The Village2004

Edward:
There did exist rumours of creatures in these woods. It is one of the history books I used to teach in the Towns.

Ivy:
The screams? From the woods?

Edward:
We created those sounds.

Ivy:
The Ceremony of Meat?

Edward:
We remove it ourselves. An elder is always assigned.

Ivy:
The drills... They are farce, too?

Edward:
We did not want anyone to go to the Towns, Ivy.

Ivy:
What about the animals.... the skinned ones? Are the elders responsible for that, too?

Edward:
I believe one of the elders is responsible. It will not happen again. There is no one in this village who has not lost someone irreplaceable, who has not felt loss so deeply that they questioned the very merit of living at all. It is a darkness I wished... You would never know. Forgive us our silly lies, Ivy. They were not meant to harm.

Ivy:
I am... Sad for you, Papa. For all the elders.

Edward:
On this paper has been written a tool of medicine. It is common in the Towns. You will go... With two escorts. Follow the sounds of a stream. A half-day's journey will bring you to a hidden road. At this hidden road, the two escorts will wait as you continue. You alone will follow the road... And leave Covington Woods. You are to tell no one in the Towns where we are... and return with haste. I cannot come with you. You gave your heart to this boy. He is in need. Are you ready to take this burden, which by right, is yours and yours alone?