CRYSTAL LAND

A ROYAL VISIT

SCENE: ABRAH FAMILY HOUSE

Afternoon. Interior.

Anna returned home and immediately retreated to her favorite place in the house, her room.

She dropped her basket of medicinal leaves beside the table and sat down.

For a moment, she simply stared into space.

The face she had seen in the carriage flashed across her mind.

A smile slowly formed on her lips.

ANNA

I guess I missed my cousin.

She paused.

Then, on second thought, she shook her head.

ANNA

Alan wasn’t that beautiful…

She smiled to herself.

ANNA

She really grew to be so beautiful.

Her smile faded.

Another image suddenly flashed through her mind.

The figure behind the wood.

Anna sat upright.

ANNA

Who was that?

Her curiosity grew.

She stared toward the window, wondering if she had really seen someone, or if her imagination had played a trick on her.

⸻

CUT TO:

THE WISE MAN’S HOUSE

Afternoon. Exterior.

The royal carriage arrived at the large, secluded house.

The moment the horses stopped, the Wise Man’s Watcher hurried toward the entrance.

He had already announced the royal visit earlier.

The Wise Man had given strict instructions:

No other visitors were to be attended to.

The house was to be kept ready for the royal arrival.

As the carriage door opened, everyone within the compound immediately bowed.

Princess Alan stepped down first.

Xena followed closely behind, almost hidden in the Princess’s shadow.

The Wise Man emerged from the house to receive them.

He stopped at the entrance.

WISE MAN

Welcome, Princess. We are honored to have you here.

He gestured toward the doorway.

WISE MAN

Please, come in.

Princess Alan walked inside, followed by Xena.

They passed through a long, quiet passageway.

The atmosphere was strangely peaceful.

After a moment, Princess Alan spoke.

PRINCESS ALAN

I’m not the one who seeks you, Wise Man.

The Wise Man looked at her.

PRINCESS ALAN

Xena came here earlier, but she was stopped when she arrived.

The Wise Man stopped walking.

He turned.

WISE MAN

Xena?

He looked around.

WISE MAN

Who is Xena?

Princess Alan turned toward her maid.

PRINCESS ALAN

Xena.

Xena stepped forward.

She lowered herself into a respectful bow.

The Wise Man stared at her.

For a brief moment, his expression changed.

Something seemed to click.

Recognition.

Or perhaps something deeper.

WISE MAN

Ah…

He studied her carefully.

WISE MAN

Come with me.

Xena straightened.

Princess Alan looked at her.

PRINCESS ALAN

I’ll wait for you.

She glanced toward the open courtyard.

A faint smile crossed her face.

PRINCESS ALAN

I like the serenity out here.

She turned away, taking in the quiet surroundings.

Xena followed the Wise Man deeper into the house.

The doors slowly closed behind them.