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.