Vendee

<p>Scene 1: A Peaceful Village</p><p>EXT. SAINT-FLORENT-DES-BOIS - DAWN</p><p>The sun crests the horizon painting the</p><p>quaint village of Saint-Florent-des-Bois</p><p>in golden light. A rooster crows.</p><p>Children chase each other through the</p><p>village square their laughter bright</p><p>and carefree. The imposing stone church</p><p>dominates the landscape its spire</p><p>reaching towards the heavens. Washing</p><p>hangs from lines strung between houses</p><p>billowing gently in the morning breeze.</p><p>The air is filled with the scent of</p><p>freshly baked bread.</p><p>FATHER MICHEL</p><p>Father Michel a kind-faced priest in</p><p>his late fifties emerges from the</p><p>church a worn prayer book clutched in</p><p>his hand. He smiles gently at the</p><p>children.</p><p>FATHER MICHEL</p><p>Good morning my little lambs!</p><p>The children scatter some waving</p><p>others bowing politely. Father Michel</p><p>adjusts his robes a slight frown</p><p>creasing his brow.</p><p>FATHER MICHEL</p><p>Such joy... a fragile thing these days.</p><p>He looks towards Paris a distant smudge</p><p>on the horizon. A villager MARIE a</p><p>woman in her early forties approaches</p><p>her face etched with worry.</p><p>MARIE</p><p>Father have you heard? More unrest in Paris.</p><p>They say... they say they're coming for our faith.</p><p>FATHER MICHEL</p><p>calmly</p><p>We must pray Marie. Pray for peace for</p><p>understanding. Our faith is strong it will not</p><p>be broken by whispers of rebellion.</p><p>MARIE</p><p>But Father the whispers are growing louder. And</p><p>they carry the wind of violence.</p><p>FATHER MICHEL</p><p>Then let our prayers be louder still. Let our</p><p>faith be our shield.</p><p>He pats her hand reassuringly but his</p><p>eyes hold a deep concern. The church</p><p>bells begin to toll a solemn sound that</p><p>contrasts sharply with the earlier</p><p>cheerful atmosphere.</p><p>FATHER MICHEL</p><p>Come Marie. It is time for Mass.</p><p>FADE OUT.</p><p></p>