wes

Narration Key

{...} = Pause for Listener response for about 2-3 seconds

{—} = Pause for Listener response for about 5-6 seconds

[Insert text] = Tone indicators, narration cues, descriptions to help with clarity (not to be narrated) and sound effects (which are optional but may help convey actions)

“Insert text” = Dialogue

Usage

Feel free to use this script monetized or not, just be sure to credit me if this script is used. Please, however, keep this audio as “4A”. Gender of the speaker can be changed but the gender of the listener must be kept as “anybody” if you wish to use this script. Thanks! :)

Characters

Athol: A vampire who’s been travelling with the Listener for around a year. They’re teasing, very good at complaining and very bad at opening up about their feelings. They have very loose and flexible morals and spent some years as a high priority target for the Hunters Association. They’ve been travelling with the Listener for some months now but tend to argue over their difference in morals quite a bit, putting a strain on what could be a friendship.

Listener (AKA Hunter): A Hunter-For-Hire travelling between the regional towns looking for work. As there's minimal support when it comes to magic outside of the walled cities aside from the Hunters Association, they think it’s their duty to aid those they can. They hold very little respect for the Hunters Association but were very close to graduating from the Association’s trainee program.

Rogue: A shifter the Listener and Athol have been pursuing 

Setting

The open road. 

Context

After narrowly avoiding death at the hands of the righteous Lake Stine, the Listener and Athol continue their pursuit of the rogue shifter. But with the Listener running on fumes, the shifter may catch up to them before they catch the shifter. 

CONTENT WARNING: Depictions and mentions of violence, death and injury. Proceed with caution. 

Script on Scriptbin!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When It Rains, It Pours: Act 1 Scene III

[The Listener is driving down a country road. Night has fallen again and the road is deserted apart from the Listener’s car. Athol lies unconscious in the passenger seat. The pair of them are miles from any sort of civilisation. Rustling as Athol stirs.]

Athol: [Groggy, slightly pained] “Ugh… my head…”

{—}

Athol: [Slightly winded, still recovering] “Pipe down over there, won’t you? I’m fine… Well as fine as someone who's recovering from attempted murder can be.”

{...}

Athol: “I’m in a world of pain right now but currently? My head’s bothering me the most.”

{...}

Athol: “I don’t think I received a head injury my healing factor couldn’t— Shit.”

{—}

Athol: “It’s fine, Hunter. There’s no need to get so worked up. I just haven’t had a blood bag in a bit.”

{...}

Athol: “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. I was planning on having one after my shower but we all saw how that panned out. It’s probably why those guys jumped me so easily. I’m barely even old enough for holy water to deal much damage anyways. Only vampires who are nearing the thousands have cores corrupted enough for holy water to harm them seriously. If I’d been properly fed it wouldn’t have hurt more than getting salt in a scrape and I’d have noticed before it started dealing serious damage.”

{...}

Athol: “I can cope without a blood bag for a little longer. At least until we reach another service station. Don’t want to risk getting jumped by another crazy mob or a rogue shifter if we decide to pull—”

[Athol is interrupted as the Listener hands them a blood bag they’d stored in their side door.]

Athol: [Unexpectedly touched, quietly] “Oh!”

{...}

Athol: [Uncomfortable with sincerity] “It’s nothing, Hunter. I was just hoping you’d give me another taste from a proper source. I could use the advantage if you’re serious about detaining this shifter.”

{...}

Athol: [Dryly] “Ungrateful’s my middle name. Along with faster, smarter and better than you.”

{...}

Athol: “What can I say? My mother put her foresight to use when it came to naming her children.”

{...}

Athol: “Fine. But if you’re not willing to share with the class you should really reconsider your approach to this shifter problem.”

{...}

Athol: “I’m saying you should consider the more lethal alternative to rehabilitation.”

{...}

Athol: “Look. I know Yarden’s got you hooked on their whole “rehabilitation” scheme but is it really worth it?”

{...}

Athol: “Some people don’t want to be helped, Hunter.” [The “I’d know” goes unsaid.]

{—}

Athol: “Well I’m still half convinced the rehabilitation thing is just a way for Yarden to get back at the Hunters Association.”

{...}

Athol: “You and I both know the Association used to be Yarden’s best client. I wouldn’t blame them for being a little salty.”

{...}

Athol: [Tense, can sense the Listener is about to say something stupid] “What do you mean by that?”

{...}

Athol: [Firmly] “I said, what do you mean by me not needing to worry about how you deal with the shifter, Hunter.”

{—}

Athol: “Don’t be ridiculous, I’m going with you.”

{...}

Athol: [Getting heated] “I’m fine. But like hell I’m letting you go chase down a psychopath in the middle of the night on your own!” 

{...}

Athol: [Scoffing] “Like you're doing any better! Exactly how many hours of sleep have you gotten in the past three days?”

{...}

Athol: “You’ve been non-stop since we found the first body! And we both know you’ve been running on fumes since Lake Stine.” 

{...}

Athol: “Stop being a stubborn moron for once in your miserable life!”

{...}

Athol: [Frostily, cruelly] “Fine. Don’t expect me to go searching for your mangled body.”

[Car descends into tense silence. Scene change with the sounds of the Listener rummaging around the boot of their car. They’ve stopped on the edge of an abandoned paddock. The grass grows wildly and freely, the stalks almost as tall as the Listener themself. Athol sits in the passenger seat, still sour.]

Athol: “You better be deadly serious about this, Hunter.”

[A few beats of no dialogue as the Listener doesn’t respond, still searching through their car.]

Athol: “You should take the rifle.”

{—}

Athol: [Muttered, under their breath] “Of course that’s what gets you to respond.” [Full volume, addressing the Listener] “Yarden isn’t the one who risks life and limb for some half-baked fantasy we don’t even have proof works. Take the damn rifle. And be careful with those silver bullets. The burns on your hands have barely healed, you don’t need anymore.”

[The Listener’s rummaging pauses as an audible hesitation before they grab the rifle and bullets. They cock the rifle to indicate they’ve picked it up. The Listener, as prepared as they can be, starts walking away, the dirt crunching under their feet.]

Athol: [Calling after the Listener] “Don’t make me go looking for your body, Hunter.”

[Silence descends as the Listener is swallowed by the tall, swaying grass. As they travel further into the paddock, ominous music fades in. The shuffling and snarling of animals echoes quietly. Distantly, some echoing wail splits the air. I’m directly taking inspiration from the sound design The Arcana used in their tense scenes so maybe have a look at that for inspiration. Eventually, the Listener emerges from the grass. The Rogue’s voice is thick with resentment.]

Rogue: “Well, well, well. If it isn’t the half-breed.”

{...}

Rogue: “Congratulations, you’ve finally caught up to me.”

{...}

Rogue: “I heard it’s been quite the peerless journey. A pity, what happened to your pet leech. And you were so close to being free of them.”

{...}

Rogue: “Of course I know of you. Your name’s been frustratingly hard to avoid within the shifter circles these days. Although I suppose you wouldn’t know. No self-respecting shifter pack would let a half-breed into their ranks.”

{...}

Rogue: “‘Inbred?’ It isn’t wise to throw around words you don’t know the meaning of.”

{—}

Rogue: “Well colour me surprised. The little mutt has read up on their homework. However, I’m so much more than a silly label tacked on by my lessers. A real shifter would know that. But I guess your Sire didn’t stick around long enough to teach you that.”

[Music shifts from ominous to sinister. The Listener is unsettled by the mention of their sire.]

{—}

Rogue: “Everyone knows your sire, half-breed. I guess you could say they’re infamous.”

{...}

Rogue: “Best tracker in a century? You better bet every shifter on the continent’s heard of them. People would pay good money to be turned by a prime like them and yet it was you of all people.”

{—}

Rogue: “I know things about you your mother wouldn’t even know.”

{...}

Rogue: “Why am I doing this? Why shouldn’t I do this!? This is what we’re built for. To truly connect with the shifted state! So what if a few Uninclined come out a little worse for wear. They should know their place. After their kind chained us to those cities like the dirt beneath their feet, they should get a taste of their own medicine. To understand what real power is.”

{...}

Rogue: “Not that you’d know. A turned shifter can’t comprehend the power I possess. Especially a turned shifter like you.”

{—}

Rogue: “Last time I heard, shifting was a little painful for you. A pity. You could’ve had so much potential.”

{...}

Rogue: “Ugh. And yet here you are going on and going about our lessers. Why do you even care!?”

{—}

Rogue: “Sometimes resistance needs to be met with discipline. The missing car would’ve led to the assumptions of a traitor with no loyalty to his hometown. And when they did piece it together and find the car, it would act as a reminder to not stick their noses into other peoples business.”

{...}

Rogue: “It sure sounded like the not-so friendly folks in Lake Stine could’ve used a reminder like that. A few nosy busybodies almost killing a vampire in their prime? Pathetic.”

{...}

Rogue: “Our ancestors used to hunt vampires as a coming of age and yet here you are letting a leech tote you around like a lap dog.”

{—}

Rogue: “Always so pedantic. The vampire's enslavement of shifter-kind was barely a blip in our history. We won the war, didn’t we?”

{...}

Rogue: “It’s not like you would understand, half-breed.”

{...}

Rogue: “Oh? You’re going to stop me, huh? With what? A shifted form you can’t even hold? And barely half my size. I’d like to see even a true wolverine shifter take on me. That pathetic peashooter you call a rifle? I’ve slain enough men for that silver to barely even scratch me. And last time I heard, your Sire didn’t stick around long enough to prevent the transformation from hurting.”

{...}

[The Rogue transforms, accompanied by the sound of magic rushing through their body. Their paws thump loudly on the ground to indicate their mass. They roar, a bears roar.]

Rogue: [Echoing, as if speaking directly into the Listener’s mind] “You want a fight? I’ll give you a fight.”

[The Rogue bats at the Listener with their paws, striking the Listener down. The Listener rolls through the dirt before getting back to their feet. The Listener transforms, but it sounds much more painful than the Rogue’s transformation. While the Rogue’s transformation blended seamlessly with their magic, the Listener’s very bones bend and break as they reform their shape. Their clothes tear as they snarl in pain. The snarl of a wolverine.]

Rogue: [Echoing, almost appreciatively] “Now we’re talking.”

[Improvise sounds of combat for a bit. While the Rogue lumbers slowly due to their weight and mass, the Listener is quick with both their claws and jaws. However, the Rogue still gets in quite a few good hits, sending the Listener flying and whimpering in pain.]

Rogue: [Echoing] “Get up. I can’t believe anyone would consider a puny runt like you a proper wolverine shifter.” 

[More fighting for a bit before the Listener is struck down again.]

Rogue: [Echoing] “Get. Up.”

[Finally, the Listener deals some real damage and the Rogue roars in pain.]

Rogue: [Echoing, enraged] “I’LL KILL YOU!”

[More combat before the Listener lands the final blow and the Rogue collapses to the ground with a loud thump. The Listener shifts back, the transformation sounding just as painful as before. The world sounds almost underwater as the Listener’s heartbeat slams in their ears. Their knees hit the ground before the rest of them does too and they fall unconscious. Distantly, the sound of footsteps approaches.]

Athol: [Relieved] “There you are.”

[Athol whistles lowly, seeing the Rogue the Listener just brought down.]

Athol: “Just your luck for the shifter we’re chasing to be the biggest bloody bear shifter I’ve ever seen.”

[Athol picks the Listener up bridal style.]

Athol: “You’re going to be making it up to me for a long time, making me deal with transporting this asshole back to Yarden’s people on my own. I might even leverage another drink out of you. Or get you to ditch all that shit in your car.” 

Back at it again with another multiple speaker script. Again, this is written with one speaker per scene to keep VAs in mind so this is easily achievable for a single VA. Lots of sound design to this one because I'm trying to depict combat but it doesn't have to be that drawn out. This is much shorter than the previous part (I think I scared some VAs off with that word count lmao) and is thus much more manageable. Enjoy!

[Part 1] [Part 2]

Narration Key

{...} = Pause for Listener response for about 2-3 seconds

{—} = Pause for Listener response for about 5-6 seconds

[Insert text] = Tone indicators, narration cues, descriptions to help with clarity (not to be narrated) and sound effects (which are optional but may help convey actions)

“Insert text” = Dialogue

Usage

Feel free to use this script monetized or not, just be sure to credit me if this script is used. Please, however, keep this audio as “4A”. Gender of the speaker can be changed but the gender of the listener must be kept as “anybody” if you wish to use this script. Thanks! :)

Characters

Athol: A vampire who’s been travelling with the Listener for around a year. They’re teasing, very good at complaining and very bad at opening up about their feelings. They have very loose and flexible morals and spent some years as a high priority target for the Hunters Association. They’ve been travelling with the Listener for some months now but tend to argue over their difference in morals quite a bit, putting a strain on what could be a friendship.

Listener (AKA Hunter): A Hunter-For-Hire travelling between the regional towns looking for work. As there's minimal support when it comes to magic outside of the walled cities aside from the Hunters Association, they think it’s their duty to aid those they can. They hold very little respect for the Hunters Association but were very close to graduating from the Association’s trainee program.

Rogue: A shifter the Listener and Athol have been pursuing 

Setting

The open road. 

Context

After narrowly avoiding death at the hands of the righteous Lake Stine, the Listener and Athol continue their pursuit of the rogue shifter. But with the Listener running on fumes, the shifter may catch up to them before they catch the shifter. 

CONTENT WARNING: Depictions and mentions of violence, death and injury. Proceed with caution. 

Script on Scriptbin!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When It Rains, It Pours: Act 1 Scene III

[The Listener is driving down a country road. Night has fallen again and the road is deserted apart from the Listener’s car. Athol lies unconscious in the passenger seat. The pair of them are miles from any sort of civilisation. Rustling as Athol stirs.]

Athol: [Groggy, slightly pained] “Ugh… my head…”

{—}

Athol: [Slightly winded, still recovering] “Pipe down over there, won’t you? I’m fine… Well as fine as someone who's recovering from attempted murder can be.”

{...}

Athol: “I’m in a world of pain right now but currently? My head’s bothering me the most.”

{...}

Athol: “I don’t think I received a head injury my healing factor couldn’t— Shit.”

{—}

Athol: “It’s fine, Hunter. There’s no need to get so worked up. I just haven’t had a blood bag in a bit.”

{...}

Athol: “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. I was planning on having one after my shower but we all saw how that panned out. It’s probably why those guys jumped me so easily. I’m barely even old enough for holy water to deal much damage anyways. Only vampires who are nearing the thousands have cores corrupted enough for holy water to harm them seriously. If I’d been properly fed it wouldn’t have hurt more than getting salt in a scrape and I’d have noticed before it started dealing serious damage.”

{...}

Athol: “I can cope without a blood bag for a little longer. At least until we reach another service station. Don’t want to risk getting jumped by another crazy mob or a rogue shifter if we decide to pull—”

[Athol is interrupted as the Listener hands them a blood bag they’d stored in their side door.]

Athol: [Unexpectedly touched, quietly] “Oh!”

{...}

Athol: [Uncomfortable with sincerity] “It’s nothing, Hunter. I was just hoping you’d give me another taste from a proper source. I could use the advantage if you’re serious about detaining this shifter.”

{...}

Athol: [Dryly] “Ungrateful’s my middle name. Along with faster, smarter and better than you.”

{...}

Athol: “What can I say? My mother put her foresight to use when it came to naming her children.”

{...}

Athol: “Fine. But if you’re not willing to share with the class you should really reconsider your approach to this shifter problem.”

{...}

Athol: “I’m saying you should consider the more lethal alternative to rehabilitation.”

{...}

Athol: “Look. I know Yarden’s got you hooked on their whole “rehabilitation” scheme but is it really worth it?”

{...}

Athol: “Some people don’t want to be helped, Hunter.” [The “I’d know” goes unsaid.]

{—}

Athol: “Well I’m still half convinced the rehabilitation thing is just a way for Yarden to get back at the Hunters Association.”

{...}

Athol: “You and I both know the Association used to be Yarden’s best client. I wouldn’t blame them for being a little salty.”

{...}

Athol: [Tense, can sense the Listener is about to say something stupid] “What do you mean by that?”

{...}

Athol: [Firmly] “I said, what do you mean by me not needing to worry about how you deal with the shifter, Hunter.”

{—}

Athol: “Don’t be ridiculous, I’m going with you.”

{...}

Athol: [Getting heated] “I’m fine. But like hell I’m letting you go chase down a psychopath in the middle of the night on your own!” 

{...}

Athol: [Scoffing] “Like you're doing any better! Exactly how many hours of sleep have you gotten in the past three days?”

{...}

Athol: “You’ve been non-stop since we found the first body! And we both know you’ve been running on fumes since Lake Stine.” 

{...}

Athol: “Stop being a stubborn moron for once in your miserable life!”

{...}

Athol: [Frostily, cruelly] “Fine. Don’t expect me to go searching for your mangled body.”

[Car descends into tense silence. Scene change with the sounds of the Listener rummaging around the boot of their car. They’ve stopped on the edge of an abandoned paddock. The grass grows wildly and freely, the stalks almost as tall as the Listener themself. Athol sits in the passenger seat, still sour.]

Athol: “You better be deadly serious about this, Hunter.”

[A few beats of no dialogue as the Listener doesn’t respond, still searching through their car.]

Athol: “You should take the rifle.”

{—}

Athol: [Muttered, under their breath] “Of course that’s what gets you to respond.” [Full volume, addressing the Listener] “Yarden isn’t the one who risks life and limb for some half-baked fantasy we don’t even have proof works. Take the damn rifle. And be careful with those silver bullets. The burns on your hands have barely healed, you don’t need anymore.”

[The Listener’s rummaging pauses as an audible hesitation before they grab the rifle and bullets. They cock the rifle to indicate they’ve picked it up. The Listener, as prepared as they can be, starts walking away, the dirt crunching under their feet.]

Athol: [Calling after the Listener] “Don’t make me go looking for your body, Hunter.”

[Silence descends as the Listener is swallowed by the tall, swaying grass. As they travel further into the paddock, ominous music fades in. The shuffling and snarling of animals echoes quietly. Distantly, some echoing wail splits the air. I’m directly taking inspiration from the sound design The Arcana used in their tense scenes so maybe have a look at that for inspiration. Eventually, the Listener emerges from the grass. The Rogue’s voice is thick with resentment.]

Rogue: “Well, well, well. If it isn’t the half-breed.”

{...}

Rogue: “Congratulations, you’ve finally caught up to me.”

{...}

Rogue: “I heard it’s been quite the peerless journey. A pity, what happened to your pet leech. And you were so close to being free of them.”

{...}

Rogue: “Of course I know of you. Your name’s been frustratingly hard to avoid within the shifter circles these days. Although I suppose you wouldn’t know. No self-respecting shifter pack would let a half-breed into their ranks.”

{...}

Rogue: “‘Inbred?’ It isn’t wise to throw around words you don’t know the meaning of.”

{—}

Rogue: “Well colour me surprised. The little mutt has read up on their homework. However, I’m so much more than a silly label tacked on by my lessers. A real shifter would know that. But I guess your Sire didn’t stick around long enough to teach you that.”

[Music shifts from ominous to sinister. The Listener is unsettled by the mention of their sire.]

{—}

Rogue: “Everyone knows your sire, half-breed. I guess you could say they’re infamous.”

{...}

Rogue: “Best tracker in a century? You better bet every shifter on the continent’s heard of them. People would pay good money to be turned by a prime like them and yet it was you of all people.”

{—}

Rogue: “I know things about you your mother wouldn’t even know.”

{...}

Rogue: “Why am I doing this? Why shouldn’t I do this!? This is what we’re built for. To truly connect with the shifted state! So what if a few Uninclined come out a little worse for wear. They should know their place. After their kind chained us to those cities like the dirt beneath their feet, they should get a taste of their own medicine. To understand what real power is.”

{...}

Rogue: “Not that you’d know. A turned shifter can’t comprehend the power I possess. Especially a turned shifter like you.”

{—}

Rogue: “Last time I heard, shifting was a little painful for you. A pity. You could’ve had so much potential.”

{...}

Rogue: “Ugh. And yet here you are going on and going about our lessers. Why do you even care!?”

{—}

Rogue: “Sometimes resistance needs to be met with discipline. The missing car would’ve led to the assumptions of a traitor with no loyalty to his hometown. And when they did piece it together and find the car, it would act as a reminder to not stick their noses into other peoples business.”

{...}

Rogue: “It sure sounded like the not-so friendly folks in Lake Stine could’ve used a reminder like that. A few nosy busybodies almost killing a vampire in their prime? Pathetic.”

{...}

Rogue: “Our ancestors used to hunt vampires as a coming of age and yet here you are letting a leech tote you around like a lap dog.”

{—}

Rogue: “Always so pedantic. The vampire's enslavement of shifter-kind was barely a blip in our history. We won the war, didn’t we?”

{...}

Rogue: “It’s not like you would understand, half-breed.”

{...}

Rogue: “Oh? You’re going to stop me, huh? With what? A shifted form you can’t even hold? And barely half my size. I’d like to see even a true wolverine shifter take on me. That pathetic peashooter you call a rifle? I’ve slain enough men for that silver to barely even scratch me. And last time I heard, your Sire didn’t stick around long enough to prevent the transformation from hurting.”

{...}

[The Rogue transforms, accompanied by the sound of magic rushing through their body. Their paws thump loudly on the ground to indicate their mass. They roar, a bears roar.]

Rogue: [Echoing, as if speaking directly into the Listener’s mind] “You want a fight? I’ll give you a fight.”

[The Rogue bats at the Listener with their paws, striking the Listener down. The Listener rolls through the dirt before getting back to their feet. The Listener transforms, but it sounds much more painful than the Rogue’s transformation. While the Rogue’s transformation blended seamlessly with their magic, the Listener’s very bones bend and break as they reform their shape. Their clothes tear as they snarl in pain. The snarl of a wolverine.]

Rogue: [Echoing, almost appreciatively] “Now we’re talking.”

[Improvise sounds of combat for a bit. While the Rogue lumbers slowly due to their weight and mass, the Listener is quick with both their claws and jaws. However, the Rogue still gets in quite a few good hits, sending the Listener flying and whimpering in pain.]

Rogue: [Echoing] “Get up. I can’t believe anyone would consider a puny runt like you a proper wolverine shifter.” 

[More fighting for a bit before the Listener is struck down again.]

Rogue: [Echoing] “Get. Up.”

[Finally, the Listener deals some real damage and the Rogue roars in pain.]

Rogue: [Echoing, enraged] “I’LL KILL YOU!”

[More combat before the Listener lands the final blow and the Rogue collapses to the ground with a loud thump. The Listener shifts back, the transformation sounding just as painful as before. The world sounds almost underwater as the Listener’s heartbeat slams in their ears. Their knees hit the ground before the rest of them does too and they fall unconscious. Distantly, the sound of footsteps approaches.]

Athol: [Relieved] “There you are.”

[Athol whistles lowly, seeing the Rogue the Listener just brought down.]

Athol: “Just your luck for the shifter we’re chasing to be the biggest bloody bear shifter I’ve ever seen.”

[Athol picks the Listener up bridal style.]

Athol: “You’re going to be making it up to me for a long time, making me deal with transporting this asshole back to Yarden’s people on my own. I might even leverage another drink out of you. Or get you to ditch all that shit in your car.” 

Narration Key

{...} = Pause for Listener response for about 2-3 seconds

{—} = Pause for Listener response for about 5-6 seconds

[Insert text] = Tone indicators, narration cues, descriptions to help with clarity (not to be narrated) and sound effects (which are optional but may help convey actions)

“Insert text” = Dialogue

Usage

Feel free to use this script monetized or not, just be sure to credit me if this script is used. Please, however, keep this audio as “4A”. Gender of the speaker can be changed but the gender of the listener must be kept as “anybody” if you wish to use this script. Thanks! :)

Characters

Detective Marley Droit (pronounced: dʁwa [it’s french]): A curt and stoic Uninclined (no magical abilities) detective working for Informed Law Enforcement in Salvatrice whose worked a few too many years and is feeling the weight of their decisions wear them down. They’re the overcast day to the Listener’s unending enthusiasm.

Listener (AKA Doc): A seer who pursued healing magic and now works in a back-alley (and probably illegal) healing clinic in the lower city. Highly curious, they always seem to be poking their nose where it's most unwanted, especially when it comes to cases in their area of the lower city that Detective Droit might just be covering. They channel their foresight/divination through a set of tarot cards.

Morgan: The Listener’s mentor and the primary healer.

???: The Hunter-For-Hire behind the killings.

Setting

Morgan’s healers, the streets of the Lower City and the Listener’s apartment.

Context

The Listener heads back to work as Droit works to piece together the information they’ve gathered. But an unwelcome visitor raises the stakes of what was supposed to be a simple robbery.

CONTENT WARNING: Depictions and threats of violence and injury. Proceed with caution.

Script on Scriptbin!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Befalls Fate: Act 1 Scene VII -- The Hunter

[The Listener and Morgan are in Morgan’s shop, tending to a patient. The patient lies on a table with Morgan and the Listener either side of them. A heart beat thumps rapidly in the background]

Morgan: “The artery’s been nicked so we’re going to have to move quickly. Follow my directions and whatever you do, don’t hesitate. We don’t have much time.”

[Sounds of magic being used gradually fade in]

Morgan: “Guide it slowly, we don’t want to overwhelm their core with magic all at once. They’re a Soul-Bound so they’re going to be less receptive to healing magic than you or I. You’ll need to expend more magic than you would with an Emulator. But remember to feed it in gradually otherwise their core will end up trying to consume it trying to keep them alive and that isn’t helpful when they don’t have a healing factor.”

{...}

Morgan: “Alright, good job. I’m going to divert and slow down their blood flow slightly. You’re going to have to work quickly to seal the wound. Remember, work from the inside out. A patched up scratch isn’t going to be very helpful if they’re still internally bleeding. I don’t want to divert their blood flow for long enough to deprive their brain of oxygen so work quickly and efficiently.”

[Heart beat slows down to a normal pace before fading out (signifying calmness, not death)]

Morgan: “Nice work, kid. I want to keep them overnight for monitoring, just in case the magic has any adverse effects so go prepare a cot near my office.”

{...}

Morgan: “Thanks.”

[Listener shakes out and folds linens and blankets]

Morgan: [Distantly, speaking to the patient] “Oh good, you’ve finally come around. My secondary healer and I have patched you up but I’d advise against anything too active for a few days, just in case your core doesn’t react well to the magic. And for that reason, I’m keeping you here overnight.”

[Pause as patient responds]

Morgan: “Don’t worry about the costs. This isn’t some high end healers in the Upper City. We’ll charge you enough to keep us running and that’ll be it. Just don’t rat us out, capiche?”

{—}

Morgan: [Speaking to the Listener] “Great. Remember to disinfect after you’ve cleaned this up and then you can clock out. Good work today.”

[Small time jump into the future as the door to Morgan’s shuts behind the Listener. The Listener begins their walk home, their footsteps on the pathway echoing as night falls through the bustle of the city. Wait a few beats before their phone rings]

Droit: [Slightly grainy through the phone] “Hey, it’s me.”

{...}

Droit: “Like I’d even need to say my name. You’ve known me for what, a decade now? Almost two? I’d be severely disappointed if you couldn’t even recognise my voice over the phone. Especially considering how many nights I kept you company over the landline when you couldn’t sleep.” 

{—}

Droit: [slightly dryly] “And I am forever grateful you and your whinging kept me company for most of those late night cramming sessions. But I didn’t call you to sing your praises.”

{...}

Droit: [sarcastically] “Ha. Ha.”

{...}

Droit: “I’ve been doing some digging into the Belle Foundation.”

{...} 

Droit: “Yeah, Janus’ foundation. Apparently, it’s named after a young girl they sponsored. She moved here after her powers awoke. From what I can gather, the foundation’s aim is to help support people like her. Inclined who have come to Salvatrice to find a magical community. Though from their track record, they seem to only be helping Emulators.”

{—}

Droit: “Discrimination against Soul-Bound isn’t new, Doc. And I doubt it ever will be.”

{...}

Droit: “A spokesperson from the Belle Foundation said the ‘Foundation doesn’t currently possess the resources to support such a wide range of individuals’ which is total bull crap but what can you do?”

{...}

Droit: “It sounds a bit too good to be true anyways. I got my hands on some bank records. The Belle Foundation is supposed to be a not-for-profit but the money they source from donations hasn’t been funneled through the right channels.”

{—}

Droit: “No. It seemed legit when it first started. It’s only been in the recent few months that some of the money earned from donations has gone missing.”

{...}

Droit: “Yeah. Missing. Janus isn’t pocketing it or anything. It just kind of… vanishes from their accounts.”

{...}

Droit: “I don’t quite have that access yet but I’m working on it. On another note, I’ve been reviewing the letters Stephina’s been receiving. They’ve been typed up and printed so there's no chance of examining any handwriting.”

{...}

Droit: “No. I looked through her printing history when she sent over the images of the missing items and Stephina couldn’t have printed them out herself.”

{—}

Droit: “I’m aware the organisation she’s implicating hasn’t seen any political activity for a decade but everyone in Salvatrice and their mother knows the leaders behind that coup were never caught.”

{...}

Droit: “The guy they arrested was obviously a stand in. The Four Families just needed to reassure the public they still had everything under control and Betterment needed a scapegoat.”

{—}

Droit: “That’s true. Usually the Kashyap Family would handle arrests so it’s interesting the Bennu Family were so involved.”

{...}

Droit: “No, I haven’t received the order form yet. Stephina says she’s still looking for it and I’d rather focus my attention elsewhere. Speculating on a pseudonym we haven’t even seen yet isn’t going to get us anywhere.”

{...}

Droit: “Yeah, I’m still in my office. I want to go over the items Stephina enchanted while she was being blackmailed to see if I can find anything our robber-turned-murderer could’ve used to rob that transport vehicle. ”

{...}

Droit: “I’ll be fine.”

{...}

[Guilty silence]

Droit: “Okay so maybe I haven’t had dinner yet but I’ll get to it eventually.”

{...}

[More guilty silence]

Droit: “Fine. Fine. Alright. How about this? You can come over to mine for dinner and make sure I get something to eat and then, if you’re feeling up to it, we can review the artefacts together.”

[Jingling of keys before a lock clicks as the Listener unlocks their door. The door creaks open]

{...}

Droit: “Great. It’s a date then.”

{...}

Droit: [Flustered] “Uh— I mean—”

[Loud thump and bang as the Listener is tackled to the floor]

Droit: [Distantly, shouting from a dropped phone not on speaker phone] “Doc?! DOC!?”

???: [Sinisterly cheerful] “Well, well, well. If it isn’t the detective’s little doctor.” 

{...}

???: “Such foul words. I’m hurt, little doctor. I go to all this work to keep you on your toes and this is how you repay me? As a guest in your house no less?”

{—}

???: [Dead, flat tone] “Specifics bore me, little doctor. And I suggest you don’t bore me.”

{...}

???: [Back to the sinisterly cheerful tone] “Good. I’m glad we’ve come to an agreement. After all, you’ve examined what happens to people who bore me. Closely. I must say, you’ve got quite the eye, spotting the wolfsbane like you did. Even a trained healer like yourself would’ve had a hard time spotting that.”

{—}

???: “A fun little trick, isn’t it? An Inclined at the height of their power going up against little old me would just be unfair. And unfairness is just no fun.”

{...}

???: “Dirty tricks? Me? Always. That’s what makes my job so fun, after all.”

{—}

???: “Oh, you and your pet detective are good. The Hunter’s Association came with too much red tape. I’d call myself a Hunter-For-Hire but so many of them are such self righteous— well, you get the idea.”

{...}

???: “My boss? Oh, little doctor…” [flat tone again] “nobody bosses me around.”

{—}

???: “Ugh, you lot all say the same things.” [overly dramatic, mockingly] “Who’s paying you? Why are you doing this? Please, think of my family!” [sing song] “Booooring! Come on, little doctor, can’t you give me something to work with here?”

{...}

???: “Though I guess it must be a little difficult, with the wolfsbane kicking in.” 

{...}

???: “Maybe you just aren’t as observant as you think you are. This syringe was in your arm before your phone even hit the ground, but you were too focused on your pet detective.”

[Distantly, the thumping of someone running grows gradually louder. The world grows muffled as the wolfsbane kicks in and the Listener’s heartbeat starts spreading up, thumping loudly in their ears]

???: “I’d suggest diverting your attentions elsewhere, before another life is lost. Unfortunately, we’re about to be interrupted so I can’t give you anymore life advice. A pity, truly. Stay on your toes, little doctor. Who knows what I’ll do if I catch up to you again.”

[??? leaves through a window. The Listener’s apartment door bands open as Droit arrives. They immediately drop to the floor at the Listener’s side]

Droit: [Panicked, out of breath] “Hey, hey, hey. Doc, come on. Look at me. Don’t fall asleep.”

{...}

Droit: [Soothingly] “I know, I know it hurts. Come on, you can be brave. Morgan's on their way now. Don’t worry, we’ll flush the wolfsbane out and you’ll be good as new.”

{...}

Droit: “Yeah, yeah Morgan’s going to be here any minute to patch you up.”

[Droits voice fades in and out for a bit as the Listener fights to stay conscious]

Droit: [To themself, hissed between their teeth] “Shit, shit, shit. Come on Morgan, hurry up.”

[The Listener calls on their magic, trying to heal themselves]

Droit: “Woah! Hey now, don’t do that. The wolfsbane is preventing you from using your magic. You’ll just end up burning through your core if you try to heal yourself. Just keep focusing on me, you’ll be alright.”

[Running footsteps before the door opens again and Morgan arrives]

Morgan: [Voice fading out as the Listener passes out] “Where are they!?”

Narration Key

{...} = Pause for Listener response for about 2-3 seconds

{—} = Pause for Listener response for about 5-6 seconds

[Insert text] = Tone indicators, narration cues, descriptions to help with clarity (not to be narrated) and sound effects (which are optional but may help convey actions)

“Insert text” = Dialogue

Usage

Feel free to use this script monetized or not, just be sure to credit me if this script is used. Please, however, keep this audio as “4A”. Gender of the speaker can be changed but the gender of the listener must be kept as “anybody” if you wish to use this script. Thanks! :)

Characters

Athol: A vampire who’s been travelling with the Listener for around a year. They’re teasing, very good at complaining and very bad at opening up about their feelings. They have very loose and flexible morals and spent some years as a high priority target for the Hunters Association. They’ve been travelling with the Listener for some months now but tend to argue over their difference in morals quite a bit, putting a strain on what could be a friendship.

Listener (AKA Hunter): A Hunter-For-Hire travelling between the regional towns looking for work. As there's minimal support when it comes to magic outside of the walled cities aside from the Hunters Association, they think it’s their duty to aid those they can. They hold very little respect for the Hunters Association but were very close to graduating from the Association’s trainee program.

Motel Owner: Their family has lived in Lake Stine for generations. They’d do anything to keep their town safe and prosperous.

Setting

Lake Stine, a country town built upon a slowly-drying-up river.

Context

Athol and the Listener have arrived in Lake Stine hunting a rogue shifter and begin their investigations around the small township.

CONTENT WARNING: depictions and descriptions of violence and injury.

Script on scriptbin!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Script

[The clamour of a relatively busy cafe (for a small town) buzzes in the background. Athol and Listener are seated in the back of Lake Stine’s one and only cafe. New Orleans R&B croons quietly as background music]

Athol: [Grumpily] “‘The room will be ready in the early afternoon.’ Ugh. Get real. As if anyone stops long enough in this dingy old town to leave a mess.”

{...}

Athol: “That’s true. Well they’d better hope none of their staff have any allergies cause I’d be willing to bet good money they’re cleaning a century's worth of dust build up.”

[Shoes on wooden flooring as one of the waitstaff approaches]

Athol: [To the waitstaff] “Huh? Oh, no. I’m fine for now… Oh, them?”

{...}

Athol: “More caffeine? Seriously? Especially after what just happened this morning?”

{—}

Athol: “Yeah. That’s what I thought. [Back to the waitstaff] That’ll be all, thanks.”

[Waitstaff leaves]

Athol: “I’m seriously convinced you’d live off nothing but caffeine if it wouldn’t send your body into catatonic shock.”

{...}

Athol: “That’s one of the most unconvincing arguments I’ve heard from you yet, Hunter. Those foul energy drinks finally getting to you? Maybe this is my chance to free myself from all that garbage you’ve got crammed in that rusty excuse you call a car.” 

{...}

Athol: “Yeah, yeah. I heard you the first fifty times. It’s your pride and joy… which isn’t saying much.”

[Thunk as Listener kicks Athol under the table]

Athol: “Ouch! Alright! Alright! God, you’re more defensive over that car than your own damn life.”

[Shoes on floor again. Cup and saucer set down on the table]

Athol: [Distracted, to waitsaff] “Thanks.”

[Shoes fade again]

Athol: “Did you get anything useful from the information centre? That ridiculously overstuffed bag isn’t exactly filling me with hope.”

{...}

Athol: “I’ll believe everything’s useful when it proves its use, thanks.” 

{—}

Athol: “You may as well hand some over. The quicker we do this, the faster we can get out of this snooze-fest of a town.”

[Shuffling of papers as Listener and Athol comb through what Listener retrieved]

Athol: “A brochure from a hunter’s club? I’m pretty sure their game’s a little different to yours, Hunter.”

{—}

Athol: “That’s… not an entirely terrible idea. If they’ve seen abnormal wildlife, it would certainly get the grapevine buzzing. And judging by some of these photos, I’d say a solid percentage of this town is part of the club.”

{...}

Athol: “If there’s one thing that spreads quick, it’s small town gossip.”

[More shuffling papers as the search continues]

Athol: “Good lord. How many newspapers can one town produce? How far back do these date?”

{...}

Athol: “We only started this hunt two weeks ago. How does a tiny town like this drum up the funds for a daily newspaper cycle?”

{...}

Athol: “A dedicated reader base is still a small reader base.”

{—}

Athol: “Boats being torn up? There’s no way in hell the shifter we’re chasing is marine. The last three towns we were in were miles away from anything bigger than a puddle. It was probably just some bad weather.”

{—}

Athol: “I don’t know if a dented mailbox counts as a clue. For all we know it could’ve just been some dumb kids drunk on the high of getting a driver's license.”

[Pause as both Listener and Athol continue reading]

Athol: “Here. What about this?”

{...}

Athol: “And what, your dented mailbox theory is any better?”

{...}

Athol: “Just because it’s by the water doesn’t mean the shifter necessarily has to swim.The fisherman’s boats didn’t make sense because the damage was all in the hull. They’re docked in a private boat yard you’d only be able to access through the water and in freak weather like that anything that wasn’t a marine animal would’ve a hell of a time trying to navigate those waters. But here, look at this, there’s no way in hell all that damage to this hut was from the same weather event. That has to be claw marks on the right side.”

{...}

Athol: “Exactly. Using a storm like that for cover means a quick getaway too.”

{—}

Athol: “Well, if this hunting gig has taught me anything it’s that we should cover all our bases. Like I said before, small town gossip travels quick so asking around is our best bet.” 

{—}

Athol: “Sounds like a good place to start. Even if the motel owner doesn’t know anything, it’s around time we check in so it won’t be a total waste of time.”

[Squeak of chairs against flooring as the Listener and Athol stand up]

Athol: [Teasing] “Leaving without paying, Hunter? I didn’t think you had it in you.”

{...}

Athol: “Uhuh, you were ‘getting to it.’ Sure.”

[Scene fades out into the local motel. A bell rings as the door opens and Listener and Athol enter. An old radio crackles but doesn’t spout anything legible. The Motel Owner is polite, warm and friendly with a country accent]

Motel Owner: “Good afternoon. How can I help you two today?”

{—}

Motel Owner: “I see you’ve been readin’ up on the local paper. You must be the ‘leather wearin’ hero’ Bessie helped out at the information centre. We don’t get folks from the Hunter’s Association out here very often. Lake Stine likes to handle its own issues. No offence, of course. I’m sure the Association does good work but we find keepin’ it local is better for business.”

{...}

Motel Owner: “Not with the Association, huh? Coulda sworn you were a Hunter. I saw some of the kit you’ve got in that mighty car of yours when you pulled into my parking lot.”

Athol: [Quietly, only to the Listener] “Told you we should’ve ditched that stuff.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “A Hunter-for-Hire? Well I always do like to support independent businesses. So, how can I help you today?”

{...}

Motel Owner: “Old Hank’s fisherman hut? Yeah, she took quite a beatin’ during the storm that just swept in. Hell of a howler that was. Old Hank hopped town after that. Bessie thinks he musta driven out as soon as it gave way, none of us saw him leavin’ after all. Not that I blame ‘im. Fish just isn’t that popular ‘round here anymore. Guess you could say we’ve developed a taste for heartier game.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “That’s right. The other fisher-folk left soon after Old Hank. With their boats torn up like that they thought they’d try their luck elsewhere. Real pity that was. Most of their families moved ‘ere when mine did. A shame. No loyalty to their hometown.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “Ah. Missus Mable’s mailbox. Yeah, the little stinkers who caused that were caught real quick. Missus Mable was in a right state so the gents from the hunters club banded together to find ‘em. They were real apologetic after, and as the soft-hearted lady she is, Missus Mable let ‘em off easy. Not personally the path I’d go down but to each their own. She got ‘em to fix the busted box and they were off the hook.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “I guess you could say I’m familiar with the folks ‘round here. My family’s lived ‘ere for just about two centuries now and we don’t got no plans of leavin’ any time soon. I try to give back where I can, so I like to hear the local’s stories. Always makes ‘em happy to have a ear listenin’ out. Helps too that my older brother is the mayor of this old town.”

Athol: “You two must put a lot of effort into this town then.”

Motel Owner: “We do what we can.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “Now that’s a club that’s gotten real popular as of late! Old Hank was real sour after the fishin’ club regulars started turnin’ towards Micheal’s hunting club. But with the old lake dryin’ up more year after year, I guess a lotta folks wanted to turn to greener pastures. I don’t have a personal interest in any of that, it’s better for my state of mind. But I’m sure Micheal down at the pub would be more than willin’ to chat. He’s always lookin’ for new members.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “What makes you say that?”

{—}

Motel Owner: “Yeah, I have heard about that. A couple passin’ through yesterday brought it up. They were real concerned about those maulings but I reassured them that no trouble would dare bring itself to Lake Stine.”

{...}

Motel Owner: “A shifter, huh? Well I suppose towns like these attract all sorts of unwelcome folk. They think just cause the walled cities won’t have nothin’ to do with us, that they can just throw their weight around. ‘Course most towns like this rely on the Hunters Association but we haven’t had to make a call out in three decades now. Guess we just got more resources.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “Lake Stine’s treated her townsfolk well. The loyal ones, anyway.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “I’d be devastated if that was the case. But I don’t think it’s likely. Old Hank was a pretty big chap, all that manual labour’s gotta leave some mark. After his old garage’s legs gave way and just about fell into the river, the local repair shop offered to hang on to his car ‘til he figured somethin’ else out. Sheila was chekin’ stock before opening right after the storm and noticed his car was missin’ as soon as she arrived.”

{...}

Motel Owner: “Nah. We’ve been mostly occupied lendin’ a hand with the residents who stuck around.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “Ah, so you’ve booked a room here? How long you plannin’ on staying?” 

{...}

Motel Owner: “Fair enough. Everybody’s gotta work hard to get anywhere these days. Now which room was it?”

Athol: “Room 105.”

Motel Owner: [Amused] “You must be the ‘alluring stranger’ my wife mentioned!”

Athol: “I’m flattered.”

Motel Owner: “Well, your room should be all set up by now. Feel free to ring reception between 8 and 6 if you need anything.”

Athol: “Thanks.”

[Footsteps on carpet as Athol and Listener head for their room. Scene change as Athol throws their bags down onto one of the two beds]

Athol: “Finally. If I had to be stuck in these three-day-old clothes for one more hour I would’ve lost it. Truly, I’ve never met newer lows than I have travelling with you, Hunter.”

{—}

Athol: “Yes, being stuck in sweaty, dusty clothes is a newer low than draining some random. Not that you’d know. I’m half convinced that leather jacket is melded to you. Are you sure you don’t wear that to sleep? Sneak out of bed once you’re sure I’m asleep and slip it on? It would give you a reason to always be awake before I am.”

{...}

Athol: “I am the pinnacle of humour.” 

{...}

Athol: “Whatever helps you sleep at night, Hunter. But anyways, what did you think of old country hospitality over there?”

{—} 

Athol: “Yeah. Don’t know if I believe that ‘Old Hank’ left right after his hut collapsed. We were only on the edges of that strom and you could barely drive. You’ve driven to hell and back in that old rust bucket so, as much as I hate to admit it, it wasn’t your driving capabilities that were the problem.”

{...}

Athol: “Uhuh. Remember that time you chased me all the way to that mountain village and ended up having to drive through almost three feet of snow? I swore that was the time I’d finally shake you off my tail but here we are, huh?”

{—}

Athol: “But yeah, no way in hell anyone could’ve driven in weather like that. Still… the missing car is a bit odd.”

{...}

Athol: “Exactly. If we can check out the damage, we should get a better idea of what happened.”

{—}

Athol: “So many people to interview and so little time.”

{...}

Athol: “We’ve split up plenty, Hunter. This isn’t exactly new information.”

{...}

Athol: “Speaking of new information though… what do you think about that… thing we almost hit.”

{...}

Athol: [Annoyed] “Well I couldn’t exactly tell what the hell it was so you’ll have to settle with ‘thing’ for now.”

{...}

Athol: “I’d say whatever it was, there’s a pretty high likelihood that it’s what we’re hunting.”

{...}

Athol: “Exactly. The storm slowing it down means that we’ve been given time to catch up. And if it's been in its shifted form for as long as you think it has, the animal instincts that took over probably got hellishly disoriented in that storm. Though, if it didn’t before, it definitely knows that we’re on its tail now.”

{—}

Athol: [Cocky] “Worried? Me? Please. If I can handle you tracking me for almost a year, I can handle some no-brained mutt.”

{...}

Athol: “Alright. Well, while you rub those depressingly minimal brain cells together to figure out how you’re going to occupy yourself until the sun goes down, I’m going to take a shower.”

[A bag unzips and clothes shuffle around as Athol rummages around for fresh clothes and a towel. Improv muttering to themself. Footsteps on carpet before a door opens and closes. Muffled squeak of a rusty shower handle being turned. Wait a few beats.]

Athol: [Muffled, loudly.] “You’ve gotta be shitting me!”

[Door opens and slams shut.]

Athol: [Angrily] “Of course an arse-backwards town like this can’t handle having working water in its only motel.”

{—}

Athol: “No. It’s fine. Don’t bother. If I get desperate I’ll go find the owner myself. Hopefully I won’t have to and the water will be back on after I’ve gotten some actual sleep.”

{—}

Athol: “Well, say hi to Micheal down at the pub for me then. Nothing much I can do ‘till the sun goes down, but I can take a look over at ‘Old Hank’s’ hut while you rest up tonight.” 

{...}

Athol: “Try not to intimidate too many residents into answering, will you?”

[Room door opens and closes as Listener leaves. Wait a few beats before the bell above the motel’s door tinkles as the Listener returns. Listener has returned from speaking to Micheal]

Motel Owner: “Well hi there. I hope your chat with Micheal was productive.”

{...}

Motel Owner: “Zachary’s an old friend of mine and likes to let me know his appreciation when one of my customers visits his pop’s pub.” 

{...}

Motel Owner: “We all try to support each other in our own ways, ‘round here. Keeps us happy and safe.” 

{...}

 Motel Owner: “Yeah. Safe. We don’t get lots of issues this far out but keeping an eye on a neighbour or two doesn’t hurt. It’s how we made sure Missus Mable’s power didn’t go out during that storm.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “I noticed that 20 minutes after I checked you folks in. The plumbing should be fixed by now, I made sure of it.”

{...}

Motel Owner: “Oh yeah, me and the missus do everything ourselves. We don’t get a lot ‘a support but it keeps us busy and happy.”

{...}

Motel Owner: “That’s right, plumbing, electricity, security, I do it all. My missus takes care of the cooking and cleaning. She really does keep the cogs turnin’ in this old place.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “Ah, we get a few folks who’ve had a little too much to drink sometimes. I just make sure they get to their rooms alright. Don’t really need security in a quiet town like this.” 

{—}

Motel Owner: “No, I’m not much help when it comes to any magical issues. We’ve got the priest up the road, and if it gets real hairy the hunters club can sort it out.” 

{...}

Motel Owner: “Yeah, Father Markus did visit recently. How could you tell?”

{—}

Motel Owner: “Ah, well I suppose it makes sense you Hunters are trained to pick up even that sort of magic. Especially with that inadvisable travel buddy you’ve got.”

{...}

[The atmosphere shifts to something more tense]

Motel Owner: “I don’t mean nothin’ by it. It’s just not everyday folks like us travel with… leeches.”

{...}

Motel Owner: “I was pretty damn obvious. Even little Johnny would’ve been able to sus your vampire out. What with the red eyes and the aversion to the outside. Although I’m sure your pal isn’t adverse to the great outdoors once the sun sets. Probably isn’t adverse enough.”

{...}

Motel Owner: “I know vampires can’t actually be killed by the sun. Gives ‘em a hell of a rash though. And I know I’m not the only one who feels a little better knowin’ they can’t be at the height of their power under the sun.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “I’m a good listener. Some of you Hunters have real loose tongues once the alcohol gets flowing.”

{...}

Motel Owner: “Don’t think much of it. My missus’ll get any messes cleaned up in no time. It was just the hunter’s club payin’ me a visit. They like to keep me company when the days are slow.”

{...}

Motel Owner: [Sternly, all appearances of friendliness gone] “I think it’d be best if you didn’t take a closer look, Hunter.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “Those are some mighty accusations. I didn’t touch your pet leech.”

{...}

Motel Owner: “I’d suggest you calm down. I don’t wanna have to get the gents from the hunters club to solve this dispute. How about you just go along your merry way and I’ll forget you even passed through this town? We’ll even call the disposal of that blood sucker a favour, from one problem-solver to another.”

[Listener grabs the Motel Owner by the collar and slams the Motel Owner into the wall, pinning them in place. The Motel Owner swears, colourfully]

Motel Owner: “Get off me you crazy—”

[A bang as the Listener lifts the Motel Owner off the wall and slams them into it again]

Motel Owner: [Panicked, quickly] “Alright! Alright! I switched out the rain tank’s water with holy water when you were out! Once we were sure they were hurt enough we went in and made sure the deal was done with a few silver bullets.”

{—}

Motel Owner: “By Old Hank’s hut! I got some of the boys to drag them out and dump ‘em in the lake!”

{...}

Motel Owner: “We’re desperate alright! Everybody on this side of the country knows Lake Stine is dryin’ up! Mother Nature was clearly punishin’ us for letting those magic corrupted folk run around like they owned the place after the walled cities opened up! We were just givin’ back to her!”

[Thump as Listener drops the Motel Owner, who crumbles in a heap on the floor. Rushed footsteps as the Listener runs out and the bell above the door rings again.]

Motel Owner: [Trembling] “Crazy bastard.”

[Scene changes as the Listener runs to the lake’s shore. Rain comes down hard and fast and the wind howls loudly. Gravel and sand crunches under the Listener’s boots as they come to a stop. Shuffling of fabric before their jacket hits the ground as they fumble around taking their outer-layer of clothes off. After a few beats of clothes removal, the Listener dives into the water and begins to swim. General underwater noises for a few beats as the Listener searches before they resurface with Athol]

Athol: [Coughing, spluttering] “What’re you—?”

[Listener swims Athol and themself back to shore as Athol coughs and sucks in big breaths of air. Gravel sound effect as the Listener drags Athols body onto the shore]

Athol: [Strained] “Holy Mother Mary and all things saintly that hurts.”

{...}

Athol: [Obviously hurt, wheezing in breaths of air] “The bullets… Can’t let myself heal over them…”

{...}

Athol: “Silver doesn’t do much to vampires—” [Cut off as Athol coughs hard] “Won’t heal right if they don’t come out though.”

{—}

Athol: “No— don’t. You’ll hurt—” [Cut off again as Athol coughs]

[Athol continues to cough and generally groan in pain as the Listener digs out the bullets. The sound of hissing flesh due to heat/burning grows until the tinkling of metal hitting the floor signifying the Listener has gotten them out]

Athol: [coughs subsiding] “Your hands—”

{...}

Athol: “Found—” [coughing] “Found the missing car… sunken to the bottom of the lake…”

{...}

Athol: [Loopy from pain] “...drink…? What?”

[Listener presses their wrist to Athol’s lips. The rain slows down before fading entirely]

Athol: “What’re you…?”

[Athol breathes heavily for a few moments before biting the Listener. Athol takes a few deep gulps before they let go]

Athol: “That’s… enough… need to rest.”

[Listener picks Athol up and walks along the gravel to the car. Improv generally pained noises and laboured breathing that gradually evens out. The car door opens and the Listener sets Athol down in the passenger seat.]

Athol: [Hissing in pain] “Careful.”

[Seatbelt slides out and clicks into place. Athol’s door closes. Listener’s door opens. Car starts and begins driving down the road]

Narration Key

{...} = Pause for Listener response for about 2-3 seconds

{—} = Pause for Listener response for about 5-6 seconds

[Insert text] = Tone indicators, narration cues, descriptions to help with clarity (not to be narrated) and sound effects (which are optional but may help convey actions)

“Insert text” = Dialogue

Usage

Feel free to use this script monetized or not, just be sure to credit me if this script is used. Please, however, keep this audio as “4A”. Gender of the speaker can be changed but the gender of the listener must be kept as “anybody” if you wish to use this script. Thanks! :)

Characters

Athol: A vampire who’s been travelling with the Listener for around a year. They’re teasing, very good at complaining and very bad at opening up about their feelings. They have very loose and flexible morals and spent some years as a high priority target for the Hunters Association. They’ve been travelling with the Listener for some months now but tend to argue over their difference in morals quite a bit, putting a strain on what could be a friendship.

Listener (AKA Hunter): A Hunter-For-Hire travelling between the regional towns looking for work. As there's minimal support when it comes to magic outside of the walled cities aside from the Hunters Association, they think it’s their duty to aid those they can. They hold very little respect for the Hunters Association but were very close to graduating from the Association’s trainee program.

Setting

A regional town and the open road.

Context

The Listener and Athol have been pursuing a string of attacks involving mauling for the past week and they’ve finally got a lead on what their target might be and where it's headed next.

CONTENT WARNING: mentions of violence

Script on scriptbin!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Script

[Door creaking and shutting. Listener has just been interviewing a client regarding a hunt. Crunch of gravel as they walk down towards their car. Athol, who has been leaning against the side of the car, straightens. Athol’s voice is smooth, smug and a little teasing.]

Athol: “So, what big bad are we hunting tonight?”

{...}

Athol: “Did he say what type of shifter?”

{...}

Athol: [Slightly long-suffering] “Of course. I get we’re out in the middle of nowhere but you’d think the folks around here would at least be able to identify the animal they’d watched a seemingly normal human transform into.”

{...}

Athol: “Like hell their shifted form could be a mythological creature. The chances of that aren’t even one in a million.”

{...}

Athol: [Dryly] “Yeah. I get shifters are normally bigger than your average animal but there’s literally no other changes. If I saw a bear that was bigger than your average bear, I’d still know it was a bear.”

{...}

Athol: [Slightly amused] “Whatever you say, Hunter.”

[Pause]

Athol: “So, where are we headed next?”

{...}

Athol: [Dryly] “North. That’s it? Couldn’t even get a town name or anything? For all we know the big bugger could’ve headed in a totally different direction as soon as it was out of the town’s sight.”

{...}

Athol: “Yeah, yeah. I know. It’s the only lead we’ve got. Just like every other hunt.”

{—}

Athol: “That’s true. I’d be more willing to bet the shifter disappeared to process the fact they’d just mauled a man if we hadn’t been following this trail for two weeks already. And who knows how much longer this has actually been going on for.”

{...}

Athol: “Ugh. Going through newspaper clippings again? Here I thought the life of a Hunter was all near-death encounters and adrenaline. Not combing through a month's worth of papers and spending hours doing stakeouts.”

{...}

Athol: [Sighing] “I should've listened to my mother and become an accountant.”

[Car door opens. Crunch of feet on gravel as Athol walks around to the other side of the car. Shuffling as Listener gets into the car and the car door shuts. Other car door opens, Athol gets in, car door shuts. Rumble of the car starting, maybe radio music for ambiance, before Listener begins driving.]

Athol: “Huh? Oh, the map? [Trailing off, looking] It’s… here somewhere…”

{...}

Athol: “Maybe if you didn’t keep all this crap in the car I’d be able to find the damn thing. Seriously, you don’t need a whole gas canister full of holy water.”

{—}

Athol: “That was one time. And if it hadn’t been raining you could’ve just set the damn thing alight. Fire always does the trick and it means you’re not carrying a literal canister of holy water. Where did you even get that? Did you just march up to some poor unsuspecting cleric with a canister of water and shake them down until they purified it for you or something?”

{—}

Athol: [Seeming actually annoyed now, muttered] “Of course it was Yarden.”

{...}

Athol: [Caught out] “Huh? What?”

{...}

Athol: [Too quickly to be believable] “I don’t have a problem with Yarden.”

{...}

Athol: “Look. Their whole job is literally to make things that incapacitate Soul-Bound so pardon me if they’re not exactly my favourite person.”

{...}

Athol: [Salty] “Yes. I know they wouldn’t do anything to me now but I’ve been caught on the wrong end of one too many of those damned gadgets.”

{—}

Athol: [Dryly] “Need I remind you that you were the one wielding those gadgets nine times out of ten?”

{—}

Athol: “Yeah, yeah. I heard you the first fifty times. Draining people is bad, or whatever.”

{...}

Athol: “Oh, right. The map. Lemme just…”

[Clunking and shuffling as Athol rummages around the floor of the car looking for the map. Improv muttered cursing and complaining.]

Athol: [Muffled] “Aha!”

[Athol straightens in their seat.]

Athol: “If we’re headed north, then the next town should be… Lake Stine. Lord that place is tiny. Can that even be considered a town?”

{...}

Athol: “It should be…”

[Phone typing noises as Athol searches how far the town is]

Athol: [Annoyed] “Four hours away… Ugh.”

{...}

Athol: “I know I voluntarily joined you but that doesn’t make me like long car rides any more.”

{...}

Athol: “Not that long!? Sure, maybe if we hadn’t spent nearly all of yesterday on the road. We’ve spent so much time driving I think I’ve listened to my playlist more times than years I’ve been alive.”

{...}

Athol: “Okay. Maybe not that much but still.”

[Pause]

Athol: “What type of shifter do you think it’ll be?”

{...}

Athol: “Wolves are fairly common but for our sake I’m hoping it’s not likely. They tend to stay in packs and while I have faith in your abilities, I don’t have that much faith. Besides, wolf packs prefer the walled cities over townships like this.”

{—}

Athol: “Huh? Yeah, I said walled cities.”

{...}

Athol: [Trying not to laugh] “What do you mean you only thought there was one?”

{—}

Athol: “I get you didn’t grow up near any of the walled cities but still.”

{...}

Athol: “Alright, alright. Fine. As you know there’s Salvatrice. Kind of hard to miss since it’s the biggest. Oldest too. I think it was founded even before the fissures. Most countries have a handful of walled cities. There are too many magical folk not to, really.”

{...}

Athol: “I’ve personally only visited three. Salvatrice, of course, but I grew up there so I don’t really think that counts. There was also MoDou and Zauberkunst but they were both decently smaller than Salvatrice. MoDou was way more welcoming to the vampiric than Zauberkunst but I think that was just because of those weird European hangups they have. Like Salvatrice they’re both built around some pretty big fissures.”

{—}

Athol: “Fissures? Like the big, glowing tears in the ground? Where we get all our magic from? They’re kinda hard to miss.”

{...}

Athol: “What do you mean you don’t call them fissures? What do you call them then?”

{—}

Athol: [Teasingly scornful] “Ugh. Country people.”

{...}

Athol: “More about Salvatrice? Right, I keep forgetting you never actually visited the city during your traineeship.” 

{...}

Athol: “Of course you spent your breaks taking other classes. Because what else could you do? Relax? God forbid. But I’m getting off topic. Salvatrice is a big ]place, where do you even want me to start?”

{...}

Athol: “Oh, well sure. There’s the Upper City where all the rich socialites live. I never set foot in there until it’d been a few decades since my turning. Pretty boring if you ask me, just trust fund rich kids rubbing shoulders. Though there was always a stir when a member of the Four Families turned up.”

{—}

Athol: “What? Do they not cover history at the Hunter’s Association? How can you not know who the Four Families are?” 

{...}

Athol: “I know the Association isn’t based in Salvatrice but it’s also the only walled city that actually allows them to operate in the city. Which I think is total bullshit but whatever.”

{...}

Athol: “Alright, alright. The Four Families were the founders of Salvatrice. Well, technically there were initially five families but some political drama happened that led to that family basically collapsing in on itself.”

{...}

Athol: “Good lord. Quit complaining won’t you? I learnt most of this stuff decades ago, you’re lucky I even remember that much. If you want to know so much about the political intricacies of five rich families butting heads for a decade you can read up on it next time we find a library.”

{...}

Athol: “Good. Now stop interrupting. As I was saying, the Four Families that founded Salvatrice are the QingLong family, the Lykoudis family, the Bennu family and the Kashyap family.”

{...}

Athol: “So you have heard of one of the Families. Good to know you’re not totally hopeless.”

{—}

Athol: [Confused] “The Bennu family? I would’ve assumed it was the Kashyap family. They’re meant to be the ones coordinating with the Association.”

{...}

Athol: “Well, yeah. The Kashyap write all the laws and control policing within Salvatrice and technically the Association falls under the policing category, no matter how much they try to deny it. The Kashyap specialise in Vitaemancy magic which makes them useful in both a magical fight and in hand-to-hand combat. Self buffing, healing and all that. Though apparently they aren’t too keen on the whole necromancy aspect of Vitaemancy.”

{—} 

Athol: “Yeah. Each of the Families specialise in a type of magic. The QingLong, the most powerful of the families, channel their Evocation magic through their reptile familiars. The Lykoudis are genus Panthera shifters, the Bennu used to also specialise in Evocation magic – fire specifically – but the recent generations have pivoted to Empathy magic and I’ve already told you about The Kashyaps.” 

{...}

Athol: “Well, yeah, they’ve got jobs to do. Keeps Salvatrice’s cogs turning or whatever. They’re not like the Association’s Head Hunters who spend most of their time evading taxes and yelling at teenagers.”

{—}

Athol: “You’re really putting my political science and history degrees to use, huh?”

{...}

Athol: “Oh yeah, along with a philosophy, anthropology and a fine arts degree.”

{...}

Athol: “Hunter, I know you think I spent most of my time before I met you draining people for fun but even blood can’t sustain someone for decades. Okay, in the literal sense it can but I would’ve gone off the rocker way earlier if I didn’t do anything else. SIMP’s always been free and there wasn’t anything better to do.”

{...}

Athol: “The Salvatrice Institute of Magical Practices. Despite what the name says, they cover normal courses as well.”

{...}

Athol: “What was the question again?”

{—}

Athol: “Oh right. Yeah. Well the QingLong family monitor the use of magic, the Lykoudis’ are mostly civil servants so public resources and stuff like that and the Bennus pander to the Upper City.”

{...}

Althol: “Which is exactly why it’s odd that the Bennus are suddenly having talks and meetings with the Association. None of the head hunters even live in the city so it’s not like any of them are part of the group the Bennu’s normally cater to.”

{...}

Athol: “Any idea what they were discussing?”

{—}

Athol: “Eh. Well it was worth a shot. You know for someone so nosy you can be really incurious at the most inconvenient times.”

{...}

Athol: “It means whatever you want it to mean, Hunter.”

[A few beats of silence as the car continues to cruise down the road. Optional radio plays in the background. Athol yawns and stretches.]

Athol: “There should be a service station coming up on our right. I could really do with a snack.”

{...}

Athol: “Just cause I don’t need what you deem is “human food” doesn’t–”

[Athol is cut off as the Listener slams on the brakes. Tired squeal against gravel as the breaks engage quickly. Clutter in the car falls and generally makes a ruckus. Something outside the car snarls ferally]

Athol: [Loudly] “Fuck!”

[The thing outside the car snarls again before running off.]

Athol: [Panicked, coming down from a scare] “What in the nine hells was that!”

{...}

Athol: “I know I’m the one with the bloody night vision! But considering I just got slammed face-first into the dashboard I didn’t exactly get a good look besides lots of teeth and claws!”

{...}

Athol: “Yes vampires are meant to have superhuman reflexes but evidently they didn’t kick in!” 

[Pause as Athol and Listener catch their breaths. Athol shuffles around, checking the backseat to see what’s fallen.]

Athol: “Ah shit. The holy water’s fallen over.”

{—}

Athol: “You can’t fix it from there and there’s no way in hell I’m touching it. We can just pull into the service station and sort it out there.”

{...}

Athol: [Firmly] “You’re not getting out here. What if that thing comes back?”

{...}

Athol: “Yeah right. In the past 48 hours you’ve probably spent 40 of those driving. There’s no way in hell you’re in fighting shape.”

{...}

Athol: “Keep driving Hunter. You can always go and harass Yarden for some more holy water the next time you see them.” 

[Car continues down the dirt road for a bit longer. Transition to parking in the service station. Hand brake cranks as Listener parks and Athol opens their door.]

Athol: “I’m going to get some snacks. Do you want anything?”

{...}

Athol: [Vaguely annoyed] “No I didn’t mean a snack as in the cashier. Actual food the average man finds edible. Are you going to be like this everytime I go somewhere without you hovering over my shoulder?”

{...}

Athol: “Yeah, yeah. Whatever.”

[Athol walks off. Listener’s door opens and Listener gets out. Car backdoor opens and the Listener rummages around the car, putting things back and righting the canister of holy water.]

Athol: “Got these for you.”

[Listener jumps, startled. Athol snorts in amusement.]

Athol: [Teasing] “Careful there Hunter, produce any more adrenaline and I might just get thirsty.”

{...}

Athol: “Why on Earth have you got a solid bar of silver back there?”

{...}

Athol: [Disbelievingly] “Oh ‘It could be useful.’ Sure. What are you going to do with it? Melt it down by hand and forge a sword or something? You know it would be easier to just buy it ready-made right? It’s not like you can touch the damn thing anyways.”

{—}

Athol: “You really aren’t doing a great job at convincing me we need all this shit. Maybe one of these days I'll ditch it all on the side of some road and you’ll be none the wiser.”

{...}

Athol: “Real intimidating Hunter. Are you going to take these snacks or not?”

[Athol shakes the bag for emphasis. Car doors shut as Listener and Athol get back in. Listener rummages around the bag.]

{—}

Athol: “It wasn’t exactly hard to remember. You’ve been getting the same stuff at every service station we stop at for the past five months.”

{...}

Athol: [Uncomfortable with the sincerity] “You’re welcome, or whatever. Don’t know how you even eat that vile stuff.”

{...}

Athol: “It’s totally vile. You couldn’t pay me to eat that shit.”

[Scene transition as Athol and Listener finally pull into Lake Stine.]

Athol: “Ugh finally. If I had to hear even one more minute of ‘smooth jazz’ I would’ve lost it.”

{...}

Athol: [Sarcastically] “Ha ha. Very funny Hunter.”

{—}

Athol: “Well whatever dingy motel you pick, you better pick it soon. Sun’s coming up and I don’t fancy having to deal with the world’s worst sunburn.”

[Listener gets out of car, trips and stumbles. Athol catches them.]

Athol: “Woah! Careful there Hunter.”

{...}

Athol: [Disbelievingly] “You’re clearly not fine, you’re trembling all over. I told you that energy drink wasn’t wise.”

{...}

Athol: “Yeah, yeah. Call me a nag all you want. How about this? You grab your overnight stuff and I’ll go talk to the motel owner. I’ll even pay the guy instead of trancing him.” 

{...}

Athol: [Uncomfortable with sincerity, again] “I’m not doing it for you, Hunter. I just don’t fancy resembling a boiled lobster for our stay in this back-end town. The folks around here need something good to look at and it sure isn’t going to be you.”

[Athol marches off.]

Narration Key

{...} = Pause for Listener response for about 2-3 seconds

{—} = Pause for Listener response for about 5-6 seconds

[Insert text] = Tone indicators, narration cues, descriptions to help with clarity (not to be narrated) and sound effects (which are optional but may help convey actions)

“Insert text” = Dialogue

Usage

Feel free to use this script monetized or not, just be sure to credit me if this script is used. Please, however, keep this audio as “4A”. Gender of the speaker can be changed but the gender of the listener must be kept as “anybody” if you wish to use this script. Thanks! :)

Characters

Detective Marley Droit (pronounced: dʁwa [it’s french]): A curt and stoic Uninclined (no magical abilities) detective working for Informed Law Enforcement in Salvatrice whose worked a few too many years and is feeling the weight of their decisions wear them down. They’re the overcast day to the Listener’s unending enthusiasm.

Listener (AKA Doc/Seer): A seer who pursued healing magic and now works in a back-alley (and probably illegal) healing clinic in the lower city. Highly curious, they always seem to be poking their nose where it's most unwanted, especially when it comes to cases in their area of the lower city that Detective Droit might just be covering. They channel their foresight/divination through a set of tarot cards.

Stefina Augur-Castiglione: A powerful business woman who married into the Augur family. She has little respect for those who aren’t of the same social standing as her while simultaneously attempting to appease authority figures to an extreme extent. She speaks quickly and tends to steamroll over anyone trying to talk to her.

Cassius Augur: The second son of the Augur family. An incredibly powerful Seer, Cassius provides divinations for the Four Families as a form of government work and the upper class during gatherings for a bit of extra cash. He has a short fuse and is unused to not getting his way.

Janus Augur: The first child of the Augur family, Janus has stepped away from the Augur tradition of providing predictions in order to pursue a career as a highly successful entrepreneur. They are calm and wise, but tend to avoid taking any real stances against or for anything.

Setting

The Augur-Castiglione’s penthouse, Informed Magical Enforcement's interviewing room and Janus Augur’s office. 

Context

The Listener and Detective Droit interview the Augurs 

CONTENT WARNING: There are some descriptions violence, death and illness in this script. Please proceed with caution.

Script

[The scene opens in the Augur-Castiglione’s penthouse. Stefina Augur-Castiglione has just been taken in for questioning]

Cassius: [Righteously, panicked] “What the hell is going on here! You’ve got no evidence she’s done anything so you damn well have no right to snatch her like this! Can’t a respectable family have a peaceful breakfast without you damn brutes interfering! My lawyer—”

Droit: [Calmly, firmly] “Mr Augur.”

Cassius: “You! Release my wife this instant!”

Droit: “Mrs Augur-Castiglione isn’t in any trouble. We just want to ask her a few questions.”

Cassius: “This is entirely unnecessary! I know you and your lackey turned up specifically when I wasn’t here to corner her a few days ago in our apartment and now you pull this!”

Droit: “We’ve gotta do this by the books, Mr Augur, and I’d like for Mrs Augur-Castiglione’s interview to be recorded. Hence why we’ve escorted her down to the station.”

Cassius: “Escorted? You practically snatched her! You can’t do this!”

Droit: [Fed up] “You’ll find, Mr Augur, that we can and we will.”

Cassius: “This is utterly preposterous!”

Droit: “Actually, Mr Augur, while you’re here, we’d like to ask you a few questions yourself.”

Cassius: [Miffed] “Are you going to snatch me up as well?”

Droit: “I don’t see why we can’t interview you here. It’ll also mean your wife’s time down in the station will be shortened if we have a better idea of what’s going on.”

Cassius: [Annoyed] “Fine. But make it quick.”

{—}

Cassius: “They your little sidekick, Detective?”

Droit: [Firmly] “Answer the question please.”

Cassius: “Yes I was aware my wife was having some of Mother’s things moved.”

{—}

Cassius: “Stefina’s already filled me in on that. We’re missing the brooch, the necklace, the ring and that damned mirror.”

Droit: “Were you aware of your wife’s… business she had on the side.”

Cassius: [Bored, sarcastically] “The enchanted items? Of course I was aware! She’s been receiving commissions from a few families here in the Upper City for enchanted artifacts for years now.”

Droit: “Well could you explain the recent influx of her product?”

Cassius: [Genuinely confused] “Influx? I’m… not sure what you’re talking about. The Orlova’s put in an extra order for an anklet last month but other than that, I’m not quite sure what you mean.”

Droit: “Can you explain this then?”

[Shuffling of paper as Droit pulls out the printed evidence from the Archives]

Cassius: “What in gods… I had no idea she was producing this many artefacts. She’d been upping her magic use in the past few months but I’d assumed she was trying to perfect a product that she was having trouble with.”

{...}

Cassius: “Yes. I did question her on it but she told me not to worry and I didn’t have reason to doubt her. It wasn’t unusual for her to spend a few months perfecting an enchantment. Raw Magic is a delicate process when one seeks certain results.”

{—}

Cassius: “No she doesn’t leave many of her projects at home. We’d rather keep work out of the home. It’s better for our minds that way.”

{...}

Cassius: “Oh some skyrise apartment in the Middle-Ground. I think the place was her godmother’s before she passed. May she rest in peace.”

{—}

Cassius: “Her clients? Certainly. She mostly took commissions from the Orlovas, the Novikovs and the Sahli’s though there were a handful of other clients from smaller families that couldn’t really… afford to be a regular client.” 

Droit: “Alright. Moving on, could you tell us anything more about the missing mirror?”

Cassius: “That damned thing? I don’t know much about it besides its function. It showed any dire predictions concerning anyone of importance to the user made within Salvatrice.”

{...}

Cassius: [Angrily] “If it was my choice, I’d make sure that damned mirror went missing forever”

Droit: “What do you mean by that, Mr Augur?”

Cassius: “I mean that the blasted thing ruined Mother’s life. It tore at her threads until she unraveled. And then I was left to pick up the pieces.”

{...}

Cassius: [Scoffs] “Janus? No. Their loyalties lay elsewhere. Ungrateful bastard.”

Droit: “I’m getting the impression you don’t agree with your sibling.”

Cassius: “How can I? If the mirror didn’t get there first, their sympathies for the common man would’ve torn us apart anyways. No. Janus always had bigger and better things to do.”

Droit: “Janus is inheriting soon, correct?”

Cassius: “Yes. Perhaps when they flush all of that down the black hole that is this blasted city Mother will finally get some peace.”

{—}

Cassius: [Bitterly] “You mean you didn’t read the papers when the news broke? It seemed that everyone already had an opinion when Mother’s Alzheimer’s first started setting in.”

Droit: “Well, thank you for your time Mr Augur.”

Cassius:  [Firmly] “I’m sure you can find your own way out.”

[Scene change to a questioning room in Informed Law Enforcement. Listener and Droit sit side-by-side across from Stefina]

Droit: “What can you tell us about your business selling enchanted artefacts?”

Stefina: [Haughty] “I can assure you, Detective, that it’s all above the law.”

Droit: “That’s not what I was asking.”

Stefina: “I was enchanting and selling a few personal items to a handful of family friends. It’s hardly a reason for arrest.”

Droit: “Like I said before, Mrs Augur-Castiglione, you aren’t under arrest. We just wanted to take you in for questioning so we could have this interview recorded.” 

{...}

Stefina: [Repulsed] “And what are they doing here?”

Droit: “They’re part of my investigative team.”

Stefina: “That’s hardly–”

Droit: [Firmly] “Can you tell us why your production increased tenfold over the last few months?”

Stefina: [Slightly shaky] “Well– word must’ve gotten around about my magical prowess and the quality of my artefacts. It’s hardly my fault if the other residents of this city can’t keep up.”

Droit: “Why did you suddenly start recording your products? Your husband says you’ve been receiving commissions for years but you’ve only started recording the artefacts you’ve been enchanting in the last few months.”

Stefina: “I— I—”

{—}

Stefina: [Hotly] “My clients are hardly your business.”

{—}

Stefina: “If you must know, most of them are from the neighbouring cities. While Salvatrice may be the largest walled city, its upper class leaves a lot to be desired.”

{...}

Stefina: [Offended] “I most certainly cannot! Client confidentiality is a thing you know.”

Droit: “So you’re willing to log every artefact you’ve enchanted for these clients in the last few weeks but you can’t provide their names?”

Stefina: [Panicked] “I– what—”

Droit: “We found your recent additions to the Augur’s collection of enchanted artefacts in SIMP’s archives.”

Stefina: “I… well—”

Droit: “Why did you record them if you were just going to sell them off?”

Stefina: “I didn’t—”

Droit: “It certainly wouldn’t have raised any questions. In fact, it should’ve been the duty of your clients to lodge their own recordings for these artefacts once they—”

Stefina: [Raised voice, panicking] “There was no other option!”

{...}

Stefina: [Inside voice again] “I… a few months ago there was a bulk order. I didn’t know who it was from, it was under some sort of pseudonym that I didn’t recognise.”

Droit: “Do you remember what that pseudonym was?”

Stefina: [Weary] “No. I could probably find the order form and send it over.”

{...}

Stefina: “I dismissed it as a scam at first. Why would anyone need that many artefacts? Who even had that much money to spend in one hit? But the payment offer was upfront. I let it lie for a few days, I didn’t think much of it, after all. Not until the first letter arrived.”

{...}

Stefina: “Blackmail. My family… some of my family used to socialise with some… undesirables.”

Droit: “Could you be more specific?”

Stefina: [Tearily] “Can’t you think of my reputation? Of Cassius’ reputation?”

Droit: “Whatever you say won’t leave this room, Mrs Augur-Castiglione.”

Stefina: [Whispered] “It was that group… the group that were arrested for suspicion of staging a coup against the Four Families around a decade ago.” 

Droit: “You mean Better–”

Stefina: [Panicked] “Don’t say their name! They’ll know!”

Droit: “Shit.”

Stefina: “So you see why I couldn’t have that going around. They still can’t directly pin it to that group so I could be accused of treason! Or conspiracy! Or, worse, I could be associated with people from the Undercity!”

Droit: “What? So they threatened you if you didn’t comply with that order?”

Stefina: “I’ve been receiving letters every few weeks since that day. As a reminder.”

Droit: “Do you still have any of them?”

Stefina: [Hesitating] “I… yes. The first few and the most recent one I received are in the top left drawer of my desk. It's locked but the keys are in the flowerpot. You’ll find all you need there.”

{—}

Stefina: [Snidely] “You’re a smart little sidekick aren’t you? Of course that’s why I was transporting those heirlooms. Whoever was contacting me certainly wasn't supplying enough to keep up with their demand. Besides, Cassius doesn’t want anything to do with them and Janus would probably just hand them off to some low-life nobody. I didn’t know the mirror would be mixed in there.”

Droit: “Thank you for your cooperation, Mrs Augur-Castiglione. For your safety, we’ll try our best not to let this get out.”

[Droit and Doc stand. Footsteps and then a door opens and closes as they leave]

[Third scene shifts into Janus’ office. The walls are lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, lighting up the sleek and modern room with the afternoon’s daylight]

Janus: [Smoothly, confidently] “Please, do come in. I’m Janus Augur, CEO of the Belle Foundation. Can I get you anything to help you two get settled?”

Droit: “I’m afraid we're going to have to decline. We’re here about your family’s stolen belongings.”

Janus: “Ah yes, I heard the brooch and the necklace were recovered. I was incredibly relieved to hear these items so dear to my family were recovered swiftly. I’m sure you and your team must’ve put much effort into their recovery.”

Droit: “Of course. My partner and I are just here to ask you a few questions. Your brother and sister-in-law have already filled in most of the gaps but we’d appreciate your account too.”

Janus: “Certainly. I’m sure this is all just procedure. Though I don’t know how much use I’ll be. Cassius was always much more dedicated to handling family matters and rightfully so! He always had a knack for it that I never possessed.”

{—}

Janus: “No, I can’t think of anyone who’d directly target my family like this. Us Augurs don’t socialise with as many people outside of our… inner circle as I’d like and I haven’t dealt with any of the upper echelon in quite some time.”

{...}

Janus: “Most of them are perfectly reasonable people, I assure you. I’ve just never really seen eye-to-eye with many of Cassius’ associates.”

Droit: “So your brother’s popular in the Upper City?”

Janus: “Most definitely. He’s always been better at handling the social duties that come with being an Augur. He really just fits right in. And after I left the family business to found the Belle Foundation Cassius took up most of my other duties too. He was always like that. A dutiful son to the end.”

{...}

Janus: “The Augurs have been providing their foresight and divinations to the Four Families as government work and socialites of Salvatrice on the side for quite some time now. It certainly wasn’t difficult work by any means, most Augurs are gifted in Scrying magic even by Upper City standards, but I’ve always hungered for a challenge. I suppose that’s why I founded the Belle Foundation in the first place.”

{—}

Janus: “The mirror? That’s one of the items still missing, yes?”

{...}

Janus: “I thought so. Such a shame. Mother was very attached to that mirror. Used to carry it around everywhere she went, no matter how much Cassius and Father disapproved.”

{...}

Janus: “Oh they certainly disapproved. Father thought it was childish but Cassius worried for poor Mother’s health. He’s always been soft hearted. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was the one who stole those heirlooms just to get rid of the mirror.”

Droit: “We’ve already questioned Cassius and his phone records and bank statements tell us it couldn’t have been him.”

Janus: “Indeed. Cassius would never bring shame to the Augurs like that anyways.”

{—}

Janus: “My younger brother always had a wild imagination. The mirror really wasn’t that powerful and had a rather small range. It was mostly used to provide further insight into my family's prophecies. I’m sure the decline in her health was simply an unfortunate side effect of her Alzheimer’s.”

Droit: “Were you familiar with any of the victims?”

Janus: “No. I can’t say I was. I wasn’t in the habit of visiting the Archives during my time at the Institute and I believe the professor began her tenure quite some years after I’d graduated.” 

Droit: “Alright. Thank you for your time, Mx Augur. We’ll be in contact with your family if there are any further updates in your case.”