Play: Title - The smallest of things
Narrator: It was a dark and dreary night, one where the Lord Thunder shook the lands with all his might, and Lady Rain ravaged the forests with tears of rage.
In a lone cabin sat a stranger, puffing his pipe and muttering to himself.
Stranger: *puff puff*
Aie, me old joints ache with this rain.
*puff puff*
Been years since a storm like this one came upon us.
~Nimlas stumbles in~
Nimlas: H.. hhelp me ...
~Nimlas dies~
Stranger: Aie!!!
~Stranger runs to the victim's side~
Stranger: H .. hold on!
*rummages through his pouch*
Jus ... jus' hold on!
*fumbles with a potion*
~ Pause~
Stranger: *sighs*
I was too late, it seems …
~Nerwen comes in~
Nerwen: *gasps*
~Nerwen runs to Nimlas’ side~
Oh, Nimlas!
*grasps Nimlas’ hand*
Dear lover, what misfortune has befallen you?
Please, speak my name once more.
Let me hear your sweet voice,
Lull me to sleep like stars do at night.
~Pause~
Stranger: He is gone, m’lady.
There was nothing to be done.
~Nerwen turns to the stranger~
Nerwen: *wipes tears from her cheeks*
Who are you?
Stranger: A stranger to your lands, though naught
a stranger to your lives.
*runs hand through his wispy hair*
I had once before lived among the Elves.
~Pause~
I am sorry for your loss.
~Short pause~
And I am sorry for the pain the death rede of the fallen brought to you.
Nerwen: *frowns*
How do you know of the death rede?
Unless …
~Pause~
Nerwen: GUARDS!!!
~Guard comes in~
Nerwen: Arrest this human!
He had poisoned my lover, and now he stands before me feigning innocence!
Guard: Uma, m’lady!
Stranger: Now wait!
Wait a moment!
I did no such task!
~Guard stands next to the stranger~
Guard: Then you don’t need to fear.
We will hold you until the matter is resolved.
~End act 1~
Nerwen: ... and then, m’lady, he told of the rede.
As you know, only that which is loved can hear the rede
Or that which has killed!
~pause~
He is guilty, without a doubt.
Judge: Calm thineself, Elvin childe.
I shalt hear both sides of the tale before my judgment is made.
~pause~
*folds her wings neatly behind her*
Now tell me your side of the story, stranger.
Stranger: I was walking in yonder woods
When I came upon this cabin.
As the storm was preparing outside,
I walked in to warm my old chilled bones.
~pause~
It was but a few minutes later
That the Elf came.
He was in ill state, pleading for help.
*sighs*
But I was too late.
And soon after, the death rede came.
Nerwen: *scoffs*
There is proof.
Judge: *eagle eyes flare*
Quiet, Elvin childe, lest I unsheathe my claws.
Nerwen: *frowns*
Judge: Then, stranger, a claim hast been made.
One concerning your knowledge of the rede.
Surely you know, it be thine downfall
Should it proveth thine guilt ...
Stranger: I know a lot of the creatures that live upon these lands.
I know of Faeries, Dragons and Men.
I know of Elves, Goblins and Angels.
I even know of your kind, honorable judge.
Gryphons are rare on these lands
But I know of your kind well.
Yet, I may not say where my knowledge comes from.
For I am under an oath,
One that could cost me my life
Should I choose to break it.
Nerwen: Ah!
What more proof we need!
He is guilty!!!
Judge: QUIET!!!
This is the last outburst I will allow.
Stranger: Please, you must believe me.
I did not kill the Elf.
*clenches fists*
At least allow me to prove my innocence ...
Nerwen: Never!!!
The swift blade of justice will cut you to pieces!
Judge: *lashes tail*
ENOUGH!
I would not have granted the request.
But you, childe, hast tested my patience.
*draws herself high on her back paws*
Request granted, stranger.
Let us leave to the scene of the crime.
End Act 2
Judge : Now, before I hear from thee, Elvin childe,
Let us hear from the Human,
Let us hear his story.
Stranger : I thank you, honorable Gryphon.
*sighs heavily*
~Stranger takes a seat. ~
Stranger : I was sitting here,
Thinking of the storm that raged out yonder.
*runs hands through his whispy hair*
~Stranger pauses~
The Elf stumbled through the door, asking for help.
I ran to his side, but to no avail.
Nerwen : Lies!
Since there be no justice here,
I shall take it upon myself to deliver the mortal blow!