A Grimm Tale

Act 1 Scene 3

Same setup as second half of Act 1 Scene 1.
Characters all enter stage in same fashion, but B is more confident in an arrogant, delusions of grandeur way, and less shivery.

M: Thanks again, Bird. It's always a pleasure to have you help with the last few tasks of the day.

B: Think nothing of it.

S: Dinner's ready! And praise the lord it is good food for once!

B: You're welcome, Sausage. I worked extra hard and flew extra far just for that.

(Taking food to table) M: And we are grateful for it.

M and S sit down and M serves the others, then herself. Then, B switches his bowl with M's

M: No, you don't have to Bird-

B: I insist. You work hard all day (murmured) unlike some people.

M: Well... Thanks I guess.

S: Well, what's with this sudden change of mood, hmm?

B: I've made a decision, and I think it would be a good idea for you both to comply.

Narrator stands up. Bird mimics the words of the narrator, and the others act accordingly in silence.

N: The Birds together had devised a plot by which everyone would get what they deserved. Mouse would be relieved of the hardships of maintaining the home, and set to work on the easy job of cooking instead. Bird would take over her duties cleaning and maintaining the fire. And lastly, the Sausage would be given the hardest job, and sent into the forest to find food and firewood. Now he won't have anyone else to blame for the ingredients, and maybe he'd treat Bird with more respect.

N sits down. Others resume speaking.

M: But I always clean! It's what I'm used to! I don't know a thing about cooking!

S: This is preposterous! Why should I have to venture out there to be preyed on in the dark woods! I'm a sausage!

B: I'm afraid you have no choice. I will take over the cleaning, and unless you wish us all to starve, you should go and collect the food.

M: Bird, why are you doing th-

(Turning on her) B: For you!.. (to himself) This is all for you...

Lights slowly fade to almost black. Very soft spotlight on the narrator. As mentioned in dialogue, S leaves.

N: And so, against their own wills, the Mouse and the Sausage agreed, and the next day they all went to their newly assigned duties.

Narrator sits down again. The lights go up again.