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So, as with every narrative designer creation, "it all started with a Dungeons and Dragons game". Well, technically it was Pathfinder this time but it makes very little difference. In the face of fear of interparty conflict, (I believe the level-7 Ranger's exact words were "you're dead" after firing 4 arrows at +14 to hit each into another party member) I was worried my character would never get to see the completion character arc so I went ahead and wrote it. However, due to the way themes and cohesion works, I had to cut a couple of party members from the story--I wanted to focus on "family" and how families interact with the family business. As such, shout out to Paddington Snowe, Ralshir, and Maeve for not-being featured and thank you to William Tucker for allowing me to write about and then botch his lore.
I would like to note this is a modified screenplay format, inspired by the kind I am using in my current narrative design class. I aware this is not the traditional manner in which to formate a screenplay.
Also, there some adult language. You have been warned.
EXT - Ship, Night
FADE IN
An ornate cargo ship drifts over calm seas at night. The moon is full and clear. As we come closer, we hear quiet chatter aboard the ship and see a pair of adventurers, both in travelers' capes, sit in a warmly lit, private cabin below deck. One wears all green with a bow slung over his shoulder and a potato sack over the other. This is EL. The other is SYBILANNE and she wears a thick black cloak hiding fine violet silks beneath. Horns curl from her head like a crown and violet scales dot her silvery skin.
EL writes a letter with slow, deliberate strokes of his pencil.
SYBILANNE
Is that for the Guild?
EL
No, it's for Mother.
SYBILANNE
Writing home, hm? How quaint. You have more important things to do right now.
EL
Sybilanne, you also write home.
SYBILANNE
I assure you, it's quite different. You write to tell your family how you're doing and to tell them all the incredible feats you've managed.
EL
And you don't?
SYBILANNE
No. My father didn't care when I first discovered my magic. Do you think my father cares about anything else I've done?
EL
...Oh... You talk about your father but it is strange. You seem to hate him.
SYBILANNE
(Defensively) I don't! I'm out here looking for him, aren't I?
EL stares at SYBIL before he goes back to writing. He is baffled by her. She tosses her hair and looks away, trying not to be curious.
SYBILANNE
What are you even writing about anyway? We're almost there.
EL
Mother always tell me, "El, write a letter when important thing happens so I know you are okay." Now that we have the Tome, I write. I live by this.
SYBILANNE
I'm glad you and your mother are close, but the Guild needs to know about Baelor. If you write the notice now--
SYBILANNE is interrupted by the door opening delicately. An angel with one white and one black wing pours into the room--wearing thick, dusty robes, dried blood on her apron, and a grim expression. This is SURAYA. EL looks up with worry.
EL
How is she?
SURAYA
Not good. I've done what I can without the antidote but... The poison is just... Nonetheless, she wanted to speak with you.
EL rises quickly, leaving his letter unfinished, and SYBIL follows the pair out.
INT - Ship cabin, Night
This ship cabin is lit both from the warm candlelight and the cold moonlight. A pitcher, mortar and pestle, and a deck of tarot cards side on the bedside table. A woman, also in green, lies in a bed with a rag on her head. She shares EL's hair and eye color. Her breathing is haggard. EL appears in the doorway and then pushes in, kneeling at her side and scooping up her hand. SURAYA and SYBILANNE wait. SYBILANNE watches, frowning as she seems to have already dismissed the woman as dead.
EL
Auntie Blacksky?
The woman in green smiles up at her nephew, regaining some strength.
BLACKSKY
Elshevyrr... Your mother would be so proud. Look at how grown up you are! Oh... I'm so glad I got to see you like this before...
EL
We did not come all this way just for you to die. Please hold on.
BLACKSKY
I wanted to tell you about the Tome.
EL
There are other mages who can tell us about the Tome. Do not worry about it.
SURAYA goes to her side, running a hand over her head.
SURAYA
We will be in Ioles soon so we can get you the help you need. And then you can tell us how to use the Tome.
BLACKSKY
I suppose the Tome can wait... But El, listen to me... this is very important. To me. To your mother. To our family... You are so precious to us. Even if I die, I want you to know that we love you.
EL
I love you too. But you won't die.
BLACKSKY
Oh, I'm old enough El. I've seen my fair share of the world... And I know I can trust you. To defend yourself and our family, El.
EL
I understand.
SYBIL scoffs in disgust and walks out.
EXT - Ioles, Day
Ioles is a shining, Mediterranean city with white walkways and blue rooftops reminiscent of Santorini. A glittering palace stands high above it all with dragons perched in its rafters and circling up above.
The party climbs the marble steps of the steep city up through a district of gardens and violet flowers.
SURAYA
Are you certain it's not going to be a problem for us to stay with you?
SYBILANNE
Of course. It is my Manor and my father is not even here to disapprove.
The manor is a gorgeous, with silver scales and beautiful amethysts or purple glass pressed into the sides as decoration. Tall trees with flowering branches keep the gardens dark and shadowy.
INT - Violet Manor, Day
The interior of the manor is more austere than the outside. The rugs are thick with golden lace and the furniture is all a deep mahogany with silk throw pillows. A horned-maid helps them through the door when footsteps begin to ring down the hall. We only see his polished, heeled shoes at first--ostentatious enough to match his daughter's. JAMESON stands in his dark tailcoat, thin spectacles, and embroidered vest. His hair is sleek and dark. Unlike SYBIL, his horns sweep back and his eyes are light and keen.
SYBIL stops in her tracks, dumbstruck. JAMESON smiles and there is something smug and unbearable about it. He gestures openly.
JAMESON
Well well well, if it isn't the merry band of misfits who went to fetch the Tome for the Queen!
SURAYA
Oh! Lord Jameson! We, uh...
JAMESON
(Nodding to his daughter in greeting) Sybilanne.
SYBIL's eyes darken and her heels echo in the vaulted manor. She moves towards him threateningly.
SYBILANNE
Where in all the Gods' names have you been?
The smile fades to something a bit more stern and distant.
JAMESON
That's what I ought to be asking you.
SYBILANNE
Looking for you! I thought you were dead! You haven't written for months. I tracked you down and these adventurers were the last people who'd seen you. They said you keep showing up so I stuck around and now--
SYBIL interrupts herself before she sounds too desperate.
JAMESON
I was fine. You know work takes me far sometimes. You really shouldn't be leaving the Manor unattended for weeks on end.
SYBILANNE
(Bristling) That's RICH coming from you. You leave your daughter unattended for months on end quite regularly, not to mention the Manor is fine--Rivette is a perfectly talented housekeeper and secretary. It's a shame. You have no appreciation for your employees or your daughter, do you?
JAMESON
(More concerned than angry, trying to get her to stay and listen) Sybil! Sybilanne!
SYBILANNE is already not-listening as she marches off towards the stairs--the maid following her dutifully.
SYBILANNE
Rivette, pour me a bath and a glass of the '87.
JAMESON sighs, looking after her.
JAMESON
I'm sorry. My daughter can be quite difficult but I appreciate you letting her tag along.
EL
She is a brat because you let her grow up without a mother so--
SURAYA
El! (She elbows him and he mumbles the rest.) We don't mean to cause any trouble for your household...
JAMESON
Oh, it's my pleasure to host guests of the Queen! Please, right this way!
INT - Sybilanne's Bathroom, Evening
The sunset streams through stained glass windows into an elaborate bathroom, with purple candles and flower petals floating in the water beside the dragongirl. SYBILANNE swirls her wine glass stares out the window pensively. RIVETTE stitches SYBILANNE's dress as she sits on the side of the tub.
RIVETTE
We have all missed you very much, Your Ladyship.
SYBILANNE
Mmm...
RIVETTE
Please try not to mind your father too much. You know he worries.
SYBILANNE
Lord Jameson knows it would look bad if I died. He doesn't care about me... And he doesn't know me. If he did, he would know I can take of myself.
RIVETTE
We all know that, Lady Sybil.
She seems patient and familiar with SYBIL's moods.
RIVETTE
Lady Sybil, I took the liberty of... organizing your father's old papers for him while you both were away. But I didn't find out anything about your mother. I'm sorry.
SYBILANNE drinks.
SYBILANNE
Don't risk your job for my curiosities again. Save your risks for business... (thinks again) But Rivette... Thank you... for being so thoughtful... (Smiles genuinely)
RIVETTE
It is my pleasure, my lady.
INT - Violet Manor, Night
JAMESON enters to see SURAYA, EL, and SYBILANNE sitting comfortably by the fire, chatting. EL is making arrow heads, SURAYA is polishing armor, SYBILANNE reads and seems not really to be listening but she smiles, indicating she is at least comfortable.
SURAYA
(Continuing on their conversation) ...and Sinnlos, my other mother, you know, she said she was just trying to keep an eye on whatever I'm doing and just to let her know if I ever want more privacy. So, in the end, it all worked out. (Looking up) Hello, Lord Jameson!
JAMESON
"Jameson" is fine, thank you. I spoke with the Queen. You'll all be able to go in and present the Tome to her yourself tomorrow. She wants to thank you herself.
SURAYA
It's no problem. It's for the good of the city.
JAMESON crosses into the room, pulls up a velvet-cushioned seat, and sits where he can see the two who aren't his daughter clearly.
JAMESON
I also wish to thank you personally for bringing my daughter home safely.
SYBILANNE bristles at being treated like she isn't there and continues to read, pointedly silent.
EL
She is very difficult.
SURAYA
(Quickly) It wasn't a problem, she was very helpful to us. She's a very talented sorceress.
JAMESON
So I've heard.
EL
You mean, you do not know?
SYBILANNE
(Bitter) Of course he doesn't know.
JAMESON
I know a fair bit more than you'd think. (His voice turning harsher) For instance, the burnt mothwing rug in the basement.
SYBILANNE
(Looking up from her book at last) Well, at least you only found the rug. The man inside was the bigger concern. But he's disappeared, hasn't he?
JAMESON
You need to do a better job of hiding the kind of work we do, Sybil. The Queen may appreciate your loyalty but the city watch might not be so understanding.
SYBIL
It's interesting that you criticize my practice of the family trade, but you never teach me anything. I've learned everything I know on my own.
JAMESON
Sybilanne, please, let's not have this discussion in front of guests.
SYBILANNE
You're the one who brought it up! You can't walk in here, discuss me in front of my partners as if I'm not here, and then tell me to drop the issue. You haven't even said, "Thank you" to me yet from crossing an entire continent on my own to find you! You owe me!
JAMESON
(Cold anger) Sybilanne, we're done. Leave.
SYBILANNE
No! And I'm not a child. I'll go if it please me.
JAMESON
I said, we're done. You're dismissed.
The fire flares up and both EL and SURAYA cower back--having sat close to it. Furious, SYBILANNE stands and storms out of the room. JAMESON sighs in frustration.
EXT - Ioles, Day
A shot of the palace at the top of the hill. It is a clear and beautiful day.
INT - Palace, Day
Sweeping archways and gilded chandeliers pass overhead as the party proceeds into the Great Hall. Portaits of the royal families with their crowns of horns smile down upon the passerby. SURAYA looks furtive under the portrait's eyes and moves closer to SYBIL.
SURAYA
Sybil, I wanted to ask you about last night...
SYBILANNE
Not now...
SURAYA
Well, it's just... do you... and Jameson... really make people "disappear"?
SYBILANNE
...the Queen makes bad people disappear, yes.
SURAYA
But your family helps!
SYBILANNE
Shh! I said, not now! And I have no idea what my father does, but yes, I play a role in that.
The QUEEN sits in a great violet throne at the end of the hall. Her face is serene and her scales are patterned similarly to Sybilanne's. She, however, wears a white dress--pure as snow.
JAMESON
Your Majesty, Elshevyrr, Lady Suraya Raveneye, and Lady Sybilanne Violet are here to present to you the Tome, Your Majesty.
The QUEEN continues to sit as everyone bows as they enter. JAMESON goes to stand by her side and slightly behind her throne--in its shadow.
QUEEN
Thank you all for coming today... El... Suraya... Sybilanne. I know this has been a long and grueling journey and that you have lost comrades in the process. But I believe, what this Tome will grant us, is peace of mind at last and safety for the hundreds of families here in Ioles. El, I understand your Aunt was severely injured in the process of acquiring this Tome. Rest assured, we will ensure your family pays none of your hospital fare nor medicinal fees. The Crown shall cover your costs.
EL
Thank you... my Queen.
QUEEN
Suraya, your healing talents have not gone unnoticed by us or by the Church. We would offer you an appointment there but we also understand you like your current position. Instead, we shall offer to donate a great sum to a charity of your choosing.
SURAYA
Oh, Your Majesty is much too kind! My family has always worked hard with the orphans at the docks, providing food, clean clothing, and a good education to those children. Please, my parents and I would be honored to receive such a gift.
QUEEN
Then you shall have it, for your brave service to your country. (A BEAT) Lastly... Sybilanne Violet. We haven't had the pleasure of more intimate introductions, but I heard much of you from your father.
SYBILANNE gives him an incredulous look.
SYBILANNE
All good things, I should hope.
QUEEN
(Tenderly. With a mother's love)
Of course. And from what I've heard, you've grown to be a lovely young lady.
SYBILANNE
(Stunned by this strangely tender praise)
I... I am glad you think so, Your Majesty...
QUEEN
Tell me, Sybilanne... as someone who shall one day advise me and... as the next generation, what do you think of me?
SYBILANNE
Your Majesty? I-I... I only think of you highly. Since the start of your reign, you have brought and maintained peace. I will be happy to serve you, as my father has before me.
QUEEN
Mmm, yes quite...
She gestures over JAMESON who nods. Wearing his unreadable smile, he gestures.
JAMESON
Guards, please escort Lady Sybilanne into an adjoining room for her private conference with the Queen.
SYBILANNE's eyes dart around as guards approach--hands off for now but eyes narrowed. SURAYA and EL both look worried at that. Particular attention is drawn to the guards' weaponry, even as they approach with weapons sheathed.
SYBILANNE
Your Majesty, I don't mean to impose but my friends will be learning whatever you tell me. You might as well confer whatever you wish to me right here, right now.
QUEEN
My my, aren't you willful, my dear? But no, I'm afraid, this is for your ears alone.
SYBILANNE
I have just spent last few weeks hunting my father down across the continent. Believe me when I assure you I know who can keep a secret and be trusted.
The QUEEN looks worried though not angry. However, she smiles gently.
QUEEN
Very well, whatever you wish, my dear.
INT - Private meeting room, dark
A dimly lit room, lit only by mage lights with no windows. An alabaster stone desk separates a nice chair from a couch full of the adventurers. JAMESON and the QUEEN sit behind it. The QUEEN is shaking.
QUEEN
Sybilanne... tell me. What do you know of your mother?
SYBILANNE is blindsided--on guard and expecting to be killed.
SYBILANNE
I... nothing. Lord Jameson has refused to talk about her my whole life. I know I was born was out of wedlock--my father is only married to his work. I assume she was something shameful, like a whore or a merchant's unmarried daughter.
QUEEN
(Trying to hide her disappointment)
A very astute assumption.
SYBILANNE
Why do you ask? Since you've given boons to my friends' families, for my boon, are you going to reveal my mother's identity?
QUEEN
I discussed it with your father... and we think you've grown up enough that you are ready to know the truth.
The QUEEN removes her silver circlet and smiles warmly.
QUEEN
Sybil, the truth is... I am your mother.
SYBIL is dead silent and stares at the hands on the desk blankly.
QUEEN
Your father and I... you were born shortly before my coronation. My rule at the time was still uncertain and I didn't want anything to befall you or me. So, we kept it from you until a time when we could safely unveil you to the Court. And now that you've come of age, it seems only natural that--
SYBILANNE
(Interrupting darkly)
You irresponsible slut.
QUEEN
(Stunned)
Wh-what?
JAMESON
(Furious)
Sybilanne!
SYBILANNE
I hate you. I hate both of you so much. Did you think? Did you even think before you fucked like dogs?
QUEEN
Wait... Sybil... I love--
JAMESON begins to walk around the alabaster desk as SYBIL rises to her feet in fury.
JAMESON
Now, Sybilanne, you listen--
SYBILANNE
No, you fucking listen, Lord Jameson! This doesn't count, okay? This doesn't fix the years of pain and neglect!
JAMESON
"Neglect"? You have wanted for nothing! My work is long but my work is to protect my family!
SYBILANNE
Don't you dare pull the, "I did it for my family" card on me. Don't tell me you did it to protect me. I can fucking protect myself and if you gave a damn, you'd have noticed I've been able to defend myself since before you started dyeing your hair!
JAMESON
Fine! But show some godsdamned respect to your mother, at least! She is also your Queen!
SYBILANNE
She can BURN IN FUCKING HELL FOR ALL CARE!
SYBILANNE's hand begins to light up and swirl with energy in the telltale sign of spellcasting. JAMESON grabs her wrist, twists it, and punches her into the nearest stone wall. SYBILANNE breaks upon it, buckling and clutching her stomach as she begins to vomit blood from her punctured rib. The QUEEN rises with a gasp. SURAYA flutters over to bestow magic on the wound and EL catches her.
EL
(At the same time)
Uh... that's your DAUGHTER!
SURAYA
(Worried)
Sybil, oh gods...
SYBILANNE
(Hisses) My other daddies hit harder than that.
JAMESON
Sybilanne, I don't know where the hell you're getting this but you need to stand the fuck down, young lady. I didn't raise you to--
SYBILANNE
Stop. "You didn't raise me." Period.
JAMESON
This is your last warning.
She hisses and pulls away from her companions.
SYBILANNE
Don't even start that with me. I know a thing or two about conditional love, and it's how I keep all my suitors on a leash. You're not going to keep me on a leash. All I wanted was for you to love me and you've never managed to do that. I'm done!
JAMESON
Sybil, I need you to be reasonable for just--
SYBIL
And you know what I need, Lord Jameson? I don't fucking need you. Either of you. "You didn't raise me to be like this"? Fine. Then I'm not your daughter anymore.
And the door slams behind SYBILANNE as she storms out.
INT - Violet Manor, Evening
The light of the sun has turned warm and and faintly flutters in to the ash-coated room. Only charred furnishings remain of the lovely fireside scene from the night before. SYBILANNE lays face down in the ashes at the center of the room, covered in soot.
Footsteps approach from offscreen.
RIVETTE (v.o.)
I wouldn't disturb her when she's like this...
Quiet murmuring. A beat passes. The camera focuses on the ashes covering the hem of her skirt or the dust on her hands. The camera takes her apart just as she has fallen apart.
Finally, the footsteps stop next to her. EL and SURAYA.
EL
Sybilanne--
SURAYA
Are you alright?!
EL
--Why did you burn the room?
SURAYA
El!
SYBILANNE
...I'm... hurting... That's all.
EL
Oh...
SURAYA
Sybilanne... Your father is worried about you. I think he genuinely is worried.
SYBILANNE
It's too late for him to care...
JAMESON
Is it?
SYBILANNE sits up slowly. Through the doorway, her father stands with a neutral, almost somber expression. EL blocks the door, scowling, but he is unphased. She turns to face him.
SYBILANNE
...That depends. What do you want?
JAMESON
Let's talk. None of this shouting or other nonsense. None of our usual faces.
SYBILANNE gestures for her friends to leave, and SURAYA guides EL out, despite his obvious misgivings. JAMESON delicately closes the difference between himself and his daughter.
JAMESON
Sybil, I... I'm sorry.
The fire in SYBILANNE's voice is gone. And she's not angry, she's just quoting what a less-broken version of her would say.
SYBILANNE
If you don't get on your knees and beg, I'm not going to listen.
JAMESON kneels next to her.
JAMESON
Sybil...
SYBIL
Why did you tell me that?
JAMESON
I... wanted you to understand. I wanted you to understand why I... I've never gotten too close to you.
SYBIL
You couldn't just tell me yourself? Away from her? Not man enough for that?
JAMESON
(Pleadingly) Sybil, please...
SYBIL
...I see the conundrum you've been in. My life would have always been in danger. Just as her life has always been in danger. You're trying to keep your family safe. But that doesn't excuse how you've treated me.
JAMESON
...So, is it too late?
SYBIL
...I want to say, "Yes" to save face. To show you that I am grown young lady. To show you I can handle myself just fine without you... but in the end, all of this is for you. The face. The strength. The cruelty. I just... wanted you to notice.
JAMESON
I've noticed. It's my job to know notice things. And Sybil... I love you. And I'm so proud of everything you've done. But even if I wasn't... you're still my daughter. And I love you.
SYBILANNE
...And what have I done that's ever made you proud?
JAMESON
I know you have a whole new ring of contacts that you thoroughly vetted down in the docks, all by yourself. I know you have a whole slew of suitors who crave you--and I know you have some that you fancy, even if you won't admit it. You're saving them for last. And I know you've had to figure out a lot on your own and I'm proud of that too. My fear, Sybil... is... and has always been... that you'll be hurt because of the choices your mother and I made. We couldn't bear that. We couldn't tell you or treat you the right way. I mean, if you were targeted--
SYBILANNE
You mean, "It would be dangerous for the country."
JAMESON
It would. Because I couldn't bear that. I couldn't... I would do anything to keep you safe. But I was wrong to keep you so far from me. To keep you in the dark and expect you to understand. To just accept everything. (Nervous chuckling) You're my daughter after all--you fight to win and you would never accept less than everything, would you?
SYBILANNE
...Of course not.
JAMESON
Sybil... come here... Let me hold you.
He opens his arms. SYBILANNE is reluctant and then leans into him.
SYBILANNE
I'm covered in soot.
JAMESON
...That's not important.
SYBILANNE
I've burnt down your office now. It will set you back months.
JAMESON
Enough excuses! You've never understood what was important... Or rather, I've never taught you... Perhaps because I've only ever given you one gift to prove that I trust you.
SYBILANNE
...What? My name?
JAMESON smiles.
JAMESON
I suppose two, then. Your name, and then... Well... You didn't get your magic from your mother, sweetheart.
And he hefts her up and spins her around like the princess she is. His magic swirls around the room, sweeping up the soot and repairing the furnishings and reshelving all the papers. Sketches of people and letters and pins and string all return to their proper places. A chess board sets itself back up on his table--half-played. Sybilanne smiles in awe and delight, to understand at last, the world her father lives in, before pressing her head into him. He holds her close as the last of his office resettles.
Fade to white.
El fin
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