The Gem of Paran | An Original Screenplay By @WendyyWolfe

Scene 17

EXT. TZEFANS CAMPFIRE - NIGHT

From the not-too-distant hillside, Tzefan watches Temira and
t

he tall stranger exchange conversation, cringing with
heartbreak as their two shadows meld together against the
moonlit sky.  
His expression is nostalgic as he thinks of Sameh.

He hears the sound of FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING. It is
h

is newfound friends, Micah, Kestor, and Ami-el. They sit
down with him.

MICAH
W

e thought you could use some of
this.
(handing him a
wineskin.)

TZEFAN
(

smiling blandly)
Yeah, everyone needs something.

(said
sarcastically)

MICAH
(

putting his arm
around Tzefan's
shoulders)
Don't take it too hard Tzefan, the

life out here, it comes and goes
quickly.

Tzefan takes a long swig of the warm red wine, slightly
c

hoking, wiping his lips on his sleeve. The wineskin is
passed around a couple of times and as the soothing effect
of the ferment relaxes Tzefan, he starts to talk.

TZEFAN
Y

eah, I had a family once. Big
family. And a betrothed too.
Could have sworn I saw her in the
crowd at the King's address.

(shaking his head)

It looked just like her beautiful
e

yes. Dark as the night sky. Nice
too. But I had to leave them
all.

He takes another long swill and hiccups.

KESTOR
(

look of pain)
That's terrible master.

Micah and Ami-el nod.

MICAH
What made you leave?

Tzefan passes the wine, but they pass it right back without
drinking. He never notices, taking another long draught.

AMI-EL
Y

eah, why'd you walk away just
like that?

TZEFAN
(

now slurring)
Cause I had to show them. I'm no
King.