INT. LUCID REALM - NIGHT
The sky is covered in stars, it is starting to snow, and a fire crackles off in the distance. The Baroness, 56, in an emerald green gown, looks to speak to The Jarl.
BARONESS
There you are, we must speak about her while we have whatever time we do.
A man, 52, wearing casual garments is in the process of chopping wood, looks to see his former wife that speaks, and puts down his axe to listen.
BARONESS
(Frustration and Concern) Why have you not spoken to her yet? It has been two winters since she last saw you, and I believe it will help ease her mind if she did.
The Jarl looks down and there is silence for a few moments, he fiddles with a silver ring with a turquoise stone on his left hand, and shakes his head.
JARL
I cannot see her, it...*heavy sigh* I can't do it right now.
The Baroness stares with a puzzled look, unsure of what he is saying, and pushes for answers.
BARONESS
What do you mean you can't?? You cannot or do you not have any desire to see her? You visit our Son, your Mother, and Sister, but not once have you gone to see our daughter?? Have you no love for her?!
Thr Jarl feels insulted for what she suggests and is quick to shut down her claim
JARL
(Angry) Of course I want to see her! That is all I've wanted to do was to go see our little girl, how dare you assume I do not love her!
The Baroness quick to cut him off and gestures to the door.
BARONESS
Then go to her! The door is right there, she has carried this pain alone for far too long, and she needs to see you.
The Jarl starts to tear up, and masks it with anger. There is a moment of silence and he goes back to chopping wood.
JARL
(Anger & Sorrow) I. Cannot. Go to her.
He cannot hide his sadness, he swings the ax with more force than needed, and the base holding the log starts to crack. Baroness makes a final attempt to know his reason.
BARONESS
Must you always be as stubborn as you were. You always told stories of your grandfather coming to see you in your darkest hours. Now here we stand, and our little girl is lost in the darkness. I can only do so much to guide her through, but so much weighs upon her mind, and all she wants right now is to be able to speak to you, and here you are, denying that chance. So put down that fucking axe, and go to our daughter!
The Jarl not able to hide it any longer, in a fury, swings once more, and breaks through the log, the base, and throws the axe to a large oak tree that stands 10 feet from them. He covers his face and kneels down as he cries.
JARL
(Weeping) I didn't try hard enough.
It took the Baroness a moment to realize what he meant, and understood him. She stands beside him, and places her hand on his shoulder. The Jarl grips her hand, stands, and looks to the lake, and watches the snowfall.
JARL
Caring for my health was always a challenge. I had periods where I was healthy, and was doing better, but suddenly I would start to slip, and ignored signs that eventually led to what would be my death.
The snow starts to pick up, and the Jarl and Baroness look at one other with tear filled eyes, and heavy hearts.
JARL
(Guilt ridden) How can I look her in the eyes, and tell her I am okay now, when she knows her Papa is gone because I decided to stop taking care of myself?
The flurries turn into a storm, and time has run out.
JARL
You must go now, it is time to wake up. Please tell her how sorry I am, tell he-
The Baroness awakes in her chambers, and dries the tears from her eyes. She carries on her duties for the day, and waits until nightfall to speak to their daughter.
