Transcript:A Little Blood, Part 1

ACT ONE:
INT. HALLWAY IN CASTLE GUERNATAL - VERY EARLY MORNING 
 NARRATOR
 There exists a peculiar corridor deep in the heart of
 Castle Guernatal. It could not be called "secret"
 necessarily, as it is known to many of the castle’s
 servants. No, "peculiar" describes this corridor best.
 It shares a wall with the chambers of some mid-ranking
 military officers. Due to some peculiar twist of
 engineering, sounds from these offices occasionally
 drift through the wall and out to the corridor. To be
 sure, these sounds are so faint that they can barely be
 heard by someone walking in the corridor.
 Gwendolyn was not walking down the corridor. She was,
 in fact, crouched behind a particular office, ear
 pressed firmly against the wall. The low, urgent
 whisper behind the wall almost certainly belonged to
 Lord Ardel Redmoor. Gwen strained to hear the
 conversation but instead heard heavy, booted feet
 coming down the hallway towards her. Gwen jumped up. As
 she stalked away from the sound, she heard more
 footsteps, approaching from the other direction. Gwen
 panicked, and took a rather rash course of action.
 Namely, she found a nearby laundry chute and dove in.
 She fell for 30 feet, and was "lucky" to land in a
 large vat of soapy water and dirty bedsheets.
 INT. ARLENE’S BEDCHAMBERS - A FEW MINUTES LATER
 NARRATOR
 Some thirty minutes later, a drenched Gwendolyn sat in
 Arlene’s bedchambers. The highborn lady was toweling
 her servant’s hair with a plush towel.
 ARLENE
 Poor dear.
 (WHISPERS)
 You’re certain he said "kill?"
 GWEN
 (WHISPERS) Yes, m’lady. "Kill on sight and leave no witnesses." I
 didn’t hear who they were talking about, but your
 brother was terribly upset that they couldn’t find him.
 ARLENE
 (WHISPERS)
 This, Maid Corelan’s nightmares, our visit to the
 Bishop...my brother is planning something awful.
 GWEN
 (WHISPERS)
 I’m sorry I couldn’t hear any more.
 ARLENE
 (WHISPERS)
 That’s all right, Gwen, you’ve done quite enough for
 one week. Thank you.
 (NORMAL VOLUME)
 Have you been working on your letters like I showed
 you?
 GWEN
 Yes, m’lady. If I may say so meself, I think I’m
 starting to get the hang of it.
 ARLENE
 Would you like to try reading one of the histories with
 me?
 GWEN
 I would love that, m’lady!
 NARRATOR
 Although, as usual, the formality of their conversation
 was exaggerated, Gwen’s joy was pure and genuine.
 ARLENE
 Go to the librarian, and request any history you’d
 like.
 GWEN
 I’m going to ask for "The Knights of the Wood and
 Hrdlxx the Warrior Dragon.
 NARRATOR
 In her excitement, Gwen practically ran towards the
 door. Arlene giggled at the girl’s excitement, but her
 joy was cut short when the door slammed open. Gwen had
 to stop suddenly to avoid being hit by the flying door.
 ARDEL
 (TO ARLENE)
 Oh good, you’re awake. Would you please join me in my
 solar, dear sister?
 (TO GWEN)
 Get us wine.
 NARRATOR
 Gwen ran off quickly, her face bright red. She kept her
 head down to avoid eye contact with Ardel as she
 passed.
 ARLENE
 Brother, at this hour?
 ARDEL
 We’re celebrating. There’s been good news, for the
 first time in nearly a fortnight.
 ARLENE Oh?
 ARDEL
 I believe congratulations are in order. You’re engaged
 to be married. 
 EXT. BRIARHELM BARN - EARLY MORNING
 NARRATOR
 That day, the sun had also risen on the farm that was,
 until very recently, owned by Bowen Briarhelm. Billy,
 Jen, and Nelson found that the daylight did nothing to
 brighten their view of the events of the previous
 night. In fact, the light only served to illuminate the
 carnage that still surrounded the farm.
 Regan sat by an old well, methodically pumping water
 onto the bloodstained blade of her sword and scrubbing
 with a rag. Brennen emerged from the forest, carrying a
 shovel caked in mud. He glared at the rogue, but walked
 a wide path around her. Mercenary corpses remained
 littering the ground.
 BILLY
 Man, we gotta get back home.
 JEN
 I never thought I’d miss Pennsylvania.
 NELSON
 Aren’t you a little curious about all this "Annointed
 One" stuff?
 JEN
 I think I’d rather be somewhere where people aren’t
 trying to murder me with a sword every few days.
 BILLY
 I don’t mind the fights. I just...wanna go to an Arby’s
 or some shit, you know?
 NELSON
 Yeah, but no one wants to help us get home until they
 get the prophecy stuff figured out.
 JEN
 I think we may have to start figuring this out on our
 own.
 YLLOWYYN
 (O.S.)
 I’d remind you that to run off anywhere without our
 protection would certainly mean your doom.
 BILLY
 Hey, asshole, are you not letting us fight just so you
 can hold that over us?
 YLLOWYYN
 It’s no fault of mine if your inferior human faculties
 render you ill-equipped for combat.
 NELSON
 ...Yllowyyn, I’m starting to think you might be a
 racist.
 YLLOWYYN
 What does that mean?
 BILLY
 It means you don’t like humans just because they’re
 humans.
 YLLOWYYN
 Nonsense. Humans can be very useful. I had a human
 nanny, you know.
 NELSON
 Well, but, that doesn’t really--
 YLLOWYYN
 --Billy, Nelson. You’ll need to search these bodies for
 anything useful. Especially jewelry.
 BILLY
 You did not just say that.
 INT. BRIARHELM BARN, TOP FLOOR - A LITTLE WHILE LATER
 NARRATOR
 As the boys set to their unpleasant task, Jen took the
 opportunity for some solitude in the barn’s loft. She
 retrieved her iPhone from her handbag. The device was
 unable to accomplish its primary purpose of
 communication with other similar devices. However, a
 warlock by the name of Jobs had long since mastered the
 art of convincing humanity to purchase devices without
 purpose. Thus, Jen was able to spend quite some time
 with the non-functioning device. She was perusing
 images - don’t ask me how images got on the device, I
 still don’t understand - of herself in Northeast
 Pennsylvania. She had reached an image of her infant
 self with her father when Billy returned from his
 looting. He had gore spattered all over his arms and
 shirt.
 JEN All done?
 BILLY
 Yeah. It was rough, but I toughed it out.
 JEN
 I woulda helped.
 BILLY
 Nah, don’t sweat it. It’s guy stuff.
 NARRATOR
 Billy peeled off his sweat -- and blood --soaked shirt.
 Ever a bit narcissistic (although unable to spell it),
 Billy took a moment to admire his own body.
 BILLY
 I gotta say, I been getting a good workout since we got
 here. What do you think?
 JEN
 Yeah, I mean I’m all right with a sword now.
 BILLY
 No I mean me. What do you think about me?
 NARRATOR
 Jen looked just slightly disappointed.
 JEN
 You were always better than me.
 BILLY
 I mean how do I look?
 JEN
 You look good. You always look good, baby.
 NARRATOR
 To Billy, this was as good as an invitation. He leaned
 in close to kiss her. At that distance, however, Jen
 could no longer pretend to ignore the stench of Billy’s
 earlier work, and flinched away.
 JEN
 Did you throw up again?
 BILLY No.
 JEN
 Aww, honey...
 BILLY
 I didn’t!
 JEN
 It’s okay. You’re not supposed to be used to maimed
 bodies.
 BILLY
 ...you got any of those breath tabs in your bag?
 JEN
 Yeah, but I’m running low. I didn’t think a toothbrush
 was advanced technology.
 NARRATOR
 Billy placed the green strip into his mouth and,
 believing the problem solved, tried for the kiss once
 again.
 JEN
 Woah. I think we could each use a bath.
 BILLY
 Together? Yeah I could get into that.
 JEN
 Maybe apart for now. It’s been a while.
 BILLY
 We did it right after a game that one time.
 JEN
 You didn’t have someone else’s blood all over you.
 EXT. BRIARHELM BARN - SIMULTANEOUS
 NARRATOR
 Meanwhile, outside the barn, Nelson sat with the pile
 of loot, assiduously sorting the goods by purpose,
 size, and color. Yllowyyn and Nia stood nearby,
 watching the boy work.
 NIA
 You could have at least waited for their bodies to get
 cold.
 YLLOWYYN
 It’s doing them no harm now.
 NIA
 It does you harm to forget the dignity of others. Even
 your enemies. Nelson, that goes for you too.
 NELSON
 I think if they ever invent smell-o-vision, a lot less
 games are gonna reward you for looting dead bodies.
 It’s not even funny to take off their clothes.
 NIA
 ...Galadon’s mercy, boy. What stories have you heard?
 NELSON Skyrim is more of an open-world adventure than a coherent story--
 YLLOWYYN
 --These men forsook their own dignity by their actions
 in life. It’s not in my power to give it back in death.
 NARRATOR
 At this moment, Jen burst of a barn at a walk so brisk
 it was nearly a run. A moment later, Billy appeared
 behind her in pursuit.
 JEN
 Because it’s gross. I’m sorry.
 BILLY
 A little blood never hurt anybody.
 REGAN (O.S.)
 Blood is like fucking.
 NARRATOR
 Regan strolled up to the group.
 REGAN
 Most people don’t realize how badly they need it until
 I’ve left them curled up somewhere, sticky and
 unconscious.
 SEVERAL BEATS OF UNCOMFORTABLE SILENCE.
 NELSON
 I’m troubled by how arousing I find that.
 BILLY Dude.
 INT. ARLENE’S BEDCHAMBERS - SIMULTANEOUS
 NARRATOR
 In Arlene Redmoor’s bedchambers, Gwen fastened the
 final button on Lady Redmoor’s dress. The dress was
 beautiful and lavish, all in white. The woman
 underneath looked terrible. Her face was ashen, paler
 even than the silks she wore. She appeared to not have
 slept in months, although only one night had passed
 since Ardel delivered his "good news". Worst, however,
 was the expression on her face. Her face showed no joy,
 but also no anger, no fear. It was simply, terribly
 blank.
 GWEN
 You look so beautiful, m’lady! Antonin Mooncrest is a
 lucky man.
 NARRATOR
 Arlene stared silently at the far wall.
 GWEN
 He’s a good match. I’ve heard he is handsome and kind.
 NARRATOR
 Although Arlene remained silent and still, hot tears
 ran down her face. Gwen ran to offer comfort.
 GWEN
 There, there, m’lady. It’s all right to be a bit
 scared.
 ARLENE
 I’m going to be sick.
 NARRATOR
 Arlene ran for the chamber pot and was, indeed, sick.
 Gwen held her lady’s hair and veil clear from the
 filth, and rubbed Arlene’s back comfortingly. They
 stood in silence for a moment.
 ARLENE
 (RECOVERING)
 High-born girls are supposed to dream about their
 wedding day. Did you ever dream about marriage?
 GWEN
 I mean, in a way. I don’t know. But then I never had
 the chance to wed Antonin Mooncrest. Marriage must be
 wonderful with a good man, who you love. And what’s not
 to love about Lord Mooncrest?
 ARLENE
 Have you ever been in love, Gwen?
 GWEN
 Oh, I don’t think so. My friends used to tell me when
 you love a boy it feels like a hummingbird in your guts
 every time you see him. I never felt that way about a
 boy. I felt that way when I met you, but that’s just
 nerves, ain’t it? What lowborn girl wouldn’t be nervous
 meeting a lady like you?
 ARLENE
 What highborn girl would be nervous meeting her
 handmaiden? And yet, when you arrived at my father’s
 house...
 GWEN
 What did you have to be nervous about?
 ARLENE
 Perhaps ’hopeful’ is the better word. Before you my
 brother was my only playmate. I remember he had a boy
 doll and a girl doll he used to play with, and he would
 have me pretend I was the girl doll. Some days it was
 fun, but other days he would poke the doll, or twist
 her arm, or pull her hair. He’d tell me to scream for
 her, and get horribly cross if I didn’t. So I would.
 One day, he threw the doll into the fire. He told me
 "scream like you’re burning to death!" I ran out of the
 room crying, and he followed me down the halls,
 laughing, and yelling "burn! burn!" But when you came,
 I think I just...sensed that you had a kind soul. I was
 excited. I felt hopeful.
 A MOMENTARY IMPASSE IN THE CONVERSATION.
 GWEN
 ...And that’s probably what you’re feeling now. It’s
 just nerves troubling your stomach. I’ll fix you some
 ginger tea.
 ARLENE
 No, Gwen. It’s different. My life is over when I wed.
 GWEN
 Now what kind of talk is that?
 ARLENE
 (FRANTIC)
 Lord Mooncrest will seek annulment, my brother will be
 called gracious for taking me back into his house, and
 I will never escape him.
 GWEN
 Annulment? Why ever would he do that?
 ARLENE STEADIES HERSELF.
 ARLENE
 I have been unchaste, Gwen.
 GWEN IS AT A LOSS FOR A BEAT, BUT COMES UP WITH...
 GWEN
 Your husband needn’t learn of your every youthful
 folly.
 ARLENE
 But his family may ask for blood proof.
 GWEN
 I have heard that sometimes the maidenknot can be
 broken when a lady rides a horse.
 ARLENE
 I know. So does Ardel. That’s why he never let me ride.
 GWEN
 Wait. He knows? How does he know?
 ARLENE
 Please, Gwen, I can’t.
 GWEN
 Of course you can, m’lady. You tell me everything.
 ARLENE
 You will hate me. And I don’t know what I will do
 without you.
 GWEN
 I swear to you, there is nothing you can say that would
 make me leave your side.
 ARLENE TAKES AN AGONIZING FEW BEATS TO COMPOSE
 HERSELF.
 ARLENE
 Ardel and I came of age shortly before you came to us.
 At our Nyy’lynni feast...I never had wine before. But
 my brother and cousins kept telling me to drink. It was
 so exciting, to be treated like a woman for the first
 time. I remember one of my cousins...A boy had never
 looked at me like that before, you see. I smiled back
 every time I caught him. I should have looked away, not
 given him the wrong idea, but I was flattered! What
 girl of 13 years wouldn’t be? I remember the first few
 dances I had with him, but after that it’s all black.
 In the morning, Ardel told me what happened. I said I
 needed his help. He laughed in my face! He said "yes,
 you do," and laughed that awful laugh of his.
 A BRUTAL BEAT AS THE GRAVITY OF THIS SINKS IN.
 ARLENE
 When I told my father about Ardel burning the doll, he
 said "that’s the way of boys. But he is your brother,
 and when you need him, he will be there for you." Blind
 old fool. My brother is a monster, and my father was
 the last one who could have protected me. He refused to
 see it, the gods damned fool.
 GWEN GIVES ARLENE A MOMENT TO BREATHE.
 GWEN
 Pardon me, m’lady, but if you don’t remember, how do
 you know it happened as he said?
 ARLENE
 When I woke I was sore...there. And when Ardel told
 me...he waved a bloody sheet in my face! He’s been
 threatening to end my life with shame since then. I
 tried to forget. I didn’t think the day would come so
 soon.
 SHE COLLAPSES, CRYING.
 GWEN
 It’s all right, m’lady.
 ARLENE
 God, what you must think of me.
 GWEN
 I think you’re the victim of your brother’s cruelty.
 ARLENE
 I could have stopped drinking, I could have not smiled
 back, I could have--
 GWEN
 --And your cousin could have not had his way with you!
 Which is the greater evil? The theft of your honor, or
 a smile?
 ARLENE
 Do you think less of me?
 GWEN
 Do you think so little of my love for you?
 ARLENE
 How could anyone love me?
 GWEN
 How can anyone not? I remember the first time I felt
 homesick, you sensed something was wrong. I thought
 you’d be upset, but you took me into your arms, and I
 never felt so at home.
 ARLENE
 Thank you, Gwen. Sometimes we all need to be flattered.
 GWEN
 I mean no flattery, m’lady.
 ARLENE
 I am certainly not all of those things, all of the
 time.
 GWEN
 But you are. And I’ve seen you at your most wretched.
 Remember when your Lord father insisted on serving
 salmon in the Mooncrest fashion?
 THIS, FINALLY, GETS A CHUCKLE OUT OF ARLENE.
 ARLENE
 (CHUCKLES)
 I’m still sorry about that, Gwen.
 GWEN
 I hear your brother got the worst of it. The fish tried
 to escape from every hole it could find.
 ARLENE
 (THROUGH LAUGHTER)
 Gwen, behave.
 GWEN
 It must’ve hated your brother as much as everyone else
 does.
 ARLENE
 (A BIT FRIGHTENED NOW)
 Hush! If he heard, you--
 NARRATOR
 --Gwen grabbed her lady’s face with both hands and
 looked her straight in the eyes. The serving girl’s
 eyes were steel.
 GWEN
 Fuck. Him.
 ARLENE Gwen!
 GWEN
 He’s played his last card, m’lady. What can he do to
 you now that he hasn’t done already?
 NARRATOR
 Though Arlene continued to weep, the truth of Gwen’s
 words gradually began to wash over her.
 SILENCE
 A RELIEVED GIGGLE ESCAPES.
 GWEN LAUGHS TOO.
 THE LAUGHTER BUILDS TO EXULTATION. 
 SCORE SWELLS 
 END OF EPISODE ONE.
Category:Episode Transcripts