Episode Knotes

ERICA SYLVI

My people say that the measurement of a life can be taken by weighing the decisions of an individual. There are others who say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Maybe choice itself is the sin. No, the sin is choosing poorly and there is no greater sinner than I.

As a child, I adored my sister and ever sought to emulate her. Like the moon reflects the light of the sun, I was a pale imitation of her luminescence. 

(Alternate line. Below I’m not sure which one we will use.)

As a child, I adored my sister and ever sought to emulate her. She was everything I aspired to be... And everything I could never hope to be.

She was strong of body, spirit, and mind. A true knight! Naturally gifted with the traits passed down, unbroken, by the women of my line.

Unbroken until me. 

The king's guard summoned her. Despite my childish protests, she embraced her duty. True to her title like our mother before her, Amanda Sylvi would not be swayed. 

I was permitted by my sister to accompany her as she traveled with her team. Together we journeyed far from our home on the Twist Islands to the great palace of the king of kings.

It was only Amanda who was allowed to see him. I know not what was said behind closed doors, but it was clear our, situation had grown dire when she returned. 

AMANDA

The king of kings is ill. We leave at once. 

ERICA

(urgently) I’ll ready our horses!

AMANDA

No Erica, you will remain here. (more urgency)

ERICA

You mean to leave me behind?

AMANDA

The Winter Rose is the only hope for the king. As the Sylvi it is my responsibility to travel to Eastwood and retrieve it for him. Dangerous as this quest will be, I must fulfill this duty, but I do not command you to follow me. For those who would come, we leave at once!  

VANESSA

Your team is with you Amanda Sylvi!

ERICA

(Defiantly) The Winter Rose...(frantically) No, I can help, I’m coming with you.

AMANDA

Enough! You’re not a knight! I’ve allowed you to come this far with us, but now you must stay here and wait for our return.  

ERICA

In the hubris of youth, I thought myself equal to any task. Desperate to prove myself, blind to consequence, I brought on the downfall of my world. 

ERICA

I followed them into Eastwood. I watched in horror as the best knights of the Twist Islands were overcome by wolves.  Desperate to help them, I distracted my sister at a critical moment. 

AMANDA

(to Erica harsh) (Emphasis) What are you doing here?

ERICA

Though she managed to protect me she was wounded. As we continued the expedition, the wound grew foul and her strength began to fail. Hopelessly lost, we begin to succumb to the harsh winds and frozen lands.

ERICA & AMANDA

(shivering sounds and rapid breaths)

ERICA

A Gadanin knight appeared and offered us aid. In my arrogance I rejected him and my pride once again endangered everyone.

ERICA

(Tired, Scared) Back! Don’t come any closer.

NIYOL

I mean you no harm. Lower your sword. (looks at Amanda lying in the snow) What Happened?

ERICA

My sister is dying!. I must find the Winter Rose it’s her only chance! 

NIYOL

“Wait, I’ll help!”

AMANDA

(faintly) No, for the king… Erica, please 

ERICA

I’ll return soon with the rose. Stay and rest. Please stay with her.  (Erica runs off) 

AMANDA

(faintly) Erica...

ERICA

There are those who can lie to themselves, and even take a hard truth and bend it into a pleasing shape. In my moments of weakness I envy such people. Of this I am incapable and so I will walk this solitary road choosing nothing at all.

AMANDA

Take the rose to the king.

ERICA

But your wounds...

AMANDA

We are knights, duty comes first.

ERICA

I bear a weight I will never be equal to. I fear I will never find my way again.