Prince Aryus:If you cannot see her light, then blind you must be. For there are no greater rays that I have ever seen.
Prince Daodyn:It is not the rays which you should be chasing, my friend. Come. Enjoy the party. For all good things must come to an end.
The stage darkens.
Scene 3: The Announcement
The scene opens to the ballroom where the lords and ladies have gathered for an announcement. Princess Adara stands beside her father, the King, and on his other side, was Prince Daodyn.
King Astarion:(Speaking loudly to the crowd)It is with great honor that I announce the betrothal of my daughter, Princess Adara, to Prince Daodyn of Venustas.
Light clapping from the crowd.
King Astarion:This union will bring Arynthia and Venustas together, forming an alliance never seen before in the Realm. For too long we have been embroiled in war of our own making. Through this marriage, we will prosper and devote ourselves to the restoration of our true roots as mages.
A louder applause erupted from the crowd.
Princess Adara looks down, aware she has lost any chance of changing the King’s mind. In the shadows, Prince Aryus slips away.
Scene 4: The Falls
The waterfalls roar in the background of the throne room where Prince Aryus is alone.
Narrator:Prince Aryus is back in Raven Falls, his heart broken, and his dreams shattered.
Prince Daodyn joins him in his private moment of despair.
Prince Daodyn:Dear Aryus, you surely do not still mourn your ill-fated love. It’s done, it’s over, move on and find fun! How I wish I were you, free to love and to choose. I tried to resist, but my father made clear—should I refuse to marry her, war would be near.
Prince Aryus:(sorrowful and confused)War? What war? Tensions there are not. He’s found an excuse that has torn us apart.
Prince Daodyn:(sighing)Something of the west, the folk from across the sea. He believes they are weak, but he cannot see the forest for the trees.
Prince Aryus:What do you mean? What forest? What trees?
Prince Daodyn:He believes this alliance, a union of two beasts, of Venustas and Arynthia, will quell the coastal city, where the dead souls feast. He says Rykanshir is vulnerable, and will not survive, that this will bring them to ruin, unless they seek the souls that are still alive.
The lights dim, and the two friends share an ominous look as the curtains close.
Act II: In Love and War
Scene 1: The Throne Room of Venustas
The curtains open to the throne room where King Daodyn sits with his wife, Queen Adara. It is a party being held with diplomats from all over the Realm and some Elven delegates from the West joining them to celebrate.
Narrator:A few years have passed since the marriage took place. King Aryus has been busy, and a visit he has not paid. Through marriage and diplomacy, war was stalled once more. The first child of the royal couple has been born, and as he turnsone year old, the entire kingdom celebrates. There is, however, an odd tension in the court.
King Daodyn:(sitting at his throne beside Adara)I’m surprised the western courts sent diplomats. They haven’t been on this continent for decades.
Queen Adara:(wearing the amulet of the Saints)It is because of our marriage. And the amulet.
King Daodyn:(he looks to her amulet)You don’t believe those stories, do you?
Queen Adara:I don’t know. But it appears the elves do.
King Daodyn:(turning his attention to the elven dignitaries)We must speak with them then. Learn what they know.
Queen Adara:Do as you will, but I will not go.
