(Zeno returns home and sees his parents, Elea and Krates.)
Stoic (narrating): Krates, my father, made a simple living as a local carpenter. He never asked for much out of life…just wanted a roof over his head and time with his family. Looking back, I wish I could have been so easily content. My mother, Elea, brought in some extra money selling the fruit she grew in our garden. She had big dreams for me…and they involved the Solendian Knighthood.
Krates: Welcome home, son. Quite a day you’ve had, it seems!
Zeno: You already heard about it, eh?
Elea: Indeed we did! I always knew you would impress the knighthood! Now when are you and your friends leaving to take the Great Test?
Zeno: Well…we haven’t really made any plans like that. It only just happened.
Elea: Oh, but you musn’t delay! Go while you are all still fresh in the scout’s mind!
Zeno: I…
Krates: What’s wrong, son?
Zeno: ….Nothing. I just….need to take a walk for a few minutes.
Elea: Okay, but don’t delay too long. Dinner’s almost ready!
(Zeno walks out behind his house. Following a path, he walks near a stream, where a fairy is hanging out)
Fairy: Hi, Zeno!
Zeno: Hello...
(pause)
Zeno: I hope someday you will tell me your name.
Fairy: Eh, who needs ‘em?
Zeno: But aren’t you grateful you can address me by name?
Fairy: Nah, I just do that cause you humans are used to it. If you didn’t have a name, I would just look at you and say hello. Serves the same purpose.
Zeno: Maybe.
(pause)
Zeno: *sigh*
Fairy: What’s wrong?
Zeno: I’ve come to a realization that’s pretty inconvenient.
(pause)
Zeno: I really dislike the Solendian Knighthood and don’t want any part of it.
Fairy: Wow! Why is that?
Zeno: Well, you should know….I just don’t like how they act like humans are the most important people on Solest. Why should we be? What have we done that the other races haven’t done at least ten times in the past?
Fairy: Excluded other races?
Zeno: Hmm….I actually think the elves did that at some point.
Fairy: Oh, maybe you’re right. That’s really far back, though.
Zeno: I just don’t believe in it…I mean, how could I call myself your friend and join a knighthood which would exclude you for no good reason?
Fairy: Oh, my goodness. You shouldn’t make a decision like this just because of me!
Zeno: Well…it’s not just that. That’s just one of the reasons it doesn’t feel right. Any of it.
Fairy: I feel both happy and sad for you at the same time.
Zeno: Huh? What does that mean?
(pause)
Fairy: I’m happy because I can tell you will be special. But I’m sad because….I know those things that make you special…will make your life very hard.
(long pause, then fadeout)