Tarragon: Key Keeper

EXT. BLAUCCI CITY - DAY
Moving over a view of a sprawling city in early summer, the
CAMERA FINDS a busy train station and skims overhead before
moving upward to take in the large mountain range.
EXT. DRAKONII MOUNTAIN RANGE
Moving towards the mountains, CAMERA FOLLOWS a winding road
up the canyon.
EXT. BMW BUS - TRAVELING
The CAMERA FINDs and FOLLOWS an old BMW Bus chugging up the
mountain highway. Two passengers are visible, along with a
various luggage. The CAMERA MOVES through the glass.
INT. BMW BUS - TRAVELING
ANWEN PORTER, 17, sits, a leather satchel to one side. Next
to her is TYLER DURAND, 18, asleep, leaning against the
window.
Anwen fidgets, pulls a dog-eared, handwritten diary from her
bag, turns to the middle.
GRANDMOTHER (V.O.)
I look forward to seeing the Drakonii
Mountains once more. Therein sits
the ancient city of Tarragon. We
Porters were once the Keepers of
this place. It is my hope that we
will eventually return. It is our
destiny.
Closing her eyes, Anwen shuts the book, deep in thought.
She opens her eyes, looks out the window.
There is a change in scenery. Unsure, she pulls out a map.
Tyler reaches across and points at a spot on the map.
TYLER
I believe we're about here.
Anwen is flustered, looks at where he points.
ANWEN
I think you're right.
She looks up, stares into his eyes, blushes and looks away.
ANWEN (CONT'D)
Sorry. I didn't mean to stare.
2.
He smiles.
TYLER
It's fine. I get that reaction a lot
from those who don't know me.
He offers his hand, which she hesitantly shakes weakly.
TYLER (CONT'D)
Allow me to introduce myself. I'm
Tyler Durand. And you are?
ANWEN
Anwen, Anwen Porter. Do you come
this way often?
She winces and Tyler laughs in amusement.
TYLER
Something like that. What about
yourself? Do you-- Come this way
often?
Out the window, the bus visibly crests a low hill as Anwen
shakes her head, hair falling to conceal her embarrassment.
ANWEN
No, it's my first time. I guess you
could say I'm trying to connect with
my roots.
TYLER
Ah yes. Trees must establish firm
roots if they are to grow. Visiting
such roots only tends to strengthen
them. Especially if one is willing
to overcome the adversities of
reconnecting with those roots.
Anwen blinks in confusion and clutches at the diary.
ANWEN
Do you always talk in riddles?
TYLER
Only to those who intrigue me.
ANWEN
Oh.
Tyler shifts to better observe her, arms folded.
3.
TYLER
You're definitely not from around
here. But you have a familiar feeling
of 'belonging' that I like. Few
tourists have that.
Anwen puts the map and diary away.
ANWEN
I bet you say that to all the girls.
TYLER
To be honest, you're the first who's
made me feel that way.
He looks troubled.
ANWEN
That's not a bad thing, is it?
TYLER
No. But if I were you, I'd catch a
nap while you can. You might not get
another chance before reaching the
village. After all, tonight is a
festival night.
Tyler pretends to sleep. Holding her bag close, Anwen lets
herself doze off.
INT. BMW BUS - TRAVELING - AFTERNOON
The small bus stops with a jerk and Anwen almost falls out
of her seat. She braces herself, clutching her bag. She
looks around, disoriented, relaxes seeing Tyler smiling.
TYLER
Good morning, sleepy head. Thought
I'd have to wake you. Wouldn't want
you to miss what's around the next
bend.
ANWEN
What's up ahead?
TYLER
Only our final destination, the
Village of Lindwyrm.
He points ahead where the road winds behind a large rock.
The vehicle chugs forward, slower. Anwen peers ahead in
anticipation. The bus rounds the bend, revealing the first
few houses of the fairy-tale village.
4.
EXT. VILLAGE OF LINDWYRM
There are houses of brick and stone, with brightly-colored
roofs. Many have climbing vines and latticed windows.
INT. BMW BUS - TRAVELING - CONTINUOUS
Anwen stares out the window as they travel down the main
street, passing quaint shops and buildings.
TYLER
That one is City Hall.
Tyler points out the brick building, near an open lawn where
people are setting up tables and chairs.
TYLER (CONT'D)
The festivities start there, then
move down to that grassy area. Looks
like they've already started setting
up the picnic tables and chairs.
There is a wooden stage, and a line of tables at one end.
ANWEN
Must be some celebration.
The bus continues past the lawn as Tyler nods.
TYLER
The first full moon of summer is a
big deal to the locals. They call it
the Dragon Moon. So this is the Dragon
Moon Festival.
She rolls her eyes.
ANWEN
Because these are the Drakonii
Mountains and Drakonii means dragon,
right?
TYLER
Exactly. Legend says this is where
the first dragon entered the mortal
world. So, you could say it's almost
like celebrating the name day of
these mountains and this village.
ANWEN
The first dragon? Yeah right.
5.
TYLER
That's how the legend goes. As for
myself, the only dragons I've seen
are these mountains and the boats
they'll float down the river later
on tonight.
The bus pulls up alongside a curb, the engine idling.
DRIVER
Last stop!
EXT. VILLAGE OF LINDWYRM
The driver gets out and opens the side door. He begins
unloading the baggage.
Anwen exits the vehicle, struggles with her suitcase. She
notices Tyler helping unload.
ANWEN
(With dismay)
Don't tell me you live here.
Tyler lifts a box but turns at her question.
TYLER
Just think of me as the delivery
boy. That's close enough to truth.
He gives a roguish grin and heads to a small store, pauses
to point across the street at a two-story building.
TYLER (CONT'D)
Hotel's that way, by the by.
Tyler continues into the store. Finished unloading, the
driver waves from the front seat and drives off.
Heaving a sigh, Anwen readjusted her luggage and crosses the
street. She reaches the other side and, with an effort,
lugs her baggage up the stone stairs. A gargoyle leers at
her from a window.
Anwen takes a step back as the gargoyle momentarily looks
alive. She laughs at herself and pushes the door open.
INT. DRIDI INN LOBBY
Anwen enters the inn. A small bell jingles over the doorway.
MADAME MILLARD, 50s, enters from a back room.
MADAME MILLARD (O.S.)
Welcome! Let me help you with that.
6.
Millard grabs the bag and sets it next to the front desk.
MADAME MILLARD (CONT'D)
Name's Millard.
She moves quickly to the other side of the desk.
MADAME MILLARD (CONT'D)
Madame Millard. Do you have a
reservation?
Anwen hesitates.
ANWEN'S MOTHER (V.O.)
Remember, never tell anyone your
real name while you're there.
ANWEN
Uh, reservation. Under Anna Post.
Madame Millard looks through the reservation book.
MADAME MILLARD
Post. Post. Ah. Here we are.
Millard turns the book to Anwen and points to the listing.
MADAME MILLARD (CONT'D)
Sign here, please.
Anwen scribbles a signature.
Millard takes the book back and scrutinizes the scribble.
MADAME MILLARD (CONT'D)
Looks like all is in order. I believe
you paid at time of booking.
Millard takes a key from the wall behind her.
MADAME MILLARD (CONT'D)
We'll put you in number three, just
up the stairs and to the right. Best
I carry up this for you. I doubt a
scrawny thing like you can lift it.
Anwen tries to protest but Millard grabs the suitcase and
heads towards the stairs. Anwen follows.
INT. DRIDI INN TOP FLOOR
Anwen arrives at the top of the stairs as Madame Millard
opens a , number three, and enters. The hallway is plain,
with dull carpet.
7.
INT. ROOM NUMBER THREE- MOMENTS LATER
There is a bed, a nightstand with an old lamp and alarm clock,
a small dresser, a desk, and a small closet near the bathroom.
Millard puts the suitcase on the bed. Anwen follows her in.
MADAME MILLARD
There, now. It's a nice room with a
decent view of the river.
Millard opens the window to show a small river outside.
MADAME MILLARD (CONT'D)
Dragon boats'll float down there
later tonight. Lucky time to visit,
during the Dragon Festival that is.
ANWEN
Thanks. I hear it's really something.
MADAME MILLARD
Meals are included, served up regular
between eight and ten, noon to two,
and five to seven. Miss them and
you're fending for yourself. You'll
be charged extra if any turn up
missing or marked up at the end of
your stay.
Anwen drops her satchel into the bed, nods woodenly
ANWEN
Okay.
Millard looks around the room before moving to the door.
MADAME MILLARD
We hope you enjoy your stay at the
Dridi Inn and the Village of Lindwyrm.
Millard leaves the room, closing the door behind her
Anwen sighs in relief. After locking the door, she unpacks,
takes out the diary and map, then removes a jewelry box.
She removes a dragon pendant from the box, puts it on, and
admires in the mirror. She has a second necklace with a
silver ring on it, which she pulls out from under her shirt.
A knock comes at the door and she quickly tucks the necklaces
under her shirt, covers the jewelry box, answers the door.
8.
ANWEN
Madame Millard, surely anything else
can wait until later--
Tyler stands in the doorway. Anwen steps back, blushing.
TYLER
Hey there.
He holds out a small bouquet of wild flowers.
TYLER (CONT'D)
Thought you might enjoy some of the
local fair. It's not as impressive
as having the lovely Madame gracing
your door but I hope it'll do.
Shocked, Anwen accepts the flowers.
ANWEN
How did you find me?
Tyler chuckles. Anwen lets Tyler in, closes the door, heads
to the bed, flustered.
TYLER
Hard not to. I was a little surprised
to discover you'd used an alias to
make your reservation though. Unless
Anna Post is your real name.
ANWEN
Um, no. Sorry. My name really is
Anwen but no one's supposed to know,
so please don't tell anyone.
TYLER
I suppose I can keep it a secret. On
one condition.
Anwen groans.
ANWEN
What is it?
TYLER
Attend the Dragon Moon Festival with
me and I won't tell a soul in the
village who you really are.
ANWEN
You want me to go to the festival
with you? Like on a date?
9.
TYLER
If you prefer to call it that.
ANWEN
I have a strict rule against dating
guys I don't know.
TYLER
I have a feeling we'll be getting to
know each other a bit more before
you leave.
ANWEN
That's not likely to happen.
TYLER
Oh, but it is. You see, you signed
up for a guided tour to the old ruins.
Well, I'm the guide.
ANWEN
Wait. You're what?
TYLER
I'm one of the few people here who
know how to get there. Most of the
older villagers keep clear. But
there are a few brave souls, like
yourself, who wish to venture there.
And so, I come along as the handy
guide.
ANWEN
Guess I can't say no then, can I?
TYLER
You could, but then I'd tell everyone
your real name, and we both know you
don't want that.
ANWEN
Well, if I'm going out with you to
this festival, I'm going to need to
clean up and change. So, if you don't
mind--
She bodily escorts him to the door.
ANWEN (CONT'D)
You need to get out so I can.
Tyler shows only token resistance but leaves. Anwen closes
the door and locks it from her side.
10.
INT. DRIDI INN LOBBY
Tyler exits the stairs and heads to a small couch, where he
sits with a magazine, pretending to read. He is amused.
INT. DRIDI INN LOBBY - EVENING
Anwen enters, in different clothes. Tyler goes to meet her.
TYLER
No bad.
Anwen is flustered.
ANWEN
So... When does this festival of
yours start?
Taking her hand, Tyler moves to the front door.
TYLER
Right now, actually. So, if you don't
want to miss all the fun, I suggest
you try to keep up.
EXT. VILLAGE OF LINDWYRM
Anwen follows Tyler down the stairs and across the street to
the lawn. He leads her to the long tables, now filled with
food and exotic looking flowers. Low stairs lead to the
wooden stage. There is a large crowd gathered.
Tyler pulls her to one side as a group of teens bustle by,
then leads her to a seat near the stage.
TYLER
The dragon parade should come from
over there any minute now.
He points towards a group of trees.
Anwen takes a seat and turns, gasps in surprise as a long
EASTERN DRAGON appears. The sharp sound of BEATING DRUMS
sounds as the dragon snakes closer. Around two-dozen men
hold up the body with long poles.
The carriers weave between the guests, tables, and chairs.
They bounce the dragon in time to the drums.
People carrying smaller dragon puppets join the parade.
Brightly costumed performers beat sticks and dance.
More people move to find seats while children join the
procession, carrying streamers.