<unnamed>

Currently unnamed, just wanted to see what you guys think. Set in Rome.

Lights up on the lavishly decorated roman bedroom of MARCIUS and CALPURNIA. There is a large bed to the side of the room and a dressing table on the other. CALPURNIA is a striking lady of around 30 years. She is not fully clothed and can be seen sitting at the dresser and brushing her hair as she looks in the mirror. MARCIUS is a burly and bearded man of around 40. He begins speaking as he is putting on his sandals and sitting on a large bed.

MARCIUS: My dear, I have news. My brother and I have been called to the council chambers on urgent business. There is a fearsome beast besetting the people of Corsica.

CALPURNIA [still brushing her hair and looking at the mirror]: How ghastly.

[CALPURNIA doesn't seem to be listening but MARCIUS goes on oblivious to her lack of interest.]

MARCIUS: A monster such as this is sure to be -

CALPURNIA: Of course darling. Now fetch me the broach on the table over there. [although the broach is only a few meters away from her he finishes tying his sandals and collects it from across the room] Thank you. Now go on dear.

MARCIUS[he is entranced as he watches her]: I... Oh, yes. Now Calpurnia my love, If I am to leave for Corsica you must not worry. For I am sure to return home soon. You must not dwell on the danger and -

CALPURNIA[continues to brush]: I'm sure you'll be fine dear.

MARCIUS: Of course. I just want you to know that although the task I am sure to be set will be perilous and life threatening -

CALPURNIA: I fear not for your safety my dear. You are so strong and.. [she searches for the words] Bold.

MARCIUS[glowing with pride]: Your compliments fill me joy my love. Blessed am I by as wonderful a wife as you!

CALPURNIA: Indeed. Now, you must be off. You do not want to be late.

MARCIUS[approaching her]: A kiss for luck?

CALPURNIA: Very well. [he kisses her on the cheek] Now go. You cannot keep the council waiting. Bring me back something nice.

MARCIUS[bowing]: Of course my love. Farewell.


[MARCIUS exits. Lights down on the bedroom and lights up on the council chambers. There is a raised bench with the four council members seated behind it. MINICIUS is at least seven feet tall and is standing in front of the bench with a blank look on his face. He is not wearing a shirt and has two large swords strapped to his back. MARCIUS enters and stands next to his brother. Now that he is not around his wife, he holds himself differently. No longer under her spell he both fierce and stubborn.]


COUNCIL MEMBER 1: You are late Marcius.

MARCIUS[obviously irritated at being spoken too like this]: I am sorry your worship. My home is quite a ways from these chambers.

COUNCIL MEMBER 2: Of course. [flashes a disapproving glance at COUNCIL MEMBER 1] Now Marcius, as you may or may not know, we have need of you and your brother. Corsica has been ravaged by a terrible monster and -

MARCIUS: We accept.

[MINICIUS frowns before nudging him in the side. For all his largeness he almost pushes MARCIUS over.]

MARCIUS[irritated and whispering]: What is it?

[When MINICIUS talks it is with the drawl of the less intelligent]

MINICIUS[slightly embarrassed]: I err.. well, shouldn't we find out what it is first? I mean you know I have a thing with..

MARCIUS: Alright, alright. [addressing the council] We would inquire as to what kind of monster we are to be facing.

COUNCIL MEMBER 2: I see.. One moment please.

[the council members whisper among themselves for a moment before turning back to MARCIUS]

COUNCIL MEMBER 2: It is a lizard.

MARCIUS: A lizard?

COUNCIL MEMBER 2: Yes, a lizard.

COUNCIL MEMBER 3[smiling]: A big lizard.

COUNCIL MEMBER 2: Oh yes, a very big lizard.

COUNCIL MEMBER 3: With fangs!

COUNCIL MEMBER 2[rolling his eyes]: Yes, a big lizard with fangs.

MARCIUS: I see.. Now, do we have transport to Corsica?

COUNCIL MEMBER 2: Yes, of course. There is a ship waiting in the docks for you.

MARCIUS: All right then. I guess we'll be off.

COUNCIL MEMBER 2: Just a moment Marcius. [addressing COUNCIL MEMBER 4] Is he here?

COUNCIL MEMBER 4: He's waiting outside.

COUNCIL MEMBER 2: All right, bring him in.

[COUNCIL MEMBER 4 steps down from his place at the bench and moves off stage for a moment. He then re-enters with LUCRETIUS who is dressed entirely in green and a large feathered hat. He looks unhappy at being left outside.]

LUCRETIUS: Well it's about time. I still don't see why I had to sit on the blasted concrete for half an hour.

COUNCIL MEMBER 2[irritated]: For the last time Lucretius you cannot be here during council deliberations.

LUCRETIUS: A chair would have been nice though!

COUNCIL MEMBER 2: That's enough. [addressing MARCIUS] Marcius, meet your council appointed minstrel.

MARCIUS: No way. I refuse to bring this.. Buffoon, with me.

LUCRETIUS: Buffoon! That's mental harassment, that is. You'll be hearing from my lawyer.

COUNCIL MEMBER 2: Thats enough Lucretius. Marcius, this is council regulations now. All quests, missions, hunts and searches require administrative approval and must include a council appointed minstrel.

MARCIUS: This is outrageous!

MINICIUS: I don't know brother, he does have a very nice hat.

LUCRETIUS: Why thank you friend. May I add that your swords are looking wonderfully pointy.

MARCIUS: You can't be serious..

to be continued. Sorry for no italics but it's too much effort to go through with tags.