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*Rated T for Teen

All's Well That Ends Well

Act III, Scene V – Florence – Outside the Walls of Florence

An old Widow of Florence/Malik, her daughter Diana/Ryou, and Mariana/Tea, along with some citizens, entered the stage.

"No. Come. For if they do approach the city, we will lose sight of them," said the Widow/Malik.

"They say that the French Count, Bertram, has done a most honorable service," stated Diana/Ryou.

"Well, it is reported that Bertram has taken their greatest commander and that with his own bare hands, he killed the Duke's brother," replied the Widow/Malik.

"Diana, you should be cautious of the great French Count, Bertram, for he is pursuing you. You must beware because a maiden's honor is her unsullied name," urged Mariana/Tea.

"I know that you, Mariana, have been solicited by a gentleman companion of Bertram," said the Widow/Malik.

"Ugh!" replied Mariana/Tea disgustedly. "The man is Parolles. He has been coming around with Bertram. Parolles seems to be influencing the young Count to act in a way that is less than gentlemanly. Stay away from them, Diana. I hope I do not need to advise you further, but I hope your own grace will keep you where you are. There is no further danger known than modesty which is so lost."

"You do not need to fear for me," answered Diana/Ryou.

"I certainly hope so," added the Widow/Malik.

Suddenly, Helena/Joey appeared, disguised as a pilgrim.

"Look! There's a pilgrim. I wonder where she is headed. I'll question her," began the Widow/Malik. "Pilgrim! Where are you headed?"

"To Saint Jacques le Grand. Where might I find a place to stay?" inquired Helena/Joey.

"There is a lodge at Saint Francis," replied the Widow/Malik.

"Is this the way?" Helena/Joey asked, pointing ahead.

"No, it isn't. You need to go-" The Widow/Malik was interrupted by the sound of marching in the distance. "Pilgrim. I can escort you to Saint Francis after the soldiers come through the town."

"Thank you," said Helena/Joey.

"Did you come from France?" inquired the Widow/Malik.

"Yes."

"A noble and valiant Count from France will be among these soldiers," the Widow/Malik continued.

"Who is this Count?" asked Helena/Joey.

"The Count is named Bertram. Do you know of him?" questioned Diana/Ryou.

"No, I do not. But I have heard of him," Helena/Joey answered, pretending not to know who he was.

"It is rumored that Bertram has come to Florence to escape from an arranged marriage. And it is said that he detests his wife. Do you think this is true?" Diana/Ryou asked.

"I have heard the story and I do know that it is true."

Diana/Ryou sighed, saying, "It must be terrible to be a detested wife."

"Hm…Bertram's wife must have a heavy heart and be in need of help," the Widow/Malik remarked sympathetically. "And Bertram has attempted to seduce my daughter, Diana, but she has kept her guard."

"Is that so?" Helena/Joey replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Indeed, it is!" exclaimed Diana/Ryou.

"So now they come," groaned the Widow/Malik as Bertram/Seto, Parolles/Duke, and the rest of the army entered the stage, the sound of drumbeats in the air.

They looked over the soldiers before Helena/Joey asked, "Which one is Bertram?"

"Him, with the plume. It is a pity that a man so gallant is so dishonest," remarked Diana/Ryou.

"Hn…I like him well," commented Helena/Joey.

"I blame Parolles. If I were married to him, I would poison the vile rascal," said Diana/Ryou.

"And which one is he?"

"The jack-an-apes with scarves. Why is he melancholy?" voiced Diana/Ryou.

"Maybe he was hurt in battle." Helena/Joey sounded quite hopeful.

"Lose our drum! Well!" announced Parolles/Duke to the crowd.

"He's shrewdly vexed at something. Oh, no! He's seen us!" shrieked Diana/Ryou.

"Leave! Go on! Leave!" hissed the Widow/Malik, willing them away.

Soon, Bertram/Seto, Parolles/Duke, and the army exited the stage triumphantly.

"Thank goodness. They're gone. Come, pilgrim. Let me show you your lodgings," said the Widow/Malik.

"Thank you very much," replied Helena/Joey. "Would you like to join me for dinner tonight?"

"That would be wonderful!" they answered happily.

And then they left the stage in a hurry.

End Scene