Chapter 1 (Part B)
[Evening tide approaches in Darwathu. The lanterns float about all over town. The hoards of townspeople crowd the streets and alleyways. Food vendors and Marketeers echo their bargains, in the hopes of gaining new patrons on this festive eve.
Yes, the citizens of Darwathu wait in anticipation for the Prince's coming of age ceremony.
Meanwhile in the Imperial Palace on the East Wing, Bavarius and his servants ready themselves for the ceremony. His maidens finish embellishing him with an Ivory and silver cloak, a platinum and emerald crown, jaded tassels adorning his neck, and ivory gloves decorated with the symbol of the great dragon of Eku in a platinum lining.
The maids and servants, then, leave Bavarius alone in his quarters. Overwhelmed already with preparations, Bavarius sits next to Vespa's room - a large Dragonnewt enclosure suitable for Vespa's roaming needs. Vespa walks up to the cage door and looks at the already-exhausted Bavarius, lounging in his velvet recliner.]
Bavarius: Vespa, sometimes I envy you.
Vespa: *tilts his head in confusion.*
Bavarius: Actually, I envy your kind. *Holds his hand up in the air* The freedom to fly, eat what you want and when you want; the strength to fight enemies of any country and not die; and the ultimate freedom to use the bathroom wherever you want...I envy the free and simple life you live. Sure, you and the rest of your dragon kin have to survive in brutal conditions. But, at least they aren't ordered around 24/7.
Vespa: *Gives a little shrill to say, "It's going to be okay."*
Bavarius: *looks at Vespa and smiles* It's funny. Even though you can't talk, somehow, I understand you better than I understand my own family.
*Knock, Knock, Knock*
(Calling from the other side of the doorway, Dalamus's voice carries beyond the doorway.)
Dalamus: Bavarius-Manaan, Lady Rianon awaits your presence.
Bavarius: *In a saracastic tone* Oh joy, I can't wait to go waste my time with the young mistress. *Opens up Vespa's cage and holds out his arm.* You ready to be bored out of your mind again, Vespa? For the third time this week?
Vespa: *Climbs up Bavarius's arm and rests on his shoulder.*
Bavarius: Seriously? You're going to sleep right before the conversation even begins? Flaker!
Dalamus: Bavarius-Manaan!
Bavarius: Coming! Sheesh, can't catch a break around here.
[Dalamus and the Imperial knights surround Bavarius, as they enter the Aurore Gardens. Sitting in an elaborately embellished pagoda near the river is Lady Rianon and her Maid Servant. Her red, white, and maroon dress illuminates, as the brightness of the moon beams her direction.
The knights and Bavarius approach the young mistress. The knights bow before the mistress. Lady Rianon and her Maid Servant bows before Bavarius.]
Lady Rianon: Oh great Manaan of Darwathu, I am blessed and humbled to be in your presence.
Bavarius: Come on, Rianon, this is the third time this week that you come and visit. Don't you get tired of seeing me?
(The knights, Lady Rianon, and her Maid Servant look up at Bavarius in awe. Silence befalls the area for a moment.)
Lady Rianon: *Bursts into laughter.* As always, your humor is a delight. *continues to laugh.*
(She stands erect and motions for her Maid Servant to leave them be. The Maid Servant and the Imperial Knights go a distance away from Bavarius and Lady Rianon.
Bavarius: Okay, talk. Why are you requesting to see me just as the ceremony's about to start? N-not that I'm implying that I care about the ceremony or anything.
Lady Rianon: *chuckles* So, I've piqued your curiosity, have I not? Come, have a seat. *Motions him to sit with her in the Pagoda.*
(Lady Rianon explains to Bavarius the current happenings within the Isles.
A few days ago, terror struck the people of the Isles, as a band of gang members caused destruction in one of the Dragon's layers. However, the terror was not in the gang member's favor.
Due to their creed - which is to gain control of the dragon and harness their abilities - they awakened one of Eku's most feared dragons: Gilo the Destroyer. The gang members have all but been killed.
Now, Gilo roams about the Isles - Mainly an island province called Unioh - seeking to devour those who wish to oppose him and gain control of him. Citizens of Unioh and of parts of the Isles, however, have made a vow to Gilo that they will offer him whatever sacrifice he so desires.)
Lady Rianon: Because of the people's ignorance, no one can leave Unioh; and no outside of Unioh can enter. *Turns to Bavarius.* Whether they desire a ruler or not, they need you.
Bavarius:....
Lady Rianon: Bavarius-Manaan?
Bavarius: Is that it?
Lady Rianon: Huh?
Bavarius: So, now I'm seen as the dragon-whisperer? Nothing more? Tch, typical Marius.
Lady Rianon: Kardaan-Marius entrusted Unioh - and a portion of the Isles - to you because he believes in you. We all do. *Places her hand on Bavarius's.* You can restore peace between us and Eku's Winged Guardians; especially for the citizens of the Isles.
(Bavarius looks down. Vespa Climbs down from his shoulder and chases a tiny moth.)
*Bells Ring.*
(Dalamus, the Imperial Knights, and Lady Rianon's Maid Servant arrive back at the Pagoda.)
Dalamus: Bavarius-Manaan.
(Bavarius stands up and walks towards Dalamus.)
Lady Rianon: *stands up.* Bavarius-Manaan…
(Bavarius stops.)
Lady Rianon:...*bows* May your Coming of Age ceremony shower you with ever so many blessings.
(Bavarius looks back and nods. He proceeds toward the knights.)
(Lady Rianon looks at Vespa, as Vespa stands next to her.)
Lady Rianon: *Bends down to Vespa's Level.* Vespa, please look after Bavarius-Manaan.
Vespa: *nods and scurries off toward Bavarius.*
End of Part B.