Prologue
Interior DARK CAVE – NIGHT
The flickering light of a single torch casts eerie shadows on the walls of an ancient, hidden cave. The air is thick with the scent of old stone and forgotten memories. At the center of the cave stands a small, weathered table with a single goblet resting upon it. An UNKNOWN BEING, cloaked in shadows, sits behind the table, its features obscured by darkness.
A figure steps into the cave, his footsteps echoing softly. His presence exudes an angelic aura that is neither entirely human nor divine. His face is drawn with anguish, his eyes haunted by centuries of pain and loss. He approaches the table with hesitant steps, his every movement heavy with weariness.
UNKNOWN BEING (voice resonant, almost soothing) You have come far, seeker of oblivion. What brings you to the edge of forgetting?
The man stands before the table, his gaze fixed on the goblet. He takes a deep breath, his voice trembling with desperation.
UNNAMED MAN My suffering… it is unbearable. I have walked this world for centuries, watching the one I love die over and over again. Each death, each loss, is a wound that never heals. I cannot escape this torment. Please… help me forget.
The UNKNOWN BEING leans forward slightly, the faintest glimmer of eyes visible in the darkness. There is a hint of curiosity in its voice.
UNKNOWN BEING Pain such as yours is rare. Many would cherish the memories of love, even fleeting. Yet you seek oblivion. Why?
The man clenches his fists, his voice raw with emotion.
UNNAMED MAN To remember is to relive the agony. Every moment of joy is overshadowed by the certainty of loss. I see her face in my dreams, hear her voice in the wind, and yet, I can never hold her. Each century, she is taken from me, and I am left to endure the emptiness. I can’t bear it any longer. I want to forget everything.
The UNKNOWN BEING studies him, its eyes reflecting a mix of pity and intrigue.
UNKNOWN BEING To drink from the waters of Lethe is to forsake all that you have been, all that you have known. The sweetness of love, the lessons of pain, the very essence of your existence—gone. Do you truly wish to abandon your past, your identity?
The man nods, his resolve hardening despite the fear in his eyes. His voice is steady, but there is a tremor of desperation.
UNNAMED MAN Yes. I can’t continue like this. The pain is too much. I want to forget everything.
The UNKNOWN BEING extends a hand towards the goblet, its fingers long and almost skeletal. It picks up the goblet and holds it out to the man.
UNKNOWN BEING Very well. Drink, and let the waters of forgetfulness cleanse your soul of its burdens. But remember, what you seek to forget may also hold the key to your salvation.
The man reaches out, his hand trembling as he grasps the goblet. He lifts it to his lips, pausing for a moment as he closes his eyes, steeling himself for what is to come. He takes a deep breath, then with a single, determined motion, he drinks deeply from the goblet.
The cave seems to pulse with an otherworldly energy as the man consumes the liquid. His eyes widen, then slowly close as a profound sense of peace washes over him. The goblet slips from his grasp, clattering to the floor.
UNKNOWN BEING May you find the solace you seek, nameless one.
The man collapses to the ground, unconscious. The cave grows silent once more, save for the distant drip of water echoing through the darkness. The UNKNOWN BEING watches over him, a mysterious smile playing on its lips as the scene fades to black.
Interior DARK CAVE – EARLIER
The scene rewinds to the moments before the man’s arrival. The UNKNOWN BEING sits alone, its form shifting subtly as if preparing for something significant. The atmosphere in the cave grows heavier, charged with anticipation.
UNKNOWN BEING (to itself, almost a whisper) Another soul seeking release… How many have walked this path before him?
Exterior DESERT – NIGHT
The man, weary and desperate, trudges through a vast, empty desert. The moonlight casts a silver glow on the sand, illuminating his path. His clothes are worn and tattered, his steps faltering with exhaustion. Each step seems to echo the weight of his centuries-long journey.
UNNAMED MAN (muttering to himself) I must find it… I must forget…
Interior DARK CAVE – NIGHT
The man reaches the entrance of the cave, his breath ragged and shallow. He hesitates for a moment, sensing the ancient power within. Summoning the last of his strength, he steps inside.
As he moves deeper into the cave, he hears whispers, faint echoes of the past. They speak of love, loss, and the unending pain that has brought him here.
WHISPERS You seek to forget… but can you truly abandon all that you are?
The man shakes his head, trying to silence the voices. He continues forward until he reaches the small, weathered table. The UNKNOWN BEING awaits, its presence both comforting and foreboding.
UNKNOWN BEING You have come far, seeker of oblivion. What brings you to the edge of forgetting?
UNNAMED MAN My suffering… it is unbearable. I have walked this world for centuries, watching the one I love die over and over again. Each death, each loss, is a wound that never heals. I cannot escape this torment. Please… help me forget.
UNKNOWN BEING Pain such as yours is rare. Many would cherish the memories of love, even fleeting. Yet you seek oblivion. Why?
UNNAMED MAN To remember is to relive the agony. Every moment of joy is overshadowed by the certainty of loss. I see her face in my dreams, hear her voice in the wind, and yet, I can never hold her. Each century, she is taken from me, and I am left to endure the emptiness. I can’t bear it any longer. I want to forget everything.
UNKNOWN BEING To drink from the waters of Lethe is to forsake all that you have been, all that you have known. The sweetness of love, the lessons of pain, the very essence of your existence—gone. Do you truly wish to abandon your past, your identity?
UNNAMED MAN Yes. I can’t continue like this. The pain is too much. I want to forget everything.
UNKNOWN BEING Very well. Drink, and let the waters of forgetfulness cleanse your soul of its burdens. But remember, what you seek to forget may also hold the key to your salvation.
The man reaches out, his hand trembling as he grasps the goblet. He lifts it to his lips, pausing for a moment as he closes his eyes, steeling himself for what is to come. He takes a deep breath, then with a single, determined motion, he drinks deeply from the goblet.
The cave seems to pulse with an otherworldly energy as the man consumes the liquid. His eyes widen, then slowly close as a profound sense of peace washes over him. The goblet slips from his grasp, clattering to the floor.
UNKNOWN BEING May you find the solace you seek, nameless one.
The man collapses to the ground, unconscious. The cave grows silent once more, save for the distant drip of water echoing through the darkness. The UNKNOWN BEING watches over him, a mysterious smile playing on its lips as the scene fades to black.
Interior DARK CAVE – MOMENTS LATER
The UNKNOWN BEING rises from its seat, moving silently to the man’s side. It gazes down at him, a complex mix of emotions flickering across its hidden face.
UNKNOWN BEING (to itself) So many seek to forget, yet few understand the true cost. Will he find peace, or will he discover that some memories cannot be erased?
The UNKNOWN BEING gently places a hand on the man’s forehead, its touch imbued with a strange, comforting warmth. The man stirs slightly, a faint smile forming on his lips as the burden of his memories begins to lift.
UNKNOWN BEING Rest now, weary soul. The journey of forgetting is just as arduous as the journey of remembering.
The cave remains silent, save for the gentle breathing of the man and the distant drip of water. The torchlight flickers, casting fleeting shadows that dance across the ancient walls.
As the man sleeps, the UNKNOWN BEING returns to its place behind the table, watching over him with an air of solemn guardianship. The scene lingers, capturing the fragile peace that has settled over the cave.
FADE TO BLACK.
Leave a Reply