LEGACY OF LUMIDENIA
EPISODE ONE: ONE YEAR CLOSER
By Dustin Proffitt


LEGACY OF LUMIDENIA
“ONE YEAR CLOSER”
TEASER
CUT TO:
EXT. SOLAROS – DAY
The camera shows the city of Solaros from a distance as royal TRUMPETS play. From behind the camera a magic looking black bird CRIES out and flies toward the city. As the bird flies, the camera follows it showing the city from the bird’s perspective. The bird flies past a series of houses, and then through a busy marketplace with two startled people having to move out of its way. The bird flies over a wall and then over the lush wealthy district. The bird then ascends higher as the camera shows a close up view of the castle. The bird flies around the castle to give a three-sixty view of it before finally landing on a windowsill next to two normal black birds. The bird looks up at the window, and the camera cuts to show it to be a stained glass depicting a blonde-haired baby.
			BARRIC (O.S.)
		(calling out, yelling) Lyn?
The other two birds fly away at the noise, but the one the camera followed stays.
CUT TO:
INT. GWENDOLYN’S BEDROOM – Day
The scene shows GWENDOLYN’s door from inside the room, it opens and BARRIC enters, looking around.
BARRIC:
		Lyn? Hey Lyn are you in here?
The camera cuts to BARRIC looking at GWENDOLYN asleep in her bed. She is sleeping in a funny pose and drooling and snoring cartoonishly. BARRIC frowns and steps toward the bed.
			BARRIC
(Annoyed) Gwendolyn, wake up. Bartholomew is going to throw a fit if he sees you still in bed.
GWENDOLYN rolls over to face the camera, squeezing her eyes shut
			GWENDOLYN
		(Sleepy) Go away Barric, I’m sleeping.
BARRIC rolls his eyes, annoyed but then grins.
			BARRIC
Alright have it your way. I guess we’ll just have to celebrate your birthday without you.
GWENDOLYN’s eyes shoot open, and she quickly sits up in the bed.
GWENDOLYN
(quietly) It’s my birthday. (Looking at Barric) It’s my birthday. (Jumps to her feet, standing on the bed) It’s my birthday!
BARRIC smiles but then recoils in surprise as GWENDOLYN jumps out of the bed and begins running around the room

GWENDOLYN
		(shouting excitedly) It’s my birthday! It’s my birthday!
			BARRIC
		Gwendolyn calm down! You’re going to break somethi-
GWENDOLYN runs out of the room
			GWENDOLYN (O.S.)
		It’s my birthda-woaaah!
A SLIP and a CRASH and a startled woman’s YELL are heard off screen.
			GWENDOLYN (O.S.)
		I’m okay!
BARRIC rolls his eyes and shakes his head before exiting through the door.
FADE OUT
END OF TEASER

ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. CASTLE DRESSING ROOM – DAY
LYN is standing in the middle of the shot wearing an extravagant dress while BARTHOLOMEW is hunched over adjusting the outfit looking very focused on his work. KNOCKING is heard off-screen before the camera cuts to include the door in the frame.
BARRIC (O.S)
Hey what’s taking you guys so long? Lyn, are you decent in there?
GWENDOLYN looks toward the door, staying still in place.
			GWENDOLYN
		Yeah, you can come in.
BARRIC steps into the room then looks surprised when he sees GWENDOLYN.
			BARRIC
(whistles, impressed) Well, someone sure is all dolled up and fancy. Bartholomew, don’t you think this is a bit much?
BARTHOLOMEW, finished with his adjustments, stands up straight with a pompous expression.


BARTHOLOMEW
Well while you might find it appropriate to wear whatever you happen to find lying around the princess must look her absolute best on her special day.
GWENDOLYN giggles.
			GWENDOLYN
(mimicking BARTHOLOMEW) Why yes Barric, don’t you know that the entire kingdom would just collapse if the people knew that the princess had a single hair out of place!
BARRIC and GWENDOLYN both LAUGH, and BARTHOLOMEW looks annoyed.
			BARTHOLOMEW
Yes well, you two can mock all you want but someone has to keep this whole show running, and as for you Barric I don’t see you doing anything to smooth things along.
	BARRIC
What are you talking about? I’m on guard duty, like always.
			BARTHOLOMEW
Ah yes, what would we ever do without the royal babysitter.
	GWENDOLYN
Hey leave Barric alone! He’s a good body guard!
BARTHOLOMEW rolls his eyes and BARRIC LAUGHS warmly.
			BARTHOLOMEW
(sighs) Come along now, we’ve left the people waiting long enough.
BARTHOLOMEW begins herding GWENDOLYN and BARRIC out of the room and the three walk down the with BARTHOLOMEW following closely behind BARRIC AND GWENDOLYN
			BARRIC
So, birthday girl, is there any present in particular that you hoping for?
	GWENDOLYN
Uhuh! This is going to be the year I finally get my own pet unicorn!
	BARRIC
(Laughing) A unicorn, huh? Don’t you think that’s pushing it just a bit?
	GWENDOLYN
Nuh-uh! It’s the only thing I asked for this year, and my father is the king, he can get me anything I want.
BARRIC rolls his eyes and ruffles GWENDOLYN’s hair, causing GWENDOLYN to giggle and BARTHOLOMEW to glare at him and immediately begin fussing over her hair trying to get it back into place.

BARRIC
Just don’t get your hopes up okay? Even your father has limits to what he can do.
As BARRIC is speaking, the three of them step into a small wooden elevator lined with small blue crystals. BARRIC pulls a lever and the gems light up bright blue as the elevator begins to move.
FADE TO:
INT. ROYAL HALL – DAY
The hall is packed full of people and a low murmur is heard through the room. At the end of the room on a raised pyramid platform sit two thrones, with LUCAS and ROSABELLE sitting in them. LUCAS has a stern expression, and he looks around impatiently. LUCAS looks down to the SERVANT standing at the bottom of the platform.
			LUCAS
What is taking them so long? The ceremony was supposed to start ten minutes ago.
	SERVENT
(nervously) I’m sure the princess will arrive any minute, my lord.
LUCAS sighs, and ROSABELLE reaches over and puts her hand on his arm, smiling warmly.


ROSABELLE
Dear, please stop fussing. It’s our daughter’s birthday, try to smile for once. Gwendolyn doesn’t get to see you very often; do you want her to think you’re always this pouty?
LUCAS chuckles and shakes his head
			LUCAS
		I’m sorry, you’re right.
Royal TRUMPETS are heard from off screen
			ROSABELLE
See? Here she comes now. I told you you had nothing to worry about.
The MURMURING stops as the doors open and GWENDOLYN enters, followed closely by BARRIC. The entire crowd kneels in front of the princess, and the camera follows GWENDOLYN from a side view as she looks around at the crowd smiling, giggles, and then looks ahead trying to look regal. GWENDOLYN walks up the steps to the platform and LUCAS stands up to greet her.
			GWENDOLYN
		(hushed)Father…
GWENDOLYN kneels in front of her father. LUCAS smiles warmly and lifts her chin so that she is looking up at him.
LUCAS
Gwendolyn, on today of all days you do not have to bow to me.
GWENDOLYN stands up, looking slightly embarrassed but happy. She turns around to face the crowd and LUCAS puts his hand on her shoulder. TRUMPETS die down.
			LUCAS
Ladies and gentlemen of Lumidenia, today I stand before you in celebration of the birth of the beautiful princess Gwendolyn Aldritt. Eleven years ago today, my wife your queen brought this child into the world and one day, she will take my place as the ruler of this great land. This child stands before you now not only as a symbol of our wealth and prosperity, but as the very future of our great nation. Please give your cheers to Princess Gwendolyn, the legacy of Lumidenia!
The crowd erupts in CHEERS and APPLUASE. The camera shows GWENDOLYN’s face looking happily at all of the people admiring her.
FADE TO:
INT. DINING HALL – DAY
GWEDNOLYN is sitting at the table eagerly eating a large slice of cake. BARRIC and BARTHOLOMEW watch from distance, and BARTHOLOMEW looks anxious

BARTHOLOMEW
Oh she is going to get cake on that dress! I spent hours on that outfit.
BARRIC laughs and pats BARTHOLOMEW on the back condescendingly.
			BARRIC
		I told you it was a bit much.
The camera cuts back to GWENDOLYN eating, and BARRIC takes a seat beside her.
			BARRIC
		Mind if I take this seat?
			GWENDOLYN
		(mouth full) Go ahead!
A group of servants come by and clear off the table. One servant takes the plate GWENDOLYN is currently eating from and she pouts
			GWENDOLYN
		HEY!...
			BARRIC
		Lyn look, I think they’re ready with the presents.
GWENDOLYN GASPS and grins excitedly as a group of large boxes are lifted onto the table. A SERVANT speaks to the crowd.


SERVANT
These gifts are from the commoners. To save time I have taken the liberty of grouping them by category.
GWENDOLYN eagerly rips open one of the boxes and looks inside, before pulling out two stuffed animals.
			GWENDOLYN
		Aww! They’re cute! I love them!

GWENDOLYN hugs the dolls before putting them back in the box. Another box is set in front of her and she opens it to reveal that it is full of books of various sizes.
			GWENDOLYN
		(confused) Wow, a lot of people got me books this year.
			BARRIC
I may have let it slip how much you’ve begun to enjoy your favorite fairy tales.
			GWENDOLYN
		(giggles) You have to read them to me though, okay?
			BARRIC
(taking a sip of his drink) Well now, I suppose if that’s a royal order, I’m duty bound.
A servant pulls the box away and replaces it with a third, smaller box. GWENDOLYN opens it, this one containing a myriad of weapons and armor ranging from real to toys. BARTHOLOMEW looks aghast
			GWENDOLYN
		Cool!
BARTHOLOMEW
I never! Why what sort of barbarian would give weapons to a child!
			BARRIC
(Laughing and looking back at BARTHOLOMEW) I was about her age when I got my first sword, and I turned out just fine.
GWENDOLYN takes out a small sword and starts swinging it around playing with it.
			BARTHOLOMEW
		That’s debatable…
BARRIC chuckles and takes the sword from Gwendolyn and puts it back in the box, handing the box over to a servant.
			BARRIC
Okay okay, let’s put these away for now.
GWENDOLYN smiles blankly for a moment before BARRIC nudges her with his elbow.
			BARRIC
		Ehem.
			GWENDOLYN
OH! Uhm… thank you everyone for the presents! I love all of you!
GWENDOLYN looks up to see LUCAS and ROSABELLE enter the scene, holding a small white box.
			ROSABELLE
Don’t forget about us sweetie. Here, this is from your father and I.
GWENDOLYN smiles, taking the box.
GWENDOLYN (V.O.)
This is it! I’m finally going to get my own pet unicorn!
GWENDOLYN frowns, shaking the box.
			GWENDOLYN (V.O.)
Wait, how did they fit a unicorn inside here? maybe it’s a really tiny unicorn!
GWENDOLYN opens the box, to reveal a shiny white silk ribbon. GWENDOLYN GASPS, as a shine slides across the ribbon her reflection can be seen in it.
			ROSABELLE
I hope you like it, it’s made from the softest silk in Lumidenia.
GWENDOLYN picks up the ribbon, feeling it.
			GWENDOLYN
(In awe) It’s beautiful… but… is this it then? That’s all of my presents?
	ROSABELLE
Well… there are probably more gifts from the commoners but… Gwendolyn is something wrong?
	GWENDOLYN
Oh uhm no! I love it! I love my presents! Thank you so much mom!
GWENDOLYN hugs ROSABELLE, and then looks nervously to LUCAS.
			GWENDOLYN
		And uhm… thank you too, father.
LUCAS nods respectfully. ROSABELLE smiles.
			ROSABELLE
Well, come one then. Let’s not stay sitting cooped up in the castle. The fountain square has been cleared for you and the other children to play in. Doesn’t that sound fun?
			GWENDOLYN
		Yeah… it’ll be great…
FADE OUT
END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO
FADE IN
EXT. FOUNTAIN SQUARE – DAY
Several children are playing in the fountain square. Some are running around, others are sitting in a circle playing with dolls and stuffed animals. GWENDOLYN sits with them, sulking while the other children play.
			CHILD 1
Are you sure it’s okay that we have these? Aren’t they yours?
	GWENDOLYN
What? Oh, uhm yeah. Those are from last year. I get so many of toys that I usually end up just donating most of them away to kids in the lower circle anyway. Mom says it’s “good publicity”
	CHILD 1
Oh well… cool! You’re the best, princess!
BARRIC is watching from afar as LUCAS approaches him.
			LUCAS
		Are the children behaving themselves?


BARRIC
(laughs) You know I’m starting to think I really am just a royal babysitter.
LUCAS
Barric, when I appointed you to be Lyn’s royal protector, it was my deepest hope that you would only ever be a royal babysitter. But I wouldn’t have chosen you if I thought that was the case.
	BARRIC
(guilty) Hey… I know that. I was just kidding, you’re too serious sometimes, you know that?
	LUCAS
I’m the king. That’s my job. (pauses) Has Gwendolyn been sulking like that all day?
	BARRIC
Oh uh… yeah. I think she’s disappointed she didn’t get what she was hoping for her birthday. You know how kids are, she’ll be fine. I say just give her some space.
	LUCAS
(pausing in thought) Hmm… I’m going to go talk to her.
BARRIC looks surprised as LUCAS goes toward them.

BARRIC
		Oh uhm okay I don’t know if that’s a good-
LUCAS approaches the children, seeming large and imposing. The children all look nervous and GWENDOLYN quickly gets to her feet.
			GWENDOLYN
		Father!
			LUCAS
		Gwendolyn, may I speak with you for a moment?
			GWENDOLYN
		Oh uhm… of course!
GWENDOLYN follows LUCAS toward the tower as the children look around at each other in confusion.
FADE TO
EXT. CASTLE ROOF – DAY
			GWENDOLYN
So… what’s wrong father? Am I in trouble? Is that about the vase I broke this morning? Because that was an accident!
	LUCAS
(Laughing) No, you’re not in trouble. Barric tells me you’ve been feeling a little down. That you may have not gotten something you wanted for your birthday.
	GWENDOLYN
No… it’s dumb. I’m happy with what I got. That ribbon was pretty…
LUCAS gives GWENDOLYN a disbelieving look.
			GWENDOLYN
Okay well… maybe there was one thing… It’s just I really thought this was going to be the year I got my own pet unicorn. When I didn’t get it… I don’t know. I just really thought I would.
	LUCAS
Hmm… you’re right.
GWENDOLYN Looks at him confused
			LUCAS
		It is dumb.
GWENDOLYN looks guilty. LUCAS puts his hand on her shoulder
			LUCAS
But I understand. We all want things that we can’t have sometimes.
	GWENDOLYN
But… I got all those really good presents. I really I like them, I promise I do. So why do I still feel disappointed?
	LUCAS
It’s easy to miss the things we don’t have more than we appreciate what we do have. I would love to be able to give you everything you want, today and every day. But that’s not possible.
	GWENDOLYN
But… I mean… I get that I can’t always have what I want but… you’re the king. If you want something can’t you just make it happen?
	LUCAS
(Laughing) It’s easy to think so sometimes, but even the most powerful man in the world has his limits. Gwendolyn, unicorns are proud, fierce wild animals. Beautiful and majestic, but also dangerous. A wild animal doesn’t care for kings or queens. Sometimes not even people do. If you’re going to lead this kingdom one day, you have to understand your limits and accept what you can and can’t have or do. Do you understand?
	GWENDOLYN
Yeah. I think I do.
	LUCAS
Now, I do believe you have guests in the fountain square. Some of those children came from very far away to meet the princess. It would be rude not to give them your best attitude.
	GWENDOLYN
I guess I didn’t think about that… Thanks for talking to me… I’m sorry I was being so stupid.
	LUCAS
Of course. I may not always have time to spend with you, but I hope you know that I love you.
LUCAS hugs GWENDOLYN
			GWENDOLYN
		I know, dad.
LUCAS pulls away and begins to walk toward the stairs.
			LUCAS
		Come on, let’s not keep your people waiting.
			GWENDOLYN
Wait! Uhm.. first… can we grab that ribbon? I really want to try it on.
	LUCAS
(Laughing)
Of course, dear.
FADE TO
EXT. FOUNTAIN SQUARE – DAY
The children are crowded around GWENDOLYN, who is now wearing the white ribbon around her neck. She turns around giggling letting all of the children look at it.
			CHILD 1
		Cool!
			CHILD 2
		It’s so pretty!
			CHILD 3
		I want one!
GWENDOLYN basks in the attention
			GWENDOLYN
(giggling) You know, this really is better than some dumb unicorn. I’m going to wear it every day.
The camera cuts to a close up of GWENDOLYN’S ear, and a faint WHISPERING can be heard from off screen
			GWENDOLYN
		Huh? What was that?
The other children look confused.
CHILD 1
What was what?

GWENDOLYN looks around confused. The WHISPERING repeats. A subtle purple light swipes across GWENDOLYN’s eyes.
			GWENDOLYN
		Hey uhm, can you guys excuse me for just a moment?
GWENDOLYN turns around and leaves the group, sneaking out of sight and approaching the large hedge wall. She looks around nervously before stepping inside, slipping through to the other side. The WHISPERING grows louder
			GWENDOLYN
		(hushsed) H-hello? Is someone there?
GWENDOLYN follows the castle wall until she sees a small forest.  She looks around once again as she enters, the whispering growing louder.
			GWENDOLN
		HELLO? Barric is that you? Is this some kind of joke?
The WHISPERING gets louder and GWENDOLYN looks more nervous. She begins to run through the forest.
			GWENDOLYN
		Barric!? This isn’t funny you’re starting to freak me out!
The camera cuts to Gwendolyn’s foot snagging on a root growing in the ground. She trips and stumbles forward into a clearing. As she sits up, rubbing her head and looking down, a black hoof steps in front of her and a snort can be heard. Gwendolyn slowly looks up, wide eyed. The camera cuts to a wide shot showing GWENDOLYN in the clearing with a large, malnourished, black unicorn. The shape of its ribcage can be seen and its hair and mane are made of a dull dark purple fire. The two stare at each other for a long time as creepy music plays quietly.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT TWO


ACT THREE
FADE IN
EXT. FOREST CLEARING – day
GWENDOLYN and the black unicorn stare at each other. GWENDOLYN has a shocked expression
GWENDOLYN
		H-hello?
The unicorn does not move, it only continues to stare at her. Gwendolyn gets to her feet cautiously, slowly approaching the creature.
	GWENDOLYN
You’re… you’re not a normal unicorn… what are you?
GWENDOLYN reaches out her hand and the unicorn lowers its head, allowing her to pet it.
			GWENDOLYN
(giggling) Oh! You’re not so bad… Why do you look like that?
The unicorn lowers itself and motions with its head for GWENDOLYN to get on its back. GWENDOLYN looks at the unicorn excitedly


GWENDOLYN
		REALLY!? You want me to ride you?

GWENDOLYN climbs onto the unicorns back, and it stands up, causing GWENDOLYN to wobble and cling to his back
			GWENDOLYN
		Woah! E-easy!
The unicorn begins to slowly walk through the forest while Gwendolyn looks around.
			GWENDOLYN
		Where are we going?
The unicorn stops at a spot nearby the castle wall. The wall has a small hole at the bottom with a crack running up the side. The unicorn lowers itself to let GWENDOLYN off. She climbs off of its back, looking at the crack in the wall.
			GWENDOLYN
		Is… this what you wanted to show me?
The unicorn nudges her toward the crack with its muzzle. She nervously gets on her knees and reaches her arm into the hole in the wall, reaching around until she grabs something and pulls it out. It is a small wooden box, with a large purple jewel on the front. As she holds the box a shine swipes across the jewel.
			GWENDOLYN
		Wow… is this… a present?
GWENDOLYN looks back over her shoulder but the unicorn is gone. She looks around but sees nothing but trees. She turns back toward the box.
			GWENDOLYN
		Huh… I wonder what happens if I…
GWENDOLYN presses the tip of her finger against the jewel, and it glows brightly as purple sparks flutter out of it. The box begins to rumble and GWENDOLYN lets go of it. The box stays afloat in the air and quickly engulfs in purple flames. GWENDOLYN watches in awe as the flames dissipate and in place of the box remains a plush doll made to look like GWENDOLYN. Attached to its arm is a small strip of paper. The toy falls and GWENDOLYN catches it. She looks it over, and pulls the paper looking at it. Scrawled on the note says “Happy birthday, princess.”
			GWENDOLYN
		Happy, birthday princess… huh… okay then…
GWENDOLYN looks around, clearly unsure of what just happened or how to feel about it
			GWENDOLYN
		So… How do I get back to the fountain square?
She looks around before slowly walking out of the camera.
FADE TO
EXT. FOUNTAIN SQUARE – SUNSET
Barric and ROSABELLE are standing beside the fountain as GWENDOLYN climbs out of the hedges. The two spot her and rush over to her
			BARRIC
Gwendolyn! Where have you been!? You know better than to sneak off like that!
	GWENDOLYN
I’m sorry! I uhm… I saw a really cute bunny rabbit run into the hedges and I thought I could catch it! I… I guess I got lost?
BARRIC sighs and ROSEBELLE hugs GWENDOLYN
			GWENDOLYN
		Am… I in trouble?
BARRIC looks to ROSABELLE and then back to GWENDOLYN
			BARRIC
		No… just… don’t run off like that again okay?
			GWENDOLYN
		Okay Barric. It won’t happen again.
ROSABELLE
You know sweetie you ran off just before BARRIC had a chance to give you one last gift.
GWENDOLYN
Really?
BARRIC pulls a small blue orb from his pocket, handing it to GWENDOLYN
			BARRIC
Yeah well. I saw you were upset about not getting a unicorn so I decided to get something that might make up for it. I know it’s not the real thing, but I thought you’d like it.
GWENDOLYN looks closely at the blue orb. It appears to be hollow and filled with blue sand. Gwendolyn shakes the orb gently and the sand swirls into a cloud. The cloud dances around in the shape of unicorn inside the orb. GWENDOLYN gasps, staring at it and watching the unicorn prance around
			GWENDOLYN
		WOW BARRIC! It’s so pretty! I love it!
GWENDOLYN hugs BARRIC
			GWENDOLYN
		Thank you so much!
BARRIC pats GWENDOLYN’s back
			BARRIC
		Ah, don’t mention it.


ROSABELLE
Well now that that’s out of the way, I do believe supper should be done by about now. I had the chefs prepare a feast, all of your favorites, Gwendolyn.
GWENDOLYN’s stomach rumbles.
			GWENDOLYN
		That sounds great right about now.
BARRIC laughs and puts his hand on GWENDOLYN’s shoulder
			BARRIC
		Come on, let’s go get us something to eat.
The three of them walk towards the castle as the camera slowly pans up toward the tower.
FADE TO:
INT. CASTLE ROOM – NIGHT
LUCAS stands in a low-lit room looking out of a window at the city below. A FWOOSH of fire is heard off screen as the scene is briefly lit in purple. The camera pans to show LUCAS’s face and a man hidden in the shadows. Only his eyes are visible. LUCAS speaks without looking at the man.
			LUCAS
		Why can’t you just leave my family alone?

MYSTERIOUS MAN
		You can’t save her you know.
			LUCAS
		You can’t stop me from trying.
			MYSTERIOUS MAN
It’s been 11 years and you still haven’t accepted it. You’ve spent more time trying to save your family than you have spent with them. You have one year left Lucas. In one year from today you will lose everything. Will you spend that year trying to stop it, or will you actually make the most of your time?
	LUCAS
I will stop you.
	MYSTERIOUS MAN
Even the most powerful man in the world has his limits. Perhaps that’s a lesson you should take to heart yourself.
LUCAS’s lips curl into a snarl as he grabs a crystal ball on his desk and hurls it at the man. A quick SWOOSH of purple fire envelopes the man and he disappears as the crystal ball SHATTERS against the wall behind where his head was. LUCAS turns back toward to window, look up at the sky. There is a long pause before LUCAS speaks.

LUCAS
I promise Gwendolyn, you will be ready… (deep breath) You’ll have to be.
		FADE OUT
THE END