Convergence
Written: 2007
Created by Julie Ruffell and Trish Ellis
Writing © Julie Ruffell 2007.
"Convergence" © Julie Ruffell and Trish Ellis 2007
Description: The walls separating worlds of humans and the magickal creatures of myth, the Unus'Pri, begin to fail, causing a convergence of the two worlds and war. The six-part promo introduces some of the leading characters of the series and tells the story of the beginning of first human/Unus'Pri war.
"Unus Past" - promo issue 2
Council hall. The present. Sem'Queul is seated in the chair of Zere'El.
Caption: Council Hall.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
I was exiled, but I would not repent. I was convinced that I was right, that the humans could be taught to live among the Unus'Pri. I was determined that if I stuck to my convictions, my mother would eventually see what I saw. I knew it would not happen in Atlan's lifetime, not in the lifetime of his children, but what is a human life span to a dragon?
Caption: Atlantis. Over 4,000 years ago.
The kingdom of Atlantis, even more impressive than how it appeared in issue #1.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
So I returned to Atlantis. Though I had more friends among the humans, especially Atlan, it does not mean I was not lonely.
Sem'Queul is perched on a tower at Latrel's castle. Atlan joins her.
ATLAN
Is there anything I can do for you, Sem'Queul?
She doesn't look at him.
SEM'QUEUL
Make sure your children honour our agreement. My exile will seem long in human terms, but if your songs leads as you do, eventually my mother will see reason.
ATLAN
We have been friends for many years. I do not mean to speak ill of your mother, but, my friend, she is a bigot. The chances of her changing in my lifetime are slim. You belong with your people, Sem'Queul. I release you from any oath sworn to me.
Sem'Queul looks at him now.
SEM'QUEUL
I knew I was right about you.
She stands. His words snapped her out of her funk and reminded her of her purpose and her goal.
SEM'QUEUL
I made my decision, Atlan, and I stand by it. Besides, to leave you now would make you a target. Your people have advanced beyond any other human colony, but you do not have technology to defend yourself.
ATLAN
My people would fight to keep our kingdom. What they can do many surprise you.
SEM'QUEUL
I have no doubt they would fight nobody, but I should not wish to see them have to do so. Besides, what kind of leader would I be to give up now?
ATLAN
I do not want you to suffer on behalf of my kingdom.
SEM'QUEUL
I do not suffer. I am among friends.
A young messenger runs up to Atlan, nearly out of breath.
MESSENGER
Sire! The queen has gone into labour!
Atlan looks at Sem'Queul.
ATLAN
And you are about to have one more.
Atlan paces a hall in the castle outside a closed door. Sem'Queul looks in from a window.
SEM'QUEUL
You will wear a groove into the stone with all your pacing.
ATLAN
I cannot help it. Why must childbirth be so long? I have waiting here since the moon stood in the same place the night before.
SEM'QUEUL
Atlan's birth was at least as long. Revmer spoiled you with a quick delivery. Even from the womb he sought to please his father.
Atlan smiles.
ATLAN
They are good sons.
Sem'Queul returns his grin.
SEM'QUEUL
They are indeed. But, my friend, the delivery of life is not an easy task. It is wise for men to learn patience. You have, after all, only the easy task of waiting.
ATLAN
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Indeed you are right. Mevel has cursed my name at the birth of every child. I am sure this case will be no different.
SEM'QUEUL
Perhaps there is progress.
Sem'Queul looks from one window into another. A large room. On the bed is Mevel, woman all around her.
MIDWIFE
Push, your highness. I see the head!
MEVEL
I am pushing, you wretched banshee! I swear I will have Atlan flogged!
Sem'Queul smiles and looks back in on Atlan.
SEM'QUEUL
The time is nearly at hand. And Mevel is planning your flogging to occur shortly thereafter.
ATLAN
The real strength of my kingdom lies behind that door.
SEM'QUEUL
I fear for any stupid enough to oppose her.
Sem'Queul looks back in on Mevel.
MEVEL
Uuugh! Forget the flogging. I'm having him drawn and quartered!
The baby is born.
MIDWIFE
You have a daughter, my lady.
Mevel is exhausted and falls back on the bed.
MEVEL
Fetch that useless husband of mine.
The baby is placed in her arms and the midwife leaves. Mevel looks down at her daughter.
MEVEL
And that won't be the last grief you will cause me, will it?
SEM'QUEUL
Not if she's her mother's daughter.
Mevel looks to Sem'Queul.
MEVEL
I suppose the fault will be my own.
Atlan enters and moves to Mevel's side. He leans in to kiss her but she holds a hand in his face.
MEVEL
You cannot possibly believe I want you near me now.
Atlan smiles and touches his daughter's head.
ATLAN
As lovely as her mother.
MEVEL
Flattery will not help your cause.
He kisses her forehead and sits next to her.
ATLAN
Might I be forgiven in light of the miracle produced?
MEVEL
If you produced the miracle, there would be nothing to forgive. So if you want any more miracles, you had better figure out a way to make that happen.
SEM'QUEUL
I shall take my leave of you two.
They stop their loving bickering and look at Sem'Queul, seriously.
ATLAN
Wait one moment if you would, Sem'Queul. You are like a second mother to our children. Your friendship means everything to Mevel and myself. We had long planned a name should we have a daughter. We would ask your permission to name her Sem.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
Of all he could have said to me, it was the least expected.
SEM'QUEUL
Words are insufficient to describe the honour.
MEVEL
My bastard of a husband and my sons owe much to your wisdom and your teachings. We are honoured daily by your friendship.
SEM'QUEUL
You have far more than my blessing. I will leave you now to share your first family moments.
Sem'Queul flies off.
Sem'Queul flies.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
It seemed strange to me to be so accepted by humans when my own mother had cast me out. Atlan had begun as a project. I could not put a claw on when he and his family had become my own.
It both warmed and chilled me at the same time. Were humans in fact more tolerant and accepting than the Unus'Pri claimed to be if given the chance? If the Atlanteans continued to embrace me, would I ever be able to go home again?
I flew all night, to the Cliffs of Ganel. Whenever I wish time to myself, time to analyze, I visit the Cliffs of Ganel.
Sem'Queul flies over the Cliffs of Ganel. They are a series of mountain ranges with peaks so high they are completely obscured from the ground by clouds. They are full of deep ravines, wisps of clouds moving through the ravines and around the peaks. The land is rich with growth. The sun sparkles off of lakes and rivers. It looks like a paradise.
Sem'Queul swoops down into a deep ravine.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
I had discovered a private location among the ravines of the cliffs long ago.
Sem'Queul lands on an outcropping that overlooks a peaceful looking valley. Everything about it looks welcoming.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
There is not a place on all of Earth more serene. I have never encountered another Unus'Pri there. It is a place just for me.
From behind Sem'Queul.
GEV'MA
Sem'Queul.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
I knew his voice. Even if I had not, I would have known it was him, for he along knew of my secret place - the only one I had ever shown.
Sem'Queul turns and looks down to see Gev'Ma, a male dragon.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
We had known each other since shortly after we hatched. There was never one I trusted, or loved, more than Gev'Ma. To see him there, clearly waiting for me filled my heart with gratitude. By being there, I knew he had not turned from me.
GEV'MA
I was starting to think fate was truly against us and I would never find you here.
SEM'QUEUL
It means much to me that you are here.
GEV'MA
Your mother may have exiled you, but often our parents are less accepting than our friends.
He smiles at her as she flies down from the outcropping to stand in front of her. They nuzzle their cheeks together - the dragon equivalent of a kiss.
SEM'QUEUL
I have missed you.
GEV'MA
No less than I you. I only wish I could convince you to renounce the humans so that you can come home and we can be together.
SEM'QUEUL
Gev'Ma...
GEV'MA
I said I wish. I did not say I would try. I have known you nearly all your life. I knew someday you would make a stand such as this. You have always been headstrong...and stubborn.
Sem'Queul offers him a sad smile, tears in her eyes.
GEV'MA
What is it, la'shen*?
[*La'shen - a dragon term of endearment like "Beloved" or "My love".]
SEM'QUEUL
Would you come with me to Atlantis?
GEV'MA
We both know that if I did, you would only incur greater wrath from your mother. She exiled you, hoping you would be miserable and return. If she believes you are 'corrupting' others, she will never welcome you home. Just because we are unable to stand by your side, do not think you are alone in this.
SEM'QUEUL
I suppose I must continue to face my exile with grace.
GEV'MA
With grace, la'shen, but no longer alone. I sought you here so that we could still be together. Here, in this place, our oasis, what occurs beyond does not matter.
SEM'QUEUL
I cannot abandon Atlantis.
GEV'MA
I do not ask you to. Join me here on every fully moon until you can return to the Unus'Pri. For a day and a night we can be, without ignoring our obligations.
She nuzzles his cheek with hers again.
SEM'QUEUL
Then I accept. It will do my heart well to see you every full moon, la'shen.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
Visiting with Gev'Ma always renewed my strength. Our visits allowed me to return to Atlantis, with my heart light.
Atlan's throne room. The two knights from the first issue are there with him. A large window in the room allows Sem'Queul to stick her head inside.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
I continued to advise Atlan and live in Atlantis.
Scenes with Sem'Queul and Sem as she grows.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
I spent a lot of time with Sem. My namesake seemed taken with me when she first saw me. Once she was able to walk, she would try to follow me everywhere. Mevel often left her in my care rather than that of her handmaidens or teachers. I could teach her much more anyway.
I sensed in Sem a strong tie to magick. So while I educated her on the Unus'Pri and history, I also taught her how to tap into magick. She was unlike any human I had taught before. And as she grew older, she grew more powerful.
Sem and I grew very close, even more so that I and Atlan. She was like my shen'sha. We were rarely outside of each other's company.
Sem and Sem'Queul. Sem is a fiery young woman. She has her mother's wit and temper and a complete lack of interest in being royalty. She's highly skilled in both magick and weaponry and is very much a tomboy. She's seventeen.
Sem is flopped on a bale of hay outside of a barn. Sem'Queul is lying down beside her.
SEM
Father brought yet another stuffy Prince to meet me.
SEM'QUEUL
Did he leave as fast as the others?
Sem breaks into a large, evil smile.
SEM
Faster.
SEM'QUEUL
Hmm. You know, my young princess, one day you will need to meet the responsibilities of your title.
SEM
And marry some man I barely know to "create or strengthen the union between our two kingdoms," I know. But I do not want to be a queen, Sem'Queul. I feel like there is something greater I was born for.
SEM'QUEUL
Time will tell.
SEM
Mostly queens are seen, not heard...with the exception of my mother. But my father is far more enlightened than other royal men. I feel the princes my father keeps inviting would try to restrain me.
SEM'QUEUL
As you have said, your father is enlightened. He will not marry you off without your approval.
SEM
Good, for I much rather stay in Atlantis with you.
SEM'QUEUL
And were it a different day, I would be thankful for the company.
Sem'Queul stands.
SEM'QUEUL
But, for now, I must take my leave of you, highness.
Sem scrambles to her feet.
SEM
You always leave the day of the full moon. Where do you go, Sem'Queul?
Sem'Queul gives her a knowing smile.
SEM'QUEUL
You may not be ready for a companion, but on the night of the full moon, I meet with mine.
SEM
You have a beloved?
SEM'QUEUL
Yes, I have a la'shen.
SEM
So now you'll fly off and tell me nothing about him?
SEM'QUEUL
He is my la'shen. Nothing more needs to be said of him.
Sem'Queul flies off and Sem looks after her. Sem smiles for Sem'Queul.
Sem'Queul and Gev'Ma in the moonlight in their oasis among the cliffs of Ganel.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
I settled into my life in Atlantis. I had a family and I had my la'shen. My life was not so different than it was before my exile. The faces were different, but I was welcomed. I was loved.
Atlan's throne room. Atlan is looking at a map, his face worried. Though he is in his fifties, he still looks like a strong and capable warrior. The two knights from issue #1 are at his side, as are Mevel, Sem and his sons, Atlan IX and Etus. Sem'Queul's head is coming into the room from a large window, her long neck allowing her to `reach' inside and be able to see the map the humans are all gathered around.
KNIGHT #1
Here, sire. Kalen has stationed an army, five thousand strong and heavily armed.
Atlan frowns.
ATLAN
A threatening gesture, but even without Sem'Queul this army is not large enough to breach our defenses.
KNIGHT #2
The citizens in Lampra and Domere are outside our main walls and have requested we deal with Kalen's army. They are...nervous, sire.
MEVEL
As well they should be. Kalen cannot threaten you, Atlan, but you killed his father. He's not the sort of king to care about sending men to die to upset our kingdom. He should be dealt with.
Atlan IX places his hand on his sword hilt.
ATLAN IX
Send me, father. I will take an army of twenty thousand and run Kalen back to Treknor!
ATLAN
He will not be scared behind his walls. A show of force will only result in conflict and a loss of life. Kalen is a poor king. I knew it would only be a matter of time before he made a move on Atlantis. He's been gathering allies all these years using their fear of the Unus'Pri. For that reason, Sem'Queul, I will not send you to deal with Kalen either. It would only gather him more support.
ETUS
We cannot do nothing, father.
SEM
If I may?
They all look at her.
ATLAN
A spark of interest in running the kingdom at last, Sem. I welcome your input.
SEM
Send me.
ATLAN IX
You? And how would you deal with Kalen, sister?
MEVEL
Hold your tongue and hear her out, Atlan.
SEM
He will not see me as a threat.
ATLAN
He is narrow minded for sure. He will see you as a prize or as something to use against me. I will not send you into danger.
SEM'QUEUL
Sem is less at risk than any of you. Though her sword skills are mediocre, her skills in magick surpass any human sorcerers I have seen, and, in fact, many Unus'Pri as well. Kalen will not view her as one who can threaten him, of this you are right, and if he tries anything, she has the skills she needs to escape, no matter how big or strong his army.
ATLAN
I do not like the idea of sending her alone.
SEM'QUEUL
I will go with her.
ATLAN
My friend, to send you would start a war.
SEM'QUEUL
Kalen will be unaware of my presence. He will see only a hand maiden.
The humans all look confused.
ETUS
We do not follow you, Sem'Queul.
SEM'QUEUL
It will be clear when I show you.
ATLAN
Very well. Sem'Queul and Sem will confront Kalen. Atlan, take five thousand soldiers to Kempt. It's less than a day's ride from Domere. Kalen will be unable to detect the army movement behind our walls. Etus, send messengers to Domere and Lampra to reassure the citizens. If there's any sign of danger, they should immediately evacuate to Kempt.
Sem, do everything you can to resolve this matter with Kalen peacefully. But, if he attacks, capture him if you can, kill him if you must, but do not allow his escape.
Sem and Mevel stand beside two horses. Atlan, Atlan IX, Etus and the knights stand behind them with Sem'Queul.
MEVEL
You do me proud. I did not think you would ever take an interest in royal duties.
SEM
This is the first time a royal duty has been interesting enough.
MEVEL
You are my daughter in so many ways.
They smile and hug each other.
ATLAN
And you, Sem'Queul, are you going to surprise me today?
SEM'QUEUL
I hope so. I will admit I have not cast this spell before. There are very few dragons who know it. Sem, hold out your hand.
Sem does so and Sem'Queul pricks her finer with her claw. Sem'Queul holds her hand up, looking at the small dot of Sem's blood on her claw.
SEM'QUEUL
Frel maten, jat merel, en'asha. A'shante.
Sem'Queul licks the blood from her claw. She closes her eyes, in deep concentration.
SEM'QUEUL
Frel maten, jat merel, en'asha. A'shante. Frel maten, jat merel, en'asha. A'shante.
Sem'Queul begins to shrink. The humans are astonished.
SEM'QUEUL
Frel maten, jat merel, en'asha. A'shante. Frel maten, jat merel, en'asha. A'shante.
Sem'Queul's body and features being to change as she shrinks, taking on human form. She continues to chant until she is fully human. She looks like an older hand maiden, about Mevel's age. The humans are stunned speechless. Sem'Queul is tired.
SEM'QUEUL
My mother always warned me that this spell took a lot of magick. I never imagined. To maintain this form takes nearly all of my concentration.
MEVEL
By the gods.
SEM
That has to be the most fantastic thing I have seen in my life.
ATLAN
I will have to second that. Sem'Queul, are you...safe in this form?
SEM'QUEUL
While in human form, I am at risk to human weapons.
ETUS
If Kalen realizes who she is, he will kill them both.
SEM'QUEUL
He will be none the wiser. And should he pose a threat, I will return to my true form and be in no danger.
Atlan cautiously reaches out and sets his hand on Sem'Queul's shoulder. He looks into her eyes, which are still Sem'Queul's.
ATLAN
It seems strange to be able to look you in the eye.
SEM'QUEUL
Not nearly as strange as it is for me.
ATLAN
Go with the grace of the gods.
Sem'Queul bows her head and she and Sem mount the horses and ride off.
Sem and Sem'Queul riding.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
Holding human form was draining. I worried about how long I could hold it. To take such a small form, one must fight the body's impulse to return to its correct size.
Caption: Kalen's camp.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
It was unnerving to enter the camp. Suddenly, the human weapons which had never been threatening seemed to be turned on me, menacing. In the human form, those simple steel sticks could kill me - a dragon.
Sem and Sem'Queul's horses are led to Kalen's tent by two soldiers, one the captain. Kalen's army has a Viking appearance - they are all large and bearded. The captain steps inside the tent for a moment.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
There were so many humans. I knew I could never retake my dragon form before one of them slew me. Everything rested on Sem's diplomatic skills.
The captain steps out of the tent and stands aside. Kalen steps out. He looks cocky.
KALEN
Princess Sem. I'd have expected your father's pet dragon to rain flames down upon us.
SEM
My father is a peaceful man, your highness. He has sent me in the hopes that the peace our kingdoms have enjoyed all these years can be maintained.
KALEN
Our kingdoms have never been at peace, Princess. Atlan has enjoyed the protection of a dragon since he killed my father. An attack on Atlantis would be suicide for me.
SEM
You are correct in that respect, so, as we both know you are not here to siege Atlantis, King Kalen, what are your intensions at our border?
KALEN
Why do you think I am here, Princess?
SEM
I think you are here to dare my father to send Sem'Queul to deal with you. And then, when she did, you would gather further support from those kingdoms fearful of the Unus'Pri. You think that with a big enough army you can overwhelm our defenses, dragon or no. I can tell you that you have failed to provoke my father. If you want a war, you will have to start it.
Kalen sneers.
KALEN
And what if I simply took you?
Sem leans forward, her eyes daring him.
SEM
I welcome you to try.
KALEN
I like you, Sem, despite the fact you are named for filth. Perhaps peace can be reached for our kingdoms if you return with me to Treknor as my queen.
SEM
Now you are delusional. I expected more of you, Kalen, then poor attempts to intimidate me.
Kalen gives her a wicked smile.
KALEN
If not you, what else would Atlan have to offer me to make peace worth my efforts?
SEM
You have your allies have been trying to drive the Unus'Pri from your lands. I am sure such a battle is costing you much, both in wealth and soldiers.
KALEN
You would be correct to assume that.
SEM
Our dragon protector Sem'Queul is daughter to Zere'El, leader of the Unus'Pri. She can resettle the Unus'Pri outside of your borders. As well, a peace accord with Atlantis can be a treaty with the Unus'Pri. Sem'Queul's advice would be open to you as well.
KALEN
I don't want peace with the Unus'Pri. I want them wiped out.
SEM
A wise king would know what a war with the Unus'Pri will only result in the destruction of his kingdom. A peace accord with Atlantis will remove the Unus'Pri from your lands peacefully, which will prevent their wrath.
Kalen thinks.
SEM'QUEUL (v.o.)
I did not expect him to agree. I could only hope that he would allow us to leave so I could return in my true form to deal with him.
KALEN
Very well, Princess. I will meet with Atlan to discuss terms for me signing a treaty. I will send a gift back with you to show that my intentions are sincere. While it is prepared, would you join me for a meal?
Sem dismounts and Sem'Queul does the same. Sem bows.
SEM
I would be honoured, your highness.
Kalen motions to the captain who moves off. Kalen, Sem and Sem'Queul enter the tent.
Atlantis. The gates open and Sem leads in a large, decorated, royal, war wagon. In it is a massive and well decorated chest. Sem'Queul, once more in her true form, walks along at her side. Atlan IX rides beside the wagon. The five thousand soldiers march behind, Atlan, Mevel and Etus wait for them, beaming. Sem dismounts the wagon and Atlan embraces her.
ATLAN
I have never been more proud of you.
Atlan looks at several servants.
ATLAN
Have the chest brought to my throne room. I am most curious as to what Kalen has sent. When will he be coming to Atlantis to discuss the treaty?
SEM
He said he would send a messenger in a few days.
ATLAN
Very good. To be able to finally have a treaty with Treknor after so many years of conflict does honour to my father.
Atlan claps his son, Atlan IX, on the shoulder as he joins them.
ATLAN
And you had no faith in your sister.
ATLAN IX
There's still an army out our border.
Atlan ignores him and looks to Sem'Queul.
ATLAN
And my thanks you to as always, my friend. Join us in the throne room to see Kalen's gift.
Throne room. Atlan, Mevel, Atlan IX, Etus, the knights and Sem'Queul are present. Eight servants carry the chest into the throne room and set it down. The royals gather around it as the servants lift the heavy lid. The royals recoil from the smell that rises from the chest without seeing inside.
ATLAN
That smell!
MEVEL
It smells like something dead.
ATLAN IX
I told you it was too soon to rejoice!
Sem'Queul sees inside the chest before the royals.
SEM'QUEUL
RRRRRRAAAAWWWWW!!!!
The royals turn, startled. They cover their mouths and peer into the chest. Zere'El's head is inside.
SEM'QUEUL
MOTHER!!!!!
TO BE CONTINUED...
