METRO 1497 - CHAPTER 7 THE PATH CHOSEN

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CHAPTER VII

— THE PATH CHOSEN —

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–INT. LODGE CORRIDOR — MORNING–

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The corridor stretches long, lit by light from slit windows. The air carries a metallic cold. The old lodge stands perfectly firm, old stone— old men at play.

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Traeven's steps are measured.

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Not slow.

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Not hurried.

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Just… Inevitable.

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His expression is unreadable, but something coils behind his eyes— calculation, memory, a covered storm, waiting for the right door to open.

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Ahead, Theron's voice cuts through the stillness, low and controlled.

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Phillip and Jeffrey stand with him, shoulders tense, nodding quickly at whatever command they've been given. Traeven doesn't announce himself. He simply arrives. Phillip notices first— posture stiff. Jeffrey follows— swallowing. Theron turns last, as if forced by gravity, rather than choice.

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For a moment the hallway corridor stands still.

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Traeven's presence shifts the air. A pressure, subtle, but undeniable. Phillip and Jeffrey don't hesitate the moment Traeven steps into orbit. They exchange looks— they slip away down the hall without a word.

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Footsteps fading fast.

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Now it's just Traeven and Theron.

The corridor feels different with only the two of them in it. Quieter somehow, but definitely sharper. Like the air itself is listening. Theron straightens his coat, trying to reclaim the authority that just evaporated with his men.

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Traeven's silence is scalpel. He speaks, not loud, just precise.

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Traeven:

"You know there will be a problem with the supply shift…"

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Theron's eyes flicker.

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He hates when Traeven starts with facts.

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Theron:

"We've switched suppliers before, nothing's happened that wasn't handled, or eventually resolved."

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Traeven steps forward, just to make the air tighten.

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Traeven:

"This isn't the same."

(continues) "And Cat is on the other side of that line. You know what he is. You know how he'll respond."

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A shadow crosses Theron's expression— memory, fear, denial.

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Traeven:

"If he senses a disruption in the flow… If he thinks we're weakening our hold… He won't wait for diplomacy."

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He lets the words hang, heavy and cold.

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Traeven:

"He'll Strike."

"Fast."

"And without hesitation."

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Theron looks away, just for a heartbeat— but Traeven sees it.

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He sees everything.

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Theron:(undeniably defensive, not hiding well)

"We'll manage, as we have before."

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Traeven's eyes narrow, not in anger— in disappointment.

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Traeven:

"You've contained him. Things will change."

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Theron stiffens, but Traeven doesn't give him room to recover.

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Traeven: (low, dangerous tone)

"If you cut the supply now, without preparing with reinforcements, you're not provoking negotiations. You're provoking a war."

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The corridor goes still.

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Theron tries to regain control of the conversation. Traeven watches him calm with dissecting intelligence— that makes Theron feel like he's being read, not spoken to.

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Theron exhales through his nose.

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Theron:

"My plan is simple, as I've already stated, we reinforce the old fortress before the first harvest. Double the watch. Triple rotations."

(A beat) "Our standing in The Providence will be protected."

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Traeven's expression doesn't change— but the silence that follows is damning.

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Theron:

"It worked before and it will again. We've switched suppliers before-- in nothing were we unprepared. All was taken care of, always has, and always will.

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Traeven steps a bit closer, voice low, surgical.

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Traeven:

"You're forgetting the variables."

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Theron's jaw tightens.

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"Your supplies were late. Your men are stretched thin. And you don't know the exact number of bandits under Cat's control."

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Theron looks away slightly. Traeven sees it.

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"And who's to say word hasn't spread that you've already switched allegiances?"

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(Beat)

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"Cat is unpredictable. He's violent.

He's strategic when he wants to be.

And if he ever finds out that his brother is replacing his operation... It becomes personal."

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Theron flinches at the truth.

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"If he thinks you've weakened ties, or senses the shift...He won't wait for diplomacy, a meeting, a sit down.

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Traeven steps past forcing Theron to turn.

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"His men say that he's a Gargoyle..."

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"I don't believe such fables...

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"But what I do believe is that his men will attack us as a whole."

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Theron doesn't answer. He doesn't defend his plan. He doesn't argue. He simply turns and resumes walking towards his destination-a silent retreat disguised as composure. Traeven follows at his master's side, hands clasped behind his back, posture straight, expression calm. But the truth is unmistakable. Traeven's ability to control a conversation. And Theron knows it.

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Traeven:

"There's something you're unaware of."

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Theron's shoulders tense, but doesn't slow. Traeven continues, almost reflective.

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Traeven:(low tone)

"I've known Metro since he was a boy."

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That stops Theron for a heartbeat. Not enough to be obvious, but enough for Traeven to catch.

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"He's unpredictable, in a different way."

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They resume walking.

"Metro follows his heart, even if it puts his loved ones in danger, even if it'll cost him everything.

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Theron exhales sharply, unsure, threatened. Traeven continues with precision.

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"And men like that...Men who believe so strongly in something, they don't break the way you expect.

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A long silence stretches between them.

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"He'll die for what he believes in."

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Theron finally looks at him- fear and realization shifting in his gaze.

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"Just like his brother."

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The words land heavy.

They stop at Traeven's lead. He holds his gaze, calm, unblinking.

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"Cat and Metro are from the same coin, my lord.

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Just different sides...

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They share the same mother...

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but have different temperments.

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They have different fathers...

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But the same flame underneath."

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Theron swallows, the truth settling cold in his chest.

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Traeven turns his eyes forward again, hands still behind his back, walking again with the authority of a man who sees the future more clearly than anyone else in the lodge.

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They walk in silence for several long steps.

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Theron's boots echo harder now — with weight and not authority. Finally he exhales, a low, tired sound he didn't mean to let slip.

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Theron:

"Something's wrong with Veronica."

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Traeven doesn't react outwardly.

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But inside, he sharpens.

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Theron keeps walking, voice dropping to a rare vulnerable register.

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Theron:

"She's distant.

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Avoiding me.

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All of this (beat) It's unlike her."

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He gestures vaguely to the stone walls.

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"Something's happened at The Fortress...

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I know it.

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There's a reason she doesn't want to go."

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Traeven's eyes narrow — not in judgement, but in calculation.

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"I was going to prepare a marriage."

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Traeven's stomach turns, jaw tightens, a cringe he buries instantly behind a neutral expression.

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He keeps his posture perfect, hands behind his back.

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Theron continues, oblivious to the storm he just stirred.

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"It would solidify partnerships."

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"Tie the crop to my bloodline."

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"Securing our village's future."

(Theron gazes in the distance)

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Traeven responds, smooth, controlled.

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Traeven:

"A business arrangement then."

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Theron nods, but his eyes possess something darker, a premonition he can't shake.

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Theron:

"Your words, they ring true. I've had worries of retaliation, even though I don't want to admit it"

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Traeven lets the silence sit.

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Theron fills it.

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"If Veronica chooses to head back to The Whispering Estates, I want you to watch over the situation."

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Traeven's eyes sharpen — an open door he's been waiting for.

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"Get to the bottom of everything for me; I need to know what happened with my daughter. I need clarity, that this operation is still under my control."

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Traeven's lips curl into the faintest smile —

subtle, respectful, but unmistakably satisfied.

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Theron stops and looks at Traeven.

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"So, Traeven, my trusted advisor — is this doable?"

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He inclines his head, voice soft and obedient on the surface — but carrying the quiet triumph of a man who just gained the board.

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Traeven:

"Of course, my lord."

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"I'll see to everything personally."

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Theron: (nods, satisfied)

"Good."

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Theron breaks and walks away, unaware of the shift he just allowed. Traeven sits still, hands behind his back, left alone in the corridor hallway.

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Scene fades black -

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change scene -

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-LILLY'S HUT- GRASSLANDS- MORNING-

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Pale morning light spills through the window, cool and unfiltered. Steam rises from a small pot on the hearth. The air is crisp, the quiet kind of stillness that makes every word feel sharper.

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Rose stands near the table, hands damp from rinsing fresh herbs. The morning chill clings to her skin. Lilly stands next to her, by the fire, chopping vegetables, her posture firm with cold light.

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Lilly:

"I don't want you going back to that castle."

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Rose stops mid-movement.

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Rose:

"Why?"

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Lilly: (voice low, steady, eyes worried)

"That boy — Metro — he seems kind I see that. But he's tied to Theron. To soldiers. To danger that doesn't belong to us."

(A beat)

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"I won't have you near that army."

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Rose doesn't turn. The pot on the hearth pops slowly, the only sound in the room.

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"You've never seen what war turns good boys into..."

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She steps forward, her shadow stretching long across the floor.

"You see him, I know you do. But you don't see the army behind him — the orders he'll follow, the men he'll fight, the things he'll be asked to ignore."

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Her voice tightens, fear threading through the calm.

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"And if those men ever come looking for him... where do you think they'll look... They'll come here."

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The final truth, heavy in the morning air.

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"He doesn't understand the cost of his actions. That ignorance is dangerous."

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Rose turns finally, her voice soft but unwavering.

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Rose:

"He's my friend."

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Lilly exhales with sharp worry.

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Lilly:

"And that's what scares me. He doesn't know he's putting his friends in terrible danger. He's unaware of what he's a part of..."

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Lilly's face hardens in a fearful, protective way.

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"I'm headed to the market. Get some fish by the spring. I'll be back this afternoon."

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ROSE & LILLY'S HUT - GRASSLANDS -

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BEFORE NOON -

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Sally slows as Metro rides into the clearing. The hut sits still in the bright midday light, still and open, as if waiting for someone who hasn't come home.

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Metro dismounts, keeping one hand on Sally's saddle. He walks to the doorway and pushes the beads aside.

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Metro:

"Rose...?"

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Nothing.

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The hearth is cold.

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The table is clean.

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The room feels pressed still, like someone stepped out only moments ago.

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Metro stands, fingers tightening on the saddle strap. He looks around once, slow, taking in the emptiness — The silent moment stretches.

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He doesn't move. He just breathes, eyes fixed on the space where she should be.

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Then something in him shifts.

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He turns, grabs the saddle horn, and swings onto Sally in one swooped motion.

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Metro:

"Ya!"

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She bolts forward, carrying him back into the bright noon light. Metro leaning into the ride with dramatic urgency.

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The hut stays behind, waiting.

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Scene Fades -

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- SPRING CREEK - GRASSLANDS -

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NOON -

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The spring lies quiet under the bright midday sun, water moving in slow, clear ripples. The air is warm here, softer than the rest of the forest.

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Rose kneels by the edge, gathering water in a small clay bowl. Her hair falls forward as she works, catching sunlight, she moves calmly, but there is a stillness in her eyes — like her thoughts are somewhere else entirely.

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A breeze shifts the leaves above her.

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She pauses.

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She looks up.

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For a moment she just listens — to the water, to the trees, to the wind.

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She sets the bowl aside gently.

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Glancing toward the path leading back to the hut.

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A small breath escapes.

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Not worry.

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Not frustration.

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just, waiting.

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The sunlight shines a glinted reflection off the water moving beside her. She dips her fingers into it, letting the ripple spread outward.

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Her posture straightens.

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Someone or something is riding towards her.

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She lifts her head.

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Her eyes soften.

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The forest holds its peace.

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A faint rhythm breaks the quiet.

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Hooves.

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Steady.

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Familiar.

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Growing closer.

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She turns toward the trees, just as Sally steps into the clearing. The light catches the white patch and black coat.

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Metro sits tall in the saddle, breath a little uneven from the ride, eyes searching the space.

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For a moment, neither of them moves.

Rose sits there at the water's edge, staring at Metro and Sally in disbelief — like she wasn't expecting him, like she isn't sure she's ready for whatever she's feeling.

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Metro spots her.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbGOnTBwif

His face lifts, surprised and relieved all at once.

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Metro:

"O- hey, Rose! I've been looking for you!"

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8vjIxpwOh

Sally responds to his voice, breaking into a gallop towards her. As they close the distance, Metro pulls gently on the reins, slowing her to a calm trot.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LtxuOIClh

He swings off Sally in one enthusiastic motion, boots hitting the ground with a soft thud.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDzJjD5AMu

He steps towards Rose, a little breathless, a little too happy to see her.

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They sit close to water, under a large willow tree.

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The noon light bounces off of them softly.

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Rose finally speaks.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OQTpl8Fka

Rose:

"Hey..."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjSm0QIApW

Metro:

"Hey, I'm glad I found you, what are you doing out here?"

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2TVEhTQte

Rose:

"Fishing, for my mother."

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Metro:

"Oh... and how's she doing?"

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pN14sAHW5

Rose: (pauses, eyes lowered)

"She's fine."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5PBCljrDQ

(long beat)

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Metro: (nods slowly)

"... why'd you leave the castle without saying goodbye?"

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Rose: (takes a long breath)

"my mother thinks it's dangerous."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ04uzeAla

Metro: (cranks his neck)

"Really? The whole place is swarming with guards."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l8yMp29xi

Rose:

"That's what she's afraid of, me getting hurt..."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ258Ky3sfGs

(A beat)

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"She doesn't want me to see you anymore."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbyeGzP2X1

Metro freezes.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnRdoBx50N

It hits him like a ton of bricks.

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A long silence settles between them.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zR28Qv5Ws

He finally speaks.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZI1jCfngN

Metro: (voice low)

"Why did you offer to help me and Blake?"

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKytulHDcWB

Rose: (softer expression, smiling)

"Because I knew I could trust you."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsrIAFZEiP

Metro looks at her, confused but hopeful.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunsPy98647

"How? we were complete strangers."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImHkYliIa9

Rose: (a small laugh escapes)

"Well, when you and Blake held each other, and were screaming for your lives, I knew right then there, that you weren't a threat."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkuaVfSQjG

Metro stares at her stunned, then looks away embarrassed, a slow smile forming, despite himself.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyeaITrg3J

He straightens, trying to recover his dignity.

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Metro:

"I wasn't that scared."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeuEhNuyKf

Rose:

"Yes, you were. You act tough, but I can tell — you're super soft on the inside."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6809nnemXB

Metro jolts slightly, even while sitting.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUwQxSTTpG

Metro:

"And what's that supposed to mean!?"

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQfEZAACHp

Rose's smile brightens, warm and glowing — something in the air shifts between them.

Then she grows serious.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBhHA6B1ns

Rose:

"What's going on between you and Veronica?"

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn52uU7VVRW

The warmth pauses.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJExucOTIH

The air thickens slightly.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbKr0M5xzW

Rose watches him carefully, waiting.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGkhlLviti

Metro:

"There's nothing going on between us...."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBd7zXhRkJ

Rose doesn't look convinced.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymSYc1dzBI

Rose:

"It didn't seem like that... I know it's none of my business, but when I saw her striking you, crying, screaming…

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hMzeolt0Z

(longbeat)

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnf7cJezZg

‘It left me with a bad feeling."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FVws5THb5

Metro expression darkens.

He turns his gaze to the water, watching the ripples of the creek instead of her.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6rP8OwtjZ

Metro:

"Veronica and I have been friends for some time. She robbed me once — said it was to protect me. That's what lined me up with Theron. I never knew she would explode on me like that."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QBKmSRoob

Rose's eyes sharpen, dense and focused on him.

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Rose: (A beat)

"Do you love her?"

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLokVQC8v0w

Metro turns instantly, locking eyes with her.

His face grows stern, steady.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaVtrEsAsX

Metro: (A long pause)

"Yes, I do. As a friend. As a sister."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUieyc0f7fC

He breathes slowly, the truth settling between them.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90DilY8Bb8

"I care for her like an older brother would a spoiled sibling...I never wanted it to turn out like this. I just wanted..."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLP4qdm2DCI

He stops.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ljLGRanms

Rose is already reading him deeply, clearly.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRouNtRuSWb

Rose: (Another quiet moment.)

"I believe you..."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4xUlKceMe

The air shifts.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1E1ODUwVK

~ softens ~

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfJBNQT45w

Deepens —

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuDY0MEUOe

Metro: (looking in her vicinity)

"... You know

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxSihwz2S6

...this morning

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGsySON8Sx

when I woke up..."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBpZZFQOtK

(looks directly at her)

"... all I could think about was you."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGZjKHckuR

Rose lifts her eyes to him — slowly, deeply, steadily. The look pulls Metro's energy into hers, locking them together.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL5VEboctz

"I may never be able to see you again. After this... your mother... she loves you."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsYRrokrAC

His eyes water / the truth cracking through him.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDPKMlYGRw

"The moment I looked at you...

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXiYcgihIT

I knew..."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCcz5pRWRv

Rose eyes deepen, trance like — drawn into him.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmpS2aRTuz

(A beat)

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlTLtHBTVZ

"... that I loved you."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10qPZfwN2p

Rose looks away, crushed by a wave of emotion — then snaps back quickly, faithfully, courageously staring straight into Metro's soul.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzd4cPJ2FjU

Metro never breaks.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0210fLjcA

Metro:

"Do you love me...?"

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fqIwTSkR9

A single tear slips down his cheek.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKA2aj60q2

Rose's eyes water.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6JdRPdThE

Then softly —

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQFQ0EmJ1R

Rose:

"Yes."

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEhDRqKybJ

Metro catches his breath.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvlNVlvI3m

Silence.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4iUQrZsci

Purity.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxjFN8AnAb

Stillness.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF84MyNVGJV

Rose waits for him.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKkVDIvG4K

Metro leans in, slow.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5s5eyNspQ

A breeze lifts Rose's hair, brushing it across his face.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiA1riNKe6

She moves forward ever so slightly,

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZKOZpFh4x

Committing —

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMFLv6dHVo

They're eye to eye.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfrAEa48Fv

Lips nearly touching.

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Metro closes his eyes.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdUJIag1Ii

Rose closes hers.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDSyk0ue4X

The first kiss.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJZDsKCEnA

Soft.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyshCnRAtEc

Pure.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkO4DYRmbe

True.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdOHcFJMFZ

They part.

(A powerful, loving magic in the air)

Eyes open gently.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1mfAAWbiN

The world stands still.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j8MdJ0TIG

Then —Sally stomps the ground.

“THOMP!”

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW67oNNdmHq

A hard thud.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4R79Fes23w

The sound cracking through the quiet like a warning shot.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx1sOirCI2

Sally: (aggressive scoff)

“BAM!”

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRxFWHS6d3

(another stamp)

She snorts, loud and offended, tossing her head with full dramatic authority — the kind of side-eye only she can muster in delivery.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxStJ6dFD0y

Metro startles slightly and Rose jumps a bit, taken aback. Sally kicks dust backwards, peering at them, as if saying

("Alright, enough.")

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR59wsF42c

The spell breaks — not shattered, just grounded.

Metro smiles and stands lifting Rose. Their cheeks are warm. Their eyes are soft.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvkjeDQiaq

Their hearts are still racing.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUjx90qorn

Sally stands there, unwavered, judging them like a protective aunt who's seen too much.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7QcavSMHm

scene fades -

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOkkjScCkx

switch scenes -

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ6B4ZWVxe

-LILLY & ROSE'S HUT - GRASSLANDS -

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXFSUjcZNV

AFTERNOON-

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp3mvnGSDJ

A red cardinal sits on a tall forest treetop, perched. It looks down over the clearing.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTqPizyN58

Far beneath the canopy, three tiny figures move across the landscape.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx3hyH8Cet

Metro is seen as a small dark figure leaning forward with purpose. Rose is a soft shape behind him, her dress catching the last gold of the sun. Sally is sleek, a powerful black form underneath them, even from a distance her white marking between her eyes, forms a faint glimmer.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w0WXEvlA7

From the heights, they look like tiny figures, sliding across the earth, into the forest.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsjvh1ZcLL

- LILLY'S HUT -

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrcbZF4bUI

SUNDOWN - GRASSLANDS -

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSm5MKEY3M

A crow sits in a distant treetop, perched, cawking. It watches Lilly come home on Curtis, purse strapped over her shoulder.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWleQskZdXu

Inside the hut feels wrong, the moment she steps inside — a silent, empty, abandon.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlyOmGkdHg

She steps back out to see fresh horse tracks in the dirt leading south towards the Whispering Forest.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjiWbtlQrH

Her face tightens.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7slEDWG9G

She steps toward the forest.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsCQZljXlA

Malice and terror moved into her expression.

7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I95qIS3CK

Scene fades black-

ns216.73.216.23da2

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