[MARA] Welcome to Veyra, stay close, follow me The council prefers that our visitors agree We came through the arch with the banners held high Then guards counted heads as the crowd wandered by Do you want perfect pitch? Or hair that can alter with one simple twitch? Want to cross any sea? Just hand in your request and they’ll read it for free Because here, in the center of Veyra Every hope is collected and kept by the Keeper who watches above us Yes, here, in the center of Veyra You’ll never need doubt when the council decides what is best for each of us [MARA & ENSEMBLE] It sheltered me (Me) And you (You) And all of us (Us) [MARA] The city of Veyra We passed the tall court where the Keeper resides A visitor waved and he greeted us twice They say he can read every thought in your eyes [MARA, spoken] No, no, no, that’s only a rumour! [MARA] But he is remarkable He remembers each plea [VISITOR] Would he remember a person like me? [MARA, spoken] I... suppose so. [MARA] You offer your hope He closes his hand, then away it will go And once you come of age, you are brought to the hall You speak what you want, then remember no more [MARA & ENSEMBLE] He keeps every hope where no one interferes And chooses one person when someone appears [MARA] It might belong to you Or my Uncle Darien, his turn must be due [VISITOR] Where are they kept? [VISITOR CHILD] Can we go there? [MARA] No, that part is guarded... but no one knows where Because here, in the center of Veyra Every hope is collected and kept by the Keeper who watches above us Yes, here, in the center of Veyra You’ll never need doubt when the council decides what is best for each of us [MARA & ENSEMBLE] It sheltered me (Me) And you (You) And all of us (Us) [MARA] The city of Veyra [VISITOR CHILD, spoken] Why did that woman ask for hers back? [MARA, spoken] Keep walking.
