ACT I
SCENE I
EXT. ICE CASTLE - MIDNIGHT, DAY BEFORE PITCH
A tense and nervous DAWN FROST has trouble sleeping. She makes her way to the ICE CASTLE to talk to the WOLVES OF WINTER. PINE sees her at the GATES.
DAWN FROST
(calling to PINE)
Hello, Pine. I know it's late, but could you let me in please? I'd like to talk to my friends.
PINE
(enthusiastically)
Certainly! Everyone is here, however we didn't expect company.
PINE opens the GATES and escorts DAWN FROST to the THRONE ROOM.
(contemplative)
I'm surprised you're awake this late. Is everything alright?
DAWN FROST
(sighing)
Well, you see, I'm pitching my musical later today. You know, the whole show! I hope that everything works out alright. I'm nervous and want to make a good impression.
PINE
(with understanding)
Ah, I see. Queen Ivy knows all about being nervous and how to work through it. Follow me!
PINE opens the DOOR to the THRONE ROOM and announces DAWN's arrival to QUEEN IVY. The Queen smiles and opens her arms in a welcoming gesture.
QUEEN IVY
(warmly)
Welcome, Dawn. Ever since you finished the musical, we haven't seen you in a while. What seems to be the trouble?
DAWN FROST
(explaining)
I'm going to pitch The Wolves of Winter later today and am nervous about it. (sheepish) I was having trouble sleeping...
QUEEN IVY smiles at her confession, but then quirks an eyebrow as confusion sets in.
QUEEN IVY
(confused)
You're going to...pitch something? Like, throw it across the room? *face palm* You of all people should know not to treat The Wolves of Winter like some sort of game.
DAWN FROST
(laughing)
No, no. I mean I'm going to promote it to other people. I want to make them interested in it. Inspired, even!
QUEEN IVY
(with sincerity)
I would say just try your best. Even if you don't succeed, I'm sure there will be a way for you to share it with others. If I was able to turn my whole life around, then you can most certainly reach your goal. (gestures around the room with one hand) Let's see what everyone else has to say.
DAWN FROST hadn't noticed the other guests around her since she was so focused on QUEEN IVY. ONYX, ROSE, ARCADIO, ELVERA, and of course IVY's husband HAWTHORNE are among them. DAWN FROST takes a deep breath and listens to them intently.
ONYX
(lowering the hood of his cloak)
I would tell you to face your challenges head on, no matter how daunting they may seem.
ROSE
(stern, yet polite)
Be sure to remember to think about other people. You don't want to neglect their feelings with your own personal projects, even if you are passionate about them. Don't lose sight of that, please.
KING HAWTHORNE
(smiling sympathetically)
I, of course, would agree with my wife. Focus on the things that are within your power to change. Once you master this, you'll be able accomplish anything you set your mind to.
ARCADIO
(scratching his chin)
You want advice from the Royal Advisor, hmm? Well, I suppose I can oblige. (flipping his cape with a dramatic flair) I recommend you find a magic silver staff to make all your problems disappear!
DAWN FROST laughs at this, but then her expression turns mixed.
DAWN FROST
(with a bittersweet undertone)
There's no magic where I come from, Arcadio. Thanks, anyway.
DAWN FROST apprehensively turns to face ELVERA, who's been gazing out the CASTLE WINDOW as if keeping watch.
(stuttering nervously)
A-And you, Elvera?
ELVERA slowly turns to face her creator with a knowing smirk, her hands neatly folded in front of her.
ELVERA
(cold and simple)
Gaze in the mirror and reflect. Do this, and you shall understand yourself as clear as ice.
DAWN FROST nods solemnly and turns to thank her friends.
DAWN FROST
(sincerely)
Thank you all for your help and advice. I appreciate it. I feel far more confident now and will be ready to share my work with the world.
The cast of THE WOLVES OF WINTER smile and wave goodbye to DAWN as she turns to travel back home to get a restful sleep.
The stage lights fade to black.
