INT. THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
VILLADIUS
So you're telling me this council
*did* convene on matters of the
chosen one before?
FALLOW
In secret, yes.
VILLADIUS
You effectively decided on the fate
of our order, our beliefs, and our
future...without *me*?
FALLOW
It was nearly a full year ago. When
Bauken invaders came upon us by
surprise on boats, threatening to
invade the villages in Anadal,
their archers felled many men. But
it was he, Arleth--a young soldier
of Wynhold--who opened the gates to
the dam blocking the river, as a
dozen arrows volleyed all around
him. Not one found its mark. The
invaders were drowned, and the
battle was won. We bore witness to
the miracle, and deemed that Rhuadu
kept him alive for a reason.
VILLADIUS
Well, then. Let us see the proof.
Can you light a flame, boy?
ARLETH
I'm not a Magnir, m'lord. Only a
Sancir. We live by the code of the
order, but have not been gifted by
the Fire God.
FALLOW
Nowhere in the prophecy does it
state that Rhuadu's Chosen One is a
fire-bearing Magnir. Sir Arleth has
passed every trial of faith.
BRI
But I haven't finished mine--
FALLOW
Have you answered our inquiries
truthfully, girl? On the soul of
your dead mother and father?
BRI
My mother is--Yes. Yes, I do.
41.
FALLOW
Then we are at something of an
impasse. Our testimony depends on
the truth, but you refuse to tell
us about your dreams. For now, I'm
afraid we will have to convene once
more--
BRI
All right! I will tell you.
SFX: Murmurs in anticipation.
FALLOW
Go on.
BRI
I'm in a cave...somewhere far off
the coast of my homeland. A
solitary island. In this cave,
there's...a high rock. And sitting
on that rock above the water, a
cauldron. An old woman with silver
hair, she tells me...
FALLOW
What?
MORRIGAN
(v.o.)
You're not worthy of my gifts.
BRI
She tells me to look inside the
cauldron. In it I see...nothing.
FALLOW
Are you sure?
BRI
Well, it was blackness. Hot,
boiling...blackness.
FALLOW
(under breath)
Black Flame.
SFX: The Enkindlers explode into murmurs.
BRI
What? Tell me what you're saying?
FALLOW
Lord Magnir, is it true there is a
new Incanter acting in the tower of
Wynhold?
42.
VILLADIUS
To aid against the Grave
Pestilence, yes.
SFX: Murmurs among the Enkindlers.
FALLOW
We will pass no judgement on
allowing her practice--if she
provides us with a tonic of truth
for the barmaid of Gathland.
SFX: Fallow stands.
FALLOW
That will be all. We shall conclude
these trials for the day.
VILLADIUS
(prolonged sigh)
[I need a drink.]
SFX: Bri stands from the table.
VILLADIUS
Bri, where are you going?
SFX: Bri follows the High Enkindler.
BRI
What is your problem?
FALLOW
Come again, girl?
BRI
So why are you working against me
when your people need me!?
FALLOW
Don't presume to know the needs of
the Magnir better than I do.
BRI
Your people need to keep existing.
Just like all others.
FALLOW
They need to remain as they *were*.
Our traditions, our principles. The
Chosen One will represent these
things so he can enact its will. It
is not your culture that is on the
line, Bri of Gathland, it is
*ours*. And we will not change for
the likes of you.
SFX: He walks.
43.
EXT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - WYNHOLD
SFX: Bri steps into a field. Soft grassy footsteps
approaching.
BRI
...How do you always know when I
need to talk?
TARUK
Actually, I came because--
BRI
Fallow, that High Enkindler. He's a
fanatic, a bully, he's everything
we fought together. In Brand, in
Ultovin, in--
SFX: Taruk slurps.
BRI
What is that?
TARUK
(chewing)
Stew. I came here to bring you
stew. I'll have it if you don't.
BRI
Oh no, I'd like some.
SFX: Bri takes the bowl.
BRI
You made this?
TARUK
No, I found an inn I don't hate in
the city. They boil their potatoes
through, and the beef isn't tough.
BRI
(sips, and chews)
Thanks.
TARUK
You have accepted the
responsibility of the Magnir now.
Did you not think there would be
sacrifices expected of only you,
and no one else?
BRI
I don't want to be treated as
*lesser* again. If I'm not Chosen
One, then...am I exactly who they
think I am?
44.
TARUK
Someone with no power? Once, I had
enemies at my table. Orc tribes who
did unspeakable things. But to
protect my clan from extinction, I
had to pay fealty, and let their
crimes go unpunished.
BRI
I'm sure your people loved that.
TARUK
Many wanted my head for it. Some
would sacrifice themselves and
their families before tarnishing
their pride. I was not one of them.
For the sake of others, I gave up
my power.
BRI
I've been powerless most of my life
already. Why can't they be the ones
who sacrifice for once? What of
their pride? Are we wrong for
wanting better from those who are
supposedly on our side?
TARUK
So walk.
BRI
I can't. What would happen to
Gathland? And every other place?
TARUK
Then stay, and endure.
SFX: Bri hands the bowl over.
BRI
I'll pay you back for the stew.
TARUK
Just show up to a lesson on time.
BRI
Right. Thank you.
INT. NIGHT - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
SFX: Silent footsteps.
VILLADIUS
High Enkindler, thank you for
coming.
45.
FALLOW
I assure you, my decision for the
future of the Magnir cannot be
bought nor swindled.
VILLADIUS
(scoff)
Bought? Why would that even occur
to you?
FALLOW
Why not? You bought your way into
the title of Lord Magnir by laying
blame for the actions of Wynhold to
Morrigan all these years. Ultovin
tells a similar tale in Hymerthral.
VILLADIUS
I--What? That is absurd, all I've
paid was loyalty to my Kings and my
order.
FALLOW
Come now, Villadlius, we know you
can be a most treacherous wielder
of information. You've no doubt put
the fear of the Gods into the
Gathish girl and coached every word
she's said.
VILLADIUS
...This is why no one told me of
your coming, or of the Council's
decision with Arleth.
FALLOW
You're starting to catch on. First
Morrigan, then the Queen, then
Ultovin. Ah, there it is, that
look. When you're all out of words
and the real you comes out. Ask
yourself this: how soon before you
sell out that young maid for your
own gain, as well?
INT. THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
SFX: Silence as a witness gives testimony.
SFX: Footsteps as the crowd gathers.
BRI
Where's Iriklas and Jenquo?
MYRTLE
You know, come to think of it, I
haven't seen them lately.
46.
BRI
Damn. Myrtle, I need you to do me a
favor here.
MYRTLE
Oh aye, I'm already ahead of you. I
prepared the truth potion like you
asked, but when you're ready,
you're going to drink from this
instead. It will make you slightly
more earnest, though unfortunately,
it will also make your bowels--
BRI
No. No, I'm going to take the truth
potion, like they asked.
MYRTLE
But...Bri, are you sure? They're
going to use it against you.
BRI
I know. I just need you to do one
other thing for me. Taruk, um...how
good are you with your hands?
TARUK
*What?*
BRI
How quick are your fingers? Can you
reach into someone's clothes?
TARUK
(flustered)
I...
BRI
It's a pity Iriklas and Jenquo
aren't here. I could use their
sticky fingers.
TARUK
OH...Pickpocketing?
BRI
Maybe the opposite.
SFX: More bodies fill the room.
FALLOW
Herbal tea.
SERF
Yes, m'lord.
SFX: The serf walks.
47.
FALLOW
All be seated, we shall commence
with the final trials.
SFX: All take their seats.
GUARD #1
Make way for the King!
VILLADIUS
Oh Gods, the King is here too...
GUARD #1
We ask all not a part of this trial
to pay us leave now.
SFX: Taruk blocks the serf.
SERF
Oh! Careful!
TARUK
Excuse me.
SFX: The serf returns with tea.
FALLOW
Young Incanter--thank you--if you
do not mind explaining how this
potion will work.
MYRTLE
I'll spare you the details on how
it's brewed. Unpleasant business,
had to track down a albino rat and
use its, um--Well, anyway, the
drinker will hear themselves
speaking whatever they wish, but
the words will always come out
reflecting the truth.
BRI
All right.
(drinks)
Ask away.
FALLOW
Very good. We will begin again.
Bri, tell us of your familial
heritage.
(drinks)
Who were they?
BRI
...My mother left when I was four
winters old. My father said she was
a good woman who had her reasons.
Maybe because he was Desmond the
(MORE)
48.
BRI (cont'd)
Slayer. The man who killed the
Chieftan of Gods, enraged the
Dragons, and allowed the Sorseers
to rise unchecked years after his
death.
SFX: Murmurs erupt throughout the procession.
BRI
But I assure you, I am innocent of
my father's actions. I can't speak
for them because they happened
before I was born. I am what you
see before you. And if it defines
me, then I'm not going to get any
better in your eyes. I'm impulsive,
I'm angry, I'm disobedient--but
perhaps that will be what the
Magnir need to survive. If Rhuadu
chose me, he did it for a reason.
Now will you have me, High
Enkindler?
HIGH ENKINDLER
Thank you, Bri. And no, I am not
swayed. I do believe you are
innocent of your father's actions,
but I don't care. I would rather
watch all of Aburen burn before
leaving the fate of the Magnir
order to such a...sumptuous foreign
girl of an uncultured people. There
is nothing you or your buggering
Lord Magnir can say to change my
mind. Nothing.
SFX: Murmurs erupt in the meeting room.
VILLADIUS
(in the background)
I beg your [curse] pardon!?
FALLOW
Why are you all looking at me like
that?
SFX: Murmurs go on.
FALLOW
Speak!
BRI
It appears we've met on even
ground.
FALLOW
You...Halfin! What did you put in
my drink!?
49.
MYRTLE
Oh I...I didn't put anything.
FALLOW
I call a recess--
BRI
It appears stopping me from being
the Chosen One is more important to
you than the "continuation of the
Magnir" after all.
FALLOW
What have you DONE!? Don't you see!
She wishes to make a fool of me!
BRI
I only wanted as much honesty from
you as I was forced to give.
Truthfully, I can't imagine a fate
worse than having to serve a
council of such bitter old men. But
I'm willing to sacrifice to do what
is right. If you aren't, then why
are you in charge?
KING MASUN
The decision rests with you, High
Enkindler. But remember whom you
and your Order serve.
SFX: Bri steps forward, hands on his desk.
BRI
Well?
FALLOW
The Chosen One...is the Fire
Maiden.
VILLADIUS
(exhales)
Oh, thank the Summerlands.
MYRTLE
Yes!
TARUK
Finally.
BRI
I'm honored.
FALLOW
Don't make me regret it, girl.
BRI
I'm not just 'girl' to you or yours
anymore. It's Bri of Gathland.
50.
SFX: Bri walks, leaving Fallow dumbfounded. She approaches
Myrtle.
BRI
Thank you, Myrtle.
MYRTLE
Drugging the High Enkindler, ooh,
that'll be a story for my nieces.
What happens now?
BRI
Now, what's a prophecized hero have
to do to get a drink in this bloody
town?
INT. WYNHOLD STREETS
SFX: Taruk walks the city streets amongst the work of
commoners and chatter of animals. Flitting footsteps behind
him. Baby coos in background.
IRIKLAS
Taruk, we need your help!
(catches breath)
JENQUO
Me and Iriklas were looking for
work--!
IRIKLAS
Then we found this baby in a barrel
someplace--!
JENQUO
That's why he's called "Apple"--!
IRIKLAS
Not because there were apples in
the barrel but because "Barrel"
seemed a bad name--!
JENQUO
Anyway, we don't know what to feed
him or how to take care of him, I
spent four hours fixing his little
accident--!
IRIKLAS
The docks are terrible, full of
loud and stinky men who drink like
fish and eat nothing but fish
and--!
JENQUO
So we need your help, we need
your--!
51.
TARUK
No.
SFX: Taruk walks.
IRIKLAS
Well, now what?
JENQUO
Do you think we should ask Bri?
SFX: Myrtle approaches, basket in hands.
MYRTLE
What are you two doing!?
SFX: Iriklas and Jenquo talk over one another. The crowing
of birds, ruckus of nearby farm animals all growing
overpowering.
JENQUO
YOU HAVE TO HELP US! HELP US
MYRTLE! HELP US HELP IT! IT CANNOT
USE THE PRIVY AND IT WON'T STOP
POOPING!
IRIKLAS
IT KEEPS CRYING! NO MATTER WHAT WE
DO! I CLOSE MY EYES AND SEE IT'S
UGLY LITTLE RED SCRUNCHED FACE!
MYRTLE
Calm down! Calm down! [SILENCE!]
SFX: The words of incantation scare away the birds and drive
the animals nearby to silence.
MYRTLE
Now...have you tried giving it
milk?
SFX: Beat.
JENQUO
...I told you!
IRIKLAS
Oh, come off it, I thought milk was
a cat thing!
JENQUO
It's an everything thing! All
babies need milk!
MYRTLE
And you're holding it wrong, give
it over here now.
SFX: Myrtle gets a hold of the baby.
52.
MYRTLE
Oh, oh by Duinna these things are
heavier than Halfin babies. Come
on, let's get you fed.
IRIKLAS
But we already fed it--
SFX: Myrtle leads them off.
MYRTLE
I meant you two, you look like
corpses. And I've raised plenty, I
would know.
INT. WYNHOLD - TAVERN
SFX: Crickets, quieter sounds in the evening.
INNKEEPER
Another round girl? 'Tis getting
late.
BRI
No thanks. I'm trying to drink
less.
INNKEEPER
You call that less?
BRI
My less is more than most. Here you
are.
SFX: Coin drop.
WYNHOLD STREETS
SFX: Bri steps out into the quiet streets. Footsteps in an
alleyway.
SFX: Armored footsteps scrape behind.
BRI
Who are you? Arl!? What are you
doing out here?
SFX: His footsteps bear closer. His sword draws.
ARLETH
I'm gravely sorry.
SFX: His sword swings.
BRI
Wait! What are you doing!?
(cries out)
53.
SFX: She hides behind a wooden post, the sword biting into
it.
BRI
Is this because of the trial?
ARLETH
No. It all makes sense now, why we
were destined to meet, Bri.
SFX: He swings again. Bri picks up a nearby broom and blocks
with it.
ARLETH
You're making this harder than it
has to be. That broom won't protect
you.
BRI
What is this about?
ARLETH
You confessed it. Your father
killed Rhuadu. He must have claimed
his power!
SFX: He swings again, his sword making the wood crack.
ARLETH
So if I kill you, I claim your
power!
BRI
Get BACK!
SFX: Bri's fire lights.
ARLETH
My shield, armor, and unwavering
faith will protect me!
SFX: Bri throws her flame. It clashes against metal. Flames
subside.
ARLETH
Like so.
BRI
Oh...
SFX: Arleth swings, missing Bri narrowly. She throws a
flame, hitting him across the helmet. She takes off in a
run.
SFX: She hides behind a corner.
54.
BRI
(catching breath)
He's armored, I'm not...that's my
weakness...and his advantage...The
roof!
SFX: Bri starts to climb.
BRI
(amidst climb)
Bet he'll have to take off that
armor if he hopes to keep up.
CIVILIAN #1
Oi! Get off my barrels.
BRI
Sorry!
ARLETH
I assure you I take no sport in
this! You cannot hide!
BRI
No, but I can climb!
ARLETH
Very well, then.
SFX: Arleth begins removing his armor.
SFX: Bri pulls herself over the roof. Arleth follows.
She runs, bricks slipping under her feet as she struggles to
maintain footing all the way to the ends of the roof. She
reaches the end, nearly falling off.
Crowd gasps from below.
CIVILIAN #2
What's she doing up there?
CIVILIAN #3
Girl! Come down!
SFX: Arleth approaches, drawing his sword.
ARLETH
Stop! Meet your death with dignity.
Your sacrifice is my ascension to
defender of this country.
SFX: Taruk pushes through the crowd.
CIVILIAN #2
That man is going after her.
TARUK
Bri!
55.
SFX: Taruk's voice sounds from below.
TARUK
Your sword, catch!
SFX: Taruk throws the scabbard. Bri fumbles with it, but
draws the blade.
ARLETH
I will do what I must.
BRI
Don't. I'm warning you.
SFX: Bri and Arleth clash sword on sword on the rooftop,
bricks falling underfoot.
ARLETH
Please! It's the future of the
Magnir, of Rhuadu I am defending!
Your death won't be in vain!
SFX: Arleth delivers a punch that sends Bri rolling onto the
brick layout of the roof and dangling over the edge.
The crowd below cries out in shock.
BRI
Arl! You're making a mistake!
ARLETH
I'm sorry, my friend. But with your
fall, Rhuadu will rise for us!
BRI
I'm sorry, too.
SFX: Bri's hand lights, and she hits him with a flame that
sears into his skin and brings him to fall.
ARLETH
(cries out, ending in
impact)
SFX: Crashing into wooden crates below.
Bri's grip loosens.
TARUK
Bri! Let go, I will catch you!
BRI
(cries out)
SFX: Bri falls, hitting Taruk on impact, who clings to her
tightly.
56.
BRI
(catching her breath)
Thank you.
SFX: They climb off each other.
BRI
Where is he?
SFX: Rolling over splinters, Arleth chokes on blood.
BRI
Arl! Hold still, I can--
TARUK
The splintered wood has run him
through. He will die.
ARLETH
Bri...Fire Maiden.
BRI
Why did you do it?
ARLETH
It's ...
(laughs weakly)
It's all right. I guess this was
part of Rhuadu's plan...I was meant
to die to--to make room for you. To
push you along on your journey. It
is a funny thing how the truth
about you...reveals more about
those who hear it. I can see it
now. I did not die for nothing. I
did not mean to...I was only ...
(breathes last breath)
SFX: He unclenches, choking no more, slumping to the
cobblestone.
BRI
...I'll make mean something.
EXT. WYNHOLD CITY
SFX: Normal commotion, somewhat distanced, within the city.
NARRATOR
Before the gates of the city of
Wynhold, Bri's friends and fellow
Voyagers stand ready, prepared for
the presence of King Masun and Bri
the Fire Maiden. She stands clad in
leather armor beneath an autumn red
cape.
IRIKLAS
That's intense.
57.
JENQUO
A pity. On the bright side, now no
one can else can contend for the
title of Chosen One?
TARUK
Can't be too sure.
IRIKLAS
We had to take care of a baby.
Funny story, it turns out the
mother was--
JENQUO
Whoa...You look good.
BRI
The Enkindlers insisted I wear
something displaying their color. I
mean...I like it, but...it's a bit
loud, don't you think?
IRIKLAS
(laughs)
We all look postively *fabulous*.
TARUK
Yes. Very good.
JENQUO
Though let us hope we don't run
into any bulls.
MYRTLE
Where are we heading?
KING MASUN
I am expecting summons from realms
far across the sea to meet you in a
great summit. But we need more than
rulers, we need their people. You
must first travel to realms where
faith is weakest.
IRIKLAS
All right, all right, I know you're
impressed with us, for we are
impressive. But that last journey
nearly killed us. Several times.
Also, travel by sea is far more
pleasant and--
KING MASUN
Ah, there it is.
SERF
Your highness, four horses and your
royal wagon are prepared for you.
58.
IRIKLAS
Oh ZIA!
MYRTLE
(gasps)
Mother of Buri.
JENQUO
YES!
TARUK
No. This will not do. A fancy
Wynish wagon will bring unwanted
attention on the road, we must go
by foot--
MYRTLE
OH, COME OFF IT!
JENQUO
NOOOO!
IRIKLAS
SHUT UP, ORC! We are keeping this!
TARUK
Fine. We'll take the damnable
four-wheeled machination of
yours...your Grace.
MYRTLE
(excited dithering)
Wait a moment, I'll need to run
back to my room to get some more
books, oh, and a cauldron! Don't
leave without me!
JENQUO
This is splendid.
IRIKLAS
And now, at least one of us can nap
as we wade though the country. It's
like traveling at sea, but on land.
VILLADIUS
Does that wagon have room for one
more?
SFX: Villadius approaches.
BRI
Villadius? You would come with us?
VILLADIUS
Oh, by the Summerlands, no. But I
will follow nevertheless, because
your lessons are of greater import
(MORE)
59.
VILLADIUS (cont'd)
than my duties here. That much is
certain. I will join you on your
quest, and who knows, maybe my
teachings can help turn the tide of
this war.
KING MASUN
There is one last thing I would
like to impart to you, Fire Maiden.
SFX: Masun hands over his sword from his hilt.
BRI
Your sword!? No... No, this isn't
King Ardrun's sword, is it?
KING MASUN
(laughs)
Oh, absolutely not. This was a gift
by King Thoendel of Oakheath. It
looks a great deal more impressive,
more what people expected of the
Sword of the Lake.
IRIKLAS
A sword for show, I like it.
SFX: She draws the blade.
BRI
It's lovely. Thank you, your grace.
KING MASUN
It is Magnir-forged, one of the
last. I would say take care of it,
but it is supposed to take care of
you. Farewell, Bri of Gathland.
SFX: All board the carriage.
IRIKLAS
Darasanse nava, this wood is nice,
and polished.
(gasp)
It has two beds!
SFX: Iriklas pounces on one.
TARUK
I will keep watch above.
(grumbles)
See to it this doesn't become a
death trap.
SFX: Villadius drops his knapsack.
60.
VILLADIUS
Pardon me. I will lay my things
down here. By your books. Finally,
some time to catch up on reading...
JENQUO
Who will tend to the horses?
MYRTLE
[Walk and I'll give you oats.]
SFX: The horses get a move on. Setting the wagon in motion.
BRI
So. Here we are.
TARUK
Here we are.
BRI
I've got this strange feeling,
Taruk.
TARUK
I feel it, too. It will not be like
before.
BRI
Maybe that's good?
IRIKLAS
And we are off once again, my
friends! Next stop, Buri!
BRI
...Maybe.
SFX: The wagon rummages off into the woods.
s off into the woods.
INT. SENATE - HYMERTHRAL
SFX: Heavy doors are sealed. Seats are taken, men shift
about in the senate chamber.
PROJECTION: Indoor with great reverb. Slight projection as
voices carry easily across the chamber.
HALDIS
The Praetorean guard is at your
command, my Queen.
NERADIAL
Have the doors sealed and locked
from without, once we comence.
HALDIS
As you wish.
61.
NERADIAL
You may go, Vizier.
VIZIER
Your elegance, it is custom that I
speak on your behalf, I should be
present for--
NERADIAL
You will go.
VIZIER
As you please.
SFX: Neradial's distinct footsteps in the loud reverberant
halls. Senators settle down.
SENATE LEADER
Senators of the Elvan lands, we
convene for our very first session
under the crown of Neradial the
First. Having overthrown King
Parahilius. Being of sound mind and
able body, may she reign eternal.
SFX: The senators refrain "May she reign eternal."
SENATE LEADER
All rise for the word of the Gods.
NERADIAL
No.
SFX: Senators shift around in confusion. Murmuring to one
another.
SENATE LEADER
(whispering)
It is tradition, my Queen, to--
NERADIAL
I command the following be drafted
into law immediately: Reclamation
of the territories Wynland,
Ratthen, Buri, Workingar, Gathland,
Jalousa, Kanduk, Bellar, Uldaben,
Aradjar, Mohdar, Ulgen, Oros,
Moigula for the Empire. Those that
resist will face war. Incentives
for Elvan families to procreate. As
our rule expands, our lands we will
need bodies to occupy it. Greater
taxation of the wealthy class,
fifty percent, to fund our
armies--no exceptions, not even to
those in this very room. The exile
imposed on former General Balorus,
leader of the Banished Brethren, as
(MORE)
62.
NERADIAL (cont'd)
well as the exile on all Sorseers
during the Conflict of Powers, will
be lifted. Conversely, I strip all
privileges befitted to our Lord
Magnir appointed outside the
Empire. I outlaw the worship and
homage to Rhuadu. The Elvan Empire
is now an Empire of the Deep God.
And lastly, term limits to this
very senate, lasting no more than
ten years...
SFX: Approving hums and murmurs become confused, become
surprised, then become angry, then outrage with the term
limits.
SENATOR #3
The Banished Brethren are war
criminals!
SENATOR #4
We can't betray our allies!
SENATOR #5
I have served on this senate for
sixteen hundred years!
SENATOR #1
The Sorseers are fanatics!
SENATOR #2
Disgraceful!
SENATOR #3
You dare!?
SENATOR #4
Who do you think you are!
NERADIAL
Your Queen has spoken, and you will
all make it so.
SFX: Neradial leaves the senate chambers. Footsteps scramble
to meet her.
SENATE LEADER
My Queen, we admire your
initiative, truly we do. You've had
a long and troubled journey. I
suggest you think over
the...strength of your reform.
NERADIAL
I have. You will see them through.
Every syllable.
63.
SENATE LEADER
Change cannot happen over night.
Too much of it can damage the
stability of--
NERADIAL
In your ageless, long-lasting
lives, you have lost all urgency
and ambition. Perhaps you lack the
motivation inspired by the brevity
of a mortal lifespan.
SFX: Rumbling. Heavy footsteps and waves splash from
outside.
SENATOR #1
What is that!?
SENATOR #2
Oh, by the Gods!
SFX: The ceiling caves in, met with three distinct roars.
The Leviathan peers into the senate chamber, provoking the
senate to flee in terror, screaming all the while.
SENATE LEADER
L-Leviathan!
SENATOR #1
Its necks, my gods they're long.
NERADIAL
Agurus. Do you smell their fear?
SFX: The heads of the beast slobber and thrash at the
nearest senators, plucking them from their seats and
devouring them whole. One after another after another.
NERADIAL
Do you feel it now? That force
compelling you to listen? It is
death. The mortals live in fear of
it. They move swiftly to avoid it,
outrun it. Under me, you are
now--effectively-- mortal.
SFX: The Leviathans roar, provoking a final scream from the
Senators. Neradial steps forward to the shivering cowering
men.
END