Episode 1
READ THE SIGNS
We live the ocean life
A sailor needs to know
how to read the signs
The cresting of a wave could
Warn you of a danger ahead
Look to the evening sky
following the stars’ll keep
A sailor dry
in a world that’s governed by
The currents and the tides
to stay alive you have to read
The signs
/repeat verse 1/
One day the gods looked down upon a world of lost souls
Searching, hoping
Never knowing
Falling to our vices
Won’t you toss the dice
Again
But knowing on the water
How we read the stars
The day we turn of age
they let us see the marks
So if you want to find
The love of your life
You’d better learn to read the
signs
They sent the heart
The cœur du ciel
A temple on the water
Where their secrets dwell
Many have tried to find the place
Where all of your hearts desires
Are within your reach
But none have seen it
We live the ocean life
Trusting that the gods’ll be our faithful guides
Cutting through the darkness
Like a beacon in the night
Helping us to see the signs
The signs
INT. LIBRARY PLANETARIUM ROOM - DAY
ALBINA snores at the table.
BABETTE
Albina?
BABETTE enters the room.
BABETTE
Albina, I brought breakfast.
BABETTE
She’s going to burn this place down, with her in it, one day.
ALBINA
No canons in the library!
BABETTE
No canons. Just a concerned, tax paying citizen worried that her local Master Librarian is going to burn down the community’s only library.
BABETTE
My basket!
ALBINA
Serves you right. And you don’t even pay taxes, you don’t have a job.
BABETTE
I work for my father’s estate.
ALBINA
Yes, the man who collects and spends the tax money.
BABETTE
Someone has to do it.
ALBINA
Good morning Babette.
BABETTE
It would be better if you hadn’t ruined my basket and breakfast I brought you.
ALBINA
If someone hadn’t decided to scare her friend, and maybe woke her up nicely like the lady she’s supposed to be you’d still have your basket and I’d have food.
BABETTE
Didn’t we talk about you sleeping in the library?
ALBINA
You talked. I shelved books.
BABETTE
You’re in a mood today.
ALBINA
I’m tired, hungry, and a little shaken up.
BABETTE
Oh you big baby. I didn’t scare you that bad.
ALBINA
And now I’m emotionally wounded. All within in few minutes of waking up. How ever will you fix this slight Ms. Babette?
BABETTE
Well, I am so sorry Ms. Albina. Let me take you out to breakfast, well brunch, to prove my sincerity.
ALBINA
And?
BABETTE
And what?
ALBINA
And why are you here so early?
BABETTE
It’s nearing midday, you nocturnal critter.
BABETTE
Fine. Madame Roux’s ship docked last night and I want to be the first person in the door to see her new collection.
ALBINA
I’d rather go on a date with the next widowed suitor your mother throws at me.
ALBINA
And as usual I have work. So no.
BABETTE
What work? Your little workers are shelving books and helping people downstairs without you already. Surely you can spend the day shopping with your best friend.
ALBINA
I surely can not. I have to finish the proposal for the grant. It’s time sensitive. Sorry.
BABETTE
The grant for the money to add classrooms to the library?
ALBINA
Yes.
BABETTE
The grant given by the Lord of this island?
ALBINA
Yes.
BABETTE
The Lord of the island that is my father?
ALBINA
You are particularly insufferable today.
BABETTE
I can get much worse.
ALBINA
Oh, I can only imagine.
BABETTE
You have been ignoring me all week!
ALBINA
We had dinner two nights ago.
BABETTE
It was a business dinner.
ALBINA
Just because your dad was there does not mean it was a business dinner.
BABETTE
We talked business!
ALBINA
And then he showed me the newest coin in his collection.
CHARLIE enters from the window behind the two girls.
CHARLIE
Seems like nothing has changed. It’s good to be home.
BABETTE
Just go shopping with me!
ALBINA
I shan’t.
BABETTE
Ugh!
ALBINA
The children’s room is down the hall if you want to hangout with some people closer to your temperament.
BABETTE
If you don’t go shopping with me--
ALBINA
I won’t just out of principle now.
BABETTE
I’m going to... I’m going to tell Charlie.
ALBINA
What’s Charlie going to do about it? It’s not like she’s here.
CHARLIE
Yeah? What am I going to do about it?
CHARLIE
Geez, since when have you two become such scaredy cats?
ALBINA
Charlie!
BABETTE
Charlie!
ALBINA
You’re here!
BABETTE
Give us a warning before you sneak up on us.
CHARLIE
Albina said I couldn’t set off fireworks in the library anymore?
ALBINA
And you actually listened, I’m impressed.
BABETTE
Who said old dogs couldn’t learn new tricks.
CHARLIE
Is that any way to greet your best friend who’s been gone for so long?
ALBINA
And who’s to blame for that?
BABETTE
I agree Albina. Such bold words from someone we haven’t seen in five months.
Babette and Albina cross their arms and glare at Charlie, a well practiced move.
CHARLIE
I was adventuring! It’s what I do!
ALBINA
And you can’t ‘adventure’ and keep in contact with your so called best friends?
CHARLIE
You two are worse than Aunt Sue.
BABETTE
What was that?
CHARLIE
I sent letters!
BABETTE
Two! And one was just a scrap of paper attached to a crude picture book with even cruder descriptions.
CHARLIE
It was for Albina’s collection!
ALBINA
I never asked for that!
CHARLIE
You said in your letter you were expanding the library. Expansion means more space. More space means more books.
BABETTE
Books are meant to be-- to be--
CHARLIE
Boring?
BABETTE
Yes exactly--
ALBINA
Hey!
BABETTE
I mean-- of course not Albina, books are very important. Knowledgeable. Not dirty, impossible to execute images--
CHARLIE
Oh they’re possible.
BABETTE
And vulgar words.
CHARLIE
I’ll bet you all of my coming home cake that Albina read the entire thing.
BABETTE
Of course she didn’t.
BABETTE
Albina no!
ALBINA
As the Master Librarian of this library, it is my duty--
CHARLIE
Duty.
ALBINA
To read every book that comes into my collection. Even if it will forever live in the restricted section.
BABETTE
Charlotte you have been here for less than a click of the clock and you’ve already--
CHARLIE
Made things much more funner.
BABETTE
Fun. Much more fun.
CHARLIE
Eh, if you say so Little Lady.
BABETTE
You think you can just come in here with your bad grammar and dirty literature...
CHARLIE
It’s why you keep me around.
ALBINA
Can you two skip the banter and kiss or something. I want my hug!
CHARLIE
I’ll show you a kiss!
ALBINA
Charlie! Stop slobbering on me!
CHARLIE
Get over here Babette, I need hugs from my girls ASAP. I missed you two.
BABETTE
And who’s fault is that?
ALBINA
Babette.
BABETTE
Fine.
BABETTE
We missed you too Charlie.
ALBINA
Very much.
CHARLIE
Of course you did, I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to you two.
ALBINA
Is that a book in your pocket, or are you just excited to see us?
CHARLIE
Looks like Ally Cat has jokes.
BABETTE
It’s a work in progress.
CHARLIE
Yeah, it’s a book. A present.
BABETTE
Yay, more books.
ALBINA
Is that papyrus that it’s written on?
CHARLIE
Yep.
BABETTE
My hands feel itchy just looking at it.
CHARLIE
Oh yeah, it’s very old. Like a few centuries at least.
ALBINA
I want it.
CHARLIE
Hold on, I went through a lot of trials and tribulations to get this book. Look at this scar I got fighting my way out of a Bat Coven Cave.
ALBINA
New rule, no disrobing in the library!
CHARLIE
Aww Albina, it’s really cool though. I took down four of their best warriors by myself!
ALBINA
Yes we know. You are a very brave, strong specimen. Now give me that book.
CHARLIE
You forgot cool.
BABETTE
Oh Charlie, you are scarring up your entire body. Does it hurt? Do you need anything for the pain? What happened to all of that Lavender Salt salve I got you. You know, if you just rub it in— is that a new tattoo missy?
CHARLIE
Uhhhh.
ALBINA
I reckon the Bat Coven Cave is looking pretty cozy right now.
CHARLIE
Ouch! Did I not just say this was a new scar.
BABETTE
Your body looks like a toddler’s finger painting!
CHARLIE
Hey!
ALBINA
And I’ll take that.
CHARLIE
Hey! You guys are the worst.
Albina walks away with the book and sits down at the table. She begins to write on the parchment in front of her.
BABETTE
Do you have any other presents? Because it looks like Albina is taking that book for herself.
CHARLIE
Oh, that’s not your present.
BABETTE
Obviously.
CHARLIE
I mean, I feel like you out of the two of you should appreciate the book more.
BABETTE
And why is that?
ALBINA
Oh my.
CHARLIE
There we go.
ALBINA
Is this what I think it is?
CHARLIE
Yep.
BABETTE
What is it?
ALBINA
How did you ever--
CHARLIE
Your tip about Familiar Patronage Coven’s really broke the whole case open.
ALBINA
See, books and research are just as important as running around half clothed with an axe.
CHARLIE
You’re right. As usual.
BABETTE
Can someone tell me why I should like that smelly old book?
CHARLIE
Want to tell her?
ALBINA
It’s your find.
CHARLIE
I think I should let the anticipation build a little more.
BABETTE
I will scream.
ALBINA
She absolutely will.
CHARLIE
No screaming in the library Babette. That’s not very ladylike is it?
ALBINA
The opposite if you ask me.
BABETTE
No one asked you.
ALBINA
Tell her before she bites you.
CHARLIE
She’s outgrown biting.
ALBINA
She most assuredly has not.
CHARLIE
Ow!
BABETTE
You two always pick on me!
CHARLIE
We’re just playing.
BABETTE
I hate it! You never--
ALBINA
Charlie found the way to The Heart.
BABETTE
What?!
CHARLIE
You said I could tell her!
ALBINA
You were taking too long.
BABETTE
You found the Heart! And you didn’t start with that the moment you came in.
CHARLIE
We had to do our ritual banter!
ALBINA
That is very important for group morale.
BABETTE
You found The Heart!
ALBINA
She found a key to the Heart.
BABETTE
Which is just as good as finding The Heart now that you have the book Albina.
CHARLIE
She’s not wrong. We tried to decipher it on the ship and didn’t get very far.
ALBINA
How long have you had it?
CHARLIE
About a month. We were pretty far out in the Floating Mountains region when we found it.
BABETTE
Well what does it say? Where’s The Heart?
ALBINA
I don’t know. Yet. It seems to be some sort of hybrid dialect. Or, well... the origin of multiple languages.
CHARLIE
That’s what I figured from the little Phenoni I’ve picked up from you and languages Duncan knows.
BABETTE
Duncan?
CHARLIE
My first mate. The guy with the braids. Always smiling.
BABETTE
You’ve never let us meet your pirate friends.
CHARLIE
Sailor friends.
ALBINA
You’ve just been letting some random, untrained man handle such delicate material. Have I taught you nothing?
CHARLIE
I found it in a giant goblet in a cave. I don’t think it’s been handled delicately in centuries. Anyway, Duncan is pretty alright with this magic and history stuff.
ALBINA
Pretty alright? What a glowing reference.
BABETTE
Really Charlie, who are you spending your days with?
ALBINA
Pretty alright doesn’t exactly do much in terms of pre-eclipse historical texts. If it did he could of told you they were soaking the book to release and stabilize it’s magic for... Where did yo say you got this from again?
CHARLIE
Floating Mountains, Bat Coven Cave. This scar was actually--
ALBINA
You can never go back to those mountains, ok?
CHARLIE
Aww, man. There was this really cool glowing waterfall that smelled like--
ALBINA
You broke a highly sacred and powerful ritual. One decades in the making if I’m correct in my guess of rituals. You’d be lucky if they only killed you on sight.
CHARLIE
Shoot. There was this jam shop I wanted to go back too.
BABETTE
Ladies! Why are we talking about jam when the key to The Heart is in front of us. Literally in our hands.
ALBINA
Were you not listening? This is written in a language so old I can’t even begin to decipher it.
CHARLIE
Seriously?
ALBINA
Of course not. I’m brilliant. But it will take a few days. And half of my linguistic collection.
BABETTE
That looks to be a map, and a key of some kind. Charlie is that enough for you to chart a preliminary course?
CHARLIE
Enough of one. Duncan was able to translate enough of the key that we have to follow the rattlesnake constellation. From south to northeast.
BABETTE
Well, that’s something. Right?
ALBINA
It is.
BABETTE
Phenomenal!
ALBINA
Something wrong.
CHARLIE
Someone’s cranky.
BABETTE
She didn’t have breakfast, it’s impossible to get her out of here.
ALBINA
Oh! Charlie you haven’t gotten to see my new toy yet! Hold on!
CHARLIE
Holy shit.
BABETTE
The planetarium was finished about a month ago. If it weren’t for my pestering, she would sleep here I’m sure.
ALBINA
Why would I ever want to leave if I could have the stars right in front of me?
WHEN I SEE THE STARS
Albina:
And when I see the stars my mind
Is racing with the ways we’re all
Entwined
The constellations
Are like equations
Another problem I can solve
If I try
Questions have answers
(Have answers)
I can’t learn why
I’m different from the rest
Unless I look to the sky
Is there a reason
(a reason)
For being alone
maybe the stars
Can show me
Babette:
And when I see the stars I feel
That all the stories about love are real
Where the gods choose
Our tattoos
To see the truth is revealed
Of who we’re meant to be with
Heaven sent to be with
There’s no greater gift
than loving someone else
Who can’t see it
But everyone
Can see the stars above
And I believe that love
Is gonna guide us
Charlie:
And when I see the stars I know
That they’ve been spending so much time alone
And when I’m gone their lives go on
And maybe they don’t need me
At all
I’m missing all of their inside jokes
I’m farther while they grow close
I miss them and wish that
I didn’t feel like a ghost
But stars they tease us
When our wants and needs are
Like a honeyed wine
Burning our throat
All:
When I see the
Stars
Stars
Stars
When I see the
Stars
Stars
Stars
When I see the
stars
stars
stars
ALBINA
Your Duncan, Charlie, is not taking into consideration this was written before the month long eclipse and the consequent shift of the sky.
ALBINA
If my theory is correct--
BABETTE
Which they usually are.
ALBINA
Thank you. The stars the scribe of this book would have been looking at would be, let’s say a 217 to 223 degrees shift from our own.
ALBINA
So that would put us in the southwest region of the Phoenix. Or the Phoenix Ashes to be more specific.
CHARLIE
That was...
BABETTE
Brilliant.
CHARLIE
Right. Brilliant.
ALBINA
Is that enough for you Charlie? Or do you need more.
CHARLIE
Oh yeah. Definitely enough. I’m good.
BABETTE
Great. We set sail tonight!
CHARLIE
What?
ALBINA
What?
BABETTE
Let’s leave tonight.
ALBINA
I think not, no I have plans.
CHARLIE
I don’t know if that’s a good idea.
BABETTE
Why not? The only plans you ever have are reading by candle light, alone, until you fall asleep.
CHARLIE
Ouch.
BABETTE
And Charlie, this is what we’ve been looking for. Why wouldn’t we go?
CHARLIE
Because it’s dangerous?
ALBINA
Yes, dangerous. I’m fine waiting right here until you two come back.
CHARLIE
Babette’s not coming.
BABETTE
Yes, I am. This is my project.
CHARLIE
Our project.
BABETTE
So you agree, I should come.
CHARLIE
That’s not at all what I said.
BABETTE
It was my idea! I was the one who realized all those myths led to one place, just told from multiple points of view. I was the one who suggested that The Heart was a real thing, a real place.
CHARLIE
Only because you still read those kiddy books.
ALBINA
Charlotte.
BABETTE
So what if it’s dangerous? I don’t care. You’ll be there to handle it with your crew of sailor friends. You wouldn’t let anything happen to me, right?
CHARLIE
Of course not. But that’s not the point.
BABETTE
Then what is? How am I going to collect my wish if I’m not there?
CHARLIE
I’ve known your wish since we were kids. I’ll go, use my wish to get your wish, and then come back.
BABETTE
And what of your wish?
CHARLIE
I’m mostly in it for the bragging rights. And I’m sure there’s some loot, I mean artifacts, I could grab...
BABETTE
That’s not even worth a response Charlotte. I’m going. And you’re not looting a sacred temple.
CHARLIE
Fine.
BABETTE
Perfect. Now Albina--
ALBINA
Great.
BABETTE
Don’t you want to find out why you don’t have a mark? Or people like Charlie’s mom have two soulmates? So many of your queries can be answered.
ALBINA
I’m allowed one wish. And I’m not foolish enough to ask to know everything on this time plane of existence.
CHARLIE
Time Plane of existence?
BABETTE
Timeslips are her new niche. I’ll try to explain it later.
ALBINA
That’s why Charlie will go, take notes, and get whatever she finds in the temple and bring it back.
BABETTE
You trust Charlie and Duncan to take proper notes and care of whatever they find.
CHARLIE
Hey.
ALBINA
I trust that Charlie hasn’t forgotten proper note and research techniques.
Babette throws her arm around Albina’s waist and squeezes.
BABETTE
Didn’t you say long ago, that Charlie can do the adventuring and you’ll be there to write down all of her findings?
ALBINA
Yes, but--
BABETTE
Well it’s time to live up to those words.
ALBINA
I have responsibilities here.
BABETTE
You’ve left the library before, and you came back to everything the way you left it.
CHARLIE
She has?
ALBINA
Long weekends away with you is not the same as leaving my library and home unattended for an unspecified amount of time Babette!
BABETTE
They’ll be fine. You’ll be fine. This is what we’ve been practicing for.
ALBINA
Practicing? All of our vacations were just you training me to be ok to go on this adventure?!
BABETTE
Of course not! You don’t like change to your routine without a... practice run. And it seemed like a fun and safe way to get you used to the super fun, educational journey we’d be going on eventually.
ALBINA
I.. I still don’t think--
CHARLIE
Imagine being such a big baby that you would pass on discovering the most sought after mysteries.
BABETTE
Charlie.
CHARLIE
I’m just saying, that’s some big, scaredy, baby energy right there.
ALBINA
I will not rise to your juvenile bait.
CHARLIE
What do you think Babette?
BABETTE
A baby that size would be truly terrifying. We surely couldn’t be friends with such a thing.
ALBINA
Fine.
CHARLIE
What was that?
ALBINA
I’ll go!
BABETTE
Yes!
Charlie throws herself onto her friends and they all fall to the ground.
CHARLIE
Looks like we’re going on an adventure of a lifetime.
The door opens and an older man, JAMES, peeks his head in.
JAMES
Sorry Miss. Albina, I was unaware that you were entertaining guest.
ALBINA
No guest James. Just the usual suspects.
JAMES
Of course. Good for you three. Always a pleasure to see you Lady Babette. Charlie.
James leaves. Babette and Charlie look down at Albina who’s at the bottom of the pile.
BABETTE
Entertaining guest?
CHARLIE
What was that about?
ALBINA
Nothing. Get off of me.
CHARLIE
Albina are you bringing suitors back to seduce in your star room?
ALBINA
Planetarium.
BABETTE
You’re not denying it.
ALBINA
Does it really matter who I’m bringing back to my place?
BABETTE
Yes!
CHARLIE
Hell yeah!
CHARLIE
What happened to not disrobing in the library? Or does that not count for your playthings?
ALBINA
My guests can do whatever they please.
CHARLIE
Then what am I?
ALBINA
A pest.
Albina brings her knee up and pushes Charlie off of her.
CHARLIE
Since when can you do that? Why is your knee so boney? What part of injured ribs do you not get?
ALBINA
Who’s the baby now? I’ll need the rest of the day to settle my affairs. Unlike the two of you I actually have a job.
BABETTE
We have jobs!
ALBINA
Charlie is a pirate and you-- you tell your dad how to spend his money.
CHARLIE
Not a pirate.
BABETTE
And that’s a job.
ALBINA
Either way I have to tie up some loose ends if we’re going to be gone for?
BABETTE
A month?
CHARLIE
A month.
ALBINA
I need to collect the right books for deciphering the key.
CHARLIE
That can’t take more than a few hours.
ALBINA
And I need to sleep. Preferably in my bed if we’re going to be gone for a month.
BABETTE
Fine. Sleep first then books. I’ll sort out provisions then. A months worth for how many people?
CHARLIE
A skeleton crew should do. Let’s say for 12 people.
ALBINA
And don’t forget--
BABETTE
That Charlie only likes rice if it’s white and sugar if it’s brown.
ALBINA
And?
BABETTE
And you’re a vegetarian. Again.
CHARLIE
Seriously?
BABETTE
She won’t last the month.
CHARLIE
I give it two weeks.
ALBINA
I am a very determined person if only out of spite.
BABETTE
Your will is as weak as a newborn babe when it comes to meat.
ALBINA
Just you wait, I’m going to prove both of the you wrong.
CHARLIE
And when you do we’ll have a nice cookout to celebrate.
BABETTE
Yes, with a roasted pig and smoked ribs for us. And all of the vegetables you could dream of.
ALBINA
Assholes.
BABETTE
On that note, I’m going to the market. Walk me there Charlie?
CHARLIE
No can do Little Lady. Someone has to make sure Albina gets tucked in safely, she looks like she’s about to fall asleep standing. And I need to get some more materials for the boat.
BABETTE
Fine. Make sure she actually makes it to the bed this time.
ALBINA
That was one time!
BABETTE
That you’ve been caught. I’m off! And you’ll both be packed and prepared by tonight. Right?
ALBINA
Yes Babette.
CHARLIE
Yes Babette.
BABETTE
I’ll send someone to pick up your luggage and bring it to the ship Albina.
BABETTE
It’s wonderful to have you back Charlie.
Babette leaves.
CHARLIE
I hate it when she does that.
ALBINA
Does what? Help me put these books back. You do remember how the shelving system works, right?
CHARLIE
That!
ALBINA
What?
CHARLIE
You just did it!
ALBINA
I’m lost.
CHARLIE
‘It’s wonderful to have you home Charlie’. ‘You do remember how the shelving system works, right?’ Like-- Like I...
ALBINA
Like you’re never here and we miss you?
CHARLIE
I haven’t been gone for that long.
ALBINA
Five months and fourteen days.
CHARLIE
Oh.
ALBINA
We just miss you, you know?
CHARLIE
I miss you guys too. But it was worth it though, right? I got us the book.
ALBINA
Babette would probably agree with you.
CHARLIE
I haven’t seen her smile like that in awhile.
ALBINA
Not since she found out the Prince of Tunasia hasn’t found his soulmate yet.
CHARLIE
She won’t settle until she’s actually a Princess.
ALBINA
I think she’d settle for Duchess at this point.
CHARLIE
No. Only the best for our Babette.
ALBINA
I heard that Princess Esme of Yalsper is single, we should swing that way on our way journey.
CHARLIE
Over my dead body.
ALBINA
What?
CHARLIE
I said I see you’ve done some remodeling. What does Mari have to say about this?
ALBINA
My mom doesn’t care. This place is practically mine now anyways. I see my parents even less than you.
ALBINA
Sorry. Last one. But yes, I knocked down a few walls to build a few more classrooms. I’m trying to get your aunt to teach a few classes.
CHARLIE
My Aunt Sue?
ALBINA
Do you have another aunt on the island?
CHARLIE
But she’s just a baker.
ALBINA
Yes, and some people never learned how to cook. Knowledge needs to be practical, not just theoretical.
CHARLIE
A lot more torches.
ALBINA
Yes.
CHARLIE
Nightmares?
ALBINA
Worse than ever.
CHARLIE
And Babette?
ALBINA
You know how she gets. I’ll never sleep alone again.
CHARLIE
She’ll be mad when she finds out.
ALBINA
She won’t.
CHARLIE
She always does.
ALBINA
I’m close to figuring it out. I’m sure of it.
CHARLIE
A lot of late night research parties in your star room, huh?
ALBINA
It’s easier to remember them right after I wake up, and you know...
CHARLIE
They’re scary as fucking shit.
ALBINA
Exactly.
CHARLIE
Well I might have something to help with that.
INT. ALBINA’S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
CHARLIE
Sweet Phoenix Albina, I don’t know how there are any more books left downstairs. I can barely see your bed from underneath all of these books.
ALBINA
Perks of being the Master Librarian, there’s no limit on how many books you can take home.
CHARLIE
The way you keep your room distresses me.
ALBINA
Knowledge is rarely orderly.
CHARLIE
Anyway, on one of the floating towns I visited there was a Master Charmer.
ALBINA
I’m sure they got all the ladies.
CHARLIE
She was very impressed in some of the merchandise we were trying to... sell and offered a trade. Tada!
ALBINA
A rock. Sandstone, I believe.
CHARLIE
Still licking rocks I see. Lux!
The stone begins to glow a considerable amount it makes a humming noise.
ALBINA
Holy shit!
CHARLIE
Cool right! And to stop it from glowing just say furvus. That should help with the nightmares.
ALBINA
Charlie--
CHARLIE
Oh, and I made you a necklace chord thingy. Nothing Babette approved but--
ALBINA
It’s perfect.
CHARLIE
Really?
ALBINA
Yeah.
CHARLIE
Here, I’ll just put it on for you.
ALBINA
I love it.
CHARLIE
Gotta make sure my girls are well taken care of while I’m gone.
ALBINA
Right. Though I’m guessing you didn’t get Babette a charmed rock to help with her nightmares?
CHARLIE
Babette’s having nightmares too?
ALBINA
Sarcasm.
CHARLIE
I got her a tea set retired by King Jacob and his Queen.
ALBINA
Oh, you just won friend of the year. Did you trade for that too?
CHARLIE
Something like that.
ALBINA
Fine keep your secrets.
CHARLIE
I should let you sleep then, you have a busy month ahead of you.
CHARLIE
I’m excited to share this part of my life with you.
ALBINA
I’m excited too.
Charlie pulls away.
CHARLIE
I’m going to go find Babette in the market. Don’t want her to be too pouty before the journey.
ALBINA
And you want to make sure she buys enough plum cakes to last you the trip.
CHARLIE
Exactly. See you in the mornin!
Charlie leaps out of Albina’s window with a laugh.
ALBINA
Is she allergic to using doors?
EXT. MARKET - DAY
Babette wanders through the market. Charlie spots Babette at the end of the street and runs to her.
CHARLIE
Babette!
BABETTE
Charlie.
CHARLIE
I’ve been looking everywhere for you.
BABETTE
I didn’t know you were looking.
CHARLIE
I realized how rude it was of me to refuse the invitation of a lady such as yourself.
BABETTE
Is Albina asleep?
CHARLIE
She’s in her room at least. The best anyone can do honestly.
BABETTE
Good. She hasn’t been sleeping. Again. Because of those horrid nightmares.
CHARLIE
The nightmares.
BABETTE
Oh, she told you?
CHARLIE
Of course not. Had to do some good old meddling.
BABETTE
She must think me an idiot still; to not notice those horrid bags under her eyes. They’re big enough to hold all of our supplies for the month.
CHARLIE
Since when have the two you gotten funny? That’s my job.
BABETTE
Since the appointed funny person in our life decided that the sea was her new home.
CHARLIE
Aww, come on Betty.
BABETTE
No, it’s fine. I’m sure the sea is much more interesting and important than life long friendship.
CHARLIE
Real nice. Not dramatic at all.
BABETTE
Hmmmm.
CHARLIE
I got the book though. A pathway to find your perfect match? That has to get me a little leeway. A lighter sentence in Babette’s guilt trip prison?
BABETTE
Who said that credit hasn’t already been applied to your sentence.
CHARLIE
You run a tough ship, Warden. If only there was a way to get back on Lady Babette’s good side. Hmmm, something like... a bribe. A present even.
BABETTE
I’m listening.
CHARLIE
I mean, I do have a tea set used to serve King Yalsper’s most honorable guest.
BABETTE
Oh truly, Charlie?
CHARLIE
Only the best for my Little Lady.
BABETTE
Gimme. Gimme.
CHARLIE
Does it look like I have a full tea set on me at the moment?
BABETTE
I don’t know, those pants sure are billowy.
A well-dressed man and woman approach the stall the two girls are blocking the entrance of. They are Babette’s parents: DAMON and DOTTIE.
DAMON
Babette, get off of Charlie.
DOTTIE
Talk about deja vu.
DAMON
You are blocking the entrance to this stall young miss.
BABETTE
But Daddy, she’s keeping a gift from me.
DAMON
You can not jump on people just because they are withholding something from you. Even if it is Miss. Charlotte.
CHARLIE
Daddy Theroux! Looking good old man.
DAMON
Charming as ever Charlie.
CHARLIE
Madame Theroux.
DOTTIE
Charlotte. I see the sea has decided to cough you up.
CHARLIE
Sure did.
BABETTE
Charlie’s been handing out presents all morning.
CHARLIE
I have something for you too.
Charlie pulls a silver and green coin out of her pocket and flips it towards at Damon. Damon catches it and begins to inspect it.
DAMON
Sweet sun dumplings, a Yalsparian second era coin?
CHARLIE
Sure is.
DAMON
Where in the world...
CHARLIE
Don’t worry about that old man, just enjoy it.
DAMON
Thank you, Charlie. It will surely be the envy of all the boys down at the club.
DOTTIE
And where is mine?
CHARLIE
I’m leaving in the morning.
DOTTIE
I’ll take it.
DAMON
Dottie.
BABETTE
And I’m going with her!
DAMON
Good on you Babette!
DOTTIE
No. Not good on her Damon. How long are you going to be gone?
BABETTE
A month or so.
DOTTIE
Babette you couldn’t wait another week? You’ll miss the ball.
BABETTE
I simply can’t mother. Charlie found a very promising lead. We must strike while the iron is hot.
DAMON
My little girl, going on adventures.
DOTTIE
Yes. Our not so little, very single, daughter is going to miss the ball she is supposed to be hosting.
DAMON
There will be other balls Dottie. I’m sure you’ll make certain of that.
DOTTIE
It’s just a shame. To be this old with no soulmate prospects.
DAMON
She’s only 20, Dottie.
DOTTIE
And not getting any younger.
BABETTE
I’m aware mother.
DAMON
I must admit I am not displeased on the halting of the ball. I would like to avoid a scandal for as long as possible personally.
DOTTIE
It was hardly a scandal.
DAMON
You ripped a boy’s sleeve off trying to get a look at his mark.
DOTTIE
I saw an axe, Damon! What was I supposed to do, let him slip through our fingers?
CHARLIE
He’s lucky a woman like Madame Theroux would even touch him, let a lone disrobe him.
DAMON
Right you are, Charlie.
DOTTIE
Everyone on my side of the family met their soulmate by the time they were 17. Babette’s just a late bloomer, again.
BABETTE
It’s not like I’m not looking for him! I don’t want to be soulmate-less mother!
Babette stomps her foot. Charlie and Damon lock eyes, the energy going between mother and daughter is one they’ve witnessed before and if not stopped it’ll get volatile.
CHARLIE
I mean, Albina’s parents met the day they turned 16 and got their marks. And look how that turned out for their kid. No soulmark in sight.
It’s enough to break the tension. Damon awkwardly laughs as he pats his wife’s shoulder.
BABETTE
Charlie.
CHARLIE
Just saying.
DAMON
A person who speaks their mind is a person you can trust is what I’ve always said.
DOTTIE
You sure have, dear. Now at least tell me Albina is going with you.
BABETTE
Of course.
DOTTIE
Good. I’ll be able to sleep knowing she’ll be there to protect you.
CHARLIE
Yeah, with her heavy books.
DOTTIE
A knowledgeable woman is as dangerous as a poisoned tip weapon Charlotte. And Master Case has told me Albina is a promising student at the temple.
DAMON
I’m sure she is as studious with her physical activities as she is with her pursuit of knowledge.
CHARLIE
I hear she practices both in her planetarium.
BABETTE
Charlie stop.
DOTTIE
You know, Martin Halloway’s wife is quite poorly at the moment. Her third time this year.
DAMON
Dottie...
DOTTIE
Her days have probably already been numbered by the Duke of Death themself!
BABETTE
Mom!
DAMON
Dorthoy!
CHARLIE
Crimson Crickets.
DOTTIE
I’m just saying that I think they’d be well matched. Albina deserves a nice, settled man to treat her right. Don’t you agree girls?
CHARLIE
She deserves more than nice.
BABETTE
And that’s why we have to go on this trip! When we find The Heart we’ll be able to find her soulmate. And then she can be with the person who is perfect for her. No one less.
DAMON
Your strong spirit of friendship is inspiring to us all darling. Now your mother and I have reservations at the salon.
DOTTIE
If you’re going to be on a boat for a month, make sure to grab some lily lotion. You know you burn and peel like a ruby snake.
BABETTE
Yes mother.
DAMON
We’ll see you later Betty. And if we don’t see you before you leave, it’s always great to have you around Charlie.
DOTTIE
Home by supper Betty, we must plan your outfits for the month. Bring my daughter back in one piece, Charlotte.
CHARLIE
Will do!
Damon and Dottie leave.
BABETTE
I thought you didn’t want me on the trip?
CHARLIE
When did I say that?
BABETTE
I’d say about an hour ago.
CHARLIE
I didn’t say I didn’t want you there.
BABETTE
You just put up a fuss.
CHARLIE
That wasn’t a fuss. You should know.
BABETTE
I don’t fuss, I pout.
CHARLIE
And scream.
BABETTE
In dire situations.
CHARLIE
And bite.
BABETTE
In even more dire situations. I’m sure Albina knows the word I’m thinking of, but whatever it is you did it.
Beat.
CHARLIE
I don’t know. It’s just going to be weird.
BABETTE
Being with Albina and I is going to be weird?
CHARLIE
Not bad weird, just-- different. Everything’s different on the water.
BABETTE
Right.
CHARLIE
But I’m always happy to spend time with you... and Albina! The two of you. The three of us.
BABETTE
Are you hungry? You get ‘weird’ when you get hungry.
CHARLIE
Starved. I doubled back to grab one of those smushed butt muffins, but they were basically crumbs.
BABETTE
Albina takes her studies very seriously. She has legs and buns of steel now.
CHARLIE
What?!
BABETTE
What?
CHARLIE
What did you just say?
BABETTE
Oh, leave it Charlie.
CHARLIE
You just said Albina has buns of steal!
BABETTE
Well she does. And you would know--
CHARLIE
Oh, don’t even try that.
BABETTE
Do you want to eat or not?
CHARLIE
Why yes I do, I think I could go for some hot buns. What about you Lady Babette?
BABETTE
I hope you starve.
CHARLIE
Babette come back. I need to know if you like sweet buns or buttered buns best?
EXT. TEMPLE - NIGHT Albina lies panting on the ground. MASTER CASE stands to her side and offers her a hand.
MASTER CASE
It is my honor to call you a pupil, Master Albina.
ALBINA
And it is an honor to have you as my guide while mastering my talents gifted by the gods.
They bow.
MASTER CASE
Congratulations Albina, the youngest Master this island has seen.
ALBINA
You know what they say, good student even better teacher.
MASTER CASE
You came to me with a strong mind, and I have trained your body to be just as strong. The one thing I have not been able to prepare you for this journey is your heart. Your mind and body will be tested in these upcoming weeks. As well as your heart.
Albina bows her head.
ALBINA
I don’t... I don’t know if I’m ready.
MASTER CASE
Your body and mind already know what your heart wants. You’ll see in the way your body reacts, or what your mind lingers on. You must accept what your heart wants, and then you will truly be balanced.
ALBINA
I understand. Thank you Master.
MASTER CASE
Now off you go. Best of luck to you and yours on this journey. Strong mind. Strong body.
ALBINA
Strong heart.
I THOUGHT
I thought that I had something
Special
I wanted to stand out from the crowd
Guess I found what I wanted
And I thought if I found the
essentials
The things I need
And I know who I need
But no one helped prepare me
To be lonely and I barely
Even know
If all of it’s real
And I’m wondering
What life is gonna bring me
Will they wanna leave in the end
In another life
Maybe we’ll get it right
Maybe next time (echo x2)
I’ll be theirs
I thought that life was an adventure
I wanted to explore every corner
The world has to offer
And I thought that love was like momentum
You’re on a roll
But you’re losing control
But maybe there is no one there
To save me and I’m falling all alone
All alone
And I’m wondering
What life is gonna bring me
Will they wanna leave in the end
In another life
Maybe we’ll get it right
Maybe next time (echo x2)
I’ll be theirs
Maybe someone up there knows what we need
Better than we do
And maybe there’s a freedom we lose
When we put our trust in deities we can’t even see
Do we accept the consequences they choose
And if I could choose
I know who I’d choose
So I’m wonderingWhat life is gonna bring me
Will they wanna leave in the end
In another life
Maybe we’ll get it right
Maybe next time (echo x2)
I’ll be theirs (x4)