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- fountainINT. THE CHAPEL AT DEEPFALL BREACH
Imelda closes the old wooden door which still insists on hanging within it's frame, quite the feat given the time and conditions it has endured.
She stands in the nave of an old dilapidated chapel, it's pews almost entirely broken, barely lit by torchlight from the walls.
An old Wolfkin stands behind the altar mumbling to himself while he looks at ancient looking parchments, seemingly oblivious to the young woman who shares the space with him.
IMELDA
Hello?
STONE-GAZE
(grunting like an old man as he gets up, moving towards the back wall)
Hmm? Yes, yes. Come on, it's right through here.
IMELDA
Um, hello? I'm a bit of mess I'm afraid. I got caught out in the rain for the last couple of miles. Don't suppose I could dry off here could I? I promise, I'll not be a bother.
STONE-GAZE
Yes, yes. Of course, come on. There'll be plenty of time for chatter if you make it out.
Stone-Gaze stops mid stride, as if finally catching up with what had transpired.
STONE-GAZE
Huh? What now? You are here about the breach are you not?
Imelda looks around, trying to guess what he might be on about.
IMELDA
I'm sorry?
STONE-GAZE
The breach!
Dear girl, you can't be telling me you missed it?! By the time they get here, people usually finally see it.
IMELDA
Err, you mean that ruddy great big chasm behind the church?
Stone-Gaze up nods in confirmation
IMELDA
Yeah, I saw it. What the hell caused that? It's got some wicked light show going on down there.
STONE-GAZE
Who knows. It's been there longer than anyone can remember. I've been trying to conquer it for 30 years or so, but my age betrays me now. That's why I send for you lot, not that it's provided much luck so far.
(sarcastically)
But, who knows, maybe you'll be the one!
He raises a single eyebrow, clearly an attempt at mockery.
IMELDA
The one what?
Look, I just need a place to rest and dry off for a bit, I swear I won't be any bother.
Stone-Gaze finally stops and looks up at Imelda, sizing her up from toe to head.
STONE-GAZE
Wait, so you just stumbled upon this place?
IMELDA
Kinda, yeah. I'm travelling, on my way to Outskirt, but the rain is so bad out there right now, I thought I would drown before I got there. Thankfully I spotted this place through the rain.
She thumbs behind her, just in case he doesn't know where they are standing
IMELDA
Wasn't exactly difficult to miss, what with that giant hole in the floor out back and all manner of creepy light show pouring out of it.
STONE-GAZE
Well...
He deliberately blinks, clearly startled at the very existence of this young woman in this place.
STONE-GAZE
That's where you are exactly wrong dear.
IMELDA
I'm sorry?
STONE-GAZE
It is very much exactly difficult to miss.
IMELDA
I'm sorry?
STONE-GAZE
That's it's first line of defence, it makes sure most folk don't notice it. Most people would wonder on by here on a clear an pleasant day, remembering nothing but a nice walk in the countryside.
IMELDA
(pityingly)
I'm sorry?
STONE-GAZE
The breach.
He thumbs behind him in the direction of the truly massive chasm that spewing out the sounds of all the horrors one can imagine with a sickly green light blazing in to the sky.
IMELDA
Err, okay. You know what, it's not so bad out there today, I bet I can still make it to Outskirt before I drown.
She turns to leave, her eyes betraying a look like one might use when an old aunt claims she saw a ghost, clearly thinking that this guy isn't quite all there.
Imelda blinks in astonishment as Stone-Gaze rushes faster than she would have thought possible, placing himself between her and the door.
STONE-GAZE
Please, please. I'm sorry, where are my manners. Come in, come in. Make yourself comfortable.
IMELDA
(spluttering to a stop mid turning to leave)
Holy shit-balls you're fast! How the hell d'you do that?!
STONE-GAZE
Oh, never mind that dear. Come. Have some tea.
IMELDA
Err, okay. But if you turn out to be a weirdo and try to trap me here, I'm warning you, I'm a mage. I can fuck you up!
STONE-GAZE
Oh, that won't be necessary, I promise.
(quietly as he slowly makes his way back to the alter)
Besides, it won't be me that keeps you here.
IMELDA
What was that?
STONE-GAZE
Nothing...
The pair settle down for tea in the vestry to the side of the altar. Considering the state of the place Imelda is surprised to see a delicate china tea service that looks in pristine condition.
FADE TO:
INT. CHAPEL VESTRY
Imelda and Stone-Gaze are finishing their tea.
IMELDA
Okay. Let me see if I have this straight. You are Ingolfr...
STONE-GAZE
Yup
IMELDA
The Ingolfr?!
STONE-GAZE
Yup.
Though I haven't gone by that name in some time. I prefer Stone-Gaze now.
IMELDA
THE Ingolfr?!
STONE-GAZE
Yup
IMELDA
Ingolfr the Curse Breaker?
(Stone-Gaze winces slightly at that)
Who managed to break the curse on Hailmere?
STONE-GAZE
Yup
IMELDA
(barely believing what she is hearing)
So is it true? Did you really manage to recover the Silver Codex? And what happened to you? It's like you just fucked off and were never heard from again.
STONE-GAZE
Well... There's plenty of time for chatter if you make it out...
IMELDA
Okay, okay. So you are Ingolfr ...
STONE-GAZE
Stone-Gaze
IMELDA
Sorry, Stone-Gaze. And because I was able to see this place, it means I am possibly someone special too? Someone who is supposed to be here, for whatever that's meant to mean.
STONE-GAZE
You are. If you weren't you wouldn't have seen this place.
IMELDA
And you're saying that I can't leave until I've been down there and helped out in some way?!
STONE-GAZE
Correct.
IMELDA
Well fuck that!
Imelda gets up and leaves. She gets to the main door of the chapel, still just about handing on in their frame. Stone-Gaze quietly watches her leave.
Except she doesn't. She Opens the door, walks through it in to the nave of the chapel as she had when she first arrived.
IMELDA
What the?!
She turns around and heads out again, only to enter the nave as she had previously.
IMELDA
What the fuck?! Let me go!
Stone-Gaze patiently watches as Imelda tries a few more times, becoming more irate every time.
IMELDA
What the fuck did you do to me?!
(holding her palms up in front of her, fire forming in her hands)
Let me out now old Wolf!
STONE-GAZE
Would that I could dear. I'm afraid it isn't me keeping you here.
IMELDA
Then who the hell is?!
STONE-GAZE
You are dear.
Imelda shifts quickly from apoplectic to confusion to resignation.
IMELDA
(exasperated)
I'm sorry?
STONE-GAZE
You aren't the first to wind up here of their own accord. Normally I send for adventurers when I see a new plot, but just occasionally someone makes it here on their own. Those ones are usually the ones to make it closest to triumph here, but alas...
(he trails off)
IMELDA
Alas...?
STONE-GAZE
Well...
(he cheers up)
Maybe you'll be the one to do it!
IMELDA
The one...? How many have succeeded in whatever it is people do here?
STONE-GAZE
(sheepishly apologetic)
Maybe you'll be the one... the first one...
IMELDA
Ah shit!