STORIES
152 - Dear Auntie
2009
ZYFAN:
… Look at her Karan, it seems Orrie is correct, she is a giant.
KARANTHIR:
Do my eyes deceive me or are Shichi’s hands bound?
ZYFAN:
Why they are! Do you think the Satyr did that to him?
KARANTHIR:
Who else? I find myself quite turned on.
ZYFAN:
You are truly terrible my love.
KARANTHIR:
I can't help myself. We best see if he needs rescuing.
THYSSA:
You are the prince?
ZYFAN:
I am Zyfan and this is …
THYSSA:
Turn round.
ZYFAN:
I beg your pardon?
THYSSA:
Turn round. I shall have a look at you.
KARANTHIR:
Now see here madam, the prince will not spin around for you or
anyone else. You’re a visitor in this house and the only reason
you’re inside is because Orrie didn't feel threatened by you.
Now, why are Shichi's hands bound?
THYSSA:
You are the protector of the prince?
KARANTHIR:
If need be.
THYSSA:
You think yourself a match for me?
KARANTHIR:
I’m certainly willing to find out.
THYSSA:
I like this one Shichi. Perhaps if you were more like him, we would not be in this situation.
ZYFAN:
Karanthir please, let me handle this?
KARANTHIR:
Just a moment Zyfan. This has gone on long enough. I want an explanation madam.
THYSSA:
Very well. Shichi is my prisoner. Had he not tried to escape,
I would not have bound him. His services are needed until the
task for which he was paid is resolved …
THYSSA:
- Shichi tell him if the task is finished.
SHICHI:
Not exactly but ...
THYSSA:
There is no clause in our agreement that allows you
to run off to hide from a former lover.
KARANTHIR:
There must be a mistake. I'm the former lover.
THYSSA:
You are called Fin?
KARANTHIR:
No, Fin’s my brother. You have us confused.
THYSSA:
I do not. Fin is the former lover he runs from.
KARANTHIR:
You mean to tell me that you and Fin ...?
SHICHI:
I guess untying me is out of the question - huh?
KARANTHIR:
Answer me.
SHICHI:
We …ah ... just happened. It's not what you think.
KARANTHIR:
But, Fin’s always been straight, absolutely straight.
That's what he’s always told me ...
ZYFAN:
Karanthir you are quite pale. Here, sit down.
SHICHI:
Let me explain ...
KARANTHIR:
Certainly 'Chi, explain to me how my brother, who I've
known all my life, could keep such a secret from me?
SHICHI:
Sure but have you noticed my hands are still tied? Do you think
you could do something about that first?
PHAE:
… Auntie Thyssa!
PHAE:
… I’m so glad to see you! I didn’t know you were coming.
THYSSA:
My child.
PHAE:
Oh … Hello sir.
SHICHI:
Phae this is Zyfan, the prince.
ZAM:
What kind of a proper introduction was that?
I knew you’d get it all wrong!
SHICHI:
Zam - where have you been?
ZAM:
With the youngster, remember? Someone had to watch over her.
ZYFAN:
Greetings.
PHAE:
Your majesty …
ZYFAN:
Oh please call me Zyfan ...
ZYFAN:
Karanthir is not quite himself. If you would excuse us Phae,
I think he needs my attention. I do hope to see you tonight at dinner,
your Auntie too, if she wishes to join us.
PHAE:
Oh yes thank you. Yes I'll ... we'll be there.
ZYFAN:
Come Karanthir.
KARANTHIR:
Zyfan, did you know Fin is bi? I had no idea, honestly,
no idea at all - and nothing gets by me.
ZYFAN:
Yes Karanthir. This way please …
PHAE:
He touched my hand. Did you see Auntie? He touched my hand.
THYSSA:
Yes child.
ZAM:
Aw how sweet ...
ZAM:
Didn't ya think that was sweet? Phae is so happy, and that prince, well did you see how nice he was? I like him.
SHICHI:
I can't feel my hands.
ZAM:
That’s no good. Is there anything I can do?
AHICHI:
Untie me you idiot!
ZAM:
That OK with you Thyssa?
THYSSA:
If you must. Shichi you will remain and fulfill your part of the agreement - or suffer the consequences.
PHAE:
Auntie, why are you so cross with him?
THYSSA:
He agreed to remain with you until your betrothal.
PHAE:
But he asked me if he could go and I said yes.
THYSSA:
He was not to leave you unprotected.
PHAE:
He didn’t. Zam was with me.
THYSSA:
The Puki!
ZAM:
Hey - I take offense to that!
SHICHI:
Never mind them, just get busy.
ZAM:
Did you hear what she just said?
PHAE:
But Auntie, I’m perfectly fine. Tonight I'll dine with
the prince and all will be well.
THYSSA:
You are such a child. Your mother is my dearest friend. She would never
forgive me if I left you alone. I shall remain here until I feel it necessary.
I am famished. Is there no nourishment in this dwelling?
PHAE:
Yes of course. It's this way. Zam will you be OK?
ZAM:
Yes you go on dear. I’ll have him free in a jiffy. Don't you worry.
SHICHI:
What's taking so long?
ZAM:
It's a big knot and I have little hands. You know, I knew something
like this would happen. You shouldn’t have left. I told you
no good would come of it and now look at yourself. Serves you right.
SHICHI:
Just concentrate on what you're doing and be quiet.
ZAM:
Oh, hello pretty lady. Look ‘Chi-chi it’s that pretty lady.
CHINATSU:
I thought you had gone.
SHICHI:
My plans have changed.
ZAM:
ZAM:
Actually his plans were changed for him. I can’t get him
loose. Do you think you could give us a hand?
CHINATSU:
Yes, and then you can explain your unexpected return.
SHICHI:
It's a long story …
CHINATSU:
I have time.
In Am's living room ...
KARANTHIR:
… I thought I knew him, my dependable, predictable, dull brother.
How could I not have known? Honestly, my world is all askew.
ZYFAN:
I am so sorry.
KARANTHIR:
Not only did he keep this from me, but the two of them must've been
carrying on the same time I was with 'Chi. My nobler-than-thou
brother was two-timing me. This is just unreal.
ZYFAN:
It is very unlike Fin. You must speak to him about it.
KARANTHIR:
You can count on it.
ORRIE:
K'ranthir …
KARANTHIR:
Orrie , don’t sneak up on us like that. It's unnerving.
ORRIE:
OK. I been waiting all day for Fin and Brynie. I bet they lost.
You better call them and see.
KARANTHIR:
Now let's see where they are ….
Meanwhile at the front door ...
BRYNIE:
Hello! Anybody home?
FIN:
Karanthir? Orrie? That’s strange. Are
you sure we're at the right address?
BRYNIE:
Positive.
FIN:
Karanthir knew we were coming. Where could he be?
BRYNIE:
He’s probably busy doing Zyfan.
FIN:
Brynie!
BRYNIE:
What? I wouldn't put it past him. I mean - we just drove 3000 miles and look
at the 'welcome home' we get. I thought for sure Orrie’d be waiting for us.
FIN:
C’mon, let’s have a look around, maybe we’ll run into them.
BRYNIE:
I hope so. I hate the idea of unloading the car without any help.
FIN:
You don't really expect Karanthir to help us.
Fin’s cell rings.
