EXT. MAGICAL FOREST – BEFORE SUNSET
Clowdy and the Wizard continue their journey down the river in a small, creaky boat as the water gently laps against the sides.
CLOWDY
So... where exactly are we heading?
WIZARD
(sighs)
I have no idea.
CLOWDY
(pauses)
What do you mean you don't know?
WIZARD
I've been trapped in that jar for 500 years! Everything I once knew is long gone. The lands, the people... nothing is the same.
Clowdy looks at him with a mix of curiosity and sympathy, but before she can say anything, the Wizard glances at the darkening sky.
WIZARD
It's getting late. We'll need to stop for the night.
CLOWDY
(nervously)
Here? In this forest?
WIZARD
(shrugs)
It's as good a place as any. Come on, let's set up camp.
They pull the boat ashore and venture into the forest. Before long, they've gathered some firewood and built a small, flickering fire. As they sit around it, an audible growl breaks the silence—coming from Clowdy's stomach.
WIZARD
(smirking)
Well, that settles it. We're hungry. Let's split up and see what we can find to eat. You gather berries, and I'll go... hunt or something.
CLOWDY
(hesitant)
Split up? Is that safe?
WIZARD
(grinning)
Safer than starving. Don't worry, you'll be fine.
Clowdy reluctantly agrees. She tears a piece from her clothing to use as a makeshift pouch and wanders through the forest, picking berries. The quiet and peace of the forest soothe her nerves, and before long, her pouch is half-full. Suddenly, a panicked shout cuts through the stillness.
WIZARD
HELP!
Clowdy's heart races as she follows the sound of his voice. She finds the Wizard dangling upside down by one foot, caught in the grip of a massive bear. The bear growls menacingly.
WIZARD
(desperately pointing at Clowdy)
Here, eat her! She's bigger and tastier! I'm just a... grasshopper!
Clowdy glares at him as the bear shifts its gaze to her. Then, to her shock, the bear speaks in a deep, rumbling voice.
BEAR
(snorts)
Eat her? I wouldn't eat you, either.
CLOWDY
(stammering)
You... you can talk?
The bear pauses, tilting its head as if amused. Then, before their eyes, it begins to change shape. Fur retracts, claws shrink, and within moments, a tall, regal woman stands before them.
BEAR WOMAN
(calmly)
Of course I can talk. Don't tell me you didn't know.
WIZARD
(wide-eyed)
Wait—what don't we know?
CLOWDY
(quickly)
We're just travelers. We meant no harm. We only wanted to spend the night in these woods.
BEAR WOMAN
(raising an eyebrow)
"No harm"? Is attacking me with magic "no harm"?
WIZARD
(defensive)
Can you blame me? You looked like a bear! We were starving!
BEAR WOMAN
(smirks)
You talk too much for someone pretending to be a grasshopper.
The Bear Woman grabs the Wizard, her expression stern. She looks as if she might just take a bite out of him. Clowdy, trembling, steps forward.
CLOWDY
Please... don't hurt him. If you must, take me instead.
The Bear Woman pauses, surprised by Clowdy's bravery. After a moment, she sets the Wizard down with a small chuckle.
BEAR WOMAN
(softly)
I admire your courage. Very well, I won't eat either of you. Though I can't say I'm fond of this one. (gestures at the Wizard) But you... you're intriguing. Come, both of you. Stay with me tonight.
WIZARD
(grumbling)
Oh, now she's fond of you. Figures.
BEAR WOMAN
(ignoring him)
It's been ages since I've had guests. Let's see if we can find something more suitable for a meal.
Clowdy and the Wizard exchange a wary glance, but they follow the Bear Woman deeper into the forest, unsure of what awaits them.