En gaurde

This is a scene I wrote for my Theatre Arts class, enjoy!

Synopsis:  As the curtain opens, light shines on a castle courtyard. A few trees shrubs and an open archway are seen. Aurthur is carrying wooden practice swords. Both Arthur and Elizabeth grew up in the castle together and are rarely seen without each other. little do they know, they are betrothed.
Aurthur is a nobleman's son, training to become a knight. he has always loved having Elizabeth as a friend, but is afraid they will be separated by her marriage or war. (17 yrs old)
Elizabeth is nobleman's daughter, who is spunky and energetic. She's always enjoyed being Aurthur's playmate, friend and soon to be colleague throughout their lives. She has been secretly training at night and can't wait to best Aurthur during their private fencing match. She'd rather  ride with a regular saddle or no saddle at all, and wear breeches rather than learn how do stuff like make intricately boring samplers and eat properly and politely with a different fork for practically each bite.


Arthur: Elizabeth, I really don't think you're ready.

Elizabeth: Arthur…

Arthur: I don't want you to get hurt!

Elizabeth: (She steps in front of him, hands on hips.) Don't you remember when we were kids? Remember when we dumped a bucket of water on the guards standing on the terrace?
(He smiles at this) And other times, when the whole palace became our playground, and we could do anything in the world as long as we stayed in this courtyard? (She gestures around the space.)

Arthur: (holding the swords loosely at his side.) Yes, but Eliz…

Elizabeth: Things haven't changed!

Arthur: What are you saying?

Elizabeth: What I mean is, We can still do anything.

Arthur: ( Putting his hand on her shoulder) Elizabeth, in a few years time, you will become a Lady, and I a Lord. (Gesturing to himself) I will go and fight for the kingdom, and you will remain here. We can't continue to pretend that, that will never happen.

Elizabeth: Must I become a Lady? (Taking one of the swords from Arthur, pause, she pulls back and swipes down at him. He quickly deflects the blow with his sword, she flips hers around and holds it close to his neck.) I assure you Arthur, (pulling in closer) This is no pretend.

(They both pull back. he takes a simple fencing stance, and she follows. Their swords hit twice and she swipes so low that he has to bend far backwards. They take the stance again. The swords hit twice again and he cuts across at her feet. She blocks it just in time. He pulls back, and she aims for his chest. He blocks it and brings the tip of her sword to the ground. She pulls away and turns just in time to miss his blow for her back.)

Elizabeth: In the back Arthur?!

Arthur: (with a mischievous smile) Never turn your back on an opponent.
(they take the stance again. Swords clash, and they circle.)

Elizabeth: You fight with force, but where is your style?

Arthur: I'm just getting started!

(He swings the sword high above his head and comes down toward her. She easily deflects it to the side and reaches out to grab the hilt of his sword. She pulls his sword out of his grasp and brings her's down, stopping right before the wooden blade reaches his neck.)

Elizabeth: Au contraire, I believe you are finished.

(She tosses his sword in the air and catches it around the middle. Looking at the sword she says,) when you leave for the battle, (she gives the handle end back to Arthur but doesn't let go, but pulls in.) I'll be following close by your side.

(He takes hold of both ends of the sword and pulls it around in front of her so she is caught between him and the sword, and catching her off guard just enough to keep his pride intact)

Arthur: Elizabeth?

Elizabeth: (slightly surprised) Yes, Arthur?

Arthur: Elizabeth I…(sigh) (he pauses, almost regretting his acceptance, he looks her in the eye, she looks back.) I'll be there for you. Just, just be careful.

(light fades to darkness and the curtains close)



I talked to a senior actor last year, and he said I should add a kiss at the end. Tell me what do you think?