Page 24
REGGIE
Haven't I amused you enough for one morning?
Raven appears humored and smiles.
RAVEN
You're unlike any mortal woman I've ever met before.
REGGIE
It's probably the little cage and the bondage scene that's throwing you off.
(pause)
It's not that I don't appreciate your past assistance, but if you're going to just hold
up outside of my cage and stare, I'd prefer it if you'd leave.
Raven continues to smile and chuckles softly. As he straightens, the ropes fall from her wrists and ankles. Reggie immediately rubs her wrists then looks to Raven. We hear soft chatter. Raven casually turns as the five-foot gecko creatures begin swarming around him. They raise their big sticks and shake them vigorously at Raven. Raven offers a casual smile and waves his hand toward the nearby bonfire. The bonfire erupts into huge flames. The creatures duck and squeal with fear. Raven then waves his hand across the camp. The musical instruments begin to play on their own. The tune is lively and upbeat. The creatures appear fascinated and marvel at Raven. They motion him toward their bonfire. Reggie slowly straightens within her cage and stares with shock and amazement as Raven dances with the lizard creatures. She looks to Dylan Creature. He has several links of rope chewed through, but it will require more gnawing.
REGGIE
Come on, Dylan. You can do it. Pretend the ropes are twinkies.
Dylan Creature stops gnawing and eyes her. Reggie attempts a smile. Dylan Creature returns to gnawing on the ropes. Reggie picks at the cage bindings in an attempt to loosen them, but they are strong for something primitive. She glances toward the bonfire several times. The creatures are preoccupied with Raven. He appears to be having a good time with them. Dylan Creature suddenly falls from his netting and lands gracefully on his backside with a thud. He scurries toward her cage and appears to study it. Dylan Creature places his tail to the cage and begins beating on it in time with the drums. The sound of his tail striking the cage can barely be heard above the drums. He gets into a good rhythm then cracks it hard on the last beat. The bamboo cracks. Reggie pulls the broken pieces away and slips through the opening. Reggie looks back to the bonfire, watches Raven dancing with the creatures, then hurries away with Dylan.
EXT. STREAM -- DAY
Despite the daylight hours, the woods remain dark as night. Reggie and Dylan Creature approach the stream. Reggie kneels along the bank and takes a drink. Dylan Creature leaps into the water and splashes around. Reggie collapses onto her backside with a low groan. She holds her head and watches Dylan playfully splash around. She shuts her eyes and begins to silently sob.
RAVEN
Missed one hell of a party.
Reggie appears startled, wipes her tears, quickly stands, and turns to face Raven. She appears completely calm and collected.
REGGIE
I can't say I cared for my accommodations, but you were a hit.
RAVEN
They're just trying to make the best of it. They lost everything that ever mattered
to them.
REGGIE
You're starting to sound sympathetic to your brother's tortured souls.
RAVEN
I never said I agreed with my brother's hobby, but I don't feel sympathy toward any of them.
It was their greed that condemned them in the first place.
Reggie studies Raven a long, silent moment.
REGGIE
Love and devotion has damned me to this place. Greed had nothing to do with it.
RAVEN
You're the exception.
REGGIE
You don't know that. The truth is, you don't know what your brother does. If he lied and
cheated to condemn me, who's to say he didn't do the same for many of the others.
