2 minute read
Inspiration
MARIA: We will.
THE JUDGE: How so? With your own mouth, did you not say that there was nowhere to go past this very line?
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MARIA: They may find us, but it will be worth it if you return to me. To the north of here lies a forest. It is rumored to be cursed, yet it is filled with life. When you are done here, you must find me.
THE JUDGE: And how will I know where to find you?
MARIA: I will build a fire. MARIA takes the hands of THE JUDGE in hers .I will build a fire, I will shed this life, and we will stoke the fire to create a home for us. Promise me you will seek me out.
THE JUDGE, pressing his lips to her hand: All that you ask of me, I hold myself to from this moment on. Wait for me, will you?
MARIA: When the stars have been long extinguished, there will still be a fire waiting for you.
With wetness on her cheeks, MARIA can no longer bear seeing THE JUDGE in her line of sight. Saddled atop their horses, they linger in the silence. Not a single thing is guaranteed for either of them.
THE JUDGE: We have burnt enough time as it stands. Go, before any suspicions are aroused. I must return to the town. Pray not for my return, but for my success in clearing away any remnants of our business in the town. I understand that you are to fashion for yourself a new identity, but it will be in our best interest to deter the town from giving chase.
MARIA: You will convince them of my innocence?
THE JUDGE: They are to be convinced of your death. As of now, you are dead, murdered by my own hands in the name of justice.
MARIA: To think death to be an option most viable…
THE JUDGE: “‘Til death do us part.”
MARIA: Part of wedding vows, yes? But why - Oh, you cunning fox. Tears of sorrow are turned into tears of laughter. Their hands are intertwined all the while. The laughter dissipates quickly after. I believe we both have places to be... I will wait for you.
THE JUDGE: In the forest?
MARIA: In the forest.
MARIA and THE JUDGE separate their hands as their horses place distance between the two of them. They look at one another once more. THE JUDGE forces himself to turn away, and exits stage right. MARIA draws a deep breath, and exits stage left.
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