| New World | |||||
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| Season 1, Episode 1 | |||||
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[Vylad is in the forest, holding a staff. He has a brief flashback to when he received it.]
Hyria: Take this, and place it somewhere that needs the help of Irene.
[The flashback ends.]
Vylad: I'm assuming.. that woman meant the blessing of Irene.
[He has another flashback.]
Zane: They doubt me.. but I'll make them beg for mercy.
Garroth: I'll be Lord someday.. but I'm-
[The flashback ends.]
Vylad: This.. is all I can do.
[He stabs the staff into the ground, cracking the dirt around the impact point. Violet light bursts from underground, and he runs to hide behind a tree to watch what it does. The glow grows brighter until a girl materializes at the staff's base, and it disappears.]
Zenix: [muffled] I heard something coming from this direction!
[Knowing someone is coming, Vylad hides. The girl begins to try and stand, when a sword is drawn on her.]
Zenix: Not every day we find a maiden in these woods. Now answer me, who are you?!
Aphmau: [silence]
Zenix: Don't play coy with me! I can see right through you. You're playing the poor defenseless woman, but once I turn my back you'll take me for all I'm worth!
[Aphmau collapses, and Zenix prods her several times with his sword before sheathing it.]
Zenix: [laughs] Enemy defeated.
Garroth: [distantly] Zenix!
[Garroth runs into the clearing.]
Garroth: [sighs] What did you do?
[He leans down to check on Aphmau.]
Zenix: Nothing. She merely fainted from the mere threat of my presence.
Garroth: This maiden seems like no threat. She seems to be suffering from extreme exhaustion and hunger..
Zenix: Whoa, now that you mention it.. she's practically naked!
Garroth: [sighs] Zenix, as a noble guard you should learn to be more respectful with your words.
Zenix: What?! She is! Look at her!
Garroth: Give me your cape.
Zenix: What? H-Hey!
[Garroth tears Zenix's cape.]
Garroth: It wasn't a request.
Zenix: Oh, come on! I literally just got that from Meteli! Wait, don't put it on her..! We don't know where she's been.
Garroth: You should have kept your mouth shut about her attire then. Ugh.. carry her, we're going back home.
Zenix: We're taking her to the village?!
Garroth: We aren't leaving a defenseless woman for the fiends to feast on.
Zenix: But I defeated her..
Garroth: Zenix, I'll believe that when you defeat the infestation of rats at our guard quarters. ..Like I asked you to do over a week ago. Now, carry her!
Zenix: You've gotta be kidding me! Listen, with all due respect Garroth.. please, hear me out. We're bringing an outsider to the village.. with everything going on. Do you think the people are going to keep listening to you?! They're already blaming you for the death of our Lord!
Garroth: There was nothing I could do about-! ..I did everything I could. The least I can do now is ensure that nobody else dies. We'll talk more about the village situation later. Right now, let's get this maiden to safety. Now, let's move.
Zenix: I hope you know what you're doing sir Garroth..
[Zenix picks up Aphmau, and follows Garroth back towards the village.]
[Aphmau begins to wake, overhearing Zenix and Garroth's conversation.]
Zenix: It's only a matter of time before this village falls apart even further. Our Lord and his family died in that fire.
Garroth: We didn't recover any bodies to prove that.
Zenix: Which is even worse! Imagine what that looks like to the villagers. There's no one else to blame but us! The guards! We were supposed to prevent this
Garroth: We'll find a way to prove our innocence.
Zenix: [sighs] It's just.. upsetting. Wait.. Why don't we use her to fix this?!
Garroth: Zenix, don't conjure another one of your idiotic ideas.
Zenix: No, hear me out this time. What if we blame it on her?
Garroth: That will make us look even worse.
Zenix: Not if no one finds out! ..Look, all we have to do is say all leads pointed to her causing the fire! When we cornered her, she attacked us. Get it? Besides, she's practically dead right now!
Garroth: [quietly] Zenix..
Zenix: Look, she's not even waking up-
[Aphmau reaches over and takes Zenix's sword from its sheath, holding it up in the air. Zenix flees.]
Zenix: Oh my Irene, she's actually attacking us!
Garroth: Zenix, calm down!
Zenix: I wasn't expecting- wait, this is a good thing! My plan is working!
Garroth: We aren't doing your idiotic plan! ..M'lady, please. We aren't here to harm you.
[He lays his sword on the ground.]
Garroth: See?
Aphmau: Where.. am I?
Garroth: You're in the village of Phoenix Drop, and you're safe here with us. My name is Garroth. I am the head guard of this village. This is Zenix, he's my apprentice
Zenix: Don't tell her our names..!
Garroth: Zenix, remain calm.
Zenix: You just said my name again!
[Aphmau rushes Zenix, swinging at him. Garroth retrieves his sword and blocks her swing, but she kicks him square in the chest and knocks him down. She runs out of the room.]
Garroth: Oh wow, she can fight..!
Zenix: After her!
[Emmalyn begins to walk into the building reading a book.]
Emmalyn: Garroth! You won't believe it! I found a book all about the matron from the merchant by the docks and-
[Aphmau threatens her with the blade. She puts her hands in the air.]
Emmalyn: [screams] What's going on?!
Garroth: Emmalyn, don't move!
Aphmau: I'll cut her!
Zenix: She's crazy! I told you she did it! She's the one who killed our Lord! And she's bananas!
Emmalyn: I don't wanna die..! [screams]
Garroth: Everyone, shut up! ..Please. Let her go. I know you're scared and afraid, but I promise- on my honor,- that I will not allow any harm to come your way. ..Please, believe me.
Aphmau: You... are familiar..
Garroth: Huh?
[Aphmau drops the blade.]
Emmalyn: [quietly] Thank the matron..!
[Dale drunkenly wanders in- still holding a mug.]
Dale: Heyy! I got some ale!
[Aphmau panics and steals Emmalyn's book, throwing it at Garroth's head. He narrowly dodges it, but it sends the book into the torch on the wall and burns it.]
Emmalyn: Nooo, my book..!
[Aphmau runs out. In the direction she's running, Brendan tends to crops.]
Garroth: Brendan, stop her!
Brendan: Huh? M-M-Me?
Garroth: Do something!
Brendan: Uh, uh...! Okay!
[He holds out the shovel he's using when Aphmau runs by, knocking her out cold.]
Brendan: Hey, I did it!
[Molly and Donna see what happened, and are furious.]
Donna: You monster! How dare you do that to a poor defenseless maiden?!
Brendan: B- Wh- But Gar- But Garroth said-
Donna: I'll teach you to hit ladies!
[Molly and Donna begin to beat Brendan up while he whines.]
Brendan: Owh, I'm sorry I'm sorry..! Ow!
[Back in the building, Aphmau rests. Donna speaks with Garroth.]
Donna: How could you let that happen to her Garroth?!
Garroth: She panicked when I attempted to calm her. It didn't help to have other people who were paranoid.. or drunk around to assist..!
Donna: That's no excuse! You're the head guard, you're supposed to control the situation! Having Brendan smack her in the face with a shovel is no way to treat a frightened lady! What if she's been abused? Or worse..!?
Garroth: You have my sincerest apologies.
Donna: [sighs] Garroth, the villagers are beginning to lose faith in you.
Garroth: 'Beginning'?
Donna: This village cannot exist without a proper ruler, so unless you yourself want to become the Lord-
Garroth: I don't want that! ..I'm sorry. Can you care for her for now?
Donna: My pleasure.
Garroth: Thank you.
[Garroth leaves.]
Donna: ..You know, you can wake up now.
[Aphmau opens her eyes.]
Donna: You ain't got to be afraid of me. I'm probably less intimidating and then a man in armor holding a sword. What's your name?
Aphmau: [silence]
Donna: Where're you from? ..Cat got your tongue?
Aphmau: I-.. I don't.. I don't remember anything..
Donna: Well at least you can remember how to talk.
[Donna goes to fetch Aphmau some soup while she talks.]
Donna: You know, it's not important you remember who you are. Well at least not in this day and age. Hell, it's all about the name you make for yourself you know? Eat up!
[She gives Aphmau the bowl, which she gingerly sips from.]
Donna: You know, I ran away from my mom's house long ago to become a merchant. Only moved here a few months ago. Heck if I look back on the past! So, my opinion? No need for one!
Aphmau: Aph... mau.
Donna: Huh? ..That's your name? Well you know what, it's a start! [laughs] The name's Donna.
[They shake hands.]
Donna: Say, uh.. what are these markings?
Aphmau: I.. I don't know.
Donna: Interesting... You know, I'm not as worldly but a good friend of mine who is.. is in town right now for a bit. I bet we can find out more about your past if we go ask him!
Aphmau: Huh?
Donna: Might lead to you finding where you came from!
Aphmau: B-But you said..
Donna: I say lots of things. Besides, you never know! May be a long-lost princess whose parents will shower me with gold if I return you! [laughs] ...Awh lighten up, I'm pulling your leg. Now come on. No harm in trying to find out about yourself! Just don't feel like you gotta accept it, 'right? The past is in the past for a reason. Now let's go!
[Outside, Aphmau notices the dead fields.]
Aphmau: The crops are barren..
Donna: Hey, at least you remember what they are!
Aphmau: Why is that?
Donna: [sighs] ..It's a long story. But basically, this town is dying.. Heck, lots of towns are. Merchants say rumor has it things ain't been right with the world lately. That's not my concern. Ain't a guard or Lord to give two bull corns about it.
Aphmau: A.. 'Lord'?
Donna: Glue of any village. Person who keeps things together with their guards. In fact, the Lord of this village recently died.. so even if we find out anything about you, most people you talk to here will probably be leaving soon.
Aphmau: Oh.
[They enter the village square.]
Donna: Visher!
Visher: Donna! Good to see you!
[She rushes over and they hug.]
Visher: So is this the village you settle in?
Donna: [laughs] Not a chance!
Visher: I heard everything going on from this lad here.
Donna: [to Brian] Sorry your dad's drunk again.
Brian: At least sir Dale is only an idiot when he drinks.
Donna: Well look at you, calling your dad 'sir'! You're gonna make a fine full-fledged guard someday Brian.
Brian: Th-Thank you, m'lady.
Donna: Hey Visher, take a look at my friend here. Do these markings look like anything you've seen before?
Visher: Donna, why you asking me when I'm simply a merchant. Don't this village have a decently known librarian you can ask?
Donna: Oh right, the crazy one obsessed with the matron.. Heh. Gosh, it slipped my mind..! Mostly because she's a bit-
Visher: Do-Do-Donna, there are children about!
Brian: I'm 16!
Visher: Oh. ..Then uh, eat your vegetables more kid. Trust me. But Donna, why question the markings on a lady who can speak for herself?
Donna: She ain't remember a thing.
Visher: Oh no, come here poor girl..!
[He hugs Aphmau tightly, even lifting her off the ground for a moment.]
Visher: Donna, why haven't you clothed her?
Donna: Oh, heh..! Geez.. I guess that slipped my mind as well..! I got so excited she might be a lost princess!
Visher: Ohohoho, every lady is a princess! No no no.. if she breathes, she's a queen! [laughs] Wait here sweetie. Uncle Visher will grab you the best garb I have.
[He goes through his wares and presents Aphmau with a change of clothes, which she puts on.]
Donna: Woooow. Visher, you don't even give me clothes for free.
Visher: My wife wouldn't let me hear the end of it if I didn't help a lady in need.
Donna: [laughs] Good woman.
Visher: Speaking of.. Donna, may I speak to you about a matter in private real quick?
Donna: Hmm.. Will it take long?
Visher: Perhaps.. but it's about the merchant's guild.
Donna: [gasps] Um.. Brian.. Do you think you can show Aphmau here around? I, uh-.. This is kind of an important conversation for me.
Brian: M-Me? I mean... sure, Lady Donna!
Donna: Good boy! Aphmau, you go with him. I'll meet back up with you later, and take you to your home for the night. See you later!
Aphmau: Huh?
Brian: Ma'am, I need to attend to a matter of the guards. Will you be so kind as to follow me?
Aphmau: U-Um.. sure.
[Brendan works on demolishing the burnt husk of the Lord's home, with Zenix and Garroth watching. Aphmau and Brian approach.]
Garroth: This is a step in the right direction.. I hope.
Zenix: What else are we gonna do with it? Our late Lord Malik would have agreed. Besides, we aren't the only village suffering. The merchants are speaking that villages all over have people going missing.
Garroth: I wonder if that maiden we found was a victim of that.
Brian: Sir!
Garroth: Brian! You-.. you're awake!
Zenix: Awh.. and clothed this time.
Garroth: Zenix..! Ahem.. Forgive his mouth, it's often foul.
Aphmau: Heh.. I thought you were going to say that of his face.
[Garroth and Brian laugh.]
Zenix: What?! You can't even see my face! Just my eyes!
Aphmau: [giggles]
Garroth: Forgive us for before, but I'm glad to see you settled. Zenix, please inform Brian what's happening.
Zenix: Yes sir.
Garroth: Would you be so kind as to tell me why you were in the forest?
Aphmau: ...I don't remember.
Garroth: Hm. Where you're from? ..Name?
Aphmau: Aph.. mau.. I think.
Garroth: Foreign, I see. Well, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Garroth.
Aphmau: Um.. Garroth?
Garroth: Heh..! No, Garroth.
Donna: I personally like Garroth better. Glad to see you two get along!
Garroth: I don't deserve her forgiveness.
Donna: Just be thankful! She seems like the nice type, don't she?
Garroth: Indeed!
Donna: Don't worry, I'm sure her personality will come out in time. [laughs]
Aphmau: Your talk wasn't long.
Donna: Wooooow, getting a little more bold ain't ya? Hehe! Yeah it wasn't. Which means we can get you to Emmalyn sooner!
Garroth: Emmalyn?
Donna: These markings got me curious. 'Sides, she'll need a place to stay.
Garroth: She can't stay in your brothel house?
Donna: It's not a brothel!
Garroth: Emmalyn said-
Donna: I don't care what she said! [groans] Even more reason to visit that sweet woman! [sighs] Aphmau, let's go.
Aphmau: Oh.. okay.
Garroth: H-Hey! For what it's worth from a stranger, I'm glad you're doing better.
Emmalyn: Just calm down, Emmalyn..! You may have just watched a vital part of history in the form of a book burn in front of you today, but at least you can enjoy a nice hot cup of tea undisturbed..!
[Donna busts open the door.]
Donna: Emmalyn!
Emmalyn: What in the hell..?!
Donna: Stop telling people our home is a brothel!
Emmalyn: Grrr..! What gives you the right to just barge in here unannounced?! Besides, your home by definition can be considered a brothel!
Donna: I don't care what a definition is, because it doesn't define who I am!
Emmalyn: You- just..! You know what, never mind! What does Donna the concubine want today?
Donna: I don't know what that word means but screw you because it's probably bad! Anyway here's my new friend, Aphmau.
Emmalyn: [screams] Heathen!
Donna: Huh?
Emmalyn: This heathen tried to kill me earlier! But worse... she burned a book!
Donna: [deadpan] Oh no, how dare she.
Aphmau: I don't remember what a book is..
Emmalyn: I'm about to have a heart attack..!
Donna: Look just tell us what these markings are. I figured you would know since you're so smart. ..Show her.
[Emmalyn approaches to look at the markings, but stops.]
Emmalyn: She isn't going to attack me again, is she?!
Aphmau: Uh.. Not this time.
Donna: Hey, that was pretty feisty!
Emmalyn: Great. Another Donna!
Aphmau: I-..I didn't mean-
Emmalyn: Whatever! Let me see.
[Emmalyn closely inspects the markings on Aphmau's arm.]
Emmalyn: Hmm.. Unfortunately I don't have any knowledge about this.
Donna: What the heck, why?!
Emmalyn: Because, I haven't researched it before! You need books to research things Donna! And guess what?! People these days are afraid of knowledge, so they tend to burn all the books!
Donna: What else are you supposed to do with them?
Emmalyn: Read them!
Aphmau: Those things? But.. you have books here.
Emmalyn: Ugh..! These aren't all the books in Ru'aun! I-.. ugh! Listen, I don't know a thing about her markings. So please leave!
Donna: You know what? Fine. Aphmau, you're gonna stay with Emmalyn for the night.
[Donna starts to leave.]
Emmalyn: Wait what?!
Donna: She lost her memory and needs help. Besides, there's not a lot of room at my place with all the ladies who stay with me. So she's going to stay with you. Oh, and since your 'hefidition'-
Emmalyn: Definition.
Donna: Whatever! Since you say a brothel is more than one lady staying in a house, then I guess that means you now have one too! [laughs] I do apologize Aphmau, but I honestly don't have room.. and was planning for you to stay here anyway since Emmalyn has so much space.
Emmalyn: But she tried to kill me!
Donna: Have fun you two! Don't break anything!
Emmalyn: W-Wh...! Whatever, I'm going to bed!
[Aphmau wanders, but Emmalyn gives her a red blanket.]
Emmalyn: Here, take the blanket and sleep wherever. My blood is far past boiling today to care about anything right now.
Aphmau: I'm.. sorry. I-
Emmalyn: Sorry won't get my book back!
[Aphmau places the blanket on the floor and goes to sleep. In the morning, she wanders into one of the dead crop fields and touches the ground. She (and her markings) begin to glow, and the soil is revitalized. Garroth stands beyond the fence, as shocked as she is.]
Garroth: Th-The crops..! What did you..?!