The halls of Hedge Manor have always been grand, possessing long, arched passageways, like those in a castle, that are constantly flooded with light from the stained glass above. The hall glistened with color, which appeared to dance to the piano's musical tones. Ebony's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she drew closer to the living room. Her brisk walking turned into slowed steps and her racing heart calmed its heaving beating. The song that was playing was so emotional; so moving. It was different from the one she heard in the garden. It was as if a story was being told through it. One that was sad yet motivational and life-changing. The tips of her fingers gently grazed the wall, tracing the fluttering lights, as she walked closer and closer to the source of the music.
"I don't recognize this song..." She thought. "I don't think Father's ever played it before. I wonder when he learned it?"
She rested her hand on top of her bosom to soothe the growing pain in her heart.
"Why is it so sad?..." she whimpered. "What could have caused Father so much grief to play such a song?"
Finally at the end of the hallway, and with careful steps, Ebony entered the living room. She watched the pianist move and sway to the chorus. He was surrounded by light that was pouring from the bay windows. He was the heart of the song. The reason why the music held so much life. Everything he did seemed so new and different. The allurement of it all drew the young woman closer, like a magnet. She passed the couch, passed the fireplace, passed the Great Chair. Ebony's world slowly seemed to disappear the further she drew to the magical source of the music. Her surroundings blurred and faded away; her steps felt lighter and more free; and her chest ached with longing. The young lady didn't understand what was happening. She's watched this piano be played countless times, but never has she ever experienced something as this. Her body felt as if she was stepping into another world that was much different from her own. She was entranced, and the source behind her enchantment was that marvelous pianist.
"You're... you're..."
The thought, that so desperately wanted to speak, was being held back in Ebony's mind. It was a consequence of the pianist's magic, and Ebony did not possess the will to force herself to think them. The thought, in question, was "You're not Father... the man playing the piano isn't Father". But why would such a thought not want to be spoken? ...Why, indeed.
There is something about our world that we humans sometimes forget. We live alongside other beings, who we cannot see or touch, but who can certainly see and touch us. Such an idea can be terrifying for those who believe that they are always in control. But such beings are not to be feared. Just as water seeps into soil and travels effortlessly through its cracks to nourish, bind, strengthen, and give life to the plants, animals, and insects that live within and upon the soil; these beings also flow through our world and shapen our lives. It is a beautiful harmony and powerful bond created to make us stronger.
So then why, upon seeing Ebony, would the musical spirit - who was awakened by the hands of the pianist - rush to her, rest its hands on her head, and gently blow into her ear? Whispering a suggestion to relax; to not think, and to bury her thoughts somewhere deep inside? But an even trickier question is why did Ebony agree to this spirit's suggestion. Some questions are meant to go unanswered. But as for the pianist, he was oblivious to the troubles he was causing to the young woman's mind. In fact, it was only when the young lady stood beside him that he became aware of her presence, thus causing him to halt in his performance and look up at her. The two of them did not say a word as their eyes remained on one another; brown looking upon brown.
The mysterious pianist was a young man with cinnamon skin and an innocent face. He had yet to grow out his facial hair, indicating his age and youthfulness. Because the piano was no longer being sung, the musical spirit was growing smaller and thus losing its power. Being drawn back into the piano from whence it slumbered, the musical spirit was grateful to the young man. For never had it ever been given such life and passion, as the young man had bestowed upon it. Seeing the two young souls, the spirit smiled and blew them a kiss containing the last of its power and a wish. A wish, that one day, the lady of the manor and this young man will never be apart. And thus, closing its eyes, the musical spirit returned back into the piano to slumber.
From the kiss of the musical spirit, a connection, binding the two souls, was formed. It hung in the air above them, holding them where they stood. And with the added beauty of the sunlight pouring down upon them, their souls had been silenced, as if frozen in time. But this connection was fragile; just one sound or a single movement could break it.
The man's large eyes blinked, breaking their bond and freeing them from the spell. Rationality once again returned to their minds, and Ebony immediately stumbled back from the man. In the process, several flowers fell out of her basket, but she could only afford them a sad glance as they lay on the floor, for a stranger was now in her presence.
"You-You're not Father!"
"Oh! Hello!" A smile spread across the stranger's face as he rested his hands in his lap.
"Did you think I was your father? Sorry, but no." He chuckled. "You and I are around the same age, so that would be weird if I was. But still, seems like I startled you."
He looked down at the fallen flowers with a soft expression. "Sorry about your flowers." He reached down and gently picked up the fallen flowers with one hand. "It wasn't my intent to scare anyone. These flowers are very beautiful. Did you just pick them?"
The young man raised the small cluster of flowers towards Ebony and tilted his head slightly downward as if presenting a bouquet.
His cheerful voice was soft, complimenting his already beautiful face. It sounded just as lovely as the piano. And his smile was something to behold. For a moment, Ebony knew not what to make of the stranger. His actions were calm and content, and his behavior was warm and inviting. Taking a moment to lean over the piano, the young man grabs a hat that was resting on the top of it.
"I saw the piano and couldn't resist." He explains, getting up from the bench and placing the hat in his back pocket. He steps away from the bench and takes the opportunity to fully examine the lady before him. His lips spread across his face into a larger smile.
"But if I may ask, who is your father? Since we look so alike."
Ebony couldn't understand what was happening to her heart the longer she stayed in the man's presence. It felt light and strange. Ebony couldn't help but look away, the moment his eyes lit up and he gave her a bigger smile. She closed her eyes and took a breath to calm herself down. She didn't fully understand what was happening, but she couldn't let this beautiful man shake her regardless.
"No, you may not ask," Ebony nodded with a huff, "but you can answer my question. Who are you?"
"Why are your eyes closed?"
Ebony tensed and her eyes immediately popped open, only to be welcomed by the handsome face again, which was now very close to her. She yelped and stumbled back, as the big brown eyes of the young man continued to watch her. To get a better look at the girl's face, the lad had crouched down in front of her. He was amused at the effect he was having on the lady. He rose to his feet, putting his hands in his pockets, and walked over to a nearby wall, where he gingerly positioned himself against.
"Are you afraid of me?"
"Just answer the question!"
The man held back a smile and looked off in a different direction.
"Hm, well.. since you won't answer my question, I don't see why I must answer yours."
Ebony's mouth dropped while the man's curved into a smirk, upon seeing her reaction.
"Excuse me!?"
"You're excused."
Ebony was about to say something again, but instead, her lips scrunched in thought. She believed she was beginning to understand this Stranger's behavior. It wasn't that he was calm or inviting, she reasoned. It was just that, regardless of the situation, he would most likely display that same charming face of his, to mask his true feelings and intentions. This was what Ebony wanted to believe. Was it true? Yes and no. But for this situation, in wanting to find some logic to what was happening, her conclusion was most definitely wrong. Any man or spirit observing the two would quickly understand the cute events that were happening between the two. The lad understood as well, but Ebony was none the wiser.
"I don't think you understand." She went on. "You're in a place where guests shouldn't be. Guests are to remain in the parlor."
Ebony points towards a corridor that leads to the parlor, and the man looks in that direction, resulting in his eyes lighting up with understanding.
"Oh! I think I understand now! No need to worry, Miss; I'm not a trespasser!" He grinned. "I was told to wait here."
"By who's authority?" She inquired, resting her hands on her hips. The young man noticed the change in the lady's tone and raised a brow in interest.
"Wow, you're one dedicated house help." He notated, pushing off the wall to mimic her stance.
"House help? You think I'm the house help!?"
"Woah! No need to shout. There's nothing to be ashamed of. Or do you folks out here in the west call it somethin' different?"
"No, we call it the same, but-"
"Well fine then! Nothing to be angry about! By the way, I don't think I caught your name?"
"Nor will you have it!"
"Feisty ain't ya! Alright then, no need to get hostile." The man chuckled.
"Hostile!? You've got some nerve! You're in my house; I have every right to act this way to an intruder, like you!"
The young man's cocky smile froze. "Intruder? I just said I wasn't trespassing."
"Yet, you refuse to tell me who let you in." Ebony crossed her arms and raised a brow, as she rolled her neck. "Don't that sound suspicious."
It took a moment for the young man to respond, for he was observing Ebony. Life itself seemed to slow down around him. He saw the frustration in her face; brows furrowed, lips in a snarl, eyes darkened. He ventured into the gateway of her soul, and what he found made the humor in his eyes fade. She was not having fun in this moment. There was no joy in her soul, only anger, irritation, and suspicion. A fleeting thought made him wonder if he would have made the young lady cry had he gone any farther.
"So, Stranger," Ebony went on, walking towards the man and pointing a finger in his face. "You better start talking, else, I'll have someone throw you out."
As I said, the young man's time of reflection was for a moment, and seeing the boldness of a lady much smaller than him brought back the spark in his eyes. He suppressed a large smile and stared playfully at the small finger, whose nail was beautifully trimmed and long.
"...Throw me out?" He questioned, gently moving the delicate finger out of his line of sight with his pointer finger. "You got that kind of power?"
His finger quickly clamps down onto Ebony's and swiftly brings it towards himself. Ebony's eyes widen at the sudden action, and regret washes over her as she looks into his playful face. She immediately pulls her hand away and takes a few steps back.
"That's it!" Ebony runs behind the large green Chesterfield couch and pulls out from underneath it a wooden bat. All cheeriness dropped from the man's face, and he quickly began backing away.
"Woah! Hold up now there, Miss! There's no need for that!"
Nothing but death was written on Ebony's face, as she began walking towards the man. She tried being nice. She gave him multiple chances. She couldn't deny that the man was charming, but his lack of earnestness made him annoying and suspicious. He had to go.
"Get out of my house!"
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END OF ACT 3
THE MARVELOUS PIANIST & THE MUSICAL SPIRIT