SAREADA IS WALKING THROUGH A SANDSTORM IN A DESERT. SHE IS UPSET AND OUT OF IT. THE STORM WORSENS, AND SHE IS PUSHED BACK AND CRUMPLES TO THE GROUND. BORNIOS RIDES BY ON HIS HORSE AMD SCOOPS HER UP, SHEILDING HER FROM THE STORM. CUT BORNIOS RIDES INTO HIS VILLAGE IN AN OASIS WITH SAREADA UNCONCIOUS. HE LIFTS HER UP AND GETS OFF THE HORSE. Nikola: (run out to greet him) Brother! (stop when you see Sareada) What happened to her? Bornios: I found her in the desert. Nikola: What? There's a sandstorm out there. Bornios: (nod) I know. She was out there though. She really looked like she was not here. I think she was ready to die or something. Both: (look down at her) Sareada: (wake up in his arms) Ah! (struggle and fall to the ground) (hit head and go unconscious again) Both: (look at each other) CUT SAREADA IS IN THE MEDICINE HUT. THE FRONT DOOR IS CLOSED, BUT THE BACK DOOR IS OPEN TO FACE THE OASIS. Sareada: (wake up in bed) (look out back door to see Nikola, Lanessa, and Anika huddling around a frog laughing) (confused sigh) (lay back down) Anika: He's so cute! (laugh) Nikola: Adorable! Lanessa: (in baby voice) Hey there, little guy... You are so adorable! I just want to hug you and squeeze you and kiss you and- Nikola: (look at her) That's creepy Lanessa. Anika: Yeah, it really is. Lanessa: (frown) (go baby faced at the frog) A-boo-boo-boo! A boo-boo-boo! Anika and Nikola: (shake head and sigh) Anika: (see Rornas and Bornios walking over) (nudge Nikola) Look who's here. Nikola: (look up and glare at Rornas) Eugh. Why does he always have to be here? Rornas follows my brother around like a pet! Both: (stop and think about it) Ew... Bornios and Rornas: (walk over) Nikola: (glare and turn back to Lanessa) Anika: (walk over and pull hair out of face) Hey, guys. What's up? Bornios: Hey. Rornas: (nod to her) Lanessa: (look up) Hey guys! Nikola: (look over and glare, turn back and start whispering to Lanessa) Bornios: (watching) So, what are you girls up to? Anika: Oh, not much, just hanging around. Rornas: By the medicine hut? Anika: (nod) Bornios: Where that girl I found is. (sly smile) Anika: (hold hands up) You got us. Bornios: (laugh) Nikola: (whisper a bit more) Lanessa: (laugh and cover mouth) Rornas: (look over) What are they doing? Anika: (step in front of them) Oh, probably nothing. You know those two, when they're together they're completely insane. Bornios: (nod) Rornas: Yeah, but still- (try to see what they are doing) Anika: It's ok, really! Lanessa: (give her the frog) Nikola: (turn to them finally) Hey, boys, Bornios and Rornas: (look) Nikola: I got a present for you! (throw it on Rornas) (it lands on his face) Rornas: (scream) Bornios: (scream when he screams) Rornas: (begin flailing around) Get it off, get it off!! Girls: (laugh) Rornas: (still screaming) Bornios: (scream back at him and finally grab the frog) Girls: (laughing harder) Guys: (look at it and then them) Girls: (run away laughing) Sareada: (sit up a bit and look) (sigh) (lay down and cover face with arms) GALDEWN AND ARGON ARE OUTSIDE THE HUT BY THE FRONT ENTRANCE TALKING Galdewyn: You are sure of this, Argon? Argon: Yes, she must be the one. The one Child Savior. Sareada: (move arms and open eyes) (confused) Galdewyn: But how can you seem so sure? Isn't this a bit sudden? Argon: She walked through a desert storm unscathed. Sareada: (look at major wound on arm) (cover it up) Galdewyn: No one can do that. Especially a child. Argon: But this girl did. (pause) Galdewyn, you are the Oracle. You know more about the Legend and Child Savior then I do, but I believe this. So why can't you? Galdewyn: But Argon, we have been fooled in the past with frauds wanting power and land. Sareada: (listening intently) Argon: But that was when we lived near the sea and rival villages knew everything about us. Now we're way out here, deep in the desert, and no one would dare go out this Argon: far. But if what Bornios was saying about her walking towards our Oasis was true, then what is there to question? THEY STEP INTO THE HUT Sareada: (freak, close eyes and cover up) Galdewyn and Argon: (look at her for a minute) Galdewyn: She is beautiful, I'll admit that much, Argon. Argon: (nod) Yes. Her beauty does become her. Galdewyn: (thinking hard) Maybe she really is something. Argon: (look at her) Galdewyn: Maybe not the Child Savior, but something different... FLASHBACK GALDEWYN STEPS INTO HER NOW-BURNED AND PILLAGED KINGDOM. Galdewyn: (tears begin streaming down face) How did this happen? When, when did it happen? I don't remember...(turn away) (turn back to the burnt bodies) They're all gone. (more tears) Well of course, my enemies were invincible. (shake head) How could I have let this happen? My very own kingdom. Destroyed. So easily... (look down) (finally look up) Sareada: (walking towards her solemnly) Galdewyn: (stare at her confused) Sareada: (get closer and stare deep into her eyes) Galdewyn: (shocked) Child! (voice softens) How can you be here? When the attackers came, they killed everyone. Except...me. (look away) Sareada: (stand in front of her) Galdewyn: (look up) You aren't from here, are you child? Sareada: (pause) I am. I've lived here all my life, Galdewyn, just like you. Galdewyn: (back up) You know my name? Sareada: (nod) Yes, I know a lot. Galdewyn: But you are a child. Sareada: Looks are deceiving, dear Galdewyn. Galdewyn: (amazed) (shake head) You shouldn't be here. How did you survive? Sareada: (look away) I just did. I didn't try. Galdewyn: (stare at her) Sareada: Its amazing at how some people's will to survive are stronger then the truth of death. Galdewyn: (speechless) Sareada: I pulled through this barely, but I don't know how successful I will be next time. Galdewyn: (confused) Sareada: I am weak, dear Galdewyn. My power is faltering. I've used all my strength. Galdewyn: (nod) That's why you're here. You need my help. Sareada: (whisper) Please. REALITY Argon: What are you thinking? Galdewyn: (snap out of it) Many things. None of which are important. Argon: What did you mean about her being something different then the Child Savior? What else could she be? Galdewyn: (walk closer to Sareada in bed) She seems familiar. So familiar... Argon: (watch carefully) How? Galdewyn: I have had a life, you know! Argon: But- Galdewyn: Do not push me on this Argon! This subject is very sensitive to me. Argon: I'm sorry, but still- Galdewyn: Believe what I say when I say it! I do not lie. And I know she looks familiar. Argon: I never did say you lie. Galdewyn: (stroke the sheet beside Sareada) I know there is something about this girl. I remember her. I really do. Argon: (sigh) Do we keep her then? Galdewyn: (turn to him) Well of course! Even if she was nothing special to me, we would! We can't just throw her back into that desert. The nearest village isn't for several hundred miles! She would die for sure! Argon: (nod) Of course. She may stay here. She must stay here. (leave) Galdewyn: (sit down by Sareada) Why have you come here, child? Whether or not you remember me, I do not know. I do know you are too familiar for me to dismiss, and I know you have come here for a reason, nonetheless. (turn away) I would just like to know why. (leave) Sareada: (open eyes) Galdewyn. Why does that name sound familiar? (put hand on head) And that thought, it went through my mind... Galdewyn, that name seems so...right. (shiver) I feel something strange. A warmth. Deep in my soul. My heart feels pure and clean. (shake head) Strange. CUT IT'S LATER IN THE DAY. BORNIOS, NIKOLA AND LANESSA ARE SITTING IN A HUT LOUNGING. Bornios: Where did you guys find that frog? Nikola: (shrug) Just out back. Lanessa: By the medicine hut. Why? Bornios: Well, it's just that- I don't know- I mean, we've lived in the Oasis for such a long time, almost all our lives, but I have never seen any animal life before. It's strange that this would suddenly happen. Lanessa: (sit up) Well, you know, I've heard some interesting rumors about that new girl that you found, Bornios. Bornios: (interested) Really? Enlighten me. Lanessa: (smile) The elders are saying this girl is the Child Savior. You know, that one legend our village has? Bornios and Nikola: (nod) Lanessa: The other adults believe she is some sort of mystical young Oracle who is here to succeed Galdewyn, but Galdewyn thinks she's something entirely different. She's been acting like this girl is her long lost daughter or something. Nikola: (nod) Therefore, that would make her an Oracle and Galdewyn's successor. Lanessa: (shake head) No, it's different then that. Galdewyn isn't afraid or suspicious of her like that. She's acting completely different then if the girl was a threat to her. Nikola: Well, how would you know what Galdewyn would act like? Bornios: Don't question her, Nikola. She's only telling us what she's heard. Nikola: (glare and cross arms) Bornios: Go on. Lanessa: Galdewyn is acting like the girl is better then her. Like she has an equal or higher power then Galdewyn. She seems to be respecting her. Bornios: That's strange. How does that one work? Nikola: (mad) (get up) Bornios and Lanessa: (look up) Nikola: I'm going to find out. (leave) Bornios and Lanessa: (look at each other) CUT NIKOLA WALKS INTO THE MEDICINE HUTA TO SEE SAREADA SITTING ON THE BACK STEPS FACING THE OASIS. Nikola: (stare at her a little while) Sareada: (sigh) Nikola: (sigh and close eyes) (sit on the far part of the bed) (pause and think) What are you thinking about? Sareada: (look up alarmed) (don't move) Not much, I guess. Just wondering why and how I ended up here. None of this makes any sense to me. Nikola: (lean back on pillows) I know how that one goes. Do you remember anything? Sareada: (face softens) The desert. Sand, wind, heat, pain. Nothing before that. I remember that boy... Nikola: (look up) Sareada: The one that saved me. He was my rescuer- My hero. (smile) Nikola: (glare) Don't you dare get any ideas! (stand up) Sareada: (confused and a bit scared) Oh, I'm sorry. Is he your's? Nikola: He's my brother. Sareada: (sigh silently relieved) Nikola: Listen, I watch out for him, and he watches out for me. If you dare jeopardize our relationship, then you had better be watching out for yourself. Sareada: (look down) I'm sorry. You have nothing to worry about. I've never had the best of luck with guys anyway. I'm only trying to get my bearings around here. (turn around and don't see her) But tell me, what is this place? Where am I? I know of no lands like this. Nikola: (cross arms) If I told you, I'd have to kill you. Sareada: (shocked) Nikola: (step out where she can see you) Both: (stare at each other) FLASHBACK NIKOLA AND SAREADA HAVE BEEN IN A FIGHT AGAINST EVIL AND ARE NOW BEING TORTURED. THEY ARE IN WAIST HIGH WATER COVERED IN BLOOD. THEY ARE TRYING TO FIGHT THE INVISIBLE EVIL OFF. Sareada: (see an exit) (try to wade that way) I can get help! Nikola: Wait, wait for me! (try to go over) (get pushed back) Help me! (hold out hand) Sareada: (getting out of water) (turn to her) (expressionless) Nikola: (face gets slapped) (fall into water) (pop up and gasp for air) (hold hand out again) Please, help me! Sareada: I-I have to go! I can get help! Nikola: No, please! Don't leave me! Sareada: (turn around) I'll be back! Nikola: STOP! I BEG YOU! (reach both hands out) I'm right here! Sareada: (turn back) Nikola: (desperate) Help ME!! Sareada: (stare at her hands) Nikola: Just pull me out! PLEASE! Sareada: I- I'm sorry. (turn and run out) Nikola: (scream after her) NOO! (get pushed back) HELP ME! (get thrown back) REALITY Nikola: (speechless) Or, uh...Well, I mean...where we are is not important. I mean, especially for you, since in a few days you'll probably be back on your feet and back to where you were from. Sareada: (shake head) I can't remember where I'm from. And I need to know where I am now. Nikola: (look down) We're just here. I can't tell you anything, the elders won't let me. Sareada: (skeptical) Nikola: (look back) It's true! We've had lots of trouble with enemy villages in the past, so now everyone here is basically sworn to secrecy. Sareada: But what if I end up staying here? Nikola: Well, when we find out, then you'll be told, but not now. Sareada: (look away) Why are you in here anyway? Nikola: (shrug) I just came in I guess. I had nothing else to do, so why not? Sareada: I assume it wasn't to make friends... Nikola: Well that was inevitable whether I tried to or not. I could use some new friends right now, mine aren't acting too great. They're all turning on me. (think) Speaking of friends turning... (look at her quizzically) Sareada: You saw that too? Nikola: (nod) (pause) Do you think we should be worried about anything? I'm assuming it was a past life, but I don't know. Sareada: I don't know. It must be a past life, I had another memory when Galdewyn was in here. Nikola: (perk up) Galdewyn? Sareada: Yes. I think she warped herself into some memories and brought me into them too. Nikola: (sit down) That seems to be going around lately. The whole memory thing. Like everyone isn't who they thought they were. No one is who they seem anymore. Sareada: (sit beside her) That may be true, but they don't have to freak out about it. Nikola: (nod) Exactly. I actually got a vision myself a few days ago. Sareada: (look at her) Nikola: It wasn't really anything big, but I know it was a vision. In it, I saw a frog behind the medicine hut. I didn't think it was a big deal, I mean, it certainly doesn't seem like a big deal, but when we found him today, then I knew it meant something. It Nikola: hit me, and the feeling was so strange, but then it all went away and I forgot about it. But I knew I had seen it. The frog was even in the exact same spot. Sareada: Hmm. It sounds like you had a premonition. Nikola: (nod) It scares me now thinking about it, but it didn't when it happened. (shake head) I just don't understand. And now everyone's getting them. Sareada: That is strange. Nikola: Yeah. (see her wound) Whoa, have you gotten that treated? Sareada: (look) Oh. Uh, no. Nikola: You really should. It looks pretty bad. Sareada: (shake head) I'll be fine. Nikola: (take her arm) But what if its infected? The shaman could take good care of- Sareada: (pull arm away) I told you, I'm fine. Nikola: (stare at her) (look away and swallow) (nod) Ok, if you say so. Sareada: I do. Nikola: You seem lonely. I know this sounds really dull, but do you want to hang out with me? I really have no one else right now. Sareada: (look at her) It seems like once upon a time ago we were good friends...for a while. Nikola: Well, let's forget that and start anew. What do you say? Sareada: (smile) Sounds good. CUT SAREADA AND NIKOLA ARE WALKING THROUGH THE OASIS. Sareada: It's very beautiful out here. How far away is this from the desert? It must be closer to the sea since it's so lush and green. Nikola: (look down) I think I need to show you something. CUT THEY ARE CLIMBING UP TO A CLIFF THAT OVERLOOKS THE ENTIRE DESERT Nikola: (get up and look around) Sareada: (struggling behind) (finally get up) (out of breath) Nikola: (walk to the edge) Sareada: (brush off and check arm) So, why are we here? Nikola: See for yourself. Sareada: (walk over by her and look out) (eyes go wide) The desert. (look around) I'm still in the desert. (shake head and look down) Nikola: (confused) But you're safe really. I mean, our Oasis bold and plentiful. We won't die because the desert has nothing to offer. It has the Oasis. Sareada: (still looking down) How far are we from civilization? Nikola: (shrug) I don't know. I suppose it's kind of far if all you can see is desert around us. Sareada: (nod) (sigh) That could be all right. Nikola: (look at her) What do you mean? Sareada: (snap out of it) Huh? Oh, uh, nothing. Both: (look out) Sareada: The desert is so spacious, isn't it? Nikola: (think) Yeah, it really is. Hmm. I never really realized that until now. I guess I've just been in the Oasis so long. Sareada: How long have you lived here? Nikola: (shrug) I don't know. Basically most of my life, I suppose. Sareada: Then I guess you would get used to the desert. Nikola: (smile) Yeah. I think I have. (see sandstorm) Look! There's that desert storm you were in! Sareada: (face goes white) Nikola: (look over) Relax, it won't hit the Oasis. Galdewyn will make sure of that. Sareada: (quietly) I'm sure she'll try. Nikola: (staring at her confused) Sareada: What? Nikola: Did you say something? Sareada: Oh, no. Nikola: I could've sworn- Sareada: I didn't say anything. Trust me. Nikola: (turn around) We should be getting back- Sareada: (look at the horizon) -Before the sun sets. Nikola: (look at her) Exactly. (smile) Sareada: (walk over by Nikola) Uh, how do I get down? CUT THEY ARE WALKING THROUGH THE VILLAGE IN THE EVENING LIGHT Nikola: I suppose you need a place to stay, huh? Sareada: (joking) That's always a plus. Nikola: (laugh) I'm sure Galdewyn wants you to stay in the medicine hut for a while, but I don't think that's necessary. Sareada: What do you propose? Nikola There's a small hut near mine. We're using it for storage right now, but if we clean it out, it'd be big enough for you to be comfortable. Sareada: How big is your hut? Nikola: (shrug) Bigger. We're still a bit crowded though. Sareada: Do you live with your parents? Nikola: (sad) My parents are dead. They have been for awhile. Sareada: I'm sorry. I didn't know. Nikola: (shake head) No it's all right. It was a long time ago. I can still remember it, but it was well in the past. I live with my brother and Anika. Lanessa lives with her father, Argon. Sands of Time 1