Intonations are written as {tone} at the end of each line. Do not read these aloud. Gestures (if any) are written as *gesture* at the end of each line. Do not read these aloud. The end of each line is also indicated with a double slash "//". Do not read aloud anything after the double slash. Writer's notes are indicated with *, think of these as open and close brackets. Do not read aloud anything within these writer's note brackets. Additionally, do not read aloud the name of the character, nor the line number indicator, nor any of this description. Character names and descriptions: Syndra is a female senior, she was once a loyal soldier to the crown and is now the leader of the resistance group the Leaves in the Wind. She is wise and cares a lot about the younger members of the Leaves, treating them as her children. She should sound more motherly and is willing to die for her children's safety. Mora is a male adult, he is Sui's brother and a member of the Leaves. He rarely gets upset or angry and should sound warm, using a lot of sounds in his dialogue. Rex is a young adult female who is part of the Leaves. She is an archer and tactician. She is a big sister type and is very analytical and cold sometimes. She doesn't let others influence her. Here she is more cold and closed off towards the soldier/player. Zeph is a young adult male who is part of the Leaves. He is very optimistic and trusting and is not nervous normally, he has a stutter. Sui is a young adult female who is part of the Leaves. She is usually shy/awkward and struggles to control her emotions and magic Xao is a male adult and is the representative of the sovereigns and works closely with Sovereign Zhiraok. Here he is talking to Zhiraok about the festival Sovereign Zhiraok is male adult, he frequently uses mathematical and calculating dialogue and hopes to restore his house's honor and reputation by proving himself worthy to Her Majesty. Kabo is a male adult, he runs the Mudkin game and explains to the soldier/player how it works. Zoo Keeper is a female adult, she is very passionate about her work. Food Merchant is a female adult and runs the food stand. Alcohol Merchant is a male adult and runs the alcohol stand and is constantly drunk. Tea Stand Merchant is a female adult and runs the tea stand. Her Majesty is a female adult, here she has one scene where she is giving an address/announcement to the people. Metal Merchant is a male adult and sells metals. He is very passionate about his work. Rex: ... Rex: Ugh. What do you want? I'm clearly busy. // Can we try and get along? Rex: ...what? Rex: No, just... leave me alone, okay? I don't want to talk to you. // ...fine. Mora: Hmm... Delivering mail from river settlement to Espren... Kaio... Check... Hmmm. Mora: Ah! Soldier, do you require my assistance? // What are you up to? Mora: Ah... You overheard me talking to myself, then. Hoh! Mora: I am just writing and filing some reports I had forgotten about. We are trying to keep better track of our activities throughout the forest, you see. Zeph: ... Zeph: Ah! You ca-caught- caught me off guard. How's your time in Auburn bee-been? // Is this your room? Zeph: Yup! I've s-s-stayed here the longest so I've ma-managed to gather quite the assortment of useful stuff. Rex w-w-would call it junk but... Zeph: An old friend a-actually helped me make this training dum-dummy. // What are you up to? Zeph: Gotta stay on t-top of my training! Especially with you here. Zeph: Besides, I wa-wa-want I want to be able to help when it matters. // I'll let you get back to it. Zeph: We should t-train together some day. Sui: ...oh. Um, hi. Sui: Did you... need help with anything? // Is this your room? Sui: Mhm! Me, Zeph, Rex, and Mora all, um, have rooms here. Oh, and Syndra, too. And Kaio lives nearby too... Sui: I've... been meaning to decorate some more. You know... make it more, um, homely. Sui: ...but life's been getting in the way, I suppose. // What're you up to? Sui: Um! I- d-don't, ha, judge me for this, but... I'm, um, writing in my diary. Sui: ...a-and before you ask! No!! You're, um, not allowed to read it. // I'll let you get back to it. Sui: ...thank you. I'll, um, see you later. Syndra: Soldier, it's good to see you. Have you been well? {Pleased, Friendly} Syndra: ...no one has recognized you in Espren, have they? {Worried} Syndra: Good, good. Be sure to tell me if it does happen, and we'll figure out what to do from there. {Relieved} Syndra: Anyway, since you're here, I'd like to follow up on our earlier discussion. About... magic. {Professional, Serious} Syndra: I would like for you to describe what you know of it, how you use it, and how most people in your province can wield it. {Serious, Explanatory} Syndra: I've informed the Leaves about our plans, and those interested will join us. Though, I will not force anyone to attend if they do not wish to. Are you ready? {Professional} Syndra: Alright, everyone! It's meeting time! {Raised voice} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Syndra: Hello, everyone. Hm... has anyone seen Sui? {Motherly, concerned, confused} Mora: She told me she did not feel particularly comfortable listening in on this discussion, so I did not push her further. {Direct, Compassionate} Syndra: I see. I think it would be good for her to hear this, though. Could someone fetch her for me? {Thoughtful, Serious} Rex: I can go find her, ma'am. {Professional, Eager} Syndra: Thank you, Rex. {Professional but motherly} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Syndra: It... isn't something you need to worry about. Not yet, at least. {Cautious} Syndra: Magic... or, rather, curses have a tendency to be associated with bad memories. {Drifting, Melancholic} Syndra: It's not my place to tell you why. Sui can share more if she wants to, later. {Dismissive} Syndra: Sui is... the exception. {Puzzled, Sharp} Syndra: I have my reasons for it. I believe it would be better for her to hear this now, rather than later. {Snappy, Determined} Rex: Here we are! So, could we get started already? Some of us actually have responsibilities. {Impatient, Fresh} Syndra: Seeing as everyone is here, yes, Rex, we may. Soldier, let us start with the basics. {Patient} Mora: Ah, yes, such as the cursed... the stories do tell of the original evil lurking within us. It would follow that it exists in all things. {Explaining} Syndra: Indeed. So soldier, how do you wield your magic? {Direct, Impatient} Mora: Similar to the blessed implements of the crown's commanders, yes? I remember hearing of this from the military recruiters. {Dismissive, Inquisitive} Rex: Don't those usually only have one specific blessing attached to them? I don't remember them being as... uh, flexible, I guess. {Confused} Syndra: You'd be correct, Rex, though the same principle applies. A blessed weapon is referred to as a "focus" by the crown. They allow the wielder to more easily access the blessing placed within. {Explaining} Syndra: Ah, I do have experience with this. We call it mana. Once one receives a blessing, it takes time to learn how to draw from your own source of mana. {Intense, Focused} Syndra: This is where foci come into play - they are crafted or forged from mana-dense materials, and so provide a more easily accessible source to power one's blessing. {Realizing} Rex: And, so... what? You think any of us could just... do it? That's hard to believe. {Dismissive, puzzled} Mora: Ha! If it were truly the case, would there not be many, many more cursed ones running around? I concur with Rex, it seems outlandish. {In disbelief, Surprised, Inquisitive} Zeph: I d- d- don't know... The soldier doesn't seem like they're l- ly- like they're lying. What- wh- what if it is true? {Puzzled, Uneasy} Syndra: It would explain certain aspects of the crown's response to cursed ones... {Retrospective} Sui: But... if you didn't receive a blessing, doesn't it still make you cursed? {Conflicted, Confused} Mora: Yes, precisely! My sister is correct. Any... "magic" not sourced from the crown is innately tainted, from my understanding. {Affirmatory, Dismissive in 2nd sentence} Rex: Yeah, curses, blessings - whatever. So, what, you think all of us could just... use "magic"? What would that even look like? {In disbelief, Curious} Rex: Ha. Right, sure. "Belief." So if I think hard enough, I can just start calling down lightning strikes? {Dismissive, Rude} Rex: Ugh. This was a waste of time. {Callous} Mora: Now, now, Rex. Don't be so hasty in writing it off entirely. You have seen with your own eyes what the soldier can do! {Inquisitive, In awe} Zeph: Belief... I- I- I can do that. {Self-assured} Rex: Oh, come on Zeph, really? You can't seriously- {Surprised, Annoyed} Syndra: We're getting off track. Soldier, what else is there? {Impatient, Frustrated} Zeph: So... s- so you don't even know what your m- ma- magic will look like? {Surprised} Syndra: Correct. There are aptitude tests which the crown uses before giving out blessings, but those only provide an idea of the general typing. {Affirming, Explaining} Syndra: As an example- I learned that I have an affinity for the fire element, but I didn't know what form that would take until I actually received my blessing. {Explaining} Zeph: Oh! S- s- so, what type of magic do you think I w- would- I would have? {Mildly confident} Rex: Something with wind, probably. You have that sort of... feel to you. Hey- we'll be the Leaves, and you can be the Wind! {Assuring, Supportive} Zeph: He- hey! That... oh, that would be c- c- cool, actually... {Hurt at first, then thinking, then satisfied/excited} Mora: If I may interrupt- thus far, you have spoken at length on casting through the use of a focus. {Impatient} Mora: However, the traditional "cursed one" mythos has the afflicted wielding such power without the use of any blessed artifacts. {Inquisitive, Thinking} Mora: Aha. Of course, then those must be the dangerous ones. {Eureka moment} Syndra: Uncommon, but still common enough to maintain the reputation the cursed have... It would make sense. {Supportive, Thinking} Syndra: Well, thank you for your time, soldier. I think we'll call it there. You're all dismissed. {Satisfied} Zeph: ...So what, is- is that it? We talk about th- th- theory for a while, and th- a- and then do nothing? {Hurt, Frustrated} Syndra: Zeph, even if the soldier's information is true, it doesn't mean it's immediately applicable. {Appeasing, Careful} Syndra: If I could be certain that experimenting with cur-... magic... would be safe, maybe there could be an opportunity here. As it stands... it's too risky. {Cautious, Uncertain} Zeph: R- ris- risky... maybe the reason we've been stuck is because we d- d- we don't take risks! {Fed up} Zeph: The per- perfect opportunity to be a- a- able to hold our own against the c- cr- crown, a- and- and we're gonna do n- no- nothing? Are you h- hear- hearing yourself? {Lashing out, Angry} Syndra: Zeph... {Worried, warning} Zeph: No, I- I'm gonna ta- take the chance. Even- e- even if no- nobody else will. Come- c- come on, soldier, let's go. {Confident, Angry} Syndra: Sigh. I suppose I should have expected something like this. Of all the children, he's the one with the most to prove... {Saddened, Understanding, Worried} Syndra: You may as well go with him, soldier. Maybe you'll be able to prove my worries wrong. {Calm, Uneasy} Mora: Hum... I suppose the pieces fit together, yet... {Thoughtful} Mora: Magic... Hoh! Mora: Never in my life did I expect to have my whole world view challenged, hoh! Mora: Admittedly, this information will take some time to process... Mora: I'll most likely seek you out later with some follow up questions. Kaio: ...well, Synny, don't suppose any of this changes your usual approach? Syndra: Sigh... You know it does, Kaio. If there's a possibility more of our members could wield... magic, then... Kaio: Then? Syndra: ... I don't know. I don't even know if it'll work, yet. Kaio: Mmn. I don't like it. Syndra: You don't like anything, Kaio. Kaio: Yes, well, I especially don't like this. Don't like the ideas you're gettin' all up there in your head. It's a risk. Syndra: Everything is a risk. But it doesn't matter yet. It'll depend on what Quill has to tell me during the festival. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zeph: I... I may have gotten a bit h- he- heated there... {Apologetic} Zeph: It's just... all so- s- so frustrating! So often, people are h- hur- hurt by the crown, and- and th- there's nothing we can do about it! If we had m- m- if we had m- magic, we'd be able to- to sta- stand up to them! {Sad, Angry, Rebellious} Zeph: But, they don't... eugh. What- wh- whatever. We can just- {Dismissive} Rex: Hey, wait up! {Shouting} Zeph: R- Rex? What are you- {Surprised} Rex: Well, I can't just let you go off and do this on your own. Even if I think it's stupid and reckless. {Encouraging, Proud} Rex: So, what's the plan? You didn't just run off without one, right? {Energetic, Infantilising} Zeph: Um... {Embarassed} Rex: Zeph. Come on. {Exhausted, impatient} Zeph: Hey! I know that I- I need a f- fo- focus, right? We just need to find some... s- some magical materials to ma- make it out of. Even if I- I- I don't know where to... look. {Rash, Confident, Then shaky} Rex: Sigh. Okay. Well, luckily for you, I know a spot. Remember that cave to the west of the festival grounds? Soldiers were swarming the place a week or two ago. Blocked it off 'cause of... cursed activity, or something. {Explaining, Careless} Zeph: And... y- you- you think there might be s- some- something there? {Intrigued} Rex: Yep! Why else would they prevent people from going there for so long? There's gotta be something. {Assured, Upbeat} Zeph: Okay. It's w- worth a shot... Thanks for the help, Rex. {Assured} Rex: Don't mention it. We'll just have to follow those blue flowers, they'll lead us right to the cave. I'll stand guard outside while you two search it. {Explaining} Zeph: Sounds g- good. Let's go! {Confident} Rex: ...Hm? What? I'm not here for you, just to be clear. {Dismissive} Rex: You should stop wasting time talking to me, and hurry up after Zeph already. {Dismissive} Rex: He's probably trying to compete with you to see who can get to the end fastest, and every second you spend here is not doing you any favors in beating him. {Gleeful} Rex: Heh. Not that you'd win anyway! {Teasing} Zeph: Hah! Too s- sl- slow! I guess I probably sh- should- should've warned you about the r- roly-bugs... {Confident, Apologetic} Zeph: If you're quiet en- enough, they usually don't bother you. I th- th- I think you even woke up the lea- leader of the colony! {Surprised} Zeph: Anyway... I think Rex was right. Lo- look at these crystals! If- if a- any- anything's magical, it's got to be them! {In awe} Zeph: Let's grab some and g- get- get out of here. We don't want to get c- cau- caught in a res- restricted area. {Worried} Zeph: I'll take one... M- may- maybe we should take some more? In ca- c- in case anyone else wants to- y- you know. Co- coming back here again later would be da- dangerous. {Cautious, Thinking} Rex: Took you long enough! So, who won the race? {Energetic} Zeph: You say that like you don't a- al- already know, Rex! {Confident} // I didn't know we were racing. Rex: Excuses, excuses. You should always have your guard up around Zeph. You never know when he'll strike with a surprise race. {Proud, Teasing} Zeph: Am I tha- that predictable? {Calm, Thoughtful} Rex: Uh... yeah? Obviously? {Sarcastic} Zeph: Well... it- it's fun! {Bitter, Playful} Rex: Sure, Zeph. Well, what'd you find? I haven't seen anybody out here, so I think we're in the clear to go if we're done here. {Warm, Cautious} Zeph: We fou- found some crystals growing at the end of the cave. They f- fe- feel magical to me, so... they should w- wor- work. Let's get going back. {Relieved, Concerned} Zeph: Let's get going back. I r- really hope these crystals w- wor- work. {Thoughtful} Rex: Come on. Just because we're in the clear now doesn't mean we can dilly-dally. Let's go. {Confident, Hasty} Mora: ...Ah! You return! I'd best inform miss Syndra of your arrival. {Serious, Cold} Zeph: You were wai- waiting for us? Why? {Thoughtful, Surprised} Mora: Hrm... I suppose your words resonated with me, in the end. Having taken some time to mull it over while you were gone... I must admit, you make a solid point. {Frustrated, Relieved} Mora: As of late, I have felt a distinct lack of impact in our actions. Certainly- we've done good for the downtrodden and overlooked! But we have failed to make any real change. {Frustrated} Rex: Well, you're not the only one feeling that way, if it makes you feel any better. I think Syndra's the same. {Uneasy, Compassionate} Mora: Even more reason to try something new, then! This... magic, as you call it- if indeed it is what you have described, though I still have my doubts- {Sarcastic, Confident} Rex: I do too. {Nervous, Bitter} Mora: Yes, Rex, I appreciate the encouragement- as I was saying, it could be just what we need to truly make a difference. {Calm} Zeph: ...I h- ho- hope so. Um... you said you were g- go- going to tell Syndra we were back? {Frustrated, Serious} Mora: So I was! Allow me one moment, please. {Warm, Tense} Rex: ...You're really sure you want to go through with this, Zeph? {Tense} Zeph: I- I am. I w- wa- I want to try it! Maybe then, I could... {Confident, then shaky} Rex: Okay! Okay. It's your choice. I just worry sometimes! {Cold} Zeph: I... I ne- need to get into the r- r- right mood for it, I thi- I- I think. I'm... kind of ner- nervous, actually. {Hopeful, Anxious} Zeph: ...Hey, soldier, could you... do- d- do some magic. As a- a d- dem- demonstration! {Excited} Rex: Is that safe? {Tense, Worried} // Rex is right, I'm not sure this is a good idea. Zeph: N- no, she- she's just paranoid. It'll be f- f- fine! You were casting sp- spells in the cave a- and- and nothing bad happened! {Confident} Rex: Sigh. If you insist, Zeph. Whatever you do had better be cool though, soldier. {Excited} // Probably! It should be fine. Rex: Hm, I don't quite like the sound of "probably." {Nervous} Zeph: Good- g- good enough for me! Come on, soldier, sh- show- show me a spell! {Excited} Zeph: Woah! That w- was cool! Can you d- do- do it again? {Excited} Rex: ...Hm. I guess it was alright. {Cold, Bitter} Syndra: What's going on out here? I heard- {Worried} Zeph: The soldier is show- sh- showing me some magic! {Excited, Confident} Syndra: ... I take it you found what you were looking for then? {Relieved} Rex: Yup. Cursed crystals from the roly-nest. {Hopeful} Syndra: The... of all places, you went to the roly-nest?! Did you even consider the risk?! {Frustrated, Worried} Syndra: What if you were caught? We are only able to operate here because we avoid drawing attention to ourselves. If you had been seen- {Tense, Frustrated} Rex: But we weren't. I know the shift schedule of the guards, nobody was going to stop by while we were there. {Serious, Confident} Syndra: ...sigh. You children, you'll be the death of me. Fine. You found the crystals, and you weren't spotted - good. {Annoyed, Relieved} Sui: Um... not to interrupt, or, anything, but... I missed the c- magic. Could you... show us some more? {Curious} Mora: Hmph. Impressive! {Orderly, Disinterested} Syndra: Indeed. Thank you for the demonstration, soldier. Now, we should- {Hopeful, Relieved} Zeph: Oh! Syndra, do- d- do you think you could show us something t- t- too? You're b- bl- blessed, so maybe it'd be- {Curious, Hopeful} Syndra: No. {Annoyed} Zeph: ... O- o- okay! If- if you s- say- say so... {Saddened} Syndra: If we're done with the demonstrations, we should discuss- {Frustrated, Thoughtful} Zeph: But- b- but I want to tr- try now! I have a- a fo- focus, so I sh- should- I should be able to do... something. {Excited} Syndra: Sigh. Yes, alright, Zeph. But let me guide you through it, would you? {Frustrated, Annoyed} Syndra: Take your position, Zeph. Everyone else, let's move out of the way. {Serious} Mora: Yes, indeed, it would not do well for us to be injured, unintentionally or otherwise. Come on, Sui! {Curious} Rex: And we're sure this is safe? {Uneasy} Mora: We have all seen the soldier in action, and they appear to be unharmed, no? {Assuring} Rex: Okay, sure, but what if someone sees? It's not like we're especially hidden here. {Uneasy} Mora: You know as well as I that the only ones showing up in these parts are outcasts and drunks! {Frustrated} Syndra: In any case, we can make it quick. Zeph, are you ready? {Concerned, Hasty} Zeph: Yes! I- I- I'm ready. {Confident} Syndra: Close your eyes, and hold the crystal close to your chest. Concentrate on the points of contact. Your hands, your chest. Do you feel anything? {Warm} Zeph: ...oh! I- I do! It's l- l- like... st- static electricity, li- little sparks bouncing around... {Excited} Syndra: Good. Now, you'll try to draw your focus inwards. Imagine the sparks being pulled towards the center of your body. Feel them gathering together. {Warm, Motherly} Zeph: I... okay. {Thoughtful, Focused} Syndra: Now, finally, try releasing that energy. Concentrate on the crystal again, the points of contact. Imagine pushing the sparks back into it, and then further, sending them out through the crystal. {Warm, Motherly, Explaining} Zeph: A-ah! That- th- that was... {Nervous, Excited} Rex: Hey! Are you okay? Not hurt? I don't see anything visible, but- {Serious, Concerned} Zeph: W- would you s- st- stop, already? I'm fine! {Annoyed, Confident} Zeph: Ow! What- wh- what was that for?! {Bitter} Rex: For being annoying, idiot. {Sarcastic, Teasing} Syndra: Well done, Zeph. You've done just as well as any of the soldiers I've seen receive blessings. Just... as well... {Warm, Concerned, Trailing off} Syndra: ...was it really that easy all this time? {Confused, Shaky, Uneasy} Sui: ...um, Syndra. Are you... {Worried} Syndra: Yes... yes, I'm alright. soldier, I apologize for doubting you. It would seem... you were right all along. {Curious, Hopeful} Rex: Or maybe Zeph's just cursed... {Playful} Syndra: Rex. {Concerned, Cold} Rex: Sorry! Sorry. No, you're right. It was... cool, I guess. It's just... weird. {Uneasy} Zeph: A- a little, I guess. But it f- f- felt right. Like- l- like I always co- could have done it. Even if it was just sp- spark- sparkles. {Serious, Confident} Syndra: That's part of the process. You'll need a proper focus to do more... specially-forged weapons have always done the trick, in my experience. {Serious} Mora: Specially-forged weapons, you say? Miss, is there anything in particular one would need to create one? With the right materials, I'm certain I could forge Zeph what he needs. {Confident, Inquisitive} Zeph: A- a new weapon? That I ca- can cast ma- magic with? {Hopeful, Excited} Syndra: I could see it coming in use. We'll want more sturdy materials than usual- preferably something that is magical in and of itself... Zeph, do you think you could- {Uneasy, Thoughtful} Zeph: Yes!!! I- I mean, uh, y- yes, I can do that. {Overly excited, then serious} Zeph: ...Okay! Soldier, I kn- I- I know where to start! Me- meet me by the big tree to the n- nor- northeast! The one for the riddle! {Upbeat} Rex: Enthusiastic as always, isn't he? {Hopeful} Rex: ...don't talk to me. {Cold} Syndra: He's taken to it remarkably well, hasn't he? Better than I could have hoped. {Warm} Syndra: Soldier... you have opened a path for me that I never could have imagined. Thank you. {Thoughtful, Grateful} Mora: I suppose I should get around to firing up the forge... Sui, will you need me for anything? {Thoughtful} Sui: Um... n-no, I don't think so. {Uncertain} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zeph: So... {Confident} Zeph: When I m- ma- when I make my weapon... do you think I'll be a- a- able to cast real spells? And not just... poofs of sp- s- sparkles? {Concerned} // I'm not sure Zeph: Oh... {Downtrodden} // Having a weapon helps me cast spells, though. Zeph: Oh. O- okay! That means it- it m- might help me, too. Thank you. {Concerned, Hopeful} // You'll still need to practice. Zeph: Sigh... I was h- h- hoping that- th- that I could do... I- I don't know! Something! A- any- anything to help. But... you're right. {Dismissive, Annoyed} // So, what are we doing here? Zeph: Oh! R- ri- right! Well, Syndra said we sh- should find something magical, right? Well, I- I don't know for- f- for sure if it's magical or not, but... {Serious, Upbeat} Zeph: A long, long time ago, th- this- this tree was more than just a stump! It had long arms st- str- stretching out over the whole forest, watching over th- the people and w- wi- wildlife. {Retrospective, Thoughtful} Zeph: When anyone was hurt, o- or- or unwell, the tree would reach out with its br- branches and grow fruit- fruit that was said to he- h- heal all injuries and illnesses. {Excited} Zeph: It took care of the people, and the p- people took care of the tree. But then- then the c- cur- curse took hold of the people. {Nervous} Zeph: In the chaos and d- des- destruction caused by the cursed ones, the tree was hurt. It stopped gr- grow- growing its gifts, and went to sleep... f- forever. {Sad} Zeph: Even after the Queen arrived a- and blessed the people, the tree di- didn't- didn't wake up. Its trust had been broken... {Sad} Zeph: Ev- even though it's just a story... I hope s- some- someday the tree can trust us again. We could- c- could- we could really use its help, these days... {Hopeful} Zeph: ... A- a- anyway! The cavern you met Syndra in is also said to be s- sa- sacred. And the feel of the crystals reminds me of h- how I feel there. {Hopeful} Zeph: So- s- so if we can find our way into the tree... we co- could find some m- ma- s- some magical wood. Follow me! {Excited, Hopeful} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zeph: Hey! F- faster than last time! Keep up the im- im- improvement, and maybe soon I'll have to put in mo- more than 10%! {Teasing} Zeph: Ha... yeah... Um, earlier you m- me- mentioned that magic can be found in- in everything. {Curious} Zeph: So... so ma- maybe we didn't need to come to- to- to this old tree... But- b- but it feels right to me. {Tense, Hopeful} // It's your weapon, you choose the materials. Zeph: ... Thank you for c- c- coming along. {Grateful} Zeph: It's a breath of fresh air, having someone n- n- new around! I don't know, having you around just f- fe- feels... good! Like- like anything is possible! {Excited, In awe} Zeph: ... Oh, I- I- I'm getting too sappy. Sorry, sorry! {Apologetic} Zeph: So, we've gotta find a way into the tr- the tree... {Calm} Zeph: Ha, I- I'm not exactly a wood- woodcutting expert... maybe it'd have been smart to ask Mora t- to- to join us? {Playful} Zeph: ... Do- do you have any ideas? May- maybe you could break through with a sp- spe- spell? {Inquisitive, Hopeful} // You should follow your heart. Zeph: Well... my h- h- my heart is telling me that this wood is what I w- w- what I want! {Frustrated} Zeph: That old tale... it's one of the o- o- only things I still remember from my childhood. {Tense, Thoughtful} Zeph: So, s- so this is definitely what I want my w- we- weapon to be made out of. {Assured} // We might as well just have grabbed any wood. Zeph: Oh... y- y- yeah. Maybe you're right... {Insecure} Zeph: I just thought... choosing s- some- something special to me would- would be b- best. {Insecure, Nervous} Zeph: B- but we're here now any- a- anyway, aren't we? So we can just use the- th- the wood here... {Certain} Zeph: Maybe you could break through with a sp- spe- spell? {Curious} Zeph: Woah! What just happened?! {Surprised} Zeph: ... Do- do you think the t- tr- the tree heard me earlier? Is it... {Tense, Hopeful} Zeph: This- th- this has to be a sign! Come on, let's go in! {Excited, Hopeful} Zeph: Th- th- there! That should- sh- should be a big enough chunk for Mora... right? {Hopeful} Zeph: A- and- you're still not fast enough to beat me to th- th- to the end! {Teasing} Zeph: Okay, next... We- weapons are usually made of m- me- metal, right? That's why Mora has a f- fo- a forge. {Curious, Nervous} Zeph: ...I have a- an- an idea! Let's meet up near Espren, wh- where we first met. {Confident} Zeph: O- okay, so. The crown usually uses t- ti- titanium for their equipment. Th- that's what Mora says, at least. {Nervous, Inquisitive} Zeph: But- b- but, it can be hard to come by, b- be- because the crown keeps most of it for themselves. {Concerned} Zeph: Luckily, it's F- F- Festival time, so a bunch of m- merchants are in town! And they're fr- from all over the p- pr- province, not just here! {Relieved, Excited} Zeph: So someone m- must have titanium, somewhere... we'll j- just- just have to look around. {Confident} Zeph: Ah! Th- that- that's the Sovereign! {Bitter, Hushed} Xao: ...and alongside that, does she really think it's safe to hold the festival right now, sir? That opens up a really big risk! {Concerned, Serious} Zeph: What do you th- th- think they're t- talking about? Come on, let- l- let's shadow them. {Confident} //It has been restarted... Sovereign Zhiraok: If the cursed thinks they can get past both myself and Her Majesty, they're out of their vector. You don't need to worry about the people. {Confident} Xao: I was more worried about... ...um... W-well, never mind that! If you think we'll all be safe, sir, I'll take you at your word! {Nervous} Sovereign Zhiraok: Let me rephrase- you don't need to worry about anyone. ...heh. Any- wait. What's that noise? {Confident, then suspicious} Sovereign Zhiraok: Just someone out on a random walk? Back to the point- is everything for the festival shaping up according to schedule? {Tense} Xao: Oh- yes! Yes it is, sir! The vendors have all been assigned, the game stands have all been constructed, we've commissioned a local band... The one you liked last year! {Serious, Excited} Sovereign Zhiraok: Golden. That rendition of "CHASE" is what really sold me on them. {Satisfied} Xao: That just leaves your speech, sir! Have you- Oh, who am I kidding, you already have it memorized. {Playful, Relieved} Sovereign Zhiraok: Naturally, Xao. We have the whole festival set down to the last point, it looks like. Any more business to factor out? {Confident, Inquisitive} Xao: Yes, sir! I've received word that Inquisitor Renn will be arriving tonight, as you sent me to request for! {Appeasing} Sovereign Zhiraok: Fantastic job. I have to remember that the Inquisitors aren't like me. When they're busy they can't just go triple-time... Still, good to have that problem solved. {Grateful} Sovereign Zhiraok: You know, they should check your work. This is proof positive they can keep pace with me like you can. {Playful, Cheery} Xao: Well! Sir! You know I've had to insist you stop and rest sometimes, and Inquisitors do serve the whole of the province, so... {Confident, Happy} Zeph: Hmm... ev- even with us r- r- raiding Nixeph, he isn't concerned... {Concerned} Zeph: A- and- an Inquisitor! Th- that- that's not good. We need to tell the others to be c- ca- careful... {Concerned} Zeph: Oh! R- r- right! You're not from here. They're, uh, b- b- bad news. They're sent to d- d- deal with... um, c- cursed ones, and other s- si- similar stuff. {Concerned} Zeph: If one's a- around... we have to b- be careful. But, since w- we- since we're here, we should still find the t- ti- titanium. {Concerned, Uneasy} Zeph: There's a b- b- bazaar in the tunnel... if anyone wi- will have it, they'll be there. {Thoughtful, Confident} Metal Merchant: Fine quality metals, fine quality metals for- Ah, hello, hello! Might you be interested in my stock, friends? {Excited} Metal Merchant: I've got all sorts for sale. Ingots, pre-made bangles and bracelets and trinkets- I've got hold of this lovely iron leaf, in fact. Quite fine decor, I might think! {Upbeat} Zeph: Hello! We're a- ac- actually looking for titanium! Would you h- ha- happen to have any in stock? {Serious, Calm} Metal Merchant: Aha, you're in luck then! I've managed to obtain some from a passing Hyloch merchant! Straight from the Highlands- and so I'm told, quite good quality! {Excited} Metal Merchant: I think the man was struck dumb by the offer of leaves I handed in return, he left with such a bewildered face- but I digress! Would you like ingots, or anything pre-hewn? {Reminiscent, Upbeat} Zeph: Uh... just- j- just some ingots would be fine. {Uncertain} Metal Merchant: Indeed, then! It is always fine to see those interested in the crafting trades. For this, I might say ten Liff Leaves would be an agreeable price, yes? {Upbeat, Quick} Zeph: Ten!? Oh, f- fine... you said h- high- high quality? It's pr- probably worth the price. Here. {Shocked, in a rush} Metal Merchant: Indeed, friend, so I have been assured! May you have fine fortune in your endeavors! {Happy} Zeph: Soldier, let's go. {Relieved} Zeph: Hm... I d- don't- I don't think titanium is meant to have th- these purple streaks... {Uncertain} Zeph: But I- I- I'm not the blacksmith, so... a- a- and it's not like anyone else is s- se- selling titanium, so. {Uncertain, Calm} // What'd you pay with? Zeph: Huh? Oh, r- r- right, I keep forgetting you don't know e- ev- everything around here. {Apologetic} Zeph: The Auburn F- Fo- Forest may be a poorer area, so we d- do- don't have many emeralds... {Thoughtful} Zeph: But we make up for it by u- u- using all the varied m- materials from the forest! People here v- val- value things from the wild more than e- em- emeralds. {Serious, Warm} Zeph: Liff Leaves especially are in high d- d- demand due to their versatility. {Thoughtful} // Let's get back to the others. Zeph: You don't need a- an- anything else? Then I'm r- ready to go. {Calm, Accomodating} Zeph: Want to tr- travel back with me? {Friendly} // I'll walk. Zeph: Okay! I'll m- m- meet you later, then. {Friendly, Slightly let down} // Let's return together. Zeph: Alrighty! Let's go. {Confident, Happy} Zeph: We're back! {Announcing} Syndra: Ah! Good, you're just in time. {Upbeat} Zeph: Uh... in time for wh- what? A- and- and where is everybody? {Confused} Syndra: Have you forgotten? The Festival of the Queen is about to start! {Impatient} Zeph: Wh- th- that was today?! Oh, man, I g- g- got so excited about the m- m- the ma- magic... I forgot! {Regretful, Apologetic} Zeph: Wait... w- wait, before I go- Syndra, we o- ov- overheard something in town. The S- S- Sovereign said an In- Inquisitor would be arriving t- t- tonight! {Anxious} Syndra: ...ah. Well, that pushes ahead our timeline significantly... {Calm, but uneasy} Syndra: Hopefully, they're just here to clear out that cave you found the crystals in, but... better to be safe than sorry. {Thoughtful} Syndra: That can wait until after the festival, though. You should go on ahead and enjoy yourself. {Calm} Zeph: ...if you s- s- say so, Syndra. Soldier, you should c- come to the festival too! See you there! {Nervous, Giddy} Syndra: Ah... there he goes. Well, what do you say? Will you join us for the festival? {Hopeful} Syndra: It is a celebration of the crown... but you have a limited time here, and it is still a part of our culture. You wouldn't want to miss it. {Distant, Warm in last sentence} Syndra: It's a day for everyone to relax and enjoy themselves. The children certainly do... it's good for them, I think, to have some normalcy. {Motherly, Concerned, Hopeful} Syndra: I'll finish packing some things here, then I'll head on over. You should meet me there. If you head south, the river will lead you right to it. {Distant} Syndra: You're here! Allow me to welcome you to the annual Festival of the Crown. {Warm} Syndra: I have some business to attend to, so Zeph, would you be able to show the soldier around? {Hasty} Zeph: Sure! L- le- let's go! {Excited, Nervous} Zeph: So there's some g- games over there... and right here is the f- foo- food and beverages s- s- stand! {Upbeat} Zeph: They sell re- r- regional food and drinks. And, a- ac- according to Rex... they've even im- im- imported some fancy alcohol from the h- high- highlands! {Upbeat} Zeph: Here are some at- attractions, and an animal exhibit! I, uh, d- d- don't- I don't like the Mudkins game very much... {Upbeat, Slightly sad and mumbling in 2nd sentence} Zeph: I th- think I saw Sui back there, so... I'm gonna go h- ha- hang out with her. You sh- should check out some of the stalls! {Excited} Zeph: Soldier, hey! {Concerned} Zeph: Have you seen an- any- anyone else yet? {Nervous, Curious} Sui: I was, um, looking for Mora... earlier. I, ah, didn't find him. {Sad} Zeph: An- anyway, how are you liking the f- fes- festival? {Relieved, Curious} // It's nice Zeph: Hey, th- that's good to hear! {Happy} Sui: Have you, um, had the chance to, to taste any of the food? From the... food stall? {Curious} Zeph: Hahaha, as if th- th- there's any left after y- you- you ate so much! {Teasing} Sui: Okay... well, I, I was hungry! That's... not my fault. {Teasing, Pretending to be offended} // it's kind of boring. Sui: Oh... finally, someone else who, um, who gets it. {Satisfied, Annoyed} Zeph: Wh- wh- what?! Sui, you don't like the f- fes- festival? {Shocked, Sad} Sui: I- I didn't, say that. It's just... a little boring. There's, um, not much to do. {Disinterested} Zeph: There's good f- food, fun rides a- and- and games... okay, m- maybe except the Mudkin g- game... {Assuring, then timid} Sui: Why don't you, um, like the Mudkins? I... I think they're fun. {Curious} Zeph: They're s- s- so- there's no strategy! You j- just pick a random one, and- a- and sometimes you win! {Annoyed} Sui: Um... okay? And? {Playful} Zeph: Unbelievable. Soldier, a- a- are you hearing this? {Frustrated, Playful} Zeph: Okay, wh- whatever... Sui, let's go t- try out the zipline. I wonder if th- th- they changed it this year. {Curious} Sui: ...could we, um, get food first? I'm hungry. {Playful, Nervous} Zeph: A- ag- again?! No, we should do the z- z- zipline first. I don't want you th- thr- throwing up all over me. {Frustrated, Teasing} Sui: Oh, shut it. Dummy. {Teasing} Zeph: You kn- know I'm right! Oh, uh, soldier, you can j- j- join us if you want! It's fun, I pr- promise. {Dismissive, Excited} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kabo: Howdy and welcome to a mudkin farm! {Energetic} Kabo: Mudkins are popular vegetables in food around here. They grow underground and you have to yoikn em' out! {Excited, Energetic} Kabo: Are ya interested in a game of Mudkin Picking? {Energetic} Kabo: Basically, ye goal is to get as many points as possible before the time runs out. {Energetic, Explaining} Kabo: There are three sizes of Mudkins, each size gives a set of points. However! There are two ginger roots that give negative points. {Explaining} Kabo: Simply click on the dirt particles appearing in the field. There are five spots for ya to pick. {Explaining} Kabo: So! Are ya ready? {Eager} Kabo: Enjoy the festival! {Energetic} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zoo Keeper: Hey! You look like a tourist to me! {Curious, Upbeat} Zoo Keeper: I'm glad you decided to check out my little exhibition here. {Happy, Calm} Zoo Keeper: Is it your first time in this part of the region? Would you perhaps want to hear some fun facts about our animals? {Curiours Upbeat} Zoo Keeper: Marvelous! {Excited} Zoo Keeper: First we have our Roly-bugs here! These little buggers are a pest to the people here. {Explaining} Zoo Keeper: They love gnawing on our houses. Luckily, we built most of our structures on stilts aaaand those bugs can't climb. {Explaining, Upbeat, Playful} Zoo Keeper: Now! Frogs! The north-western bog is the best place for frog-watching. Just be careful of the bog monster. {Explaining, Warning} Zoo Keeper: Frogs might be a good source of food but we like to see them more as... pets! {Explaining, Playful} Zoo Keeper: Lastly, we have foxes! These little cuties are very shy in nature. But beware, there are bigger versions of them, known as Foxhounds. {Excited, then Warning} Zoo Keeper: Those are not as shy... or peaceful, as their smaller cousins. They are just as cute though! {Slightly nervous, then back to energetic and upbeat} Zoo Keeper: Please have a looksie around! You can also pet them. {Excited} Zoo Keeper: Have a loooovely day! {Warm, Happy} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rex: Will that be enough boar meat, ma'am? {Concerned} Food Merchant: Yes, dear. Thank you for always being so kind-hearted, helping us out each and every year. {Grateful, Hopeful} Rex: No worries, Oya! Hope you sell-... oh. It's you. {Calm, then surprised and bitter} Rex: ...what do you want? {Bitter} Rex: Huh? I'm just here with a delivery. Nothing much. {Dismissive} Rex: You- what? Why? {Nervous} Rex: ...ugh, why am I humoring you?! {Dismissive, Annoyed} Rex: Just cause you've got everyone else wrapped around your finger, doesn't mean I have to be fine with you! {Annoyed} Rex: Everything was fine until you showed up. I- I- I'd gotten over it! I made a home here, and now- and now, you- {Angry} Rex: And- and sure, I'm happy for Zeph, but your- your- your everything, it's got Syndra plotting, and- and we were safe, and you've ruined that. {Angry, Stumbling} Rex: So... so, no, I don't have to be okay with you. I don't trust you, I don't trust where you're from, and I definitely don't trust your... your c- {Calming down, Annoyed} Rex: ...don't talk to me. Okay? {Dismissive, Annoyed} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Merchant: Hi dear. Feeling peckish? {Accomodating, Upbeat} Food Merchant: We have freshly cooked and baked regional goods. {Eager} Food Merchant: Would you like to hear about our menu, dear? {Accomodating} Food Merchant: Have a lovely day. {Happy} Food Merchant: Just perfect! Auburn is famous for their bold, earthy and cosy flavours! {Eager, Explaining} Food Merchant: We also love to cook using our wild animals and resources, but I'm sure you already know all of this, haha. {Explaining} Food Merchant: Let me go over some of our special dishes for today, dear. {Calm} Food Merchant: The most important dish in Auburn, is of course the ''Gift of the Forest''. A wonderful meat and fruit mixture inside a steamed leaf wrap. {Explaining} Food Merchant: We have hand wrapped all of our gifts this morning and they are steamed to go! {Excited} Food Merchant: If that doesn't interest you, we also have the classic ''Forest Feast''. A grilled piece of boar meat with a mud-kin salad. {Excited} Food Merchant: I'm afraid we have run out of ingredients at the moment. Please come back later! {Regretful, Eager} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alcohol Merchant: *Hic* Aheyo! {Cheerful} Alcohol Merchant: It's festival time! *hic* that means... drinking time!!! {Cheerful, Playful} Alcohol Merchant: Inteeeerested in any of our mouth-watering beverages? {Cheerful, Playful} Alcohol Merchant: What do you say? {Eager} Alcohol Merchant: *hic* Your loss! {Playful, Cold} Alcohol Merchant: *Hic* Todaaaay, we have a couple of imported drinks as well as our classic Autumn Amaretto. {Playful} Alcohol Merchant: Speaking ooooof... Have you noticed these blue fruits growing of the trees around here? Weeeelll! Those are called Autumn Fruit. {Explaining, Eager} Alcohol Merchant: Our Amaretto is made from the Autumn Fruit kernels! We have aaaalso mixed in some Liff Leaves which *hic* gives it it's warm colour and slightly bitter and metallic taste. {Excited} Alcohol Merchant: Isn't alcohol making interesssting *hic*! {Excited} Alcohol Merchant: We also have an imported the faaaamed Heather Beer from the rich highlands. {Explaining} Alcohol Merchant: A beer infused with the most beautiful heather grown across the highlands. *hic* You can almost taste the richness of the aristocrats. {Explaining, In awe} Alcohol Merchant: *hic* If I were you, I would deeefinitely try this drink. Stuff like this doesn't come to Auburn often. {Eager, Excited} Alcohol Merchant: If you feel like blessing your taste buds, talk to my brother over there. *hic* {Excited, Playful} Alcohol Merchant: Maybe it's time to find Syndra near the stage. But I have the time to check out the festival more too... {Thoughtful} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tea Stand Merchant: Welcome. Can I interest you in buying anything? {Calm} Tea Stand Merchant: Perhaps would you like to hear what we have to offer? {Calm} Tea Stand Merchant: What do you say? {Calm, Curious} Tea Stand Merchant: Alright! Enjoy the festival. {Calm, Dismissive} Tea Stand Merchant: We are selling both the raw ingredients and some freshly brewed tea. {Calm} Tea Stand Merchant: Let me bring you on a history lesson to learn about the finest ingredients the forest has to offer. {Happy} Tea Stand Merchant: Tea is very popular in Auburn and the people have managed to make tea out of almost any plant you can find! Some are... more tasty than others. {Slightly excited} Tea Stand Merchant: The Reishi Mushroom for example! Brewing tea of the mushroom alone often turns... bitter. With the help of herbs and spices it goes from bitter to a rich spicy flavour! {Explaining, Delighted} Tea Stand Merchant: The mushroom itself is said to help keep you healthy. It is also said to boost your resistances! {Excited} Tea Stand Merchant: The Tea Tree Mushroom on the other hand is perfect for a good tea blend. The mushroom alone gives it a sweet and earthy flavour. {Calm, Explaining} Tea Stand Merchant: This mushroom is also said to regenerate you back to health and alleviate the feeling of tiredness! How amazing. {In awe, Explaining} Tea Stand Merchant: If you feel like buying something, please talk to my assistant. {Calm} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Syndra: ...thank you, Jiro. It's always good to hear from- Jiro: Ahem! Hello, stranger. Syndra: Hm? Oh, that's just the soldier - they're who I was hoping to write to Quill about. Soldier, this is Jiro, my contact from the Roughworks. Jiro: Ah. Well, it's good to meet you then. // Quill? Syndra: Quill is... an old friend. It can be hard for us to stay in contact... discretely... so we often send messages in this way. Jiro: Wasn't going to use my yearly rail pass for anything anyway, so might as well. Syndra: Well, it's more than I'm able to do, so I appreciate it. In any case, Quill runs his own... organization, shall we say. Jiro: ...ahem. Should we get back to it then? Syndra: We should. Soldier, take a look around the stalls and come back later. // The Roughworks? Jiro: ...huh? You don't know the- Syndra: The Roughworks is the region directly to the south of here, just past that wall. Officially, it's known as the Industrial District. Syndra: I can fill you in on it later. This isn't the place for it. Syndra: Soldier, take a look around the stalls and come back later. Mora: Aha! Hello there, soldier! Enjoying our festival, are you? Mora: I trust you and Zeph have acquired all the necessary materials in the time since we last spoke? Mora: As soon as the festival concludes, I shall get right to smithing. I have a good feeling about this one! Mora: I, ah... I am still learning. But I have greatly improved since I started, worry not! Mora: ...ehm. I suppose I should return to my report... Mora: Hm? Ah, yes, I forget this is your first year. First week, even. Mora: I am... gathering data. Recording the changes since last year's festival- guard positioning and numbers, types of stands, amount of attendees- and so on. Mora: It is... perhaps unnecessarily thorough. Much of this data has not proven to be useful thus far... but it is something for me to do, and I do it well. Mora: These festivals... I suppose our discomfort is something Syndra and I share. It can be hard for us to enjoy ourselves, knowing what we do. Mora: I am grateful that the younger Leaves can still find joy here. Perhaps you might as well, given your... relative lack of history. Mora: Ah, but I am rambling. If you will excuse me, I need to get back to... counting all the new food items... hm. Syndra: Ah. There you are. Have you been enjoying yourself? {Calm, Curious} // I have! Syndra: That's good to hear. {Calm} Syndra: For all that the festival revolves around the crown, I've always appreciated its representation of our culture. {Warm, Reminiscing} Syndra: I hope your experience with the crown has not ruined your perception of our province... there are still many things to celebrate. {Hopeful, Calm} Syndra: Sometimes, it can be nice to set aside your woes, and... take things as they are. *Deep breath in through the nose* Breathe, a little. {Calm} // A little. Syndra: Better than nothing, I suppose. {Calm} Syndra: It's hard to enjoy yourself with your experiences with the crown weighing you down, isn't it? I know the feeling. {Concerned} Syndra: Mmn. I'd suggest to take what you can get. Happy moments like this can be fleeting, in my experience. {Sorrowful, Calm} Syndra: If there's even the smallest spark of joy... take hold of it before it's gone. Cherish it while you still can. Try not to grow old and jaded like I have, would you? {Regretful} // Not really. Syndra: Ha! It's alright. Neither have I. {Playful} Syndra: Every year... every single year, the crown hosts these festivals. Starting here, and moving around in a ring around the province. {Explaining} Syndra: The festival's a holiday, a day of rest, of celebration. What a gift it is, not needing to work for a time! How generous. {Grateful, Content, Sarcastic in last sentence} Syndra: I can't stand it here... Every year, I convince myself I can bear it. The reminder it brings, of memories long passed. Every year, I'm proven wrong. {Anxious} Syndra: ...Ah. It's time. The main event is about to begin. {Nervous, Calm} // What's the main event? Syndra: Why, Her Majesty's annual speech, of course! It wouldn't be a Festival of the Crown if she didn't make an appearance, would it? {Playful, Explaining} Syndra: Now... observe. Behold our enemy, take note of how she presents herself, what she says, what she doesn't say. {Conniving} // It's not the orchestra? Syndra: Ha! No, no. Of course not. It wouldn't be a Festival of the Crown without a speech from Her Majesty herself, would it? {Playful} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Her Majesty: Ah... beloved people of the Auburn Forest! What a joy, what an honor it is to stand amongst you once again. *Hands slightly outstretched in a welcoming fashion in front of her* {Calm and collected} Her Majesty: Some will claim the stunning Highlands to be our most beautiful region, with its vibrant blossoming trees and grand historic castles... {Proud} Her Majesty: But I've always held a special regard for this place. The leaves and their warm shades, blowing in the soft breeze... all the woes of the world would be worth this sight. {Calm, Proud} Her Majesty: If I were able, perhaps I could stay here year-round! Ah, but alas... work in the Citadel keeps us all occupied! {Playful, Regretful} Her Majesty: We have many plans for the coming year. Increased imports from the other regions, easier access to travel for all, and additional openings in military positions! {Calm, Professional} Her Majesty: More will be revealed soon. Now, some words from your beloved Sovereign. {Calm, Proud} Sovereign Zhiraok: ...ah. The one thing I miscalculated. The mic height. Oh well- Testing, testing, one two three... {Playful, slightly nervous} Sovereign Zhiraok: Welcome one and all! I'm your Sovereign, Zhiraok. It's an honor to be here before you all again today. {Cheerful, Calm} Sovereign Zhiraok: Two decades of work in the Auburn Forest. Twenty years. It feels like I've been here for so much longer- this place, these people, really have become my home. {Reminiscing, Happy} Sovereign Zhiraok: My duty is not just to serve the Crown, but also to serve you. To make your lives better, to raise this region we live in to new heights. {Eager, Professional} Sovereign Zhiraok: Whether that's by increasing production of Liff Leaves to share our resources and knowledge the province over, which we owe to your hard work... {Proud} Sovereign Zhiraok: ...or through sharpening our infrastructure to exponentiate your quality of life, in thanks for what you do! {Grateful, Proud} Sovereign Zhiraok: I'd be here all day listing all the improvements over the last year, but I'll summarize- Multiple major road improvements, countless new job opportunities, multiplying guard patrols to keep you safe... {Proud} Sovereign Zhiraok: The place we came from twenty years ago is unrecognizable now. My vow is that twenty years ahead, I can say the same thing for how much more we, together, improve our home. {Proud, Professional} Sovereign Zhiraok: 'til the day we sum up to the grandeur of Aelumia Citadel- Thank you all! Enjoy the festivities! {Proud, Happy} Her Majesty: What fine work Sovereign Zhiraok has done for our province! Truly, there could have been no better choice to fill that role! {Professional, Calm} Her Majesty: The Auburn Forest flourishes under his governance, and I could not be more pleased by the progress he has made. {Professional, Calm} Her Majesty: One final message before we conclude. These past years, we have seen fewer and fewer reports of the cursed - a sign of our strength as a people. {Proud, Calm} Her Majesty: And it is all thanks to you! Your diligent reporting of suspicious activity makes all the difference in keeping our province safe. {Professional, Encouraging} Her Majesty: We must stand strong, together! We will not allow this evil its victory, we will not let our province fall like so many others have beyond our walls! {Fiery} Her Majesty: With that, let the celebrations begin! {Upbeat} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Syndra: Hm... The standard, then. {Annoyed} Syndra: Did anything stand out to you? {Curious} // How she talks about Auburn. It's... different. Syndra: Indeed, it is. It's quite puzzling, isn't it? It's a sort of reverence she never displays elsewhere. {Puzzled} Syndra: And if there is one thing I'm certain she's being truthful about, it's this. Which only makes it all the stranger. {Puzzled} // Zhiraok's speech. Syndra: Yes, yes... improvements. Life has improved since he ascended to that position, I'll give him that. He's invested in Auburn. {Grateful, Slightly frustrated} Syndra: But he is still working under the crown. Don't forget that. For every improvement he has made, there's another he has left ignored. {Annoyed} // They didn't mention Torann. Syndra: No, I suppose they wouldn't. Better to leave the public unaware of such failures. {Thoughtful} Syndra: But rest assured that internally, they have not forgotten. They will keep searching for you. {Warning} // The cursed. Syndra: Yes... the cursed. The crown needs to keep the people afraid. If there's another enemy out there that the crown supposedly protects them from... {Thoughtful, Tense} Syndra: There's a reason they want people to believe the outside world is destroyed. Any contact could break the illusion. {Explaining} Syndra: They'll be closing out the festival soon... so, our work here is done. We should be leaving before the crowd thins enough for us to be spotted. {Satisfied, Nervous} Syndra: I've scheduled a meeting for tomorrow- I'd like for you to attend. It'll be about our next steps, now that the crown has moved on. I'll see you there. {Expectant, Professional} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ???: Sovereign, a word? Sovereign Zhiraok: I think I've had just about enough of people sneaking into my office. Care to knock next time? ???: Mmn. It's more interesting this way. I have news from the capital - your request for additional troops has been granted. Reassignments should come through by the end of the week. Sovereign Zhiraok: Well, that'll solve some problems. But that's not the whole message, is it? What obtuse remark has he got for me this time? ???: Merely a reminder to... ''get your act together,'' as it were. Sovereign Zhiraok: Get my act toge- That floundering fractal's developed less in his quadrant in a hundred-fifty years than I've done in two, in the last ten! Sovereign Zhiraok: I- Ugh, focus, Z... He's not even here, don't let him get under your skin... Sovereign Zhiraok: I'll get off that tangent. If that was all you had to say, it'd be a waste of your time. What do you need to say that a courier can't send in a letter? ???: The intruder. Does your administration believe it can get the situation under control? Sovereign Zhiraok: There it is. Listen, I've got their number, alright? There's no way in or out of the district where they won't be detected. We'll track them down. Sovereign Zhiraok: Though unlike some people, my ego isn't so massive I can't recognize when an ally can be of use. Your types have an expertise here, so if you could spare a set or two of eyes it'd be much appreciated. ???: I'll see what I can do. There happens to be an ongoing operation in the area already, we can discuss redirecting the agent once it's concluded. ???: One last thing- the identity of the intruder has been made clear to you already, yes? Sovereign Zhiraok: Mhm. Like I said, I've got their number. ???: Then you will understand Her Majesty's order not to speak of this ordeal to our newest. Ascension is a difficult process, and it would be... unwise to add additional distractions to it. Sovereign Zhiraok: Wouldn't want to distract a hard worker like him, right. But if that's everything, Spymaster? My to-do list is getting more added by the minute.