Shadow Dance

ACT 1

SCENE 1

SCENE DRESSING: Twisted and gnarled ravenwood trees grow here in tangled array.
The leaves hang from them looking barely alive, with dark splotches of rot on
most. A deep layer of composting foliage covers all the ground and cause any
movement to be a noisy affair. Here and there, massive mounds of bushes grow
with terribly sharp spikes, the length of a finger, which serve to protect it.
Few of the stars which dot the sky shine through the thick canopy above though,
one or two can be seen if the wind blows just right.

COSTUME INITIATE: Tall and lithe, this elfen male looks out on the world with
dark gray eyes. A single braid of brown hair falls to his mid back, secured by
leather strips. His clothing is little more than rags that may have, at one
time, been emerald in colour. Dirt and leaves cover his form, making him nearly
unrecognizable. His body, scratched and bruised, bears the muscle of one
accustomed to work of some sort, perhaps even combat.

COSTUME SHADE: Tall though barely discernible through the writhing of shadows,
this creature moves with a fluid grace. The only part which is in actual focus
would be his eyes which gleam with hate and are coloured a deep ebony.

EFFECT A1SC1E1 Mauve light, faint at first, grows to hazily illuminate the
stage, revealing the dark boles of giant trees that grow twisted and bent.
Undergrowth, filled with thorns, grows haphazardly about and the sound of crows
cawing fills the air. A bundle of rags lies near the front of the stage. For a
moment all is still... until the bundle begins to stir.

Initiate: ENTER SILENT

EFFECT A1SC1E2 Slowly, as if in a daze, the bundle of rags rises to stand on two
feet. His gaze falls on the woods and his face cannot be seen. Silent shadows
seep into the area, crawling across the ground. They begin to form beside the
ragged figure into a vaguely humanoid shape.

Shade: ENTER SILENT

Shade, to Initiate: [whisper] (shadows writhing around its form) How is it that
a shard of Elfenehoala finds his way to this place? Or perhaps the question
is... why?

EFFECT A1SC1E3 The rag-covered figure jumps to the side, away from the shadows,
and blinks at it for a long few moments. His hands raise before him as if to
ward off inevitable pain. Shade merely chuckles with sharp, black eyes focused
on the other.

Initiate, to Shade: (voice trembling) Wh-what are you?!

Shade, to Initiate: [whisper] (giving off a raspy, though strangely seductive,
chuckle) That is not the correct question though, you will discover WHO I am in
time. Again, why are you here?

Initiate, to Shade: (fearfully glancing around) I seek... the night... to...
join the dark forest.

EFFECT A1SC1E4 Subtly, Shade's form sharpens as if coming slightly more into
focus. His gaze rises to the trees above him and for a long moment he simply
stares upward at the night sky. Along the ground a few more shadows crawl
towards the being, adding themselves to him.

Shade, to Initiate: [whisper] (letting his eyes focus on the other once more) I
cannot tell you how much pleasure this brings me. From where do you come?

Initiate, to Shade: (seeming to relax slightly) Serenwilde.

EFFECT A1SC1E5 Shade lunges forward as deadly claws form at the ends of his
fingers and slashes Initiate across the face. Blood weeps from the wound and
falls to the ground in droplets which are hungrily devoured by the wyrden soil.
As the victim cries out in pain, the attacker steps back to watch on with great
pleasure.

Shade, to Initiate: [whisper] In time, you will learn never to utter that name
in my presence. Hate will guide you from this time on and will give you
strength. Now...

EFFECT A1SC1E6 Turning away from Initiate, Shade slowly begins to pace away.
The light fades until only Initiate is visible.

Shade: [whisper] (unseen in the darkness) For the glory of the dark forest, you
will forget your old life and take on the garb of your new self.

Shade: EXIT SILENT

EFFECT A1SC1E7 All light fades leaving the stage bathed in darkness.

Initiate: EXIT SILENT

EFFECT A1INTERLUDE From the darkness a single violin strikes its first note,
lifting a slow, mournful song into the air. Notes flow about as quiet shuffling
rises from the stage. As the noise settles, so does the music, and when it
ends, the stage begins to illuminate once more.

ACT 2

SCENE 1

SCENE DRESSING: Long, flat fields of crops stretch to the horizon in neatly
organized rows. The immediate front of the stage is covered in thick tangles of
browning hay. Near the back of the stage stands a fence row built of field
rocks. Butterflies of various hues flutter about, dancing on the winds while
farmers, far off in the fields, work diligently. A soft breeze floats through,
causing the hay to shift and wave. High above, Father Sun casts his bright rays
cheerily for those below.

COSTUME SISTER: Though short, this young elfen bounces along with confidence
and grace. She bears a cherubic face with dark grey eyes and long locks of
curling blonde hair. Her clothing is in pristine condition in various shades of
green and brown. Though not gangly by any means, her form is slender and skin
unmarred.

Initiate: ENTER SILENT

EFFECT A2SC1E1 A single pinpoint of light focuses on Initiate and slowly
expands. Dressed still in the tattered rags, he now stands in the middle of a
sunny field of hay. Butterflies lazily drift about as a subtle breeze causes
the crops to sway. Out of focus in the backdrop, figures toil away the day.

EFFECT A2SC1E2 Jauntily, a mandolin begins to play from the orchestra and with
it rises a voice from out of sight. The source skips merrily onto stage in the
form of a young girl of early teen years. She spots Initiate and grins, which
ends her singing.

Sister: ENTER SILENT

Sister, to Initiate: (beaming in his direction) Hello, brother mine! How dost
thou fare today?

EFFECT A2SC1E3 Initiate stands staring around him, at first not noticing the
young girl. His eyes wide with fright, he starts at the voice and backs away
from her. For the moment he can only shake his head wildly and raise his hands
as if to ward her off.

Sister, to Initiate: (stopping suddenly with a puzzled look on her face) Is
something wrong? Why are you wearing those rags? Mother will not be happy that
you treated your new clothes so horridly. Have you seen father? He was seeking
you for a hunting trip and thought you should bring your puppy along to begin
its trai-

Initiate: [exclaim] (waving his hands) Enough! Be quiet! This is no time for
your rambling... it will kill you if you stay! Run! Now!

Sister, to Initiate: (chuckling softly and rolling her eyes) Another one of your
jokes? Dear brother, I'd thought you'd given up on such things. I know when
you're being the fool now, after all the jokes you've pulled?

Initiate, to Sister: [whisper] (moving closer to the girl) No... I'm not
joking. You must run. The shadows will get you... please...

Sister, to Initiate: (raising a brow and chuckling) You're cracked brother dear.
Now come, I'm not leaving you in this state. Let us return and speak with
father about your... 'shadows'.

EFFECT A2SC1E4 Sister reaches out to take Initiate's hand with a smile of pity.
For a moment, he holds her hand and his breathing eases until shadows begin to
roll in from the edge of the stage. Going wide-eyed, the male throws away the
hand in his and roars in rage. The back of his hand meets with her cheek with a
resounding slap.

Initiate, to Sister: [yell] You never listened to me! You never did what was
good for you! Go now! I-- I don't EVER want to see you again!

EFFECT A2SC1E5 Backing away with a shocked look on her face, the girl begins to
sob. Without another look back, Sister runs off through the shadows and
disappears from view. As she goes, the wind dies down to nothing and all action
ceases excepting Initiate and the shadows writhing along the ground.

Sister: EXIT SILENT

Initiate: (panting heavily as he speaks) Better that she never see me again,
than get hurt in worse ways...

EFFECT A2SC1E6 The shadows continue to creep towards Initiate who watches them
as if transfixed. Soon they coalesce into the familiar, shadowy form which
stands but a few feet from the other.

Shade: ENTER SILENT

Shade, to Initiate: (tilting his head slightly) So noble in your abandonment?

Initiate, to Shade: (glaring) Abandonment!? I have abandoned no one. It is
they who abandon me!

Shade, to Initiate: (chuckling softly) Do you really think so? Did you not just
slap your sister?

Initiate, to Shade: (glancing downwards in shame) Y-yes... but it was for her
own good!

Shade, to Initiate: Why?

Initiate: (looking up but not at Shade) Why? Because... because my path, my
choice could hurt her.

Shade, to Initiate: Is pain so bad?

Initiate: I suppose not. It's always made me stronger in some way.

Shade, to Initiate: (with a soft chuckle) Then the pain she felt from your hand
will make her better? Stronger? Or will it make you so?

Initiate, to Shade: Both. I must sacrifice to become stronger as must any who
seek to better the world. Is this not the way of the dark forest?

EFFECT A2SC1E7 Shade form once again sharpens as the shadows constrict in their
writhing. A mouth can just barely be seen, twisted into a wicked grin.

Shade, to Initiate: Yesss, this is the first lesson of your new home.
Sacrifices must be made for the glory of the Glomdoring. Now...

EFFECT A2SC1E8 Turning away from Initiate, Shade slowly begins to pace away.
The light fades until only Initiate is visible.

Shade: (from the darkness) How much are you willing to sacrifice?

Shade: EXIT SILENT

EFFECT A2INTERLUDE1 From the darkness a single violin strikes its first note,
lifting a slow, mournful song into the air. Notes flow about as quiet shuffling
rises from the stage. As the noise settles, so does the music, and when it
ends, the stage begins to illuminate once more.

SCENE 2

SCENE DRESSING: Straight and tall, the massive trunks of moonhart trees stretch
towards the sky. Throughout the area, small creatures romp and play happily
along branches and ground. At the front of the stage, a slender sapling stands
with vibrant, emerald leaves. A slender trail winds off into the distance,
bordered on either side by cast off autumn leaves. The cheerful sound of birds
fills the air with trills and song.

PROPA2SC2 SAPLING: Standing tall and slender, this young sapling reaches
eagerly for the sky. No branches appear for several feet until they suddenly
burst out well above the ground. Growing thickly from each branch, the leaves
are quite obviously oak. Near the crook of one of the young branches, a nest
has been built and is currently occupied by fledgling birds.

COSTUME LOVER: Tall and proud, does this elfen lady stand with slender body and
delicate features. Her eyes, a bright green in colour, and fiery red hair give
her a spunky look. Her clothing is simple, merely a set of robes in an emerald
shade. She moves with easy grace and perhaps a bit of haughtiness.

EFFECT A2SC2E1 A single pinpoint of light focuses on Initiate then slowly
expands outwards. Revealed are the ancient trunks of moonhart trees with pixies
flying about in the background. A deer wanders through as the sole figure on
stage looks around thoughtfully. Soon the soft sound of a flute begins in a
melancholy song which precedes the entry of a beautiful young elfen woman.

EFFECT A2SC2E2 Initiate meets the female's gaze and smiles broadly. He moves to
her and sweeps her up into his arms, pressing a sweet kiss to her lips. She
caresses his cheek tenderly as they part.

Initiate, to Lover: You're here! Gods be praised, I've much to tell you.

Lover, to Initiate: Oh, my love, it is good to be held by you once more. When
you disappeared we all thought the worst. And when I had a tracker attempt to
find you, he--

Initiate, to Lover: (setting her down with a puzzled expression) But I've only
been gone a day. Why would you send a tracker after me?

Lover, to Initiate: (blinking in surprise) My love, you've been gone for weeks.
The commune sent all the trackers they had. Everyone said you'd gone into the
southern forest and I could only fear the worst.

Initiate, to Lover: (chuckling softly) But I'm fine and I've found us a new
home. A place where we can actually make the world better. I was sick and
tired of idling under the wings of the cities. Come, I will show you our new
home.

EFFECT A2SC2E3 Shadows once again begin to creep on to the stage but Initiate
only hesitates. The fear is all but gone from his eyes as he strides towards it
with Lover's hand clasped in his.

Lover, to Initiate: (looking quite puzzled) But... where are we going my love?
I'm sure you've traveled far and seen wonderful things, but this is my home.
Where is this glorious new place that yo-

Lover: (gasps, jerking her hands from from Initiate's and steps backwards.)

Lover, to Initiate: [whisper] (a hand raising to her lips in shock) You can't
mean... the dark forest?

Initiate, to Lover: (raising a brow as he turns to face her) Of course I do.
Where else would we go?

Lover, to Initiate: (adamantly shaking her head) No! I will not go to that foul
place!

EFFECT A2SC2E4 Striding quickly forward, Initiate slaps Lover across the face
with a snarl. The woman blinks a few times in shock, staggering backwards. As
the shadows continue to crawl towards the center of the stage, the male turns
away.

Initiate: (growling) It is our home now and you will learn to love it as I am
learning to. There is such power to be had there my love. With it, we can
change the basin for the better.

Lover, to Initiate: (tears streaking down her cheeks) Are you mad?! What of our
home here! What of the dreams we had to grow a garden and raise children? I
cannot leave my tending of the colts. How will Poloma keep them in line?

Initiate, to Lover: (gaze snapping to her) If she weren't so inept, she'd be
able to keep them in line herself. If there's anything this lazy forest needs,
it's discipline! Perhaps sitting around gazing at the leaves and twirling your
hair is good enough for you, but I have a vision. Glomdoring is the means by
which that vision will be realized.

Lover, to Initiate: [whisper] (shaking her head) What have they done to you?
Where has the man I loved gone to?

Initiate, to Lover: They have made me realize the folly of the lackadaisical
ways of the northern forest. I am in the process of becoming better and
sacrifices must be made.

Lover: (as she removes a ring from her finger) Then I am one of those
sacrifices... I will not go to that place.

Initiate: [whisper] (turning away) So be it.

EFFECT A2SC2E5 As Lover walks away, Initiate averts his eyes to the ground
thoughtfully. The shadows reform into Shade who stands at the others shoulder.

Lover: EXIT SILENT

Shade: ENTER SILENT

Shade, to Initiate: (wearing a wicked grin) Not so difficult to do this time
hmm?

Initiate: (without looking up) No, I am realizing the extent of my past
failures. She was not the love I should have chosen.

Shade, to Initiate: Ah, but love is important no? Do you not need it to survive
this lost and corrupted world?

Initiate: I am willing to sacrifice the love of a woman if it means changing the
basin.

Shade, to Initiate: (grinning wider) And how will you go about such endeavors?

Initiate: (looking around him) By siding with those who would change it. By
being the arms and legs of that which cannot grow its own. By rising to every
challenge and facing every foe to bring glory and power to my home.

EFFECT A2SC2E6 Shade grows sharper in focus, his body taking shape to be
muscular and trim. He grins wickedly, resting a clawed hand on Initiate's
shoulder. As he does, the light fades so that only the pair are visible.

Shade, to Initiate: [whisper] Only one obstacle stands in your way... you know
of whom I speak.

EFFECT A2SC2E6 Light falters, leaving the stage in darkness.

Shade: EXIT SILENT

EFFECT A2INTERLUDE2 From the darkness a single violin strikes its first note,
lifting a slow, mournful song into the air. Notes flow about as quiet shuffling
rises from the stage. As the noise settles, so does the music, and when it
ends, the stage begins to illuminate once more.

SCENE 3

SCENE DRESSING: Twisted and gnarled ravenwood trees grow here in tangled array.
The leaves hang from them looking barely alive, with dark splotches of rot on
most. A deep layer of composting foliage covers all the ground and cause any
movement to be a noisy affair. Here and there, massive mounds of bushes grow
with terribly sharp spikes, the length of a finger, which serve to protect it.
Few of the stars which dot the sky shine through the thick canopy above though,
one or two can be seen if the wind blows just right.

COSTUME FRIEND: Fully armored in leather scales which resemble the leaves of
trees, this elfen warrior bears two slender rapiers of blackened steel. His
hair, peaking out from beneath a plain, leather skullcap, is blonde. Dark eyes
look out from his angular face. As he stalks along, his musculature is obvious
though not as large as some warriors might bear.

EFFECT A2SC3E1 A single pinpoint of light focuses on Initiate and expands
outwards. Revealed is the familiar, twisted forest of the south. Massive thorn
bushes grow haphazardly about the area and the call of a single crow cuts
through the air. Initiate stands near the center of the stage, looking about
him confidently. A dagger is gripped tightly in his hands and swirls with
shadows.

EFFECT A2SC3E2 Soon, a figure appears from the shadows of the stage, sneaking as
best he can through the forest. He wields a pair of rapiers and his eyes sweep
his surroundings. A look of relief washes over his face as he spots Initiate.

Friend: ENTER SILENT

Friend, to Initiate: (grinning at him) Gods, we thought you dead. Where have
you been brother?

Initiate: (smiling slightly but not turning his head) I have been home...
brother.

Friend, to Initiate: (looking quite puzzled) Home? But, I've been tracking you
for weeks and you've not left this place.

Initiate, to Friend: (turning to face Friend but concealing the dagger behind
himself) This is... true.

Friend, to Initiate: (raising a brow while wearing a silly grin) Always a joker,
come on man, we should head back. Your wife is worried.

Initiate, to Friend: (stepping towards him slowly) Oh she's fine, I spoke with
her recently as a matter of fact. But, ah, the noble friend comes to seek me
out and bring me back north, does he?

Friend, to Initiate: (blinking in surprise) Uh, I suppose. This really is no
time for joking, we need to get out before someone finds us.

Initiate, to Friend: (still striding slowly towards him) You fear this place?
Odd, I've become rather fond of it. You should stay a while, perhaps it will...
grow on you.

Friend, to Initiate: (chuckling and shaking his head) You're an idiot. We need
to go.

EFFECT A2SC3E3 A sneer rises to the face of Initiate as his friend turns and
begins walking away. He pounces agilely forward with shadow soaked dagger
raised high over his head. As the blade strikes down into the back of his
companion's neck, blood sprays out to cover Initiate in crimson.

Friend: [whisper] (shocked and stumbling forward) Wh-why?

Initiate, to Friend: (sneering at his former friend) Because I knew you'd never
take me or my new home as they are. You never sought perfection, only just
enough to get you by. You've always wanted my lover, always hung on to my coat
tail. No more dear... brother, dear friend.

EFFECT A2SC3E4 Shadows eagerly seep across the ground as Friend falls, lifeblood
draining from him. He writhes as they overtake him, screaming out in terror and
pain. Initiate watches with grim satisfaction as the body of his former friend
dissolves within the choking darkness.

Friend: EXIT SILENT

Initiate: (spitting on the ground) You deserved a worse fate, you coward.
Always held me back, always kept me from greatness with your fear of pain and
sacrifice. Hiding in your precious forest while those who seek to make a
difference stand boldly in the gap you leave. You'd never have a place here for
we must all stand together for the glory of our home.

EFFECT A2SC3 Shade reforms where Friend once lay, his form complete in its focus
though entirely pitch black. Initiate looks directly into the eyes of Shade,
meeting the gaze of that which mirrors his image perfectly. For a moment they
stare at one another, until the light fades entirely.

EFFECT A2INTERLUDE3 From the darkness a single violin strikes its first note,
lifting a slow, mournful song into the air. Notes flow about as quiet shuffling
rises from the stage. As the noise settles, so does the music, and when it
ends, the stage begins to illuminate once more.

ACT 3

SCENE 1

SCENE DRESSING: Black against a mauve coloured back light, the gnarled branches
and trunks of old trees line rear of the stage. The ground is covered in a
large, circular patch of bare ground with an plain altar standing at the center.
Just off stage to the right, a massive tree trunk peaks in which seems to tower
well overhead of any of the surrounding trees. Within the darkness of the
forest, the shadowy outlines of onlookers spread across the stage.

PROPA3SC1 ALTAR: This simple altar is barren of any decoration or inscription.
Simply crafted of black granite, it resembles a large bowl upon a pedestal. Set
around its base, short candles burn and shed little light in a shadowy circle.
The altar itself is wet with a dark, viscous substance resembling blood. A pair
of ebony feathers have settled upon the top of the stone.

COSTUME SHADE2: Tall and lithe, this once elfen male wears the garb of shadows.
Writhing over his form are sheets and ribbons of ebony which appear nearly
transparent though one would not see his true skin. Shadowy claws overlay his
fingers and his muscle tone is rather large. His eyes are pure black and gleam
with cruelty and hatred. He stands proud as if the power he now bears allows no
less.

EFFECT A3SC1E1 Two pinpoints of light focus on the pair upon the stage,
illuminating only them. All around them is naught but darkness and writhing
shadow. They still face one another, but now bear no coverings.

Initiate: [chant] This day I seek to join the forest, dark.

Shade: [chant] And joined with it you'll be.

Initiate: [chant] This day I bring my strength to Crow.

Shade: [chant] And strong with Him you'll be.

Initiate: [chant] Subtlety, I bring for Night.

Shade: [chant] And subtle with Her be.

Initiate: [chant] I pledge my life to Glomdoring.

Shade: [chant] To it all glory be.

EFFECT A3SC1E2 The pair move towards one another, then turn to face the
audience. Shade steps to the front and as one, they begin to dance. As
Initiate steps forward, Shade steps back and they are joined together. Shadows
writhe over Initiate's flesh, filling his mouth and eyes.

Shade: EXIT SILENT

EFFECT A3SC1E3 Screams of pain erupt from Initiate as he writhes around in time
with the subtle beat of drums that rises now from the orchestra. As he moves,
pain makes his dance a jerking, terrible sight. Suddenly, feathers sprout from
his head and the back of his arms as a beak forms where his mouth should be. He
lets out a terrible caw that pierces the air.

EFFECT A3SC1E4 The drums rise in tempo and send the dancer on in his twirling
motions. Shadows begin to sweep in and pierce his skin, forcing his body to
flinch and jerk. Darkness seeps from him as he begins to rise from the stage,
still dancing... still piercing the air with his calls.

EFFECT A3SC1E5 Light rises, revealing the forest around Initiate. Soon, he can
no longer be seen, though the screams of pain can still be heard. The drums
beat wildly, filling the air with a throbbing sound that does nothing less than
confuse the senses.

EFFECT A3SC1E6 Suddenly, the stage is dark. The drums stop. All is silent.

Initiate: EXIT SILENT

Shade: ENTER SILENT

EFFECT A3SC1E7 A single point of light focuses on Shade, who stands at center
stage. He stands tall and proud, garbed in naught but shadow.

Shade: Now, am I perfected. Glory be to Glomdoring! F'ai Glomdoring!

EFFECT A3SC1E8 Darkness fills the stage as the drums begin again, accompanied by
the orchestra which plays victoriously. The crescendo rises quickly, the caws
of crow mingling with instruments. Finally, as the curtain falls, the music
fades away.