Opening - The Wolf of Lavanta
The Wolf of Lavanta
Part I : Welcome to Lavanta
Today was a day that started out like any other in the peaceful little village of Lavanta. The surrounding nature's symphony created a mood like no other. The nearby sea begins the performance with tiny percussions against the coast whilst the passing breeze lightly whistles a gleeful melody. Spotlights are scattered across the ground as the trees and the sunlight work in perfect harmony to ready the stage for the main attraction. Tiny woodland creatures slowly peek from their nests and dens, the birds flutter and swoop across the scene singing sweetly a tune of bliss. A lonely rooster proudly ruffles his feathers, and raising his head with a sense of utmost importance begins the day. The song of Lavanta was the same every morning and likewise each and every day the performance is quickly disturbed by the same distracting wail.
"Samuel!" A gruff voice called from within a local cottage. The birds scatter and the tiniest of creatures hide once more. The performance continues but it is tuned out by the piercing screaming; "Samuel answer me!" The voice was that of a local wolf, a large brutish fellow who much like the rooster from nature's daily orchestra, had much pride in himself. His large bounding footsteps are heard crashing down on the old wooden floorboards of his home. Each stamp echoed into the cottage's forecourt.
Soon after another voice is heard letting out a small sigh "Yes, Sir?" This voice was much softer. It was the son of the titan, the voice of Samuel Copperfield. The young wolf had just awoken from his slumber before his ears were met with the harsh tones of his father. Still quite drowsy he slowly sat up in his bed. As he folded back the covers his ears were met with yet another cry from his father.
"Damn it child!" The voice groaned, "Where are you?"
The boy sat on the edge of his bed as he let out anothersigh. He began counting on his fingers. "No," he muttered to himself, "I finished it." The footsteps got louder as the boy's father drew nearer.
Soon after, the Alpha came bounding through Samuel's door bellowing "You realise what today is don't you boy?!" He glared down his nose at his child.
Looking to the floor Samuel hesitated before he shook his head. The young wolf looked up slowly until his eyes were met with is father's stern face. He quickly averted his gaze.
"My god Samuel," The oaf sighed, looking away from his son. As he did so he noticed the boy's calendar. "Typical, you don't even have the day marked!"
"S-sir, I'm s-" The boy started. The huge wolf looked down at the boy once more.
"You're what Samuel?" He spoke though grinding teeth.
"I'm s-sorry," the boy stuttered as he gulped, "I had too many chores to take care of yesterday and I-"
"So now this is my fault?" The boy was interrupted again by his father's harsh voice.
"N-no, Sir," Samuel spoke slowly, "I didn't get to bed until late. I've over slept and I'm sorry." He was well-spoken and well-mannered unlike his father. The boy looked towards a small box on his bedside table. The box was wooden with a golden trimming. Parts of the wood were worn away, the trim was faded. The lid of the box had been carved and branded 'M.J.S'. Samuel ran his fingers across the letters.
"Words that I am so very familiar with, you're a pathetic excuse for a man Samuel." Samuel gave a quick glance towards his father; he noticed someone else had joined them.
"Molly!" he gasped. Molly was a very delicate looking cat. She was thin and not very well kept. She lifted one of the small straps of her dress back onto her shoulder as it had slipped, an action she was used to. "P-please!" Samuel spoke quickly, "I'm not decent!"
The cat gave a small smile as she left the room, "Sorry young Sir."
"What is the matter with you child?" The gasbag sighed, "Now you care what the help thinks of you? Honestly I wonder why I was cursed with such a pathetic child." He reached into a pocket on his jacket and produced a small watch. He gave a quick glance before replacing it. "Up. Now." He demanded, "The traders are coming to Lavanta today, and all the preparations must be completed immediately. Heaven forbid they should arrive early to find my dunce of a child hasn't made their stay a hospitable one."
"Of course, Sir." The youngster nodded as his gargantuan father walked away.
"Young Sir," Samuel heard the voice of Molly from just outside of his room, "Please do not take what George says to heart."
"I know Molly," the boy began, "It must be hard..." he continued with tears in his eyes, "running this village alone."