silver blades There, in the capital, Cosmopol's future is made Why are you here, why drag me along? Points at one of the stalls
To perfect haggling?
[CASSANDRA] Moves to center stage, addresses Oskar, the harbor crowd and the audience
"Why did you come here"? Echo in every market Foolish are those who run to be free of the Game, Rushing here only to see that the rules are the same. Hearts worn exposed as a challenge- an easier target. Listen to them, drawn to every incoming stranger, Curious, savoring both rise and fall like a treasure! Words before daggers, yet blood flows in equable measure. I know our fight, friend, but I enjoy chique in my danger.
Heed my words, Kasselrei!
What did you bring us? Make sure all pockets are turned. Lift to the light. Show here. And then give away. What do you trade for? Now is the last chance to say. I'll help if you're torn between choices, so don't be concerned.
Quickly looks at the people around her, moving closer to Lysander on stage left and enthusiastically catching his hand. OSKAR: tries to stop her but is caught in the crowd LYSANDER: looks up with silent interest
Soul! Are you ready to lose it without second guesses? I'll give a soul back. Just the same, but another's. We are not rivals- remember!- and no hidden colors, No secret blades are concealed in our golden dresses.
Place your bids, Kasselrei!
Heed! Now a new stranger sings a hymn in your name. Here I proclaim: each one praised according to brilliance! Fire behind shining eyes, their ideas' resilience, Declare your judgement, heart of creation that never was tamed.
Carry, my hymn, through this city's every last part, Voices maintaining volitional, vigorous stand. Whoever says that our deck is shuffled by fate's hand Can't see that we've long ago won from her half the cards!