Summary: Your father, the king, is deathly ill. After all your attempts to save him have failed, you are left with only one option–you must seek out the dark sorcerer, long ago exiled from the kingdom, and hope that he has a cure. But, even if he agrees to help…what will it cost you?

Usage:

• OK to record & monetize, as long as you give me credit! I would love to listen to the recording when it’s done.
  
• Gender-flipping and small tweaks are okay, but no large edits are permitted.
• Feel free to use music or insert sound effects if you’d like. Any sound effects given are suggestions–use at your discretion.
• Please let me know if you have any questions!

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Well, well…what an unexpected surprise. It’s not often I have guests here in these forsaken halls. Step forward, my dear. Come into the light, and let me get a better look at you.

My…that’s quite the cloak you’ve got there. What is your name?

The Listener shares their name.

(Softly) I see. A lovely name, indeed. So lyrical, like music on the tongue. It almost sounds familiar…have I heard it somewhere before?

The Listener suddenly speaks up, asking the sorcerer their name in turn.

Who am I? \chuckle** I am the Sorcerer [insert VA's name here]. It is a pleasure to meet you, my dear. Now…what could bring a delicate little thing like yourself out into these desolate wastes? Are you an adventurer, perhaps? Here to slay the evil sorcerer in exchange for gold and glory? (teasing the Listener) Or perhaps you wish to learn my secrets, hmm? Is that it, my dear? You just can’t resist the allure of my forbidden magic? You can’t help but hear those sweet, scintillating whispers, as the darkness calls to you?

The Listener vehemently denies it, anger on their face.

Such a withering look! Now, now, my dear; I only jest. There’s no need to get angry…(whispers)...though I do like a fiery spirit.

The Listener bravely plows on, saying that they need the sorcerer’s help.

You need my help? (Intrigued, sly) Oh, my; that is interesting. What could be so important that you would be willing to brave the dangers of this wasteland? What could you desire badly enough that it would lead you to seek out the sorcerer whose name is feared throughout the entire kingdom?…

The Listener says that they need a cure.

Hmm? A cure, you say?

The Listener explains their situation: their father is terribly ill with an unknown malady, and all attempts to heal him have failed.

Ah, I see. Your father is terribly ill, and none of the kingdom’s healers have been able to help him. He’s not long for this world, they say…so, in desperation, you’ve come to me. You seek my aid in curing him of this unknown malady; is that it?

The Listener nods.

\chuckle** Well, fear not, my dear. I know a way to cure your father. (Softly) However…you can’t get something for nothing, I’m afraid. There will be a cost.

The Listener asks what they would want in exchange.

What do I want?...Well, for starters, how about you tell me who you really are?

The Listener freezes. They try to protest, but the Sorcerer sees right through their facade.

Come, now, my dear; let's not play games. Why don’t you lower your hood, and let me see your face?...You can try to lie, but your voice is shaking like a leaf. Don’t be afraid, my dear. Lower your hood. I must know who you really are if I am to help you.

Reluctantly, the Listener lowers their hood, revealing their face—the face of royalty.

(Triumphantly) Ah, yes…just as I thought. Good day, Your Highness. What an honor to have royalty under my roof.

The Listener asks how the sorcerer knew about the Listener’s true identity.

…How did I know? Oh, don’t look so surprised, my dear. I knew it was you the moment you stepped into my halls. Let me look at you properly…

(softly, the most genuine he’s been so far) My…how lovely you are. Your eyes, as bright as the first stars of evening…your face, like Spring’s first flower…even the scratches on your cheeks can’t diminish your radiance. I take it that my Crimson Creepers put up a fight? It must have taken a lot of courage, to simply stand there and bear the pain. Most people would have fought back on instinct…only to end up having the life choked out of them, the thorny tendrils wrapped around their throats. You are brave, on top of everything else…it’s no wonder you’re the jewel of the kingdom.

But, back to business. Let me see…ah, yes.

The Sorcerer holds up a vial.

Here is the cure, my dear. This potion will cure any malady, no matter how severe. Hmm?...Why yes, it is made using “dark magic.” Would you expect anything else from me, the exiled Sorcerer of legend? \laughs** But, I assure you, the potion will do nothing but good. One sip, and your father will be himself again, just as healthy as he was, if not more so. However…I will require something else in return.

What’s that, you ask? (Grinning, malicious) I want…a promise. Yes, a promise. At some point, my dear, I will come and find you, to name my price. And when I do, you must promise to give it to me, no matter what it is. Well? Do we have a deal?...

The Listener hesitates.

You’re trembling, my dear. Are you afraid? It’s your choice, Highness. If you wish, you can turn and walk right out that door. But decide quickly–my patience is limited, as is your beloved father’s time. That’s right–while you stand here idly, his life is bleeding away, like sand in an hourglass. Well? What will it–?

The Listener suddenly snatches the potion.

–Oh! \chuckle** Well, then, I suppose that’s that. Very good…

The Listener backs away, saying that their business is done.

Yes; I suppose that means our business is done. Good luck, my dear. A pleasure to assist you…I am sure we’ll meet again, before long.