u/forlornscripts

Summary: For a few days, you and Ezekias have been hiding in a small cabin in the woods, taken in and cared for by William and his wife, Marian. But with the assassin still hunting you, rest never truly comes. And when Ezekias comes to you with troubling news, you feel as if there’s no choice left but to accept defeat.
—
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Link: [M4A] When two paths collide [Part 5]

[Part 1] - [Part 2] - [Part 3] - [Part 4]

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Key:
[...] = Stage directions / SFX
(...) = Voice direction
*...* = Silent insert / Listener’s reaction
<...> = Emphasis

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— Script starts here —

[It’s early in the morning. The Listener is outside, training with Ezekias’s sword when Ezekias approaches]

(scolding) So. I see you’ve decided that giving your injury time to properly heal is unnecessary?

*pause*

What are you doing out here, Royal? The sun hasn’t even begun to rise yet. You’re supposed to be asleep.

*pause*

When I woke up and found your bed empty, I went looking for you. And what do I find? You, waving that sword – <my> sword –  around like your recovery doesn’t matter at all.

*pause*

It hasn’t even been four days. A wound as deep as yours doesn’t heal that fast.

*pause*

Yes, Marian is very capable. But her herbs aren’t magic. If she saw you right now, she’d probably tie you to the bed to keep you from moving around so carelessly.

*pause*

(concerned, softer) You don’t look “fine”. Have you even slept at all?

*pause*

Do you want to talk about what’s keeping you awake?

*pause*

You’re right. I suppose it is obvious… But do you have to brood over it out here? You don’t know who might be lurking nearby.

*pause*

Not being scared doesn’t make you invincible. If the assassin were here, he could sneak up on you, and by the time you noticed, it would be too late.
I understand it’s hard to relax after everything that’s happened. But if you need to let out that frustration, you could at least let me know so I can come with you and make sure you’re safe.

*pause*

Of course I would’ve tried to talk you out of it. Because in my opinion, you belong in bed where your body can focus on getting better and you don’t risk tearing that wound open again.
But I also know you probably wouldn’t have listened to me. And if you need this distraction… then I won’t stop you. I just don’t like the idea of you walking around unguarded.

*pause*

(huffs) My shoulder is fine. I am still capable of using a sword to protect you. I’m not sure the same can be said about you.

*pause*

Is that so? Let me take a look at your side then.

*pause*

So I can see if it’s healing properly.

*pause*

Why not? If you’re as well as you claim, it will only take a moment.

[The Listener hesitates but then lifts their shirt]

There you go.

*pause*

Hm… It doesn’t look too bad.

*pause*

It’s better than I expected, but that doesn’t mean you should keep straining yourself. Take a break. Please. Before you hurt yourself.

*pause*

I worry too much? (mumbling) You have no idea…
(normal voice) You’re lucky I’m trying to reason with you instead of dragging you back inside and locking the door. For the sake of your health, listen to me for once in your life, and slow down.

*pause*

Why are you so determined to keep practicing despite your injury? Because I don’t believe you’re just trying to distract yourself.
What's the real reason?

*pause*

Then give me a chance to understand. Talk to me.

*pause*

(confused) What? What does the assassin have to do with this?

*pause*

I told you I’ll deal with him when the time comes. You won’t have to fight him. I’d never let him get anywhere near you.

*pause*

Royal… My shoulder may still be a little stiff, but-

*pause*

Well… yes. It hurts. But that won’t stop me from fighting for you. I gave you my word that I would make the assassin pay for what he did. And I intend to keep that promise.

*pause*

I know neither of us is in good shape at the moment. And I understand you want to be prepared in case something happens. But exhausting yourself is not the answer.
If anyone is to fight the assassin, it should be me. Not least because I have years of experience. You only had a few weeks of training.

*pause*

(slightly frustrated) Of course I believe in you. I know you can fight. It was me who taught you, after all. But you’ve never faced real combat. It’s different. I will not have you risk your life because you think you have to prove something. Especially not with that wound.

*pause*

I’m not treating you like a child, I’m trying to look out for you.

*pause*

Because I care about you!
(frustrated sigh) You already got hurt once. Badly. For a moment I thought you were going to die in my arms. Can you imagine what that feels like? Let me tell you, it’s not something I ever wish to experience again. So forgive me if I don’t care how well you fight. As long as I’m here, I’ll do anything I can to keep you away from harm.

*pause*

(quieter) Of course I was scared.

*pause*

You didn’t know because I didn’t want you to.
I was never one to talk much about feelings to begin with. But do you truly think I’d be doing all of this if you didn’t matter to me?
I could’ve left you out here alone, let you train until you collapsed. But I didn’t. I’m trying my best to keep you safe, even though you make it so incredibly hard. Because you <do> matter to me.
You matter to me more than anyone else… more than you should. And the thought of losing you- (cuts himself off)

*pause*

I…

*pause*

What I meant was… Never mind… I… I shouldn’t have said anything.

*pause*

No, it’s nothing. Forget it.

*pause*

It doesn’t matter what I wanted to say. I already said enough.

*pause*

(firm) I said no.

[The Listener walks away, disappointed]

(surprised) Royal, what-... why are you walking away?

*pause*

I-... (sighs) Of course. Goodnight.

[Timeskip. During the next day, Ezekias notices the Listener deliberately avoiding him. Marian enters the kitchen and approaches him as he sits at the table, staring absently into the fire]

*pause*

(startled) Marian! I apologize. I didn’t hear you come in.

*pause*

Hm? Oh, me? I’m just… waiting.

*pause*

They’re outside. At least I think so. I haven’t seen them since this morning.

*pause*

No, everything’s fine.

*pause*

(soft huff)… Is it that obvious?

*pause*

I’m not sure. We talked earlier, and now they’re avoiding me. I… believe I may have upset them.

*pause*

I might’ve said something I shouldn’t have. It wasn’t anything bad. Just… too much. Or perhaps, in their eyes, not enough. I just don’t know what they want to hear from me.

*pause*

What truth?

*pause*

I’m not sure I follow.

*pause*

(flustered) How…How do we look at each other?

*pause*

What?? I-... That’s not-…

*pause*

… Maybe… you’re not completely wrong. But…

*pause*

Yes, I do care about them. And they care about me. But not like that. They shouldn’t.

*pause*

Because they’re royalty, Marian. It’s inappropriate. Things may be a lot more complicated right now, but they’re still part of the royal family. And my duty is to protect them, not… whatever it is I’m doing.

*pause*

Tell them how I feel? (scoffs) I could never. That would be irresponsible. It would only make things worse.

*pause*

It would. When all of this is over and they can return home where they belong, there won’t be any room for… us. Not in that way. So what’s the point in giving in to these feelings, when I know it won’t last?

*pause*

They won’t choose me.

*pause*

I know, because it happened before.

*pause*

They’re not the same person, but they share the same fate. They have their role to fulfill, and so do I. There’s no time getting lost in false hope.

*pause*

I appreciate your words. Truly. But this isn’t as simple as it seems. Right now, they might need a shoulder to lean on, a hand to guide them through these difficult times.
They were accused of treason and hunted by someone they trusted their entire life.
I’m just the person who was there when everything fell apart. It’s not unlikely that they feel some kind of… affection for me.
But once everything returns to normal, they’ll realize that it was nothing more than a need for something steady in a time of uncertainty. And that’s all there is to it.
I won’t be so naive as to believe in something that was never meant to be in the first place. Not again. It’s better for both of us.

*pause*

How do you know they see it differently?

*pause*

They spoke to you? What did they say?

*pause*

I mean… I’m supposed to protect them. If they didn’t feel safe around me, I would be doing something wrong.

*pause*

(slightly frustrated) Yes… I know that’s not what you meant… But even if they see me as the person they trust the most and feel safest with, it doesn’t change anything. I’m their personal guard, first and foremost. They’re already reckless enough, saying they’d give their life for me. I am not about to encourage that kind of thinking.

*pause*

I know they believe I’m worth it.

*pause*

(frustrated) Well, they’re wrong!

[Suddenly, there’s movement behind them. The Listener had been listening in on their conversation and walks away now, the door slamming behind them]

(startled) By the-... Royal? Royal! Oh no… How long have they been standing there?

*pause*

(more to himself) How does this keep happening… I always say the wrong thing when they’re around.

(to Marian) I should go after them before they decide to run off…

*pause*

What is it?

*pause*

Yes… Thank you, Marian. I’ll keep that in mind…

[Ezekias walks outside and immediately finds the Listener sitting on a tree stump, scraping at the dirt with his sword. He approaches slowly]

(murmurs) My sword is meant for fighting, not for digging holes…

*pause*

(sighs) Royal, I… I’m sorry. May I sit?

*pause*

I just want to talk.

*pause*

Yes… I could talk while standing…

*pause*

Seriously?

*pause*

(appeasingly) All right, all right. If that’s what you want.

… How much did you hear?

*pause*

No, I suppose it doesn’t matter…

Look… I’m sorry for what I said. I was caught up in my own thoughts and didn’t consider how it would sound.

*pause*

Can you look at me?

*pause*

I understand that you’re upset. You have every right to be. I hurt you. I would take it all back if I could.

*pause*

(reluctant) … Yes… I meant what I said. But I never wanted you to hear it like that.

*pause*

Royal, please. Let me explain.

*pause*

How am I supposed to make you feel better when you won’t even listen to me?

*pause*

At least let me try. I-

*pause*

(scoffs) You’re as stubborn as ever…

*pause*

If you would just let me speak for a moment without interrupting or ignoring me, I could tell you that…

[He trails off when he notices William approaching with a worried look]

*pause*

I…

*pause*

(concerned) No, no. It’s William… Didn’t he say he wanted to go to the market to buy herbs for Marian?

*pause*

Well, I don’t see him carry any. And he looks worried… something must’ve happened.
Wait here. I’ll be right back.

*pause*

I said wait. (softer) Please.

[Ezekias walks up to William. The Listener can hear them from a distance]

(quietly) William. Is everything all right?

[William hands Ezekias a sheet of parchment]

What is this?

*pause*

(realizing) Oh… Oh no… This can’t be.

*pause*

All over the village? Since when?

*pause*

And the people? Do they actually believe this is right?

*pause*

This is bad. Very bad. I can’t believe he would go this far.

*pause*

Yes… I suppose they should.
I’ll tell them. Thank you for showing me this, William.

[William leaves and Ezekias walks back to the Listener]

… Royal?

*pause*

I know you’re still angry with me, but I need to show you something. Even though you won’t like it.
Here…

[Ezekias hesitantly hands the Listener the piece of parchment]

(deep sigh) … It seems your brother has made his decision.
He declared you an outlaw… and placed a substantial bounty on your head too. He is certain you hired that assassin. And because he failed to capture you himself, he’s now trying to turn the people against you.

*pause*

Your brother wants everyone to believe you attempted to have him killed. He’s trying to corner you. Even those who aren’t interested in the reward won’t offer you a place to hide now. They wouldn’t dare to defy the prince.

*pause*

As much as I hate to say it… you’re the most obvious choice. In his eyes, no one had more reason to want him dead than you. Without him, you’d be next in line to the throne. People have killed for less. And when you ran after he accused you, it only reinforced his belief.

*pause*

I’m not saying you shouldn’t have. I know why you did it. But to him, it only confirmed your guilt. 
Now the prince is blinded by fear for his own life.
And if that’s all that matters to him… if that’s what drives him to take such drastic measures… I’m not sure we can change his mind, even if we uncover who is truly behind all this. I doubt he’ll listen to us…

*pause*

I’m sorry, Royal. I really hoped it wouldn’t come to this.

*pause*

You must be feeling a lot right now. And I won’t ask you to ignore those emotions. But… please… don’t do anything reckless. Can you promise me that?

*pause*

Good.

*pause*

Of course. I will give you some space. Just don’t stay out here too long. It’s getting late. I know your thoughts are elsewhere, but you should try to get some rest. You have been on your feet all day, and your injury-

*pause*

Very well… If you need me, I’ll be inside.

[Ezekias leaves. Timeskip. During the night, the Listener sneaks out of bed and leaves the cabin, closing the door quietly behind them. They manage about twenty steps before footsteps approach from behind]

Where do you think you’re going?

[The Listener stops abruptly and turns around, finding Ezekias standing there]

Don’t look so surprised. Did you really think I wouldn’t hear you sneaking out? I have spent weeks watching over you as your personal guard, Royal. You can’t escape me that easily.

*pause*

Oh, really? Then what is it you’re doing? Because from the looks of it, you were trying to leave without telling anyone.

*pause*

Do you have any sense of self-preservation? Walking around out in the open, giving everyone the opportunity to strike. Right after you promised me not to do anything rash, no less.
(scoffs) You do realize you’re not only being hunted by your brother and the assassin anymore? Anyone is permitted to kill you on sight. Hopefully not a lot of people actually consider doing it, but I wouldn’t count on it. Some might believe they’re doing the kingdom a favor by ridding it of a traitor. And you’re not even making it difficult for them!

*pause*

What is that supposed to mean? Where were you planning to go?

*pause*

Are you serious?? You cannot simply go to your brother and expect it to end well. Speaking to him will not change his mind. He is already too far gone. If you go to him now, he might just kill you himself.

*pause*

If you know that, then-... (realizing) Wait. Royal… No. Tell me you’re not… tell me you are not planning to just surrender yourself. You are innocent! You cannot take the blame for something you didn’t do.

*pause*

Why? Why would you do that?

*pause*

Yes, I said it might be impossible to convince your brother of your innocence. But I am not going to let you throw away every chance we have just because things seem hopeless! I don’t care how unlikely it is that we can stop all of this and turn things back to how they were. We have to try.

*pause*

I understand you’re trying to protect anyone else from being hurt. And you’re right. William and Marian are putting themselves in danger by helping us. But that doesn’t mean you should just give up and run away. We will find a way to make this right. We can resolve this.

*pause*

Yes, <we>. You’re not doing this alone. I won’t let you. There are people who want to be there for you. Who will fight for you. Even if there are risks.

*pause*

Like me…

*pause*

(regretful) I know I haven’t acted like it lately. I’ve been cold and dismissive… I understand why you don’t want to ask me for help. But please, Royal, don’t do this. I can handle you being angry with me or not wanting to talk to me. But I couldn’t handle losing you. Not after everything we’ve been through.

*pause*

(deep breath) Marian reminded me of something very important today. She said you’re not my past and I shouldn’t treat you as if you were.
But that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. I’ve been pushing you away because I expected you to become a repetition of what happened to me before. And that’s not fair to you.

The truth is… I am afraid. Afraid of making the same mistake twice. Of believing in something just to see it crumble under the expectations of others.
But I don’t want to keep hurting you just to protect myself from any pain.
My past shouldn’t dictate my future.

*pause*

I was not only a knight of Akradorn before coming to Northcourt. I was assigned to protect Akradorn’s heir as their personal guard.
But… we also shared deeper feelings that no one knew about. Feelings I thought I’d never experience again… until now.
But every time we get closer, I remember how they chose their role as heir over me. I don’t blame them. It was me or their kingdom. Still, it hurt when they sent me away. When they said we couldn’t have a future because our love was forbidden.
And now it feels like it’s happening all over again… with you.

*pause*

I know you’re not them. But I fear fate is going to make you choose too. And I wouldn’t expect your decision to fall on me. You should take your rightful place in this world. In this kingdom. It needs someone like you to one day ascend the throne. Not your brother.
And I won’t be standing in the way of getting you there.

*pause*

I’m saying that we should set our feelings we aside for the time being… and focus on bringing you back home where you belong…

*pause*

What? Why wouldn’t you want to go back?

*pause*

(disbelief, quietly) Royal… don’t say that.

*pause*

Because it’s already difficult enough to hold myself back and not ask you to run away with me. If you now tell me… that you would choose me over the throne… then I will believe you.

*pause*

Maybe you do mean it. But you’re also still an outlaw. Whether you return home or not, you can’t spend the rest of your life on the run. We need to clear your name… Everything else comes after that.

*pause*

I’m not trying to deny what I feel for you. I won’t run from this. But your safety matters more than anything else right now. So please… let me do this for you. Let me help you. And afterward, we can figure out… this.

*pause*

(softer) Please?

…
*pause*

My plan?

*pause*

Yes, I… do have one. Well… It’s not so much a plan as an… idea in development.

*pause*

Well… to prove your innocence, we need to find out who caused all of this and make them confess before the prince. And since the assassin is the only one who knows who hired him to kill you and your brother, we need to find him first… and make him talk.

*pause*

That’s the part I’m not so sure about. He’s an assassin after all. His hiding spot isn’t exactly marked on a map.

*pause*

You have an idea? And what would that be?

*pause*

Yes, I remember the old plan. I initially wanted to wait for him to find us. But he hasn’t shown up so far, so I doubt he ever will. And with that bounty on your head, we don’t have time to keep sitting and waiting.

*pause*

You want to make it easier for him? How?

*longer pause*

(stunned) Sorry, what?

*pause*

(scoffs) Royal. You don’t actually expect me to agree to that, do you?

*pause*

Because I’m not going to use you as bait! There’s so much that could go wrong. If I were to go to the village and spread rumors about your whereabouts, the assassin might not be the only one trying to get there first. We can’t risk it.

*pause*

This can’t be the best we’ve got. I refuse to put your life on the line for a plan like this.

*pause*

Royal, please. I-...

*pause*

Yes. I do trust you.

*pause*

Of course I’ll be there to protect you.

*pause*

(huffs) I’m glad that makes you feel more certain.

… (sighs) And you’re really sure about this?

*pause*

Fine. We’ll do it your way then. Even though I have a very bad feeling about this…

*pause*

Now? Now we will rest. I need to sleep over this game of chance we call a plan.

[Ezekias starts walking and the Listener follows him]

*pause*

No, we’re not going back. You were right. If anyone discovers that William and Marian helped us, they’ll be in trouble. We should set up camp somewhere out here. No one will find us in the middle of the forest.

*pause*

What is it, Royal?

*pause*

You don’t have to thank me. I want to do this for you. To earn the trust you’ve placed in me.
(playful) Besides, you’d get lost in these woods in a matter of minutes without me. It would be very irresponsible to let you walk around alone.

[Their footsteps and voices fade as the two of them walk deeper into the forest]

*pause*

Oh, your sense of direction definitely could use some more work. For example, the direction you were heading in before I stopped you leads you everywhere but where you wanted to go.

*pause*

Sadly, I am serious. But I’ll be nice and let you blame it on exhaustion.
Now come on… we should find a place to rest for the night. Are you still as particular about sleeping arrangements as you used to be?

[The End]