Scene III, Act V
The Tavern
[Items needed Tables for a bar, a table and 2 chairs]
[Actors needed .Boy, Girl, bartender, Patron, Ruffian]
[Bartender is behind the bar. Ruffian stand at the bar closest to the front of the stage. Patron at the bar near the rear of the stage. Boy,off stage right. Girl off stage left behind the bar]
Narrator: " Two months shall pass by quickly after that evening. Time seems to drift away as they prepare for the day of their joining. On another evening like so many in the past the young Lord comes for her. This day she is happy and awaits him to share with him the knowledge of her joy"
Narrator: "The curtain opens"
[Girl moves away from bar to stand in front of Table, facing stage right and clears it]
Girl moves across the tavern floor and begins to clear the table. Placing the dishes in a stack she begins to clean the table with a damp cloth. After finishing she stands pausing in thought for a moment. Her hand rises to caress her belly lovingly. She smiles sweetly as she looks down at the slight swell of her midsection.
Girl: "Blessed am I to be given the gift of love. To feel every moment as in grows within my womb. The mixed affection of two caring hearts, Forged together in the heat of our passion to create a single soul, a single life. A gift of which will bond us together for all eternity."
Girl: Yet? Within the bliss of mine own feelings, my heart is troubled. I have not told [Boy's name] of my condition. It troubles me so, as I am afraid of his reaction. I know deep in mine own heart he will be most pleased to hear that I carry within my body our growing child. Still I hesitate to share the burden with him."
Girl: "For [Boy's name] has planned so hard the day of our Joining. It bothers me so that it may change the many arrangements that he has so painstakingly tasked himself to. But, Soon I will no longer be able to hide from him the truth of our bond. Soon our child will let him know of its own accord"
Girl Smiles again as she continues to caress the small swell of her belly that is hidden beneath the apron she wears. She sighs as she turns to the table and removes the dishes there, taking them to the kitchen to be cleaned.
[Girl turns and exits stage left behind the Bar]
[Boy enters the from stage right as the girl leaves. He moves to stand in front of the Table]
Boy enters the busy Tavern where [Girl's name] has been working. He stops near the now cleared table looking around for her. He glances over and greets his friend behind the bar.
Bartender looks up from his chore of cleaning the drinking mugs. His face lights up at the sound of his friend’s voice. He moves around the bar and towards [Boy's name] wiping his hands on his apron along the way. When he gets there he extends his hand in friendship and the two men clasp their hands together in a firm handshake of respect for each other.
[Bartender move from behind bar to where Boy is standing]
Boy: "Greetings my friend [Bartenders name] I have come to pick up [Girl's name]. We have plans to spend the evening together. We have much yet to arrange for our day of Joining."
Bartender: "It grieves me so that soon you will take her away from me [Boy's name]. But, it does my heart well to see you both happy together. I am very pleased for you both."
Boy laughs at his friend as they release the grip of their hands.
Boy: “Yes. It will be soon. In truth, not soon enough I fear. Were it allowed in the grace of her honor. I would have her with me now to share my hearth as well as my heart. I only need but a few more weeks to wait to have [Girl's name] as my wife. Too share with me the joy of each day for the rest of our lives.
Bartender looks happily up at the glow in his friends face as he listens to him. He gives a huge smile at the sediment of love his friend shares openly. He nods quietly and waits to speak.
Bartender: "She is finishing up in the kitchen now as we speak. She has already let me know you were coming for her. I will go release her of her chores so she can refresh and meet with you."
Boy: "My thanks to you [Bartenders name]. For all you have done for us"
Bartender: "The thanks are mine to give my friend. [Girl's name] has brought a good share of cheer and grace to this Tavern again. She will be greatly missed by me and a good many of the patrons here. Wait here now and I'll send her out to you"
Bartender turns away from [Boy's name] and moves to the kitchen to inform [Girl's name] of his arrival. He stops momentarily to refill a mug from one of the customers at the bar and then disappears through the kitchens door.
[Bartender moves behind bar and exits stage left ]
[Pause, then Girl enters stage left behind bar]
Boy looks around as he quietly waits. He turns to the sound of the kitchen door opening. He looks and sees [Girl's name]. Their eyes meet as they share a quick smile with each other, He watches her as she begins to walk towards him.
[Girl moves slowly around bar near Ruffian]
Girl smiles as she looks up and sees [Boy's name]. Her heart stirs at the warmth he brings her. She pauses for a moment meeting his glance. Her smile remains as she walks around the edge of the bar. In a flash her face changes to shock as she passes the customer near its end. He grabs at her roughly, pulling her towards him.
[Ruffian faces the front of the stage, Girl move to backs into him facing the front of the stage]
Ruffian: "Come here girl. Let me give you something to smile about."
Ruffian reaches out. His hand grips about [Girl's name] arm. With a sudden jerk he tugs at her, forcing her into his lap. His arms enclose around her as she struggles against his strength. She screams at him as he kisses at her neck and face. He gropes at her body with his hands.
[Patron turns to face the scene before him]
[Boy moves quickly to Girl]
Boy stares in shock for only a moment. He rushes to [Girl's name] aid. His anger shows in his normally gentle face. He reaches out and grabs the strangers arm. His other hand strikes the assailants face causing him to release the grasp he had on [Girl's name]. [Boy's name] lifts her body out and away from the stranger. He turns with her releasing her as she wavers for a moment as she finds her balance. [Boys name] turns back to the stranger, lashing out with his closed hand. Knocking [Ruffian's name] from the stool and unto the floor...
[ Boy faces the couple. the girl steps away and boy steps away with her. He faces the front of the stage and they face each other]
[Boy turns to Ruffian and steps toward him.]
[Ruffian steps back and falls]
Girl: “[BOY"S NAME] STOP. LET HIM GO. Let it go. Please, let’s just leave. Please?"
[Boy turns to face girl and they booth turn to face stage right and take a few steps together]
Boy stops. He turns back to look at [Girl's name] Her pleading face turns his anger as he reluctantly nods at her. He steps towards her his arm moves about her shoulder as they begin to step away.
Ruffian: "I ain't done you yet Scum"
Ruffian exclaims as he struggles to his feet. Hidden from view he reaches back removing a small blade from inside his boot keeping it carefully concealed from the sight of the others.
[Ruffian stands up]
[Boy turns back and moves quickly to the Ruffian]
Boy quickly moves away from [Girl's name] pushing at the man as he regains his feet. The force carries [Ruffian's name] back against the bar only an arm’s length away.
[Ruffian backs into the bar]
Girl is taken by surprise as [Boy's name] moves back to push the stranger at his outburst. She runs after him throwing herself into his arms holding him back from fighting.
[Girl runs to stop in front of Boy and turns to face him. close]
Girl: "STOP [BOY"S NAME] PLEASE!"
Ruffian groans as the hard wood strikes against his back. His arms reach back as he catches himself on the bars surface. The small dagger in his enclosed hand still remains unseen. He catches his balance quickly and lunges at [Boy's name].
[Ruffian moves in close behind Girl]
Boy looks down at her pleading eyes as he places his hands along her sides as she presses her body against him stopping his motion towards the stranger. He takes a short step back in order to move her from harm’s way. It is then he watches as her eyes widen in shock. She gasps suddenly drawing in an urgent breath. The force of the unseen impact sends her body forward crushing into his. He reaches about her catching her body as it arcs into his arms.
Girl: "[Boy's name] "
Girl whispers his name. Trying to keep her balance she grasps onto his shoulders. Her strength fades as her body begins to go limp in his arms.
[Ruffian steps back dropping a dagger on the floor]
Ruffian draws back the blade quickly. He stares at [Girl's name] with a shocked look upon his face as he realizes what he has done. He drops the bloodied dagger from his hand leaving it to clamor upon the Tavern floor. Slowly he backs away muttering.
Patron: "By the Gods!"
[Patron steps back a few steps turning to look at Girl then the Ruffian then the Girl]
Patron backs away his eyes wide with fear as he looks between injured girl and [Ruffian's name]
Boy struggles at the sudden weight. He feels the warm liquid flowing from her body. He lifts a hand slightly staring at the life blood that covers it. He looks up in disbelief at [Ruffian's name]
Boy: "What...What have you done?"
Ruffian: "I...I didn't see her"
Patron runs from the Tavern calling out for the city guards.
[Patron runs across the stage shouting, exits stage right]
Patron: "GUARDS! GUARDS!"
Ruffian looks in panic at the others present in the Tavern. He backs into the stools by the bar. He reaches back to catch himself. He runs. Running past [Boy's name] as he struggles to hold up [Girl's name] collapsing body. [Ruffian's name] never stops to look back as he runs from the Tavern.
[Ruffian runs across the stage, exits stage right]
Boy adjusts to the weight of [Girl's name]. He slowly kneels lowering her body careful to the Tavern's floor. He folds his legs beneath her, leaning forward so he can rest her upon his lap.
[Boy and girl sit]
[Bartender enters stage left behind the Bar]
Bartender angrily storms into the Tavern from the kitchen a large club grasped with in his hand. He moves with intent as he quickly makes his way around the bar shouting out loudly.
Bartender "HERE, HERE, WHAT IS GOING ON? NEED I BUST A FEW HEADS TONIGHT?"
[Bartender runs around the bar stopping near the end facing Boy/Girl]
Bartender stops in his tracks as he looks upon the scene before him. He gaps at the blood upon the floor and the sight of [Girl's name] Laying helpless in [Boy's name] arms. He turns and tosses the club upon the bar and runs back towards the Kitchen shouting for his wife.
[Bartender turns to face Stage left]
Bartender: "MARA! MARA! GET LINEN, AND HOT WATER!"
[Bartender runs to exit stage left behind the Bar]
Boy looks sadly down into [Girl's name] eyes. Tears run down his cheeks as he speaks softly to her. He pleads with her.
Boy: Please, Please [Girls name] Stay with me. Do not leave me now. I need you here with me. I will be lost without you. Please. Stay with me. Help is on the way.
Boy places a hand along behind her head to support it as he speaks to her. He gently caresses his fingers through her hair.
Girl looks up at his saddened face. She reaches out her hand to his face and touches the stream of tears that glisten there. She traces her finger tips lightly down his check and brushes them across his lips.
Girl: "Do not weep so my purest heart. It pains me so to see such hurt upon your gentle face. Smile for me. Smile for me so I may see its warmth of it".
Boy struggles as he forces against the pain he feels. He smiles for her.
Girl smiles sweetly up at him. She traces her fingers along the edges of his lips. Her vision fades as she begins to lose focus of his face. She begins to cry.
Girl: " [Boys name]........Hold me.......Hold me tight,.............close to you."
Boy draws [Girl's name] closer to him holding tightly onto the one he loves. He buries his face in her neck as he hides from her this time the anguish in his face. He tightens his embrace as he hears the last of her breath escape her lips. He feels [Girl's name] relax in his arms. His body shakes in silence.
[Bartender enters stage left and runs around the BAr stopping short of Boy/Girl. He sits]
Bartender runs back into the tavern from the kitchen. His arms full of fresh linen. He freezes in place as he comes about the edge of the bar. He drops to his kness as he stares at the couple. The linen falls from his hands to the floor.
Bartender: "Oooooooh, Noooo." He whispers shaking his head.
Bartender: "No,no no,no, no, no."
Bartender feels his heart wretch with pain. His eyes begin burn with the rush of tears. He lowers his head and he sobs.
Narrator: "The curtain closes"
[Intermission]