THE BEET CREEK APOTHECARY
This piece was written for our mini Independent Project. It was inspired by Hansel and Gretel, and the stories of Baba Yaga. It is set in the forest along a stream need a tree house.
ACT I
Scene 1
VIREOS
A young girl carrying an oil lantern comes running from behind a giant fallen oak onto the path. A voice in the distance calls out for her. She stops in front of the audience, and turns around, disorientated. She sits down, placing the lantern on the ground. The voice, now close and audible, is calling "Patricia? Patricia Elizabeth Howard-Caldwell, you answer me right now!". The young girl does not answer.
The voice shouts out one last time but is silenced as it's source, a teenage boy, comes from behind the fallen tree. Seeing the young girl sitting on the ground, the boy walks over, and picks up the lantern.
Pavel
laughs
My mind must be playing tricks with me Pat, no water, no rope swing, no tree fort... I don't remember Beet Creek looking like this. Weird, but I guess this must be it, because you...
Patricia
Shut up! I'm not lost, I'm just waiting.
PAVEL
Come on Patricia, don't be so selfish. Dad's ready to drop, he shouldn't have to deal with a delusional daughter on top of his new vegetable jardiniere of a spouse!
PATRICIA
Just wait Pavel, listen.
PAVEL
There's no bird, no light, and I'm as sure as god made little green flipping apples that there's no cure for ma
PATRICIA
But mom said...
Pavel
Mom is crazy! She can hardly stay alive let alone put together a sentence Patty. There's not a vial of voodoo vaccine that can save her soul now. It's time to grow up Patricia, It's time to go home.
PATRICIA
She may be sick Pavel, but she's not crazy and she told me to wait, she told me it would help. The bird will sing, and I will find my way. You may come if you like.
In the distance a songbird sings. Patricia picks up her lantern and gets up to listen. Pavel tries to interject but Patricia hushes him. The two stand silent as the bird sings once more. Patricia begins to walk in the direction of the sound. She takes a few steps and turns.
PATRICIA
Are you coming?
PAVEL
sigh
Pavel follows Patricia, and the two of them head out along a trail. The songbird continues to play his tune leading Patricia along.
Scene 2
Perisor
Pavel and Patricia come into a clearing in the woods. There is a small stream running under an old fir tree and a small tree house. Patricia stands on the edge of the bank. The song bird has stopped singing and now only the wind and water can be heard.
PATRICIA
Do you know what kind of bird that was Pavel? A Gray Sage Thrasher. A member of Mimidae family. It is said that thrashers mimic the whistling of passing hikers, unable to change their tune until they hear a new one. Some, singing the same song for their entire lives. How, one might ask, do they sing if never meeting a hiker at all.
PAVEL
They don't, they keep their beaks shut thus living a dull and monotonous life. But, at least they have their worms, or must they wait for Julia Child to cook up some spaghetti under the canopy?
PATRICIA
They have only the symphonies of their brothers and sisters
Pavel
Hand me downs
Patricia
An archive, a fable, a skipping message passing from generation to generation waiting for someone to pick up the needle and change the vinyl.
PAVEL
I think that maybe mom had you listening to Johnny Winter's record a bit too much, if anything drove her crazy it's Hoochie Koo and Mojo Boogie.
Patricia
She's not crazy. Why can't you love her like a son ought to love his mother.
Pavel
I love her Patty, but why hold on to something that's hardly there?
PATRICIA
It's far better to sing a song you didn't write than it is to mute yourself out and condemn the music you love so much.
PAVEL
It's far better to help those you love pass, than disappear on the eve of death.
PATRICIA
(sighs and sits down)
Do you remember what happened here Pavel?
(silence)
PAVEL
Of course I remember, this is Beet Creek. Mom used to bring us here before she got sick.
PATRICIA
Do you know why she brought us here?
PAVEL
She brought us here because she could! Because that is what normal people do Patty. I don't know if you noticed but most kids our age don't have a sanatorium for a living room. While most families are out picnicking at Queen's park, we get to play solitaire and guess how many times the IV drips in a minute. I remember how it was, I really do, and it was great, but you were to young. You never experienced what a family was Patricia, I don't blame you for salvation, but mom is dead, there is nothing you can do.
Patricia
Mom was sick when we came here last Pavel. In fact I think she knew long before then. She brought us here because this is a special spot. There is something here that will fix her, I don't yet know what it is, but there is something here.
PAVEL
Well you can find you own way back, this may just be her last night, and I plan on spending it with her.
Pavel begins to walk away. In the tree house, not far from Patricia, a light flickers on. Light escapes the tree house only through the many cracks and spaces in the wood siding. Pavel stops walking and looks over his shoulder at the light. Patricia, however, remains seated and doesn't acknowledge it. Slowly two hands emerge from between two wooden boards, followed by a face.
PAVEL
Patty, what is that?
Patricia
What are you talking about?
Pavel runs over to Patricia. He crouches, with one hand on her shoulder, the other pointing at the house.
Pavel
In the tree house Patty, the light, the face!
PATRICIA
I don't see anything, Pavel you are starting to scare me. If this is some trick to get me to come home, it isn't working.
PAVEL
God Patricia, look! There is someone inside!
Patricia
Your crazy
PAVEL
I'm not! She is looking right at me!
Patricia pushes Pavel over, gets up and moves toward the house.
Patricia
Isn't that frustrating Pavel? Wouldn't it be just unbearable to be crazy, to lose articulation, to lose the trust of those you love? Boy, especially when you know that there's nothing wrong with you. Imagine trying to tell something to someone who tunes you out and writes you off as a lunatic before you've even opened your mouth!
PAVEL
Oh bugger off! I knew you could see it! What is it?
Patricia
It's exactly what I told you it would be. It's what I've been waiting for.
PAVEL
Who's in there then?
Patricia
I don't know who it is Pavel, and I don't need to know. But whatever it is, mom knew that it would be here.
Patricia turns to the house
PATRICIA
Hello? My name is Patricia Caldwell, and that boy over there is my brother, Pavel. Our mother is at home and she is very very ill. Will you please help us?
The figure inside the house points towards Pavel and motions for him to come closer. He stays put.
PATRICIA
Pavel move.
PAVEL
No. Who is she?
Patricia
Pavel move.
PAVEL
Who are you!
Once again the figure motions for Pavel to move closer. Pavel takes a step forward, but the figure continues to prompt him. He continues walking until the figure stops him right beside Patricia.
Patricia
Please, we don't have much time. We need help.
The figure does not move and Patricia nudges her brother.
Pavel sighs in resignation
PAVEL
Listen, we have came along way, and my sister here is certain that you can provide us with some kind of... pill or herb or potion or something. Are you going to help us?
behind Pavel and Patricia the song bird sings again, the figure in the house disappears and the light behind its wooden boards goes out.
PAVEL
Hey!
Pavel picks up a stone and throws it at the house. Patricia grabs his arm, scolding him.
PATRICIA
Stop, listen Pavel!
The bird sings once more and then a glowing pail slowly lowers down from a tree behind them. Inside the pail sits a corked bottle. Pavel moves toward it.
PATRICIA
Wait...
Pavel continues for the bottle. He stands before the pail but as he reaches for the bottle the pail rises out of reach, Pavel jumps for the pail but cannot reach. He grunts, and stands arms crossed. Slowly the pail lowers again and Pavel stares at it for a few seconds. He grabs for the bottle once again, but just as before it rises out of reach. Pavel, infuriated, turns and falls to the ground snarling. Patricia picks up her lamp, walks over to Pavel and reaches out her hand to him. Pavel declines at first but Patricia persists and eventually he grabs her hand and gets to his feet. The Pail lowers again and Pavel reaches and grabs the bottle from the pail. After the bottle is removed, the pail immediately rises back up the tree. The two stand with the bottle, observing the liquid inside it. Then a voice from the house comes blasting over a megaphone.
Vereon
Drink it.
The light in the house from before is not re-illuminated , but instead a small spotlight peers out of the cracks focusing on the two.
Pavel uncorks the bottle and holds it to the air. He begins to laugh.
PAVEL
To mom!
Pavel holds the bottle to his mouth
PATRICIA
Pavel!
Patricia tries to grab the bottle but Pavel spins around and proceeds to take a long swig from the bottle. He stumbles, turns, and thrusts the bottle to his sister.
PAVEL
Here, uh, just...
VEREON
Drink.
Pavel points to the tree house and shakes his finger, nodding his head in agreement. Patricia takes the bottle and pushes it right back into her brothers hands.
Patricia
No.
Vereon laughs
Vereon
Drink.
PAVEL
Drink.
The songbird sings, and Patricia takes the bottle and drinks from it. She spits out the contents in disgust.
VEreon
Drink.
PAVEL
God damn it Patty, drink the flippin stuff.
Patricia takes the bottle, drinks, and swallows. She drops the bottle, falls to her knees, and gasps for air. Vereon begins to laugh. Pavel goes to help his sister to her feet.
PAVEL
How do you feel?
Pavel reaches for his sister
PATRICIA
I'm okay.
Patricia nudges him away
VEREON
Now, doesn't that just make you shiver? So smooth, and rich, it's my favorite. Oh, I swear by the gods, if I were the last living thing on this planet I'd know not the feeling of loneliness, not with my raspberry ale, or my saskatoon liqueur. Hell, even the white horse rum I get at the Sunday store would keep me company well enough. You alcoholic nutcase Vereon, who needs love when you've got barley, hops and cranberry?
PAVEL
Vereon is it? What tonic is this? It has made me feel light and... lifted.
VEREON
That, dear boy, is beet Schnapps. And any more of it and you'll be out harder than a tit mouse in an eagle nest.
Patricia
Will it cure our mother?
Vereon
If by cure you mean rail her like a pile driver... then yes it ought to be perfect.
PAVEL
Listen if you won't help us, then we are leaving. Our mother is dying and our dad is going crazy.
Vereon
You can't leave now!
Patricia
I'm sorry Pavel, you were right, we need to go.
Vereon
I'll make you a deal, you stay and talk to me and I will help you with your problem.
PATRICIA
No, that's okay, thanks anyway.
Vereon
I'm afraid you don't have much of a choice. You see, my beet Schnapps is the best in the west. Yes it is sweet, and it kicks like an ass with a tamale up its arse, but the vava voom, and the boom boom bang that you feel as it burns its way down your throat? That is one part fermented holly berry juice, two parts... rat poison.
PAVEL
What the-
Vereon
Now, because I too enjoy my beet Schnapps, I have carefully concocted a brew that negates all effects. But it must be drank within an hour of ingestion.
Scene 3
Vereon
The drink is your only chance at survival
PATRICIA
No, we are leaving. This is stupid
PAVEL
Wait, wait, excuse my sister. What exactly do we have to do?
Vereon
Ah- ha you perky little heroine. Well, it's simple enough. There will be three pails to choose from, one of which will save you from the many excruciating and lethal effects of my Schnapps.
PAVEL
And the other two?
Vereon
They will more than likely kill you.
Patricia
Pavel, please, we need to go...
PAVEL
Patty, you heard her, we don't have a choice!
Patricia
Its not real Pavel! She is crazy, she lives in a tree for Christ's sake.
PAVEL
Hey Hey, you were the one that brought us here, you were the one that decided to just stroll into the forest and start up a nice conversation with a witch!
Patricia
I was trying to help!
PAVEL
Well you didn't! And now you and me are going to keel over unless we can find this stupid drink!
Patricia
Fine! for crying out loud. Alright Vereon, where are the bottles, let us see them!
Vereon begins to laugh
Vereon
Oh, I am delighted that you decided to stay and play. Like I said, I find contentment in my wine and whiskey, but it's not often I get visitors around these parts. Especially not adorable loving siblings such as yourselves.
Patricia sighs and Pavel looks at her sarcastically. Then, from the same tree that produced the first pail, comes three more pails, each with a bottle inside. The pails glow, but so does the liquid inside of the bottle. Pavel picks up the lantern and runs over to the first pail examining it carefully. He picks the bottle up out of the pail and watches as the liquid flows back and forth within it. He puts the bottle back and continues to the next pail, each time repeating the same motions. Patricia stands in place watching her brother. Pavel finishes examining each bottle and then walks back towards the house.
PAVEL
How the hell are we supposed to know which one it is?
Vereon
Well if I told you that, it wouldn't be any fun.
Pavel moves closer to the house and throws another stone at it.
Pavel
Listen you old hag, you tell me what to do. I don't have time for these pails, we need to drink your stupid potion!
As Pavel argues with Vereon, the songbird sings, this time it can be heard over by the third pail, which sits down at the bank of the stream. Patricia stands up straight and listens. She begins to move closer to the sound as Pavel and Vereon continue to argue oblivious to what is going on behind them. On her way down the bank she removes the two bottles from pail one and two carrying them with her. The spotlight focuses solely on Pavel.
Vereon
Three pails, two possibilities, one sip! I can't help you anymore than that kid. In case you haven't noticed I don't stray to far from the comfort of my, oh so humble abode.
PAVEL
You horrible hermit! I swear if you don't help us, I will come a tear down the trees on which you stand.
Behind them, Patricia stands beside the third pail holding a bottle in each hand.
Patricia
Pavel stop!
Pavel turns to look at his sister, and the spot light from the tree house moves to Patricia.
patricia
in exasperation
This is ridiculous, can't you see? You're negotiating a witch in a tree house! Threatening a witch in a tree house in fact! Here are your god damn potions, and the one in the pail is the one will save us.
Patricia uncorks the two bottles in her hand and empties the glowing liquid into the stream.
PAVEL
Patty no!
Pavel runs to the side of the bank as Patricia pours the bottles. He stops and grabs at his hair.
Great, great, great. One flipping bottle left, we're as dead as mom is!
Vereon
Your sister is obviously much more reasonable than you Pavel. She understands that if you don't drink whats in that bottle, you will die.
Patricia
It doesn't matter Pavel, this is the one.
Pavel stands still, eyes wide. Patricia reaches into the final pail and removes the bottle. Then, from below the tree house, a figure emerges. The figure, a woman, slowly wades in the water until she is standing not far from Patricia. Patricia stumbles backwards and regains her posture. Pavel runs down into the water.
PAVEL
Mom? Mom!
Pavel runs towards the woman but Patricia pushes him back and he slips into the water. Pavel gets up and runs at his sister growling as he speaks.
PAVEL
What the hell Patricia!
He pushes her back and turns to the woman, slowly walking towards her.
PAVEL
Mom, what are you doing here, mom?
PATRICIA
Stop. Pavel stop. Pavel stop or I'll Pour it!
Pavel spins around, Pointing his finger at her and shaking his head.
PAVEL
Don't you dare, don't you dare, its our mother Patricia, can't you see her?
He motions back at the figure. Patricia stares Pavel right in the eyes. Patricia removes the cork, and raises the bottle to the air.
Patricia
I'm sorry Pavel
PAVEL
Don't you do it.
Patricia
To mom.
PAVEL
You. Selfish... argh!
Pavel runs at his sister and tackles her in the water. the bottle fly's from her hand and lands on the bank. The two lay in the water. Vereon begins to laugh. Patricia isn't fighting back and as Pavel shakes her she shouts...
Patricia
It's not real Pavel. We aren't dying! And that is not her. Look at what you are doing, Pavel, fighting each other as the flipping shadows laugh at us.
Vereon stops laughing. Pavel is now still and frozen, his arms on his sisters shoulders. He collapses on a rock and begins to weep. Patricia gets up and and walks over to him.
Patricia
She may be sick Pavel, but she's not crazy and she told me to wait, she told me it would help. The birds will always sing, and we will find our way. Together.
Patricia offers her hand to Pavel and at first he declines, but she persists and he gets to his feet. The two embrace. The three buckets slowly rise and the woman slowly disappears back under the tree house. The Spotlight which has, during this time, been focusing on Pavel and Patricia goes out. Then the songbird sings for its final time, this time singing a different tune. Then only the wind and water can be heard.
FIN.
ACT I
Scene 1
VIREOS
A young girl carrying an oil lantern comes running from behind a giant fallen oak onto the path. A voice in the distance calls out for her. She stops in front of the audience, and turns around, disorientated. She sits down, placing the lantern on the ground. The voice, now close and audible, is calling "Patricia? Patricia Elizabeth Howard-Caldwell, you answer me right now!". The young girl does not answer.
The voice shouts out one last time but is silenced as it's source, a teenage boy, comes from behind the fallen tree. Seeing the young girl sitting on the ground, the boy walks over, and picks up the lantern.
Pavel
laughs
My mind must be playing tricks with me Pat, no water, no rope swing, no tree fort... I don't remember Beet Creek looking like this. Weird, but I guess this must be it, because you...
Patricia
Shut up! I'm not lost, I'm just waiting.
PAVEL
Come on Patricia, don't be so selfish. Dad's ready to drop, he shouldn't have to deal with a delusional daughter on top of his new vegetable jardiniere of a spouse!
PATRICIA
Just wait Pavel, listen.
PAVEL
There's no bird, no light, and I'm as sure as god made little green flipping apples that there's no cure for ma
PATRICIA
But mom said...
Pavel
Mom is crazy! She can hardly stay alive let alone put together a sentence Patty. There's not a vial of voodoo vaccine that can save her soul now. It's time to grow up Patricia, It's time to go home.
PATRICIA
She may be sick Pavel, but she's not crazy and she told me to wait, she told me it would help. The bird will sing, and I will find my way. You may come if you like.
In the distance a songbird sings. Patricia picks up her lantern and gets up to listen. Pavel tries to interject but Patricia hushes him. The two stand silent as the bird sings once more. Patricia begins to walk in the direction of the sound. She takes a few steps and turns.
PATRICIA
Are you coming?
PAVEL
sigh
Pavel follows Patricia, and the two of them head out along a trail. The songbird continues to play his tune leading Patricia along.
Scene 2
Perisor
Pavel and Patricia come into a clearing in the woods. There is a small stream running under an old fir tree and a small tree house. Patricia stands on the edge of the bank. The song bird has stopped singing and now only the wind and water can be heard.
PATRICIA
Do you know what kind of bird that was Pavel? A Gray Sage Thrasher. A member of Mimidae family. It is said that thrashers mimic the whistling of passing hikers, unable to change their tune until they hear a new one. Some, singing the same song for their entire lives. How, one might ask, do they sing if never meeting a hiker at all.
PAVEL
They don't, they keep their beaks shut thus living a dull and monotonous life. But, at least they have their worms, or must they wait for Julia Child to cook up some spaghetti under the canopy?
PATRICIA
They have only the symphonies of their brothers and sisters
Pavel
Hand me downs
Patricia
An archive, a fable, a skipping message passing from generation to generation waiting for someone to pick up the needle and change the vinyl.
PAVEL
I think that maybe mom had you listening to Johnny Winter's record a bit too much, if anything drove her crazy it's Hoochie Koo and Mojo Boogie.
Patricia
She's not crazy. Why can't you love her like a son ought to love his mother.
Pavel
I love her Patty, but why hold on to something that's hardly there?
PATRICIA
It's far better to sing a song you didn't write than it is to mute yourself out and condemn the music you love so much.
PAVEL
It's far better to help those you love pass, than disappear on the eve of death.
PATRICIA
(sighs and sits down)
Do you remember what happened here Pavel?
(silence)
PAVEL
Of course I remember, this is Beet Creek. Mom used to bring us here before she got sick.
PATRICIA
Do you know why she brought us here?
PAVEL
She brought us here because she could! Because that is what normal people do Patty. I don't know if you noticed but most kids our age don't have a sanatorium for a living room. While most families are out picnicking at Queen's park, we get to play solitaire and guess how many times the IV drips in a minute. I remember how it was, I really do, and it was great, but you were to young. You never experienced what a family was Patricia, I don't blame you for salvation, but mom is dead, there is nothing you can do.
Patricia
Mom was sick when we came here last Pavel. In fact I think she knew long before then. She brought us here because this is a special spot. There is something here that will fix her, I don't yet know what it is, but there is something here.
PAVEL
Well you can find you own way back, this may just be her last night, and I plan on spending it with her.
Pavel begins to walk away. In the tree house, not far from Patricia, a light flickers on. Light escapes the tree house only through the many cracks and spaces in the wood siding. Pavel stops walking and looks over his shoulder at the light. Patricia, however, remains seated and doesn't acknowledge it. Slowly two hands emerge from between two wooden boards, followed by a face.
PAVEL
Patty, what is that?
Patricia
What are you talking about?
Pavel runs over to Patricia. He crouches, with one hand on her shoulder, the other pointing at the house.
Pavel
In the tree house Patty, the light, the face!
PATRICIA
I don't see anything, Pavel you are starting to scare me. If this is some trick to get me to come home, it isn't working.
PAVEL
God Patricia, look! There is someone inside!
Patricia
Your crazy
PAVEL
I'm not! She is looking right at me!
Patricia pushes Pavel over, gets up and moves toward the house.
Patricia
Isn't that frustrating Pavel? Wouldn't it be just unbearable to be crazy, to lose articulation, to lose the trust of those you love? Boy, especially when you know that there's nothing wrong with you. Imagine trying to tell something to someone who tunes you out and writes you off as a lunatic before you've even opened your mouth!
PAVEL
Oh bugger off! I knew you could see it! What is it?
Patricia
It's exactly what I told you it would be. It's what I've been waiting for.
PAVEL
Who's in there then?
Patricia
I don't know who it is Pavel, and I don't need to know. But whatever it is, mom knew that it would be here.
Patricia turns to the house
PATRICIA
Hello? My name is Patricia Caldwell, and that boy over there is my brother, Pavel. Our mother is at home and she is very very ill. Will you please help us?
The figure inside the house points towards Pavel and motions for him to come closer. He stays put.
PATRICIA
Pavel move.
PAVEL
No. Who is she?
Patricia
Pavel move.
PAVEL
Who are you!
Once again the figure motions for Pavel to move closer. Pavel takes a step forward, but the figure continues to prompt him. He continues walking until the figure stops him right beside Patricia.
Patricia
Please, we don't have much time. We need help.
The figure does not move and Patricia nudges her brother.
Pavel sighs in resignation
PAVEL
Listen, we have came along way, and my sister here is certain that you can provide us with some kind of... pill or herb or potion or something. Are you going to help us?
behind Pavel and Patricia the song bird sings again, the figure in the house disappears and the light behind its wooden boards goes out.
PAVEL
Hey!
Pavel picks up a stone and throws it at the house. Patricia grabs his arm, scolding him.
PATRICIA
Stop, listen Pavel!
The bird sings once more and then a glowing pail slowly lowers down from a tree behind them. Inside the pail sits a corked bottle. Pavel moves toward it.
PATRICIA
Wait...
Pavel continues for the bottle. He stands before the pail but as he reaches for the bottle the pail rises out of reach, Pavel jumps for the pail but cannot reach. He grunts, and stands arms crossed. Slowly the pail lowers again and Pavel stares at it for a few seconds. He grabs for the bottle once again, but just as before it rises out of reach. Pavel, infuriated, turns and falls to the ground snarling. Patricia picks up her lamp, walks over to Pavel and reaches out her hand to him. Pavel declines at first but Patricia persists and eventually he grabs her hand and gets to his feet. The Pail lowers again and Pavel reaches and grabs the bottle from the pail. After the bottle is removed, the pail immediately rises back up the tree. The two stand with the bottle, observing the liquid inside it. Then a voice from the house comes blasting over a megaphone.
Vereon
Drink it.
The light in the house from before is not re-illuminated , but instead a small spotlight peers out of the cracks focusing on the two.
Pavel uncorks the bottle and holds it to the air. He begins to laugh.
PAVEL
To mom!
Pavel holds the bottle to his mouth
PATRICIA
Pavel!
Patricia tries to grab the bottle but Pavel spins around and proceeds to take a long swig from the bottle. He stumbles, turns, and thrusts the bottle to his sister.
PAVEL
Here, uh, just...
VEREON
Drink.
Pavel points to the tree house and shakes his finger, nodding his head in agreement. Patricia takes the bottle and pushes it right back into her brothers hands.
Patricia
No.
Vereon laughs
Vereon
Drink.
PAVEL
Drink.
The songbird sings, and Patricia takes the bottle and drinks from it. She spits out the contents in disgust.
VEreon
Drink.
PAVEL
God damn it Patty, drink the flippin stuff.
Patricia takes the bottle, drinks, and swallows. She drops the bottle, falls to her knees, and gasps for air. Vereon begins to laugh. Pavel goes to help his sister to her feet.
PAVEL
How do you feel?
Pavel reaches for his sister
PATRICIA
I'm okay.
Patricia nudges him away
VEREON
Now, doesn't that just make you shiver? So smooth, and rich, it's my favorite. Oh, I swear by the gods, if I were the last living thing on this planet I'd know not the feeling of loneliness, not with my raspberry ale, or my saskatoon liqueur. Hell, even the white horse rum I get at the Sunday store would keep me company well enough. You alcoholic nutcase Vereon, who needs love when you've got barley, hops and cranberry?
PAVEL
Vereon is it? What tonic is this? It has made me feel light and... lifted.
VEREON
That, dear boy, is beet Schnapps. And any more of it and you'll be out harder than a tit mouse in an eagle nest.
Patricia
Will it cure our mother?
Vereon
If by cure you mean rail her like a pile driver... then yes it ought to be perfect.
PAVEL
Listen if you won't help us, then we are leaving. Our mother is dying and our dad is going crazy.
Vereon
You can't leave now!
Patricia
I'm sorry Pavel, you were right, we need to go.
Vereon
I'll make you a deal, you stay and talk to me and I will help you with your problem.
PATRICIA
No, that's okay, thanks anyway.
Vereon
I'm afraid you don't have much of a choice. You see, my beet Schnapps is the best in the west. Yes it is sweet, and it kicks like an ass with a tamale up its arse, but the vava voom, and the boom boom bang that you feel as it burns its way down your throat? That is one part fermented holly berry juice, two parts... rat poison.
PAVEL
What the-
Vereon
Now, because I too enjoy my beet Schnapps, I have carefully concocted a brew that negates all effects. But it must be drank within an hour of ingestion.
Scene 3
Vereon
The drink is your only chance at survival
PATRICIA
No, we are leaving. This is stupid
PAVEL
Wait, wait, excuse my sister. What exactly do we have to do?
Vereon
Ah- ha you perky little heroine. Well, it's simple enough. There will be three pails to choose from, one of which will save you from the many excruciating and lethal effects of my Schnapps.
PAVEL
And the other two?
Vereon
They will more than likely kill you.
Patricia
Pavel, please, we need to go...
PAVEL
Patty, you heard her, we don't have a choice!
Patricia
Its not real Pavel! She is crazy, she lives in a tree for Christ's sake.
PAVEL
Hey Hey, you were the one that brought us here, you were the one that decided to just stroll into the forest and start up a nice conversation with a witch!
Patricia
I was trying to help!
PAVEL
Well you didn't! And now you and me are going to keel over unless we can find this stupid drink!
Patricia
Fine! for crying out loud. Alright Vereon, where are the bottles, let us see them!
Vereon begins to laugh
Vereon
Oh, I am delighted that you decided to stay and play. Like I said, I find contentment in my wine and whiskey, but it's not often I get visitors around these parts. Especially not adorable loving siblings such as yourselves.
Patricia sighs and Pavel looks at her sarcastically. Then, from the same tree that produced the first pail, comes three more pails, each with a bottle inside. The pails glow, but so does the liquid inside of the bottle. Pavel picks up the lantern and runs over to the first pail examining it carefully. He picks the bottle up out of the pail and watches as the liquid flows back and forth within it. He puts the bottle back and continues to the next pail, each time repeating the same motions. Patricia stands in place watching her brother. Pavel finishes examining each bottle and then walks back towards the house.
PAVEL
How the hell are we supposed to know which one it is?
Vereon
Well if I told you that, it wouldn't be any fun.
Pavel moves closer to the house and throws another stone at it.
Pavel
Listen you old hag, you tell me what to do. I don't have time for these pails, we need to drink your stupid potion!
As Pavel argues with Vereon, the songbird sings, this time it can be heard over by the third pail, which sits down at the bank of the stream. Patricia stands up straight and listens. She begins to move closer to the sound as Pavel and Vereon continue to argue oblivious to what is going on behind them. On her way down the bank she removes the two bottles from pail one and two carrying them with her. The spotlight focuses solely on Pavel.
Vereon
Three pails, two possibilities, one sip! I can't help you anymore than that kid. In case you haven't noticed I don't stray to far from the comfort of my, oh so humble abode.
PAVEL
You horrible hermit! I swear if you don't help us, I will come a tear down the trees on which you stand.
Behind them, Patricia stands beside the third pail holding a bottle in each hand.
Patricia
Pavel stop!
Pavel turns to look at his sister, and the spot light from the tree house moves to Patricia.
patricia
in exasperation
This is ridiculous, can't you see? You're negotiating a witch in a tree house! Threatening a witch in a tree house in fact! Here are your god damn potions, and the one in the pail is the one will save us.
Patricia uncorks the two bottles in her hand and empties the glowing liquid into the stream.
PAVEL
Patty no!
Pavel runs to the side of the bank as Patricia pours the bottles. He stops and grabs at his hair.
Great, great, great. One flipping bottle left, we're as dead as mom is!
Vereon
Your sister is obviously much more reasonable than you Pavel. She understands that if you don't drink whats in that bottle, you will die.
Patricia
It doesn't matter Pavel, this is the one.
Pavel stands still, eyes wide. Patricia reaches into the final pail and removes the bottle. Then, from below the tree house, a figure emerges. The figure, a woman, slowly wades in the water until she is standing not far from Patricia. Patricia stumbles backwards and regains her posture. Pavel runs down into the water.
PAVEL
Mom? Mom!
Pavel runs towards the woman but Patricia pushes him back and he slips into the water. Pavel gets up and runs at his sister growling as he speaks.
PAVEL
What the hell Patricia!
He pushes her back and turns to the woman, slowly walking towards her.
PAVEL
Mom, what are you doing here, mom?
PATRICIA
Stop. Pavel stop. Pavel stop or I'll Pour it!
Pavel spins around, Pointing his finger at her and shaking his head.
PAVEL
Don't you dare, don't you dare, its our mother Patricia, can't you see her?
He motions back at the figure. Patricia stares Pavel right in the eyes. Patricia removes the cork, and raises the bottle to the air.
Patricia
I'm sorry Pavel
PAVEL
Don't you do it.
Patricia
To mom.
PAVEL
You. Selfish... argh!
Pavel runs at his sister and tackles her in the water. the bottle fly's from her hand and lands on the bank. The two lay in the water. Vereon begins to laugh. Patricia isn't fighting back and as Pavel shakes her she shouts...
Patricia
It's not real Pavel. We aren't dying! And that is not her. Look at what you are doing, Pavel, fighting each other as the flipping shadows laugh at us.
Vereon stops laughing. Pavel is now still and frozen, his arms on his sisters shoulders. He collapses on a rock and begins to weep. Patricia gets up and and walks over to him.
Patricia
She may be sick Pavel, but she's not crazy and she told me to wait, she told me it would help. The birds will always sing, and we will find our way. Together.
Patricia offers her hand to Pavel and at first he declines, but she persists and he gets to his feet. The two embrace. The three buckets slowly rise and the woman slowly disappears back under the tree house. The Spotlight which has, during this time, been focusing on Pavel and Patricia goes out. Then the songbird sings for its final time, this time singing a different tune. Then only the wind and water can be heard.
FIN.
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