Episode 1

Aurora meets something in the woods.

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EPISODE 1 — SCENE 1

DANIEL: Aurora, are you in there?

AURORA: If I say no, will you go away?

ONE NIGHT STAND: Leaving?

AURORA: Any idea where my shirt is?

AURORA: Fine, if you find it, keep it. It’s probably ruined anyway.

DANIEL: I can hear you talking.

AURORA: Then stop listening!

AURORA: (shuffling toward door, opens it)

DANIEL: Good morning.

AURORA: Not yet, m’tired. Shit...where’s my hat?

DANIEL: And your shirt, but I wasn’t going to say anything.

ONE NIGHT STAND: Can you two go talk somewhere… Officer Norton! I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it was you.

DANIEL: Not a problem, good morning.

ONE NIGHT STAND: Did you need something from me?

DANIEL: No, just-

AURORA: He’s here for me, and we’re leaving.

DANIEL: Well… Have a good morning!

DANIEL: What was his name?

AURORA: None of your business.

DANIEL: No...not...I’m only asking because I can’t remember it. I-I wasn’t trying to pry.

AURORA: Right, because you remember the name of every Dravara grunt you encounter.

DANIEL: Well, I certainly try.

DANIEL: Once you’ve collected your things, you can meet me outside the stables.

AURORA: Huh?

DANIEL: Patrol, that’s why I came to find you.

AURORA: I need a shirt.

DANIEL: Excuse me?

AURORA: A shirt, Daniel, I need a damn shirt! Anyway, I’ll be there in a minute.

DANIEL: Don’t be too long. I’ll get the horses, and don’t forget ...your coat.

SCENE 2:

AURORA: I don’t need you to check up on me, you know.

DANIEL: You didn’t show up for patrol this morning. I had to do something.

DANIEL: Will you just be careful, please? I don’t want you getting in trouble.

AURORA: Of all the things I do regularly, sleeping with strangers isn’t going to be the one to kill me.

AURORA: Whoa. Do you see that over there?

Narration:
Aurora stood in his stirrups, eyeing where smoke drifted upward through a gap in the trees. He pulled his hat down, spurring his horse forward as they reached it and dismounting once he was close enough to see the embers still burning.

DANIEL: No, no, no, get back on the horse.

AURORA: Relax, there hasn’t been a sighting in months.

DANIEL: Actually, three weeks ago to be exact and last time there was a sighting, someone was killed. I, for one, would love to remain alive for the next few months.

AURORA: I didn’t know you were in such a hurry to get out of here.

DANIEL: I’m...not, really, but that’s not the point. Come on-

AURORA: Five years.

DANIEL: What?

AURORA: In five years, the entire time I’ve been here, I’ve never seen one. Have you?

DANIEL: A few times, yes. Last time I saw one, its head was on a spike.

DANIEL: Aurora, don’t look at me like that. Come on, people hunt animals all the time, it’s not a person or something…

AURORA: Would you do that to your horse?

DANIEL: What? I… Okay, enough. We’re done with this conversation. What are you looking for anyway? It’s a fire pit.

AURORA: We’re the first patrol out here, aren’t we?

DANIEL: To my knowledge...yes, why?

AURORA: Then it’s not a Dravara fire, is it?

DANIEL: Aurora is this really-

AURORA: No horse tracks either, no boot prints other than mine.

DANIEL: I don’t think we should be here anymore. Get back on your horse-

AURORA: Giving orders now? We both know that doesn’t work.

DANIEL: Aurora, please.

AURORA: Something’s been here.

DANIEL: Yes, and we should leave before it comes back. Why does it matter to you anyway?

AURORA: Curious is all. Isn’t that enough for you?

DANIEL: Get back here, now.

AURORA: In a minute!

DANIEL: Something’s spooking them! Please, let’s get going.

AURORA: Calm down…

AURORA: Here we go, cavalry arrives.

Narration:
Out of the trees, another patrol approached, pulling to a stop a short distance away.

DRAVARA PATROLMAN: Sirs, we were sent to call back patrols.

DANIEL: Is something wrong?

DRAVARA PATROLMAN: No, sir, not currently, but another one of the patrols reported seeing something. It’s precautionary, that’s all-

AURORA: Paranoia, then. Well, in that case, piss off. This was just getting interesting.

DANIEL: What he means to say is that we’ll be right there-

AURORA: No, fully meant it. Don’t speak for me.

DANIEL: Thank you for riding out here. We’ll be right there.

DANIEL: Do you have to be a complete ass to everyone?

AURORA: I’m not!

DANIEL: I’m begging you, please, don’t start anything. We only have a few months left, and then, finally, we’re out of here. Just...avoid pissing anyone off until then, okay?

AURORA: I get it, be nice. I’m not an ass to you, see? One person is a start-

DANIEL: You are an ass to me, but for some reason I choose to deal with it.

AURORA: Now you’re just being spiteful.

DANIEL: In fact, I think I hate you more often than not.

AURORA: Spiteful!

SCENE 3:

 Daniel is in an office setting, alone and sifting through written pages in his hand. The door to the room opens, and then closes as someone walks in.

DRAVARA STUDENT: Good morning, Officer Norton.

DRAVARA STUDENT: Excuse me, Officer Norton?

DANIEL: Oh, s-sorry, I don’t think I’m quite awake yet. Did you say something?

DRAVARA STUDENT: Were you here in the place of madam?

DANIEL: Yes, but she should be back tomorrow if you’re needing something.

DRAVARA STUDENT: I came down here to tell you that classes were called off, sir. The storm last night collapsed part of the roof in one of the barracks—

DANIEL: Was anyone hurt?

DRAVARA STUDENT: No, sir, it scared some of the new recruits pretty good, but I don’t think anyone was hurt.

DANIEL: Oh, good. I’m glad to hear it.

DANIEL: Is there something else?

DRAVARA STUDENT: Well, yes, I was hoping...if you weren’t busy or something, you could help me with something even if we don’t have classes today, sir.

DANIEL: What do you need help with?

DRAVARA STUDENT: I want to send a letter home, a short one—

DANIEL: Are you asking me to write it for you?

DRAVARA STUDENT: I...don’t know how to spell the words, sir.

DANIEL: Right, well, what do you want it to say?

DRAVARA STUDENT: Tell them, I said I’m hoping I can visit soon. I’ve been doing extra work, good things, you know? Say that I miss them all, my sisters too. I don’t… I don’t know what to say in a letter, sir.

DANIEL: What’s your name?

DRAVARA STUDENT: Ben, sir.

DANIEL: Knew an officer, the chief officer before myself, with that name. What do you do? Are you a stable boy, a patrolman…

DRAVARA STUDENT: Oh, no, I’m just a cook. I don’t do anything brave.

DANIEL: Well, the Dravara need food, don’t we?

DRAVARA STUDENT: I...don’t really want to tell them I’m a cook, sir. Could you… could you tell them I’ve gone on patrols? I have, I swear, sir, I really have.

DANIEL: Turning this into a proper novel now.

DRAVARA STUDENT: I’m sorry, sir. You don’t have to write anything else. Just say I’ll come back when I can and that I’ll come back soon, okay?

DANIEL: You can write your name, can’t you? I think you should sign it.

DRAVARA STUDENT: Oh, right! Thank you very much, sir.

DANIEL: Anything else I can help you with? I really should be getting back—

DRAVARA STUDENT: Could you write when you got here, I mean?

DANIEL: No, I couldn’t. I didn’t know how to do much of anything, but I think most of us don’t come here knowing much. Now, I should be getting back. I have a letter to bring to a friend of mine, and I suppose I’ll find something else to do after that.

DRAVARA STUDENT: Thank you, sir. Have a good morning.

The student leaves then, leaving the door open and Daniel follows shortly after, closing it behind him. He walks through the hall, moving outside when he reaches the end of it and walks a short way over to the building next door. A few more paces ahead, he knocks on Aurora’s door, pausing very briefly before turning the knob and stepping inside.

DANIEL: Aurora, mail—

AURORA: Thought I locked that, you’re lucky I wasn’t doing something scandalous, Daniel.

DANIEL: Well, appreciate the restraint then. Letter for you.

AURORA: You said that, just put it with the others.

Daniel tosses the letters aside where it lands in a pile of other similar letters.

DANIEL: Do you ever read them?

AURORA: Why does it matter to you?

DANIEL: Well, I can get rid of them if you want. That’s why I’m asking.

AURORA: Where would you put them, don’t suppose you have a corner to spare?

DANIEL: Burn them?

AURORA: Absolutely not. I can take care of it...I’ll get rid of them.

DANIEL: She sends them to me too occasionally, not as often , but I could read them for you if it’s easier...

AURORA: No, just...I’ll handle it. Was that all you needed?

DANIEL: Yes, that was it. I should be going anyway.

Aurora acknowledges him with a hum, but nothing else.

DANIEL: Are you feeling alright? I can stay if—

AURORA: I’m fine, Daniel.

DANIEL: Well, I have a couple letters to drop off. Will I see you tomorrow for patrols?

DANIEL: Aurora?

AURORA: What’s wrong with them, the letters?

DANIEL: Nothing, something just doesn’t sit with me.

AURORA: A lapdog’s work is never done, it seems.

DANIEL: What?

AURORA: Take your leave, Chief Officer Norton.

DANIEL: Right, try to keep out of trouble then. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Daniel leaves then, closing the door behind him. Aurora sits at his desk, hesitates in picking up a letter, and then doesn’t.

SCENE 4:

Narration:
The inn was unusually full that day.

ELIZABETH: You’re brooding.

AURORA: I’m not brooding, I’m thinking. It’s very different.

ELIZABETH: What’s wrong?

AURORA: I don’t like him.

ELIZABETH: He seems nice enough. Why not? You don’t even know him.

AURORA: You don’t know him either, so who says either of us are right?

ELIZABETH: Since he showed up, I haven’t had to do any of his chores myself. Come on, Ror...can’t I have a little fun? Silas, c’mere a second. We’re settling a score.

AURORA: We are not—

ELIZABETH: Daniel, new kid, opinions?

SILAS: (He makes an “I don’t know” sound, then quietly) He’s fine.

ELIZABETH: See?

AURORA: Way to gang up on me, you two.

 Silas huffs out a laugh, and Elizabeth hmms quietly.

ELIZABETH: Speaking of chores, don’t you have work to be doing?

AURORA: I’m resting.

ELIZABETH: Well, you’ve been resting for over an hour now, haven’t you?

Aurora makes a dismissive noise.

ELIZABETH: You know, menacing boys from afar isn’t the way to get them to like you.

AURORA: W-what would you know about that anyways?

Daniel steps over from across the room, setting his bucket and rag down against the counter.

DANIEL: All done then… I thought he was supposed to be sweeping.

AURORA: He is, don’t speak to me like I’m not sitting right here. None of your business when I get my work done anyway, is it?

DANIEL: I’m sorry, guess it’s not. I wasn’t starting anything.

ELIZABETH: Play nice boys. Silas is supposed to help me in the garden, isn’t that right?

SILAS: Mhmm.

AURORA (quietly, to ELIZABETH): Don’t leave me alone with him!

He is ignored and the other two siblings leave the room and go outside. The door shuts behind them, and Daniel and Aurora are left in silence with each other.

DANIEL: I can help you, if you’d like. I don’t mind.

AURORA: I’ll handle it. I was just resting my leg.

DANIEL: Is something wrong with it?

AURORA: Not anymore, no.

DANIEL: What happened?

AURORA: Got hurt when I was younger.

DANIEL: You...well, that’s an answer, I guess.

AURORA: Maybe I just like being cryptid.

DANIEL: I think you mean ‘cryptic’. I...

Narration:
Aurora snapped the broom handle upward suddenly, clipping Daniel’s jaw and the other boy stumbled backwards in surprise. 

AURORA: I didn’t...mean…

DANIEL (angry): Are you insane?

The rest of the inn noticeably goes quiet around them.

DANIEL: What’s wrong with you? We could be friends, you know? We’re both runaway—

JACKSON: Last call! Everyone, get on your way.

RANDOM PATRON: Just past five, innit?

JACKSON: Closing up shop early. Seems I gotta have a chat with a couple of my boys.

AURORA (under his breath): Vex it all.

The inn returns to mumbles of unhappy people as they’re unseated and make their way to the exit. Aurora and Daniel are both quiet.

RANDOM PATRON: Getting blood near the ale anyhow.

The door opens again, and the other two siblings come back inside before once again closing the door behind them.

ELIZABETH: Gone five minutes and you’ve already chased everyone off, Ror.

AURORA: It wasn’t me!

SILAS: This time.

AURORA: I—

JACKSON: It’s not about the bickering. Daniel, there are certain things around here we don’t say. You do know what kind of trouble we’d be in if they knew who you were, don’t you?

DANIEL: Yes, sir.

JACKSON: Not just you, but all four of you. You’re my kids, and that’s the end of it. Anyone asks, that’s the only thing you ever say. Do you understand?

DANIEL: Yes, sir...I understand. It won’t happen again, I swear.

JACKSON: Good. Liz, do me a favor and keep your brothers in line while I head out for a bit. Mail’s in, and I’m expecting some letters.

ELIZABETH: You got it, ol’ Jack. Won’t cross me or they’ll get a quick kick in the ass—

JACKSON: Oi, that’s enough out of you. Be good.

Narration:
The door shuts, and the four are quiet for a moment.

DANIEL: Did you just call your father by his name?

ELIZABETH: Well, guess no one told you. He’s not my father, at least not by blood.

AURORA: We’re strays.

Elizabeth elbows him.

ELIZABETH: Adopted is the nicer way of saying that.

DANIEL: I assumed you and Silas were, just because...well, you’re both southern and Jackson is very obviously Bruunish.

ELIZABETH: Oh, that reminds me. Got it, Ror, found your hat.

AURORA: Please, not the hat again.

DANIEL: It’s...well, that’s certainly a hat. Goddesses, the feathers.

ELIZABETH: A present from his dear sister. Brother mine, why must you keep stashing it away.

 Aurora walks over, snatching the hat from the counter and putting it on.

AURORA: Happy now?

ELIZABETH: Thrilled. Now get sweeping.

AURORA: Now get sweeping.

ELIZABETH: And no more fighting!

AURORA: No promises there.

SCENE 5

AURORA: You’re insane.

DANIEL: Why? I’ve worked my way up to this rank and I want to keep it. I won’t stay for too long. A year or so at most. Believe it or not, I actually like my job, Aurora.

AURORA: No one actually likes it here.

They’re both quiet for a moment and the horses snort and tramp their way through the snow as the main source of sound.

DANIEL: You’re leaving then?

AURORA: The day my sentence is up, I’ll be gone before the sun has even risen.

DANIEL: Where will you go? We—

AURORA: I didn’t realize there was a ‘we’, Daniel. I’m not staying for any longer than I have to. You can stay here forever if you want. But if I can say this, there’s been one thing that’s bothering me about our sentences.

DANIEL: What doesn’t bother you? Alright, don’t look at me like that. What’s bothering you then?

AURORA: Do you remember when the Dravara came for us?

DANIEL: Somewhat.

AURORA: I sho—

DANIEL: Listen, we both know what happened. I don’t want you to blame yourself again—

AURORA: Don’t interrupt me. I was sentenced to six years for…you know why. But all you did was run—

DANIEL: Aurora, what are you getting at?

AURORA: You didn’t hurt anyone.

They’re both quiet again, and Daniel clears his throat.

DANIEL: We should drop this.

AURORA: Strange, isn’t it?

NARRATION: The ground was still clear up ahead where the fire pit had been, blown over by snow. Aurora rode forward, pulling to a halt beside the ruins of the campsite and dismounting. Something was different this time.

DANIEL (to himself): Not this again.

DRAVARA PARTY MEMBER: Sir, should we…

DANIEL: Ride back to the stronghold. I’ll return in a moment with Aurora.

DRAVARA PARTY MEMBER: Yes, sir.

NARRATION: Daniel dismounted to join him, impatiently reaching for the pistol at his side.

DANIEL: Patrolling means walking by to check for a breach and not follow tracks into the forest. You’re the one who’s so good with words. You should know that.

Aurora ignores him.

DANIEL: Aurora, come on. Haven’t you seen enough? You said so yourself, there’s nothing here.

AURORA: Do they usually leave footprints behind?

DANIEL: Those could be anything.

AURORA: Bullshit.

DANIEL: As your superior, I command you to stop. Aurora, I’m serious!

AURORA (dramatic): Perhaps they’ll kill me, Daniel. Wouldn’t that ease your burden? A blessing, is that what it would be?

DANIEL: Aurora!

NARRATION: Aurora turned around again and started off along the trail that led off into the trees, growing fainter with every step. His eyes darted around frantically the moment the Dravara disappeared behind a dip in the terrain.

He walks for a while, snow crunching softly under his boots.

DANIEL (in the distance): Aurora, come back!

NARRATION: The trail ended at the base of a tree, drawing his eyes upward until they settled over a cluster of broken branches high above him.

AURORA: Wonderful.

He slipped the pistol back into the holster at his side, joining a knife that was just beside it.

Growling can be heard, low and horrible above his head.

He swallowed, glancing up but seeing nothing, beasts or otherwise, that could have made the sound. Aurora started forward cautiously back the way he’d come but as he walked, the rumbling only got louder, lower and more threatening. He stopped and the growling stopped with him.

In the distance, a yell rings out along with panicked horse sounds and hoofbeats running away.

AURORA (concerned): Daniel?

The growling gets louder again, leveling out. Aurora reaches for his pistol and the growl morphs into a vicious snarl.

AURORA: Alright, made your point, I won’t touch it. I’m unarmed.

The creature behind him snorts.

AURORA: Vex it all. Are you planning on killing me? Or should I introduce myself?

The growl lowers again.

AURORA: What are you? I’ve been curious for too long about just what you are. I want to request a quick death if you’re as savage as they say. Surely, that’s reasonable.

The creature huffs, growl fading for a moment.

AURORA: If you plan on killing me, I’d rather you get on with it. I have nothing to lose. Go ahead, no one will be left alone. It’s better that I’m the one to die instead of someone who actually has a life, right? That’s dramatic, isn’t it?

NARRATION: Aurora reached into his jacket, ignoring the growl but stopped when he held the compass by his chain.

AURORA: See this? It gave me my name. Do you have a name?

The creature snorts, then huffs loudly.

AURORA: My name is Aurora.

Snow crunches behind him as whatever the creature is steps closer. Its breathing can be heard now, low and menacing.

AURORA (daring to laugh): Growling, snarling, huffing, and chirping, what’s next? Do you sing?

THE CREATURE: Aurora.

AURORA (in disbelief): What...did you say?

NARRATION: Aurora swallowed, lowering his hand and slipping the compass back into his pocket. He turned then, eyes closing and bracing himself for the snarl to return. Cracking an eye open, he saw that the creature, or whatever had been there, was gone, leaving behind only a trail of massive footprints that mirrored the ones from before.

DANIEL (distant yell): Aurora!

NARRATION: He whipped around at the sound of Daniel’s voice, tearing off in the direction it had come from. His sides were heaving as he watched Daniel and the others ride from the trees, led by the officer who held the reins of Aurora’s horse in one hand.

DANIEL: Are you alright?

AURORA (panting, nervous): Fine. I’m fine...yourselves?

DANIEL: We were ambushed.

AURORA: Was anyone hurt?

NARRATION: Daniel shrugged and Aurora walked shakily towards his horse, not waiting for another response. He climbed into the saddle, sitting down heavily and watching as Daniel came up to stand at his side.

DANIEL: What happened to you?

AURORA: Later.

DANIEL: Why later—

AURORA: I said...later, please, Daniel.

DANIEL: You’re not hurt, are you?

AURORA: No.

DANIEL: Should I send the others ahead—

AURORA: I said we’d talk about it later.

DANIEL: You know you can trust me, right? You can talk to me—

AURORA: Trust isn’t the issue here.

DANIEL: Then what is the issue?

AURORA: Later, just...later.

SCENE 6

NARRATION: They were smart, she could tell that even from a distance and even from where she stood back in watching. Clumsy, she thought, but they all seemed to have a basic understanding of what they were supposed to be doing, but recruits were always like that until they learned enough to keep themselves out of danger.

HARRIETT: Your arm needs to be steady or you’re going to miss your target no matter how close you are.

DRAVARA TRAINEE: Yes, ma’am.

HARRIETT: Again, then, if you will, please.

A crack rings out as the shot strikes the post beneath the target. Behind the trainee and the others, a small group of other trainees snicker.

ROWENA: Well, it wouldn’t have been anything close to a clean kill but you would have bought yourself time and that is still very important in situations where you don’t have a clean exit.

HARRIETT: Oh, good morning, ma’am. I-I didn’t realize you were watching us today. Recruits, take a few minutes to yourselves…just a few.

NARRATION: Rowena watched as the girl handed the pistol back and stared down range, squinting her eyes and wrinkling the pink bud of her nose.

ROWENA: Have you shot before?

DRAVARA TRAINEE: No, ma’am, I just got here.

ROWENA: Well, if I can offer any advice, keep both of your eyes open.

DRAVARA TRAINEE: Thank you, ma’am. I can’t see too well but I’ll try that next time.

ROWENA: Don’t let them push you around, my dear, but join the others for a moment, won’t you?

DRAVARA TRAINEE: Yes, ma’am.

HARRIETT: They’re promising, d-don’t you think?

ROWENA: I do. Have they been out of the walls yet? I would think that all the new recruits should be shown—

HARRIETT: W-with all due respect, ma’am, they aren’t ready for that. They’ve just arrived and half of them have never held a gun in their lives. As safe as they are with me, I don’t feel like risking anything.

ROWENA: Of course, how silly of me. I’ve forgotten they don’t all come entirely prepared.

HARRIETT: No, ma’am. Can’t say it’s common, it’s nice though, when it happens, I mean.

Rowena hums.

HARRIETT: Was there something you needed, ma’am? It’s not that I mind the chatting but I’ve got plenty of new ones to deal with.

ROWENA: I came to see them, that’s all. I worry about the new recruits when something happens.

HARRIETT: Something happens? I didn’t hear about anything happening.

ROWENA: Oh, it was horribly minor but it still worries me. A few of my men claim to have been attacked but none were injured. I wonder if it was just the wolves again. They get bolder when the winter’s fully set in.

HARRIETT (chuckling): I’m sure you’d know all about that.

NARRATION: She smiled briefly, reaching up to run a hand over the still intact head that peaked over one shoulder, stopping when she came to the bullet hole, one that hadn’t been mended, almost directly in the middle of its head.

ROWENA: I’m pleased with how centered that shot was, all things considered.

HARRIETT: Was there anything else, ma’am?

ROWENA: That was all. Do keep an eye on them when you do take them out of the walls. I trust your judgments but I thought it best to warn you.

HARRIETT: Of course, thank you, ma’am.

ROWENA (thoughtfully): Wolves.

HARRIETT: Excuse me, ma’am?

ROWENA: I’m sure that’s all it was.

HARRIETT: Yes, ma’am, of course.

SCENE 7:

AURORA stands on top of the archway gate, having climbed up to a spot he can sit by himself without being bothered...usually. He’s fairly high off the ground, wind blowing around him, but the night is relatively quiet and still.

DANIEL (from the ground): Isn’t it boring out here? Don’t you get tired of being by yourself?

Aurora snorts, then chuckles quietly.

DANIEL (still teasing): Or is it just that you like being the lone wolf? The mysterious one that the women swoon over, is that it?

AURORA (laughing): Swoon all they want, I’m not interested. (He pauses when Daniel grunts and hauls himself over the ledge to the top) Can I help you with something, or are you just bored enough to bother me?

DANIEL (out of breath): Are you offering?

AURORA: No.

DANIEL (recovering a bit): How did you get up here?

AURORA: I climbed, same as you.

DANIEL (gently): Can you please come down?

AURORA (musing): Why should I?

DANIEL: You’ve made your point by climbing up here. You like being alone and you hate anyone who says differently.

AURORA (chuckling): No, I hate anyone who doesn’t leave me alone. Speaking of—

DANIEL: You can growl and glare all you want but I’ve known you long enough to know when something’s wrong.

NARRATION: Aurora’s hand hovered over the compass in his pocket, hesitating, not wanting to bring it out into open air.

DANIEL: Aurora?

AURORA (startled): Did you say something?

DANIEL (gently): No, but I was going to ask if you were alright. You acted like you’d seen your own ghost earlier.

AURORA (unsure): I was cornered by something.

DANIEL: Something?

AURORA: I don’t...I don’t know what it was. But there was growling and the longer I stood there, the more it…

DANIEL: Aurora, I don’t understand.

AURORA: It didn’t seem like I was going to die. I don’t know why, but…

DANIEL: And a-are you sure it wasn’t—

AURORA: I already said I don’t know what it was. But I started talking and it was quiet when I was speaking like it was listening.

DANIEL: Wolves wander close to patrols all the time. (He tries to joke) Could’ve just been a very polite wolf—

AURORA: Wolves don’t speak, Daniel.

NARRATION: Daniel was quiet, shifting nervously behind him when Aurora shuffled the toes of his boots over the ledge.

DANIEL: C-come away from there. You’re making me nervous. (Aurora ignores him and he continues a few seconds later) Please.

NARRATION: Aurora felt Daniel’s hand grab his, tugging backwards long enough to get him away from the ledge before Aurora snatched away, glaring.

DANIEL (gently): What did you mean by that?

AURORA: By what?

DANIEL: You said wolves don’t speak. Did it…say something? (He pauses, tone changing a bit to something lighter and anxious) Why don’t we get down from here? It’s cold—

AURORA: Can the Rift creatures speak?

DANIEL: I wouldn’t know. No one has ever been stupid enough to ask them.

Aurora doesn’t say anything but does snort at that a bit, amused.

DANIEL: Have you considered that maybe you were just afraid? Fear is a very powerful thing. It was just an animal, Aurora. You were afraid—

AURORA: I thought of that, but I’m not afraid of what is in those woods. I know I heard it—

DANIEL: There’s no shame in fear. Anyone with half a brain is afraid of something. Anyone with no fear is mad or worse. (Daniel tries to joke again, speaking enthusiastically when Aurora is quiet) I must’ve forgotten. The fearless Aurora isn’t afraid of anything, not even death. I don’t know if you’ve realized it but you are human, Aurora. It’s only human to be afraid of something and I’ll be the first to admit I’m afraid of plenty of things. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.

AURORA (frustrated): Vex it all, Daniel. I wasn’t hearing things!

Daniel is quiet now.

AURORA: Why did you come here? Did the bit—

DANIEL (stern): Be nice.

AURORA: Did she send you? Am I, in some way, doing something wrong?

DANIEL (disappointed): Not everyone is out to get you, Aurora.

NARRATION: Aurora barely paid any mind to what Daniel said as he turned and stepped over the ledge on the opposite side. He slid down the sloping part, leaving Daniel alone on top of the gateway as he made his way down to the base.

DANIEL (from the top): Where are you going?

NARRATION: Daniel tailed after him less than gracefully, landing flat on his backside before scrambling to his feet to follow.

AURORA (grumpy): I need a drink.

DANIEL (laughing): You don’t drink.

AURORA: Why do you think that’s going to stop me from doing anything?

The roar of the mess hall can be heard as they approach it, boots crunching over snow. Aurora shoves the door open and it squeaks on its hinges. The voices get louder. AURORA makes an uncomfortable/anxious noise as they make their way over to the counter.

BARKEEP: Don’t think I’ve seen you here. Special occasion, is it?

Aurora doesn’t answer.

DANIEL: An ale here, please, one for each of us.

AURORA (quietly, to Daniel): Are you in charge of patrols tomorrow?

DANIEL: No, why?

AURORA: Then, we are going somewhere.

Daniel and the Barkeep continue talking briefly but it’s muffled as Aurora isn’t paying attention and purposely ignoring it while he drinks his ale.

BARKEEP (trying to be friendly): I didn’t get your name, son—

AURORA (startled): I—I don’t like talking.

DANIEL: Darren, please, another for my friend.

BARKEEP: You got it.

In the background, the hall is cheery. Some of the people are singing, others still talking indistinctly in the background, but Daniel and Aurora are both quiet.

BARKEEP: You two are leaving soon, aren’t you?

DANIEL: A few months left on our sentences, yes.

Aurora downs his second mug, clacking it down on the table.

BARKEEP (to Daniel): Is he alright?

DANIEL: He’s fine. (Trying to be cheerful behind some obvious concern) How about you? Your sentence ended a while ago, didn’t it?

BARKEEP (laughing heartily): It did, about ten years ago! I’ll be shipping out soon. My sister and her family offered me a place to stay while I squared away some place of my own. She’s a bit older, has a place a little south of where I grew up.

Aurora rattles his empty mug on the counter.

DANIEL (warning): Take it easy.

AURORA (a little slurred): Piss off.

The ambient noise overtakes everything else for a while, drowning out anything else they might’ve said. It’s obvious some time has passed.

AURORA (slurred and in the distance): Say it again!

NARRATION: Daniel’s head snapped upward at the voice, drawing his attention away from the first conversation in a while that didn’t involve being sworn at by Aurora for some reason or another. He didn’t see him, despite the obvious hat, until someone was thrown over a table, tumbling sideways and landing in a heap on the other side.

DANIEL: Shit.

NARRATION: Somehow, as impossible as it seemed, the hat landed beside him as he pushed himself up, spitting and then wiping his mouth. However, whether it be the fact that Daniel nearly vaulted a table himself or the questionable amount of ale he’d consumed, Aurora didn’t make it far before he was grabbed and hauled backwards.

RANDOM PATRON: He’s drunk! Get him out of here before he hurts someone!

AURORA (slurring): Lemme go!

NARRATION: Daniel waited until they were outside before he let go, watching as Aurora went stumbling to the snow.

AURORA (trying to sound angry): I didn’t need you…to save me.

DANIEL: How much have you had to drink?

NARRATION: Aurora looked up then, placing his hat back on his head and coming staggering to his feet.

AURORA: Apparently, not enough! (Daniel grabs him by the sleeve and pulls him towards the bunk houses) Where’re we goin’?

DANIEL: You’re going to bed.

AURORA: I sa...asked ‘we’, didn’t I? Are you coming with me?

DANIEL: Please, just keep quiet and try not to kill anyone else. Why were you fighting anyway?

AURORA (cross): Don’t really remember.

DANIEL (Stern): You’re definitely going to bed.

AURORA (quietly, almost sad): You’re too kind to me.

NARRATION: They reach the bunkhouse and Daniel opens the door, leading them down the quiet hall a short distance when AURORA starts chuckling.

DANIEL: Shh, don’t wake anyone. (He pauses) Did you lock your door?

AURORA: Mmhmm, dunno where the key is.

DANIEL: Hands to yourself and off the scarf.

AURORA (genuine, slurred): Sorry.

DANIEL (sighing): No use looking for it now. You can sleep with me.

AURORA (amused): That’s a little forward of you Officer, isn’t it?

NARRATION: His face flushed hot and Daniel pulled away from Aurora’s hold on his scarf, opening the door and tugging a stumbling Aurora in with him. It was dark, lit only by a lantern he’d left burning on a desk.

DANIEL: I have an extra blanket. You can sleep on the floor and we’ll find your key in the morning, alright?

AURORA: That’s disappointing, usually when I’m taken back to a room for the evening…I’m at least allowed to share his bed.

There’s a thud and Daniel turns around to see Aurora on the ground.

DANIEL (surprised, concerned): Are you alright?

AURORA: It’s cold in here.

DANIEL (sighing): Then why are you taking off your shirt if you’re cold?

AURORA (laughing): I’m not entirely sure.

DANIEL: Look at me. (Enunciating every word overly clearly) Go to sleep. (He stands) Do you want something to sleep in?

AURORA (muffled by the pillow he has collapsed into): No, usually just sleep in the nud—

DANIEL: Absolutely not on my floor, you don’t.

AURORA laughs.

DANIEL (gently): Aurora, please go to sleep.

AURORA: Are you sleeping?

Daniel is quiet for a minute, removing his own uniform jacket.

DANIEL: I know you won’t remember this tomorrow—

AURORA: If it’s important, I’ll try my best.

DANIEL (sighing): Could you try not to start any trouble? We’re so close—

AURORA: Try, sure… (He lowers back face down into the pillow, muffled) No promises.

DANIEL: I can still hear that.

Aurora is quiet...finally.

DANIEL: Aurora?

Silence.

DANIEL: I don’t envy you in the morning.

Things are quiet for a moment and Daniel falls asleep. Aurora gets up, stumbling a bit and shushing himself as he collects his coat and hat before opening the door as quietly as his drunk self can and leaving.

SCENE 8

DANIEL: Aurora, get up.

NARRATION: His eyes snapped open, knees buckling the moment he tried scrambling to his feet to face the speaking figure. With a groan of defeat, he slid back down again against the wall, squinting against the light that burned his eyes and sent his throbbing head spinning.

DANIEL: Did you hear me? Get up.

AURORA (a bit hoarse): Daniel? (He pauses a moment) Where am I?

DANIEL: Stables.

AURORA: But why?

NARRATION: Daniel threw his hands in the air.

DANIEL: Are you hurt?

NARRATION: Aurora blinked up at him, rubbing his head and reaching for the hat that somehow was still beside him despite the night that had been spent in a shambling stupor. Daniel was still in the same place, same expression and same annoyance twisting in his eyes. He looked behind Daniel, spotting his horse, a flighty brute of a stallion, that for some reason he couldn’t comprehend in that very moment, was already tacked.

AURORA: Am I bleeding? My head is killing me.

DANIEL: You’re not bleeding. Can you stand?

AURORA: Yes.

There’s a beat as Aurora doesn’t move.

DANIEL: Are you sure?

AURORA: How did I get here?

DANIEL: You staggered, I guess. And that was after you spent a while in the hall picking fights and the rest of the evening—

AURORA (sighing): I understand your point but right now...I really don’t need more of a punishment.

DANIEL (mocking Aurora’s voice as best he can): I don’t drink. (He returns to his normal voice) I can see why you don’t!

AURORA: Did you tack him for me?

DANIEL: Didn’t you say we were going somewhere?

AURORA sighs.

DANIEL: I’m curious now. Do you remember anything? (He pauses, but Aurora doesn’t answer him) Nothing?

AURORA (genuine): Why? I didn’t hurt anyone, did I?

DANIEL: Just...get on your horse and meet me outside.

AURORA (calling after him): Where are we going again?

DANIEL (distant): You tell me!

NARRATION: Aurora grunted, tugging at his horse’s reins and leading the animal from the stall after him. The stallion shoved against his back with his nose and Aurora nearly went sprawling to the ground, his already compromised balance almost failing him. He whipped around abruptly, watching as the horse’s head snapped up with a harsh snort.

AURORA: Enough with that! I am in no mood for this!

DANIEL: Stop yelling at the horse and come on.

NARRATION: If he thought the light inside the stables was bright, he vastly regretted having opened his eyes at all when he stepped out into the courtyard. He squinted, trying to focus on Daniel who was already astride his horse and staring down at him scornfully even still.

DANIEL: Do you want some water?

AURORA (grumpy): No. (He climbs into the saddle with a grunt)

DANIEL: Where exactly are we going?

AURORA: You’ll see in a moment. (To his horse) Now get going!

They tear off into the trees, and Aurora leads the way through the snowy forest.

DANIEL (yelling above the hoofbeats): Aurora, where are we going?

NARRATION: Aurora turned to ride up a ridgeline, spurring his horse along up the incline with Daniel cantering along just behind him. A whinny split the air as he slowed his horse, dismounting once again before the horse had completely stopped. Daniel swerved to avoid him, before he circled back quickly.

DANIEL (frustrated, demanding): What are you doing?

NARRATION: The tracks weren’t familiar. Cloven hooves.

DANIEL: It’s just stags, nothing to worry about.

AURORA: They don’t normally travel over the Rift, do they?

DANIEL: Well, no.

AURORA: Just like another creature we’re both thinking of.

NARRATION: Aurora climbed back into the saddle, taking off again before Daniel could have the chance to respond. The two rode onward, weaving between the ever thinning trees until the land began to flatten and the trees disappeared entirely. They burst from the woods, horses both screaming out a whinny as it finally came into view.

DANIEL: We shouldn’t be here. I—get back on the horse!

AURORA: I have to know, Daniel. It doesn’t make any sense, does it?

DANIEL: What are you talking about?

AURORA: I have to know.

DANIEL makes a distressed sound, words failing him.

AURORA: Something is wrong, don’t you understand that?

DANIEL: W-what you’re suggesting is suicide. We aren’t even supposed to be out this far and crossing it—

AURORA: I should be dead already, Daniel. How many times have you actually seen one of them? We’ve been here for almost six years and I’ve never seen anything more than footprints. There is something wrong here—

DANIEL: If you cross that bridge, you will die. I won’t watch you do that.

AURORA: I’m not asking you to watch, but I’m going over there. I only ask that you wait for me to come back.

Aurora starts walking, boots crunching, and a gun cocks behind him.

DANIEL: Stop!

Aurora pauses briefly but ultimately continues.

DANIEL: That is an order! As your superior, I have the power to stop you.

Daniel shoots the snow beside him, and Aurora yelps but stops walking.

AURORA: Vex it all, Daniel! This isn’t your decision!

DANIEL: I won’t watch you walk to your death.

AURORA: I already said you don’t have to watch!

DANIEL (getting desperate): Please.

AURORA: If I keep walking, how do you intend on stopping me? Are you going to shoot me? Kill me? Now, Daniel, that seems a little counterproductive, does it not?

DANIEL (voice shaking): I never said (he pauses, swallowing)...I never said I would kill you. Just have to stop you from walking away.

AURORA (scathing): Oh, that’s cruel. Even for you, my dear friend, that is just plain cruel.

DANIEL (angry): It’s less cruel than letting your best friend die when you know you could stop it! Take another vexing step and I’ll shoot you, I swear, I’ll do it.

AURORA: My, you really are angry, aren’t you?

NARRATION: Daniel’s hand dropped slowly, eyes filling with a hopelessness that siphoned away any anger that had been there before. Aurora took the hat from his head and swept it downward in a bow.

AURORA: If I’m not back before nightfall, go back to the stronghold.

DANIEL (forlorn): Less than six months.

AURORA (sighing): I know.

DANIEL: Did you consider that maybe the creature found something better to eat? It left you alone once but that doesn’t mean it’ll happen again. Walking straight into their territory is the worst idea you’ve ever had. I’m only asking that you think about this!

NARRATION: Aurora ignored him, taking a step out onto the bridge that spanned the great chasm, despite how light he was compared to tons of icy stone, seemed to rumble beneath him.

There is a rumble, but not from the bridge, coming from behind Aurora and Daniel. Hoofbeats, a group of them sound from the trees.

AURORA (annoyed): Fantastic, you told them to follow us. Nothing they can do will stop me.

DANIEL: What are you talking about?

The rumble gets louder, closer.

NARRATION: Aurora watched as their horses fled, nostrils flaring and hooves lashing out at the air as they bucked and charged off into the trees.

AURORA: Fuck.

DANIEL (panicked): Aurora, we need to go!

NARRATION: Horses, he’d assumed, were the source of the sounds he’d heard before but he had been far from correct. The stags, feathered hooves lashing and tusks, a horrifying sight on their own, clicking as their mouths opened in a drawn out bellow. They circled, riding around the two while grunts and growls erupted from the mouths of their riders. It was Daniel’s turn to freeze and Aurora stared, watching as one of them drew a bow, stringing an arrow and pulling back.

AURORA: Daniel, move. (pause) Move!

NARRATION: It should have hit him dead in the chest had Aurora not tackled him, knocking the two of them to the ground as the arrow sailed overhead.

AURORA: Listen to me. Run when I say, understand?

DANIEL: We’re done for.

RIFT CREATURE: (Vague threatening yell)

AURORA: Drop your weapon.

DANIEL: Why?

AURORA: They calmed down when I did it last time.

DANIEL (panicking): Are you insane?

AURORA: Quite possibly.

Their guns thunk down in the snow.

NARRATION: Their eyes, the only thing visible beneath their garbs, flashed warningly.

AURORA (loudly, to the creatures): No weapons and no bloodshed. I came in search of answers and brought my friend along with me. The other day, one of you spared my life. I just want to know why.

DANIEL: I-I’m not part of this. W-whatever he’s done to upset you has nothing to do with me.

AURORA (annoyed, angry): Giving me up already? Thank you for remaining my loyal friend, Daniel. You have no idea how wonderful it is to know that you would give your life for mine.

The growling continues, seeming like they’re conversing somehow.

AURORA (to Daniel): Everything is going to be alright.

DANIEL: T-this is your fault. Goddesses, sometimes I hate you. I-I don’t want to die and being torn to shreds by a Rift beast has to be one of the worst ways to go.

AURORA: No one wants to die, Daniel. It seems to just happen no matter what but I can think of some worse ways to go. Burning alive, drowning (he pauses, thinking) poisoning or being tortured all seem—

DANIEL (hissed): Shut up! Y-you’re not helping.

AURORA (back to the creatures): We don’t want a fight. We will leave you all in peace.

One of the figures snorts, and the growling goes quiet.

NARRATION: Aurora let go of Daniel, stepping forward cautiously only for one of them to dismount and begin pacing in front of him, eyes glinting with a primeval light.

AURORA: Daniel, are you still with me?

DANIEL: Yes.

AURORA (to Daniel quietly): I want you to run when I tell you to. I can distract them. (he pauses briefly) On my count. Alright?

DANIEL: What about you?

AURORA hums.

DANIEL (shaking): Aurora, I c-can’t just leave you—

AURORA: One.

The growling begins anew.

DANIEL: I’m not—

AURORA: Two.

DANIEL: Aurora!

AURORA: Three!

NARRATION: The instant he burst forward, he was stopped by a pain at the back of his neck, a sharp sting like the bite of an insect existing in a place that was far too cold for that to be possible. He skid to a stop in surprise, slapping a hand over his neck and pulling away to find a feathered dart in his hand.

AURORA: Shit.

Daniel falls beside him into the snow wordlessly.

AURORA (slurred): Oh, come on! That’s...all you can do?

One of the figures laughs, low and growling like their voices, but the sound is unmistakable.

AURORA: Something funny? (he falls to his knees) Love a good joke, share away.

The creatures are quiet but one starts walking towards him.

AURORA (quiet, fading): It was you, wasn’t it?

NARRATION: The creature eyeing him blinked.

AURORA: Wasn’t it?

NARRATION: Aurora couldn’t tell if the figure nodded or if the jerk of his head was simply one last illusion before everything faded.