Lorelei and the Endless Winter

EXT. Prologue – Day

A modest farm in the countryside overlooking the mountains. A villager is tilling the earth and looks up to see our audience. Startled, he/she puts his/her tool down and wipes his/her hands. Eerily he/she recites:

VILLAGER

One year the Wicked Winter Witch

Decided to stop spring from making its switch.

And to make winter the only season on earth.

She hid the sun behind dark clouds, cursed.

And covered the earth in heavy snow.

One black Night when the villagers lay low.

In morning the people of a small mountain town

woke up and with houses buried in snow found

up to the roofs! They started digging tunnels!

From their own to their neighbors’ houses funneled

Gathered in a small group to decide what to do.

And finally decided to send a messenger unto

The highest mountain peak where the good wizard king

Lived in a palace of ice for he would start spring

Nobody was willing to go on such a dangerous trip.

Then a young orphan seized the moment into her grip.

Act One

SCENE 1

The Town of Tromfjord, Near the Mountains. Morning.

A small group of villagers are gathered together arguing loudly. Some are pointing towards the mountains. Others are complaining about their farms.

ORSON

He raises his arms in frustration.

Enough! Enough! Everybody, I have a solution!

Orson pauses to wait for everyone to be quiet.

Even though I am not as young as I used to be. I am ready to go to the highest mountain peak for my neighbors. I would walk to the good King Foucault’s Palace of ice and beg for his help.

He points to his body and looks sad.

Although, I am very afraid that I may be too old and too slow to get there on time. If only this frost had come twenty years ago!

The villagers are inspired by Orson but they share his feelings of sadness and look down to the floor.

LORELEI

Lorelei is the only one standing confidently in the group with her head held high. She steps forward to get the attention of everyone in the group.

I’m not afraid Grandfather! I have lived hard years before you let me live here, in this village, with you! My feet are strong! I’m healthy and fast. As fast as a mountain goat!

VILLAGER 1

Not you Lorelei! You are much too young and have no experience for such a difficult task. We would not ask you to take the risk!

VILLAGER 2

Lorelei, my pet, you don’t even have a warm coat, nor a hat and scarf. You don’t even have mittens made of wool! You are going to freeze to death!

LORELEI

She smiles a big, happy smile. The people’s doubts make her even more determined to go.

You are all SO very kind to me. I will not freeze. I have a warm heart. I am bursting with love for you all! You took me in when everyone kicked me out. You, who have loved me when I was all alone in the cold, hard world. Surely, the love I have for you will keep me warm and save me from the frost!

The women are weeping from her kind words. Orson looks to his granddaughter and nods in acceptance. Reluctantly he says…

ORSON

Go then, my child. I know your heart is as good as gold and I would put my trust in nothing more completely than in its warm beating.

VILLAGER 1

If you must go then please take this coat I had knitted for my son, I have put love in every stitch. He is too big for it now. You need to take it to shield you from the strongest winds.

The other villagers crowd around Lorelei. They all start handing her clothes she will need for the trek up the mountain.

VILLAGER 2

Take my hat!

VILLAGER 3

And take my scarf!

VILLAGER 4

And take my woolen socks and mittens!

VILLAGER 5

And my boots!

Orson and all the villagers exit stage right. Lorelei puts on some of the clothes and exits stage left with her head held high and full of strength.

SCENE 2

On the foothills of the great mountain. Early Afternoon.

Lorelei stops to rest and drink some water. She is resting in the middle of the stage. Nash starts singing “THE ANTS GO MARCHING” off stage and enters stage right. Upon entering the stage, he is startled to find Lorelei sitting on the path.

Nash is wearing beautiful winter clothes and a cape. He is arrogant and simple minded. He carries a sword and shield and a hat with huge feathers at the top.

NASH

Nash whistles loudly.

Hello there!

LORELEI

Lorelei spits out her water in surprise and turns around to see Nash.

Goodness, you scared me!

NASH

Nash looks disgusted. Then he smiles.

Oh, but what a beautiful girl! All alone, out here in the wild. I would love to help you, fair maiden, for nothing in return, of course, but I cannot stop.

Nash looks towards the mountain peak and points to it.

I must make haste for the mountain top. I am going to save the peasants from this bone-chilling avalanche! I am going to demand King Foucault bring back spring! Do you happen to know my name?

LORELEI

I’m sorry. I don’t think we’ve ever met. My name is...

NASH

I am Lord Nash Lipschitz, the Marquis of Damlund! You will do well to remember me. After today, my name will be famous throughout the land.

Nash looks up in the air at nothing as if he is imagining the future.

I can see it now, crowds of people throwing roses at my feet. All together they cherish me as I blow kisses. They start to chant! I can almost hear it... “Lord Lipschitz! Lord Lipschitz! Lord Lipschitz!”

LORELEI

Excuse me! Lipschitz!

Nash turns around in annoyance.

You are an utter buffoon. No matter…

Lorelei stands up and dusts herself. She puts away her water. Nash is shocked beyond disbelief.

I am Lorelei. And before you get ahead of yourself. I must tell you; I am going to go up that mountain to speak to the Good King myself. You don’t need to go to any trouble. It will be very dangerous from this point on. I suggest you turn around and head back to whatever hole you crawled out from.

NASH

HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME THIS WAY! PEASANT.

He says the word peasant as if he is tasting every letter.

You couldn’t be any more wrong! It is I who will advise YOU to turn around now and head back to whatever gutter you crawled out of! Ha! The nerve of these peasants! As I look at you, I see everything I need to see. You will have a dreadful time in those nasty, tattered frocks you’re wearing!

LORELEI

At least I don’t look like a shiny, bespeckled PEACOCK! Lip SCHITZ!

Lorelei pushes Nash out of the way and exits stage left with steel determination in her eyes. Nash looks towards the audience and makes a frustrated face. Then he turns and follows her off stage left.

ACT 2

SCENE 1

Lorelei and Nash find themselves walking together despite hating each other. They have quit speaking because the winds are strong and every step is difficult. They are knee deep in snow. They are walking from stage right to center stage. Once they get to center stage a huge roar is heard and they hold each other’s arms. They look at each other and let go because of embarrassment. Every word in this scene must be shouted to make it seem like they are in a loud storm.

NASH

What in heaven's name was that monstrous roar!

LORELEI

I don’t know! We are getting closer to the summit. Look there!

Lorelei points up stage left.

I can see the glittering ice of the mountain peak!

NASH

That’s not the peak! It’s moving! Quick run!

Nash runs to stage right and hides behind a rock. Lorelei stays in center stage and puffs out her chest.

THE WHIRLWINDS (SHAMROCK, SUNSET, and SORREL)

The Whirlwinds are wearing light blue clothes that are very wispy. They have an impression of being lightweight and airy. They are carrying fans and have crowns of leaves on their heads.

ALL SPEAK TOGETHER

Who dares trespass our home?

SHAMROCK

It’s a lone girl, sisters.

SORREL

Oh, it’s been a long time since we have seen humans.

SUNSET

Is it a human? It’s so small, it looks like a dwarf.

SHAMROCK

Bah! Whatever it is, it should not be here!

LORELEI

I am human, and what lovely fairies! Might I ask to pass? I am very sorry to disturb you. I am seeking the help of the Good King of the mountain. May I ask your names?

The whirlwind sisters look at each other as Lorelei speaks.

SORREL

Oh, storms forbid! She seeks the senile King. We cannot allow her to pass.

SUNSET

Pray not. She shall not pass sister. Not today.

SHAMROCK

Our names, she wants. Why, I am called Shamrock.

SUNSET

I am sunset.

SORREL

Why should I tell her anything!

Sorrel growls a frosty growl.

You will not live long to remember anyway. I am Sorrel.

ALL TOGETHER

We are the whirlwinds!

The three Whirlwinds strike a funny pose. Then they get serious again.

SUNSET

Are you alone? Traveler?

Sunset asks with an evil look in her eyes.

SHAMROCK

Of course, she is alone!

SORREL

Who else would be stupid enough to climb our mountain!

Nash looks towards the audience and mouths the word “stupid?”. He looks angry at the sister but he stays hidden. Lorelei takes one step closer and plants her feet.

LORELEI

I see you are not good fairies. Forget your permission. Move out of my way! I will not be stopped.

THE WHIRLWINDS

ALL TOGETHER

They laugh with very high-sounding laughter. It is like a screeching wind. Lorelei covers her ears.

SUNSET

Let’s be done with her!

SORREL

Blow at her sisters! Blow fiercely!

SHAMROCK

Blow hard enough to make her forget her destination. Blow her off the mountain!

The Whirlwind Fairies run around Lorelei in the middle of the stage. Lorelei huddles down with her winter coat. The fairies run around her a few times with hand fans. Lorelei’s hair is blowing. Finally, the fairies stop on stage right and they are panting. They look exhausted. One after another they fall to the ground gasping for breath.

SHAMROCK

By the frosts, she is a strong girl!

SUNSET

She has exhausted us and yet, look at her, she is not even shivering.

SORREL

What is this magic? No human has ever mastered us! I fear we can’t manage her ourselves.

SHAMROCK

Let us call the Blizzards for help!

THE WHIRLWINDS

ALL TOGETHER

Blizzards! Help!

The Whirlwind Fairies sit up from their laying positions on the ground. Three male fairies come from stage left. They are all wearing white. They also have wreaths on their heads but the leaves are white.

THE BLIZZARDS (ARROW, BARLEY, and ORYX)

ARROW

Well, what’s all this then! I hate it when you, pixies, call us! Oh, a little mountain dwarf! Is this all the fuss?

Arrow points down at Lorelei. She is still squatting on the floor trying to stay warm.

BARLEY

You’re telling me, brother mine, that this rattling welp gave our adorable little sisters such trouble?

ORYX

Oryx points to his sisters on the floor. They are looking tired and weary.

Barley, these adorable sisters look like a box of broken biscuits. More broken than adorable!

ARROW

And look now! The dwarf girl is standing back up. Impossible.

Arrow turns and looks at the Whirlwinds and back to Lorelei. Lorelei stands up straight and fixes her clothes. She looks at the Blizzards with a fire in her eyes.

LORELEI

Dwarf? Is that what you called me? Why, you’re no more than a couple of powdered puffs. Get out of my way!

BARLEY

She will pay for that! Time to clean this mess up brother's mine. Oryx, Arrow, let’s give this girl the old one, two!

ARROW

Too right!

The three blizzards rush towards Lorelei and lift her into the air. They pull her and push her around the stage. Lorelei holds her hat upon her head and closes her eyes. They softly let her down and back away to their sisters. They are left panting and out of breath. Tired.

ARROW

My winter! She is a strong one! We battered and froze her! We mangled and exposed her to the strongest winds and yet, look!

Lorelei stands up wearily. She is very cold but still she manages to stand. She looks around the stage then back at all the fairies huddled on the ground.

ORYX

How is she still standing! I know I froze those legs! She is a monster!

BARLEY

I think I speak for all of us here when I say… MOTHER!

Barley limps off stage left. The other Blizzards follow him. Oryx crawls off stage left. Sorrel and Sunset follow their brothers looking over their shoulders in amazement at Lorelei. Shamrock stands up and looks at Lorelei.

SHAMROCK

We’ll be back! You haven’t seen the last of us yet. I’m going to tell my mommy about you!

Shamrock sticks her tongue out at Lorelei and runs off stage left. Nash peaks out of his hiding spot and looks around to make sure the fairies are all gone. He stands up and brushes dust from his pants and shoulders. Lorelei turns to face him and takes one heavy footstep. She falls down with her face on the ground. She stops moving. She is absolutely exhausted.

NASH

Peasant! Stop joking around. Get up. We need to keep moving.

Nash is still looking over his shoulders from right to left to make sure no one else is coming.

Come now, peasant. P-e-a-s-a-n-t. This isn’t funny. Let’s go!

Finally, Nash looks down at Lorelei and realizes she is not conscious. He goes to her and then he turns her onto her back. He drags her off stage right. As he’s dragging her off the stage he looks to the audience and says.

NASH

Peasants, can’t live with them, can’t live without them. What’s a Lord to do?

SCENE 2

The three Whirlwinds and the three Blizzards are in center stage huddled around the Winter Witch. She is their mother. She is wearing a white witch’s hat. She has white hair and she has a long flowing dark blue dress. She is wearing opera gloves up past her elbows. She has a long staff. The scene opens with the fairies yelling to her complaining about Lorelei. She speaks slowly and very sure of herself.

WINTER WITCH

Children, be calm. Let the night air chill your tempers. I have heard your stories and there is no reason to worry.

She walks around the stage looking at each of the fairies.

I have told you time and time again. You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.

ORYX

But we don’t want flies Mom! We want that…

WINTER WITCH

Yes, yes, I know, little one. You are a simpleton Oryx. What I meant was that it is easier to get what you want by being positive, even polite, than by brute force. Children never listen to their mothers. They want to run right in without thinking about the consequences. What we need now, my babies, is a way to break the ice. Something that gives this little pest cold feet and I know just the thing. Let us be polite and kind and she will never suspect us of any evil thoughts.

All the fairies are nodding their heads and grinning with admiration for their mother. Off stage right, Nash and Lorelei can be heard walking closer.

Quick, little ones, go away and hide. Leave me here alone and make yourself scarce!

Mother Winter shoos the fairies away and they go hide behind a rock on stage left. Mother Winter is left in center stage leaning on her staff and covering her face. Lorelei is leaning on Nash for help. They walk on stage right. Nash sees the winter witch and he pulls Lorelei with him behind another hiding spot. However, Lorelei sees the witch from behind her hiding and boldly walks up to her. The witch then uncovers her face and looks at Lorelei. They stare at each other for 3 long seconds.

LORELEI

Am I dreaming? Is this some kind of miracle? This beautiful woman, she has the face of my mother! Oh, my dear mother. I hear her singing. It’s my lullaby!

WINTER WITCH

When the snow of winter meets the earth below

White painted fields rest in evening glow

From my lips I will sing you a sweet song

That you’re sleeping through the night ere long

In My arms darling you’ll be safe from cold

The warmth of love I’ll embrace and hold

By your side I will stay until you sail away

To my winter lullaby

Those powerful winds will blow through hills

And frost will bite with the winter chills

You will always have a place with me

And your dreams will be a calming sea

In my arms darlin you’ll be safe from cold

The warmth of love I’ll embrace and hold

By your side I will stay until you sail away

To my winter lullaby.

The Winter Witch keeps humming the song in the background as Lorelei says.

LORELEI

I just want to hear a little more. I will sit here for a while… I’m very near to the palace. I can rest just a bit.

Lorelei sits down and rests her head. She soon falls into a deep sleep. The Winter Witch notices that she is asleep and stops her singing. She goes up to Lorelei and kisses her on the head.

WINTER WITCH

Sleep, little girl. May you sleep forever!

The Witch leaves her there and runs off stage right. She passes Nash but does not notice his presence. Nash looks at her for a few seconds to make sure she is gone. Then he approaches Lorelei and feels her pulse. It starts to snow.

NASH

What a nasty witch! She has killed the girl! Poor girl! To look upon her face now, I do believe that I have been such a coward!

Nash kneels next to her now and lifts her head up to his lap. He looks up to the sky and asks

God above was I really such a coward! She was such an annoying peasant!

Nash looks back at Lorelei’s face and he starts to weep for her.

Why do these tears run down my cheeks? She was only a peasant. A brave, proud, compassionate peasant.

Nash lets Lorelei down gently and pulls all of her blankets and clothing from the villagers around her. Then he gets down and gives her a kiss on the forehead. He stands back up and as he looks down at her sleeping he says.

Get some rest, peasant… Lorelei. How mysterious love works to fall so fast after you have fallen! Sometimes love falls like lazy snowflakes in a private morning. Ah! Why did you make me love you!

Nash wipes his tears away and looks towards stage right where the Witch had departed earlier.

You will pay! You nasty, heartless witch! Nobody crosses Nash Lipschitz, Marquis of Damlund and gets away with it!

Nash runs off stage right for battle. Before the scene ends we can see Lorelei start to shiver in her blankets. She is not dead!

ACT 3

SCENE 1

The Winter Witch, The Blizzards, and The Whirlwinds are all in center stage relaxing as the Witch is boasting about her magic. They are talking about the comforts of being in endless winter.

ARROW

Mother, isn’t it so wonderful! We never have to return to the dungeon underneath King Foucault’s palace again!

ORYX

Beautiful.

SORREL

Don’t even mention it brother mine! I can’t even stand the thought!

BARLEY

Yes, but our mother really is brilliant! She has managed to entrance the king, bring about all this comfortable snow, and get rid of that little pest girl! Just brilliant.

ORYX

Brilliant.

In the background we can see Nash sneaking behind some boulders or frozen bushes. He is quiet and nobody has noticed him. He has a knife in his teeth and his shield in his left hand. In his right hand is his glinting sword.

SUNSET

Don’t you think more humans will try to see the King, mother? Bigger, stronger humans maybe?

ORYX

Stronger.

SHAMROCK

Of course not, right mother? They are all weak and lazy! Am I right, mother? They will probably all move away! It’s easier to do. Right, Mother?

WINTER WITCH

Oh HUSH UP Shamrock! Sunset, you have a point my dear. They may try sending some formidable men before they give up. After all, one tiny orphan girl isn’t even trying, now is it? Ha ha!

All of the fairies start laughing with the Winter Witch. The Whirlwinds laughter is high pitched. The Blizzard's laughter sounds like a storm and the Winter Witch sounds coldest of all. In that moment Nash throws a pebble towards stage left. The sound of the Pebble startles all the fairies. The winter witch looks towards the audience and squints her eyes as if she is trying to see something far away. She calmly says.

Who is out there?

A long silence for maybe 3 to 5 seconds. Then Nash leaps out from behind his hiding place. He goes directly for the Winter Witch. Just as he is about to land a killing blow on her head she lifts her staff and catches the sword with it. The rest of the battle can be worked out by the director. The fairies can either all be killed or run away. However the Winter Witch must be killed and Nash must be wounded but able to stand and continue with the story.

Nash is standing above the Witch. He is hunched over. His hat has been knocked off of his head. His shield is lying on the floor. He pulls the sword from the Witch and stumbles back breathing heavily.

NASH

There… Avenged… Lorelei…

His left arm is limp. He stumbles back again and drops to sit and rest against a boulder. He catches his breath. He looks up to the sky as he thinks he is dying.

Too much has been lost. For what good may come? I feel a new chill. The chill of death? Look there, at the stars, so cold and so far. Are they laughing at the coward? The yellowed-belly that has done all when not a single thing has significance anymore? They mock me with their light. Mock away, stars, and Farewell to your comedy!

Lorelei walks slowly from stage left onto the stage. Nash does not see her. She does not move but says.

LORELEI

You really are an utter buffoon. Lipschitz.

NASH

I can hear her voice now. I must have crossed over into death.

LORELEI

Open your eyes, you blockhead!

NASH

What?

Nash opens his eyes and looks at Lorelei who is staring at him with a sly smile. He looks like he has seen a ghost. Lorelei is not very observant yet.

NASH

A ghost!

LORELEI

Oh shut up. What has happened here? I woke up and heard…

Now Lorelei sees the Witch Queen laying in the middle of the stage.

Mother! Oh my god!

Lorelei rushes over to the Witch Queen. She is still thawing out from being frozen. She now crashes onto the floor like a vase, she seemed to shatter.

Oh, sweet heavens! Don’t take her from me again. Not again.

Lorelei cries uncontrollably.

NASH

Peas..er I mean, Lorelei, she was not your mother.

LORELEI

What do you know?! *sniff* You don’t even know me!

NASH

I saw her! She changed Lorelei! I’m sure she had deceived you! I’m sure!

LORELEI

No! I don’t believe you! You killed my mother!

Nash looks as though he has been stabbed. He speaks in a lower tone now.

NASH

I would never kill your mother. You’re right, Lorelei, I don’t know you but I think I, I think I.. Love you. And I am certain that the Witch was not your mother.

LORELEI

Ha ha love? I don’t know what to believe anymore. I miss my home. I miss grandpa.

NASH

Lori, I have a solution. Look, we can go and find the King. He is wise and powerful. He knows everything that happens in our Kingdom. We can ask him.

LORELEI

Ask him what?

NASH

We can ask if that Witch really was your mother. How does that sound?

Lorelei thinks for a while and then stands up with determination. She walks over to Nash and sticks out her hand for him to take. He drops his sword and takes her hand into his. She helps to lift him up.

LORELEI

You’re not dying by the way. I think it smells like cranberry juice. Were you carrying cranberry juice? Moron.

They limp off together stage left. Off stage you can hear Nash.

NASH

That’s Lord Nash Lipschitz, Marquis of Damlund!

SCENE 2

Lorelei and Nash are now standing in front of King Foucault. He is sleeping upon his throne. The King is wearing a long red and gold robe. He has a golden crown on his head. He has a long white beard and a whistle around his neck. I don’t know how to arrange this setting to make it most effective for the audience.

LORELEI

This is King Foucault? Is it true that he is over a thousand years old? Honestly, he looks a little bit like Grandfather.

NASH

He looks like a beggar in a velvet costume if you ask me. I could make that throne look much better.

LORELEI

You would make it drain of all its beauty. This man, he sleeps so peacefully, almost like life has no problems. Who is he?

NASH

How do we wake him up?

LORELEI

I know how I would love to wake up. With a smile.

Lorelei plucks a feather from Nash’s costume and walks up to the King. She gently tickles his nose a few times and the King wakes up. His voice is ancient, deep, and growling.

NASH

Rise and shine!

KING FOUCAULT

Put that mouse down! Huh? What?

The king looks around. He takes a big breath.

Ah, it was but a dream.

The King slowly rises to his feet and starts stretching. He stretches in a very modern way for comedic effect. He looks at the table next to his throne and finds his glasses. He puts them on.

And who might you two be?

Lorelei bows before him on one knee.

LORELEI

I am no one, sire, just a village girl. My name is Lorelei. I have traveled from the village of Tromfjord to seek your help.

NASH

I am Lord Nash Lipschitz, Marquis of Danlund, your HUMBLE servant. I have bravely escorted this peasant to meet you sire. May you help us?

KING FOUCAULT

Well, of course I will help such brave and humble folks like yourselves. But, help me first please. What is it that has disturbed you enough to seek me out in person?

LORELEI

Winter, my lord. It has stayed far too long. We are desperate for food and warmth.

NASH

Yeah! Also, some wicked witch and her minions…

KING FOUCAULT

Just a moment.

The king reaches for his whistle and blows it. Within seconds a group of knights and attendants (extras) come into the hall. Some are carrying the body of the Winter Witch on a tarp. All of the attendants and knights line up, surrounding the king and stop at attention.

I now see the whole picture. No need to explain. The fog has cleared from my mind. I owe you all a deep and heartfelt apology. Once, long ago, the Winter Witch and I were the best of friends. For many years I gifted her power and she would work to bring the winter every year during its rightful season. However, over the past few years she has shown signs of malice towards my knights and friends. I had to lock her up last year for conspiring against me and now. Now she has tried to achieve her own freedom through revenge. It depresses me very much to see what has happened to her in the end. Now, I will mend all that she has broken. Clear the skies of wind and snow! Harken the sun for shine and sow! Clear the cold and winter crisp! Bring out the roses and all the tulips!

The king blows once again on his magic whistle. Outside the ice instantly begins to melt. Birds start to chirp in glee and sounds of bees and other insects can be heard.

You look to have suffered much for your troubles. Please, if I have anything that you may desire of me, but say the word!

NASH

Oh! I want gold! Gold! Sweet Gold. Er. Your highness. Please.

KING FOUCAULT

Ha, how genuine! Granted! Please, Mr. Dubois, fetch One Hundred gold coins for the Marquis of Damland. And for you my dear, Lorelei, what does your heart desire?

LORELEI

I have been told, sire, that you are wise and have knowledge of all things that go on in this Kingdom. Is it true?

KING FOUCAULT

Absolutely! I may not be the wisest, but I have wisdom. With the help of the sorcery within this ice palace, yes, I have all knowledge of every blade of grass and spec of sand.

LORELEI

Then I would just ask one question. Please tell me. Am I the daughter of the Winter Witch? Did she have any human children, my lord?

KING FOUCAULT

You have a family now, Lorelei and a very warm home. Do you really wish to know the truth? Do you not desire anything else in my power to give you?

LORELEI

I must know sire.

The king takes an unusual amount of time to answer this question. He looks to Nash and back to Lorelei.

KING FOUCAULT

And what will you do with the answer? She is gone now and it is of no consequence since you have lived so long without her and now she is gone forever?

LORELEI

Then she is my mother! You’re all but saying it!

The king must answer this next line in anger.

KING FOUCAULT

No! Although the Winter Witch had many children. No, you are not her child. I will say no more on the matter and encourage you to enjoy your life. You have achieved something great in coming to me for help, but you already own something greater within yourself that I could never give. The warmest heart of gold of all the Kingdom. Rejoice and be glad!

The king blows his whistle a final time and music is played inside the palace as the lights fade out and the play ends.

EPILOGUE

The same farmer from the Prologue comes back out. He picks up his tool again and before he starts going back to work he says.

The path back down was effortless

Nash to Lorelei then made progress

His heart did change from arrogance

And gave his riches disinheritance

The village welcomed the orphan home

With feasts and joy and honeycomb

They lived long lives in solitude

The King above, always in gratitude