STORIES
14 - Cards
2005
Tuesday afternoon ...
KARANTHIR:
Grace, you may think that just because you won the first hand,
you'll win again, but that was just beginners' luck.
GRACE:
You talk big for a loser, yes you do. Hi Fin.
FIN:
Hi. Karanthir, it’s wonderful of you to entertain Grace like this.
KARANTHIR:
Think nothing of it.
KARANTHIR:
… Ah, the lovely Cammeo. It's always a pleasure to be blessed
with your company.
CAMMEO:
… Hullo.
GRACE:
It's your turn Karanthir, again.
KARANTHIR:
Is it? My apologies for the delay, but I simply lose my
ability to concentrate when Cammeo is nearby.
CAMMEO:
blushing
Oh, uh ... I didn't mean to interrupt. I think perhaps
I'll ... bake some cookies. Excuse me.
FIN:
Nice going Karanthir, you just embarrassed her. I
warned you not to flirt with her. You know how shy she is.
KARANTHIR:
I can't help myself. Flirting is like breathing to me. I’m not even aware I’m doing it.
GRACE:
It’s still your turn, you know.
Meanwhile ...
DAPRIMA:
Mez, Cammeo's in the kitchen baking cookies. Why don't you help her?
MEZ:
Why would I want to bake cookies?
DAPRIMA:
Because you like Cammeo, and she likes you. Right
now, she's alone in the kitchen - so seize the moment.
MEZ:
What do you mean she likes me? Did she tell you that?
... You know what, I'll be in the kitchen.
Meanwhile ...
VANNI:
… Go ahead Noli, show everyone the pretty drawing you made.
KARANTHIR:
Ah Noli, I had no idea you were so talented. I believe we
have a child prodigy in our presence. I bow to your genius.
NOLI:
What him say?
VANNI:
He said he likes your picture.
NOLI:
Oh.
FIN:
Uh Karanthir, what's that?
KARANTHIR:
What's what?
FIN:
That? Is that a card up your ...
KARANTHIR:
My dear brother, I think I hear Daprima calling for you.
I mean, really, don't you have something else to do?
Kindly remove your paws from me.
FIN:
Are you cheating?
GRACE:
He’s what! Why the nerve of you! Hiding cards up
your sleeve. That’s bad, yes it is, very bad.
KARANTHIR:
Calm down Grace, this is nothing to lose your pretty
little head over. I have no idea how that card got there.
GRACE:
I don’t believe you!
KARANTHIR:
Honestly, I had no intention of using that card.
GRACE:
Then what was it doing up your sleeve? You're bad - yes you are.
Cheating on a little girl like me. I'm mad at you, yes I am. I'm
going to see Syrr ... someplace else, and don't you follow me.
KARANTHIR:
But Grace, at least give me the opportunity to apologize.
GRACE:
You only want to cause you got caught, so apology not accepted.
NOLI:
‘Ranthir bad boy!
KARANTHIR:
But Noli, my sweet ...
VANNI:
I think Karanthir needs some time to think about what
he's done. Come on Noli. Good luck with him Fin.
FIN:
Nice job Karanthir. You’ve managed to scare off Cammeo,
cheat Grace, disappoint Noli and Vanni, and all in a
matter of minutes. I can't wait to see what you do next.
And then ...
DAPRIMA:
Grace, what's the matter?
GRACE:
Karanthir's bad and I'm not playing with him ever
again. Well, not for a little while anyway. I’ll be in
A-m's room watching my cartoonies, yes I will.
DAPRIMA:
Now Grace, we both know you're not going there to watch TV.
Do you think I can't sense such a powerful being nearby?
GRACE:
She doesn't look so powerful to me. I mean, I don't
know what you're talking about.
DAPRIMA:
Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. When
she’s ready to see me, she'll let me know. And Grace,
tell your 'secret' that Vanni can help her.
GRACE:
Sure thing. I mean ... what secret?
Then, in A-m’s room …
SYRRAH:
Welcome young Grace. I have been expecting you…
And lastly ...
FIN:
Daprima, I haven't seen you all day.
DAPRIMA:
I know, I was beginning to miss you.
KARANTHIR:
Are you missing me too, dear lady?
DAPRIMA:
Uh no. So Karanthir, I heard you've been a bad boy.
KARANTHIR:
Daprima darling, surely you understand. I simply cannot allow
myself to be bested by a child. Who would've thought
my own brother would betray me.
