Scene 23 - *Ephemeral in the Lepidopterarium

Ephemeral woke up in a marsh. It was night, but the moon was full, shining pale blue light on his surroundings. He could see mountains in the distance, and could feel a cool breeze blowing across his face. It was a peaceful night.

He realized he was not alone. Next to him was a beautiful woman, sleeping soundly. Ephemeral recognized her as the queen of this land. He knew he needed to protect her, to keep her safe. There was someone else he was supposed to keep safe… the princess, a ladybug. Ephemeral looked around but could not find the princess. Where was she?

He saw movement from the corner of his eye, and turned to see what he thought at first was a large black bird. But as the creature unfolded it's wings, he could see it was a majestic purple butterfly. It must have just come out of it's cocoon, because its vibrant wings were still dripping with dye.

"Ephemeral" the butterfly addressed him in a booming voice. Ephemeral wanted to warn the butterfly to not wake the sleeping queen, but he realized that the butterfly had not spoken aloud, but instead was projecting its thoughts directly into his mind.

"I am The Butterfly," the creature continued. "I am searching for the ladybug"

"I am looking for the ladybug too," Ephemeral replied.

"Then follow me," it invited.

Ephemeral took a few steps toward the butterfly, but paused to looked back at the sleeping queen.

"She will be safe here," the butterfly assured him. "We need to find the ladybug."

He was right, they needed to find the princess. He was supposed to keep her safe.

Ephemeral followed the butterfly down a long path that led out of the marsh. They traveled through a dark cave, and climbed high into the mountains, where they came upon a clearing filled with more winged creatures. This must be the butterfly's home. There were thousands of tiny white butterflies, fluttering around the clearing. Ephemeral thought that the way their wings reflected the moonlight was beautiful.

Ephemeral realized that he had been looking for this clearing for a while. He remembered, traveling with the ladybug. She was looking for it too. Maybe she was already here?

"What is the ladybug's name?" The butterfly asked.

Ephemeral opened his mouth to answer, but paused. He remembered something… The ladybug didn't want him to tell people her name.

"I'm not sure if I should say," Ephemeral responded

"You need to tell me the ladybug's name," the butterfly insisted.

"You must tell me her name, do you understand?"

Do you understand?

Do you understand?

Do you understand?

Do you understand?

The butterfly's voice echoed in Ephemeral's mind.

"Marinette," Ephemeral said smiling. The mere presence of her name on his lips bringing him joy. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng."

The butterfly flapped excitedly. He was happy to hear her name too. What a wonderful ladybug, she can bring joy just by others hearing her name.

"Where will the ladybug be tomorrow?" The butterfly asked. "You were going to meet her."

He could hear the wind whistling softly. They were in the moonlight, but where was the moon? Something wasn't right.

"You must tell me where you are going to meet her tomorrow, I will come with you," the butterfly insisted.

Notre rendez-vous secret.

No, he couldn't tell the butterfly where he was going.

"Ephemeral, tell me where you are meeting her" the butterfly commanded.

Ephemeral heard the answer leave his mouth, but he couldn't feel himself saying the words. He couldn't feel anything. He felt dizzy, like the world was out of focus. Where was he again?

The butterfly centered itself in his vision. Dark purple dye was dripping from its wings, filling Ephemeral's vision. When it spoke, the world melted away, and the only thing he could perceive were it's words.

I will accompany you to meet the ladybug. The butterfly's voice echoed in his mind.

Of course, Ephemeral thought. He would meet his ladybug with the butterfly.

You will help me obtain her jewels

He would help the butterfly obtain her jewels.

You will not betray me

He would not betray it. How could he? The butterfly was his whole world. Every thought he had, belonged to the butterfly.

Wait here until tomorrow. I will retrieve you.

And so Ephemeral waited.