Rumpelstiltskin

Scene 1

(Scene opens to a simple house with a mill beside a rushing river at sunset. A woman is sitting on a fallen log near the river's edge with her nine year old daughter at her side; they're watching the sunset together)

Mother: Another beautiful sunset. But not as beautiful as you, my dear Ida. (turns to her daughter and gently brushes a strand of hair behind Ida's ear) You're growing up so fast, I almost can't believe it. I can tell you'll do great things.

Ida: Really?

Mother: Yes. You see, I had big dreams when I was your age; going on adventures, meeting a prince, and living a life of excitement. But the problem is... I never had the courage to follow those dreams. Instead I met and married your father, we started this mill together, and then we had you. And while I admit this isn't the life I had first envisioned, I've grown content with it... because I get to be with the people I love most. (wraps an arm around Ida's shoulders)

Ida: I love you too, mom. Do you have any ideas what my future would look like?

Mother: No, but I guess that's the best part. Because your future is for you to decide. Let me tell you something; everyone wants to believe they'll be chosen for something big. But if we all waited around for a prophecy of some kind to make us special, we'd die waiting and nobody wants that. So that's why you need to choose yourself. I was waiting to give this to you on your birthday, but... (takes a sapphire ring off her finger) ...here. I want you to have this ring, to help remind you not to give up on yourself. (places the ring into Ida's open hand)

Ida: (gasps and gazes at the ring with wide eyes) It's so pretty. Thank you, mom! (hugs her mom and puts the ring on her right hand. She giggles when she sees it's a bit too big) Whoops.

Mother: (chuckles) It may take a little while for you to grow into it, but it's still yours. Promise me you won't forget to choose your own path.

Ida: I promise.

Mother: Good. (kisses Ida's forehead and stands up) Are you coming?

Ida: In a minute. (her mother smiles and nods before walking into the house. Ida looks at the ring on her finger and smiles) I won't let you down, mom. (hears a rustling in the tall grass on the other side of the river. She squints her eyes to see the head of a garter snake with sparkling golden scales emerge. Her eyes widen in surprise when she notices its eyes flash a bright orange; it bares its fangs and hisses at her. She yelps in fear, quickly backs away, and jogs away from the river and into the house. The snake lets out a wicked chuckle before disappearing into the grass)