INT. VILLAGE ELDER’S CHAMBER – DAY
The Village Elders sit around the circular table, deep in contemplation. Queen Ayana holds baby Naledi in her arms, iridescent purple and yellow wings peeking out from under Naledi’s blanket.
QUEEN AYANA: Ma Kwame Ma Mbatha. I have brought the princess to you. I fear that something is very wrong. You are the only people who I trust. You took care of me during my nine months, and for that, I owe you both my and Naledi’s lives. Please advise what I can do about her.
The queen shows the elders Naledi’s wings. The elders smile at each other and then at the Queen.
QUEEN AYANA: Please say something. I don’t know what’s wrong; they just grew one day.
MA KWAME: Queen Mother, we have been entrusted with a unique gift.
MA MBATHA : Yes, long ago, our people were attuned to the spirits of the land and sky. But as the years passed, we turned away from those beliefs, embracing a new way of life.
QUEEN AYANA : What do you mean? What gift?
MA KWAME: The gift of flight – a connection to our ancestors who once possessed wings.
MA MBATHA (looking at Naledi with wonder): Indeed, they are a part of our legacy, a reminder of a time when we were more in tune with the mystical forces that governed this world.
MA KWAME: We believe Naledi’s wings should be seen as a precious gift, a connection to our heritage that we should embrace and honour. We would train her, and teach her the ways of our ancestors so she could also fly with them.
QUEEN AYANA: But the village has changed. People no longer believe in those old ways. If they see Naledi’s wings, they may fear her or treat her as an outcast. Or even worse, see her wings as a curse on the royal family. You know what happens to royal families when the village believes there to be a curse.
MA MBATHA: We understand your fears, but we cannot ignore the significance of her wings. Embracing them could be a source of unity, reminding us of who we once were. We would teach our children our history again, where we come from.
MA KWAME: Princess Naledi is destined to be a bridge between the past and the present, a beacon of hope for our people to reconnect with our heritage.
QUEEN AYANA : I understand your words, but I also understand the weight of responsibility. Naledi’s safety is my utmost concern. What will you do when I find her hanging from her wings from a tree? Or have we so quickly forgotten the prosecution 3 generations ago?
MAMBATHA: Fear often arises from ignorance, Your Highness. The village has lived in separation from our ancient truths for far too long. It is time for a reawakening, a reunion with our heritage. Naledi’s wings can be a catalyst for change.
QUEEN AYANA: It’s a risk we cannot take. We must find a way to keep her powers hidden from everyone else. We cannot allow history to repeat itself, and our daughter deserves a chance to live without fear. We will protect her at all costs, even if it means keeping her wings a secret.
MA KWAME: As her mother, your decision holds great weight. We will support you in safeguarding Naledi, but we hope that in time, you may come to see the beauty and strength in her wings.
The elders nod with understanding, acknowledging the queen’s concerns.
MA MBATHA: May the spirits watch over her and guide her path. We will keep the knowledge of her wings within this chamber, and only a select few shall be privy to this secret.
QUEEN AYANA: Thank you, MaMbatha and MaKwame. Your wisdom and support mean the world to me.
MA MBATHA: Give her this medicine every morning. And this one every night. We shall shave down her wings. They may grow back so we will have to do this monthly, possibly, depending on how fast they grow.
MAKWAME: For Naledi, this will be painful, it will be like losing a limb. If you are sure we can start today or otherwise, if you need time –
QUEEN AYANA: Today. We will start today.
MAKWAME: Okay, let’s begin…