Emotions will be displayed as: text {emotion}
(*) in script will indicate writer's notes.
Note: // Dusk Garden, // Sovereign Two, and // Sui isn't meant to be said, it is just to make it clear who says the line.
Note: // dialogue taking up one line is the Soldier's / Player's dialogue (Left in for more context)
Note: This script is from the beta so there might be some weird things going on and there might be changes to the dialogue in the future.
Sui here is more impulsive and wants to save/do anything she can urgently. This is after her brother and Syndra's deaths. She has some parts where she will reflect/reminisce.
Espren Tourist is a tourist that is caught in a situation where they can't find lodging due to not being prepared.
Hyloch Citizen is a citizen of a higher district so they can sound more condescending towards those that seem lower then them.
Newspaper Merchant sells newspaper and should be able to sound more discreet when trying to hint at something but other than those moments should just be clueless and not suspicious.
Clothes Merchant sells clothes and starts getting slightly irritated but still remains professional.
Receptionist should sound very professional/formal.
Waiter is more friendly/energetic and should be very welcoming towards their customers.
Bleeding Rose is the only one that cares about making some change as a resistance but keeps getting shut down/interrupted.
Dusk Garden acts like a facilitator they don't really add too much to the conversation but love hearing the gossip/drama the other members bring up
Wilted Camellia is dismissive towards Bleeding Rose and often interrupts her. More interested in gossip/drama.
Thorn Blade is very excited to talk about news/gossip/drama and brings this information into the conversation.
Crimson Dagger loves talking about gossip and drama.
Violent Heather is more dismissive/self important. They bring some information to the conversation but are planning to publish it in the news.
Sovereign Majin here mostly is bragging about himself and his accomplishments. Of course he should still have his usual personality of being arrogant, condescending, etc.
Sovereign Two here in terms of emotions is mostly story telling and explaining things.
Highlands Constable should be able to sound urgent yet commanding. They only have one line here
Rex here is out of prison which has given her some bad experiences. She mostly is frustrated/angry that they tried to carry out this plan that led Syndra and Mora to get killed and them being imprisoned. 
Zeph here is out of prison and has experiences with the prison that affected him more than Rex. He is still able to joke a little and is concerned for Sui.
Sovereign Taism here is mostly furious with the player/soldier who kept Aledar's death from him.
Her Majesty here mostly explains further from her perspective what Sovereign Two talks about with more reflecting/slightly seething tone.

Sui: ...Hyloch. Ha, the... the tourists really weren't lying when they kept saying it was a work of art. {in awe}
Sui: It must be nice, living here... being able to ignore everything going on everywhere else... {slightly bitter}
Sui: Soldier, we need to find that... that so-called "number one" Sovereign! If we can do that, then... ha, then we can save Rex and Zeph. {urgent, hopeful}
// We can't just rush this.
Sui: Why not?! You're the one who wanted to- to rush into Deraj and free everyone without even stopping to think about it! {defensive, angry}
Sui: So why can't I?! The longer we wait, the more chances there are for s-something to happen!! We need to go already! {desperate}
Sui: ...we don't have time to argue. {tense}
// We need a plan first!
Sui: Yeah, I have one. Find the Sovereign. Free Rex and Zeph. And get out of there! {impatient, blunt}
Sui: I'll... f-fill in the details as we go. I will! We just need to go already! {determined}
// Where will we bring them?
Sui: ... I don't know. {quiet}
Sui: I guess... the Canopy? We can bring them to the Canopy! That... that works... {unsure}
Sui: ... {thinking}
Sui: Okay, fine, maybe you're right! Just... ugh!! We have to do something! {frustrated, conceding, anxious}
// Do you know where they are?
Sui: Um... n-no, I guess not. But- but we can find someone who does, and- and force the information out of them! {hesitant}
Sui: We can do that. Captain Fuhue, she... told me about some of her methods! I just... need to find someone who... knows... {uneasy/explaining}
// And you're just going to fight Majin?
Sui: If- if that's what it takes!! We were able to k-kill Gikyo, weren't we? {desperate}
Sui: Even if it was hard... and Majin is... probably stronger... {quiet}
// Okay. Let's go then.
Sui: Good. Okay! To start with, we... {relieved}
Sui: We just have to... um... {uncertain}
// Let's get clothes to blend in.
Sui: ...right. That's... smart. Word's probably spread from, um, Fort Hegea, hasn't it...? We'll need to blend in better. {agreeing}
Sui: And... we don't know how long it'll be until we... find the information we need. So... a place to stay, too? {thinking, cautious}
Sui: Okay. Find new clothes, and find a place to stay. That's a plan. We can do that. {determined}
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Espren Tourist: Oh... darn it... {muttering}
Espren Tourist: I should have thought about where I'd be staying... I've never taken a train before, so all my thinking went towards making sure that went well! {flustered}
Espren Tourist: And now all the hotels except the Crown Jewel are fully booked! Will I... will I have to sleep on the street? {worried, anxious}
Espren Tourist: Oh, what am I going to do...? {helpless}
// Well.... I wish you good luck!
Espren Tourist: ...short on emeralds too, are you? Maybe we can share a comfy bush together! Ha... {awkward}
// Offer to pay 2LE
Espren Tourist: Oh, thank you, thank you! The Queen herself must have sent you my way! {overjoyed, dramatic/grateful}
Espren Tourist: Oh, I'll remember you forever! You've truly made this festival the best one yet! {excited, emotional}
Espren Tourist: I can't wait to tell my old folk all about it! How the Queen had blessed me with this miracle... {rambling}
Sui: But, it wasn't the Queen that... oh, nevermind. {correcting, giving up, slightly annoyed}
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Hyloch Citizen: Praise be to her Majesty. {calm}
Hyloch Citizen: How might I help you this fine day? {polite}
// How are you?
Hyloch Citizen: As fine as one may be! Thank you for your inquiry. {polite}
Hyloch Citizen: I have been graciously afforded an hour off from my work, so I have chosen to take the time and... smell the roses. To admire the beauty of our city. {content}
// It's my first time here, any tips?
Hyloch Citizen: Ah... tourists from the lower districts, I take it? A fine use of your travel allotments. {mild/condescending, polite}
Hyloch Citizen: You will want to visit the bustling market on the west side, it would be a shame to miss it! {helpful, upbeat}
Hyloch Citizen: And if you wish to leave the bounds of the city, I have heard one may find tour guides which will bring you to see the mountains! {informing, polite}
// We're looking for some hip new fashion.
Hyloch Citizen: Yes, Hyloch is known for its high fashion, isn't it? I'm certain you've heard about it... wherever you come from. {proud, slightly condecending}
Hyloch Citizen: The famous House Til has placed a pop-up clothes shop to the north, if you're interested. {informing, helpful}
// Goodbye.
Hyloch Citizen: I wish you the best on your stay! Praise be to her Majesty! {cheerful}
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Hyloch Citizen: Ah... tourists. {neutral, slightly dismissive}
Hyloch Citizen: Looking for something? {direct, slightly/impatient}
// You from around here?
Hyloch Citizen: Indeed, I am. I was raised here in Hyloch. {calm}
Hyloch Citizen: Though, in truth... I've never really left. I'm planning on enlisting in the military once I've completed my provincial tour. {reflecting}
Hyloch Citizen: I've been saving up for years for a round-trip ticket throughout the province... I'd like to see all of the less-fortunate regions firsthand. {earnest}
Hyloch Citizen: I'm leaving just after the festival. Exciting, isn't it? {hopeful}
// Are there any hotels nearby?
Hyloch Citizen: Hotels... hm. I know of several, though most have probably filled entirely for the upcoming festival. {thinking}
Hyloch Citizen: There is a fancy hotel north of the bank... The Crown Jewel, I believe? It's probably far too expensive for you, however. {casual}
// What should we check out?
Hyloch Citizen: A fine question. I'm not too certain, honestly... growing up here has made me overlook things. {reflecting}
Hyloch Citizen: I know tourists typically travel here to look at all our mansions and castles, though. Perhaps you'd be interested? {neutral}
// Goodbye.
Hyloch Citizen: Enjoy your stay. {polite}
Newspaper Merchant: Hello, hello! Care to buy any of our fine papers? Perhaps a magazine is up your alley today- quite the juicy bits of gossip I've heard. {energetic}
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Clothes Merchant: Heya! Tourists? {cheerful, casual, welcoming}
Sui: Something like that. {guarded, dismissive}
// We need some clothes.
Clothes Merchant: Well, it seems you're in luck! Considering this is a pop-up clothes stall, and all. {upbeat}
Clothes Merchant: I'm here representing House Til today. The new fashionable spring line has almost sold out, so shop now if you're interested! {energetic}
Sui: Um... is this the fashion around here? {unsure}
Clothes Merchant: Oh, yes. People from all across the province come to shop at these pop-up events. {proud, confident}
Clothes Merchant: House Til is known for incorporating the designs from peacock feathers into their most extravagant garments! {excited}
Clothes Merchant: They come in a wide variety of available colours- all from the district's local dye production! {informing, enthusiastic}
Sui: We don't need anything fancy. Just... show us the cheapest stuff you have, okay? {blunt, tense}
Clothes Merchant: My goodness! You must know fashion does not come cheap, miss! Please, allow me to recommend- {slightly offended}
Sui: No. Just let us buy the cheapest stuff you have. {firm}
Clothes Merchant: Uh huh... well, alright. If you insist... {begrudging/relenting}
Clothes Merchant: Here, the cheapest I have available. In total, that will cost you... 32 . {flat}
// I... don't have that.
Clothes Merchant: Well! As I said, fashion is not cheap! {snappy, irritated}
Clothes Merchant: Ah, you're back. As I said, the clothes will cost you 32 . {impatient}
// Alright, we'll pay.
Clothes Merchant: Very well. Here you are. Now, please leave, your attitude is not good for business! {cold, offended/dismissive}
Sui: Okay... that's the clothes. Now we just... need a place to, um, stay. A hotel, maybe... {tired, uncertain}
Clothes Merchant: Ah... Listen, I still need to sell all of my stock, or I won't receive my bonus! {stressed}
Clothes Merchant: So, unless you're interested in buying more clothes... please, leave. {annoyed}
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Receptionist: Why, hello and welcome to the Crown Jewel! How may I assist you? {warm, professional}
Sui: We're looking for a room. {slightly nervous}
Receptionist: Well, do you have a booking? {neutral}
Sui: Um... n-no. But- {hesitant}
Receptionist: Hm I see. In that case, allow me to quickly check our listings... {composed}
Receptionist: Aha! You're in luck! It seems we have a spare double room available! But that may not last long- let me tell you, they are selling fast! {bright}
// We need a bigger room.
Receptionist: A... bigger room? You're certain? From where I stand, I only see the two of you, and- {confused}
Sui: We're... going to have friends with us. They just... haven't, um, arrived yet. {awkward}
Receptionist: I see. I see. That certainly complicates things... {polite}
// We're expecting company.
Receptionist: Company? Well, whatever sort? If you're just looking to socialize, the double room should serve your purposes well en- {helpful}
Sui: No, they'll... be staying with us. {quiet, firm}
Receptionist: Mmn. Yes, that would certainly put a damper on things. Hm... {thinking}
Receptionist: Well. I suppose we do also have the luxury suite available. Though, it's quite the hefty price... {slightly hesitant}
Sui: We- we'll take it. I'll pay. {determined}
Receptionist: You're certain? Apologies if I am making assumptions here, but you do not seem the sort who would have- {slightly judging, hesitant}
Sui: Yes. I am. Here. {sharp, defensive}
Receptionist: ...huh. Well, everything seems in order then. Here are your keys, madame. {surprised, professional}
Sui: ...thanks. {quiet}
Sui: Soldier, I'm... going up to the room. {}
// You don't want to look around?
Sui: No. We're... not here for pleasure, soldier. We're here to... to... to save our friends. {strained}
Sui: ...you can, um, take a look around though. If- if you want. Just... don't take too long. {soft, slightly conflicted}
// Let's get some food or drink.
Sui: I'm, um... not hungry. And I'm, ha, definitely not in the mood for a drink. {uneasy}
Sui: We're in... room 5, apparently. I'll... leave the door open for you. {quiet, tired}
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Receptionist: Ah! What can I do for you today? {cheerful, professional}
// Any tourist recommendations?
Receptionist: The Highlands are known for their very scenic walks and hikes! I would recommend walking around the lakes or hiking up to the mountains. {informing, upbeat}
Receptionist: Hyloch is also known for their very rich alcohol culture. We brew a lot of different beverages that can be enjoyed at our local taverns. {proud}
// Do you host any events here?
Receptionist: We are not hosting any particular events at this moment because of the upcoming festival. {apologetic, formal}
Receptionist: Usually, we host game nights and quizzes in our bar! {friendly}
// I want to make a complaint.
Receptionist: Oh, are things not up to your standard? {concerned}
Receptionist: What have you experienced issues with? {attentive}
// The beds are uncomfortable.
Receptionist: I apologise for that! We will send in a cleaner later to fluff em up for ya! {reassuring}
Receptionist: Thank you for your feedback. {polite}
// The room is dirty.
Receptionist: Oh I will let our cleaners know to do a better job. {apologetic}
// It is too expensive.
Receptionist: Unfortunately there is nothing we can do to help with that. {apologetic/polite}
// Bye!
Receptionist: Let me know if there's anything I can do to make your stay better! {warm, professional}
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Sui: ...oh, you're here. Are you done looking around? {slightly distant}
Sui: So, um. I've been... planning our next steps. Finding a place to stay was... a good idea, I guess. You were right. I shouldn't... rush into it. {hesitant, reluctant}
Sui: But this is a good place to regroup once we... once we get Rex and Zeph back. We should, ha, act as early as possible, though. {slightly urgent}
// What if we're too late?
Sui: Stop that. You k-keep doing that, acting as if... a-as if the worst is inevitable! It's not helpful! {reprimanding, defensive}
// Just being realistic.
Sui: Well... don't!! I know already, I know they might be gone, but I- I can't think like that. I can't. I have to believe they're still... fighting!! {desperate, emotional}
// Are you doing alright?
Sui: What do you think?! NO, I'm not doing alright!! But I have to do something about it, or... or... I'll shatter. {lashing out, emotional}
Sui: ...um. Anyway, we should... l-look around the town. To try and figure out where they're being held. If we can figure that out, then... {shaky}
Sui: We should start right away. Come on. {urgent}
// We should rest first.
Sui: I can't, I can't, I can't. If I stop for... for even a second, I'll... I'll shatter. I have to keep moving. I have to. {panic, anxious}
// Okay. What do we do?
Sui: Look around the town, I guess... try and figure out where that Sovereign is keeping them. If we can figure that out, then... we can save them. {uncertain, slightly hopeful}
Sui: You can... stay here and rest if you, um, need to. But I'm going to search the city for clues. By myself if... if I have to. {determined}
// I'll come with you.
Sui: ...okay. Thank you. Let's go. {slight relief}
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Sui: Hm..... {focused/thinking}
// Admiring the city?
Sui: ...what? No, I'm looking at a wall. What do you think I was looking at? {irritated, defensive}
// What's wrong?
Sui: This... this wind chime. Look at it. {intent}
Sui: These wind chimes. They're... a symbol of resistance in the Auburn Forest. S... um, Syndra told us about them. {recalling/slightly solemn}
Sui: The wind represents... freedom, and free will. But I wouldn't have expected the chimes to have made it all the way here...? {intrigued}
Sui: Could... could this mean what I think it does? {hopeful}
Sui: I was right... I was right! It's a symbol of resistance, th-that means Hyloch must have its own resistance!! {excited}
Sui: We... we need to seek them out, soldier! {urgent}
// Shh!
Sui: ...oh. Right. Um, sorry. I just... got excited. {embarrassed}
// I think the whole city heard you.
Sui: ...oh. Oops. Let's um, hope I wasn't too loud... {awkward}
Sui: A-anyway. I think there's... an inscription on the wind chime. {quiet/explaining}
Sui: "The winds of change blow from the west, crashing waves of truth unto our shores." {reading/focused}
Sui: ...that must be where the resistance is! Let's- let's find them! {excited/hopeful}
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Sui: ...oh. There... doesn't seem to be a resistance here. Just another wind chime. {disappointed}
Sui: Does this one also have something written on it? {curious}
Sui: "Rooted deep atop the house of wealth and greed, the branches hear the whispers on the breeze." {reading/focused}
Newspaper Merchant: Hello, hello! Care to buy any of our fine papers? Perhaps a magazine is up your alley today- quite the juicy bits of gossip I've heard. {lively}
Sui: What? Soldier, what are you doing? That's not... {confused, slightly frustrated}
Sui: ...um. We're very interested in your... um, your wind chimes. {awkward}
Newspaper Merchant: Windchimes? I'm sorry? I haven't the foggiest idea what you mean. I've certainly heard of them down in the Auburn Forest, but here? What an odd thing to say. {slightly amused, dismissive/confused}
Newspaper Merchant: But still, perhaps I can get you a paper. Out of curiosity... where might you two be from? I don't think I've seen you around here before! {curious/probing}
// The train station.
Newspaper Merchant: Haha, oh dear. I asked where you were from, not the way you got here. So, let's try that one again! Where are you two from? {friendly}
// The Mistwoods, actually.
Newspaper Merchant: Ah, yes, and I found a gold bar in my mailbox today! Haha, you'll have to try harder to pull one over on me like that- no one's lived in the Mistwoods for ages! Now, be serious! I was genuine in asking. {joking}
// I... spawned in. From nothing.
Newspaper Merchant: So too we all do- from nothing but milk and love, as I've heard it's said, but if we were to talk about the origins of the universe we'd be here all night. So, where are you really from? {friendly, probing}
// Where regions meet...
Newspaper Merchant: Ahaaa, I see! So you're looking for the people who seek the truth. A noble endeavour, certainly. {approving}
Sui: We'd, um, love to meet some more of these... truth... seekers...? {careful, uncertain}
Newspaper Merchant: There's many a like-minded individual if you know where to look. So allow me to catch your eye with the Aelumia Times! It's the best way to keep up with current events. {implying}
Newspaper Merchant: Column 9 will often print the phrase of the day. Read up, and pay close attention! Things will kick off here at midnight. {hinting}
Newspaper Merchant: I wish you two good luck on your endeavours. May we unearth the truth long buried and bring forth change. {sincere}
Sui: Th-thank you. Um... may we unearth the truth long buried and bring forth change! {awkward}
Newspaper Merchant: May we unearth the truth long buried and bring forth change. Never forget that. {serious}
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Sui: Finally! Finally, finally, something good is happening! {relief}
Sui: I didn't even think there'd be a resistance in Hyloch... it just seems so... idyllic, here. Like... um, like they don't really have... issues. {slightly uneasy}
Sui: But... I guess we don't know what life is like here... um, either way, if they're a resistance, they have to have intel. {slightly hopeful}
Sui: Here, hand me that newspaper. Okay... Column 9... looks like today's phrase of the day is... "No such thing as a green Squirmle Pot?" {focused}
Sui: Weird. But... I guess nobody's going to guess it! {slightly amused}
Sui: Okay. Okay... th-this is happening! Majin Thalas, "number one" Sovereign, we're coming for you... {determined}
Sui: I'm... feeling a lot better now. Um... what should we do now, then? While we... wait for midnight. {cautious/optimistic}
// Let's get some rest.
Sui: I... I guess I could use a nap... {reluctant, admitting}
Sui: Okay. I'll meet you in our room. {soft}
Sui: Um... before we go to sleep... Is there anything you want to talk about? {hesitant}
// How's your magic?
Sui: ...it's weird. It feels like the ocean is... raging. Thundering storms and crashing waves, and... and still, it doesn't feel like it's at risk of drowning me? {unsettled}
Sui: Like... like I could take as much as I want and it wouldn't change a thing. And, ha, it scares me, a little. It's so... different, to how it was before, but... {uneasy}
Sui: ...it feels right. Like this is how it always was supposed to be, and I just... didn't realize. {focused/explaining}
// What'll you do when it's all over?
Sui: Once it's... over...? I... I hadn't... let myself think about that... {caught off guard}
Sui: I, um. I actually... had a dream last night. But, ha, it was- it was just that. Just a dream. {soft, bittersweet}
// What was it about?
Sui: All of us... Rex, Zeph, the- the Roughworks boys... um, Mora, a-and Syndra... we were all laughing and, and having a good time at the Auburn Festival. {warm, nostalgic}
Sui: We ate good food... Yuman played music, while Rex and Zeph were b-bickering... Yusanu and Mora were t-talking about his latest invention, and... {gentle, reminiscing}
Sui: ...and we were all happy. {longing}
Sui: When I... when I woke up, I- ha, I was c-crying. I- I know, I know! It's... stupid. It's stupid. {slightly embarrassed, emotional}
// Tell me about Mora.
*Dialogue not added yet.*
// Tell me about Syndra.
Sui: ...it's, um, hard to pick out one moment. She's been like a mother to me ever since I was... 15 years old. {sincere}
Sui: M-maybe the first time I really met her. After I discovered my... my gift, I thought my life was over. {recalling}
Sui: I- I was cursed! And I knew what h-happened to the cursed. Taken away, never to be seen again... or, or killed outright. I had nowhere to go. {fearful}
Sui: I, um... I'd seen Syndra around before. I... I knew she talked to Mora, before he... l-left our family. So... I, ha, I guess I thought... maybe she'd help me too. {hesitant, hopeful}
Sui: A-and she did! She wasn't scared, she didn't report me. She just... embraced me in a hug and welcome me to her home. {emotional, grateful}
Sui: She, um, reunited me with Mora again. After... f-five long years alone. She... she saved me, and now... and now she's... {emotional}
Sui: ...I never got to tell her how much she meant to me. {regret}
// She knew.
Sui: I... I hope you're right. {soft, uncertain}
// I'm ready to sleep.
Sui: ...okay. {quiet}
Sui: Urgh... Soldier, wake up. It's time to get to work. {groggy, urgent}
Sui: It's almost midnight, soldier. We should get back to the newspaper merchant for the meeting. {determined}
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// Let's grab some food.
Sui: Yes... um, thinking about it now, I guess I am kind of starving... {realizing}
Sui: I remember seeing a restaurant earlier! Follow me. {normal}
Sui: Oh... this is quite cozy, actually. It... it, ha, doesn't really... compare to the Red Fox... but it works. {hesitant}
Sui: Maybe it's... better that it, isn't the same. I'm not sure I could... {slightly emotional}
Waiter: Hello, hello! Welcome to the Peacock Inn! What can I get started for you this evening? {bright, welcoming}
Waiter: Today's special dishes are fish tacos, fish miso soup, and yak curry! All locally sourced from our lovely Highlands, naturally. {enthusiastic}
Sui: Um... I'll take the tacos, please. {polite}
Waiter: Coming right up! It'll just be a few minutes. {friendly}
Sui: ...it's nice here, isn't it? I hadn't... really let myself notice that before. I can see why people talk about the Highlands so much... {soft, reflecting}
Sui: I'm... ugh. I'm still so angry. At... everything! The crown, the sovereigns, the... the people of Hyloch, too!! For... for still living their lives, even... even when it feels like the world's ended. {frustrated}
Sui: ...but we have some hope. F-finally. Rex and Zeph... there's still a chance. There's still a chance we'll get to see them again. {hopeful}
Sui: And... is it weird that I kind of miss the Canopy, too? Even though they were... annoying, and overbearing, and- and kind of... scary? {conflicted, honest}
Sui: ...and Yusanu. I hope he's alright. I- I, ha, I really hope he can free his family too. I... I, um, don't want him to lose anyone either. {concerned, empathetic}
Sui: ...I hope he doesn't hate me. After what I said to him. {guilt}
Sui: Um... while we wait. Is there anything you want to talk about? {gentle}
// Let's just wait.
Sui: ...okay. That's fine with me. {accepting}
Waiter: And here we are with your orders! Your fish tacos, young lady - sturgeon head packed with tangy cabbage, tossed in rice vinegar, crispy seaweed, and punchy umami sauce. {explaining/cheerful}
Waiter: And another order of fish tacos for you! Please, enjoy! {friendly/cheerful}
Waiter: And for you, the Bubble Heckel Miso Soup! A hearty broth simmered with today's catch and miso paste that ties all the flavours together! Enjoy! {explaining/cheerful}
Waiter: And for you, the Yak Potato Curry! A rich, aromatic dish seasoned with wild heather. Tender yak meat and new potatoes! You're in for a treat! {explaining/cheerful}
Sui: Um... so this is a taco...? {curious}
Sui: I, I guess I don't know what I expected, but... um. Not this. {awkward, slightly amused}
Sui: Well. Let's dig in! {optimistic}
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Sui: Soldier, before we head in. Let's just... observe, a-and not ask too many questions. {cautious/slightly nervous}
Newspaper Merchant: Ah, terribly sorry! We're just closing out for the day- was on my way out the door. Oh- did you find the paper to be enlightening? {polite}
Sui: No such thing as a green Squirmle Pot. {careful, testing}
Newspaper Merchant: Good, good! Glad to hear you're interested in cutting through the weeds, hearing the stories that matter. {approving}
Newspaper Merchant: The meeting will be shortly starting- take the stairs behind me, and head downwards. {discreet}
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Resistance Member: That ought to be all of us. Let's begin, everyone! // Dusk Garden {upbeat}
Resistance Member: We have some new members joining us today. Please welcome them to our society, The Blossom of Blades. // Dusk Garden {announcing}
Resistance Member: Now, Bleeding Rose. You were so excited to start us off earlier. You've been so quiet normally- how about you share first today? // Dusk Garden {encouraging}
Bleeding Rose: ...thank you, Dusk Garden. I...I think this is pretty alarming, actually... Comparing the prices day to day, bread suddenly spiked. 10% more than just a week ago, with no word of warning. {nervous, concerned}
Bleeding Rose: I'm not sure what we can...really do about that, but shouldn't we...y-y'know... ... ...do... ...something...? {hesitant}
Dusk Garden: Ugh, again? It isn't an unlivable increase yet, but the poorer among us will definitely be feeling that. Thank you for speaking up, now it's someone else's turn. {dismissive, slightly annoyed}
Bleeding Rose: ... ...but... We... {discouraged}
Sui: Psst. What the hell is going on here? {confused, frustrated}
Wilted Camellia: -the next time, Rose. {dismissive}
Thorn Blade: Oh, oh! The news from Timasca!! It's- well, I don't know if it's a disaster, or a good thing, really! {excited}
Crimson Dagger: Well, I barely had time to read the Aelumia Times to get the passcode. Fill me in, would you? {curious, casual}
Thorn Blade: This wasn't in the Aelumia Times... Anonymous sources have stated that Sovereign Soosu defied Her Majesty, openly!! {gossiping}
Resistance Members: *dramatic gasps* {over the top}
Crimson Dagger: What- What do you mean?! Defied, like...went off-script during a speech, or- {confused/invested}
Thorn Blade: She allowed terrorists to escape! At least three of them, according to my sources! Word is, too, that... That she was... Executed!! {dramatic}
Bleeding Rose: I- You guys! A Sovereign went against the Queen! What...what do you think that means, for us? What do you think we should do? If she can do something that big- {urgent, desperate}
Dusk Garden: And get executed for it?! Then who would do the work we do? Soosu has always been a bit of a loose cannon anyways. It isn't that surprising. {dismissive}
Bleeding Rose: But she... ...I... ... ...we could- {struggling}
Violent Heather: In other news! Sovereign Majin was supposedly seen with an unknown man this Saturday. They were out on a walk, but we all know what that really means. {gossiping}
Wilted Camellia: -up for you next time, Rose- Ah. That- I heard that was just a new servant. Nothing too important. {dismissive}
Violent Heather: Well, I'll be publishing it in the Majin Monthly anyways. Maybe I could spin a scandal out of this one! ...probably not, but you never know. {flippant, slightly amused}
Sui: Um... I actually had a question about Sovereign Majin. {careful}
Violent Heather: Oh, absolutely! I keep tabs on him, so you could consider me an expert on all things Majin, uh...miss...what was your code name again? {eager}
Sui: Oh, my... code... name... um. Right. It's- Water Grass. That's my name. {awkward}
Violent Heather: ...alright. That... That doesn't follow our naming scheme perfectly but- You know, whatever. What's your question? {slightly skeptical}
"Water Grass": I... um, I heard a rumor that he'd picked up some prisoners from the Mistwoods. // Sui {careful, probing}
Violent Heather: Ah! You spoiled my juicy scoop for tomorrow's edition! Yes, the rumour is true. {excited}
Violent Heather: Supposedly, he took these prisoners to his castle in the east. There is, according to other rumour, a dungeon underneath it. It'd make sense- why wouldn't a dictator have a dungeon for dissidents? {casual}
"Water Grass": R-really? What else do you know? // Sui {eager, slightly desperate}
Violent Heather: That there were specifically two prisoners, and, to bring it back around to Thorn Blade's news, that they're part of the Timasca Terrorists! Because of that, the guard around House Thalas is particularly tight recently. {informing, slightly dramatic}
Violent Heather: Incidentally, I was planning on selling this piece to the Aelumia Times. So, don't any of you go writing in before me. {warning}
Wilted Camellia: Well, ah, I heard one of them was that runaway House Athassa girl! Remember the tabloids a few years ago? It was a whole scandal. {excited}
Dusk Garden: Goodness, Boundless Cherry's sister? I hadn't realized she was involved! Tsk, what a shame that reason doesn't run in the family. {judging, dismissive}
Bleeding Rose: What does it matter?! You never shut up about the "one that got away," and- and there's so much more important to b- {frustrated}
Dusk Garden: I do not! Crimson Dagger, please, back me up- {defensive, annoyed}
Bleeding Rose: What are we going to DO?! We just- I came here because I thought together we- {desperate/slightly angry/frustrated}
Wilted Camellia: Ah! Ah ah!! Did you guys hear that we aren't getting any freebies this festival? This is absolutely appalling. {mocking, casual}
Wilted Camellia: Next time, Rose! Hush!! {slightly irritated, dismissive}
"Water Grass": ...shoot! Me and... um, Shadow Bush... forgot to turn off the stove! We'll, um, see you guys at the next meeting! May we reveal secrets buried and bring change! // Sui {panicked, urgent}
Dusk Garden: Uhm- it's "May we unearth the truth long buried and bring forth change..." People never get it right- {mildly annoyed}
Bleeding Rose: She's going to do something! I, I know she's going to- I have to- Guys, can't you see th- {panicked, urgent}
Crimson Dagger: You don't know that! And if you try and convince her to, we won't be having you here anymore! Enough about this, do you have any kind of plan? {firm}
Bleeding Rose: Every time I try and think of one, I get shut down! I know I don't have much, but...but, if we work toge- {frustrated, pleading}
Dusk Garden: Enough of that already, Bleeding Rose! We can't reveal the secrets of the monarchy if we're imprisoned! And don't even try to say "what secrets?" This is big news!! {irritated, dismissive}
Dusk Garden: ...seems like they're occupied. You should follow Sui and see what's going on. {normal} *Does Dusk Garden actually say this or is this the player's thoughts*
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Sui: I... wanted to stay for the whole meeting. But after that, I... I couldn't. {disappointed}
Sui: We know where they are. We know where to find them! {positive, urgent}
// ...Shadow bush?
Sui: I didn't realize all their names would be so... weird and edgy. I had to come up with something! Just be glad it wasn't something worse, okay? {defensive, slightly embarrassed}
// Our stove is on?
Sui: Look. I had to think on the spot, okay! I just needed a way out. {frustrated, defensive}
Sui: ...was that really it? That's the resistance group around here...? {disbelief}
Sui: All they're doing is... is... is sitting around, gossiping about trivial problems! Like... like it's the end of the world! {frustrated}
Sui: An increase in bread prices...? No freebies from the festival...? Who cares?! People are... p-people are dying!! {emotional}
Sui: And... and the one person who was trying to do something kept... k-kept getting shut down... ugh! Why did I think something could f-finally go right... {bitter, defeated}
Sui: Whatever. At least their gossip got us some useful leads... we- we know for sure where Rex and Zeph are! {slightly hopeful}
Sui: So... let's head to the castle, and- and take back our friends. {determined}
Sui: Violent Heather mentioned, um, a dungeon. That's probably where they're being kept... I- I can get them. {explaining}
Sui: But... if we just go in, then... there'll probably be too many guards to take out. We need a distraction. {thinking}
Sui: Could you... draw their attention at the front gates? I, um, I know you're strong enough for it, so... could you do that? {careful, inquiring}
// Of course.
Sui: A-alright. Good. Good, good, good. Come on, let's save our friends! {relieved, determined}
// I'd rather not...
Sui: Well... well, too bad. I need you to do it anyway. Come on. {sharp, determined}
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Sui: Come on, let's save our friends! {urgent}
Sui: ...so this is it. House Thalas. {slightly in awe}
Sui: Oh, what I'd give to just... just... stick him full of spikes... ugh, but I can't. {angry}
Sui: I'll... search for them in the dungeons while you, um, cause a distraction. {explaining}
Sui: However you... um, do that. Storm the castle, or... or whatever. Just... stay safe. {slightly concerned}
Sui: We'll meet back at the Crown Jewel once we're done. If... if either of us don't make it, then... {slight dread}
Sui: ...then I guess it's over. {quiet}
Sui: Are... are you ready? {nervous}
// Not yet.
Sui: Okay. Y-yeah. Just... um, hurry back here once you are. {anxious, tense}
// Let's do this!
Sui: Okay... okay. L-let's get them back! {determined}
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Sovereign Majin: Oh my, but if it isn't the province's most wanted criminal, striding forth into my House entirely of your own volition! Her predictions are as accurate as ever, it would seem. {amused, condescending}
Sovereign Majin: Quite a foolish thing to do, if you ask me... though I do suppose you have proven yourself something of a wild card these past weeks! {mocking}
// You were expecting me?
Sovereign Majin: But of course! We do hold the leverage here... you must have come in search of your dear imprisoned friends, haven't you? {smug, mocking}
Sovereign Majin: What a simple lure... but effective, evidently! It has drawn you in, right where we want you. {satisfied}
// I'm here for my friends.
Sovereign Majin: Oh, really! My my, I would have never guessed - to think, holding them captive might draw you in! What an astonishing revelation. {sarcastic, mocking}
Sovereign Majin: They are here, certainly. But you will not be seeing them. There are greater plans in motion, it would seem! {cold}
// Are you here to fight?
Sovereign Majin: Fight you?! And ruin my decor? Ha! Ahahahaha! Goodness, no, of course not. If I were, you would already be dead. {laughing, arrogant}
Sovereign Majin: Perhaps at some later date I might be more amenable to wiping the floor with you! But I'm afraid we have business to attend to. {threatening, dismissive}
Sovereign Majin: Oh, take that dour look off your face. Perhaps if all goes well, we might be willing to discuss returning those friends of yours! I certainly have no need to keep them. {mocking}
Sovereign Majin: I mean, really, what use could I actually have had for those two? Waste my efforts pulling information out of them that I already know? {dismissive, belittling}
Sovereign Majin: It was pathetic, honestly. The two of them, sitting in front of me, sniveling like little babies... {cruel/condescending}
Sovereign Majin: "Spare me, great Sovereign! Spare me, great Sovereign!" {mocking/taunting}
Sovereign Majin: As if that would save them! Ha! Hahahahahaha! {cruel/laughing}
Sovereign Majin: Oh, but what does it matter? They are not important, but you... it would seem Her Majesty has taken interest in you, heavens know why. {dismissive, intrigued}
Sovereign Majin: But before that, seeing as you are a guest of honour here in House Thalas... allow me to lead you on a tour of the castle! {slight mocking, performative}
Sovereign Majin: You should feel honoured. Receiving such a personalized tour is quite an uncommon occurrence around here! Do feel free to write about it in your memoirs... if you ever get the chance. {playful threat, confident}
// I'm... leaving.
Sovereign Majin: Oh no, dear guest, I'm afraid you are not. You do not have a choice in the matter, in fact! {confident}
// Uh... no, thank you.
Sovereign Majin: Oh, but I rather do insist! You've come this far, haven't you? And you're a guest of the House- it would be quite rude for you to decline. {mock polite}
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Sovereign Majin: So come along, now. There's much to see, much to do! And we wouldn't want to keep her waiting, would we? {cheerful}
// Her?
Sovereign Majin: Oh, did I forget to mention? There's someone who would like to meet you! Our Spymaster has finally returned from abroad, and she has much to say to you. {playful}
Sovereign Majin: Now. To begin with, to your left you'll see my personal library! {enthusiastic}
Sovereign Majin: I've amassed quite a large collection, you see. Numerous books written by famous writers from all over the province! Some of my personal work is also featured here. {proud, bragging}
Sovereign Majin: And straight ahead, we'll reach my secret, not-so-secret, tower of magical tomes and scrolls. {amused}
Sovereign Majin: Over the years, I've acquired much... hm, shall we say, "forbidden" literature of that variety. The Cursed simply will not stop trying, no matter how foolish the act! {condescending, dismissive}
Sovereign Majin: I'd say I have mastered... ah, about half of the spells and rituals featured here? It depends on your definitions- goodness knows the psionics have it rough. {casual}
// Magic?
Sovereign Majin: Oh, good grief, don't play dumb. I know full well that you understand the term. You all out there in Wynn make great use of it, or so I've been told. {slightly irritated}
Sovereign Majin: It truly is a wonder you manage to get anything done out there! Where is the control, the coordination?! No, I much prefer how we handle things here in Fruma, thank you. {judging}
Sovereign Majin: In the end, magic is but another way to obtain power over the weak... is it not natural to seek it out oneself, in order to achieve greatness? {philosophical}
Sovereign Majin: I don't suppose you would understand. You don't seem the type to have ever reached such heights. Regardless, let us press onward! {belittling/dismissive}
// Psionics?
Sovereign Majin: Yes, the Psionics... old history, that is. Sometime during the RA years, I believe? They had been mistaken for the cursed, and were exterminated by the crown for it. {casual}
Sovereign Majin: A mistake, if you ask me! Psionic abilities certainly should not be considered the same as magic, they're quite different in how they manifest... but alas, it is what it is. {detached, analytical}
// So... you were cursed?
Sovereign Majin: Cursed?! Ha! Oh, no no no, I was not "cursed". I believe you and I both understand the meaninglessness of that terminology, hm? {laughing, dismissive}
Sovereign Majin: Curses, blessings... a means of controlling the public. A rather useful one, at that - though I never did follow the rules. {cynical}
Sovereign Majin: Hm... I shall leave you to peruse my collections for the time being. The tour shall continue at the top of these stairs! Don't take too long, would you? {casual}
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Sovereign Majin: Ah... this before you is my planetarium. Quite the marvel, don't you think? On my journey in developing my magical prowess, I developed quite the interest in the cosmos. {proud}
Sovereign Majin: It was this very room in which I discovered the comet which would be named after me! Majin's Comet... this year will be the third time I see its purple shine fly through the night sky. {boastful, prideful}
Sovereign Majin: In truth, it fascinates me... the power and mystery lying dormant behind each and every star, just waiting to be tapped into! {in awe}
Sovereign Majin: Well, I suppose it wasn't much of a surprise when that was the shape Her Majesty's blessing took on, once I received it on ascension. {casual}
// Why are you telling me this?
Sovereign Majin: As I said before, it's quite uncommon for me to personally give a tour of the castle. I take the opportunity to speak on my many accomplishments whenever I can! {arrogant}
Sovereign Majin: Ah, the Sovereigns' blessings... they truly are an assorted bunch. Each taking on a distinct shape based on the person receiving it. {explaining/analytical}
Sovereign Majin: I wonder, what could yours have looked like? Anything would be more interesting than that of your friend's... oh yes, "Intention." How passive, how boring. {mocking, dismissive}
Sovereign Majin: But I suppose it's just as well, given his... shall we say, transience. Quite the mission he's signed himself up for! What a relief that I have no need to concern myself with it. {condescending}
// You sure like to talk...
Sovereign Majin: Oh, and you mean to tell me that if you had a voice like mine, you wouldn't do the very same? Ha! Perhaps someday, you'll understand. {playful/arrogant}
Sovereign Majin: ...oh, yes, this here is my hobby tower! I had it constructed - what was it, 30 years ago? - in order to store all my various projects. I'm a man of many interests, you see. {casual/prideful}
Sovereign Majin: As of late, I've been experimenting with gardening, of all things. Incredibly boring, mind you - a word of advice? Don't bother. It is not worth your time. {dismissive}
Sovereign Majin: Ah... a better view than this is hard to come by. The Highlands, in all their glory! Who needs the Auburn Forest when you have this! {indulgent, admiration}
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Sovereign Majin: But we've arrived. Greetings, Spymaster. {casual}
???: Sovereign Majin. And the soldier. I've been expecting you. // Sovereign Two {calm, cold}
???: It's been a while since we've met face to face, hasn't it? And you've been busy. // Sovereign Two {observant}
???: So in the end you made the choice to search for your answers... bold, I'll admit. You've caused quite the disruption thus far. // Sovereign Two {analytical, slightly amused}
// Who are you, really?
???: I am the Second, the Spymaster. You may call me Two. // Sovereign Two {simple}
Sovereign Two: You've quite the set of accomplishments, it turns out. Careless work by our inquisitors, perhaps, that we did not know beforehand... with some exceptions, granted. {calm}
Sovereign Two: To think, the Shade was struck blind by your hand! At no small cost, of course... but a shattered soul means little in the wider stage. {clinical}
Sovereign Two: Had we known, would you have been given greater consideration? Perhaps. Or perhaps not. Each flaw remains as damning as before. {cold, judgmental}
Sovereign Majin: Oh, get to the point, would you? I have more important things to attend to than this frivolous attempt at information gathering. {mildly annoyed, dismissive}
Sovereign Two: Very well. I shall digress. {unbothered}
Sovereign Two: Of all your accomplishments, of all your history, of each point along your storied trail, there is but one we cannot see. A place we cannot go. {slow, deliberate}
Sovereign Two: You and the Light's Scion entered the Realm of Light. At a time pinpointed to have transpired during your stay within, the spread of Gavel's Decay abruptly ceased. {observational}
Sovereign Two: You would later return to your numerous adventures, not a sign of ever having traversed the realms at all. She has not been seen since. {observational, slightly ominous}
Sovereign Two: I do not expect you to share this information freely. That is why we are here. To make an... exchange, of sorts. {calm}
// Why do you care?
Sovereign Majin: I should rather like to know the same thing myself! The way I see it, it hardly impacts the wider scope of your schemes. {sarcastic/curious}
Sovereign Two: I do like to be meticulous. Each additional defined variable helps with the accuracy of my predictions. {formal}
Sovereign Two: Regardless - the request comes directly from Her Majesty. It appears she is just as interested in the answer as I am. {quiet}
// How do you know all this?
Sovereign Majin: My goodness, what a question! How does the Spymaster know these things? What a conundrum - perhaps the title should clue you in? {mocking/amused}
Sovereign Two: There is little I do not keep track of in this world. Mostly, my inquisitors work to collect information beyond our gates... {calm, explaining}
Sovereign Two: Though, in special circumstances, I have been known to do so myself. Such as the one we find ourselves in now. {implying, slightly ominous}
// Why is this a blind spot?
Sovereign Two: Entry to their Claims is not such an easy task if uninvited. You've seen the portal that lies at the end of the Expanse, haven't you? Still active, yet... sealed shut. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: It seems the Shade did not take well to losing its Sight. An act of caution, blocking your access to its domain. The Light is much the same. {analytical, detached}
// ...
Sovereign Majin: Awestruck, are we? I do suppose such is the natural consequence of being in the vicinity of the crown's two strongest Sovereigns! {smug, confident}
Sovereign Majin: But I'm afraid we do need you to speak up, so do get over yourself, would you? {impatient, condescending}
Sovereign Two: And so, we return to the exchange. If you tell us what we wish to know, I will offer some valuable information in return. I trust it will be of interest to you. {calm/persuasive}
Sovereign Two: Well, do we have a deal? {direct, expectant}
// We do.
Sovereign Two: So tell me. What happened in the Realm of Light? What could we not see? {intent}
// Do I have a choice?
Sovereign Two: You always have a choice. But sometimes, there is a right and a wrong choice to make. The decision is yours. {calm, slightly threatening}
// Tell her.
// You tell her about entering the portal with Lari. About seeing the realm's connections severed, made smaller.
// You tell her about entering the portal with Lari. About seeing the realm's connections severed, made smaller.
// You tell her about remaking the connections. About the monoliths, deactivated with intent, their light fading.
// You tell her about crossing the bridge. About your encounter with the Scourge of Wynn. About his battle with Lari, from start to end.
// You tell her about fighting through the nexus. About the battle between Light and Dark ongoing within.
// You tell her about Orphion. About the Parasite latched on, eating through his radiance. About the struggle to remove it.
// You tell her how you finally killed it. How it fought, and fought, and fought, but could not take you down. How the Light was freed from the Shadows.
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Sovereign Two: How very interesting. To think, the Shade has enough trust in War's lost Scion to send him to defend its trump card... {intrigued}
Sovereign Majin: I had wondered when he might finally show his ugly face again. Heavens know we'd had enough of him already. {annoyed, dismissive}
Sovereign Two: And the Dawn is freed from the Dusk's assault... but its Scion is lost to the Dark's Claim... a step forward, and a step back alike. {reflecting}
Sovereign Majin: A step back, perhaps, but it could also be a boon in disguise. She could serve as a potential ally for your... whatever, if you could only locate her. {casual}
Sovereign Two: Certainly, she could. This will shift the trajectory of certain shards of possibility... I'll have to dive deeper into the consequences. {focused}
Sovereign Two: Regardless, this has been enlightening. Her Majesty will certainly be interested in these developments. {calm, satisfied}
// Why does she care about all this?
Sovereign Two: You refer to the War of the Realms, I presume? {normal}
// Fruma seems so... detached from it.
Sovereign Two: I suppose it must. Beyond the wider scope, why do we care? Wynn's corruption is at a safe distance, and both Light and Dark are far, far away. {explaining, slightly dismissive}
Sovereign Two: I can answer your question. But first, a tale. {normal}
Sovereign Two: Once, there were two twins orbiting one another, each laying claim to their own piece of the void they were given. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: The first was bright, radiant, overwhelming. The other was dark, shadowed, suffocating. Gazing through the abyss, they saw one another - each a mirror image of the other. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: The twins grew to hate each other. They built forms all their own, denying the truth of their reflections. They tried, and tried, and tried to break their bonds... {explaining}
Sovereign Two: ...but in the end, they could do naught but orbit - holding influence in their own right, but possessing nothing to exert it on. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: Until... they found it. A miraculous world, of magic and life, and all of a sudden, nothing became something. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: They took. They battled. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: And in so doing, they came to shatter the mirror which once held their reflections. A building pressure of light and dark and hate, until finally enough was enough... {explaining}
Sovereign Two: And from those uncountable shattered pieces of their battleground, War came to be. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: War, Chaos, Hate... call it what you will. It was lesser, holding less control over itself than the twins from which it was birthed. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: All it knew was the hatred of the twins, directed towards one another, never acknowledging the battlefield they had made. All it knew was the pain of being. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: Until, one day... it all stopped. The twins had lost their connection to their world of influence, and could no longer sustain their endless War. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: It was in that silence that War could finally sense beyond itself, could feel the world the twins had taken for granted, the beauty they had discarded in their race for victory. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: And so, when the connections emerged once more, it took its chance. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: It broke through the endless void, forcing its own connection unto the world, following in the twins' example. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: Finally, it saw the world beyond... sprawling plains, forests, seas. Saw towns, cities, farmlands- war, destruction, tainted by the human desperation to live. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: And it began to dream of that desperation itself. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: ...are you beginning to understand? {inquiring}
Sovereign Two: Her Majesty is War - was War. But it is no longer hers - instead, she has chosen to lay claim to this world's protection. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: And in the meanwhile, the twins continue to take and take and take. If left unchecked, they will take until there is nothing left to fight over. {explaining}
Sovereign Two: ... Will that do for your answer? {inquiring}
Sovereign Majin: You've a streak for the dramatic, don't you... Was that truly all necessary? We could have always laid it out simply- on that note, why even answer at all? {mildly annoyed}
Sovereign Two: I believe the context to be important. {calm}
Sovereign Majin: Of course you would... well then, are we finished here? Might we finally dismiss our little guest and return to important matters. {impatient}
Sovereign Two: I suppose we are. We may consider this interrogation adjourned. {formal}
// So I'm free to leave?
Sovereign Majin: Ah ah ah! Not so fast. Certainly, neither of us will deign to stop your escape... but the troops lying in wait will have no such reservations. {playful}
Sovereign Majin: Now, see yourself out, would you? You are dismissed. {mocking politeness}
Sovereign Two: I believe we'll meet once again very soon. {slightly ominous}
Sovereign Majin: ...oh, would you take your leave already? You're ruining the view. {annoyed, dismissive}
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Highlands Constable: There they are! Archers, fire at will! Shoot them down! {urgent, commanding}
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Rex: Soldier! {relieved, urgent}
Zeph: Y- you're s...safe. Th...thank goodness... {relieved}
// Are you two alright?
Zeph: ... {exhausted}
Rex: We're alive, so... better than nothing, huh? {tired}
// I'm glad you're safe.
Zeph: ...y- yeah. {weak}
Rex: Still kicking. Despite it all. {slightly joking}
Rex: ...yeah. Gods, I... I can't believe they're gone. {disbelief}
Zeph: S...Syndra, a- and Mora... and we, we c...couldn't do an- any- anything! {guilt}
Rex: Ugh, how stupid could we have been...? Of course they knew what we were planning. A group that big... {frustrated}
Rex: What was Syndra thinking? We should've called it off the minute we knew there would be another Sovereign... {angry}
Rex: What was so important to her that she'd risk all of our lives like that...? {bitter}
Sui: I don't... care. It- it doesn't matter now. She's... dead. We don't need to talk about this. {forced}
Zeph: ...S...Sui, h...how are you ho- holding up? It c- couldn't have b...been easy, on y- your own- {concerned}
Sui: I'm fine, Zeph. We've got you two back now, so... so everything's alright. It is. {insistent}
Rex: Are you sure? I don't think I've ever seen you this wound up before. {concerned, cautious}
Sui: Stop. Stop that. I'm fine, I am, everyone's safe who- who can be, so... so that's it. We can, um, start planning ahead!!! {snapping}
Sui: ...please stop looking at me like that. {quiet}
Rex: ...fine. When Zeph and I were caught at the festival, we were split up from the others. {reluctant, explaining}
Zeph: I- I o...overheard them t- talking about... a- about D...Deraj Prison. {explaining}
Sui: We, um, heard the same. Yusanu... he- might be working on it. I don't know for sure. We... parted ways in the Mistwoods. {explaining}
Rex: But he's safe? {concerned}
Sui: With the Canopy. They're... safe is maybe the wrong word. But, um, he's protected. So... I think he can do it. {uncertain/reassuring}
Zeph: ...s- so you th...think they'll be al- alright...? {hopeful}
Rex: We don't really have a choice but to trust that they will, since... we're up here, and they're not. {resigned}
Rex: So. So, so, so. I've had a lot of time to think while imprisoned. About the past, the present, the future, all of it. {coping, slight rambling}
Rex: I've come up with lots and lots of possible plans to take down the crown! To, uh, limited success... {trying to be positive}
Rex: Lots of pitfalls. There's so many ways things can go wrong. So, so many... {anxious}
Rex: ...I think I'll need to sort through them again, with... with our new information. And... and our losses. {heavy}
Sui: I- I'm going to, um, go out for... for a little. I, ha, I need some air, I think. {strained}
Rex: ... {silent}
Zeph: She's d...different, isn't sh- she? {worried}
Rex: She's definitely not taking Mora's loss well, that's for sure... soldier, how long has she been like this? {serious, concerned}
// She changed after Mora...
Zeph: SHE k...killed a S- Sovereign?! She d...didn't tell us that... {shocked}
Rex: ...does it have to do with the ice? She's been... kind of cagey about it. {thinking}
Zeph: H...her magic used t- to be so... s...so beautiful, so s- serene... {soft}
Zeph: A- and- and n...now it looks... d- dangerous. Lethal. {slightly concerned}
Zeph: The p...poet in me can't h- help but see it as a r...reflection of her n- new- newfound coldness... {saddened}
Rex: Sorry, say that again? The poet in you? What poet?! {incredulous/annoyed}
Zeph: I've ch...changed, Rex... th- there's a, pfft, a- a d...darkness inside me now... {dramatic}
Rex: Oh, get over yourself! I was there too, idiot! {dismissive}
Rex: ...oh, soldier, before I forget. When we got here, there was an envelope left for you on your bed. {informing}
Rex: I haven't read it, but... be careful, okay? {concerned}
Zeph: We c...can talk to Sui wh- when she gets back. {hopeful}
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Zeph: I- I- I st...still can't believe you're r...real. That we're... fr...free. {releif}
Zeph: ...what's up? {casual}
// Are you doing okay?
Zeph: I... I th- think so. It was b...bad, but it- it's o...over now. {reassuring}
Zeph: Seeing S...Sui back there was... i- in- incredible. It was like a m...miracle. It st...still feels... surreal. {slightly in awe}
// How was your time imprisoned?
Zeph: It's the w...worst thing I've ev- ever been th...through. {quiet}
Zeph: I- I- I d...don't want to, t...talk about it. I w- want to f- for- forget all the- th- the little details, and- A- AND- {solemn}
Zeph: I'm glad Gikyo's d...dead. They d- des- deserved it, a- and... worse. {resentful}
// Gonna get going,
Zeph: I'll s...see you later. {friendly}
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Rex: Sigh... I can't wait to sleep in a nice bed again. {exhausted}
Rex: ...what's on your mind? {casual}
// Are you doing okay?
Rex: What's with the stupid questions? No, dumbass, of course not. {defensive}
Rex: Being kept in a cage, it... it reminded me too much of living back home. {quiet}
Rex: And... now we're here! So. You know. {casual}
// How was your time imprisoned?
Rex: Oh, boy. If I'm being honest... time sort of blended together. {reflecting/detached}
Rex: They took my bow from me almost immediately. I... I couldn't focus on anything. It was like I was barely even there. I just... dreamt. {distant}
Rex: I dreamed of Auburn, of my brother, of my new family, of the people I've lost, of... of my bow. {soft, nostalgic}
Rex: I got used to it, eventually. Like losing a limb! It didn't stop feeling like a loss, but... I figured out how to live without my bow by my side. {resigned}
Rex: I think... I think I was the lucky one. I was never really present, so everything they did to us, it... it feels like a hazy memory of a dream. {uneasy, conflicted}
Rex: Zeph... he, uh, couldn't distance himself. But I won't speak for him. Ask him yourself, if you really want to. {careful}
// Thoughts on the Blossom of Blades?
Rex: Ugh. You met those idiots? They're just a glorified book club, honestly. {dismissive, annoyed}
Rex: Sure, they're not all bad, but for the most part... they're performative. {cynical}
Rex: I only heard about them through my brother, and he was always complaining. But I guess they were the only people he could find who agreed with him, so... {explaining}
Rex: Whatever. I'm glad you managed to get something out of them, at least. {normal}
// So, what're your plans?
Rex: They're all over the place! In some of them, we all storm the gates of the citadel and break through their defenses... {slightly frustrated/explaining}
Rex: ...in others, I get to put an arrow through the eyes of each and every Sovereign myself. {vengeful}
Rex: They're... mostly unusable. I just needed to do something with my head. I think there's probably something I can salvage, but for the most part... {explaining}
Rex: Eh. We've got time. Still another week until the festival, after all... {casual}
// Gonna get going.
Rex: Good luck. Come back to us alive, alright? We only just all reunited, it'd suck having to go save you instantly. {concerned}
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Sovereign Tasim: ... {silent}
Sovereign Tasim: Is it true? {quiet, tense}
// Is what true?
Sovereign Tasim: ...you should know. She told me. That mission. That damned mission, the one I- {struggling, angry}
Sovereign Tasim: So I'll ask you again. Is. It. True? {barely contained anger}
// It... is.
Sovereign Tasim: And you didn't SAY ANYTHING?! Not a word. {furious}
Sovereign Tasim: All this time, I've been wondering how he's doing, where he is- while you... you... you knew. And you chose to stay silent. {hurt, betrayed}
// I was trying to find the right time.
Sovereign Tasim: The right time. Of course. Of course! You just needed to find the right time to tell me you KILLED HIM!!! {bitter, furious}
Sovereign Tasim: So, now what?! Your "right time" has come and gone, and now we're here. {sarcastic, pained}
// It was... necessary. He-
Sovereign Tasim: I don't care what it was, soldier!! I don't care what you saw happen, or why you think it had to happen, I care that he's gone!!! {grief}
Sovereign Tasim: I don't have much, you know? A couple of acquaintances in Gavel, maybe. No one to really keep up with! {angry}
Sovereign Tasim: But I had him. And you TOOK HIM from me!!!! {accusing/furious}
Sovereign Tasim: He was all I had left, and you took him from me... {hollow}
Sovereign Tasim: Why you? Why did it have to be you? If only the roles had been reversed- If only he were here instead of YOU!!! {desperate, irrational/grieving}
Sovereign Tasim: He would have understood. He would have. He always did. He wouldn't have been so... so... STUBBORNLY, OVERWHELMINGLY, WRONG!!! {furious}
// But he's not here.
Sovereign Tasim: You're right!! You're right, he isn't - and WHOSE fault is that?! {furious}
Sovereign Tasim: It's not the crown's, no matter what you want to pin on them. It certainly isn't mine. So who does that leave?! WHO?! {accusing/furious}
// ...
Sovereign Tasim: ...yeah. That's right. No words. {cold, bitter}
Sovereign Tasim: Of course you have nothing to say. You always were a coward. {dismissive}
// Are you sure?
Sovereign Tasim: ...of course. Of course I am. What are you trying to suggest? {defensive}
// Maybe you didn't know him at all.
Sovereign Tasim: Don't you dare say that to my face. I didn't know him?! When you're the one who- who- {furious}
Sovereign Tasim: We're done here. Whatever... whatever we had- friendship, acquaintances- it doesn't matter. It's through. Get out of my sight. {seething}
Sovereign Tasim: ...before I change my mind and throw you off this dam myself. {threatening}
Sovereign Tasim: Goodbye, soldier. I hope you find your new friendships just as fulfilling as you found ours. {bitter, resentful}
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Sovereign Tasim: What... what is Fruma to you, if you don't mind me asking? If you're... you know. Why are you here, instead of there? {quiet/slightly curious}
Her Majesty: ... {thinking}
Her Majesty: There is little more I would like than to forget that... place, that cage entirely. {soft, distant}
Her Majesty: ...from the moment of conception, It was given nothing. It was Their hatred, Their disdain, Their battlefield, suddenly given the mind to think and form to feel. {detached/reflecting}
Her Majesty: ...and oh, how It grew to hate that cage, to hate those who had put It there to rot. {seething}
Her Majesty: Its only solace was found in glimpses of a world beyond. Mere specks reflected off the scattered shards of War. {quiet/reflecting}
Her Majesty: I took that cage and shattered Its bars. I freed myself from what It was made to be. {explaining/determined}
Her Majesty: This province... I have made it a home. It is everything I could have ever dreamed could be mine. It is... everything, to me. {soft}
Her Majesty: But now, I have something I could lose. Something to protect at any cost. I would give anything to ensure its safety... {quiet, determined}
Sovereign Tasim: I think I know the feeling. {understanding}