"And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call;
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends."
A Midsummer Night's Dream
1845, Regents Park. London.
It had begun to rain as soon as the theatre troupe had made their final bows on the twinkling open air stage (http://www.coolplaces.co.uk/system/images/9134/regents-park-open-air-theatre-see-do-entertainment-large.jpg). A magical place, glimmering lights secreted beneath a darkening sky. This was the last Stardust performance of Shakespeare in the Park, really more late-summer than midsummer. In spite of the fairly temperate weather, Virgil was freezing in his costume[1] and wanted very much to retire to their afterparty. He had recognised a few familiar faces in the audience during intermission: Sasha, Abby and (of all people) Moira. Prince, Princess, Jester. They simply needed to come to the party of course, no question about it, and he had sent an usher to tell them as much just before the second half of the play went on.
Now, the audience was slowly making their way out of the theatre. Those attending the afterparty would be led there by the ushers but the actors still had to change into some regular clothes (https://www.polyvore.com/cry_baby/set?id=230881336) and wipe off their stage make-up.
It was therefore in a more refreshed attitude that Virgil made an appearance at the Regent's Bar & Cafe (http://www.sandgshopfitters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/IMG_1283.jpeg), which Edgar had booked up for the entire night. The blonde wizard led the troupe of actors and they all stood at the threshold as the seated patrons applauded one last time. Bows were followed. And then the usual chatter resumed.
Violin in one hand, Virgil first went up to give his father a happy kiss on the cheek. After, he quickly looked around the busy restaurant, finally spotting his peers sat at one of the long tables by a window.
"Hello!" he smiled at them, face flushed and eyes unusually bright. "I didn't know you were coming!" Virgil leaned down to greet both Sasha and Abby with effete little kisses, and patted Moira on the shoulder.
The cafe was quite warm so he set the violin down on a stool and pulled off his sweater before taking a seat. "So?" he tied the sweater around his waist, flicking his head back to deter a stray lock of blonde. "Have I done Shakespeare proud or did you lot doze off?"