Special Conversations

Chapter 6 Tick & Raith

raith

(smiles) Tick! Thank the stars!

tick

Cousin? You've joined us?

raith

(serious) Yes...
I was hoping I'd have better luck with the king's regiment.
So far, though... Just doesn't seem to be the case!

tick

The king's personal army is no place for the meek.
You'll get eaten alive, Raith.
I advise you turn around and return to General Narcian.

raith

The general was captured. We all scattered...
I had no idea what to do, until I met this priest.
He convinced me to seek out the king himself.
Said it was my best possible move.

tick

Did he, now...
Cousin, I think you've been swindled.
That man only wanted to use you to get close to the king.

(Raith huffs.)

raith

Y-You don't think I've figured that one out by now?!
Tick, you've got to protect me!
You're the only one I can count on anymore...!
C'mon, remember how we used to build sandcastles?

tick

Yes, when we were four.
When was the last time we saw each other, anyway?

raith

T-That's not important!
Blood is thicker than water, right?!

tick

Sigh... Look, just...
Stay out of sight, okay? Don't be a liability.

raith

U-Urgh...

tick

Ahh, Raith... I just don't get it.
Why did you ever join the military?

raith

W-Well, I wanted my parents to be as proud of me as yours are of you.
...You know. Before they died of that nasty sickness.
Now I guess I just don't know where else I could go.
I always admired you, you know. That's not just flattery.
I suppose a part of me still hopes I'll be able to match you, one day.

tick

......
All right. Try to remain calm. I shall protect you where I can.

raith

(smiles) Y-You will? Oh, thank you, cousin! Thank you so much!

tick

(smiles) Hey, I'm not an entirely emotionless husk.
I care about you. You're my cousin.

raith

H-Hah... Love you too, cousin.

Chapter 7 Monke & Thoril/Kabul

thoril/kabul

(smiling) Chief!

monke

(smiles) Men, I am proud of you.
You honor the Djute clan. Heh heh...
More importantly, however, you ensure its survival.
Bern is sure to grant us watch over Sacae!

thoril/kabul

(frowns) Are you certain?
Will they not try to wipe us out when we outlive our use?

monke

Then all we have to do is NEVER outlive our use!

thoril/kabul

...Y-You want us to die...?

monke

Idiot! I want us to be useful forever!
Remember your skills! Put them to good use!
That thing, the thing you do with the rope...

thoril/kabul

Ah, you mean our little trick to capture foes alive.

monke

There WILL come a time when it will be valuable.
I want you to keep watch for any enemies that look...
Particularly capturable, somehow.
Do you understand?

thoril/kabul

Not... really.

monke

Make sure that you do when the time comes.
I will not see the Djute dragged down by you!

Chapter 8 Arcado & Erik

erik

Ahh... Castle Ostia.
The very image of fortitude, on the surface...
In stark contrast to the people it houses.

(smiles) It's about time justice was served.
Today, this place is reduced to ruin. And, with that...
Laus takes its rightful place as Lycia's greatest house!

arcado

If it continues to exist at all...

erik

(scowls) Who are you? How dare you spew such nonsense?

arcado

Trust me, sir. I've been under Bern's thumb longer than you.
They dangle your every desire in front of your eyes.
They make it look so easy. And thus you follow along.
Moths to an all-consuming flame... That was I. That is you.

erik

Please. You think I'll just roll over and let them forsake me?
I will have my just reward. I will have it, or else--

arcado

Or else what? Will Laus declare war on the Kingdom of Bern?
Your name would vanish from the pages of history within the day.

erik

...That's mere conjecture.

arcado

Based on personal experience.
I used to be Etruria's second most powerful man.

erik

Second only to the king?

arcado

...Oh, no. Not the king.
Well, it hardly matters now. It's all gone.
And it's because we allied ourselves to Bern.
If only we'd stayed loyal to Etruria...
It wouldn't have been convenient for them to expose us.
They would've needed us against Bern... We would not be here.
Instead, we were casted out as traitors...
And this is the gratitude Bern showed us for our sacrifice.

erik

Come now. There is no hope for those who oppose absolute power.
If you had stood against Bern, you would've been destroyed!

arcado

Mayhap. But I'd rather have died than suffer this disgrace.

erik

There's still time to take the easy way out.
Me, I will not give up. I know what I'm capable of.
I will see Laus rise to the top. Nobody will stop our ascent!
Not even the king of Bern himself...

arcado

Sigh... Is this what I sounded like, before?
Such folly... I should never have followed the Chancellor...

Oates & Martel

martel

Well, well! What have we here.
Another medic at last. It's about time!

oates

Medic? Loathsome whippersnapper, shut your wailing piehole!
I am no "medic," I am a sage! One of the best in Bern!

martel

Ah, yes. I'd forgotten about your legendary bad temper.
Pray forgive me, Oates. Now if you'll excuse me--

oates

You think I'm just going to let this stand?!
Endure this insult, by a lazy whelp who doesn't even fight?!

martel

Sigh... Old fool, I meant no insult against you!
I truly am glad to see you, believe it or not.
The king's legion has grown considerably.
Too many injuries for a single healer. Your aid is appreciated!

oates

Do you want me to tell you where you can shove your appreciations?

martel

I'm trying to be nice to you, you decrepit old fossil!
This is the reason everyone stays away from you!

oates

Good! Let them! And you join them already!
I'll just be overhere, finishing your shoddy work.
And when that's done, I'll go and scorch some worms!
You keep doing your thing, whatever that is.

martel

More work than the likes of you could do, that's for sure!
You should retire already, you old codger!

oates

The likes of me?! What does that mean, boy?!
Think I can't keep up, is that it? Think again!
Kids these days... No respect for their elders, none at all!
Back in my day we were taught manners and discipline!
We knew how to behave, unlike this new generation of layabouts!
Even though I'm here to help you, you sling slight after slight!

martel

And I'll sling more if you don't leave me be!

oates

And what are you going to do about it?
Whack me over the head with that fancy stick?
You'll be ashes before you can get within reach!

martel

You...!

...No, Martel. He's not worth it.
A brilliant man like you should waste no time on such a loon...

oates

What did you say?!
Just because I'm old, you assume my hearing has gone?!

(Martel leaves Oates floundering.)

oates

Why, you-- You dare walk away from me?!
Get back here this instant! I'm not finished, you... you... child!

Chapter 8x

Debias & Henning

debias

Huff... Huff... Puff...
Ohh, it's too hot in this place... Ough...

henning

What have we here... Legance's little helper.

(Debias startles.)

debias

Ah! Oh, it's just you... The mercenary...

henning

You look a little down under the weather.
Here, take this. It's a wet rag. Put it on your neck.

debias

Nngh... Guuhh... Yes, that's better... Thank you...

henning

You know, I've been wondering...
Why do you follow that prick Legance around?
I followed his money, but what's your reason?

debias

Well... He was my commander. Saved me a few times, too.
I tried my best, but working hard, it's hard... I get tired easily.
I would've been fired a few times, but he always defended me.
He said, "this man is a true noble Ostian! Give him another chance!"

henning

Ahh, now I understand. You're a blue-blooded squire, are you.
Lemme guess. Your mommy and daddy got angry at you.
They said, "finish your veggies or we'll send you to the army!"
You called their bluff. Then they bought you a position in the army.
Told you to learn some discipline or whatever. Am I right?

debias

Wow... Spot on, actually. How'd you know?

henning

Sigh... I know it's been years, but don't you recognize me?
I used to be the gardener at your grand state.
Until one day, some vines on the manor's wall caught on fire.
Gave your ol' grandma one heck of a fright.
Got fired on the spot.
Daddy made sure to badmouth me all over town, too.
Couldn't find a job again. That's how I ended up like this.

debias

W-Well... Ergh...

henning

...It was you, was it not. You burned those vines.

debias

Y-You see...

(Debias trembles.)

Ooogh, p-please don't hurt me! I b-beg you...!

henning

Quit making a ruckus. I'm not gonna hurt you.
You were a dumb kid. It's okay. We're all dumb at that age.
I'm just a bit sad that you're still dumb after all this time...

debias

...Mmph...

henning

Want my advice? Start eating those veggies.
Someone so young as you shouldn't look like this.

debias

...Oof... I think I need to sit down...

henning

Bah... Go ahead. Have a seat.
Let the rest of us risk life and limb out here...

debias

Thanks... All right, where can I...

(Debias leaves.)

henning

...Ostia's creme de la creme, clearly. What a disgrace...
Poor Lord Hector must be rolling in his grave.

Windham & Martel

windham

What in the world is this... A piece of Hell on Earth?
Impossible... But it certainly feels like it.

martel

I'd be surprised if you've read enough scripture to know what Hell looks like...
Windham.

(Windham starts.)

windham

(smiles) Martel, my brother!
Fancy seeing you here. Still the big-shot army man?

martel

Not yet "big-shot", but I have great plans for the future.

windham

(frowns) Of course you do. You always have.
"Brilliant" plans, isn't that right, Martel?

martel

Go mock someone else, Windham.

windham

(smirks) Hey, you're the one who started the conversation.

(serious) Still, this truly is something...
I've traveled the world over, but I've never seen such a place.
Volcanos are a rarity in Elibe. So close to civilization, more so.
What could Ostia's settlers possibly have been thinking...

martel

The world over, eh. That must have taken a lot of time.
You must have taken some long vacations.

windham

I did, yes. Four years, and counting.

martel

In the army, that would be called desertion.

windham

Yes, well, the clergy is not the army.
And besides, Yoder himself sent me on a pilgrimage.
He said I was to become enlightened or something.
I became enlightened all right. I have to thank him for that.
I realized there are more important things than faith.
Thus, I now take a more... relaxed approach to my spiritual duties.

martel

Your crass religious views disgust me, you atheist.

windham

(grins) Hahaha! Haha... I shall take that as a compliment, Brother.

martel

Why keep the habit, then? Don a different attire.
Rid yourself of it and bare your debauchery for the world to see.

windham

(serious) The holy robe is often convenient. People tend to trust a priest.
What's your excuse? You've never even been a member of the church.

martel

I like it. It's comfortable, looks good, easy to conceal armor underneath...
And yellow is my favorite color. It's the color of brilliance.

windham

And you think you're in any position to call me names.
I may not be the most stalwart believer, but you're a heretic!

martel

I'll believe it when a real priest says it.

windham

(smiles) Ahh... It's good to see you again, little brother.

martel

(smiles) I suppose it is, at that.

Chapter 9 Arcado & Roartz

roartz

...That we must return to our domain like this...
Skulking in the fog, like some common pirates!
Disgraceful...

Arcardo, the king has not promised to return the Isles to us!
We must raise a complaint! These were our rightful property!

arcado

Lord Roartz, they'll never yield the Isles to us.
It'll be enough if we aren't quietly executed before the end of this...
It's over, milord. We will be forever doomed to the status of peasants.

roartz

N-No! That cannot be!
I will NOT help retake these Isles for the sake of someone else!

arcado

Then you will be killed. But I will not suffer the same fate.
I will fight for them, if that's what it takes to survive.

roartz

......

arcado

If you want my advice... Fall in line, Chancellor.
Let us keep our heads, at least.

(Roartz fumes.)

roartz

And why should I listen to you, Arcardo?!
You are the one who lost us the Isles in the first place!
We would not be in this dreadful position if not for your blunder!

arcado

Ah, so now it's my fault, is it...?!

...Sigh... No, there is no point.
I will not squabble over the past with you.
Do what you want. I will focus on staying alive.

(Arcado leaves.)

roartz

Ar-Arcardo! How dare you walk away! I'm not finished!

(He flounders.)

Arcardo! Wait for me! You have to protect me!
I... I have nobody else left to protect me! Please...!

Mitan & Henning

mitan

What're ya starin' at? Wanna get socked?

henning

Nah, just thinkin'. You're called Mitan, yeah?

mitan

Yup. How'd you know?

henning

Saw a wanted poster with your face on it.

mitan

Ahh, a bounty hunter, is that it? Go on, then. Ya wanna tussle?

henning

Relax! I'm not here to make new enemies...

mitan

...Sheesh, you look tough, but your face makes me wanna cry.

henning

Just a little tired. So much has happened.
Things don't look like they're gonna slow down, either.

mitan

Why're you still here, then? No one'd notice one less random guy around.

henning

Maybe. But where'd I go?
My crew's gone. My base's compromised, for the time being.

...Say, how'd you end up in this army?
From the rumors I've heard 'bout you, you don't seem the kind to...
Conform to a higher authority.

mitan

My crew wouldn't "conform" to MY authority.
So when these guys came 'round and started mowing everyone down...
Well, I decided to take a chance.

henning

Seems like we've a bit in common.

mitan

Not that being two pathetic, washed-up has-beens is somethin' to brag about.

henning

(smiles) Hah... I guess so. Still, nice to find someone alike here.
Seems like it's all stuck-up soldiers or worse in this army.

mitan

(smiles) Aye... I gotta agree, pal.

henning

(serious) Say... Let's try and make it through this mess, 'kay?
If we do, I'd be happy to work with ya.

mitan

(serious) Meh... 'Preciate it, but I'm not sure I'll go back to the bandit life.
I became a bandit 'cause I had no money, no home and no family.
But I've stashed away a decent pile o' riches now.
Might use it to go clean. Buy a cute lil' farm, somethin' like that.

henning

Ah, that's a pretty good idea.

mitan

Could hire ya. A farm needs farmers, y'know.

henning

(smiles) Ahaha, thanks, but I gotta say no.
Me, I just don't think I'm cut out to till the soil or follow orders.

mitan

(smirks) Yer doin' a mighty fine job of that now.

henning

Hah! Touche.
...Well, good luck turnin' your life around, Mitan.
If I see any more wanted posters, I'll remember to tear 'em down for you.

mitan

That'd be a big help, thanks.
And if I end up turnin' into a knight or somethin'...
Well, I'll make sure I forget where your base was at.

henning

That'd be quite kind of you, Dame Mitan.

mitan

Ohhhh, knock it off! I ain't been knighted yet!

Heddwyn & Erik

erik

Hold!

heddwyn

Gack!

W-What is it? Don't scare me like that!

erik

What is a Lycian minnow doing still alive?

heddwyn

Excuse me...?

erik

Ostia was conquered weeks ago.
Every worm that aligned with them was supposed to be annihilated.
But you're still here.

heddwyn

I-I believe there's some sort of mistake--

erik

Don't try to deny it.
You don't think I'd recognize one of Santaruz's pathetic scions?
Your parents sided with Ostia, and look where it got them.
Lying dead at Araphen's gates, like Lord Hector and the rest.
You are the final vestige of your insignificant house.
The final one worth acknowledging, at any rate...

heddwyn

...Look, I don't want any trouble.
I never had any interest in playing games of nobility.
I just want to live my life and stay safe.

erik

So you say. But consider my position.
Pherae, Araphen, Thria and Ostia have all fallen.
The lords of Worde, Ryerde, Tuscana and Kathelet have all been captured.
Who remains to contest my absolute dominion of Lycia,
if not you, Heddwyn of Santaruz?

heddwyn

I just told you, I have no intention of--

erik

Lies! Promises are easily spoken and quickly broken!
I have no reason to believe you, and every reason not to!

heddwyn

N-Not everyone is as ambitious as you are, Lord Erik!
You want my parents' lands, take them! They're yours!
I don't care, just leave me be!

erik

......
...Hmph. Haha...

(Erik cackles madly.)

(grinning) Hahahahaha!

heddwyn

What's funny!?

erik

(serious) Nothing, friend. It's just that I find I respect you.

heddwyn

...Wait, are you serious?

erik

Of course. There is no gain in risking one's life for moldy old tradition.
Your parents did not understand this. Neither did all our fellow lords...
But you? You do understand. Heh heh heh...

Fair enough. I do not believe you will contest our supremacy. Therefore...
I shall allow Santaruz to remain as a vassal of Laus's Lycian League!

heddwyn

...Honestly, I'd rather you took over.
Being a lord is really difficult. I don't care for the position.

erik

Heh heh... I see. I suppose that could be arranged as well.
We shall discuss matters further after the war is over...

heddwyn

...Okay...

(Erik leaves.)

heddwyn

Phew... That was a close call...
Blasted blue blood... I didn't want this!

Chapter 10 Kel & Scott

kel

It would appear the gods have smiled upon you as well...

scott

Kel? Wouldn't have expected you to join these guys too.
What happened to your honor?

kel

The same thing that happened to yours, Scott.
I chose to preserve my life.

scott

Heh... Don't look so sullen, my friend. It was the smart choice.

kel

Swordsmen live and die by the blade.
I am a disgrace to my trade...
...But I've known that for a long time.

scott

No hard feelings, I trust?

kel

Sigh... What would the point be? No hard feelings, Scott.

scott

(smiles) Excellent, excellent...

(serious) You know something, Kel? I don't get you.
You're always going on about your pride and honor...
But you sell your skills to the highest bidder. How come?

kel

Pride and honor don't put food on the plate.
I do what needs to be done.

scott

Certainly, but I have a rough idea of how Sacae works.
The clans are close-knit communities.
You wouldn't be wandering the land alone without a reason.
Did you have a falling out with your clan or something?

kel

...You could say that.
Or, more precisely, I misjudged them.

scott

How so?
Ah, forgive me. I'm being nosy.

kel

Don't fret.
I was born in Bulgar to a merchant couple.
Then they died, and I had to fend for myself...
I ended up being taken in by a member of the Djute.
I thought that'd be a fine place to hone my swordarm...
And perhaps finally learn what it means to be Sacaen.
...Instead, I learned the Djute are a blight upon Sacae.

scott

That's when you left, huh.
I feel for you, brother.

kel

Do you, now?

scott

I mean that. You might not believe me, but...
I was sad to see my crew grow so hostile towards me.
We had such good times, before... It all went awry.
And now that I'm on my own, back on square one, well...
It is a horrible thing, to feel like you don't belong anywhere.
You and I, we share that feeling now.

kel

Perhaps you are correct.
But you do not intend to let things stand for long.

scott

Of course not. I've been through worse troubles.
One day I'll rise back up...
(smiles) When that happens, I will remember your name, Kel.

kel

...Feel free to contact me, when you can pay me.
If I'm still alive.

scott

Heh... I'll keep that in mind.

Tick & Flaer

flaer

Ahh, you are Sir Galle's lieutenant.

tick

Only one of his commanders.
You are General Narcian's lieutenant, are you not?

flaer

Indeed... Not the best post to hold at this moment.
It becomes less and less prestigious a position by the day.
I fear some of the king's disdain for my superior is spilling over to me...

tick

You have my sympathies, Sir Flaer.
I was fortunate. Mine is a just, level-headed superior.
Serving under him has been my honor.

flaer

Well, you do enjoy some notoriety, yourself.
As one level-headed enough to match even Sir Galle.
It is no wonder General Murdock holds your division in high regard,
when it counts men like Sir Galle and yourself among its own.

tick

You flatter me. It's nothing, really.
I've never been one to let my emotions get to my head.
Even as a child, I always took care to think before acting.
(smiles) Heh, the other kids often called me a bore.

flaer

I may be your senior, but I have plenty to envy you for.
It feels like every day, I drown in insurmountable stress...

tick

(serious) Nonsense. Serving someone like Narcian, that is only understandable.
Besides, in my humble opinion, you're handling it quite well.
If Narcian's platoon hasn't sunken lower, it is in great part thanks to you.

flaer

(smiles) You flatter me, my friend.

tick

(smiles) Have heart, Sir Flaer, and bide your time.
Everyone knows Sir Galle is well on his way to become Wyvern General.
When the time comes, I shall speak to Sir Galle on your behalf.

flaer

(serious) I would owe you quite the debt, my friend.
But I suppose first we'll need to find General Narcian...

tick

(frowns) As long as Narcian holds the position, Sir Galle cannot advance.
And as long as he remains missing, he cannot be relieved of it.
I must admit, it is positively vexing...

flaer

Tell me about it.
I have served in this army for nearly 20 years, and in all that time...
Never have I worked with a soldier so appalling as General Narcian.

A-Ah, but I should not speak so. He is still my superior...

tick

I don't believe anybody will judge you.
But yes, I suppose we mustn't forget our place.
Nor the battle.

flaer

Quite right. Let's get back into the fray.

tick

After you.

Chapter 11 Oates & Mieu

oates

Ah hah!

(Mieu shrinks back.)

mieu

Eek!
D-Don't hurt me...!

oates

You! Who do you think you are?!
You think just because I'm old, you're better than me?!

mieu

W-What?

oates

Don't lie! Don't look at me with those big bright eyes!
You think you're so superior, with your... youthful vigor!
Disgusting! Experience is where it's at!
I have seen more battles than years you have lived!

mieu

S-Sir, I just... I just wanna go home...

oates

Shut up! You'll go nowhere!
Anywhere you go, anything you try to do...
I will always surpass you! Do you hear me!?
I have outlived hundreds of youths like you!
I will outlive a hundred more! A thousand more!

mieu

Sniff... Sniff... Aahh... Aaaahh...

oates

Cease your wailing! Pathetic child!
I may be old, but I'll be DAMNED if I am replaced!
My magic will carry us to victory yet!

mieu

Sniff... I-I'm not even... a mage... Sniff...

oates

Wha...?
Hold it! What sense does that make?!
How do you intend to compete with me if we don't even share our weapon of choice?

mieu

I-I never said that! You did...

oates

I did...?

(Oates shifts awkwardly.)

Well, regardless! I will not be topped yet!
You lousy whippersnappers had better work hard!
To keep up with me, that is!
Thunder, cast down! Tear my enemies asunder!
Hya! Hya!

(Oates charges off.)

mieu

Sniff... Sniff...
W-What just... happened...
What did I do to... that man...?

Legance & Heddwyn

legance

Debias! Here you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!

heddwyn

Mmm?
Oh, no, I'm not Debias, sir. I'm his brother, Hedd--

legance

Yes, yes, Debias, very interesting.
Listen, I have a task for you.

heddwyn

What? But I'm trying to tell you, I'm not--

legance

I need you to take these bags and haul them away.
They contain the gear we took from the fallen enemies.
Weapons, armor and the like. It's of no relevance to you.
Your task is to bring them back to the encampment.
Go on, chop-chop. Get to it.

heddwyn

H-Hold on a second! I'm not Deb--

(Legance advances threateningly and Heddwyn shrinks away.)

legance

Is there something wrong, Debias?
Do you have any qualms with your orders?
Mayhap you wish for me to... cut you down to size?

(Legance brandishes his weapon.)

You bloated oaf! Get to work this instant!

heddwyn

B-B-But, sir! I'm not Debias! I'm his brother!

legance

Hmm?

(Legance backs off.)

What are you saying? Quit whispering! Speak loud and clear!

(Heddwyn moves closer.)

heddwyn

I... AM... NOT... DEBIAS!!
My name is Heddwyn. I am Debias's older brother.

legance

Well, why didn't you say it sooner, you imbecile?
Blast, you truly are his spitting image... Just as slow, too.
So, have you any idea where your dear brother is?

heddwyn

How should I? I'm not his nanny.

legance

Grrrr... Useless idiot!
I should make you do the job in his place!

(Heddwyn shrinks back.)

heddwyn

P-Please! My arms are not strong like Debias's!
I became a mage for a reason! I couldn't possibly--

(Legance advances.)

legance

Fool! If we don't prove the worth of Ostia's rebels...
We will be a laughingstock! Bern will never take us seriously!
We must carry out our orders without fail or delay!
Go! Go! Go! Take those bags to camp, now!

heddwyn

W-Well, why don't YOU take them?
Or do you just want other people to do your tasks for you?
M-Maybe I should let the king know...

legance

......

(Legance backs off.)

O-Of course, I was going to take some of them.
The gall to doubt my commitment!
Why, if anything, I was being kind to you, Debias!
I was giving you a chance to share in the glory.
You'll regret this when I receive all the credit!
Take care I don't leave you in the dust!

(Legance flounces off.)

heddwyn

......

If Debias is alive

heddwyn

(smiles) ...You can come out now. He's gone.

(Debias approaches.)

debias

(grins) Woo! That was great, Hedd!
The way you confronted that jerk was just... Wow!
You always were the bold one, Hedd...

heddwyn

Hehe, well... What are big brothers for?
I ought to look after my little brother, don't I Deb?

debias

Hahahaha... Thanks, Hedd!
High five!

(They high-five.)

legance
(offscreen)

...Debias? Debias!
Is that your voice I hear? Debias!

heddwyn

Oh, goodness!

debias

Run!

(Heddwyn and Debias run away.)

Chapter 12 Wagner & Erik

erik

Ho! You there!
Are you not Orun's advisor?

wagner

Who, me? I don't know any Oruns...

erik

Oh, save it, you runt.
How many times did I see you at Thria?
Relax, I'm not going to do anything to you.
Well, nothing other than commend you...

wagner

...Commend me, Lord Erik of Laus?

erik

Heh heh... Indeed.
Those fools, bound down by moldy old tradition...
Look where it got them!
Eliwood, Hector, Orun! Dead, to the last!
Hahahah... Oh, but Bern did not take care of that last one.

wagner

...They did not have time, I'm afraid.
Someone beat them to the punch.

erik

And they did well to do so.
Orun was a stubborn mule, but shrewder than his peers.
He might've stood a chance to inconvenience Bern...
You made that battle a lot easier for us, no doubt.

wagner

(smiles) Ha... I aim to please.
My plans are always flawless!

erik

(smiles) Of course...
Glad the winds of fate brought you to us.
Let us fight together, and at the dawn of all this...
Perhaps we may be able to build up a new Lycia.
With ourselves at its helm, naturally. Hahaha...

wagner

I shall try my level best. Hehehe...
I always did covet the throne of Thria.
When I was a wee lad, I took my father's hand and said:
"When I grow up, I wanna be marquess!"
Then the old dotard slapped me! How dare he...
Who is insolent now, fool?! Who is the insolent one!?

erik

Hahaha... Ahh...
Ah, don't feel too bad.
My own father betrayed the League, then left me to die at Hector and Eliwood's hands in his place.
But I survived. Him, and them.
How the tables turn, eh? Ahah hah hah hah!

wagner

We will surpass our parents and our masters!
We will teach the world that honor is a worthless notion!

erik

Truly intelligent men, us. Hahahahaha!

Perez & Guerrero

perez

I am Perez.

guerrero

Guerreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeero, at your seeeeeeeeeeeervice.

perez

Hmmmm...

guerrero

What's on your miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind?

perez

I just have this strange feeling that you and I have something in common.

guerrero

Like whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

perez

That's the thing. Nothing comes to mind...

guerrero

Maybe it's the haaaaaaaaaair.
Are you baaaaaaaaaaaaaald under the hooooooooooood?

perez

Oh no, my hair reaches way down, beyond my shoulders.
My old friend Oates is the bald one. I just like the look of the hood.
Makes me seem extra... druidish.

guerrero

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm... Where are you froooooom?

perez

Bern.

guerrero

I was boooooooorn in the Western Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisles.
So that's not iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeither.

perez

And obviously it's not the speech.
I suppose my mind was just playing tricks on me.

guerrero

Si, la verdad es que no se me ocurre nada.

perez

Una pena. Bueno, suficiente charla. Toca dar el callo.

guerrero

Vamos alla.

Explaining the Joke

Perez and Guerrero are both Spanish names.

Sigune & Henning

henning

Hey... Can I talk to you a minute?

sigune

Well?

henning

See, I used to be a brigand.
Right now I'm fighting for these guys, and it's got me thinking.
I don't love followin' orders, but it's safer than banditry.
Maybe I could try my hand at becoming a sellsword.

sigune

And, since I'm an Ilian mercenary, you want to ask me some questions.

henning

You folks're the finest hired blades in the realm.
And even I've heard of you, Ivory Devil Sigune.
So... Tell me. How hard's it to become a merc?

sigune

Most Ilian mercenaries join the official Ilian guild.
There's a mandatory training period of one to three years.
Then you're on. Never betray your employers, that's the code.

henning

Sounds... surprisingly simple.

sigune

It's the life itself most people cannot handle.
Ilian mercenaries cannot afford friendships, love, family...
Any bond you form is one you may have to break tomorrow.
The contract comes first. Always.

henning

Huh... Usually "you'd sell your mother for a bag of gold" is said figuratively.

sigune

That's how I acquired my nickname, actually.
My mother was a reputed flightleader. Until she died.

henning

What was her mistake?

sigune

Back then, I was not only a mere squire, but a lacking flier, at that.
I kept lagging behind, and our employer was not a patient man.
He ordered that I be left behind in the blizzard.
My mother objected. The argument escalated...
They fought.

henning

...And then he killed her, right?

sigune

No. I killed her.

henning

Yeah, I was afraid you'd say that...

sigune

She broke the code. It was what I had to do.
I went on to fulfill the contract. He gave me my payment, and hers.
I don't know if he did it out of spite, awe or fear.

To answer your question... Her mistake was giving birth to me.

henning

...Wow...

sigune

And from that day on, I was the Ivory Devil.
The embodiment of the Ilian spirit. A weapon to be wielded, for a price.

henning

...That's awful.

sigune

Want my advice? Stick to robbing peasants.

henning

Will do, sheesh... I almost feel lucky to be a cutthroat now.
Yours sounds like a pretty crummy life, if you ask me.

sigune

Some handle it better than others. Why, some even enjoy it.

henning

And you, Ivory Devil?

sigune

...I just handle it.

henning

......

Chapter 12x

Dory & Mieu

mieu

Sniff... Sniff...
I-I can't see... anything...
H-Help... Someone help me...!

(Dory approaches.)

dory

Huh? A kid?!

(Mieu cowers.)

mieu

A-Ah!

dory

Hey, hey! Don't run off on yer own!
This cave's dangerous. Stick with me, and--

mieu

N-No! Please, don't hurt me! I-I beg you...!

dory

Hurt you?
(smiles) Hah, well, unless these moves hurt, that ain't it, girlie!
Watch! Hmph, hmph!

(Dory dances.)

...Hop! So, how was that?

mieu

I... I-I...
(smiles) Pfft... Hehehe...

dory

Ahah, I made you laugh!
I guess I do look kinda stupid when I do this, don't I...

mieu

(frowns) You're... not mad I laughed...?

dory

I wanna put smiles in people's faces with my dancin'.
Laugh's just a bigger smile when ya really think about it!

mieu

......

(Mieu moves closer and relaxes.)

S-Sorry I was scared...

dory

(serious) Hey, don't sweat it. I know I look pretty scary.
Used to be mighty scary, too... But I've changed.

Listen, I know your story. It's all wrong, lass.
No kid like you should be made to fight in a war.
So just stick close, okay? I'll keep ya safe.

mieu

...I almost...

dory

Eh?

mieu

When my brother and my uncle... l-left...
I thought I'd never meet anyone nice again...
(smiles) But you're nice. Thank you, mister.

dory

(smiles) Aww, y-you're gonna make me all red in the face.
I'm only doin' what any decent person would do!
All right, let's concentrate! Don't go too far, little girl!

mieu

U-Uh huh...

Scollan & Scott

scollan

(grins) Heeeeeeeeey, fellow brigand!
How long have you been with us, man?

scott

...Since before you joined?

scollan

'Course, 'course! Awesome.
So... Burned down any villages lately?
(frowns) It's such a drag the bossman won't let us burn down villages.
I tried again and again to tell 'im just how much fun it is...
He won't listen, tho. Says "who is this loud mongrel?"
My mama didn't name me Loud Mongrel! I am Scollan!
I have a right to burn down villages! Nay, a duty!
Burning down villages is a... a way of LIFE for me!
He's tryin' to take my reason to live! He's tryin' to kill me, man!
You agree, don't you? Since you are a brigand like me'n all.

scott

...I'm not a brigand, I'm a pirate.
I only raid ships. Out at sea, y'know?
I don't burn 'em, either. Most of the time.
That's just wasteful and contaminates the waters.

(Scollan balks.)

scollan

WHAT!?
That's... that's just... It can't be true!
You're lying!

You're LYYYYYYYYING!!

scott

I'm starting to think you're not a brigand either.
You're just an arsonist.

scollan

Boohoohoo! I'm so misunderstood!
No one in this army gets me!
Everyone's so mean to me! Boohoohoo...
All I want is to burn down some villages!
Is that so much to ask?

scott

Sure is.
People live in villages. One doesn't mess with the houses.
Without homes, how are people gonna earn money, grow crops...
Just, make more stuff for you to steal?
A burned village is a worthless heap of ash and debris.

scollan

That's awful. You have no eye for art.

scott

...The art of a... burned down village?

scollan

It's beautiful, I tell you. You're just blind to it.
Society has told you it's wrong and you believed them.
You're like sheeps. I am the one who's smart.

scott

The plural of sheep isn't sheeps, it's just sheep.
...Not that I get why that is, this language is weird.

scollan

Ooo, yeah, bring up the minor spelling error, won't you.
I may be illiterate, but you're a sheeple.
Which is worse, pirate man? Well, which is it?

scott

I think I will leave now, thank you.

(He does so.)

scollan

Yeah, run! You know you can't win against me!
...This don't fix my problem, though.
Ooh, I can feel the withdrawal kickin' in... Uugh...
Must... burn... vill...age...

(Scollan twitches.)

Legance & Debias

legance
(offscreen)

Debias! Debias! Debias!!

debias

Oof... Unnh... A-All right... Here goes nothing!

(Legance approaches.)

legance

Debias! There you are!
I've been looking everywhere for you, you unsightly buffoon!

debias

Ergh... S-Sorry, General Legance, sir... I-I mean...

legance

Debias, you must stop with the nonsense!
We have been casted aside by Bern!
I expected a high position, but nothing further from the truth!
I am ordered around like a mere rank-and-file soldier!
This cannot stand, Debias. We must redouble our efforts!

debias

Redouble them how...?

legance

This cave seems like a good place to start.
Go and kill every enemy in sight, then get the legendary weapon.
Bring it to me so I may present it to King Zephiel!

debias

What?! I can't win against them all...!

(Legance looms menacingly and Debias shrinks back.)

legance

Pitiful wretch! We must gain Bern's favor, and soon!
I will not be made to suffer this indignity further!
Certainly not because YOU are a lazy oaf, Debias!
Go, go, go! Do as you are told--

debias

NO!!

(Debias advances, causing Legance to flinch back.)

legance

W-What in the world, Debias?!

debias

D-D-Do it yourself, you... You tyrant!

legance

Tyrant?! How dare you!
After all I've done for you... After all the times I helped--

debias

I-I'm not your lapdog, Gen-- Legance!
You want that weapon? Get it yourself!
I-I'm not following your orders anymore!
Y-Y-You don't intimidate me...!

legance

......
Hmph!

(Legance turns away.)

How disappointing, Debias...
You will come to regret this. Just you wait!

(Legance leaves.)

debias

...O-Oooof... Phew...!
I-I actually did it! I stood up to him...!

If Heddwyn is alive

heddwyn

(grins) Yes!! Way to go, Deb!

debias

(smiles) Y-You were watching, Hedd...?

heddwyn

I didn't want to miss your finest moment, so I hid behind this boulder.
That was fantastic, Deb! He'll never mess with you again!

debias

(frowns) I-I didn't know if I could do it... B-But...
After how hard you tried to encourage me to do this...
I-I didn't wanna let you down!

heddwyn

Let me down? Quite the opposite, my brother!
I am SO proud of you, Deb! You're the coolest little brother!

debias

(smiles) Y-You don't mean that, Hedd...
I'm the one who's lucky to have such an awesome big brother!

heddwyn

High five!

(They high five.)

legance
(offscreen)

...Debias! Debias!
C-Come back!
I'm sorry! I want to apologize! Debias...!

heddwyn

(frowns) ...Do you think he could mean that?

debias

(frowns) Nope. Let's go!

(Heddwyn and Debias run off.)

Chapter 13 Raith & Peggy

peggy

Oh man... Oh man...
Oh, brother... How'd I get into this mess?!
No, I shouldn't be here! This is too much!
The King of Bern himself in one side! Etruria's Mage General in the other!
What chance does someone like me stand against such elites?!

raith

Hey, hey! Calm down up there!
You'll get nowhere by letting fear control you.

peggy

EEEK!!

raith

GAAAH!!

(They both run away from each other.)

raith

......

peggy

......

(They approach one another again.)

peggy

S... Sorry... Thought you were an enemy...

raith

I was just trying to give you advice... No need to startle me...!

peggy

Startle YOU?! You're the one who...

raith

I... Pfft.
(smiles) Look at us... We're cut from the same cloth.

peggy

(smiles) Y-Yeah... Heh... What's your name, sir?

raith

Raith. I joined the Army of Bern a few years ago.
Had some real dreams of fortune and glory, but...
It never gets any easier. I wish it did.
These days I'm just trying to get by and keep my head.
How about you?

peggy

Peggy. A mercenary from Ilia, though I have little experience.
I'm hoping to learn, though! So one day I become real strong!
Strong enough to eclipse the Ivory Devil herself!

raith

That's a decent goal. Keep at it, and I'm sure one day--

offscreen

Overthere! Soldiers of Bern! Take them out!

raith

OH GOD!!

peggy

RUN, RUUUUN!!

(Raith and Peggy scatter.)

Pheros & Morgan

morgan

Oh! H-Hello. Who might you be?

pheros

I am Pheros. A healer for this army, at the moment.

morgan

I see. I am Morgan, knight of Etruria!

pheros

...Not quite, if you fight for Bern.
I, too, used to be something else. It's all right.

morgan

Ah, yes...
I-I suppose you've the right of it.

pheros

...In truth, I have heard of you.

morgan

Truly?

pheros

Yes... Back when I was on the Isles, on a mission for the church.
Morgan. Known as the Warden of the Isles.
The man who kept watch over captured citizens.
Who were then sent to Eburacum and forced to work until they...

morgan

...O-Oh...

pheros

I had imagined you a more fearsome man.
Fearsome, and loathsome. Yet you are...
"Small," for lack of a better word.

morgan

W-Well... I guess it's a good way to put it.
Lately, I've had a lot of time to think.
At first I cursed my fate that I was made to work with the resistance.
But it made me see things. People who worked differently.
Now, I'm just not so sure about stuff... Or about myself.

pheros

Yes, that's what I saw in your face.
You have the eyes of a lost lamb.

morgan

Lamb? I'm not a lamb... Am I?

pheros

(smiles) Haha... Of course not. It's an expression.
(serious) You need guidance, Morgan.
The guidance of...

Ah, but listen to me. I'm going all priestly on you.
I'm not even a member of the church anymore...
And considering I left it, I can't recommend it.

morgan

Oh, you left? Why?

pheros

...I could not bring myself to love it anymore.

morgan

R-Right... I won't pry.
Guess we're not so different, in that way.
Except in my case, it's slave-driving that I'm conflicted about.
Heh... I am quite the pathetic wretch, wouldn't you say?
To have been party to such abominable crimes...
And to regret them only when it's long since over.

pheros

The fact that you repent is a good sign.
Nobody is undeserving of redemption.
Turn your efforts to the service of good, and one day...
You may yet be forgiven.

morgan

By the people of the Western Isles?

pheros

By yourself.

morgan

......
I shall take your words to heart, Madam Pheros.

Damas & Thoril/Kabul

damas

Oi! Ya there! Whaddya think yer doing?!

thoril/kabul

Who are you? What do you want?

damas

Think I ain't noticed, do ya?
Yer doin' thievin' stuff, pal! Ye got yer own lockpicks'n all!

thoril/kabul

What is your problem?

damas

You're my problem! That's MY job now, y'hear?!
I ain't sharin' the spoils with some dandy prick on a horse!

thoril/kabul

Hmph! I am a proud nomad of the Djute.
I won't roll over for a filthy brigand like you.

damas

Ye'd do well ta roll. I'm stronger than I look!
And I look mighty strong, so that's how strong I am!
Might have t'hurt ya if ya stay in my way, y'know!

thoril/kabul

Are you daft? This is not a competition!
With my horse, I can perform my tasks far more efficiently than you.
I've also been in the king's army far longer than you. I have his trust.
Face it. You do not stand a chance against me!

damas

Ya literally just said this ain't a competition!
Okay, okay, look, sorry I blew up on ya just then.
It's just... The king don't like me very much!
I can't have ya beatin' me to the punch every single time.
I-I gotta show I can do stuff or he might cut me open!

thoril/kabul

That is not my problem.
If you want to live, you will make yourself useful.
Do not beg me to spare you scraps to feed on, vermin!

damas

Heartless bastard, I'm not askin' for that much!
C'mon, man! My life's at stake here!

thoril/kabul

You can have whatever treasure you can get before me.

damas

...Bah! Well, y'know what? Fine! Have it yer way.
I'll carve a place in this army by bein' a damn good fighter!
Yer not beatin' me there. No way, nossiree!

thoril/kabul

I am one of the Djute's best warriors--

damas

Pfft! Really? This the best the Jooty or whatever can do?
Look at those spindly arms! Do ya even lift?

(Thoril/Kabul sputters.)

thoril/kabul

Y-You...!
I don't have to endure this. Farewell!

(Thoril/Kabul leaves.)

damas

Heh... Yeah, that's right! Ride away, lil' man!
'Nother win for Damas. I'm just too good!
Hwahahahahahahaha!

Chapter 14 Oates & Perez

oates

My goodness, this sand... It's too much!
It's getting into my every wrinkle!

perez

Ahh, we don't care about a little sand, do we, Oates?
Come now, old dog! Don't tell me you're losing your touch!

oates

I've been losing my touch for 17 years, you decrepit fossil.
But that doesn't mean I'm about to let you pass me by!
Or any of these whelps, for that matter!
A little sand never hurt anybody!

perez

Hahaha... That's more like it!
Still... 17 years, huh.
That's when you broke your hip, wasn't it?

oates

Eight months I was out of commission.
Back then I vied to become Elibe's first mage knight.
Alas, I could never swing a sword again after that...
Had to stick to magic. Consarned fate...

perez

Yes, that fall from the horse was unfortunate...
But look at yourself now! Finest sage I ever saw!
Is that not something to be proud of, as well?

oates

Shut your mouth, Perez. You can hardly see.

perez

Bahahaha! Right you are, right you are.
Ahh... It's really been too long, hasn't it?

oates

How about we shut up about time already?
You're making me even more depressed than usual.

perez

Feh... All right, you ancient grump. Have it your way.
...Grr. I have to admit, the sand really is annoying...

Orlo & Nord

orlo

(smiles) Ahh, Lord Nord.
I had no doubt you would not be contained.

nord

(smirks) Bishop Orlo.
They do say only the good die young.
By that metric, you may be the world's first immortal man.

orlo

Hah... I will take that as a compliment.
But no, truly, it is the providence of the gods.
Heaven wants me down here, fighting the good fight.
All in the name of the ones above, naturally.

nord

Spare me the sermon.
I remember well how you operate, Orlo.
Never met another so versed in the art of skulduggery.

orlo

Skulduggery? Mere faith, my friend.
If the gods did not want me to be this way...
I would have been smitten long ago. Yet here I stand.
The gods must not exist, or they are happy with me.
Either serves my purpose, would you not say?

nord

Hah... Well, I cannot deny the effectiveness of your tactics.
You got far, before the ones above us made costly mistakes.
I, however, prefer a more... direct approach.

orlo

Hmm... Heed me, Nord.
Once this is all over, what say you follow me?

nord

Follow you where, Orlo?

orlo

I have great plans for the future, you see.
Greater than Bern's dearest king could ever dream up.
Hehe... I will require a degree of muscle, however.
Would you be the first sworn knight of the faith, Nord?

nord

......
Ah... I think I see. Yes...
A flattering offer. Alas, I must decline.
I have grown used to being alone.
Free to do what I want.
Free to explore my magic's potential to my heart's content.

orlo

I had a feeling you would say that. A shame.
I will not forget that you are a friend, however.
As such, the faith, too, shall consider you a friend.
Perhaps one day, I shall seek you out once more.
May the gods see that your mind has changed by then.

For now, let us focus on the task at hand, shall we?

nord

After you, Orlo.

(Orlo leaves.)

nord

(frowns) ...And some called me terrifying.
What a loathsome creature...
I must watch my back around him.

Maggie & Rose

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

My, my, dear Rose. Look where fate has brought us.

(Rose drifts.)

rose

Truly, this is quite the coincidence, dear Maggie.

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

Do you think the treasures we buried are still here, Rose?

(Rose drifts.)

rose

Most likely, Maggie. Nobody could've found them.

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

Do you think we should tell these guys where they are?

(Rose drifts.)

rose

If we do, they'll like us more. Maybe pay us more, too!

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

You're so smart, Rose. What would I do without you?

(Rose drifts.)

rose

No, Maggie, sweetheart. You're the smartest here!

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

Haha, oh, you'll make me blush, Rose!

(Rose drifts.)

rose

I love you, Maggie. Don't ever leave my side.

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

Likewise, Rose. Likewise.

(Rose drifts.)

rose

True love is such a beautiful thing.

(The two dance together.)

Slater & Peggy

slater

Dammit... Seriously?
THIS is the first mission after I rejoin the army?
C'mon... Armor and sand don't mix, anyone knows that!

peggy

H-Hi...

slater

Mm? Oh, a pegasus knight...
One of the mercenaries under our employ, I assume?

peggy

Yeah... You're another rookie like me, right?

slater

Uh... N-No, I'm a lieutenant under General Narcian.

peggy

What?! Really...?
You... don't really look the part.

slater

...Bah, it's because of the desert! It's got me fumbling about!
You got it easy! Look at you flying up there!
I wish I'd taken up wyvern lessons when I was a squire...

peggy

Easy? We're in the middle of a sandstorm!
It's all I can do to avoid plummeting to the ground!
A-And the sand keeps getting in my eyes, it's awful!

slater

At least you can get somewhere.
I can barely move around in this heap of scrap!

peggy

Yeah, I get to be ordered to fly all over on my own.
Extra danger for Peggy. Woo hoo.

slater

But if you don't want to be in danger, why become a mercenary?

peggy

Why else? I'm Ilian. It's either this or hope to grow crops on ice.
It's not like in Bern, where you can get all sorts of easy jobs.

slater

Hey, I'll have you know, being a farmer is really difficult.
You have to nurture those pieces of grass more than a kid!

peggy

Oh, boo hoo. Instead, I get to die young.

slater

Please. Pegasus knights are always the last to die.
You can just fly away if things seem dire.
If my armor fails me, I can only beg for mercy.

peggy

At least it takes some effort to get through armor!
A single arrow is all I need to go down! It's terrifying!

slater

Yes, well, maybe you should've gotten some armor, then.

peggy

And maybe you should've taken those wyvern lessons!

slater

Bah! Go away, little girl. Bug someone else.

peggy

Fine by me! I was gonna offer to fly you ahead, but if you're going to be such a jerk, you can walk, Mr. Lieutenant!

slater

Like that scrawny thing could've lifted me up!
And even if it could, how long till you screwed up and we crashed?
I'll keep my feet on the ground, thanks!

(Peggy huffs.)

peggy

Hmph! I hope some mage scorches you to death!

slater

And I hope a hunter mistakes you for game!

Chapter 14x

Debias & Slater

debias

Hey, you!
They say we're in this hole because of you!
You found the passage! Why would you do that?!

slater

It's not my fault! I tripped and fell, and...
Oh, forget it. Who even are you, anyhow?

debias

Ah, ergh... D-Debias, sir.
Knight of Ostia. W-Well, was! Naturally...
I'm now with Bern, though! Body and soul! I swear!
I was one of the rebels. I should've started there.

slater

...Truth be told, that means very little to me.
I've been completely out of the loop for months.
Even back with General Narcian, he didn't tell me anything.
It was always whispers with Flaer and Oates...
I don't get what they have that I don't!
Did he just like their facial hair better, or something?
Hmph...

debias

That's the lot of us lowly soldiers, I guess.
Doomed to follow orders like trained mutts...

slater

Right you are, man.
Sigh... Well, back to it, I guess.
Else it'll be the dungeon for insubordination.
We aren't high up enough on the ladder to laze around.

debias

You said it better than I could've.
Bah... Fine. Let's go.
Together? We'll do better together.

slater

Sounds good to me, pal! Let's go--
Oof!

(Slater and Debias bump into each other.)

debias

Whoa!

slater

A-Ah, forgive me...
I always keep bumping into people... Sorry...

debias

Mmph...

Randy & Sommie

randy

You there... You are the newest recruit, aren't you?

sommie

Arf!

randy

You look mighty indeed. However...
You are no match for the power of my sword.
My sword is unmatchable. Choose your death.
Will you die by the blade... or by its light?

sommie

Arf! Arf!

randy

Naturally, I will not fight you.
You are an ally. I only turn my blade on foes.
I only wished to impress upon you... my blade's prowess.
That you may always remember, you count a powerful ally in me.

sommie

Arf!

randy

You are a strong warrior.
It's an honor to fight by your side...

sommie

Arf! Arf!

randy

This has been most productive. My thanks.
The time for words has passed, however.
We must now turn to the ugly truth of war.
To kill, or be killed... Such is the way of man.
With my blade, I shall do only the former.
For it is unmatched in both grace and heart.

sommie

Arf! Arf!

randy

Good. To battle, then!
Hya! By my light brand!

(Randy charges off.)

sommie

Awww...

Mitan & Daniela

mitan

Oh...!

daniela

Hmm? What do you want with me, little girl?

mitan

Little...? I'm bigger than you, stupid.

daniela

Oh, really? You look quite tiny from atop my horse...
Like a small, insignificant bug, waiting to be crushed...

mitan

...Er... Y-Yeah, sure.
Name's Mitan. Who're ya?

daniela

(smiles) Daniela. Just a simple mercenary... Heehee.

mitan

(smiles) Please to meetcha, Daniela!
(serious) Hey... Mind if I ask, what's with the fancy get-up?
You a noble runaway or somethin'?

daniela

(frowns) Why? Do you intend to rob me?
(smirks) I welcome you to try. It'll be a fun time, butchering you...
Ha ha ha ha!

mitan

A-Ah, no, that's not... Not exactly what I had in mind...

daniela

(frowns) Hm hm hm hm... Oh, how positively disappointing.
If you must know, I used to be a member of Etruria's military.
I was in charge of protecting the border with Lycia.

mitan

Sounds like a mighty good deal t'me.
Why'd ya quit?

daniela

I got kicked out.
The imbeciles could not understand. I was SO bored.
All I did was... incite a little bit of excitement.
They told me I risked starting a war, nonsense like that.
So they reassigned me. To an even MORE boring post.
Pah. Well, what do I care. I am happier now. Free.
(smiles) Hahaha... Oh, it's truly a wonderful feeling, being free.

mitan

You just... kill for fun, doncha?

daniela

(serious) And why not? The weak were made for the strong to feast upon.
Any animal knows it. It's just human nature to question the obvious.
But I've decided not to do that. I follow my instincts.
(grins) And my instincts tell me to have fun until I am the one that's butchered.
All I hope for is a grisly ending, befitting of all the blood I've spilled...
Ahahaha, hahahahahahaha...!

mitan

Right...
(smiles) Y-Yeah! I think you got a point.
Haha... aha...

daniela

Aww, don't worry.
I won't butcher you yet. You don't look nearly interesting enough.

mitan

(frowns) Wha--

(Mitan fumes.)

You did NOT just call me boring, ya mad peacock!

daniela

(frowns) If you wish to get into a fight over it, I won't say no...

mitan

......

daniela

And there it is. that's why I think you're boring.
If you weren't, you would've took me up on my offer!
Hahahaha... Ahh, well. See you around, kitten.

(Daniela leaves.)

mitan

......
She's absolutely smokin', but... Sheesh.
Completely off her rocker. Better keep my distance...

Chapter 15 Guerrero & Zephiel

guerrero

What you did in the desert was wroooooooooooooong.

(Zephiel startles.)

zephiel

Gah!

Where in the world did you come from, you brute?!

guerrero

No need for insuuuuuuuuults. It's just the truuuuuuuuth.
I do not liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike what I've seen so faaaaaaaar.
Change your waaaaaaaaaaays before it's too laaaaaaaaaaate

zephiel

You... What is it you're trying to tell me?
Are you daring to threaten ME, ugly pest?!

guerrero

No threaaaaaaaaaaaats. Only wisdooooooooooom.
You should try being niiiiiiiiiiiiice. It's way more fuuuuuuuuuuuun.

zephiel

Fun... Nice... You, you...!

(Zephiel fumes.)

Graaah! Insufferable pest!
I should never have allowed you in my army!
But mistakes can be corrected! Have at you!

(Zephiel charges at Guerrero, but trips and falls.)

zephiel

Oof...!

guerrero

No violeeeeeeeeeence. There's no neeeeeeeeeeed.
Let me heeeeeeeeeeeelp you get uuuuuuuuuup again.

(Guerrero lifts Zephiel upright again.)

zephiel

Grrr... This... What a pitiful charade...

guerrero

Calm dooooooooooooooooown. It's not good for your heaaaaaaaaalth.
Stop doing eeeeeeeeeeeeeeevil. C'mooooooooooooooooon.
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease.

(Guerrero leaves.)

zephiel

...How did my army turn into such a circus...

Daniela & Sommie

daniela

(grins) Hehehe... You there!
Yes, you! The weird animal!

sommie

Arf!

daniela

Heh... You and I are quite similar.
Neither of us belongs here... We both wear hats...
And... We both have the same bloodlust.
Do not attempt to deny it, rabid beast.
I can see it in the void pits you pretend are your eyes.
A bottomless pit, consuming all. For your own pleasure...
It's all right. I get it. I am like that as well...
Heeheehee... Some would call us sick.
I call us... enlightened.

sommie

Arf! Arf!

daniela

Come, hound! Let us ride into battle!
We shall get our fill of violence and death!
Sate our hunger until the next day of carnage!
Ahahahaha! Hahahahahahaha!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

(Daniela rides off.)

sommie

Arf! Arf!

Lamia & Mitan

lamia

(smiles) Dear me... If it isn't Mitan.

mitan

Lamia... What do you want?
If it's a bruisin', I can deliver.

lamia

Come now. Are you not happy to see an old friend?

mitan

'Course not. You stole from me, you heartless witch.

lamia

Me, steal? From you? Did I rob you of your heart?

mitan

Of my gold! Ya ran off with the booty from that last raid we did!

lamia

Aww, it was only a little bit of gold and trinkets. I considered it a gift from you.

mitan

And my mates? That a gift from me to ya, too?
Ya roped up every girl in my gang to join your stupid all-ladies bunch!

lamia

It's not my fault if they'd rather follow me, is it?

mitan

Grr... That was the start of it. My end as the boss.
The boys lost so much respect for me after that...
Said I'd let you play with me 'cause I was... Urgh.
Disgusting pigs, the lot of 'em. And you the filthiest of them!

lamia

Such harsh words, Mitan. You wound me.
Tell me, how can I make it up to you?

mitan

...Ya serious?

lamia

Of course, honey. What would you like?
If you want, I can welcome you into my group.
Being a mercenary is a lot more fun than being a brigand.

mitan

That's... a nice offer, I guess.
But I wanna wash my hands of the blood that covers 'em.
No more killin' for riches. I'm sick of it.

lamia

(serious) Interesting...
Why fight for Bern, then? This is still bloody business.

mitan

...I'm afraid of 'em. You're too, aren't you?
But when this all blows over... I'm done.

lamia

I see...
In that case, I can't think of much I can offer as compensation.
(smiles) Oh! Would you like to take a stroll under the moonlight?
Just the two of us... For old time's sake?

mitan

Yer not makin' a fool outta me again, Lamia.

lamia

(frowns) Hmm... You've changed in the past few months, Mitan.
I thought you'd still be the same scoundrel.
But you're a lot less... simple, than before.

mitan

That's so nice you think so.
Meanwhile, you haven't changed. You're still a heartless witch.

lamia

(smirks) Well, they do call me the Infernal for a reason.
Ahh, what a shame. You were way more fun before.

mitan

Get outta here.

lamia

(frowns) ...Seriously, you, a goodie-two-shoes? What a joke. If you ask me...
You'll be lucky to survive to the end of this war at all.

mitan

Yeah, well, I didn't ask you.

Orlo & Windham

orlo

Hmm...

windham

Well? Are you done staring?
I'm afraid you're not my type, pal. Begone.

orlo

(smiles) I do not stare, my friend. I observe.
You wear a habit, but you are not very religious, are you?

windham

And you think you can "save" me or something?
Save your proselytizing for someone who cares.
I've long since freed myself of the shackles of faith.
I do not intend to put them back on my wrists.

orlo

(serious) You believe so, but that is not quite the truth.
You have not left the faith. You have embraced it.

windham

...Okay, now you have lost me.
I haven't spared a thought for the "gods" in ages!

orlo

The gods are above all. They see all. Hear all.
There is a reason people like you and I prevail.
We live as we wish... As the gods wish us to.

windham

......

orlo

After all, why else have we not been smitten yet?
Scripture promises condemnation to the wicked.
Some would call us wicked. They HAVE called me wicked!
Yet we remained thoroughly uncondemned. Why is that?

windham

Because there is no such thing as "gods."

orlo

No. Because we are the true pilgrims.
Ours... is the truest faith of them all.
The faith of man's freedom, ordained by heaven.
The gods do not create without reason. We exist for a purpose.
Regardless of what we do, we do with the backing of above!
Or else, they would not have made us this way.
Do you understand?

windham

......

(Windham guffaws.)

(grins) Hahaha! Haha... ha...
Yes, I think I do.
Does this shtick work for you?

orlo

(smiles) Shtick? I simply live life as I please.
I have not been punished. Thus I am righteous.
Let the gods decide what evil is. It's not our place.

windham

Very interesting perspective...

orlo

(frowns) And yet, there are so many lost lambs in this world...
I strive to open their eyes to the true faith.
I will need help to do this, when this debacle is over...
Will you help me, fellow shepherd?

windham

(frowns) ...!
Hmmm... I'll... have to think on it.

orlo

I am rather disappointed, I'll admit.
Please, seek me out once you have... thought.

(Orlo leaves.)

windham

And here I thought I was good at playing people.
That guy's a master. He even had ME going for a moment!
I have to stay far away from him.
That man is pure evil. Don't need to be a god to see that!

Rose & Raith

raith

Sigh... It's hopeless.
I'm never going to become anyone of any renown...
I'm doomed to mediocrity. I had better accept it...

rose

Goodness me. That sad look doesn't suit your pretty face.

raith

Oh? Oh, you're one of our sellswords...
Rose, perhaps?

(Rose drifts.)

rose

(smiles) My, you remember my name?

raith

Why not? Nobody's going to bother remembering mine.
Might as well do all the remembering myself...

(Rose drifts.)

rose

Oh, sweet thing. Someone does know your name!

raith

And who is that? The king? Hah hah...

(Rose drifts.)

rose

No, Raith, silly! Me!

raith

Why would you ever bother to remember my name?

(Rose drifts.)

rose

I always remember the names of handsome guys like you.
Loooove your hair, too. How do you get it to stay like that?

raith

(smiles) W-Wow... Handsome? Me? Hah...!
N-No one's ever called me that before...
Thank you so much! You're... Er, q-quite handsome too.

(Rose drifts.)

rose

Tch... Aww, but I'm sorry, honey.
I'm afraid I'm taken... By true love, no less.
Nobody could ever take the spot he holds in my heart...

(Raith starts.)

raith

(serious) Eh?! N-No, no, I don't... I don't think I swing that...
D-Do I?
.......

(Raith shakes himself.)

Well, leaving that aside!
I don't really do much to my hair.
Just a bit of lotion, some combing... The works.

(Rose drifts.)

rose

Well, I think it really works for you!
You really shouldn't feel so down. You're quite the catch!
All you need is a bit more confidence!

raith

Bah... And why would I be confident?
Nobody cares about me, and why would they? I'm worthless.

(Rose drifts.)

rose

(frowns) That is SO wrong!
You're the only one who thinks so lowly of yourself!
C'mon, listen to me. Try it! Be nice to yourself for a change!
Tell yourself you're just the coolest guy in all of Elibe!

raith

You really think...?
Well, sure. Why not. What do I stand to lose?
(smiles) Yeah... Yeah! Yeah, you're right!
I'm a great guy. I'm... o-one helluva guy!

(Rose drifts.)

rose

Now you're talking! Go take over the world, sweetheart!
Hope next time I see you, you've found love as I have.

(Rose leaves.)

raith

Huh... What a nice fella.
W-Wait, love?

(Raith starts.)

Hold on! Loneliness is not what my problem is!
...Is it?

Chapter 16 Mieu & Jahn

mieu

...Sniff... Sniff...

jahn

Little girl... You're still here...

mieu

Mister... It's you...

jahn

Why haven't you ran away yet?

mieu

Because... You'll hurt me...
You think I haven't realized?!
They're always looking at me... Waiting for me to try to run...
I-I think they're hoping I'll do it, so they can... they...

jahn

That would not happen. I would...
...Huh. I would...

mieu

M... Mister...?

jahn

...No. But you are correct.
I could never hold off the entire army alone...

In that case, there is only one thing you can do.
Watch well, little human.
Watch the injustices unfolding before your eyes.
See the worst the world has to offer, and draw strength from it.

mieu

......
I-I will try my best...
Thank you, mister... You're... nice.

jahn

...Heh. Once, I would've felt insulted by that...
Humans are truly incomprehensible.
...And I guess I am, as well.

Roartz & Martel

roartz

Grrrr... Uurrrgh!
I cannot believe this... That I should set foot here...
A lowly soldier, fighting to take what was mine for another!
This is an outrage! Orders or no orders, I should--

martel

What, Roartz? You should what?

(Roartz startles.)

roartz

Gah!

You...! Why are you still hovering over me?!
I'm not going to betray you lot. How long has it been now?
Why don't you go pester someone else?

martel

Because, unlike some others, you refuse to accept your position.
Your thinly-veiled seething is obvious to everyone.
And today, more than any other day, you need to be watched.
I can't imagine I need to spell out the reason, do I?
We don't want you making a mistake that might disrupt us...
Not when we face a foe such as General Douglas.

roartz

......
Douglas...

(Roartz bounces eagerly.)

Let me be the one to kill Douglas!

martel

Come again?

roartz

That wretch Douglas, it was he that grew suspicious of me...
He investigated into the matter of the Western Isles...
He singlehandedly uncovered the evidence he needed...
And before I knew it, I was being chased out of the castle!
They meant to detain me! Me, the High Chancellor of Etruria!

martel

You have none to blame but yourself.
You and your shamelessly two-faced schemes!

roartz

Hmph. So you say. I elect to blame Douglas.
Come now... I'm not asking for much now.
Just let me deliver the final blow. Let me watch him bleed.
Take the castle and the crown. I just want vengeance at this point...

martel

Bah... If it will help you sleep at night.
I shall see if the king will entertain your request.

roartz

Good...

Grrr... Douglas! You will regret your crimes against me!
I will see to it with my own two hands!

(Roartz shakes with rage.)

Douglaaaaas!!

(Roartz runs off.)

martel

(smiles) He moves with commendable speed for one of his age.
Rage is an even greater motivator than fear, isn't it?
Quite brilliant of me to egg him on like this, if I do say so myself.
Hahahaha...

Batta & Mary

batta

(smiles) ...I'll be. In all my years of raiding, I've never set foot in such a place.
This is it. The magnum opus of my career as brigand.
The royal castle of Etruria. My crowning achievement!
Yes, it was the right choice to join this lot, clearly...

mary

Are you the latest addition to our gallery of wrongdoers?

batta

(frowns) Excuse me? Who do you think you are?

mary

...Just another wrongdoer.
I've no right to call myself anything but that anymore.

batta

Hmph... You get used to the name-calling.
Trust me, no better feeling than being rid of scruples.
You do what you want, when you want, nothing more to it.

mary

That's not...

......

batta

Well? That's not what?

mary

...That's not so easy. I can't just give up.
Even if it's difficult, I can't simply... stop caring.
My brother never did.
And neither did... His childhood friend.

batta

And where are they now?

mary

...Dead.

batta

Figures. The good die young.
I didn't make it this far by fretting over the little details.
If the weak don't want to be crushed, they should grow strong.
I was small and powerless once, too. It isn't impossible to change.

mary

My brother and... Lot, they weren't small and powerless.
They were the strongest men I've ever known...
Stronger than you, the king of Bern and the rest of us.
But it didn't matter. They died anyway.

batta

Then they weren't strong.
What, you think there's more to it?
You think there's different types of strength?
Strength of spirit? Is that it, girlie?
That's just something the weak tell themselves to cope.
In truth, there are only winners and losers. Such is life.
Your brother and the other guy, they lost. You haven't yet.
I suggest you stop feeling sorry for yourself and grow stronger.
Then you will see, I am correct about everything.

mary

...Who can say.
I've been wondering about a lot of things, lately.
This castle is, after all, the last remaining bastion of good...
Once it falls, King Zephiel's evil will have triumphed.
Perhaps I truly am wrong. Perhaps virtue is just a burden.

batta

Save the "perhaps." That's the cold, hard truth.

mary

......

Glass & Randy

glass

Hey, you there!
I hear you're pretty proud of your sword!

randy

My sword is unmatchable. Choose your death.
Will you die by the blade... or by its light?

glass

Pah. What does the sword matter? A sword's a sword.
What matters is the wielder's skill! And in that regard, heh...
I am the one who is unmatchable!

randy

Don't be so quick to count me out.
I endeavor not to let my light brand down.
Every day I train, from dawn till dusk.
All that I may swing this sword as it deserves.
It is my duty to be worthy of my weapon.

glass

That's a pretty decent mindset, lad, I'll give you that much.
But you need more than a good attitude to be exceptional!
You need brains, genetics, even a tiny bit of luck.
...I didn't always have luck... Grrr. I still remember that day...
I should never have been defeated by that wee lass...
She got lucky! That's all it was!

randy

I do not need any of those things. I have this sword.
I can choose my enemy's death with it.
What more could I possibly want?

glass

Aren't you listening, boy? That's not enough.
Take it from someone who's been fighting a lot longer than you.
You can't be peerless without a bod like this.

randy

...You are so old though.

glass

And yet I could whoop you a hundred times over!
That's what it means to be peerless, kid.

randy

...If you say so.
I think I'm content with just my sword being peerless.

glass

Pah. So little ambition. Kids these days...

Chapter 16x

Randy & Carlyle

carlyle

Prince Myrddin... I do this for you...
That I may see your angelic face once more...

randy

That is an impressive blade you carry, swordsman.
A runesword, if my eyes do not deceive me.
I would advise not getting killed by it.
It traps the souls of its victims.
...Then harnesses their essence and turns it into lifeblood.

carlyle

What?

randy

A skilled enough swordsman is invincible with one such blade...
But it is nowhere near the level of my light brand.
With my sword, I can choose your death.
Will you die by the blade... or by its light?

carlyle

What are you talking about?
I took this blade from the king's cold, dead hands.
It didn't do him any good...

randy

Well, I did say "skilled enough," did I not?

carlyle

......

randy

Do not look so sullen. You won't fall to my sword.
You are an ally. Its wrath is not for you to suffer.
Let us fight side by side, my friend.
As fellow wielders of blades unmatched!

carlyle

I... I-I just wanted... to be with my prince...

Scott & Windham

scott

Wow... Now this is one impressive place.

windham

Is it not? I never expected I'd come back here...

scott

I never expected I'd ever BE here.
What does a man have to do to get a house like this?

windham

(smiles) Hahaha! Haha... That's rich.
(serious) This was the home of a goddess, my friend.

scott

Yes... Realistically, I think I'd settle for a run-of-the-mill mansion.
A couple maids, a butler, personal cook... you know, the works.

windham

You are not like most brigands I've met, sir...

scott

Scott. And I wasn't always a landlubbin' cutthroat.
I used to be captain of my own ship.
The scourge of the seas! No merchant vessel was safe from us!
Why, once we even raided a military ship. Heh, those were the days...

windham

If I may be so bold, could I inquire as to what happened?

scott

The resistance.
They pretended to be merchants. They killed half my crew and sunk my ship.
The other half blamed me, but before a mutiny could happen...
We were ambushed at the shore. Half the remaining half died then.
After that we just did what we could to keep our heads... Till you all showed up.
That's when I decided it was about time I cut my losses and started over.

windham

Some would call you a coward.

scott

And what do I care? I can get a new ship and a new crew.
My reputation can be restored, as well. Not my life.
I did not get as far as I did by being a reckless moron.

windham

(smiles) Hahaha... You and I are rather alike, I daresay.
(serious) My parents all but forced me to enter the clergy.
But I always felt constrained by the unbending faith.
I soon decided to disappear, and travel the world freely.
I have learned much about matters earthly and heavenly alike.
Do you know the most important thing I learned, Scott?

scott

Yeah?

windham

This place is nothing but stone, and the goddess, a mere woman.
Look out for oneself. That is all that truly matters.

scott

Hah! Some would call you a heretic.
...You'll make it far in life, friend.

windham

Haha, perhaps.
Let us remember each other when we make it big, shall we?

scott

Somehow I feel that was your intention from the start...
(smiles) But fair enough. I'd rather be your friend than your foe, sir...

windham

(smiles) Windham. At your disposal... Hahahaha.

Guerrero & Dory

dory

(smiles) Guerrero! My brother, how are you?

guerrero

I am weeeeeeeeeeeeeeell.
I have been praaaaaaaaaaaaying to the Goooooooooooooooddess.
Since we're in her hooooooooouse and aaaaaaaaaaaaaall.

dory

(serious) Yer religious? That's news to me!

guerrero

(serious) I don't go to chuuuuuuuuuurch. But I praaaaaaaaaay.
Someeeeeeeeetimes.

dory

Hmm, well, what are ya praying for?

guerrero

For eeeeeeeeeeveryone in the woooooooooorld.
For peeeeeeeeeeeeeace. That's what I pray fooooooor.

dory

(smiles) Still a real kind-hearted sort, are ya Guerry?
I'm proud to be yer big bro!

guerrero

Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanks.
I'm also praying for yooooooooou. For your sooooooooooooul.

dory

(frowns) Bah... Don't waste your prayers on me, Guerry.
My soul's doomed. I'll get what's comin' to me sooner or later.

guerrero

You have chaaaaaaaaaaaanged. You're not eeeeeeeeevil anymore.

dory

Eh... Maybe, but that don't erase all the pillagin' I did back in the day.
The folks I smashed to pieces with my bloody axe...
I'm just tryin' to do the right thing, until my retribution comes.
See if I can't do a bit of good at the end, after all the bad I did.

guerrero

You're trying to redeeeeeeeeeeeem yourself. That's goooooooooooood.
I'm sure the Goddeeeeeeeeeeeess agrees with meeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

dory

...And yet, helpin' this army... Is it truly the right thing?
Is this redemption, or am I just piling up more evil?
I dunno, Guerry... I just dunno.

guerrero

Who knoooooooooooooooows. We just tryyyyyyy our beeeeeeest.
That's aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall we can doooooooooooooooooooo.

dory

I guess you're right, Guerry.
(smiles) I'm so glad you're my brother! It's all you, man.
You inspired me to become better. You're my hero!

guerrero

Thaaaaaaaaaaaaank yooooooooooooou.
I love you toooooooooooo.

dory

Awright! Enough gloom and doom!
Let's brighten up this dreary tower with a dance!

(Dory dances.)

guerrero

Let me tryyyyyyyyyyyy.

(Guerrero dances.)

dory

Wow! That's SUPER good! Ya been practicin'?

guerrero

A liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittle. I obseeeeeeeerved you.
I'm not as goooooooooooood as yooooooooou, thoooooooough.

dory

Hehehe... You'll get there quick, Guerry!

Ruben & Ruud

ruben

Heeey...

ruud

Recognized me, did you?

ruben

(smiles) Ruud! It is you!
Still in the army, are you, old dog?

ruud

(smiles) In a way. I'm more surprised to see you here.
I thought you were living the deserter's good life!

ruben

Deserting alone doesn't fill the belly. I'm a merc now.
One of the best in the land, if I do say so myself.

ruud

One of the best, eh? Should I take your word for it?
I was under the impression Ilian mercenaries were the best...

ruben

(frowns) Pah! Those freezing braggarts wish they could tame a wyvern like me.
Frost here is as much a weapon as my axes are.
He could munch on a manakete himself if I needed him to!

(smiles) 'Sides, you're not too shabby yourself, are you, Ruud?
Look at that armor! That's some quality metals, my friend.
You can't buy that on an army soldier's salary.

ruud

Too true. I too work as a sellsword now. My story is similar to yours.
In fact, dare I say, your bold departure inspired me.
I realized how much more money there was to be made freelancing!

ruben

Heheheh... I'm honored. Really.
(serious) Good thing not many more folks were... inspired, though.
Competition's stiff enough in our line of work as is!

ruud

(serious) You said it.
I'd advise you don't bite off more than you can chew.
I may just be tempted to let you croak.
(smirks) It'd mean more work for me! Hahahaha...

ruben

(grins) Hah! And you be careful to listen to your own advice!
Don't want to find yourself dying an ironic death.

ruud

Guess we'll see who dies first. But, Ruben?

ruben

Yeah?

ruud

If we're both still alive at the end of this battle, let me treat you to a drink.

ruben

Only if you let me return the favor after!

ruud

You got a deal.

Chapter 17 Narcian & Flaer

flaer

(smirks) Well, well, well.
Look how the mighty have fallen... "General" Narcian.

narcian

Flaer, you cad!
We could've avoided this stain on our names!
All you had to do was come to my aid back in Laus!
How slow and dimwitted do you have to be?!

flaer

(scowls) And how was I to know you were headed to Laus?
You didn't tell anybody anything! You just took off!
So quickly, in fact, none of us managed to keep up!

narcian

Well it's not MY fault I'm the superior wyvern rider, is it?

flaer

Only an amateur does not know how to slow down.
An amateur, or an imbecile.

narcian

H-How dare you, Flaer!
I will see you skinned alive for this!
You have one chance to apologize, or--

flaer

You lack the power, Narcian.
You see, you spoke in plural earlier, but in truth...
Only your name has been sullied. Mine remains intact.
I'm still a lieutenant. General Galle has been most accomodating.
You understand what this means, do you not, Narcian?

narcian

No! Don't say it...!

flaer

I outrank you, Narcian.
You had better watch your tone, soldier!
You don't want me to have you detained!

narcian

You... You...!

(Narcian quivers.)

Yoooouuuu!!

(Narcian turns away.)

Foolish mongrel! You will regret this dearly!
A peasant like you will not stay ahead for long.
I will regain the station afforded to me by birthright soon!
I will have those fools kissing my feet and begging for scraps!
Murdock, Brunnya... The vulture of the blue hair... All of them!
And when I do, I will see you beheaded, slowly and painfully!
Yes... How I look forward to it, Flaer! Ahahahaha!

(Narcian storms off.)

flaer

(smirks) I'd like to see you try...
I have no reason to be afraid of you anymore, Narcian.
When it comes to you, all they are waiting for is a reason...
Push me, and I will be the one to give it to them.

Ruud & Scollan

ruud

Hmph... Brigand scum.
Why don't you take your stench elsewhere?

scollan

Oi! What was that for?! I ain't never...
...Wait...

ruud

Yes, brother mine. It's me.
Still insistent on being the black sheep of the family, eh?
Do you still get off on burning things, maniac?

scollan

Aye, aye. It's true. I love me a good razin'.
What're ya gonna do 'bout it?

ruud

Hmph... You bring shame to the mighty Army of Bern.
A barbarian like you has no place here.

scollan

Wha? Barbawhat? That ain't true, brother.
I happen to find something... artistic, 'bout a village on fire.
Like, the end of life in a nutshell, or somethin' like that.
I dunno, I'm not smart 'nuff to put it into words, but it's pretty.
Real pretty.

ruud

A lazy oaf is what you are.
You could never be bothered to find real work in your life.
That's really why you turned to brigandry, isn't it?
Don't pretend there's anything more profound to it than that.

scollan

...You wouldn't know "profound" if it sat on yer face and farted.

(Ruud fumes.)

ruud

What did you just say to me, Scollan?!

scollan

Ya think yer so high'n mighty, eh, Ruud?
But ye'd sell yer sister for a bag o' gold.
In fact... I seem to recall ya did, ya absolute monster!

ruud

...She was a traitor to Bern. I had to do it.
The bounty was... secondary.

scollan

You think you're any better'n me, Ruud? Think again.
You may have fancy armor and a nicely groomed stache...
But how's your obsession with money any better than mine?

ruud

O-Obsession?! I am merely looking to the future--

scollan

Tell me, then. What're ya gonna do with all the gold?
What's the big plan, chief?

ruud

...!

Well, I... ahem...

scollan

No idea, have ya. Just gonna hoard it till ya croak.
'Cause ya LOVE the shine of it. Even though it does nothin' for ya.
It's 'kay. Not judgin' if you're not judgin'!

ruud

Grrr... That's not...

scollan

(smiles) Heh... Ya ain't changed either, brother.
Still got no imagination.

So long. Try not t'get killed, will ya? Heh heh heh...

(Scollan leaves.)

ruud

...Watch your back, Scollan.
Lest you end up with an axe buried in it.
(smiles) ...He must've accrued quite the booty from all his pillaging...

Grigas & Monke

monke

Ho, there. Are you a Bernese archer?

grigas

Ballistician, to be precise.
Grigas, commander of Bern's 11th regiment!

monke

...Hmph. That heap of junk hardly looks manoeuvrable.

grigas

Excuse me? Are you speaking ill of my ballista?
It is far more powerful than that dinky little bow you carry.
It can also fire leagues further, I'll have you know.

monke

Further? I can cut that distance on my horse in a moment.
I can also pull back or change my trajectory at will.
You're a sitting duck. Hopeless against any foe that reaches you.

grigas

As if you are any safer as you dash through the enemy lines.
Such reckless behavior. What if they strike you down?

monke

Don't insult me. I've been riding horses into battle all my life.
I know how to stay out of the reach of spears and swords.

grigas

Well, I've been taking ballistae to battle since before you were born.
You say I am "hopeless" if an enemy were to reach me.
That is perhaps true. However...
It would be a mistake to assume I am an easy target to reach.
Before you could get close enough to distinguish my mustache...
Your body would already be riddled with bolts.

monke

Maybe. Yet my horse is not only good for myself.
I can also assist allies to reach the front faster.
This boy can handle two, even three people riding it at once!
You couldn't take yourself anywhere fast, let alone someone else.

grigas

Perhaps not, but consider this:
Have you ever met a foe your horse just couldn't reach?
Someone standing high atop a mountain or a tower?
Raining down fearsome magic or a hail of arrows on you?
My ballista can reach where mere arms cannot.

monke

...Hmm. Well, I'd say one thing is for certain.
We each have our unique strengths.
I can think of a few battles where I wish I'd had an ally like you.

grigas

Yes. I have to admit you are handy to have around.
Not many in Bern are trained in both bow and horse.

monke

(smiles) May we win many a battle together, my friend.

grigas

(smiles) Hear, hear! In the name of Bern!

Roartz & Carlyle

carlyle

...You...
So this is where the High Traitor was hiding all along.

roartz

Ah...? Wha-- I can't believe what I see!
They roped YOU, of all people, into serving them?

carlyle

They're holding the prince hostage...
That is the sole reason I fight for them!

roartz

The prince, eh. That's what they told you, is it, Carlyle...

(Roartz shakes.)

Grrrrrrr...

carlyle

What's wrong, cur?
Are you upset that the prince is alive, despite your best efforts?

roartz

Please! What care I for that whelp?
He is but a shadow of a past long gone. It's all over, Carlyle!
Etruria is no more...

(Roartz trembles.)

All that I ever built is GONE! Reduced to ashes!

carlyle

All "you" ever built, you pitiful wretch?!

roartz

Deny it, will you. Fool!
I have always been stronger, wiser, smarter... BETTER than the king!
I deserved so much more than the title of High Chancellor.

(Roartz fumes.)

So why should HE sit on the throne instead of me?!
All because I wasn't spit out of the correct womb!
Even though my contributions to our great nation far eclipse his...

(Roartz huffs.)

It's all a bad joke!

carlyle

Mongrel... The royal line dates back to times immemorial!

roartz

Hogwash! What does that matter? What matters is NOW, the present!
And another thing! You keep insulting me, calling me traitor...
As if you do not fight for your precious king's murderers!

carlyle

...Only to secure the safety of his sole heir--

roartz

Don't think I am unaware of your... wants, Carlyle.
You have no true loyalty. You only look out for yourself!
Just the same as Mordred and his son, sitting on their lofty chairs!
That lapdog Douglas, following their say in exchange for treats!

(Roartz trembles with fury.)

My banishment was the killing blow to our country, for...
I am the only one who ever TRULY cared for Etruria!
The ONLY one!!

Graaaaahhh...!

(Roartz storms off.)

carlyle

......
Loath as I am to admit it, I agree with you about one thing...
It truly is all a bad joke, Roartz. And we are living the punchline.

Maggie & Damas

damas

Oi! You there!

maggie

Ah, if it isn't Damas. What can I do for you, hun?

damas

Ya know who I am? Hwahahaha! Of course you do.
I'm a big deal 'round these parts.

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

I always remember the name of hunky guys like you.
But do you know my name?

damas

Think it's Maggie, right?

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

You do know it! I'm honored.

damas

It's handy to know treasure hunters like yerself.
That's what I wanted t'ask ya about, actually.
Got any treasures stashed away somewhere?
We could... talk 'bout 'em somewhere more private.

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

Oh, my... How bold!
Ah, but I'm sorry, sweet thing.
I'm afraid I'm not available. I have one true love.
I could never betray him for anyone else...

(Damas balks.)

damas

What?! The heck'd ya think I was on about, you...
...I mean, you ARE pretty good-lookin' but...
......

(Damas shakes himself.)

damas

Movin' on! Nah, I meant like, money. Gold. Expensive stuff!
Got any o' that I could get off your hands?
For the right price, 'course. Hwahahaha...

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

I do, of course, have some riches in my possession.
I'm afraid they're not up for sale, though.

damas

Wha-- Whaddya want treasure for, then?!
Yer supposed t'sell it for money! Cash! Dough!

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

Aww, honey... There's so much more to treasure than that!
Their beauty, their history...
Treasures are so much more than a means to get cold, hard gold!

damas

...Never did stop t'think 'bout it that way, I'll admit...
But yeah, treasure IS pretty pretty, ain't it?

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

Now you're talking, honey!
I hope you keep thinking like this, and that next time I see you...
You'll have learned to treasure your treasures as they deserve.

(Maggie leaves.)

damas

...Huh. Nice dude, that one.
Can't believe I'm sayin' this, but I could learn a thing or two.
...Still, no treasure prettier than gold coins! Hwahahahahaha...

Chapter 18 Peggy & Kel (Ilia route only)

kel

...A cold wind blows.
That's going to mess my hair up even more than usual...

peggy

Er... Sir, a-are you sure you'll be okay?
With so many pegasus knights soaring about, I mean.
Your sword can't reach the skies...
And even if it did, it can't do much against all these lances...

kel

I have faced worse odds than this.
I have fought pegasus knights before, too.
You don't have to worry on my account.
This is the lot of a swordsman. Not all bouts are fair.

peggy

Wooow... You're so cool.
I wish I could keep calm like you do.
It seems every time I have to go into battle, well...
My teeth start clattering, my hair stands up..
I-It's awful... But there's nothing else I can do.
In Ilia, it's kill or be killed... By hunger, if not men.

kel

Does your clan not want to take care of you?
In Sacae, the weak are protected by the strong.
The clans stick together. Such is the law of Sacae.

peggy

Whoa... That sounds nice.
Here in Ilia there's no such thing as clans.
Even members of the same group often end up fighting each other.
Gotta follow our orders, no matter how inhumane... All for cold coin.

kel

...Ilia sounds like a terrible place to live.

peggy

It is... I wish I hadn't been born here.
I wish I'd been born in Etruria.
Or Lycia. I'd take Lycia.
I want to be a princess...
Have all the pretty dresses I want, a big sprawling castle...
(smiles) Hot knights following my whims... Ahaha, oh there's a thought!

kel

Er... Excuse me? You need to focus on the battle--

peggy

Ohoho, oh no! A fearsome brigand band has captured me!
Save me, my knight in shining armor! Save your princess...!
Oh no, but you've been injured! I must treat your wounds!
Yes... That's it... Remove that armor for me...

kel

...Surely not all Ilians are like this, are they?
Their fame would be ill deserved if they were...

Sigune & Monke (Sacae route only)

monke

Grrrr... Damnable Kutolah! How dare they steal MY land!

sigune

Someone's brow is looking even more furrowed than usual.

monke

Leave my sight, pegasus knight. You do not belong here.
You are only asking for death, venturing into Sacae.
You will be shot down before the sun sets.

sigune

We'll see. I'm not called Ivory Devil for nothing.
I've been through worse. I can handle myself.
Kind of you to worry, though.

monke

Hmph... I care not for your triffling life!
There are far more pressing matters!
I must reclaim my rightful property!

sigune

Rightful? I didn't know Sacae worked with dynasties.
I thought this land's rule was survival of the fittest.
Only the strongest shall rule, that sort of thing.

monke

I aim to change that.
I will take this country's old, rusty ways by storm!
I shall rise up as the first of Sacae's grand monarchs!
(grins) Emperor Monke I! Gahaha, it'll be a grand thing!

sigune

(smirks) Hm hm hm hm...

monke

(scowls) Was that... laughter?!
You wish to be shot out of the sky, wench!?

sigune

(subdued) Hehe... You must have misheard.
No, but that's an interesting plan you've got there.
You think Bern will allow it, though?

monke

They ought to! The Djute have helped them immensely!
Without us, they would have nothing! Nothing!
Right now I am forced to wade through the mud and fight, but...
One day, my patience shall be rewarded! You will see!

Enough talk! It is time to recover my domain! Hie!

(Monke charges off.)

sigune

...You talk such a big game, little man.
And yet you expect Bern to hand stuff over to you?
I don't think you've quite understood King Zephiel...
You'll be fortunate to survive this ordeal at all.
..As will I...

Wagner & Carlyle

wagner

(smirks) My, my. Look at yourself.
You are a rather pitiful wretch, are you not?

carlyle

What is the meaning of this insult?

wagner

Hey, I just had an idea.
You're supposed to do anything you're ordered, correct?
If I tell you to do a cartwheel, you have to do it, right?

carlyle

Insolent--

wagner

(serious) You don't want me to tell King Zephiel he doesn't enjoy your...
full cooperation, now do you?
Oh, I imagine that would end poorly for a certain someone...

carlyle

......

wagner

Tell me your king's most embarrassing secret!

carlyle

What?

wagner

Oh? Should I tell the king that he no longer needs the prince ali--

carlyle

He peed himself once during an audience with a Lycian ambassador.
He claimed he had no time to listen to outrageous demands and fled.
The requests were entirely reasonable. He risked crippling our relations for that.

wagner

(grins) Hwahahahahaha! Oh, that's great!
(serious) Hmmm... How about his son, the prince?

carlyle

...Rrgh...!

wagner

Oh, come now! Tell me! I order you to tell me!

carlyle

He... still sleeps with a teddy bear.
He's 23. He's... He's the most beautiful man that ever lived.

wagner

(grins) Hahahahah! That's priceless! I won't question how you know.

(serious) Oh, I've got one that could prove truly spicy.
The prince... Was he truly the king's child?

carlyle

Yes.

wagner

That's rather boring.
...Say, wasn't he a bit too old to have been his dad?
You said the prince was 23. Wasn't the king like, 98 years old?
It's unbelievable his son managed to get himself killed before him.
That princeling boy must've been truly useless.

carlyle

What did you just say?

(Wagner starts.)

wagner

E-Er, I--

(Carlyle storms over to Wagner, who cringes back.)

carlyle

WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY!?

wagner

Gah! Gaaah! Cease! Cease! Get back!
I'll tell them! I'll tell them to kill the prince! I will!
D-Don't hurt meeee!!

(Carlyle roughs up Wagner.)

carlyle

......

(Carlyle backs off.)

carlyle

...Slip of the tongue.
They wouldn't have killed him... He's still alive. He must be!

(Wagner regains his composure.)

wagner

Haah... haah... Damnable dullard...!
Look at this! This stain's never going to go away!
Punch yourself in the nose!

carlyle

......

(Carlyle does so.)

wagner

Hmph... That didn't make me feel better.
Bah. I'm bored of you now. Who wants to face my magic?

(Wagner leaves.)

carlyle

...Endure, Carlyle. It'll all be worth it...
I've done so much for him. I've always been so nice to him!
He has to reciprocate my love. He has to...!

Ruben & Acheron

ruben

Munchin' Manaketes! There's a face I hadn't expected to see.

(Acheron starts.)

acheron

Ack!
I-I mean... Who might you be?

ruben

C'mon now, Weathervane. Don't play dumb.
My memory's not so bad that I'd forget that ridiculous hairdo.

acheron

H-How dare you!
I'll have you know, my stylist is the best in Etruria!
And besides, who are you to judge my hairstyle?
Look at yourself! You look like a serial killer!

ruben

Only one difference between those and mercs.
They do it for fun. We do it for money.
Now... Wanna become my next victim, Acheron?

acheron

That's not... Why!?
Why would I become your next victim?
I have done nothing to you!

ruben

Yeah. Exactly.
Where's the money you owe me, Acheron?

acheron

I-I don't know what you're talking about.

ruben

You still spouting that rubbish? Let me jog your memory.
You wanted a piece of Count Reglay's territory.
You hired me to help you with your little insurrection.
Lost a lot of good boys that day. Still, we kept you alive.
Then you pinned the blame on us and sent us packin'...
Without the payment we were owed. That ring any bells?

acheron

Well... I can't say I...

(Ruben advances menacingly, and Acheron flinches.)

acheron

All right! All right, calm down, Ruben.
I don't have money on me right now.
But when the war ends, I'll return to my demesne.
I have plenty of gold stored in my castle.
I will pay you your dues. Rest assured of that.

ruben

All of a sudden you remember my name and all, huh.
Okay. But make no mistake. I'm keepin' an eye on you.
You won't worm your way outta this one, "Lord" Acheron.

(Ruben leaves.)

acheron

Balderdash! This is not good...
I'll have to disappear again as soon as the war ends...

(Acheron stomps in frustration.)

Confounded fate! All I wanted was the lands that are rightfully mine!

Lamia & Acheron

lamia

(smirks) My, my, my... What a pleasant surprise.

(Acheron starts.)

acheron

Ack! I-I mean...
Who might you be?

lamia

Come now... You can't have forgotten me.
That's just too cruel, Lord Acheron.
After all the good times we had together.

acheron

E-Er, well... That is, I... verily...

lamia

(serious) Where's my money, Acheron?

acheron

Y-Your money? You'll have to pardon me, I just can't--

lamia

Quit playing dumb, you dandy peacock.
I want the gold you owe me, and I want it now.
You know what I'm capable of. You don't want to piss me off.

acheron

Ah! I--

lamia

Don't you remember, my friend? The fun times we had?
Back when you wanted to take some of Count Reglay's lands for yourself.
You hired my ladies and I to keep their knights entertained.
Had to say goodbye to many of my dear friends that dark day...
Then you had the gall to blame us for YOUR sad excuse for a revolt.
Of course, we had to run. No payment for us.

(smiles) I don't see anybody that could protect you now, though. Do you?

acheron

Look, I'm glad you're okay, Lamia. Truly, I am.

lamia

(scowls) Oh, so now you do remember my name, do you?

acheron

...That being said, I'm afraid I simply don't--

(Lamia advances menacingly, and Acheron flinches.)

acheron

Wait! W-Waaait! Let me finish!
I don't have any money on me at the moment.
When the war ends, though, I'll go back to my demesne.
I've got a lot of gold stored in my castle.
You'll receive your payment! That I swear!

lamia

(smiles) Good boy. See? That wasn't so hard.
Now, if you don't mind, I think I'll stay nearby.
We'll fight better together. And besides...
(serious) That way we make sure you don't get any funny ideas.

(Lamia leaves.)

acheron

Balderdash! This is not good...
I'll have to disappear again as soon as the war ends...

(Acheron stomps in frustration.)

Confounded fate! All I wanted was the lands that are rightfully mine!

Zinque & Nord

zinque

(smiles) Ah, Lord Nord! I did not know you had joined us.

nord

(smiles) Heh heh... Well met, Lord Zinque.

zinque

Glad tidings that we have your power on our side.
I shall fight with a bit more confidence now.

nord

Of course. We shall work together, Zinque.
Just as in the old days of the Isles...

zinque

You were a man best had on one's side, my friend.
I still remember the heinous things you did to your captives...

nord

The captives the rest of you sent to me, Zinque. Don't forget.
You are every bit the sinner I am. Heh heh heh heh...

zinque

(frowns) N-Naturally, Lord Nord.

nord

Ahh, but those were the days.
It always amused me, how living creatures react to dark hexes.
Whether the forest critters I'd test my powers on as a child...
Or the troublemakers you'd send for me to... rehabilitate.
The screams are always so delicious. So... unique.
No two beings scream the same, when they stare into the abyss.

zinque

......

nord

Hah hah hah... Worry not. I won't harm you.
You're a lot more interesting alive, Zinque.

zinque

I shall take that as a compliment, I suppose.

nord

Don't. I can easily predict what your death would sound like.
I much prefer listening to you prattle pedantically about noble nothings.

(Zinque starts.)

zinque

What?!

nord

(scowls) Yes, you may speak so warmly now, Zinque, but I know...
I know how you looked down on me.
Because my noble name was not as prestigious as yours...
I wish I could have seen your face when your castle fell!
How did it feel, Zinque? Being captured by peasants?

zinque

Grrr... My noble name harkens back as far as the royal line!
Yet the court treated me like a base cutpurse...
Fie on them all! Where are they now? Dead and buried!
(smirks) He who laughs last, laughs the longest. Hahahahaha...

nord

(smiles) But I escaped. Unlike you, they could do nothing to me.
Who is truly the lesser noble, when my power is superior by far?

zinque

(scowls) Hmph...
This is not the mainland. The Isles are ruled by might.

nord

(serious) ......

zinque

......

nord

...What?

Zinque & Wagner

zinque

(smiles) Ah, Lord Nord! I did not know you had joined us.

wagner

Nord? My name is not Nord. I am Wagner.

zinque

(frowns) Eh? But I could've sworn... You look like his spitting image!

wagner

I assure you, I don't know this man you speak of.

zinque

Hmm... Well, regardless, well met.
Dark magic as fearsome as yours is rare to come by.

wagner

(smiles) Heh heh heh... Thank you, my good man.
It is also rare to find someone who appreciates it.

zinque

I worked with a dark mage much like you, before.
The entirety of the Isles trembled in fear of him!

wagner

(serious) I assume this is that man, Nord, correct?

zinque

Indeed. Minor lord, he was, but his power was inarguable.
As I hear it, from his early youth he was fascinated by the dark arts.
He was casting dark hexes on little critters before he could grow a beard!
The things he did to the captives we sent his way... Oh, it was truly dreadful!
(smirks) Of course, that is precisely why we sent them to him. Hehehehe...

wagner

Hmm... Sounds like a true scholar of elder magic.
Might I meet this man?

zinque

(frowns) Alas, I haven't the faintest clue what became of him.
He vanished when our mining operation was dismantled.

Confounded fate... Still vexes me so what happened!
Did you know I am of a noble line as ancient as the royal dynasty?
And yet I was treated like a common criminal by the court!
(smiles) Ahh, but where are they now? Dead and buried.
He who laughs last, laughs the longest. Hahahaha!

wagner

Oh, I agree. I killed my lord myself... His terrified face was flawless!
I was treated like a mere errand boy by him. He had no respect for me!
Despite my great power and intellect... Just because I was a peasant!

zinque

(frowns) Oh, you're a peasant?
Hmm... Well, don't forget, it's a peasant's duty to serve their lord.
And a peasant doesn't earn their lord's favor by doing their work poorly...
Perhaps you should have been more dedicated to your labor?

(Wagner balks.)

wagner

Mock me, will you?! I will cook you alive in your armor!

zinque

Hmph...
This is not the mainland. The Isles are ruled by might.

wagner

......

zinque

......

wagner

...What?

Chapter 19 Sigune & Martel (Ilia route only)

sigune

Bumbling about blindly in the blizzard... No good.
We might as well send the enemy a formal petition to be ambushed.
Then again, not all Ilians fight as I do.
Hence why we aren't all known as Ivory Devils...

martel

I agree with you. This expedition makes little strategic sense.
I kept saying we should turn west at the fork, but...

sigune

Well, we're here now. Nothing to be done about it.
All we can do is stick anyone who pounces from the darkness.

...You know, Martel, I've always been curious.

martel

What about? My brilliant mind?

sigune

You, in general.
When you hired me, I could hardly believe your words.

martel

What was so peculiar about my terms and conditions?
I hired you on the Army of Bern's behalf.
Was it the salary that was unclear?
Perhaps you were hoping for a better medical insurance deal?
I trust you have been treated to your satisfaction since!

sigune

Come now. I am an Ilian mercenary.
You name a price and a target. That's it.
No, it's you yourself that fascinates me.

martel

Why?

sigune

You seem a priest, Martel. Robes and all.
Yet you are a military man, through and through.
So why the robes?

martel

The habit does not make the monk, Sigune.
I'm too brilliant to be a priest!
I found these in the bin and I happened to like them!
What's so wrong about that?

sigune

That's it? Seriously?
But, the staff... I thought only priests carried those.

martel

Do Ilian armies not have battle medics?
You need a medic! Without a medic, you lose every battle!

sigune

Huh... Well, then.

martel

Now, if that's all, I think it is about time we moved.
May the gods above bless us with victory on this day.

sigune

...You'll agree that was quite priestly.

martel

What, I can't be religious now?

sigune

That's not what I...
Sigh... Oh, never mind. I forget myself.
Let's go back to the basics. Name your target.

Scollan & Batta (Sacae route only)

scollan

(grinning) Wooooooow...
This has to be the most amazin' village I ever saw!

batta

To think, after all these years, I would return to Sacae like this...

scollan

Oh? Oh, it's you! Batta the Beast!
What an honor! Please, shake my hand!

(Scollan rushes over and shakes Batta's hand.)

scollan

I really admire you, sir. A real veteran.

batta

(smiles) Thank you. Feels nice to be appreciated.

scollan

(serious) Didn't know ya were Sacaen, though...
Always pegged ya for a Bernese.

batta

I've travelled all around the world, but I was born here in Sacae.
The rising star of the Ganelon bandits, I was.
...Alas, that group's star plummeted like a meteor.
I suffered a fateful defeat. I drifted between life and death...
And when I arose victorious, I found my comrades were no more.
That's when I set out to find greener pastures.

scollan

Yer pretty well-spoken for a brigand, ya know that?

batta

Thanks. Had to learn. Write and read, too.
Brawn often proved not to be the best option.
I didn't want to risk my other eye lightly.
Sometimes words are the best of a thief's tools.

scollan

Interesting...
I can't say I understand such a language.
I just burn down villages and grab what I can.
But I'll tell ya a secret, I just like the burning part.
That wrong, ya think? My ol' dad always said:
"Scollan, you're a hopeless scoundrel! Leave my house!"
I dunno, I love what I do, but... Ye think I'm a scoundrel?

batta

Aye... There's something to be admired about that.
Don't beat yourself up over being a scoundrel.
We're all scoundrels, in our heart of hearts.

scollan

...Maybe yer right, Beast.

Glass & Kel (Sacae route only)

glass

Hey, you! You are Sacaen as well, aren't you?
Yes, I mean you!
The guy with the glare and the ugly hair!

kel

...Let's not go there.
Yes, I am Sacaen. Kel is my name.
What do you want with me, sir...?

glass

Glass! My swordplay is peerless! The gods fear my name!

kel

I only asked for your name.
...Sigh... Ah, forget it.
Your, uh, peerless swordplay, it is not a common Sacaen style.

glass

Of course. It is peerless!

kel

No, that's not what I mean.
Sacaen warriors usually focus on swift, deadly blows.
Your style is more... brute. You even use axes on the side.

glass

...Is that an insult? I don't use axes.
I am a peerless swordsman, through and through!

kel

But... I've seen you...

glass

I do not use axes.
No self-respecting swordsman would be caught dead using axes.
I mean, please!

kel

...All right.

glass

You are not peerless like me, Kel, but you are good.
Would you like to learn some top-class tips from a master?

kel

You want to teach me?
...Yes, it would be useful to learn how to wield axes.
Very well. Show me.

(Glass sputters.)

glass

Why, you...! Who do you think you are?!
Mocking me like this! A proud Sacaen swordsman!
We aren't a people that takes kindly to mockery!
You, of all people, should know that!

kel

But--

glass

Grrr... Leave my sight! I want to hear not another word!

(Glass storms off.)

kel

...But...
I actually think using both swords and axes is a pretty cool ability...

Nord & Slater

nord

(smiling) Heh heh heh...
This darkness feels homely to me.
As does this senseless destruction...
Yes. I am happy serving in this army. Heh heh heh...

(Slater stumbles in.)

nord

Ahh... Hail.

(Slater startles.)

slater

Gah!

What the-- Where'd you come from?
Blast this darkness... Are you an enemy?!

nord

Not necessarily.

slater

...L-Listen here, I am a lieutenant of Bern.
If I go missing, there will be no forgiveness for you!

nord

Heh heh... So quick to bend. But rest easy.
I, too, am a member of Bern's army.
You and I... We are allies.
The darkness I command is on your side.

slater

You command... Wait, is this darkness your doing?!

nord

Oh, no. This is natural darkness... The best darkness, in my opinion.
I merely utilize my darkness to steal the lives of others.
Some would call it unimaginative, but I've always been a simple man.
Heh heh heh...

slater

Gulp...!

nord

...Tell me, are you a noble?

slater

Eh? That's an odd question.
No, the only scepter my parents carried was used to dig furrows.

nord

I see... So your blood does not run blue.
Though, perhaps you are a descendant of royalty.
Sometimes that happens. Often, even.
The royalty of yore, today members of the peasant mob.

slater

W-What are you getting at?

nord

We cannot be certain what color your blood is.

(Nord advances menacingly.)

nord

Do you not wish to... find out?

slater

G-Gyaaaaaaaaaaah!!

(Slater runs.)

nord

Hah hah hah hah! Gutless fool!

That was an enjoyable diversion.
But the moment has passed. Back to work... Heh heh heh.

(Nord leaves. Slater slinks back into frame.)

slater

Phew... I don't think he's chasing me... W-What a creepshow!
And here I thought that priest I shared a cell with was creepy...
...Though, thinking about it, I think that guy may've still been creepier...

Ruben & Grigas

grigas

You!

ruben

Ah, doggone it. You're still in the army, old man?
Wait, don't answer that. Of course you are.
Never met a guy so fiercely in love with his job in my life.

grigas

And I have never met a whelp as ungrateful as you!
Have you any idea the strings I had to pull to get you your position in the army?
It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and what do you do with it!?
You desert, first chance you get! Filthy traitor...!

ruben

First of all, it wasn't the "first chance" I got.
I served for over ten years, old man.
I realized if I stayed, I'd just end up dying another nameless goon.

grigas

Mongrel! One doesn't become a soldier for fortune and glory!
One becomes a soldier to protect their homeland, its people and its culture!

ruben

I'd thought you don't need to invade other countries to protect yours.
But I guess I'm just an idiot, aren't I.

grigas

You think you're so smart, huh. You think you're better than everyone else.
But aren't you a nameless goon now?
Worse than that! You're a goon for hire! Who will mourn you when you fall!?
Without a place to call home or anyone to call comrade!

ruben

And whose fault is that?
It's not like I ever had a family. Not a real one, anyway.
My dad never did care much for me... Did you, Dad?

grigas

...Of course I cared. Why do you think I helped you into the army?
Why do you think I risked my own standing covering for you?
You would have been discharged long before you thought of deserting.
But I protected you, put up with you, because you were... are, my son.
I had hoped you'd change. Mature. But you had other ideas, did you.

ruben

Damn right I did. Now I'm free as a feather.
I fly where I please, fight for my own sake and live the good life.
Meanwhile, you lug a giant piece of wood and metal around.
(smirks) Heh... It's pretty poetic. Shackled by your ballista and your pride.

grigas

I have no more to say to you. Leave my sight, whelp.

ruben

(frowns) Right... I pity you, Dad. I really do.
One day you'll realize you wasted your life, and for what?
Some madman going on a rampage throughout the continent.

(Ruben leaves.)

grigas

...And yet you seem giddy to do the madman's bidding, for a price.
Hmph.

Pheros & Narcian

narcian

Aaaargh! Balderdash and piffle!
It's been... however many battles already since I returned, and...

(Narcian fumes.)

I've yet to regain my rightful status as Wyvern General!
It's as if the king doesn't even notice my contributions!

(Narcian tantrums.)

How is this FAIR!?

pheros

Lower your voice.
You will draw unwanted attention upon yourself.
And, by extension, the rest of us.

(Narcian steps towards her.)

narcian

(smiles) Oho... Aren't you beautiful.
I believe I shall grant you the pleasure of my company...
Hm hm hm...

pheros

You would do well to rein yourself in.
Your reputation isn't exactly stellar.
To make it worse would be unwise.

narcian

(scowls) My reputation!? What do I care about the opinion of my inferiors?
I am the heir to Bern's oldest dynasty!
Older even than the king's lineage!
We were among Bern's founders!

pheros

Quite the... putative pedigree.

narcian

Ahh, in awe, are you now?

pheros

...Something like that.
Well, your family's deeds must be the stuff of legend.

narcian

Deeds? I am the highest noble in the realm.
That's all there is to it, and all there SHOULD be to it!
I don't have to prove anything.

pheros

Pah... And what have you to show for your precious lineage?

(Narcian fumes.)

narcian

How dare you!

pheros

Answer the question.

(Narcian flinches back.)

narcian

W-Why, everything!
I am strong, I am wise, I am lovely--

pheros

Cease spewing drivel. That is all meaningless.
The only thing impressive about you...
is how you've managed to fall from Wyvern General to lowly corporal.

(Narcian quivers with rage.)

narcian

If you think you can insult me so and get away with it,
you are sorely mistaken. I will not endure such offense!

pheros

I welcome you to do something about it.
Well? Will you go to your lord father and cry?

(Narcian shrinks back.)

narcian

...I am the last of my name.
It falls to me to defend our honor and our legacy!

pheros

No siblings or anything? How I pity your forebears...
Such a storied family, and it comes to an end here.
With so pathetic a child.

narcian

Eh?! You wench, I am a young man!
I have plenty of time to sire an heir or three!

(Narcian shakes his fist.)

Just watch! You'll wish YOU had begged to be my bride!

(Narcian storms off.)

pheros

...And in the end, he flees, having done naught but whine.
Sigh... Fool. Blue blood is worthless. True strength begets true devotion.
You could stand to learn that from your liege.

Mary & Lim

mary

Gasp...!

lim

......

mary

W-Who are you...?

lim

I am Lim.

mary

...Mary.
Pardon me if I am mistaken, but... you...

lim

I am not human.
How did you know?

mary

Not human...?
...No, I was going to ask if you are... alone.
You have the same emptiness in your eyes I see...
Every time I dare look into a mirror.

lim

......
You are correct. Your eyes are empty.
Yet you are human. You are not like me.
How can you be empty?

mary

It's not that strange a tale.
In fact, I wager many have had it worse than me...
I'm alive, at least. I'm healthy...
I may have lost everyone and everything, but...
I-I'm supposed to be happy to be alive, aren't I?

lim

I do not know. I am not human.
I do not know anything about the human heart.

mary

Something truly awful must have happened to make you this way.

lim

You are human. I am not.

mary

I... think I understand.

lim

I doubt it.

mary

We have a girl with us that can create dragons out of thin air.
A construct that looks like a human... It's not unimaginable to me anymore.

lim

......
You are correct. I am a construct.
But she did not create me. My creator died long ago.
Alongside almost all that were like me.

mary

You have also lost everyone...
And here I am, feeling sorry for myself.
...Let's just... Let's stick together, shall we?
We are so similar. Perhaps we could become friends.
Who knows. Maybe making a new friend will help...

lim

Friend...
I do not know if I can provide what you seek.
But...

mary

Yes?

lim

I shall try.

Chapter 20 Batta & Zinque (Ilia route only)

zinque

Grrrrr... This cold is unbearable!
I cannot wait to leave this dreary place behind...

batta

Neither can I.
I've traveled all over Elibe, but I'll admit... I always avoided Ilia.
Too many experienced mercs. Too much poverty.
Terrible conditions for a thief.

zinque

Who are you? Don't speak to me, brigand garbage.

batta

The pleasure is mine. Batta, at your service.
Some call me the Beast.
Perhaps you have heard my name? I have traveled a lot in my day.

zinque

Wait, Batta the Beast...? Yes, I've heard of you!
Indeed, you are well-traveled... Even us Islanders had to suffer you!

batta

The Western Isles treated me better than Ilia.
But not by much... Most folks had so little.
It was the likes of, well, you that held all the wealth.
And nobility always spares no expense when it comes to security.

zinque

Even so, you gave us a fair bit of trouble.
It's odd to describe a mere brigand like this, but...
You clearly are a hardened and experienced veteran.

batta

Thank you. That I am.
You don't get far in my line of work without caution.
Hence why I didn't stay too long at the Isles.
The operation you and your fellows had going was too hard a target for my liking.

zinque

(smiles) Not to brag, but we were prepared for every contingency.
This is not the mainland. The Isles are ruled by might.

batta

Quite... And yet it did not help you against the resistance.

zinque

(scowls) Hmph... The resistance had royal backing. I'm sure of it.
That, or a veritable heaping of undeserved luck.
Otherwise, filthy peasants couldn't hope to beat true nobles like us.

batta

Hubris... The downfall of all men.

zinque

What was that?

batta

Nothing at all.
Though our pasts differ greatly, we find ourselves allied now.
Let us fight side by side, shall we?

zinque

I've never met a brigand quite like you, Batta the Beast...
(smiles) Very well. Let us join our strength!

Glass & Henning (Ilia route only)

henning

Brrrr... I am beyond sick of this country!
All this cold's makin' me miss the volcano...

glass

Hey! What's this I hear?!

henning

Oh, it's you... Great. Just dandy.

glass

I can't believe what I hear!
My old disciple, whining about a bit of cold?!
Well, I'm cold too! But guess what?! I don't care!
I am a peerless swordsman! Gods fear my name!

henning

Yes, yes, I've heard all of that before...
I guess having a fiery spirit is one way to keep warm.

glass

Damn straight! I don't care where or how I have to fight.
This awful temperature? I welcome its challenge!
The worse the conditions, the sweeter the victory!
You don't become peerless with THAT attitude, boy!

henning

Why are you so obsessed with being peerless, anyway?
Please, tell me your tragic childhood story.

glass

Do I need one? My childhood was perfectly fine!
My parents loved me. I never wanted for anything.
Anything but excitement, naturally! I was SO bored!
This... THIS is what makes life truly worth living!
Nothing like a fight to the death to get the blood boiling!

henning

Huh. Never pegged you for the "wealthy thrillseeker" sort.

glass

Not quite wealthy, but we had enough to live comfortably.
Really, we were the very image of average.
But that wasn't enough for me! Not even close!
I must be far more than that... I must be peerless!

henning

...You certainly are peerlessly fond of the sound of your own voice...

glass

What was that, boy?! Speak up!
The wind makes it tough to hear you...

henning

I said, your swordsmanship truly is peerless.
I can only hope to one day come close to matching you.

glass

Hahahahaha! Good luck with that, boy!
I'm not slowing down for the likes of you!

henning

Nor would I expect you to...

Damas & Tick

damas

(grins) Hwahahahaha! Look at this place!
Hoowee! Biggest building in this cesspool of a country!
Oughta have the biggest vault, too... Heheheh...

tick

Hold it!

damas

(scowls) Huh? A guard? Ya wanna square off?!

tick

I am a soldier of Bern.

damas

Oh! Well... Pleased to make yer acquaintance, sir, yada yada.
Now, may I get on with my business?

tick

Listen to me, and listen well.
I have been assigned by the king to keep an eye on you.
You are to surrender any yields of your... business to the army.

(Damas balks.)

damas

What!? Oi! You don't just demand a thief's hard-stolen treasure!
Who does the king think he is?!

tick

...The King of Bern.
You will comply, or you will face the consequences.

damas

Sheesh... Okay, okay! Okay. Hear me out, pal.
How 'bout, I take these here coins of shiny ol' gold, and...
(smiles) Whoops! I dropped 'em! How silly of me.
I sure hope nobody... takes off with these riches.
Eh? Eh?

tick

Bribery, eh? Very well.
Off to the dungeon with you.

damas

(frowns) Yikes! Relax, pal, I was just... kidding.
Totally. Yes. Of course.
I'll do my job and get the boss... "his" treasures, don't worry.

tick

You had better. For your own sake, be on your best behavior.
The king is not a merciful man, and he has taken a particular dislike to you.
Do not give him a reason to want you gone if you value your safety.

damas

...T-That a threat?

tick

A warning. I wish you no ill will, personally.

damas

Well... Thanks, I guess.
Guess I'll have to settle for the satisfaction of a successful heist...
...Though I really would prefer to keep the treasure.

tick

Yes, well, we all wish for things we don't get.

damas

What could a stick-in-the-mud like ya wish for?
A promotion? A raise? A better haircut?

tick

...Peace.

damas

Oh.

tick

......
Well? Is it so strange for a Bernese to wish for peace?
I don't like this any more than anyone else does.

damas

Right... Uh... Yeah.

Wow, this got awkward all of a sudden...
Say, I think I sniff some treasure over that way.
Think I'll go get it! You watch my back, 'kay pal?

tick

...Fair enough.

Pheros & Catalena

pheros

Catalena...
How much longer do you intend to avoid me, old friend?

catalena

Who are you?
I do not know any traitors to the faith.

pheros

Don't be like that, Catalena.
It was not an easy decision, to leave my faith behind.
But I have found a different voice to listen to.
I still thoroughly respect and admire Elimine's creed.
Are my actions truly so reprobable?

catalena

Reprobable? They are revolting, that's what they are.
You turned your back on the Goddess!
In Her all-encompasing faith, she has spared your life...
But rest assured. You will be smitten before long.

pheros

What happened to you, Catalena?
I recall back when we first joined the church.
You were a quiet, shy girl back then.
How did you turn into this...

catalena

This what, Pheros? Go on, finish that thought.

pheros

...this deranged zealot who would threaten her old best friend.

catalena

You call it zealotry. I call it enlightenment.
My life had no meaning before. But now I know the truth.
It was never supposed to have meaning.
Nothing has any meaning but the Goddess.
(smiles) Oh, how I exulted when I had this wondrous epiphany...
I now dedicate my life to the only true purpose.
Worship of the Goddess...

pheros

People like you drove me from the faith.
I had hoped, with my departure, perhaps you'd reconsidered things...
But I see you simply took to telling yourself I am some sort of villain.

catalena

(scowls) Filthy apostate. You dare imply otherwise?
Whose fault is it, then, that you turned your back on the truth?
The Goddess's? You would go so far as to indict Elimine herself!?

pheros

Your mind alone has conjured these accusations. I said no such thing!

catalena

Perhaps, but I can read it on your face, plain as day.
You'd do well to stay out of my sight.
I may not be able to contain myself if I see you again.

(Catalena leaves.)

pheros

Sigh... Well, that went about as well as I expected it to go.

Mieu & Mary

mary

Another day of putting my bow to the service of evil.
When this battle ends, another country will have fallen to us...
Sigh...

mieu

Mary... Are you all right...?

mary

Why are you asking me that?
I should be the one asking you, Mieu.
I can't believe they're still forcing you to fight...
Are you doing okay?

mieu

I... No, I'm not okay. I can't even sleep most nights...
B-But I have to be strong.
I have to get stronger... So one day, I can...

mary

Fight back against them?

mieu

...Uh huh...

mary

So little, and already you dream of being the hero of the tale...

mieu

I need to create a nicer world... A bright future.
Where nice people like Lot and Uncle Wade don't have to...
...D-Don't have to die.

mary

That's a fine dream. Your parents would be proud of you.

mieu

It's... all I can do to make it up...
To Lot, to Uncle Wade... To everyone I've killed.
...I will be the one to kill King Zephiel!

mary

...!
H-How can you say such things, Mieu?
Someone so young should not...

mieu

I-I've been made to kill so many, Mary...
What's one more? Especially one like that... that monster!

mary

...T-This... Oh, Mieu...

mieu

S-Sorry... I... Look, let's just focus, okay?
We can't die here. We have to live...

mary

...Of course. We have to survive.
So that, when the time comes...
We may fight the evil. Side by side.

mieu

Thank you, Mary...

(Mieu leaves.)

mary

...She's such a kind girl... A beacon in the darkness.
Be that I could share that pure-hearted innocence...
I... don't even know why I continue on...
Why fight for a world so rotten, it has turned little Mieu into... this?
Might as well end it all, and leave humanity to its well-deserved fate...

...But no. Not while Mieu yet draws breath...

Chapter 20x

Maggie & Rose

(Rose drifts.)

rose

We sure have come far, haven't we, Maggie?

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

Oh yes, Rose, very far indeed.

(Rose drifts.)

rose

Aren't you afraid we'll die before the end, Maggie?

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

Only afraid of dying alone, Rose.

(Rose drifts.)

rose

I understand. I could never bear to lose you, Maggie.

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

That's why... I... I have something for you, Rose.

(Rose drifts.)

rose

Truly? Please, don't leave me in suspense, Maggie.

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

Take a look at this, Rose.

(Rose drifts.)

rose

What a pretty axe. For me?

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

For the most important person in my world.

(Rose drifts.)

rose

I-I don't know what to say, Maggie!

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

I can only hope you'll say yes.

(Rose drifts.)

rose

Of course! Of course! How could you ever doubt me?

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

I never did, but still... This is such a relief!

(Rose drifts.)

rose

Oh, Maggie!

(Maggie drifts.)

maggie

Oh, Rose!

(Maggie and Rose dance together. Rose receives the Axe of Love.)

Lim & Denning

lim

Denning. You still cannot talk?

denning

......

lim

Of course. You have not talked since our master died.
You were created for one specific purpose.
You fulfilled your purpose, but you survived.
And now you have none. Much like I.

denning

......

lim

I remember your creation.
The master was injured. He needed a message delivered.
Since he could not deliver it himself, he made you.
I do not believe you have more than the essential features.
You could speak your message. You could follow orders.
You can move and you can fight, if need be. But nothing else.
I wonder if the rest of your body even resembles that of a human.
That must be the reason for the cloak...

denning

......

lim

I would never dare to look.
It is easier pretending, if I do not know for certain.

You have not talked since our master died.
But I needed to make sure. Because...
You are the only one left. The only one like me in the world.
I need to believe one day, you and I can be friends.
That we will be able to laugh and cry.
That we can become real... More than mere constructs.
It is an irrational thought.
He called me perfect. He was wrong.

denning

......

This is a message from Lord Nergal.
"I await you on the Dread Isle."

lim

......
Those are the first words you have said in 20 years.
The only words you are capable of, and yet...
(smiles) I believe I understand.

Let us move on, Denning. There is more to be done.

denning

......

(Denning nods.)

Kel & Carlyle

carlyle

All this time, and still I've seen neither hair nor hide of him...
Not good. I want to believe he's alive, but... It's becoming hard...
I should firmly demand they let me see him!
...But I'm afraid of what I'll find... What a terrible dilemma...!

kel

Do they have someone you care about?

carlyle

...Leave me.

kel

Hey, maybe I could help.
I've been with this army longer than you.
Long as they pay me, I don't ask questions, but...
Well, I could be convinced to answer some questions.
For a price. Tell me, what's he look like?

carlyle

......
Blond. Pale. Skin smooth as the finest silk...
About yea tall... He's... such a beautiful thing...

kel

Ahh... I see.
Well, I'm afraid I haven't seen anyone like that.
And I've been made to guard the prisoners a few times.

carlyle

They do not let me anywhere near them...
Likely they suspect I'd try freeing him, had I the chance.

kel

You sure they didn't just lie to you?

carlyle

If they... T-The alternative is that he has died.
I refuse to believe it! He has to be alive.
They have him, and if I fight hard enough...
They'll give him back. They have to. They have to!

kel

Tch...
You know, it may not be my place to say, but...
It sounds like you should try to let go. I know it's difficult, but...
Well, there's always a bigger fish.
(smiles) I, for one, think you're a very handsome man.

carlyle

...What are you getting at?
You dare test my devotion to my prince!?
I will rip your unsightly face off your skull!

kel

(frowns) No need to get violent. Have it your way.

carlyle

Hmph...
Well, what are you still doing here?
I'll pay your coin. I care nothing for money.
But first, give me results. I want to see him.
You will take me to him. Then, you get paid.
Until then, we have no reason to speak further.

kel

Fair enough. Good luck out there, sir, er...
What is your name? You never did tell...

(Carlyle leaves.)

...me. And off he goes.
Of course. Only I would think to try flirting among this pack of lunatics.
I'm lucky I didn't have to draw my sword. Sigh...

Flaer & Dory

dory

Nngh... Dangit!
Nobody told me dancin' could be so painful.
Argh, my poor ankles...

flaer

...Hey... Er...

dory

(smiles) Hey there! Flaer, right? What can I do for ya?

flaer

You know my name?

dory

'Course! I know everyone's names.
I want to know the folks I'm helping out.

flaer

Is that so? You are a good man, dancer.

dory

(serious) Name's Dory. Try to remember if it you like!
So, what did you wanna talk about?

flaer

...W-Well...

dory

C'mon, no need to be shy! Out with it, man!

flaer

......
Your dance. I am... rather fascinated by it.
Do you think you could teach me?

dory

Teach you?

flaer

F-Forgive me! It was a stupid idea.
I'll just be on my way--

dory

(smiles) Bwahahaha! There's nothin' wrong with that!
I was just a bit surprised that a hardened soldier would ask me that.

flaer

Yes, that's what I kept telling myself.
A man like me has no business learning how to dance...
I kept trying to forget these thoughts, but then I'd see you dance again...

dory

(serious) How long have you been thinking 'bout this?

flaer

...A while.

dory

(smiles) Hehe, well, no problem!
Dancin's all about goin' with the flow.
Or at least, that's what my own teacher told me.
She said, "don't be afraid of what others will think."
"Your goal is to put smiles on people's faces."
"If they laugh, you've still achieved that!"

flaer

(smiles) An admirable resolve. You truly are a good man.

dory

Aww, don't say that. That ain't true.
So, let's try somethin' simple!
Try to follow these steps. Hup! Hup!

(Dory dances.)

flaer

(frowns) O-Oh, I don't know... With my armor and all--

dory

(serious) C'mon, don't chicken out on me now! Try it!

flaer

Er...

(Flaer dances, but fumbles the last step and trips.)

flaer

Gwaaaah...!

dory

Oh, dear... You okay?

(Dory helps Flaer up.)

flaer

Unnh... Yes, that went about as well as I expected.

dory

Don't get discouraged! I did far worse my first time.
Yer a natural! You could go a long way, my friend.
Just keep practicing when you can. You'll see!

flaer

(smiles) ...Thank you, Dory. This means a lot to me.
Please, stay safe out there.

dory

(smiles) You too, Flaer!
Would be a shame if ya died before reaching yer full potential.

flaer

...My full potential, eh... Heh... Thank you.

Chapter 21 Jahn & Mieu

jahn

Little girl. There you are.
I've been looking for you.

mieu

Mister?

jahn

I must warn you.
Your behavior has changed of late. It's been noticed.

mieu

......

jahn

Your eyes are no longer filled with paralyzing terror.
In its place now burns a flame. Yet small, but bright all the same.
The flame of one with a purpose. Someone determined...

Some believe you intend to turn your bow on us.

mieu

...I know.
But I'm not afraid.

jahn

Don't think they're above hurting childr--

mieu

I know that too!
But I'm not scared. They're the ones who are scared.
...They're scared of what you'll do to them if they hurt me...

jahn

......
They are right to be scared.
Your killer's end would be slow, gruesome and painful.
It might not even be an end. I would leave them to suffer...
None will hurt you. I swear it.

mieu

(smiles) ...Mister... Thank you.
You've always been so nice to me...
Despite everything. You saved me.
Thanks...

jahn

No, don't... D-Don't thank me!
It's because of me you were forced to fight.
And besides, I am... I...

Sigh... No, you don't know the first thing about me.
It's me. I'm the one responsible for all this.

mieu

(frowns) ...?

jahn

When Zephiel awoke Idunn... I went to him.
I guided him, helped him. Every step of the way.
Without me, he could not have come this far.
I thought it was my chance, at long last.
To watch humanity burn. To rectify the Scouring.

Then I met you, and... I thought of young me.
1000 years ago. Watching everyone around me die.
Cursing the humans for so callously persecuting us.
It hit me... How is this any different?
All this destruction... For what? My wounded pride? My hatred?
Or worse... My fear, of those who are different from me.

mieu

......

jahn

You shouldn't say I'm nice. I'm a horrible person.

mieu

...Maybe it's because I'm just a stupid kid, but...
I think you're wrong.
(smiles) I like you. I'm glad we're friends.

(Jahn balks.)

jahn

Friends?!

If only you'd been born 1000 years ago.
If there had been more humans like you...
Maybe the Scouring wouldn't have happened.

mieu

(serious) Y-You think so...?

(Jahn gives Mieu a Recurve Bow.)

Zinque & Legance

zinque

Blast.. To think I hoped to escape servitude by joining Bern...
At least with Douglas I had a modicum of leeway.
These madmen will kill even their own for looking at them wrong!

legance

Tell me that... I thought Bern would show some gratitude.
After all the help I provided in seizing Ostia...
But they won't even give me a small brigade to command!
This is a complete waste of my military prowess!

zinque

Aye... 'Tis a deplorable state of affairs.
Noblemen such us ourselves shouldn't sully our hands like this.

legance

Alas, it's not easy having blue blood in one's veins these days.
The peasants, they have it easy!
They just flock to the powerful, follow orders and get their fill!
They simply cannot understand the terrible plight of their betters.

zinque

(smiles) Yes, yes! You speak only truth, my wise friend.
What is your name, pray tell?

legance

(smiles) Legance. Formerly, the lord of a high house of Ostia.
One of the greatest commanders of its army, too.
Truly, I was meant for greatness. Alas, King Zephiel just won't see it.

zinque

King Zephiel is a blind fool.
But one day we'll get what we deserve. It's just a matter of time...
Exalted bloodlines always receive their due, in the end.
Such has been the way of the world since time immemorial.
This is not the mainland. The Isles are ruled by might.

legance

Er... Well, I didn't quite get that last part, but... Yes! Aptly put.
You know, I even heard this rumor about the king...
He's not even of pure Bernese descent!

zinque

What?!

legance

'Tis difficult to believe, but it's as true as the sky is blue!
King Zephiel is a half-blooded Etrurian!

zinque

Hah... Almost makes me feel his sister does deserve the throne.
Ahh, but the princess is doomed to fail, I'm afraid.
Zephiel is gifted in the art of war. That, I have to concede.

legance

Yes... It is no wonder he managed to conquer the entirety of Elibe.
Being under him may not be rewarding, but it is safe.
I am happy to have my life, if naught else.

zinque

Perhaps it is for the best to bide our time.
One day we will once again be granted our birthrights.
Until that day comes to pass... Let us stay alive, friend.

legance

A toast to that!

Brunnya & Galle

(Galle fidgets anxiously.)

galle

No...! No, this cannot be!
This can't be happening... It has to be a nightmare...
Melady... Zeiss... Must I... Must I truly face you...?!

brunnya

......

galle

I... I cannot fight you... Not you...
Please...!

brunnya

General Galle. You are making a scene.

galle

G-General Brunnya...

brunnya

...Not that I do not understand how you feel.
To duel the one you love to the death... It is an unimaginable torture.

galle

Then...

brunnya

Then, what? There is nothing to be done.
They stand in our way. His Majesty orders their deaths.
...I am willing to look the other way if you stay back, however.
Let another deliver the final strike.

galle

But... But if I do that, I'll watch them die regardless!
I have to convince them... Somehow, I must sway them...

brunnya

Dame Melady and Sir Zeiss have picked a side.
They have chosen to fight for what they believe is right.
We, in turn, must respect their decision, and hold nothing back.

galle

Do you believe what we are doing is right?

brunnya

...Much too late to be asking those questions, Galle.
In fact, I seem to recall Melady posing a similar question to me...
Before she betrayed us.

galle

You accuse me of--

brunnya

Of being blinded by your emotions.
I understand. I mean it. I would be, too.
Perhaps you should simply fly away from this battle.
Worry not. I will make up an explanation for the king.

galle

Again you tell me to run away!
That will lead to their deaths all the same!
Their souls will forever haunt my bloodstained hands!

brunnya

......
I will warn you once, General Galle.
Do not do something you will regret.

galle

Enough thinly-veiled threats! I will not turn on the king.
I owe much to him, and General Murdock.
I will not reward their kindness with betrayal.

brunnya

I am glad to hear it, Galle.

galle

You have it easy, Brunnya. Your beloved is not a traitor.
You need not fear ever having to strike him down...

(Galle leaves.)

brunnya

...Perhaps not.
But I fear him, which is a hundred times worse...

Sigune & Peggy

sigune

Still alive, are you?

peggy

Ah, Captain... Y-Yeah, guess I am.
I suppose I've gotten better somehow...

sigune

Your form could still use improvement.
You aren't diligent with your training.
You also have not worked on your defenses enough.
...But you really have come a long way. I'm impressed.
Most rookies do not last, much less in a war like this.

peggy

T-Thanks, I guess.

sigune

Keep alert, now.
It would be a shame to fall now, so close to the end.

Say... What do you plan on doing after this boils over, Peggy?

peggy

Me? I think I'll keep fighting for Bern!
(smiles) They're amazing employers. Pay well, keep me fed...
I don't even have to find my own equipment! It's great.

sigune

Huh...
You don't have any reservations about what they're having us do?

peggy

(frowns) Er... Not particularly? It's just a job.
(smiles) Any Ilian merc's dream job! Can't believe it's only my second!

sigune

Are you not at all disturbed by all this savagery?

peggy

(frowns) Savagery...? What?
I kill for coin to survive. That's all there is to it.
That's the first thing they teach you at the guild!

sigune

Heh... How amusing.
I'd expected a wide-eyed rookie like you to be far more... idealistic.
Yet you showcase a cold pragmatism befitting a true mercenary veteran.
There's some irony there. I am the one thinking like a starry-eyed fool.

(Peggy balks.)

peggy

Captain, you aren't considering turning coat, are you?!
Ilian mercenaries never betray their employers!

sigune

I know the code, Peggy. Thank you very much.
Besides, turn coat for whom? Who remains to oppose King Zephiel?
This rabble won't prevail... And then there'll be none.

peggy

G-Good! I don't wanna fight you, Captain.
I really do admire you. My dream is to be like you one day!
(smiles) And hopefully get a moniker as cool as Ivory Devil, heeheehee...
One day you've gotta tell me how you earned that title!

sigune

...Mm.

peggy

(serious) Ah, but enough talk. Duty calls!
Let's go kill all of Bern's enemies and get our reward! Hie!

(Peggy flies off.)

sigune

No, girl. You don't want to end up like me.
I'm a mess... I bring shame to the Ilian mercenaries.
Because, against all odds... I do have what they call a heart.

Chapter 21x

Orlo & Daniela

orlo

(smiles) Hail, fair maiden. I have a proposition for you.

daniela

(grins) My... How forward. Ohoho...
Should we not go on a date first, hm?

orlo

Hah, it is not that kind of proposition.
Alas, my vows bind me to lifelong chastity.

daniela

Yes, I figured you'd be a priest...
What do you want with me, then?

orlo

I have seen you fight, and heard the rumors, besides.

daniela

What is this, now? Rumors? Do tell...

orlo

The rumors that you are, bluntly, a bloodthirsty maniac.

daniela

Aha... Oh, people can be so silly.

orlo

I'd prefer to think of you as a lost lamb, my child.
One in need of holy guidance, which I can provide.

daniela

(frowns) Oh, don't give me that. I am not "lost", nor do I need "guidance"!
I am simply living my life as I desire.
And what I desire is powerful foes against whom to stake my very life!
Is that so wrong? They fight back, you know! I don't butcher weaklings!

orlo

(serious) Oh, I understand. I, too, live as I please.

daniela

You mean as your beloved deities please.
Nobody bound by faith is truly free.

orlo

(smiles) Haha... All deeds are righteous if done in the name of the gods.

daniela

Oh?

orlo

(serious) Do you not feel that you need... more?
Do you truly get your fill of violence this way?
Gallivanting across the realm and following orders from others...
Surely there are more efficient methods.

daniela

...And what do you propose?

orlo

Come with me, maiden of death.
I have grand plans... A world to cleanse of sin.
But I shall require some aid.
What say you? Will you become a knight sworn in service to the faith?

daniela

What "faith" is this?
Somehow I doubt it has anything to do with good old Elimine...

orlo

(smiles) Heh heh... Oh, all in due time, my lady.
First I would have your answer...
Then, I shall open your mind to mine.

daniela

How positively... ominous.
(smiles) Hahahahahahahah! Oh, I think I like you, my priestly friend.
Yes... Let's talk some more, shall we?

orlo

Blessed be this day... Heh heh heh heh...

Heddwyn & Trimier

trimier

Another that does not belong here. A fortuitous meeting.

(Heddwyn startles.)

heddwyn

Gwaaaaaah!

trimier

Of us, there are seven.
Six human. One otherwise.
You were brought from a radiant road.
Where dawn besets the moon, the flier resides.
Connected by bonds of fire, the barbarian and the guardian.
Beyond the pale waves of the ocean, the seeker of blood.
The faithful, who challenged her fate and reaped what she sowed.
And I, come forth from the annals of forgotten history.

There are others. Brought about later, with whom I cannot speak.
The man who opposed Coyote and Dragoon.
The Heartless, who witnessed a dance in the skies.
The Weathervane, come from the edge of dawn.
The cavalier of wooden steed, from the place where all began.
The patriot's underling, from the cursed land.
The one who sold her soul, from the land of two gods.
The obsessed, whence the twins dance with darkness.

Chosen by powers above, to bolster the might of Bern.
With our unique abilities, lacking by the denizens of this land.
We are outsiders. We belong not here.
But the one above is incapable of knowing when to stop.

heddwyn

...I-Is it money? Do you want money?
H-Here! It's all yours, take it!
Just, p-please, don't hurt me!

trimier

I am incapable of hurting you.
All I could do is take you, then deliver you to a new place.

heddwyn

N-No! I'm not ready to go to the afterlife yet!
Please! Please, just take it! I swear it's all I've got!
Oh! M-My robes! They could fetch a decent price, too!
Anything you want! Take all I have that's valuable!

trimier

I need money not.
But footwear is expensive. Quality furnishings, more so.
Our superiors shall require mountains of gold.
Will you contribute to their chests, mage of radiance?

heddwyn

W... What...?

trimier

...Shadows approach.
We must move. Lest we never return to our rightful places.

heddwyn

Ah... Aaa...aa...ii...

(Heddwyn wigs out.)

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaalp meeeeeeaaaaaarrgh!!

(Heddwyn runs.)

trimier

...I must wonder why you were chosen.
A wielder of magic... Another could have been brought.
Owl... Councilman... Tactician... Masochist...
So why you, I wonder? What sets you apart?
Hmmm... I suppose it is beyond my ken to comprehend.

Explaining the Joke

Heddwyn and the other characters Trimier references here are cameos from other Fire Emblem games (Trimier herself coming from Berwick Saga). Trimier only has supports with the six she mentions in her first list.

Ein & Denning

ein

...Burn.

denning

......

ein

Burn.

denning

......

ein

Burn.

denning

......

ein

What?!

denning

......

ein

Burn.

denning

......

ein

What?!

Burn.

denning

......

ein

......

denning

......

Marla & Olthoff

olthoff

......

marla

(smiles) Oh?
Are you here to chat with me, dear?

olthoff

...I have orders concerning you, yes.

marla

Hee... Come to play with big scary Marla?

olthoff

My orders are to... help you.
Ascertain what manner of sorcery has turned you into...
Well, this.
And, if possible, perform an exorcism.
To save you from whatever evil ails you.
I beg of you, let me assist you...

marla

Hee hee... That's so nice that they are worried about little old me.
Your soul feels... nice. I think I'll be happy to lull you to sleep.
He shall be so pleased with me. Come...

(Olthoff balks.)

olthoff

Pah! Orders be damned, I'll not just offer myself up to die!

marla

(frowns) You don't want to play?

olthoff

No, I do not!
Sigh... The truth is, you have half the army soiling their pantaloons.
They want you gone. But the king doesn't want your power gone.
So, I've been ordered to make you less... er, terrifying.

marla

And why you, might I ask?

olthoff

I am a chaplain. More of a healer, but still technically a priest.
They decided I was best suited to handle your dark magic.

marla

You? I do believe you aren't our most devout child... Far from it.
Why not send a true believer to me?

olthoff

You'd like that, wouldn't you? Fanatics like that...
They're perfect targets for insane cultists like you.

marla

(smiles) Oh, what colorful names you dish out, left and right.
I thought you wanted to save poor little me from the evil monster!

olthoff

That's what I was told to do by our superiors.
I say to the depths with you. I want to keep my life.

marla

Hee hee hee...
It's okay. The souls of cowards are brittle.
No good for Him, no good...

olthoff

Hmph...

...Well... So how's your day been?

marla

Decent, I suppose. This weather is just ghastly.
I do love the look of this place, though.
I always enjoyed gothic architecture.

olthoff

Hey, what do you know. Me too.
Gothic churches are the most beautiful.

marla

Oh, agreed, agreed.

olthoff

...I expected just about anything out of this venture, but...
To find I have something in common with you? Not that.

I... think I'll be on my way, now.

marla

See you around.
Don't hesitate to come speak to me if you have the time.
Believe it or not, I do get so lonely.

olthoff

I-I suppose I'll consider it.

Chapter 22 Morgan & Sigune

morgan

Er... Hello! Woohoo! Down here!

sigune

...Who in the world are you?

morgan

I am Morgan. Knight of Etruria!
...Well, I used to be, at least. Now I'm just a guy.
I fight for these people. Same as you.

sigune

Right. Well, consider me charmed.
Now, can I be on my way?

morgan

A-Ah, if you wish, but uh... I wanted to ask you something.

sigune

I'm listening.

morgan

...Do you think what we are doing... is right?

sigune

Huh. Not the question I was expecting.
You say you're an Etrurian.
In my experience, Etrurians are a bunch of corrupt snakes.

morgan

Yeah... I was like that, myself.
I played along with Lord Arcardo's schemes.
I kept watch over the people that were captured.
Before they were sent to the mines, where they'd work to the death...

sigune

And now you're questioning right and wrong?
What an odd chap you are.

morgan

...There's no question. It was wrong. I see that now.
I didn't work with the resistance for long.
But I did have time to see how much better they were.
Those were people worthy of the title of knight.
Not me...

sigune

That's very cute, but what's the point of telling me this?
It's over. The Western Isles burned, like half of Elibe.
King Zephiel saw to it. And he doesn't look like he'll stop soon.

morgan

I know... There's nothing I can do to redeem myself.
All I want now is to fight for a better tomorrow.

sigune

Fancy way of going about it.
Bern's tomorrow is anything but "better."

morgan

...I am not strong enough to resist. I wish I were...
But just like in the Isles, the people will not relent.
A resistance will rise up against Bern. You'll see.
When the time comes, if they will have me...

sigune

...Very interesting. Hmm...
I can see why you chose to tell me all this.
You could tell, couldn't you? That I, too... have regrets.

morgan

W-Well... At least, I hoped so.

sigune

It's tempting to think about, at least.
Stay alive till the time comes, will you, Morgan?

morgan

It's a promise! You be safe as well.

sigune

...What a unique feeling this is.
Is this what they call hope?

Ein & Idunn

idunn

Ein...

ein

Creator. Orders?

idunn

...No, I...
Ein, do you... How do you feel about all this?
About what we're making you do?

ein

......

idunn

No, what am I saying... You can't feel.
I can't feel, either. I shouldn't feel...
So why do I feel? What has... happened to me?

ein

......
Burn?

idunn

...Yes. Burn them.
We have to retake this castle, for His Highness.
We must fulfill His Highness's dream...

ein

Dream.

idunn

...Huh. Come to think of it, war dragons do sleep.
Do you have dreams, Ein? Is your mind capable of that?

ein

......
Flowers. Everywhere.
...Burn.

idunn

That's... not a dream. That's a nightmare...

ein

Every night.

idunn

......
What... What am I doing? Why am I doing this?
Why am I forcing beings like you to... to...

ein

Burn.

idunn

Yes... It's not...
It's not right? What is right?
I'm trying so hard... Yet I cannot understand...

ein

...Face.

idunn

Hmm?

ein

Hood. Burn.
Face.

idunn

What are you trying to... Oh... I think I get it... Hold on...

(Idunn lets down her hood.)

idunn

You... wanted to see my face? Is that it?

ein

......

(Ein steps towards her.)

ein

Flower.

idunn

Eh?

ein

......

idunn

......
I created you, and yet I cannot comprehend you.
I... I truly am a demon, am I...

ein

...Burn.

idunn

......

(Idunn draws her hood again.)

idunn

Come, Ein. Let's rejoin the battle...

(Idunn leaves.)

ein

...Flower.
Protect.

Perez & Murdock

murdock

This is it, Perez. The final battle.
Whatever happens after, this battle will conclude the war.

perez

Indeed, General.

murdock

I trust you are faring well?
Has that injury healed properly?

perez

Come now, General. How many years has it been?
20 years? 30 years?

murdock

...33 long years.

perez

And in all that time, have I ever taken a sick day?
A vacation? Anything of the sort?

murdock

Hmm... I suppose not.
(smiles) My apologies, Perez. I should not have underestimated you.

perez

(smiles) No need to apologize, General.
I am flattered that you worry for me.
(serious) I'm not getting any younger, I know that.
It's only natural Galle should've replaced me as your right hand...

murdock

(serious) I rely on Galle a lot, 'tis true.
There are things only a wyvern rider can do in a timely manner.
But the fact that you are still here speaks highly of your ability, Perez.
You have been my lieutenant since the beginning of my career.

perez

Haha... Ah, the memories.
I was a hotheaded whelp back in the day...

murdock

Dedicated is the word I would use.
I could hardly keep up with your swordsmanship when we sparred.
And when your strength waned, you immediately took up the elder arts.
You have allowed neither age nor wound to slow you down.
I must say, you have ever been a secret inspiration for me.

perez

(smiles) Hohoho! You keep talking like that, and I may start aging backwards!
Ah, but the feeling is mutual, I assure you.
(serious) From the onset, you were every bit the brilliant, level man you are today.
It did not surprise me you were named Wyvern General so soon.
You are the youngest to be named Wyvern General, is that not so?

murdock

Not quite anymore. Galle has beaten me there.

perez

Sir Galle is also a highly capable man, but...
With all due respect, he's only filling Narcian's vacant seat.
He would not have risen to the position quite so fast otherwise.
You did because you were Bern's greatest, from the very start.

murdock

(smiles) Hah... I hardly deserve the praise.

Thank you for your undying loyalty and support, Perez.
Remind me to treat you to a drink when this war ends.

perez

(smiles) Oh, no, it has to be my treat, General!
But, either way, it would be my honor.

In the name of Bern!

murdock

(frowns) Aye...

Grigas & Ruud

ruud

Bern Keep... I never expected I'd return here.
Much less to invade it in King Zephiel's name...

grigas

And I never expected to see you again, Ruud.
Much less fighting on our side, your hands unbound.

ruud

Hmm?
Oh... It's you, Grigas.
I should've known you'd be here, among Zephiel's elites.

grigas

I've been here since Etruria!

ruud

Yes, and I'd appreciate if you'd respect my efforts to avoid you.

grigas

Contemptible vermin! How can you show your face here?!
You deserted Bern! You have no right to set foot in here!
How did you get the king to pardon you, you worm?

ruud

He didn't recognize me.
I named a price for my services, and he paid it.
So here I am.

grigas

I find that hard to believe.

ruud

Suit yourself.

Say, it's true I'm not surprised to see you here, but...
I am surprised to see you alone. Where's the 11th regiment?

grigas

......

...The king court-martialed everybody.
They were too slow to reach the action back in Etruria.
He named them all traitors and had them executed.
I only live because I hurried ahead on my lonesome.

ruud

Oh...
For what it's worth, I'm sorry, Grigas.

grigas

I don't want a deserter's pity.
I hate deserters above all else.

ruud

Right... Figures.
A bootlicker like you could never hold a grudge against his liege.
Not even for the massacre of his loyal men...
And you wonder why some of us choose to escape.

grigas

Don't give me that "holier-than- thou" act, Ruud.
You ran because you were too greedy to be satisfied with your salary.

ruud

Ah, got me there, old buddy.
But hey, look at me. At least my life isn't sad and pathetic.
I have money, I have freedom... Life as a mercenary is good.

grigas

...Hmph.

ruud

Nothing to say to that? No proud remarks?
Hah... I truly do pity you, Grigas. You prideful soldiers are pathetic.

(Ruud leaves.)

grigas

......

Lamia & Daniela

lamia

(smiles) Hey there.

daniela

(smiles) Hey yourself! What can lil' old me do for you?

lamia

Oh, a whole lot, potentially.

daniela

Ohoho, sounds ominous! Go on, don't leave me in suspense.

lamia

I have been observing you for a time, you see.

daniela

I noticed.
Was wondering when you'd muster the courage to talk.
You really shouldn't have been so shy!

lamia

Some call you mad. I like to err on the side of caution.

daniela

Mmmm... So what is your conclusion from all your... "observing?"

lamia

They're completely right. You are mad.
But it's my kind of madness. I like what I see in you.

daniela

Hohoho... You're the one they call the Infernal, right?
Oh, that's precious.

lamia

So, on to business.
After this battle is done, my contract with Bern will be over.
My band's shrunk a tad since I joined up, however...
Need to bolster my numbers with some skilled warrioresses.

daniela

And you think I'd be a good fit for your little group of girlfriends?

lamia

Mmhmm. What say you, Daniela?
You'd get to draw lots of blood, and get paid for it!
Not a bad deal, don't you think?

daniela

My, so many offers... I am quite solicited!
Oh, but to you, I'm afraid I have to say no.

lamia

(frowns) Oh?

daniela

I really don't care for money much. I enjoy my freedom.
Go where I want, fight who I want. That is all I require.
Mercenary work's not for me.

lamia

That's it, huh? Disappointing...
Oh well. If you ever change your mind, do find me.

daniela

I'll find you, all right.
You're such a skilled swordswoman...
A fight with you and your band would be such a thrill!
Oh yes, yes! I'll remember your face, Infernal!
Make sure you recruit lots of pals for me to butcher, okay?
Hahaha... Hahahahahahahahahahahaa!

(Daniela leaves.)

lamia

Hmm... Perhaps I overestimated her sanity just a tad.
That one's an uncontrollable force of nature.
Might be for the best she refused...

Chapter 23 Olthoff & Galle

galle

...Everyone... Everyone I ever loved...
They're all gone... I have nobody left...
W-What have I done...?!

olthoff

General Galle... I would extend my sympathies.

galle

Sympathy...? I deserve no such thing!
I am a loathsome coward. How can I live on?
I betrayed the ones I loved... I chose my worthless duty!
If only I'd had the courage... If only I had fought with them...
They might've survived... They might still be...!

olthoff

You speak of treason.
With your actions, you avoided an early death and a shallow grave.
Is that not worth celebrating?

galle

Fie! A shallow grave would've been better than I deserve...

olthoff

...Hmph... Cease your wallowing!

(Galle balks.)

galle

What?!

olthoff

I would not follow an order if I knew it would lead to my death.
It's as simple as not doing what you're told, General.
I should not have to explain something so simple to you.

galle

You... You would disobey orders for your loved ones?
Throw away honor and loyalty both, Father Olthoff?

olthoff

Pah, loyalty. Honor. Who cares about that drivel?
Those concepts are only manipulation tactics.
To keep gullible fools like you nice and complying.

galle

...I...

olthoff

Do you know why I fell back in line with the king?
It's because I expected he would win.
If that wasn't the case, I would have slipped away.
But the world was always going to become his.
The only question is, will I still be on it when it does?
My answer is affirmative. What is yours?

galle

......
...I'm not certain.

olthoff

Hmm...
Come to think of it... Who ARE my loved ones?
I've always just looked out for myself...
...W-Will anybody mourn me, when I'm gone...?

Blast! You're making ME depressed!
I'm leaving. Do not follow me. I need brighter company...

(Olthoff leaves.)

galle

...U...Urgh...

Marla & Damas

damas

Baaah... There ain't no treasure out here!
And that temple looks like a poor people place!
There ain't gonna be riches for ol' Damas today...

(Damas huffs.)

So why am I even here?!

marla

(smiles) My, my... Such a cantankerous little boy...
Little, very little... Among all the boys in our big family,
you might just be the littlest. How adorable!

damas

Oi! I don't like how yer eyein' me!
Don't like the look on my face, do ya?

marla

Hee... Would you like to find out?

damas

...E-Er...
(Whoa, this gal's pretty scary, now that I'm getting a good look at her...)
(L-Look at those dead, hollow eyes...! Oh my goodness, what have I done?!)
(...Dammit, how did I manage to do this to myself AGAIN?!)

marla

Aww, you look so afraid. Tee hee...
I'm not going to do you harm. You're not worth the effort.
Not enough meat on the bones...

damas

Wha-- Hey! Look at these bulgin' muscles!
I got plenty of meat!

marla

Oh, I don't mean your flesh... I'm talking about your soul.
Don't feel bad, though. I still think you're adorable.
But that obsession with riches... Greed is so unsightly.

damas

Yeah, well... I'll be glad to become rich in yer place, then!
I'm a simple guy. Ya gimme riches, ya make me happy.

marla

I once fretted so over material wealth.
But I've since found a higher calling...

damas

Higher callin'? I ain't frettin' 'bout nothing!
I just focus on fillin' da belly and makin' the pockets sound nice!
Y'know that real nice jingle coins make in a purse? Cling cling?
That's the sound of life, mate.

marla

Mm... Indeed you are simple, my child.
Ah, well. I grow bored of your company now.
I must find new children to tuck into bed...
He hungers.

(Marla leaves.)

damas

...Pffffffft...

(Damas lets out the tension he's been holding.)

Uuuuuuuuooooooooohh!! Ahh, man!
I thought she'd never leave... Ahah... Ah, I... hahaha...!
Oh, brother. What an absolute creepshow.
I-I think I may've stained my pants... Lesse... uhh...
(smiles) Hah! Nope! Good as new! Good going, me!
(frowns) Damn, though. She looks like a demon from the depths...
She really ought to do somethin' 'bout that.
She should get a hairdo like mine. Don't I look so dashin'.
Yes you do, Damas, ya handsome devil. Yes you do...
Hwahahahahahaha!

Acheron & Arcado

acheron

...I must slip away before we wrap things up here...
It will be risky, but if I wait any longer...

arcado

Don't mumble your thoughts. They will hear you.
They have ears everywhere. Especially around the likes of us.

acheron

Oh, Lord Arcardo. Well met.

arcado

Well met to you as well.
If you are going to escape, I suggest you do it after this battle ends.
Slip away while they're busy in the sanctuary...

acheron

Be that it were so easy. But as you said, they have ears everywhere.
And eyes. It seems like there's always someone staring at me!
It's like they fear I'll defect!

arcado

And they are wise to do so, considering you were just thinking about it.

acheron

W-Well, that's beside the point!
We are nobles! We deserve better than this deplorable treatment!
They treat us worse than some of the mercenary scum!

arcado

We aren't as strong, nor as experienced in combat as them.
Nobility is irrelevant here. Just ask the former General Narcian.

acheron

Right, well... Leaving that aside.
I'm sure you have similar intentions to mine...

arcado

Me? No, I'm staying put.
An old horse like this could never outrun a squadron atop wyverns.
I'm sure that's why they haven't given me a faster steed.
So, I will remain, and see if I can stay alive by serving loyally.

acheron

There was a time you would've scoffed at the idea of bending the knee like this.

arcado

Those days are long past. Everything is lost now.
All I can do is focus on keeping my heart beating.
No matter how low I may have to fall to ensure it.

acheron

Hmph... Well, I for one believe Bern won't get away with this.
You saw the state of their capital.
Even among his own citizens, King Zephiel loses popularity.
And murdering his peace-seeking sister? That won't go down well.
Unrest brews in the horizon, even now.
There will be opportunies there, for those bold enough to chase them...

arcado

Then in case we don't see each other again...
Allow me to wish you good luck, Lord Acheron.

acheron

Thank you, Lord Arcardo.
I shall take my leave. I cannot afford to be distracted now...

(Acheron leaves.)

arcado

...if anyone could weasel his way out of this mess unscathed...
It might just be you, Weathervane.

Catalena & Mary

mary

Hey... You're the one called Catalena, right?

catalena

That's me. A humble servant of the Goddess.

mary

Yes... That's what I wanted to talk about.
Your faith... I'm interested in it.

catalena

(smiles) That's wonderful! Not enough people are, these days.

mary

Yes, well... I've gone through some bad times.
Terrible times. I've lost so much... so many people.
Each day, I feel... less and less reason to go on.
I hate everyone. I hate everything.
Please... Tell me I can find salvation in your faith.

catalena

(serious) Of course! St. Elimine is the answer to all questions.
You see, all those people... They don't matter.

(Mary balks.)

mary

W-What?! How dare you!

catalena

Hush. Listen to me.
Those people do not matter. None of us do. I don't, either.
Humans are like specs of dirt to be tread upon.
By the Goddess's divine feet...

mary

......
All right, I'm regretting this already. I'll just be on my--

catalena

The Goddess is supreme, omniscient and all-encompasing.
We live our lives in expectance of Her eternal mercy.
That we may be allowed a small part of Her providence...
Thus, it is not your lot to concern yourself with the lives of others.
All that matters is the Goddess and her hallowed kingdom.

mary

So the sacrifices of mortals are just nothing to you?
My brother, my love, my parents... I shouldn't care that they're gone?

catalena

You claim you've lost a lot. Well, how about this.
I watched my mother burn alive at the stake.
I watched my father's head roll down a flight of stairs.
I watched my brother be torn apart by beasts.
I watched my infant sister get--

mary

Hold! H-Hold it! Stop!
No more! Please, say no more... No more!

catalena

...It did not matter to me. None of it, not in the slightest.
I also feel no regret for the lives I have taken.
They were all meant by the Goddess to die.
All you do is ordained by Her. Simply focus on that, and serve Her.

mary

...I see...

catalena

(smiles) I am glad to have made you see the light, friend.
We'll talk more about the Goddess when opportunity allows!
Oh, it's so exciting to have a fellow believer among this rabble!

(Catalena leaves.)

mary

...Yes, I see, all right.
I see that, perhaps...
King Zephiel is not wrong.

Morgan & Mieu

morgan

Uh, hello! The little girl! Here!

mieu

...Don't try anything.
You know what will happen if you do something bad to me...
He's watching.

morgan

N-No, no! That's not what I... Er... Ahem!
Listen, I'm Morgan. I'm a knight of--

mieu

You're the Warden of the Isles...
You're a really, really bad man! Lot told me!

morgan

...Yes. It's true.
I-I was a really, really bad man... No better way to put it.

mieu

...Was?

morgan

I know my word is worth less than nothing.
All the same, I have to try.
The war's almost over now... This might be my last chance.

mieu

Your last chance to do what...?

morgan

To pledge my undying loyalty... To you.

(Mieu balks.)

mieu

What?!

morgan

You will fight back against Bern, right?
You'll need allies. Nobody wins a war alone.
I... I would like to fight them, too.
Alone, I am nothing but a useless dastard...
But perhaps I could be of some small use to you.

mieu

...I don't know what you're talking about.

morgan

Afraid I'm going to run to the king and tattle if you admit it?
Of course. The Warden of the Isles is not to be trusted...

Then I offer all I have left to give.

(Morgan kneels.)

mieu

Why are you... kneeling...?

morgan

You are from the Western Isles... You know all I've done.
You know how the Islanders suffered because of me.
For my crimes, I should have died... But I made it.
I offer you the chance to right that wrong!
I offer my life to you!

mieu

You're... asking me to kill you?!

morgan

I refuse to continue escaping my sins.
Either kill me here, and let justice be served at last...
Or recruit me, and let me atone by fighting in the service of good.

mieu

......

morgan

I only beg that you do not leave without choosing.
Whatever your decision, my life belongs to you now.

(Mieu hugs him, making Morgan sputter.)

morgan

Wha-- You're hugging me?! Why would you hug me...?!

mieu

You aren't bad anymore. You've changed...
That's enough for me.

(Mieu pulls back.)

mieu

(smiles) It'd make me really happy if you'd come with me!
We can't go now, they'd definitely stop us, but...
When this battle is over... Sir Morgan...

(Morgan jumps.)

morgan

(smiles) Yes... At last, a cause truly worth fighting for...
I will fight until I have not a drop of blood left in me!

mieu

No... Until King Zephiel can't hurt anyone ever again!

morgan

Aye!

Chapter 24 Lim & Trimier

lim

You are not of this realm.

trimier

And you... You are not human.

lim

That's right. I am a construct.
My body, mind and soul. Created for one purpose.

Not many could have known from a glance.
Tell me. Whence do you hail?

trimier

From a far, far away place...
Brought here by forces beyond our ken.
An army doomed to remain incomplete...
I was to bolster its numbers to completion.
I am the final piece in the puzzle of gods.

lim

...You defy even my comprehension.
I was created to be perfect in all things.
Yet my mind is limited, if I cannot understand...
I am compelled to be the one to unravel your riddle.
What is your name?

trimier

Though I never spoke my name, they know...
They gleaned my true nature, read into my capabilities.
I was not meant for greatness. But then...
None of us in this army were. This... This is all wrong...

lim

My creator would have been fascinated by you.
I am not capable of such emotion. I should not be.
Yet... I find myself enthralled.
But then, I should not know what that word means.
Maybe I am only hoping this is what it feels to be alive.

trimier

I beg your forgiveness.
One speaks through my lips and tongue, with my voice.
One much too pompous for his own good.
Be that I were given simpler speech to herald.
Alas... Mystery is my true name.
A mystery of the sagas... Unsolved evermore.

lim

......