By Jack de Cesare
Characters: The Elf and The Wanderer
Setting: High school graduation; over time, the sky fades from sunny to dusk.
The Wanderer
Excuse me. Hi, we haven’t actually spoken before, but it’s nice to meet you.
The Elf
Hi, you’re that kid in my class right? You’re right, this is the first time you’ve talked to me.
The Wanderer
Well, it’s the last day of school so I thought I might as well just try and talk to you. I’ve tried in the past but couldn’t work up the courage.
The Elf
Today was as good of a day to meet you as any other, so who are you and why did you want to talk to me?
The Wanderer
Well, as a beautiful elf, you must be an interesting person. I just really wanted to make friends with you if nothing else.
The Elf
A little creepy, but thanks for acknowledging my beauty. Well, why should I be your friend? We have never spoken to each other, and I don’t even know your name.
The Wanderer
Well, originally I wanted to try and be more than friends, but clearly that didn’t work out. I didn’t have the courage to talk with you, but there’s no time like the present.
The Elf
Yeah the more than friends thing is definitely not going to happen, but I appreciate your honesty. So who are you? I don’t really know you.
The Wanderer
To put it simply, I am nobody, nobody important. I’m just a friend. In time you’ll forget me; you’ll remember a stranger and that’s about it.
The Elf
Fine, I might not ever know your name, but how was your high school experience? It’s the easiest thing to talk about right now.
The Wanderer
Well, I’ve done a lot of things and fallen in love a few times; I thought I loved an Aarakocra, then I thought I fell in love with an Aasimar. That one hurt. How about you? Did your sylvian eyes catch any mortal souls?
The Elf
Well, there was a brief skirmish, but that was short lived. This has been a wild year—so many ups and downs, a roller coaster of the highest order. What insanity shook your shores my friend?
The Wanderer
You called me your friend. See you do love me at least a little bit, so in terms of insanity—I worked in the bards college for so many hours. Coincidentally, that’s where I met the Aarakocra and the Aasimar.
The Elf
The bards college, well that’s interesting—what was your role in this Minstrels academy?
The Wanderer
Well, my role was to manage the performers as well as construct the performances. My title was the Principal Clockmaker. I made sure that all of the performances actually happened smoothly. I have so many stories about the eccentrics who developed their bardic magic, but what about you, what insanity were you met with?
The Elf
That sounds like it kept you busy. I on the other hand took the title of Executive Duelist. It was grueling and hard work but I now hold heavy merit in swordplay. We took the championship title two years running, but now I leave my saber to my trusted Vice President. We had a wild time and I had so much fun.
(The Elf starts to cry)
The Wanderer
Its okay, cry those tears,. Would you care for a hug, my friend?
(opens arms for a hug)
The Elf
I would love a hug, thanks. You’re such a nice person. I’m kind of wishing we met earlier instead of at the end.
(leans into the hug)
The Wanderer
This is a sad day. You’re leaving behind your friends, your mentees, your legacy. Your dueling achievements and leadership will live on with your congregation. It’s okay, let the tears flow as rain. Your sylvian grace leaves this school, but will never be forgotten.
The Elf
(cries a little louder)
I’m going to miss them so much they were my family, they are my family.
(the crying subsides)
They will be fine without me. I taught them all of the dueling techniques that I know. The next story of my life is dawning upon me. I am thankful that I can spend this last chapter knowing you.
The Wanderer
Where is this river of uncertainty taking you, my new friend?
The Elf
I shall trudge alongside the Helios Stallion. I will learn their craft and hone my duleling skills. I am eager to see what awaits me. What about you? What awaits you in this coming year?
The Wanderer
My travels are taking me to the lycanthropic vineyards, where I will develop my clock making skills and find a new family. Our coming adventures will be extravagant, and we will be sad to start. Overtime we will grow and love our choices. For now, let’s dwell on the past. We should reminisce on stories from our time at this wonderful school.
The Elf
Yes, stories from these past years at school. Since today is the first day we are meeting, I now know you were in the bards college. How was that? You made it sound grueling. What tales do you have to share with your new favorite person?
The Wanderer
The bards college was wonderful. I have made such wonderful companions. These souls that I have met through our performances truly have become my family. There was this satyr that I really connected with—my sibling this creature became. I will miss them, I will miss them so much.
The Elf
A satyr you say? Interesting, they sound interesting. Would I know this Pan incarnate, or shall they remain an enigma to me?
The Wanderer
This satyr shared your interests in the fourth estate, and you might share a dominion with them. They were difficult and arrogant, but I love them more than most.
The Elf
It sounds like you really love this Faun. I’m sure they would have been wonderful to work with. Are there any other memories of yours that are attempting to breach your fortifications? This is the first and last time our paths will ever cross—please share with me your hearts repertoire. I am so grateful that you took the leap and spoke to me.
The Wanderer
That leap was the best choice I’ve made in a while. In these final hours, I am honored to stand by your side to call you my friend, to express my love for you.
The Elf
It sounds like you made some truly wonderful friends and sound a little scared, but I believe your future will be just as great as mine. We will both do great things. We will never forget the people that you saw on the way. It seems there’s one thing that’s truly troubling you. Do you think you’ve known me long enough to confide in me?
The Wanderer
How do you know me so well? You met me less than an hour ago, but somehow, you know me so much better than people I’ve known this entire time. There is one thing that’s truly troubling. I don’t know how strong the bonds I built actually are. I don’t even know if any of these relationships are constituted as good or powerful. I have no idea. All I can think about is that I’ve wasted these wonderful people’s time. I don’t know if I’m making sense, but you’re right. The future looks bright .
The Elf
If your relationships are anything like what we built in a matter of minutes, then your time was never wasted.
Announcers over the PA System
Thank you everyone for attending the graduation for the class of 2024. Can we please have the student elected speaker come up to the podium?
The Elf
Well, that’s me. I guess I have to go now. It was wonderful meeting you.
The Wanderer
Yeah, you probably should. Thank you for indulging my curiosity and talking with me. It has been fantastic to spend this brief moment with you.
The Elf
(stands up)
This small moment truly has been one of the best. Now indulge in my selfishness. One final hug before I’m gone forever.
The Wanderer
(stands up and gives her a hug)
Thank you for being in my life, even if it was just for a moment. I love you more than you’ll ever know. Goodbye. See you in our next story.
(The Elf Exits)