Episode Transcript

SCENE 1 - PINGDAO FOREST, FUGONG

NARRATOR
In each world, there are a certain number of realms, each with their own specific set of laws. In most cases, the decency of the realm inhabitants keeps law and order running smoothly. There is an unspoken rule that each realm should keep to themselves. However, occasionally someone will challenge the order of things within their own realm and venture - beyond the realms.
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Episode 1 – Beyond the Western Mountains
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Fire Sorceress Su Lin sat on the wooden floor in the middle of her temple, taking in the fresh air and forcing her body to relax in tune with nature. The sun was just starting to rise above the thick, ancient forest ahead of her, casting a soft, orange glow into the large prayer room. The mild, humid breeze of the fresh autumn air blew gently through the open window as Su Lin took herself through a mental journey of her beloved Fugong.
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It was almost impossible to escape the wonder of the oriental countryside. Covered mainly in rich woodlands, it was the prefect place for anyone in tune with nature to get themselves lost in. At this time of the year, the leaves of the towering ginkgo trees were starting to change colour, creating a beautiful bright, golden yellow canopy over the lust green forest floor. Patches of bright, scented wild flowers sprawled across the grassy carpet were enough to brighten even the gloomiest of days. No matter where Su Lin was, the tips of the large snow capped mountains that lay to the West complimented the Pingdao forest with a stunning view. Amidst the clamming of various creatures that made up the symphony of the forest chorus, the melody of bulbul songbirds certain provided one with a pleasant overture.

FX: Forest ambience. Song bird.

SU LIN (VO)
Nature, I embrace you with an open heart. Connecting. Respecting. Honouring. The river. The trees. The animals. The earth. Forest, I thank you for your beauty. Forest, I thank you for ...

FX: Faint pounding of a heart. Deep breath.

SCENE 2 - TEMPLE

SU LIN (VO)
(sighs)
Open doors.

FX: Temple doors open. Messenger enters.

MESSENGER
Honourable mistress, the Sorcerers’ Court is requesting your immediate presence.

FX: Beat.

SU LIN
Dismissed.

FX: Messenger leaves. Su Lin takes a deep breath.

SU LIN
This session has ended.

NARRATOR
Outside on the branch of a tree sat a majestic Chinese Phoenix. She had a head of a light-green pheasant, the breast of a white duck, yellow crane legs and a beautiful long peacock tail. Su Lin stood at the open window, watching and listening in admiration for a few moments.

SU LIN
Yin!

YIN (VO)
Yes, Sorceress?

SU LIN
I have been summoned to the Sorcerers’ Court and will return as soon as I am able.

YIN (VO)
Acknowledged.

SCENE 3 - SORCERERS' COURT

SU LIN  
Respected Fire Elder Li Yang, your subject bows before you.

LI YANG
Sorceress Su Lin, I apologise for summoning you to the court this early in the morning. This is a very unusual situation.

SU LIN
What has happened? I was in the middle of my meditation session when you sent the messenger.

LI YANG
Kai Long has done the unthinkable. He burnt down the schoolhouse in Ning Xiang and surpassed the boundaries of Fugong some time late last night.

SU LIN
Which direction did he go?

LI YANG
Passed the Western mountains. You are the only fire sorceress who knows and can outmatch his magic. I implore you to consider accepting this quest.

SU LIN  
What do we know of the region beyond the Mountains?

LI YANG
I have no information as no one has ever ventured that far. I do not know what he will bring back on his return. If he does indeed return.

SU LIN
He will. There is no reason for Kai Long to leave without the need for return. I fear his adventures outside of Fugong will feed his ego.

LI YANG
Then you must pursue him and bring him back without haste. We cannot afford to have the region’s delicate balance thrown by such a youthful fire spirit. Especially this close to the Hungry Ghost Festival.

SU LIN
In that case, I shall take my leave as soon as I am able.

LI YANG
Inside this box, you will find five magical items from each element that will assist you in your quest. Use them wisely.