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[Morrow]

(Setting: the evening before the Crimson fleet is expected. Elyosha is sitting in a tent she has erected at the edge of the jungle, where she prepares her spells.)

ELYOSHA: (muttering to herself in Elven).

KASKUS: It’s still strange to hear that fluid language come out of a dwarven mouth. Even such a lovely mouth as yours.

E: Kaskus! You are surprised. Why you here?

K: Am I not welcome?

E: Welcome--of course you welcome. Come in, come in. I make place to sit. (Elyosha clears several scrolls and parchments off a small stool. Kaskus sits down.) You are here to collaborate?

K: No, Elyosha. I think we have done all we can to prepare Farshore against the Crimson Fleet’s invasion. No, I am here to speak to you on more personal matters.

E: You want to check my Dwarven? I practice, Kaskus. (In Dwarven.) “Where is the outhouse? May I have the vegetable meal suitable for druids? Please speak more slowly.” (Once again in Common.) I do well, yes?

K: Yes, Elyosha, you are doing well. By the time we get back to Sasserine, you might pass for a very slow dwarf.

E: I have good education! The best among my people!

K: Yes, I know. I was teasing. I enjoy trying to make you laugh. You are even prettier then.

E: Kaskus, you blush me.

K: (Taking Elyosha’s hand.) Elyosha, I must speak to you seriously now. The Crimson Fleet will come soon. We have marshaled all our forces against them, but we may not be strong enough. You know this.

E: I hope only we have done enough.

K: All that we have done for Lady Lavinia may be lost. Residents of Farshore will almost certainly lose their lives. I may--or you--we may not be among the lucky ones.

E: You only tell me what I already know.

K: Elyosha, what I mean to say is that I must take this opportunity to tell you how I feel. I cannot--you must know--I do love you, Elyosha, and I wish you were not going into this battle. (Stands up.) I know I have no right to come to you like this, and you may throw me out if you wish, but I couldn’t face the Fleet tomorrow if I didn’t make myself plain to you now.

E: Kaskus--I--

K: Yes, I’ll leave. I’m sorry I had to shock you like this. Whatever happens--

E: (Stands.) Kaskus, do not leave. Do not leave. I--I love you, too, I have since I was elf and I thought you would never have me--

K: I have loved you almost since I met you.

E: --and I glad you have come to me now. But, Kaskus, I must fight for Farshore. So must you. We have given word to stand up for Lady Lavinia and these people. What kind of druid--what kind of person--would I be if I back out now?

K: (Holds Elyosha.) That is why I love you, that stubborn spirit to do what is right. We will join the battle tomorrow. Of course you are right. But stay with me here tonight, Elyosha. We have done everything we can for Farshore--let this night be ours.

(They kiss. Fade to black.)