WAITING FOR OCTOBER S1 – E2 – “The Woods”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER: There is a world – one of many that touches ours – known as October. One of the archetypes; one of the realities that is a source for our stories. It is not difficult to reach, if you know the way – you can experience their wildness for yourself, adventure there, and live, and love. But be wary – perhaps more than any other existence, here there be monsters …
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SCENE ONE
SOUND: Countryside background, day (ongoing)
SOUND: Rustling of cornstalks for a time, then long strides in tall grass. The walking stops suddenly, and we hear a quiet clacking noise, like polished wood being hit together. Some large creature hoots, and suddenly flies away. The walking begins again, and transitions from tall grass to short grass, and then stops.
SOUND: Vines rustling a little bit as Yvonne sits up
YVONNE
Ooooooohh … Karo, we slept through the night. Karo? You’re still asleep. I guess that Raven was right about spending lots of time in your pumpkin patch.
(she laughs, then groans)
Ow. Owwww. I was sleeping on my cane. At least I know where it is. Now, careful, Vonnie … careful …
SOUND: More rustling as she stands
YVONNE
Uuuup and at ‘em. We never discussed where the nearest public bathroom might be; gonna have to do this the old-fashioned way. If I were a tree, which direction would I –
(suddenly noticing Auncle Lantern, who we were following before)
Oh. Oh. Uhhhh, hi.
(whispering aside)
Karo? Karo?
KARO
(barely awake, background)
Good morning, starshine.
SOUND: The same quiet clacking noise we heard earlier (Auncle Lantern signing)
YVONNE
Right. I … I’m sorry, I do know some sign, but I don’t think we use the same language.
(whispering aside)
Karo! A little help here?
KARO
What’s happening? Oh, Auncle – sorry – just a sec.
SOUND: More vines rustling, Karo groaning as she hurries to get up
YVONNE
It’s a lovely day. Nice … moon up there in the sky. Still.
SOUND: A little polite clacking
KARO
Sorry, honey. Auncle. I just … I brought Yvonne last night, for the equinox.
SOUND: More clacking noises
KARO
You’re right, I should have asked the pumpkins. We didn’t mean to fall asleep –
SOUND: A few more deliberate clacks
KARO
It’s been okay, so far.
(to Yvonne)
You’re feeling all right?
YVONNE
Shouldn’t I be? You said last night that we’d be perfectly safe –
KARO
No, it’s fine, just … I told you about the pull. At some point, you’ll start feeling …
SOUND: A quick clack or two
KARO
Pulled. Sorry, I’m terrible, Yvonne, Auncle Lantern. Officially introduced.
YVONNE
Umm … it’s a pleasure.
SOUND: An extended series of clacking noises, sporadic behind the next few lines
KARO
(starts interpreting halfway through)
Xe is pleased to meet you, and xe hopes you had pleasant dreams –
YVONNE
(overlapping a little)
I did! Thank you.
KARO
And xe apologizes for the state of xir head.
YVONNE
What? Oh no, it’s … fine, it’s …
KARO
That’s why xe’s here, to get a replacement. We’re just a coincidence.
SOUND: Another quick series of clacks
KARO
Oh! Of course. That’s where I’m … headed next, to find them.
SOUND: A few more clacks, then silence
KARO
I’ll look down in The Ribbons, then. And we’ll … gather our stuff and be out of your way.
(to Yvonne, aside)
Can you hold the basket and I’ll just throw everything back in?
YVONNE
Sure, of course.
SOUND: A bit of Karo picking things up, shaking the blanket, vines rustling
YVONNE
(to Auncle Lantern)
It was lovely meeting you. Karo just mentioned you last night!
SOUND: Some more clacking as Auncle signs in reply
YVONNE
(half to herself)
It’s curious – some of the movements are so close to ASL, I’d love to learn –
KARO
That’s everything, Auncle. We’ll just … see you later, I’m sure!
YVONNE
Umm, goodbye!
SOUND: Some clacking and the creak of Auncle bending over to pick a pumpkin – all of which fades and we stay with Yvonne and Karo’s footsteps (remember Yvonne’s cane) out of the pumpkin patch and across short grass
YVONNE
Was I doing something wrong?
KARO
No! I’m sorry. The ceremony thing that xe does to change xir head is private. We were kinda in the way.
YVONNE
Oh.
KARO
I just thought it was easier to explain not standing right in front of xir.
YVONNE
Xe is a little … intimidating.
KARO
Right? And xe was kinda pushing me to my next stop, so …
YVONNE
I heard that. Someone is “down in the Ribbons,” which seemed to make sense to you.
KARO
(laughs)
It’s what they call the forest not too far from here, it’s divided in strips because of the ravines.
YVONNE
That’s a festive way of naming it.
KARO
I think they might have meant, “torn into ribbons.”
(Yvonne shivers)
But yeah, there’s, umm … someone I ought to talk to. If I’m coming back on a regular basis.
YVONNE
If we’re coming back.
KARO
Right.
SOUND: The footsteps continue, fading with the final line of the scene
YVONNE
(after a moment, fading as they move away)
You’re going to tell me more about this pull thing before it just … happens, right?
SOUND: Countryside background fades
(The scene ends.)
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Light forest background, mid-morning (ongoing)
SOUND: Walking through grass and light underbrush, some dried leaves crackling underfoot
YVONNE
It’s chilly under the trees. I should have brought a warmer sweater.
KARO
There’s not as much summer here to begin with. Mostly down by the lakes, and the deserts in the beyond … but most monster stories tend to like the fall.
YVONNE
I’m with them there.
KARO
The shadows feel deeper, the leaves rattle in the wind, and the Moon seems bigger in the sky.
YVONNE
Look at you waxing poetic.
(a little out of breath)
Uh, you said it shouldn’t be too far …?
SOUND: The walking stops
KARO
It’s hard to be really sure until I see some kind of … are you okay?
YVONNE
I just need a second to catch my breath. One … two … three … four … “Because I could not stop for Death …”
SOUND: A bit of rustling close by
YVONNE
Just a little Emily Dickinson to keep the blood flowing. I like old Emily because you can sing her stuff to the … what’s going on, love?
KARO
(serious)
Stay still.
YVONNE
Is everything … copacetic?
KARO
Still and quiet.
YVONNE
O…kay.
SOUND: More rustling
KARO
Who is it? Come on out.
(brief pause, dangerously)
I may smell like the other side but I am not a stranger here. I know The Wilds, I’m a friend to the Fundamentals and I was schooled by the Council. You’d have better luck with a –
SOUND: A brief honking sound, like a beaver’s cry, cuts them off, and more rustling, and then feet scampering away (continues behind the next line)
YVONNE
(overlapping with the above)
Oh! Oh my gosh.
KARO
(embarrassed)
Just a billdad. They’re harmless … unless you’re a fish. Or a tree branch.
YVONNE
Well, you didn’t know. I felt very protected.
KARO
Anyway, it’s a good sign. We’re on the right track.
YVONNE
I’ll be ready in a minute, here.
KARO
I could … take you back first. If you’re feeling … I don’t want to wear you out, first trip over.
YVONNE
What? No way, pal, we’re in this together. Unless you want me to …
KARO
No! That’s not what I meant.
YVONNE
You said there’s someone you need to talk to. I wasn’t sure, maybe it was something private or whatever.
KARO
I want you with me. You’ll probably like the Lindworm. You’re both big into poetry.
YVONNE
Oh yeah? That’s a place to start.
KARO
Let’s head down this way.
SOUND: They start walking again
SOUND: Yvonne tapping at her phone a little
YVONNE
Nice one, Yvonne. Like you’re gonna have service in another world.
KARO
What do you need? My phone works.
YVONNE
I was just gonna check Maps, see where we’re heading.
KARO
Good luck with that.
(after a beat)
The road, the … geography – changes. Like everything else. There’s an app called Endpapers that gets updated daily, and even then it’s just a rough guess.
YVONNE
But we’re headed where we need to go.
SOUND: A sudden crash through the bushes, then wings flapping
KARO
I’m pretty sure. Let’s follow that bird.
SOUND: Footsteps, light forest background fades out
SOUND: A bit of transition music
SOUND: Deeper forest background (fades in, ongoing)
YVONNE
(a bit out of breath)
So … we must be really close now … right?
KARO
I think so. I’ve seen three jackalopes, another billdad, a Nandi bear, and that was a squonk hiding behind those buckleberry bushes …
YVONNE
I don’t know what those last two were, but “squonk” is a fun word. Squonk. So we should be closing in on your buddy with the medieval-sounding name.
KARO
Yeah. My buddy. Olllld friends.
YVONNE
Lindworm … “Act Three. Beowulf defeats the Lindworm.”
KARO
The thing is, they might be a little bit more … well …
SOUND: They’re cut off by the rustling of bushes right beside them
YVONNE
Oh, here we go again.
KARO
It’s okay, little guy, we’re not gonna hurt you.
SOUND: More rustling for a moment
HODAG
Uhh … hi there. Hello.
YVONNE
(under her breath)
Not so little guy.
KARO
Sorry, we thought you were …
HODAG
Something smaller and less verbose? I get it, the beasties are definitely out in force today! But I’m just your friendly woodlands Hodag, out doing some health monitoring of the local flora. I work for the Conservation Society.
KARO
Oh, sure. I’m Karo.
YVONNE
Yvonne. Is “Hodag” your name, or what you are? Sorry, that’s probably rude. I’m new here.
HODAG
It’s okay. In my case, it’s kinda both … the etymology is pretty interesting, if you’re into that –
SOUND: A sort of flapping, flying sound, like fish twisting after you pull them out of the water
HODAG
Whoa. That’s a lot of skyfish. They usually don’t fly this far inland.
(brief pause)
But with the Lindworm this close and all …
KARO
You’ve seen them nearby? Today?
HODAG
Oh, sure. Just down that hillside,where you see the canopy breaking up a bit.
KARO
If you don’t mind, we’ve been trying to …
HODAG
Of course! Another time. I’ll just get back to it.
SOUND: Bushes rustling again
KARO
Yvonne?
YVONNE
Right. I was just … skyfish.
SOUND: The same flapping, fishy sound again
KARO
We can follow them down.
SOUND: Footsteps, deeper forest background fades
SOUND: A bit of transition music
SOUND: Somewhat lighter forest background again (ongoing)
KARO
That’s three more jackalopes.
YVONNE
So, would you say this is an average day so far on this side?
KARO
Watch your step.
SOUND: A quiet hissing noise, followed by an immediate rolling away
KARO
Hoop snake.
YVONNE
Of course it is.
KARO
It’s all gonna be … good, okay. Fine.
YVONNE
I’m sure. You don’t want to tell me about this Lindworm, prepare me just a little?
KARO
I honestly don’t know where to start. You’ll find out soon en-
SOUND: Cut off by a horse galloping right beside them, disappearing a moment later
YVONNE
Dammit, Karo. God dammit. That was a unicorn.
KARO
(laughs)
Come on.
SOUND: Music cue – “Lindworm 1 intro” – should start about here and last until they arrive at the Lindworm
SOUND: A few more footsteps; they’re getting closer now. We can hear not only the occasional scamper or flutter beside them, but a chorus of various animal sounds just becoming audible – nothing loud, but an undertone of purrs and coos and the occasional slither or chitter – this will continue quietly below their entire visit with the Lindworm.
LINDWORM
(fading in as we get closer)
… make room on that side for Farwah, you don’t want to be impaled. Nor do I; let me twist around slightly … but if you’re settling there, perhaps you could scratch beneath that southerly row of scales? That’s the spot. And above, my silvery friends, could you arrange yourselves a bit more artistically? I’ll return to my composition.
SOUND: A few small bits of the flapping from before, and leaves rustling
LINDWORM
slipping through stormclouds,
a school of sky-shimmer …
(brief pause)
lighting on … Is the double meaning of “lighting on leaves” too obvious after “sky-shimmer?” I’ll keep it for now. Oh, Karo, you’re here. I was beginning to wonder.
KARO
I – umm – right. Hi. This is –
LINDWORM
Not now, no introductions in the midst of a poem. Particularly not a galdralag. Take a seat and wait for the end.
SOUND: Slight clothes rustling as they sit
YVONNE
(quiet, behind)
Pardon me.
LINDWORM
I believe it’s come together. Inspired by our guests up above…
(they clear their throat)
SOUND: All the background animal noises quiet for a moment
SOUND: Music cue – “Lindworm 2 poem” (runs through the end of the poem)
LINDWORM
slipping through stormclouds,
a school of sky-shimmer
lighting on leaves overhead
one flick of a fingertip –
feathering flightward,
the fall and the radiant rise;
the heart and the shining skies.
SOUND: After one more moment of reverent silence, the noises resume, with some barks and cries of approval, and a general flapping above
YVONNE
Oh, that’s lovely.
(she claps a time or two, softly)
LINDWORM
Thank you. And for the applause; not many here have the hands for it. You’re welcome here, Yvonne.
YVONNE
(after a moment, uncomfortable)
Well, thank you. Karo – I mean, Karo’s told me …
SOUND: A bit of a sweep of scales as the Lindworm moves closer
LINDWORM
(imperious)
Yes?
YVONNE
(apologetically)
Next to nothing, I didn’t even know we were coming here until a few hours back.
LINDWORM
Our Karoline is nothing if not spontaneous. Particularly when it comes to changes in direction.
KARO
That last change of direction wasn’t …
(after a long pause)
I liked your new poem. It had an interesting meter.
SOUND: A bit of scales rasping together as the Lindworm settles in
LINDWORM
Parallelism has always intrigued me. You must have a unique perspective, having lived in analogue worlds.
KARO
I was young, I needed to … everything felt like …
LINDWORM
And now you’ve returned, like a bad case of epiphora. I wasn’t sure I’d ever see you on this side again.
KARO
I wasn’t sure either. I’ve visited, but –
LINDWORM
You haven’t visited me.
KARO
I wasn’t sure if you … it didn’t feel …
LINDWORM
I’ve heard of you. From Charlene, from Enoch. I’ve discussed you with the Endling. You’ve missed many a ritual and recital.
KARO
I’m sorry.
LINDWORM
Apologies are superfluous. The worlds keep changing. There has always been a place for you here.
SOUND: A flutter of small animal / bird / fish noises, as if the matter is settled
SOUND: A few footsteps as Karo moves back
YVONNE
I think I’m missing some context.
KARO
I’m sorry. The Lindworm took me in, before I crossed over, when I was … between lives.
LINDWORM
You fell within my jurisdiction at the time.
KARO
(laughs)
They’re saying that because they’re Protector of the Wild.
LINDWORM
It’s an … honorary title; self-ascribed. We Fundamentals find our own calling.
YVONNE
Fundamentals? Karo said something about that earlier, but I didn’t know what they are.
LINDWORM
You’ve met two during your visit already.
KARO
Charlene and Auncle Lantern. It’s kind of like a … guardian thing, the big characters in the world’s story.
YVONNE
I’m glad no one told me. And you’re in charge of wild … animals?
LINDWORM
Yes and no … and no. I am the champion, the chaperon, the attendant – not just of these but all wildness in this world. From the smallest creatures to the titans beyond, to the uncontrollable forces that move the sea and stir the sky; the conflict and the chaos in our tales, I stand for it all.
SOUND: A significant slithering noise as they move around the clearing (continuing beneath the next line somewhat muted); the animals moving a bit to get out of their way
LINDWORM
And to the more domesticated, I stand for the wildness inside themselves – the flame we live to maintain, our basest need, our deepest purpose. This world exists to be wild, to resist your control, to look back from the darkness and bare our teeth. Your world still needs monster stories, but it has forgotten how to respect them. You should quake at our very presence!
YVONNE
(very small in the background)
Karo?
SOUND: For a moment, we can practically hear the Lindworm shaking; then there is a small sobbing sound from one of the animals, and the mood dissipates
LINDWORM
And I also write poetry. A form of composition blissfully unfettered from other planes of existence. Here now, Edmund, I didn’t mean to upset you. He’s a Squonk, it’s his natural state.
YVONNE
(a bit shaken)
Right … I think we might have met earlier. If you don’t mind, I’m gonna sit down.
LINDWORM
Anywhere you can find room. Mind the cactus cat, he’s still new to people.
SOUND: A bit of adjustment as Yvonne sits; a slight scratchy meow
SOUND: More of the Lindworm moving around, sedately this time
KARO
Are you okay?
YVONNE
I’m fine, really.
KARO
I know this trip has turned into a lot.
LINDWORM
It is always an adjustment of one’s consciousness, the enjambment from one plane into another.
YVONNE
I thought it was just my stomach; we had a lot of candy last night.
LINDWORM
(laughs)
Karo must have been responsible for the menu. I remember a time when –
SOUND: They’re cut off by a loud flapping of wings and a bird’s extended cries
YVONNE
(background)
A time when what?
LINDWORM
Which direction? How far?
(the bird’s cry again, slightly different)
Watch them, but from a distance. I won’t be long.
SOUND: The bird takes off again suddenly
LINDWORM
My regrets, but I’m going to have to cut things short. You can find your way back, Karoline?
KARO
Of course.
YVONNE
What’s wrong?
LINDWORM
(dangerously)
There are hunters … in my forest. In. My. Forest! We’ll have to continue another time.
SOUND: With a sudden burst of slithering, and the rustling of underbrush, they are gone, and we’re left with the background animal noises. After a moment, these start to dwindle as well, and we can hear some of them starting to leave one by one.
YVONNE
Well. The Lindworm was fun.
KARO
They’re something, all right.
(after a moment)
I … guess we can go.
YVONNE
Sure. Just a second here.
(she groans as she gets back to her feet)
Oh. Sorry there, little … little, uh …
KARO
Frog.
YVONNE
Frog. Right.
SOUND: A quiet ribbit; then footsteps in the grass
SOUND: Animal noises and the forest background fade
(The scene ends.)
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SCENE THREE
SOUND: Deeper forest background, afternoon (ongoing)
SOUND: Karo and Yvonne walking through the forest
YVONNE
(after a moment)
Fundamentals, huh?
KARO
I didn’t pick the name.
YVONNE
You’re not … one of them, are you?
KARO
You’ve got to be kidding. Here, watch that root.
YVONNE
I am kidding. I’m just impressed. And intimidated, but I think that was intentional.
KARO
They like to push; it’s how they get to know a person.
YVONNE
I’ll try to take it as a compliment.
(after a moment)
You know where we’re going this time, right? All these trees look the same to me.
KARO
I’m just backtracking, this is how we came in. We should be close to –
SOUND: Some rustling in the bushes; the footsteps stop
HODAG
Hey, Karo and Yvonne! Right? I’m not great with names, but here in the woods, nothing to push them out of my head.
YVONNE
Two for two! And you’re … is it Hodag or the Hodag? We just had our audience with the Lindworm, I don’t want to disrespect.
HODAG
Right, how did that go?
YVONNE
They’re … imperious, you know what I mean? I’ve been looking for that word since I saw them. Imperious. But maybe it comes off different if you belong here. Karo knows them from back in the day.
HODAG
Really?
KARO
It’s a long story.
HODAG
I can’t say I’ve ever had a conversation. If it looks like our paths might cross, I kinda … back away.
KARO
Not a bad idea. We should let you work. We’re just gonna … back out along this trail.
SOUND: Karo’s footsteps right off again (and fade as they go); Yvonne following in a moment behind the next line
HODAG
Of course; I’ve got trees to mark. It was good to see you again!
YVONNE
You too!
(as she tries to catch up)
That was abrupt. Karo!
KARO
Sorry, I’m waiting.
SOUND: Yvonne’s footsteps slow and stop
YVONNE
Everything okay?
KARO
Yeah, I just … wanted to get us out of these woods. I didn’t mean to keep you this long.
YVONNE
I’m okay. It was easier when we were doing this downhill, but that happens.
KARO
I’ll get you home soon. Promise.
SOUND: They start walking again; then a smaller rustling for a moment
YVONNE
What now? Oh, just a jackalope. That could be a song … “I’m just a jackalope …”
(after a moment)
Nothing for that brilliant moment of parody? Weird Al’s got nothing on me.
KARO
I heard it. Dork.
YVONNE
Your dork.
(brief pause)
I don’t mean to push or anything, about your past. I want to know, of course, but …
KARO
I want you to know. Just … yeah.
SOUND: A bit more walking, we hear something flying way overhead
KARO
That was those skyfish. Back out to sea, I guess.
SOUND: Another rustling in the underbrush; the Bildad’s cry
YVONNE
And that’s one of the bildads. This feels all deja-vu-y.
(just a miniscule pause)
Are we headed downhill again somehow?
KARO
Shouldn’t be. We’ve been headed straight out the whole time. It shouldn’t be far … now …
SOUND: A much larger rustling again
HODAG
Back to my neck of the woods? Did you two forget something?
YVONNE
Speaking of feeling familiar.
KARO
Dammit.
YVONNE
I guess we got turned around a little. No big –
KARO
God dammit!
SOUND: Karo immediately turns around and we can hear them walking away fast
YVONNE
Nice seeing you again! Karo! Karo!
SOUND: Yvonne trying to run after, don’t forget about her cane; we hear her breathing
KARO
(muttering as Yvonne gets closer)
This is not happening. Dammit, this is not gonna happen …
YVONNE
Wait up there! Don’t forget about old Hopalong behind you.
SOUND: Karo stops; Yvonne catches up and stops, breathing hard
KARO
I’m sorry, love.
YVONNE
It’s no big deal; just a little off course. It happens to me every single time I try to keep my way in the woods.
KARO
I hope that’s all it is.
YVONNE
If you’re worried, we can go back and ask Hodag – the Hodag? – for directions.
KARO
Let’s just keep going, find out if we see them again.
YVONNE
O … kay.
SOUND: They start walking again; another small rustling beside them
KARO
Jackalope.
YVONNE
How’d you know?
KARO
Lucky guess.
(after a moment)
We’re headed in the right direction now, see? Uphill again and everything.
YVONNE
Sure.
KARO
Let’s get out of here.
SOUND: Both of them walking steadily, in silence for a bit, until:
YVONNE
These trees are still blowing my mind a little bit.
SOUND: Karo has slowed down, so Yvonne slows as well
YVONNE
It’s like they’re oaks, but the seeds are in a pod and … what’s wrong?
KARO
You can’t feel it?
YVONNE
Not … maybe, but … not really.
KARO
We’re turned around again.
YVONNE
No … we’d have noticed …
SOUND: They stop completely
KARO
See – there! The marker on that tree.
YVONNE
Oh.
KARO
That’s one that Hodag was tying on last time.
YVONNE
Right. Well, at least we’ve decided against using the definite article. What do you think is going on?
SOUND: Music cue – “Lindworm 3 lost” – should continue for a good while
KARO
Remember back at the beginning, I said that you can get caught up in someone else’s story?
YVONNE
Oh. Ohhhhh.
KARO
Especially if it’s someone particularly powerful.
SOUND: A dog scampering through the underbrush past them whuffs and whines a little
YVONNE
(distractedly)
Good doggo.
KARO
Axehandle hound. All the animals, I think that’s part of it too. We’re tangled up in the Lindworm’s plotline.
YVONNE
Are you sure?
SOUND: Karo takes a few more cautious steps
KARO
Downhill again.
SOUND: Yvonne takes a few more steps as well (remember her cane)
YVONNE
What do you do when this … kind of thing happens?
KARO
If we are … and I’m pretty sure … there’s no one way to get out of it. It depends on the story, depends on the … strength of the character who’s caught you …
YVONNE
Could we just go back and … ask the Lindworm to let us go?
KARO
It’s not something you can be released from, that’s not how this kind of thing gets told.
(after a moment)
Let’s try the path again. Maybe if we just keep going, I can figure out …
SOUND: They take off again
YVONNE
Karo! Wait … up!
SOUND: A long few moments of both of them running (Karo ahead), Yvonne breathing hard
SOUND: A burst of wings flapping above
YVONNE
Some kind of flying … snake … this is all normal … it’s all fine … Karo!
SOUND: Karo stops suddenly, and Yvonne catches up, groaning
KARO
It didn’t work. We’re headed downhill again.
YVONNE
It was worth a try, I guess. Mind you, I don’t know how many tries like that I can handle.
KARO
I’m sorry. I’ve messed things up but good.
YVONNE
We’ll figure this out. You’ve been through this sort of thing before.
KARO
Not for a long, long time. And now I’ve done it to you, too.
YVONNE
Let’s just get somewhere we can sit and think for a minute.
KARO
Here, lean on me. I’ll find you a soft spot.
SOUND: A bit of walking, slowly – Yvonne is having a hard time of it
YVONNE
Jackalopes over to that side. I can see the horns.
KARO
Does this look okay?
SOUND: They stop walking, we hear Yvonne sitting down in the next line
YVONNE
Should be good. Oh … yeahhhhh. Thank you.
SOUND: Karo pacing a little
YVONNE
Come sit down for a minute.
KARO
I can’t. I need the momentum, you can’t just … accept something like this.
YVONNE
I get that, but at least take a break.
KARO
I’ve got to get this. There must be another path, another angle …
YVONNE
Just take a minute and we’ll –
KARO
Stay here, I’m going to try something.
SOUND: They run off into the woods, some branches rustling
YVONNE
Karo! And they’re gone. Shit.
SOUND: A little rustling in the bushes, a little squeak
YVONNE
Hey there, little guy. Guess it’s you and me now.
SOUND: Deeper forest background fades out
SOUND: A bit of transition music
SOUND: Deeper forest background (fades in, ongoing)
YVONNE
It is something we should talk about, eventually. Did you want another bread crust?
SOUND: The same little squeak from earlier
YVONNE
You’re welcome to them; my stomach is tied in knots at this point.
SOUND: Weary footsteps as Karo approaches, panting
KARO
(getting pretty worn out)
I’m back. I’m back, again.
YVONNE
Honey, you’ve got to stop for a while.
KARO
I might as well. You’ve accomplished as much as I have without trying.
(they collapse with a groan)
YVONNE
I’ll rub your legs, you’ve got to be exhausted.
KARO
I don’t know what to do. I’ve gone in every direction there is, uphill, downhill, I tried climbing a tree, digging a hole. I even found a creek and tried swimming downstream.
YVONNE
Have you been checking that app you told me about?
KARO
I turned the alerts on … it’s not good at this sort of thing. I tried shouting for help, following random animals. I looked for Hodag again – I found a dozen of those tree markers, but that’s it.
YVONNE
You’ve tried so hard. Do you think … should we, maybe –
KARO
I went back to look for the Lindworm. I can still feel them around, I even heard them in the distance, but I can’t catch up. I’m starting to think they made this happen on purpose.
YVONNE
Would they do that?
KARO
They were pretty upset with me. I … didn’t really tell them when I decided to leave October. I didn’t ask for advice, didn’t give them any warning or say goodbye. I avoided all the regular crossings so it would take a while for news to get back. Not because of them, but … I can’t blame them for feeling … offended.
YVONNE
You said you were a kid when you left.
KARO
I was a mess, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t hurt people.
YVONNE
And you said you were sorry.
KARO
(laughs a little)
I’d apologize again if that helped.
(raising their voice to call out into the woods)
I’M SORRY! I WAS A KID, I WAS AN ASSHOLE AND I SHOULD HAVE DONE BETTER!
(back to Yvonne)
It doesn’t feel any different.
YVONNE
Well, you know, “apologies are superfluous.”
(they both laugh)
If we meet up again, I’ll give that Lindworm such a piece of my mind.
(groans a little)
Or, the way I’m feeling right now, what’s left of my lunch.
KARO
Are you okay?
YVONNE
Don’t worry, just … my stomach hasn’t gotten any better than it was this morning.
KARO
Now I feel really bad.
YVONNE
Damn candy. Or maybe it’s that pull thing you keep talking about, either way it’s not great.
KARO
Does it feel like it hurts in a certain direction?
YVONNE
Yeah … now that you mention it, kinda. Does that mean that it’s …?
KARO
Seems like it.
(Yvonne groans)
You can learn to control it after a while, but for now …
YVONNE
And me without my antacids. Urgh, it feels worse when I pay attention to it.
KARO
It’s just gonna keep building, stronger and stronger. Sorry, that’s probably not helpful.
YVONNE
No, but you’re not wrong, either. I’m definitely being pulled.
KARO
That’s how it works. It keeps going until you can’t help but … head right for the nearest …
SOUND: Somewhere far overhead, we hear flapping wings
YVONNE
I can’t see what it is. You missed a flying snake before.
KARO
I think I have an idea.
SOUND: They stand up, pacing
YVONNE
Is it an idea I have to get up for, too?
KARO
Yes, but I’ve got you. Here.
YVONNE
Ohhhhhh … careful. Careful. Handle with care.
KARO
I always do. You can lean against me the whole time. I’m with you.
SOUND: A bit of clothes rustling as they move
YVONNE
Got it, thanks. I’m … good. Mostly. What are we doing here?
KARO
Trying something new. I know it sucks, but can you focus on that feeling in your stomach? The direction of it? Maybe that will lead … somewhere, some way? Somehow out of here?
YVONNE
Should I close my eyes or something?
KARO
If that helps.
YVONNE
Okay … ohhh, I don’t know, Karo. It’s not … it’s a lot, and when I let it happen …
KARO
You’ve got this, love.
YVONNE
(getting nauseous)
Shit. Oh, shit, no … I’m sorry, I just can’t –
SOUND: She bends over and throws up, groaning (a bit of the splash after her noises?)
YVONNE
(weakly)
I’m sorry …especially with my eyes closed, it was too much, too many ways, like when you’re drunk and it feels like there’s this surge inside your head and it’s too much to ride through …
KARO
No, Vonnie, it’s okay. Don’t be sorry, it’s … a lot to try to manage.
YVONNE
I could feel it all heading somewhere, a little, but it was just too much.
KARO
I wish I could just get in there and help somehow.
YVONNE
You’re welcome to drive if you can figure out how.
KARO
It’s your story. That’s the thing, it’s your story …
SOUND: Wings flapping far above, again
KARO
But maybe I can help with the telling. Let’s go over here, where you didn’t just puke.
SOUND: A few steps together, grass beneath their feet
YVONNE
Thank you.
KARO
Don’t close your eyes, don’t try to take it all yourself. Just listen to my voice.
SOUND: Music cue – “Lindworm 4 finding home” – should run for a good while
KARO
Yvonne had a pretty good first trip into the other world, all told. There was a lovely romantic visit to the pumpkin patch with her partner –
YVONNE
(weakly)
Her super-awesome, super-cute partner –
KARO
All right now. With her partner … where they fell asleep together under an orange moon. She met a werewolf named Grey and Auncle Lantern and the Lindworm –
YVONNE
And Hodag –
KARO
And Hodag, for sure. October was everything Karo had ever described and more, it filled Yvonne’s new-experience meter right to the top. But now, she was ready to go back home, to her own world, her own house, and absorb it all. She could feel that need, deep inside.
YVONNE
(murmuring)
I can walk, I think. This way …
SOUND: Quiet footsteps as they start off together
KARO
The need was rising, it was filling her, but not in some dizzying surge … it was like rising slowly from deep water to the surface, like her original crossing with Charlene but now it was bringing her back.
YVONNE
We’re going uphill … uphill … around this way …
KARO
She could feel her life there waiting … all her favourite restaurants, and her job at the library, and a bed where the pillows have ducks on them …
SOUND: A small animal scampering through the underbrush; wings flapping overhead
SOUND: Deeper forest background is fading into a lighter forest background (ongoing)
YVONNE
That was that bildad again, heading the other way. And I keep hearing wings …
KARO
Yvonne was ready to go back, bringing Karo with her, to finish their trip together.
YVONNE
Until next time. Don’t forget that part – “until next time.”
KARO
Until next time. And the time after that.
YVONNE
Is it working? It feels like it’s –
KARO
(laughs)
Take a look around.
SOUND: They both stop walking
YVONNE
Oh my gosh. Oh, wow. Ohhh, my stomach.
KARO
I’m sorry, we’ll get you to the crossing as soon as we can. But we made it.
SOUND: The flapping of wings from before gets nearer, and nearer, and we hear a familiar caw
RAVEN
Karo, Karoline, and sweet Yvonne! That was quite the adventure, wasn’t it? I wondered how Our Heroes would get out of that one.
YVONNE
Oh, no.
KARO
You were mixed up in this?
RAVEN
Me? I just happened to pass by and see the scrape you were in, purely a coincidence.
KARO
And coincidentally you didn’t help in any way.
RAVEN
Not my circus, not my monkeys. Besides, the Lindworm said you’d find your own way out.
YVONNE
You’re making this sound less and less random.
RAVEN
I don’t know what you could mean! But of course I’m pleased as punch to see you triumph! I’ll be sure to tell the tale at my next pub night.
KARO
If I get my hands on you, you’ll be pub snacks instead of the entertainment –
SOUND: The Raven flapping quickly out of reach
YVONNE
Let him go. We’ve got better things to do, right? And places to be; I need to get back to that crossing soon.
KARO
I’ll figure out something. Just give me a minute …
SOUND: A vehicle pulling up beside them (on dirt)
HODAG
Hey, can I give you folks a ride?
YVONNE
Hodag!
SOUND: He stops his jeep, door opening
HODAG
Looks like we all made it out of the woods! I was a little worried after you ran off that last time, but there you are and here I am, that sounds like a successful day!
KARO
It definitely does.
YVONNE
Any day you walk away from, that’s my motto.
HODAG
Well, there you go! Let me shift a few things in the jeep here, and we’ll be on our way!
SOUND: A bit of bustling as he moves equipment around inside
YVONNE
Oh, thank goodness. Hodag, you are one of the best parts of this day.
KARO
Hey now.
YVONNE
After you, of course, Karo honey. Sweetie pie. Darling.
KARO
Okay, let’s not overdo it. I call shotgun!
SOUND: The light forest background ends
(The scene ends.)
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS: Hi! Thank you so much for listening to our show!
Waiting for October was written by D.J. Sylvis . our sound design was done by Caroline Mincks, and our music was done by Trace Callahan.
This episode featured Robin Regalado as Karo, Tina Case as Yvonne, Tau Zaman as the Lindworm, Leeman Kessler as The Raven, and Cass McPhee as Hodag… as the Hodag…?
Our co-producers are D.J. Sylvis, Tina Case, and Sarah Müller. Our associate producers are Fool & Scholar Productions, Kathleen Lucas, Marcus Briggs, Martin Chodorek, Rebekah B.
A special thanks to our Patreon supporters who have helped make all of our stories happen! If you’d like to support our work or celebrate the folks who make it happen visit our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/monkeymanproductions.
Our recommendation this episode is such a delightful one – Stories from Ylelmore! This is such a wonderful adventure that’s so fun and thoughtful and well-made and family-friendly – about witches, werewolves, curses, and a world where the magical is absolutely everyday. You don’t want to miss it – go listen right now.
Meanwhile, we’ll be looking forward to our second monologue episode – featuring the Raven, who might be magical but is definitely NOT family-friendly! But you won’t want to miss that, either. Until then, take care, watch for bildads in the underbrush, and keep an ear out for some good poetry along the way.
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
