CRYSTAL LAND

THE WOODS

Afternoon. Exterior.

Tall trees stretched endlessly into the distance, their branches swaying gently in the afternoon breeze. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting moving shadows across the forest floor.

Mr. Abrah and his wife gathered firewood while Anna searched among the bushes for medicinal leaves.

Mr. Abrah glanced toward his wife.

MR. ABRAH

Have you noticed Anna’s room has been unusually cold lately?

His wife paused, tightening the bundle of wood in her arms.

MRS. ABRAH

Cold?

MR. ABRAH

Yes. I noticed it yesterday.

She thought for a moment.

MRS. ABRAH

I have noticed it too. I just wasn’t sure if it was the room or me. Maybe we should put more wood in her furnace.

MR. ABRAH

That’s what I was thinking. Let’s gather enough. If the room stays warm, maybe she’ll sleep better tonight.

They continued gathering wood.

A short distance away, Anna finished picking the leaves. She carefully placed them into a small basket before standing.

She walked slowly through the woods, admiring the trees, flowers and little creatures moving through the undergrowth.

Then she spotted her parents in the distance.

A smile spread across her face.

She turned.

Down the hill, something caught her attention.

Horses.

A carriage.

Several guards and attendants moving along the forest path.

Anna narrowed her eyes.

ANNA

Hmm… That must be from the palace.

Inside the moving carriage, Xena sat beside the Princess.

Xena happened to glance toward the woods.

She froze.

Anna stood beneath the trees, sunlight falling across her face.

For a moment, Xena couldn’t look away.

Neither could Anna.

Their eyes met.

The carriage continued moving, slowly carrying Xena farther away.

Xena watched until Anna disappeared behind the trees.

Inside her mind, one thought lingered.

She must be an angel.

Anna watched the carriage disappear.

ANNA

That’s the princess.

⸻

INSIDE THE CARRIAGE

The Princess noticed Xena staring through the carriage window.

PRINCESS

What are you looking at?

Xena quickly turned away.

XENA

Oh… nothing, my lady.

The Princess raised an eyebrow.

PRINCESS

That was definitely not nothing.

Xena hesitated.

PRINCESS

That’s Anna.

Xena looked at her.

XENA

Anna?

PRINCESS

The girl you were looking at.

She leaned back against her seat.

PRINCESS

Her name is Anna. We fought a lot while growing up. She was always taking my spot.

Xena looked back toward the woods.

XENA

She seemed familiar with the palace.

The Princess’s expression changed slightly.

PRINCESS

She is my grandfather’s youngest son’s daughter.

Xena’s eyes widened.

XENA

So… she’s royal?

PRINCESS

Technically.

A brief silence.

PRINCESS

Her family used to live in the palace. Her father left after an argument with my grandfather. He was furious.

Xena looked thoughtful.

The Princess noticed her expression.

PRINCESS

Why are you so interested?

Xena smiled faintly.

XENA

I don’t know, my lady.

The Princess shook her head, amused.

PRINCESS

Tell me about where you went earlier.

Xena’s smile disappeared.

XENA

I didn’t meet the Wise One.

PRINCESS

You didn’t?

XENA

I wasn’t allowed to wait for him.

The Princess noticed her disappointment.

PRINCESS

Don’t be sad. We’ll pass there again.

Xena looked up hopefully.

PRINCESS

You’ll see him then.

Xena’s face immediately brightened.

XENA

You’ll allow me to stop there?

PRINCESS

Of course.

XENA

I’ll go with you.

The Princess smiled.

XENA

Thank you, my lady.

⸻

BACK IN THE WOODS

Anna continued walking alone.

The forest suddenly felt quieter.

She slowed.

Something had caught her attention.

Behind a large tree stood a figure.

Anna stopped.

She stared.

ANNA

Hello?

The figure remained still.

Anna took a cautious step forward.

ANNA

Who are you?

No response.

She took another step.

ANNA

You can come out. I won’t hurt you.

She moved closer.

Suddenly—

A hand tapped her shoulder.

Anna gasped and spun around.

ANNA

Ah!

It was her father.

ANNA

Father! You scared me!

Mr. Abrah looked at her, confused.

MR. ABRAH

Why are you scared?

ANNA

I… I thought—

She glanced toward the tree.

Nothing.

MR. ABRAH

Come. Your mother is waiting for us.

Anna hesitated.

ANNA

Let’s go home.

They began walking.

After a few steps, Anna looked back.

The tree stood exactly where she had seen the figure.

But there was no one there.

ANNA

Dad…

Mr. Abrah turned.

ANNA

Did you see that person?

MR. ABRAH

What person?

Anna pointed toward the trees.

ANNA

The one behind that wood. There was someone standing there.

Mr. Abrah looked in the direction she pointed.

Nothing.

MR. ABRAH

Was there someone there?

Anna stared at the empty space.

Her confidence faded.

She looked at her father, uncertain.

Then she looked back once more.

Nothing.

ANNA

Maybe… I’m overthinking it.

Mr. Abrah placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

They continued walking home.

Behind them, deep among the trees, a faint rustling sound echoed.

Anna stopped.

She slowly turned around.

The woods were silent.

Then they continued walking.