NOTES:  Develop characters and story before the inn scene.  People talk about other thing than what is big news.

(Setting: A world of magic and mystery, swords and knights, maidens and dragons.  It is known to all as Drazzil.  There are a few friendly races: Humans, Elves, and Dwarves.  A common enemy is the Orc race.  This tale begins in the town of Bal Azar.
Two men are seen fighting with practice swords in the center of a small gathering just outside of town.  One is Reece, a man wearing loose clothing and a headband.  The other is Talac.  He wears a chain shirt.)

Talac - Yer style is sloppy, Reece. (He pulls into a defensive stance)

Reece - Aye, but it's quicker than yours.  (He charges in.  Talac swipes the blow aside, begining to parry, but Reece uses the momentum of the block to quickly spin around land a strike in Talac's side.  Some of the crowd cheers, while others show dissapointment.)

Talac - (Backing away from Reece)  Blasted...  Ye win.

Reece - Aye, I do.  That's three hits.  My gold piece, Talac?

Talac - Arr...  (Reaches into a pouch, pulling out a gold coin.  He flips it to Reece.)  Ye got lucky.

Reece - (Catching the coin) I don't believe in luck.  You just won't admit defeat.

(Talac turns away and the crowd disperses, except for one woman.  This is Celeste.  She has pale skin and light eyes.  She wears a lightly colored wizard's robe)

Celeste - (Approaches Reece from behind. Mockingly)  Another victory for the great Reece?

Reece - (Turning)  And for the beautiful Celeste.  I tell ya, if we keep this trick up, we'll be able to stop sleeping in the common houses.  We can get seperate rooms even.

Celeste - (rolling her eyes)  Reece,  friend, these people will realize that some spell is upon you when Talac faces you when I be not there.

Reece - And that won't happen.  (holds up the gold coin)  Now, let's get some supper.  All that fighting emptied my stomach.  (he starts off)

Celeste - (under her breath) The haste spell has emptied your stomach, not the fighting.

(in the tavern, the tavern is bustling with many patrons.  It’s slightly misty and a little dark, but it’s relatively easy to see across the room.   Celeste sits across from Reece at a small wooden table.  A bar maid brings a cornish hen and two mugs of ale to the table)

Reece - Excellent.  (holds up the mug to toast)  To your magics.  They got us this meal and ale.

Celeste - (picks up her mug and hits it lightly on Reece's mug)  And to the fools who forget those magics.

Reece - (grins then takes a swig)  So tell me, how do things go learning under Zach?

Celeste - (also taking a drink) You would fare well to not call him such.  High Wizard Zacheria may be forgiving, but he can be truly menacing in times of vengence.  And he does not take lightly the absence of his title or full name.

Reece - Aye, I forget these things.  So, how goes learning under High Wizard Zacheria?

Celeste - (nodding)  Thank you.  The learning goes well.  Master Zacheria has taught me much in this year under him.

Reece - Aye, thanks to him, we have a gold mine.

Celeste - I doubt much that Talac would enjoy himself referred to as a gold mine.

Reece - Well he's not here, now is he?  And he isn't a wizard that could be spying on us now.

Celeste - You truly should become more proper.  You upset many with your tongue.

Reece - And the people I upset may challenge me to a battle, where we can earn more coin.  Methinks my tongue is getting gold.

Celeste - Reece...  (shakes her head and sighs)  Mind it not...

(at night in the common house of the inn.  Reece is sleeping, and a dark cloaked figure approaches.  The figure puts a hand over Reece's mouth, waking him with a jolt.  He tries to struggle, but gets nowhere.  The figure picks him up and takes him off.  Outside of town, the figure throws Reece away, who scrambles to his feet, drawing his sword.  The figure throws back his hood.  This is Jarai.  He is cunning/wise looking.  He has long hair, down to his shoulders.)

Jarai - Put away your sword.  I am not an enemy.  (he bends to the ground, picking up two practice swords.  Reece still holds his sword at the ready)

Reece - Who are you?

Jarai - A friend, as I have said already.  I have also said to put away your sword.  Shall you do this yourself, or shall I for you?

Reece - A threat?  You've threatened a friend of a wizard-

Jarai - An apprentice, not a wizard.  Now put your sword away. (holds a practice sword in each hand now)

Reece - Make me.

Jarai - So be it.  (he slowly approaches Reece.  Reece, slower than before, thrusts at Jarai, who, in turn, parries easily, both unarming Reece and hitting him as he counts the hits out loud in quick succession)  One, two, three.  I am the victor.

Reece - (wide eyed) What?  You...

Jarai - (tosses a practice sword to Reece)  Now let us balance the odds.  Shall we?

Reece - (beginnig to understand)  Aye then. (he charges, and thrusts.  Jarai attempts to parry the same as Talac had, while Reece spins around, just as before.  There is only one difference:  Jarai jabs Reece in the ribs during the spin.)

Jarai - One.  (Reece backs away for a short moment, letting the brunt of the pain pass.  He then resumes the battle, appearing to try the same trick again, only this time he stops short, side-stepping quickly, then slashing toward Jarai.  Jarai blocks the blow, spins his sword as well as Reece's, sending Reece's sword away while Jarai holds his.  He takes another jab at Reece's ribs, hitting again.)  Two.  (He allows Reece a moment to let the pain pass and for Reece to rearm himself.  This time Reece goes on the defensive.  After a moment of circling each other, Jarai dashes forward, slicing low at Reece's feet.  Reece jumps, while Jarai follows through with his low slice, spinning all the way around to strike Reece again.  Reece lands and narrowly blocks the blow.  He quickly pulls his sword out of the block, bringing it around for a diagonal slash.  Jarai ducks under the blow with a low side-step.  He retaliates while Reece is open, smacking him square in the back.  Reece falls on his face.)  Three.

Reece - (standing)  Aye, you've won, but who are you.

Jarai - I told you all that has been earned as yet.  I am a friend.  (he drops the practice sword)  Fare thee well, Reece. (he turns toward the line of trees and begins off)

Reece - Wait!  (Jarai doesn't stop, and he quickly disappears in the darkness) How do you know me...  (he turns toward the town)

(The next day, Reece and Celeste walk through the town, toward the Wizard's Tower.)

Celeste - He kidnapped you in the dark of night to duel you?

Reece - That's what I'm saying.  He was really good too.  Do you know of anyone who'd do this?

Celeste - I know not anyone.  How odd is such a man.  I could seek council of my master and-

Reece - No...(they stop for a moment)  No one can know.  I'm ruined if we tell anyone.

Celeste - You are ruined?  If my master finds what I have done unacceptable, I shant be able to leave the tower if luck is with me.

Reece - Right.  So no one knows.

Celeste - Aye.  (they slow as they come to a great set of doors.)  Then we shall meet at the inn?

Reece - Aye.

(at the tavern.  Reece is sitting alone with a mug on the table in front of him.  There is a bard across the room.  This is Justin.)

Patron 1 - 'Ey bard, ye got any good tales fer us drunks?

Justin - Of course, my friend.  I've a tale that you should find much enjoyable.  Long ago-

Patron 1 - I 'eard that one bufer.  (several laughs come across the inn)

Justin - Good one, friend.  Now, if I may-

Jarai - (in the darkest corner of the tavern)  Tell us of the Tales of Gabin.  (Reece looks in his direction)

Patron 1 - Now I 'ave 'eard that one.

Patron 2 - Aye!  A new tale!

Justin - (looking toward Jarai)  Sorry, friend, but the crowd wishes another tale.

Jarai - Three gold to each man that lets the bard tell my tale, and the rest of the gold to the bard.  Fair? (Reece stands and heads for the corner)

Patron 2 - Fair enough!  Bring on the ale!

Patron 1 - Far fer me, too!

Justin - Aye then, you'll have your tale.  (looks to a bar maid)  Ale for me too.

Reece - (reaching Jarai's table and sitting)  And here you are again.  Who-

Jarai - Shh!  Listen to this tale.

Reece - I've heard it twenty times if not more.

Jarai - Shh!

Justin - (having taken a swig of ale)  Ahh, much better.  Now then.  The Tales of Gabin.  Far back, in the days of Kerwyn of Dragonlands, there was a fellow called Gabin.  He, like myself, was a bard.  He traveled all the world in search of tales for the crowds.  Until one day.  On that dark day, the North Mountains split in two, releasing the greatest of all evils ever to be known.  The evil spread, covering the twelve greatest towns of men, three of the tallest of the Elven forests, and five of the Dwarves' deepest mines.  Thus, the three races had made a pact with each other to defeat this dark wave of death.  Their kings gathered together to find a way to defeat the evil, but only one solution could be found.  The Armors of Caizavolse would be used.  These three armors captured the souls of their wearers indefinately, but could defeat all enemies.  One had been created for each race by the gods that spawned them.  The blue armor of man, icy like their hearts.  The green armor of Elf, swift like the wind that flowed through their hair.  And the red armor of Dwarf, burning more fiercely than the hottest forge.  The kings donned the accursed armors, nobly giving their eternities to save their peoples.  They pushed back the evil all the way to the North Mountains.  Gabin followed the kings, capturing their every move in his great ballads.  At the darkest point in the world, where the evil had spawned, the kings raised their weapons for the final strike while Gabin watch, writing furiously.  But fate twisted for the worse.  From the hole from which the evil crept, a black hand appeared, grabbing each of the kings.  The evil vanished quickly, twisting fate as a final blow upon the world.  The armors were infected with a dark curse, and the wearers lost their minds.  Gabin watched from his hiding spot at the kings went insane, a truly awful fate for some so great as they.  But another twist befell fate.  Gabin, finding courage within himself, sprang from hiding with no more than a lute in hand.  The insane kings began toward him, ready to kill.  All that he could think to do was sing of their great acts, so that is what he did.  The kings immediately stopped their march, as if remembering themselves.  The song continued, sealing the mad kings in the tomb of evil, but forever would that song ring in their sleep.  They would never loose themselves again.  Much later, the kings became know as the Guardians, thanks to Gabin's tales spreading quickly.  They were named such because that is what they were:  The Guardians of all peoples, Man, Elf, and Dwarf.  (Justin lowers his head.  The inn is silent for a couple moments.)

Patron 1 - I may 'ave 'eard it befur, but yer's is the greatest.

Patron 2 - Here here!  (the small crowd applauds as Justin takes his bows)

Justin - Thank you all.

Jarai - (to Reece)  It was a great tale, however false.

Reece - (as if waking from a daze)  What?  That's the right tale.

Jarai - That is not what I meant.  The Tales of Gabin are untruth.

Reece - (wide eyed)  How can you say that?

Jarai - I can as easily as it is to see the beauty of a rose.  Now allow me to tell a short tale, Reece. (Reece nods slowly.)  I have gathered news from the north that the Guardians have awakened.  May haps you should head south.

Reece - Lies, surely.  And if they aren't, you ask me to run.  I think not.

Jarai - You may be right.

Reece - Now let me ask, who are you?

Jarai - (grinning under his hood)  I am sorry, but I must pay the gold I promised.  Fare thee well.

Reece - Wait...  (Jarai stands and walks off.  Reece looks down and shakes his head)  Why do I even ask...

(the tavern at night, Jarai is in the corner again.  Reece and Celeste sit at the bar)

Celeste - You heard the rumor as well then?

Reece - Aye.

Celeste - But the Guardians are told to slumber eternally.

Reece - The rumors are likely untrue…  But then again, maybe the Tales of Gabin are untrue.

Celeste - (taken aback) You dare to say such a thing?!  Such is near blasphemy, Reece…

Reece - (grins slightly)  Don't worry, I'd never doubt the Tales of Gabin-

(The door of the inn burst open, and a man in blue stands in the doorway.  He slowly steps inside, and all turn to look at him in time.  He is very tall, wearing heavy armor of blue tint with helmet, a dark blue cloak, and a great sword to his side with a blue gem on the end of the hilt.  This is the Blue Guardian.  Whispers of “It’s true” and “The Blue Guardian” begin to spread across the inn)

Reece - (looking in awe toward the Blue Guardian)  Celeste, get out of here…  Out the back door…  Quickly.

Celeste - But-

Reece - (looks to her with sad eyes)  Don’t worry, just go now…

(Celeste slowly creeps to the back of the room, out of sight.  The Blue Guardian takes no notice, but unsheathes his sword.  It is crystalline and blue.  A blue light/aura flows from the blade and a dark chant begins, growing louder as the aura grows.  The nearest people cry a shriek and retreat from the aura, while the rest of the inn begins to stand and run.  Talac stands forth.)

Talac - Ye'll not destroy those ye protected so long ago, Great King!

(He charges straight into the aura with his sword held high, staggering as he enters the aura, but crashes his sword into the sword from the Blue Guardian’s left.  The Blue Guardian parries by spinning his sword clockwise (from his view) and thrusting into Talac’s gut.  Talac soon falls to the ground dead.  A strange light floats from the Talac’s wound to the Blue Guardian’s sword.  The light flashes, then disappears completely.  Looking back around the inn, only two people remain: Reece and Jarai.)

Reece - It's really true...  The fallen Guardian of Men...

Jarai - Come fool!  Leave this place!  Only doom awaits here. (Reece nods and bolts out the back.  Jarai lingers a moment, then follows)

(Scene shifts to view from outside the town.  The inn glows blue, and small figures of people are seen fleeing.  The inn collapses after a moment in a blue flash.  The screen goes dark, then fades to a pool lit by the moon in a forest.  Reece comes from the woods and collapses at the pond.  Celeste is not seen yet, but is there.)

Celeste - Be it true?

Reece - (somewhat startled)  If this isn't a dream… a nightmare.

Celeste - (looks at the trees behind Reece)  Who followed you?

Reece - (turns to look, his hand on the hilt of his sword)  I was followed? If it's the Guardian, run.

(A figure soon approaches quickly from the trees.  It is Jarai)

Jarai - You are well, good.

Celeste - Who are you?

Reece - (standing with some effort)  It's okay, Celeste.  He's a friend.

Jarai - (bowing)  I am Jarai.

Reece - So that's your name.

Celeste - You knew not his name?

Reece - This is the man I told you about.

Celeste - And now he is a friend?

Jarai - (breaking in)  I fear the Guardian may head this direction next.

Celeste - (looks toward him, slightly shocked)  What makes you believe so?

Jarai - Instinct.  That is all that guides me, but for your sake and mine, we should continue throughout the night.  To Seliv.  We should be safe there.

Reece - (looks to Celeste shrugging)  I suggest we rest here for a moment to regain our strength.

Jarai - (nods)  Very well then.

(Jarai sits cross-legged where he stood, while Celeste and Reece sit at the pond.  Celeste eyes Jarai)

Celeste - (leaning to Reece)  Are you sure we can trust this fellow, he seems dark.

Reece - I think we might.  He seems to know something about the Guardians that we don’t.

(Celeste nods then sits back.  Jarai stands)

Jarai - We can linger no more.  Let us go.

Reece - (nods and stands, then helps Celeste up)  Aye.  Let's.

(scene fades to Seliv just before dawn.  Jarai leads Reece and Celeste out of the forest and toward the town.  They continue to the tavern, which is much like the one before.  They take a seat in the darkest corner, which was obviously chosen by Jarai.  Reece and Jarai sit by the wall.)

Jarai - (motioning a bar maid then turning back to the other two)  We should be safe here for a time.  Now then, ale is fine with you both, aye?  (Celeste and Reece exchange glances, then nod)  Good.  (Jarai pulls back his hood)

Reece - Jarai, thanks for the insights and all, but we still don't know who you are.

Jarai - Wrong, you know who I am.  I am Jarai and I am your ally.

Celeste - What you have said is what you are, not who you are.

Jarai - Then you only need to know is what I am.  For now.

Celeste - I tire of your mystery, "ally."  Speak of who you are.

Jarai - It is irrelevant for-

Celeste - (smashing her fist against the table)  It is absolutely relevant!

Jarai - (taken aback)  Your appearance is misleading, Celeste.  I shall speak.  (the bar maid comes with three mugs of ale.  Jarai gives her several silver coins, then turns back to Celeste and Reece)  You both know the Tales of Gabin well, and have taken them as truth? (Reece and Celeste confirm)  They're lies.  (the two are taken aback)

Celeste - How can you say that?  You were not there.

Jarai - I was.  (he pulls back his hair, showing his slightly pointed ears)

Celeste - (shocked) A Half-Elf.

Reece - Half-Elf?

Celeste - Kin of Man and Elf.

Jarai - They supposedly do not exist, except in tales of an Elf woman finding love in a Man.  I know another like me, and he shall tell you my story.  He will meet us soon.

(scene shifts to a caslte's throne room.  Sitting at the right throne is the king, Edward.  His is about 50 years old.  To his left is the queen, Ridia, also about 50.  There are several guards about, as well as servants and other such peoples.  The door burst open as a runner enters, slightly short of breath.  Edward sits straight up at the disturbance.)

Edward - What news is so important, messenger?

Runner - (kneeling) I bring grim tidings, milord.  The town of Bal Azar is destroyed.

Edward - (jumps to his feet)  Destroyed!?

Runner - Aye, milord.  The survivors report a person is strange armor who wielded great magics and an enchanted sword.  He destroyed the entire inn with a single spell.

Edward - A single spell...  No Human knows such magics...

Runner - Milord, some say that Armors of Caizavolse walk again.

Edward - Nonsense!  The Tales of Gabin state clearly that they slumber for eternity.

Runner - Of course, milord.

Edward - (sits again)  Only the Elves could have such power with magics. (thinks a moment)  Did the survivors describe his swordplay?

Runner - Aye, milord.  He was very talented.  He defeated one of the town's best warriors without trying, it seemed.  He parried once, and the man was dead.

Edward - These are grim tidings indeed...  The Elves have become our enemy.  You have done well, messenger.  You are dismissed.

Runner - Aye, milord.  May you live long, and glory to you.  (he leaves)

Edward - (turning to his nearest guard)  Retrieve my generals.  War is upon us.  (the guard nods, then exits quickly)  What say you, my queen?

Ridia - Perhaps we should scribe the Elves and ask of this.

Edward - Mayhaps.  I shall present your wish to the generals.

(scene fades back to the inn.  Jarai takes a swig from his mug.  Celeste is toying with a dagger.  Reece sits doing nothing)

Reece - When is this friend of yours going to get here?  It's been hours.

Jarai - Patience.  Remember that this is also a lesson of technique.  You must be patient with swords, too.

Celeste - You must remember who you speak to.  Reece is not a knight, nor could he become one.

Reece - (annoyed, sarcastic)  Thanks, Celeste.  Good thing you're here to back me up.

Jarai - Ah!  He is here.  (holds his hand up for a very brief moment)  Just a moment, he is buying ale, most likely a round for all of us.  He is late.  (after a moment, Justin sits at the table with four mugs)

Justin - Sorry I'm late, friends.  I hope the ale makes up for my absence.

Reece - The bard!?

Justin - Aye, the bard.  Justin is my name.

Celeste - Get on with the tale.  You have delayed our progress already.  I trust in Jarai's plan.

Jarai - Celeste is right.  On with the tale, Justin.

Justin - (sighs) Fine then.  (takes a swig of ale)  As you know, the Tales of Gabin state that Gabin set the Guardians into an eternal slumber.  That single phrase is full of lies.  For instance, Gabin did not sing the song.  He was too busy cowering behind a rock.  The person who did set the Guardians into slumber knew well that the spell would not last.  Thus, Gabin, being the fool he was, spread his tale about the Humans, who told the other races.  Even the Orc's heard of the tale.  The only race that heard the true tale and believed it was the Half-Elves.  Seperated from the rest of the world by difference, they heard what Jarai told.  And so, the Half-Elves heard the Tales of Jarai, while all else heard the Tales of Gabin.  Our race remembered the tale.  We have stood in waiting and watching for the Guardians to rise again.  The first to see relayed the message at speeds that match a falcon's.

Reece - Wait a minute...  What became of the true hero that set the Guardians into rest?

Jarai - Dead.  (pause)  He gave his life to that cause.

Celeste - And why did you seek us out, Jarai?  Why would you turn to Reece and myself in such turmoil?  Why us?

Jarai - (beat) You will learn of your purpose in time.

Justin - Besides, what good can we do without help of the other races?

Reece - Point taken.  So what next?

Jarai - (smiles) We teach you to fight.

Reece - I know how to fight.

Jarai - You know only what your insticts tell you of fighting.  I speak of the art of fighting.

Celeste - He speaks truth, Reece.  You are a horrible fighter.  That is why you required the haste spell to defeat anyone.

Reece - Again you're against me.  I thought we were friends.

Celeste - We are.  Friends lie not to each other.

Justin - May I remind you that we're behind due to my tardiness?

Jarai - Yes.  Let us go.

(They stand as the scene fades to the castle throne room.  Edward sits with several of his generals.  One of which, who has long, dark hair and many battle scars, is Nicoli.)

Nicoli - I suggest a quick strike to catch those blasted Elves off guard.

General 2 - I concer.

General 3 - Here here.

Edward - Calm yourselves.  Think of what could happen if we are wrong.  What if the Elves are innocent?

Nicoli - And if we are right?  Think of the lives that would be lost.  Think of your people.

Edward - (angry)  I do think of my people!  If we are wrong, the Elves may strike us.  You know well that they are more skilled with bow and blade.

General 4 - King Edward is true.  The Elves are more adept at all points of combat.  Tactics, swordplay, accuracy, and magic.  If the Elves are against us, we should find what wrong we have done.  If not, we can ask for their assistance in the defeat of this one destroyer.

General 3 - (pause)  I agree...  Nicoli is wrong.

General 2 - I stand neutral.  It is the king's decision and his decision alone.  What say ye, King Edward?

Edward - (He is silent for several moments)  We shall send a single runner, my most trusted scribe.  (turns to the nearest guard)  Send for Benei.

Guard - Of course, my liege.  (he exits)

Nicoli - The king has spoken.  May you be right in your choice, my lord.  Long live King Edward.

Generals - Long live King Edward!

(scene fades to an open field outside Seliv.  Jarai and Reece are circling each other with practice swords in their hands.)

Jarai - Good.  Patience is the key to all the world.  (he lunges at Reece, who dodges to the side quickly.  He pauses for a half second, then begins to strike at Jarai by whirling around quickly.  Jarai catches the sword with his, then knocks Reece back with a shove.  He strikes again, hitting Reece and knocking him off his feet.)  Hesitation is the tool of loss.  That is one.

Reece - (standing)  I'll have to remember that one.  (he thrusts quickly at Jarai, who narrowly avoids the blow)

Jarai - Excellent!  (He slashes at Reece.  Reece blocks and ducks, jumping toward Jarai.  He tackles Jarai, who drops his practice sword.  Reece takes the moment to get a cheap hit in)

Reece - (grinning as he stands)  One.

Jarai - (stands and retrieves his weapon)  Very inventive.  Perhaps you are not as bad as I thought.  (they begin circling each other again.  This time, Reece lunges.  The same thing seems to unfold:  Jarai dodges to the side, whirls around quickly, gets his blade caught by Reece's, then tries to push Reece back again.  Reece moves back, keeping his balance this time, then lunges at Jarai again.  The same manuever is done, except this time, Jarai's sword is not caught by Reece.  Reece is hit across the face.)  Two.

Reece - (moving his jaw around)  Yeah...  I was supposed to block that, wasn't I?

Jarai - Aye.  Shall we continue?

Reece - (slashing quickly, catching Jarai's gut) That answer your question?  Two.

Jarai - (grinning) Tricky devil.  (jumps back, and they circle each other again.  Jarai dashes foward.  Reece swings high, but Jarai ducks.  Jarai uppercuts Reece, connecting with the blow, knocking Reece to the ground.)  Three.

Reece - (coughs) Aye...  

Jarai - Do you need to rest?

Reece - (standing)  For a moment.

Jarai - Make it short, you have much to learn.

Reece - Right then, let's go.  (he dashes toward Jarai)

Jarai - Good boy.

(the begin to fight again as the scene fades to a court yard within the castle.  Nicoli stares out toward the woods.  A younger man in a chain shirt approaches from behind.  This is Frederick)

Frederick - You sent?

Nicoli - (turns to face him)  Aye.  The one called Benei has betrayed the King.  He rides to meet with the Elves and spill our weaknesses to them.  He must be stopped.

Frederick - Aye.

Nicoli - And one last thing.  (drawing a fine sword from his side)  Use this.  Leave it in his treasoness corpse.

Frederick - Worry not, your men will not allow him to foil this kingdom.  (he bows, then leaves)

(scene fades back to Seliv.  The Reece and Jarai are still fighting, while Celeste and Justin sit off to the side, talking.)

Celeste - How long does he plan to continue?  Surely they are both exhausted.

Justin - As long as your haste spell lasts.  (he grins)

Celeste - How did you know?!

Justin - Easy.  I watched Reece fight that man back in Bal Azar.  He moved just as quick then.

Celeste - And I suppose that Jarai knew I would help Reece.

Justin - Of course.  That'll actually help his training in the long run.

Celeste - How is that?

Justin - Just as you learn minor magics before greater magics.  Reece will learn to move this quickly in time without the aid of your magic.

Celeste - Hmm...

Justin - It's not that complicated.

Celeste - No, my mind wanders.  I cannot help but worry for my master's safety.

Justin - The old fool is surely safe...  (realizes what he just said)  Err...

Celeste - If he is such a fool, why not you teach me a spell?

Justin - (grins falsely)  So you want to know a bardic magic?

Celeste - If it is all you know, then aye.

Justin - Alright then.  (He pulls a dandelion out of the ground from behind him and glares at it intently.  His eyes roll back as he makes a strange gesture with his empty hand and he mutters a short nonword.  A flowing ray comes from his empty hand, encompassing the weed, and it turns into a rose.  He holds it out to Celeste)  Now you do as I did to turn it back.

Celeste - Bardic magic, indeed.  (she grins, then does exactly as Justin did.  The rose turns back into a dandelion.)

Justin - You are good.

Celeste -  Aye, I am.

(camera turns to Jarai and Reece, who are fighting wearily.  Jarai hits Reece, and Reece collapses)

Jarai - Three.  (he falls to the ground, laying on his back)  That shall be all for now.

Reece - (rolling over to his back)  Aye...  I think you've beaten me enough for the day...

Jarai - Yes, I have.  (sitting up)  What have you learned today?

Reece - What?

Jarai - What lessons did I teach, or has it all gone to waste?

Reece - Patience.  Do not hesitate.  Be creative.

Jarai - And?

Reece - (searching)  I don't recall another lesson.

Jarai - Then it has gone to waste.

(He stands and heads toward Justin and Celeste.  Reece is left sitting alone, confused and saddened.  He sits a moment in comptemplation, then slowly stands and follows the others toward the town.  Scene fades to dusk in another part of the world.  There are tall, glistening trees in the distance.  A man rides slowly along the path toward those trees, wearing light clothing and is barely armed.  This is Benei.  Horses are heard from off screen and Benei turns his horse around.  Off in the distance from the way he came are a few horse riders bearing the flag of Edward.  Benei hails them.)

Benei - Good lords!  What news from Edward?  (the riders do not respond)  Good lords!  (again, the same)  Fools must be deaf.  (As the riders approach, Frederick is noticably present with Nicoli's sword pointed foward)

Frederick - Capture the traitor!  Leave his execution to me!  (Benei seems startled, then turns and begins riding away.  It is not long until the riders cut him off.  They knock him off his horse and dismount.  When Frederick catches up, he dismounts and approaches Benei, who is being held by two riders now.)  Benei Dersalon, I hearby am ordered to execute you for treason to the crown.  Have you any last words?

Benei - Treason?  'Tis you that is treasonous foul- (Frederick stabs Benei through the stomache.  Benei, with the sword still in him, falls to his knees.)  Long... live the...  king....  (He falls, dead.)

Frederick - Good work men,  let us report to Nicoli.  We ride.

(They mount and ride away.  The camera stays on Benei, then fades to the inn of Seliv.  Celeste toys with a dagger while Justin finishes a tale.  Jarai, with his hood over his face stares into nothingness, as Reece completes his meal.)

Justin - No person ever found who the victor of that war truly was.  Some say it was the Demons who won, while others say the Demons were defeated.

Celeste - Fine tale, any truth to it?

Justin - (grinning) Now, don't make me spoil the best part.

Reece - Never give up.

Celeste and Justin - What?

Reece - (ignoring them)  That's the final lesson, isn't it Jarai.  (There is a long pause at the table.  Jarai pulls his hood lower before speaking)

Jarai - (sadness in his voice)  No. Fair guess, but I do not teach morals.  I teach swordplay.  If you will excuse me...  (Justin stands and Jarai quickly exits the inn)

Celeste - What be the matter with him?

Justin - I never have figured it out.  He does this on occasion, especially after anyone mentions hope or anything like that.

Reece - (slamming his fist on the table)  What was that lesson!

Justin - Calm yourself, Reece.  Jarai did this to me, too.

Reece - You?  You're a bard.

Justin - You suggest a bard doesn't require swordplay?  What happens when the crowd turns sour?  Either the bard is never heard in that town again, or he is never heard from again.

Celeste - (mockingly)  Why, I was to believe that a crowd has never turned against the great Justin.

Justin - Yes, I'm all talk.  It happens, and it's not pretty.

Reece - Where'd he go?

Celeste - Who do you speak of now?

Reece - Jarai, who else.

Justin - If I know him as well as I believe I do, he's out at the practice field.

Reece - Right then. (He stands and turns to go.  Justin catches his arm)

Justin - Don't.

Reece - Let go, bard.  I will speak to him.

Justin - (More serious)  Do not do it.

Reece - You cannot control me bard.

Justin - As long as you stop by the undertaker on your way...  (he lets go and Reece exits)

Celeste - I must follow.  I cannot allow the fool to be killed.  He is my friend, after all.

Justin - Fine, I'll just stay here with my ale.  (she stands and leaves)  Great crowd...

(outside of town, Jarai stares at the woods in the distance.  Reece approaches from behind.)

Jarai - I see Justin was unable to stop you.

Reece - I won't be controlled by a bard.

Jarai - (tuning about)  You are so close.

Reece - What?

Jarai - (sighs)  Pay it no mind.  Come come, let us continue your training.  (he tosses the wooden sword to Reece)

Reece - Aye then.

(the two begin deuling as Celeste comes from behind a building.  She sees the fighting, then looks to the ground.  There is a dandelion, which she stoops over to pick up.  She then does as she did earlier, turning the weed into a rose, grinning to herself.  She makes a different gesture and says a different nonword.  A glow flows from her open palm, encompassing the rose.  It freezes over.  From behind, Justin approaches quietly.)

Justin - That trick...  (Celeste, startled, drops the rose, which shatters on impact)

Celeste - (angry) What mean you?

Justin - Every person who knows those two spells uses them in conjuction.  Always, they create a crystalized rose.  It's an old trick.

Celeste - And knew you I would attempt such a combonation?

Justin - Aye.  You are not an exception to this...  tragedy.

Celeste - Tragedy?

Justin - The Guardians.  Such is the same with the rose and ice.  There's more to it than you think, but less to it than you know.  (pause)  So is he dead yet?

Celeste - Who- Reece!  I had forgotten him.  (she turns and looks, Jarai and Reece are still battling.)  Not yet.

Justin - Jarai's getting soft.  Come now, they'll be at this all night.  Surely you must be tired.

Celeste - And you exhausted.  Aye, to the inn.

Justin - Aye.

(they head off, the camera stays on Jarai and Reece for a moment, fighting in the background, then turns toward the shattered rose.  Dissolve to the castle throne room. Edward sits at his throne while several other nobles stand about.  Nicoli is also there. Nicoli's blade is on a table in front of the king.)

Edward - I still disbelieve it.  Benei cannot be slain, not by the Elves.

Nicoli - Your sorrow is in all of your people, my king.  Benei was a good servant...  A good person, but now is the time of action.  We must take arms against the Elves.  They have destroyed an entire town, and now they have murdered your emmisary.  Your emmisary.  He bore the mark of truce, and they cut him down, with this very blade!

Edward - (pauses in thought)  You are right, Nicoli.  I would have been wise to have trusted your judgement beforehand.  My foolishness has slain my servant. My friend.

Nicoli - 'Twas not foolishness.  Wisdom is gained from mistakes, even if they were foolishness.

Edward - Thank you, Nicoli.  You are a comfort when all else is black.  Go now, rally men.  (standing) We shall meet the Elves on the field of battle.

Nicoli - Aye, my king. (as he turns and exits, he grins evilly)

(Dawn on the practice field of Seliv.  Jarai and Reece are still dueling, both completely exhausted, though fighting with all they can muster.  Jarai continually strikes at Reece, who continues to block, but is losing ground.  He steps back and slips on the morning dew.  He falls flat on his back, knocking the air out of his lungs.  Jarai swings downward at Reece, who has dropped his practice sword out of reach.  Reece rolls to the left, away from his sword.  Jarai tries again, but this time Reece kicks at Jarai's legs before rolling.  Jarai comes tumbling down, dropping his sword.  Reece grabs it and hits Jarai in the back.)

Reece - (panting)  That's...  one...

(They both stand, Jarai picking up Reece's dropped sword)

Jarai - Aye...  First hit is yours...

(they take a moment to catch their breath, then Jarai charges, seemingly with a renewed vigor.  Reece is no match for this, blocking two attacks, then is hit twice, disarmed, then hit hard across the face.  He falls to the ground, stays for several moments, then turns to look up at Jarai with a bloody nose and lip.)

Reece - How did you do that?

Jarai - A true warrior must be capable of such an attack when it seems all is lost.  You must alway be able to deal a final blow, even if it kills you...  (he staggers, then collapses.  Reece crawls over, then stands and begins dragging him towards the town.)

(Night inside a private room at the inn.  Jarai awakes to find Celeste, Reece, and Justin watching over him.  Reece has noticably rested.)