Pt. 1 here

Pt. 2 here

Pt. 3 (chapter 1) here 

Pt. 4 here

Newton (1853)

​

Author’s note: This script is entirely optional if you don’t have anyone to collab with! If you choose to skip this one, it won’t have any effect on part 6 (the final part), except missing out on some Val poetry and a little more backstory :D 

I sincerely apologise for the messy pronoun selection in Newt's/Nora's part, but I didn't know how else to solve it. I hope it's somewhat readable!

For the girls: The names will have to be adapted. ‘Newton’ mentioned in this script becomes ‘Nova’!

​

~1.900 words (around 600 for the second speaker)/ 15-20 mins Audio

​

Usage: Everything goes, as long as you give credit! Adjust wording, change stuff, improvise, add or remove scenes, make it nsfw if you want. For any questions, feel free to ask! Have fun :D

Monetization/paywall is ok, but I’d appreciate being sent a free copy! 

Sfx optional but it enhances the experience, if you have access.

​

Setting: Fancy front porch during late afternoon. Then; luxurious living room, including a couch and dinner/coffee table, as well as a door to the kitchen and porch, respectively (can obviously be out of view) 

​

sometimes I use … for very short pauses (easier to read)

[these are for sfx, vocal cues, actions or other remarks] 

italics are for emphasising a word

— — —

[vocal note: Newt speaks rather slowly, and with a straight face. Calm, almost monotone. Not sassy or cocky, just gentle, quiet and collected. A bit mysterious almost? Tired? Definitely intellectual.]

[sfx: soft brief knock on door, door gently opens]

​

Ah, you arrived safely, my Dear!

It feels so good to see you again.

Radiant as ever. 

…

Please, come in and make yourself at home.

​

[sfx: door gently closes after listener has entered]

​

May I take your coat?

…

Have a look around, my Dear. 

I can show you the rest of the house later, if you would like. 

…

I hope the ride went smoothly. 

Were you treated well by the driver? 

I asked them to provide you with a comforting beverage and music you enjoy. 

​

[short pause] 

​

[slightly smiling:] Good. 

Of course, I would never send an untrustworthy person to pick you up. 

But it still relieves me to hear they have been kind and respectful towards you. 

​

[short pause]

​

[quiet/thoughtful?, a little embarrassed]

I must admit…

You have been on my mind constantly, since our vacation by the castle. 

I wanted to invite you here much earlier, but I thought you might need some time to settle again. 

The festivity and following week were rather exciting, after all. 

…

I must say; I thoroughly enjoyed the days after the masquerade. 

Getting to spend time with you, doing whatever we pleased.

…

The gentle sun on our skin, and beautiful view of the beach…

The restaurants by the coast were quite delightful, were they not? 

[dreamy:] Having candlelit dinners whilst watching the waves… 

The wonderful reflections of the setting sun, colouring the scene ever so magically…

…

It was rather difficult not to miss you, after we parted again. 

Considering how frequently we have been messaging lately, I have a feeling you might agree? 

[small chuckle]

…

[suddenly remembering:]

Ah, about that-

I did mention we would be getting company today, correct?

An old friend of mine was not able to attend the masquerade this year. 

I wanted to introduce you two in a comfortable setting…

So I thought some afternoon tea might be the perfect occasion. 

​

[short pause]

​

[relieved sigh] Good. 

I was a bit worried I forgot.

But I know many prefer not to be surprised by strangers in their vicinity. 

Especially in entirely new surroundings…

…

Though, you seem to be feeling quite homely already. 

[relieved:]

It joys me to see that, my Dear.

Knowing you do not fear my presence…

That despite everything I have said, you still feel safe and comfortable by my side.

…

I must say, the more I get to know you, the easier it is for me to control myself around you…

Realising you are more than merely your blood, more than just a pretty face…

​

[short pause]

​

These words must sound barbaric to you, my Dear…

But after being isolated for as long as I have, and having lived for hundreds of years, the lines do tend to blur a little. 

…

Even before I left the castle, the vampires in my vicinity have not been the best companions.

They were rather cruel, and did not seem to care for the life of another human...

But the more time I spend with you, my Dear, the more I feel like a person, rather than a monster.

With every passing moment I spend by your side, it becomes more clear to me.

I wish to protect you, my Dear. 

I would not hesitate to fight, if your well-being was ever endangered. Even if it were myself, who tried to threaten you. 

…

But do not fear. 

Both me and today's guest are quite well behaved. 

Newton was the only vampire who ever showed me civility and kindness, in the times after I was turned. 

Though it was only recently we truly connected again.

…

We did not have enough time together, back then, and I ended up staying around the wrong people…

I wonder how differently things may have gone, had I left the castle earlier…

But it is too late to wonder about such eventualities. 

…

Meeting you has been the most amazing incident in my immortal life. 

The one thing I am most grateful for, my Dear. 

I would not wish it to be any other way. 

And if this was the path I had to take, so be it. 

​

[short pause] 

​

Oh, I truly hope you will get along with my old friend…

…

But I have a feeling I needn’t worry so much.

You are quite similar, in your kind and understanding nature.

Though, Newton tends to be a bit more reserved than you. More quiet, perhaps even a little mischievous behind that seemingly cold exterior…

…

I find it much easier to talk with you, my Dear.

You have such a warm and welcoming aura… 

The conversation simply flows, when we are together.  

And you make it rather uncomplicated to know what is on your mind. 

I feel as though you are open and honest with me at all times.

Always saying what you mean.

With you, I rarely have to guess what you might be thinking. 

…

Newton is not a bad or secretive person by any means, but rather one who prefers to keep to themselves. 

One who is rather short with words, but never lacks the heart behind them. 

One who’s thoughts you can never quite figure out. 

Where you must usually guess what is on their mind…

And you have that lingering feeling, not all has been said…

​

[short pause, maybe a small sigh]

​

Back when Newton and I first met, poetry was the reason we connected. 

Something we both had in common. 

A topic we could converse about and get lost in…

We used to read and write together, whenever we could.

Which was not often, but it did leave an impression on me. 

After all these years, I still remember…

It is one of the few experiences of that time, I hope not to forget.

And sometimes, I wish I had made more of our time together, accepted more of Newton's invitations… 

But that is another incommutable decision of the past. 

No sense in dwelling on it…

…

But that is part of the reason I wanted both of you to meet…

…

Last year, when I finally decided to visit Lucia(n)’s celebrations again, we met and reconnected. After not attending for about a century, each…

But there, Newton approached me. 

We began speaking again, and it almost felt as though no time had passed between then and the first time we had met. 

…

I was hoping I would get a chance to introduce you at the festivity this year…

But since that did not work, I decided to invite both of you for tea, instead.

If you would like, you may stay for dinner as well, with only the two of us. 

…

I planned to prepare something enjoyable for you, should you decide to stay. 

Perhaps we could read books together, listen to music or watch a movie. 

I also had a guest room prepared, in the case you wanted to sleep here tonight. 

But all of these are simply offers. 

I would not be upset if you refused.

Getting to see you has already made me feel overjoyed. 

I would rather not push you too far today. 

[reassuring:]

For some people, having to interact with a stranger might already drain most of their energy. 

If you simply wish to go home after tea, that is quite alright, too. 

Or if you get overwhelmed during, you may also leave at any time. 

Newton is a very understanding person. 

And you do not owe anyone your presence. 

…

Your well-being is most important to me. 

And I would never want to push you beyond your limits…

This is simply meant to be an enjoyable afternoon of inviting you into my life.

And perhaps an excuse for me to get to spend more time with you…

[small chuckle]

​

[sfx: slightly muffled knock on the door]

​

Oh my! 

It seems as though our guest has arrived.

​

[short pause as Val hurries over to the door]

[sfx: door opens]

​

[excited, smiling:] 

Come in, dear friend! What a pleasure it is to see you again.

​

[sfx: door gently closes behind Newt]

​

Newt: A pleasure indeed. It has been far too long…

I was quite surprised when you reached out to me again, but I’m glad to see you are beginning to feel better now. 

Thank you for your invitation.

…

And this must be the person you’ve been telling me about.

I’ve heard much about you, little human.

My name is Newton Heart, and it’s an honour to finally make your acquaintance. 

​

[sfx: faint ding from a kitchen timer]

​

Val: Ah! Please excuse me for a moment. 

I promise I will return shortly. 

I must take the cake out of the oven and prepare some Tea. 

…

In the meantime, perhaps the two of you have a chance to get acquainted with one another?

Call for me if I am needed, my Dear. 

​

[short pause of Val leaving]

​

Newton: Val seems quite excited to have us both here. 

…

I’m not sure how much you have been told, but…it was a bit over a year ago that we came into contact again. 

It had been centuries since we last talked… but I suppose sometimes, we all need somebody to confide in.

About how we are feeling… how things were going… and there was nobody else whom Val could turn to, at the time.  

…

Worry not. 

I have not been told any… private details. 

But what I do know - and what I can clearly see now - is the impressive impact you’ve had, whether or not you realise it.

…

(more to self:) To see such a genuine smile… I never thought I’d get to witness that again.

​

[short pause]

​

You see… When Val and I first met, things were… a bit different. 

I got to know (them/him/her) as such a happy and bright young person… barely a vampire, then. 

An innocent soul, not yet tainted by the pain that our reality often entails. 

…

It is not my story to tell, but quite a common experience…

I have seen many souls fall victim to the darker sides within themselves, so it was quite a relief to see (them/him/her) attempting to pull (them/him/her)self back again. 

And now, here we are. 

…

That reminds me…

I found a piece of Val’s writing stuck between the pages of an old book. 

It’s a poem that was written shortly before we parted ways - and not too long after the… incident.

But despite the negative emotions and memories tied to it, I felt that I had to give it back. 

It wouldn’t be right of me to hold on to it - despite it being one of my favourite pieces. 

It is not my choice to make…

​

[short pause] 

​

You look… intrigued. 

I would ordinarily suggest to have the writer do the honours, but I doubt (they/he/she) would be comfortable performing it. 

Val was crying when I first heard it - it almost broke my heart. 

I would not want to deliberately put (them/him/her) in such a position again. 

But… Would you like for me to read it to you?

Surely, (they/he/she) wouldn’t mind… 

​

[short pause]

​

Wonderful! 

(small sigh)

Let me see if I can remember how it is meant to be presented. 

​

Beyond me.

By Valentine, February 27th 1852.

…

Deeply pierced by shadow blades,

A heart that bleeds, and bleeds, and aches.

All that remains, are my mistakes,

The bitter taste of you, betrayed. 

​

The sunset paints the deepest red,

Upon the lies and truths unsaid.

We whisper, quiet, through the dread,

To realise, we have been misled. 

​

The moon doth shine it's faintest light,

Silver, dull and yet so bright,

Through what seems like endless nights,

Upon our never ending fights.

​

And as the tides around us rise,

We let go and follow blind.

Try to grasp what lies behind,

The wall of fear; us, trapped inside. 

​

I call a name, like hollow word,

Watch it, buried, by the world.

Sand runs out, my memory blurs,

Silenced secrets, reemerged.

​

Yet, a faint light slightly sparks,

Lets me taste beyond the dark,

A single breath of guiltless heart, 

So that now, my path is marked. 

​

As it settles, it grows heavy.

The burden that we now must carry.

On my tongue, the pungent memory,

One to keep, forever spreading…

​

[short pause, letting the words settle, sfx: old paper being folded again]

Would you like to keep it…?

…

Val would likely end up burning it, but… I have a feeling you might take better care of it. 

​

[short pause] 

​

Thank you…

​

[sfx fade out]