Melsa

Melsa: Mmm, the sunlight feels so warm and nice... This is the perfect time to bask in the courtyard.
Sarisse: Hee hee! Glad you like it.

Sarisse: It's super cozy here! Everyone in the castle comes to this place for breaks and junk.
Melsa: Truly? ...Ah, speak of the faerie— it's Notte. How are you?
Notte: Doin' great. What're you two up to?
Sarisse: We just dropped by for a little me time. Same for you, yeah?
Notte: Yeppers! I love relaxing with the sun on my face here. It feels UH-MAY-ZING.
Melsa: Do you also enjoy basking in the sun, Notte?
Notte: Heck yeah. It's the best! But not just here—I also love doing it in big open meadows, or up in the branches of a tree. I'm always on the prowl for new spots, know what I mean?
Melsa: Always on the prowl... Good heavens!
Sarisse: Uh, everything okay there, Melsa?
Melsa: My apologies. I just realized something.
Sarisse: Oh yeah? What's that?
Melsa: I think I may have become a little too complacent in my sunbathing. I've become satisfied with simply lying out in the same old places.
Sarisse: Not really sure I'm following you here. Is there some art to basking in the sun? I thought you just kinda...laid there.
Melsa: An art to basking... Yes, I like the sound of that—and I am going to master said art! And on that note, Notte, might I call YOU ＂master＂? As in ＂the master of sun-drenched locations.＂
Notte: Heck YES you can call me ＂master!＂ ...Ahem! Go on, then. Ask me anything, my sun-loving disciple.
Sarisse: Not really sure what to make of this... but Melsa looks like she's having fun, so what the heck!
Melsa: Master, would you please share your finest location for enjoying the sun?
Notte: The SUPER best one? Lemme see here... Man, I've tried a bunch, but the best...? A-ha! It's that one place!
Melsa: Tell me, master! I burn to know!
Notte: Heh. Well, you see... It's on top of Euden's noggin! Oh man, that is the crème de la crème of sunny perches. His hair's soft and fluffy—and sooo warm! So, yep! That's it. On his head.
Melsa: I see. That certainly does sound...nice.
Notte: Right? Heck, now that we're talking about it, I super wanna be perched on ol' Euden's head soaking up some sweet rays. So yeah, I'm gonna go find him. Smell ya later!
Sarisse: Bye!
Melsa: I'm ever so grateful for your valuable teachings, master! On top of Euden's head... So be it.
Sarisse: Um, you know you can't ACTUALLY fit on his head, right?
Melsa: I understand that. But perhaps there is a way for me to recreate the experience. For example, if I started by attempting to replicate the feeling of being wrapped up in his shaggy mane...
Sarisse: Well, I suppose I could throw a bunch of straw on the ground. Lemme give that a shot. Hang on... ...Right then! One bed of straw. Whatcha think?
Melsa: Thank you, Sarisse. Now let me see how this feels... Hmm. It's warm... Soft... Rather inviting...
Sarisse: Yeah, but is it giving you the best basking of your life like it's supposed to?
Melsa: Hmm... Well, I'm not entirely sure I would say it's the BEST.
Sarisse: So, it's not quite right somehow. Hmm. What could we do about that?
Melsa: There's nothing for it—I'll simply have to find a creature large enough for me to sit atop its head.
Sarisse: Wow, okay. That's a tall order. Buuut...
Melsa: Of course! A dragon! I'll bask in the warm rays of the sun atop a mighty dragon!
Sarisse: I was just about to say that! All right, let's go ask Midgardsormr.
Midgardsormr: ...Absolutely not.
Sarisse: Come on, we just wanna spend a couple minutes up there! What's the harm?
Midgardsormr: My issue is not with how long you would be atop me. The issue is that I am not a bed to begin with.
Melsa: I understand this to be a rather forward request—truly I do. But might you find it in your heart to allow us up there for just a moment?
Midgardsormr: ...Hrmph. Your eyes have such purity— I see that your appeal comes from the heart. In that case, I put a question to you, sylvan: For what purpose are you willing to go to such lengths?
Melsa: Well, you see, my master—that is, Notte—told me the finest sunbathing was found atop a person's head, and I am trying to recreate the experience.
Midgardsormr: I must have misheard you just now. Your master is...Notte? The faerie?
Melsa: Yes. She knows ever so many places to soak up the sun's mighty rays! We share a common interest in this, and I have great respect for her talents.
Midgardsormr: You respect the faerie...
Melsa: Er, Midgardsormr?
Midgardsormr: I see now. Yours is another bond that bridges the gap between races. A form of pact, if you will. Very well. Your request is granted. Though I am reluctant to allow it, you may clamber atop me this single time.
Melsa: Thank you so much, Midgardsormr!
Sarisse: All right, Melsa! I'm going to climb up on your back now, Midgardsormr. Ready? Here I goooo!
Melsa: I'm coming up as well! ...Hnnnngh! Goodness, he's taller than he looks.
Sarisse: I KNEW a dragon would be big enough! Right then. Lemme just spread the straw... Oh yeah, that's the stuff. C'mere, Melsa!
Melsa: Ah, but the scenery is gorgeous!
Sarisse: Right?! I mean, it's the same old courtyard as always, but something about it feels so fresh and new when you're up here.
Melsa: This is like lying on top of a hill. Ah, but it is wonderful! Oh, and there's a breeze now! Yes, that's perfect...
Midgardsormr: I summoned a small wind for you in order to enhance the experience—I am pleased that you find it enjoyable.
Melsa: Thank you so much, Midgardsormr. *sigh* So nice... Zzzz...
Sarisse: Ha! She's conked out already. Guess this really IS the best place for sun.
Melsa: (I'm so happy... I never knew a spot this wonderful existed...) (And it's all thanks to Sarisse and Notte...) (And yet, there must be so many other joys like this I've yet to discover...)

Melsa: The threes are here and here. And the sevens are here and... Ah, that one on the edge there.
Ranzal: Hell, ya got it AGAIN! Yer unstoppable at this, Melsa.
Elisanne: Your memory truly is incredible.
Cleo: The only way you could have done that was to memorize all the cards after seeing them once—which seems impossible.
Melsa: Actually, that's exactly what happened.
Elisanne: Well, that explains how you keep winning, although not the talent itself.
Cleo: I'm a little jealous, to be honest. If I had your memory, I'd never have to make a list when I go shopping.
Ranzal: Yo, Melsa! Now's yer chance.
Melsa: Ah, yes.
Elisanne: Hmm? What was that, Ranzal?
Ranzal: Huh? What? Don't worry about it. ...Now go for it, Melsa!
Melsa: R-right! Um, Cleo?
Cleo: Yes?
Melsa: You were talking about shopping, and... Well, I... I was thinking that if I went with you, you wouldn't need to make a list.
Cleo: That would be a tremendous help. I've been stressing out a little about the growing number of things I have to buy, so by all means come if you are willing.
Melsa: Ah. Good. Thank you! And thank you as well, Ranzal!
Ranzal: Bwa ha ha! Ain't no need to thank me. I'm just glad it worked out for ya.
Cleo: Wait, why is Melsa thanking YOU, Ranzal?
Elisanne: Now that I think about it, I remember he was giving her some advice earlier. This is all most suspicious.
Melsa: He was merely trying to help me.
Cleo: I don't follow. What exactly was he helping you with?
Melsa: I wished to be better friends with you all, but was unsure how to go about it. Then Ranzal told me he knew a good way to break the ice—a card game.
Ranzal: Yeah, I figured she'd be able to get tight with the group if we all got nice and chatty over a deck.
Elisanne: ...Perhaps I was wrong about you, Ranzal.
Cleo: Apparently even HE can do something good every now and then.
Ranzal: Hey, gimme a break! I'm just tryin' to look out for the new kid, yeah? Although I didn't expect her to win every damn hand!
Melsa: Er, yes. My apologies.
Elisanne: You have nothing to apologize for. If you do not give your all in every competition, there is no reason to even take part.
Ranzal: And on that note, I'm done holdin' back! C'mon, let's get round two goin'. Oh, and this time, I'm playin' for keeps!
Cleo: You can play for as many keeps as you wish—she's still going to win.
Ranzal: Won't know till we go, yeah? Now let's DO THIS THING! The eights're here...and here. And the nines're here and here!
Melsa: What a fine memory you have, Ranzal!
Cleo: Wait, RANZAL's memory is this good? What's going on here?
Elisanne: If I didn't know better, I'd say he was using a marked deck.
Ranzal: Hey, I ain't no cheat! ...Not intentionally, anyway. But this deck is pretty beat up, so ya can tell what card is what by the scratches and folds on the back of 'em.
Elisanne: And HOW is that any different from intentional cheating?!
Ranzal: It's STRATEGY! Rule number one of any competition: Make use of whatcha got.
Cleo: In that case, I, too, shall ＂make use of what I got.＂
Ranzal: Whoooaargh! Wh-what're ya doin', Cleo?!
Cleo: You should feel lucky I held back.
Ranzal: Held back? Ya just scratched the cards all to hell!
Cleo: Yes, and that magic could have easily destroyed the deck. So be glad that I showed a modicum of restraint. Come, Melsa. We'll work together to defeat this coward.
Elisanne: That's right. We've been around here longer, so it's our duty to help you win.
Melsa: I see. Thank you both.
Ranzal: Fine then! I'll beat ya with my WITS! This one here...and THIS one! Ah, crap! That ain't it!
Melsa: It's my turn now, yes? The two is here...and the five is here. I believe that makes me the winner.
Cleo: It does indeed. Congratulations.
Elisanne: And now it's time for your lecture, Ranzal. Don't cheat when you play games!
Melsa: A lecture is not necessary, actually. I don't mind what he did.
Elisanne: Truly?
Melsa: My only goal with the game was to get to know everyone, and I was able to do that. I feel like I have more friends now, which makes me very happy.
Ranzal: Heh. Then my plan worked! I pretended to be a heel, and you guys became friends!
Elisanne: I don't think there was any pretending involved, Ranzal.
Cleo: This worked out in SPITE of your actions.
Ranzal: Hey, don't be sweatin' the minor details! The end justifies the means and all that. Ain't that right, Melsa?
Melsa: Indeed. Thank you all for a wonderful time. Especially you, Ranzal. You both helped me and looked out for me.
Ranzal: Bwa ha ha! Think nothin' of it, kid. Hey! I just thought of somethin'. Would ya do me a favor, Melsa?
Melsa: Of course. What is it?
Ranzal: I wanna play cards again—but this time, I've got an even better game in mind...
Melsa: There's a better game than this one?
Ranzal: Oh, yeah. It's a blast. It's a card game for adults filled with thrills and tension—and we play for real stakes!
Cleo: Aaaand that's enough of that. If you'd be so kind as to lecture this miscreant, Elisanne?
Elisanne: Ranzal! It is simply inexcusable for you to attempt to drag Melsa down to your level, where only the dregs of humanity exist!
Ranzal: I was JOKIN'! Sheesh! Gimme a break.
Cleo: *sigh* Melsa, you mustn't grow up to become like this one.
Melsa: What? Um, I don't know what you mean. ...Er, everyone? Please wait for me! What is this fun new card game?! I have to know!

???: *sniff*
Melsa: Hmm? Is someone crying? Who could it be? I think it came from over here... This is Elisanne's room, yes? Her door's slightly ajar. That must be why her voice is carrying.
Elisanne: *sniff* *sob*
Melsa: I was right—she IS crying. Should I say something to her? Or would that just make everything worse?
Elisanne: Agh, I can't take it! It's too much! How could this happen?!
Melsa: Wh-what's wrong, Elisanne?!
Elisanne: Eeek! M-Melsa!
Melsa: I'm sorry for intruding, but I can't help thinking you're upset about a matter of truly grave import—huh? You're...reading. Wait, were you crying because of a BOOK?
Elisanne: AH! N-no! I certainly wasn't feeling emotional because of this book!
Melsa: Oh? Then what is troubling you?
Elisanne: Ummmmm...
Melsa: You can talk to me about it, if you like. Everyone's been so kind to me here; maybe this is a chance to return the favor.
Elisanne: Melsa, I... Fine. I lied. I'm crying about the book.
Melsa: I suspected as much.
Elisanne: Well, as you now know half of my dark secret, I might as well tell the rest... I ADORE romance novels.
Melsa: Romance...novels?
Elisanne: Er, are you not familiar with the genre?
Melsa: I fear not. We didn't have much contact with the outside world in the village, and the variety of our book selection was...limited. Are these ＂romance novels＂ some kind of historical epoch?
Elisanne: Oh dear. Perhaps it would be easier for you to read this one and see for yourself. It might be good for you to expand your literary horizons, after all.
Melsa: Fair enough. Let me see here... Ah, it seems this is the story of a brave knight and the prince she serves. Just like you and Euden!
Elisanne: Ah! I mean, um...ha? Ha ha ha ha! Wh-what a totally random coincidence! Whatever are the odds of that?! Er, but please do go on. It really is a rather good story.
Melsa: Let's see... Ah, so the knight and prince grow closer to each other, then fall in love despite the difference in social standing. How very interesting. EEEEEEEEE! Whaaaaaat?! They're holding hands?! EEEEE!
Elisanne: Melsa?! Your face is bright red!
Melsa: I, um...yes. I get rather...embarassed when it comes to romance. My apologies.
Elisanne: In that case, perhaps I should be the one who is apologizing. I'd thought you might become a fellow fan of the genre if I let you read one.
Melsa: You really must love these books, Elisanne. It makes me a touch jealous.
Elisanne: How so?
Melsa: If you like romance novels, you probably don't get embarrassed thinking about the subject, correct?
Elisanne: The subject of romance in general? No, I suppose not. Although I'm definitely no expert. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Melsa: Is that so?
Elisanne: Oh, romance is far from a talent of mine. I can't even tell people how I feel...
Melsa: Does that mean you have feelings for someone at this very moment?
Elisanne: Wait, er, n-no! It was...a metaphor! Yes, that's it. A metaphor. Now please just forget I said it. And if you CAN'T forget it, at least don't ask me anything else; I'm so embarrassed, I feel as if my heart is going to explode.
Melsa: As you wish. In truth, my heart is racing as well, so I couldn't possibly press for more details.
Elisanne: I...see.
Melsa: Er...
Elisanne: ......
Melsa: ...... Er, but...
Elisanne: Wh-what?!
Melsa: I AM jealous of you. I would very much like to know what it's like to be in love like that.
Elisanne: Oh, Melsa... I think you just might have more bravery than I do when it comes to romance.
Melsa: Oh, I don't think I'm so courageous as all that.
Elisanne: Don't worry yourself. You're eventually going to find someone to love, and they will love you back without reservation.
Melsa: Thank you, Elisanne. I pray you find your love as well!

Cleo: Melsa, could you look at the skies for me? I'd like to know if this clear weather is going to continue.
Melsa: You wish me to read the weather? I'd be happy to.
Cleo: Then let's head outside.
Melsa: Hmm. The clouds are shaped like that... And the wind is blowing this way... Yes, it will be clear all day.
Cleo: Ah, good. Then we can hang this laundry out to dry without worry.
Melsa: Can I help you?
Cleo: I would love that. Each new person who comes to the Halidom adds to our ever-growing pile of dirty linens.
Melsa: It must be a lot of work for you to worry about that day after day, Cleo.
Cleo: It is. Although... Well, I find it much more fulfilling than the long years I spent alone.
Melsa: I see. ...Er, if I may be so bold: how old are you?
Cleo: Oh, somewhere around three or four hundred years, give or take.
Melsa: Goodness! You don't look even remotely that old. If you don't mind me asking, how have you maintained your youthful appearance after all this time?
Cleo: Oh, I'm happy to tell you. However, it will probably be quite a long story. Perhaps I can regale you while we take care of the washing.
Melsa: Ah, yes, I'll dry this laundry here, then.
Cleo: Let's see, wherever should I begin...?
Melsa: Well, if you're not sure, perhaps I could start by asking a question I've had on my mind for some time.
Cleo: Well, now I'M curious. Whatever could it be?
Melsa: Well, I was wondering why you came here.
Cleo: You mean to the Halidom?
Melsa: Yes. I know of very few sylvans who have ever left their village. I mean, I can see it for a go-getter like Luca who acts before he thinks, but you seem much more thoughtful. Anyway, that's why I'm curious.
Cleo: Well, if that is your question, then my answer is quite simple... I am a servant. I was linked to my master by fate, and in the course of following him, happened upon this place. He was precious to me, so it's only natural that I would have accompanied him anywhere in the world.
Melsa: So it's your master who was the go-getter!
Cleo: Correct. Back then, it was one breathless adventure after another. But one day, my master departed on a journey and never returned. With his parting words, he left the castle in my care. And so it is my duty to obey his command, no matter how much time might pass.
Melsa: It's amazing that you'd go so far for someone important to you, Cleo. I thought you and I might be alike, but we're actually quite different.
Cleo: Oh? And here I had been thinking that we WERE alike, as you said.
Melsa: What do you mean?
Cleo: Was your reason for coming here not your devotion to Euden?
Melsa: Not quite. I came here because the prince saved me and my village. It was to repay the debt I owe him, nothing more.
Cleo: In that case, I'd like to ask you another question of my own. When the debt is settled, will you return to your village?
Melsa: I...hadn't really thought about it.
Cleo: Why not think about it now?
Melsa: Well then, once I repay my debt... I... I think I'll want to stay wherever Euden is.
Cleo: I suspected as much. We're alike, you and I, so we have a way of knowing these things about one another.
Melsa: But it's so strange! I don't even know the reason WHY I want to remain with Euden!
Cleo: Heh. That's how these things are. I was also unsure of the reason why I wanted to follow my master at first. ...But I've spoken of myself for far too long. Let us leave things there. For now, if I could say one thing to you... I think the two of you—you and Euden—are more alike than you might think. Both unfailingly kind, and both aiming for similar dreams.
Melsa: I'm not entirely sure I know what you mean.
Cleo: Well, perhaps it's not something you'll immediately understand. So, for starters, perhaps you should work on trying to understand those things.
Melsa: My dreams...and his. Very well. I will do so. I hope you'll keep taking care of me here for a while longer so I can accomplish that goal.

Euden: ...Yah! ...Haaah!
Melsa: Ah, Euden. Are you practicing the sword by yourself?
Euden: It's my daily training.
Melsa: Well, if you like, perhaps I could spar with you. I could at least manage to parry your swings, if that would be helpful.
Euden: That would be great, actually. Still, I'm a little surprised that you would volunteer to spar.
Melsa: I used to be quite poor at fighting, but since arriving at the Halidom, that has changed a little bit. It's because I've been here with you and all the others, so thank you for that.
Euden: Heh. I didn't do anything, Melsa. It was all thanks to your own strength.
Melsa: Well, in any case, I want to repay my debt to you. I am truly grateful to you for saving both my village and Sylvia.
Euden: You really don't have to thank me. I just did what anyone would do. Anyway, let's get on with practice. I tend to train hard, so give this all you've got!
Melsa: R-right! Same to you!
Euden: ...Right. Let's stop there for today.
Melsa: You're strong, Euden— although that doesn't surprise me.
Euden: Maybe—but I have to get even stronger if I hope to save Zethia.
Melsa: Zethia?
Euden: My little sister. She was stolen away by the empire, and all I could do was watch. I still regret it. If I'd only been stronger, then maybe...
Melsa: I had no idea, Euden. However, I understand how you feel. When Sylvia was captured by the empire, I also couldn't do anything but watch.
Euden: It's hard to see something—or someone— you love taken away from you.
Melsa: True. But you came and saved us both. And now it's my turn to help you! I'm going to help you save Zethia. It's the only way to repay you for what you did for me.
Euden: I'm really happy to hear you say that, Melsa.
Melsa: Er, but I'm really not that strong, so I'm not entirely sure how much help I'll be. Perhaps I should have thought a little more before making such bold, impassioned claims.
Euden: Hey, you don't have to be so modest. You're a friend—and a dependable one at that.
Melsa: You are too kind to me.
Euden: And you're too meek and self-effacing. I think you might actually be like Zethia in that way.
Melsa: Truly?
Euden: Yep. She's so kind and centered. When we were kids, she would follow me around everywhere.
Melsa: That's a really cute image. You two must have been especially close.
Euden: Yeah. Zethia and I—and Notte—have always been together. And that's why our dream when we were young was to create a kingdom where the three of us could live happily forever. ...Heh. Kind of silly to dream of a kingdom with only three people in it, right?
Melsa: Ha ha! Perhaps. But the main idea behind the dream is still a good one. When I lost that, it was the first time I realized just HOW important it was. That's why I think that your childhood dream is absolutely wonderful.
Euden: I'm glad you think so. It's changed a little bit—there are more people involved now, for one—but the basic concept is still the same as it ever was. Except now I dream of creating a kingdom where EVERYONE can live happily.
Melsa: How wonderful.
Euden: Although now that I really think about it, it may not be quite accurate to call it a dream. This isn't something I dream about doing someday—it's something I absolutely must and WILL do.
Melsa: I see... ...Why is it that I want to stay with the prince even after I've repaid my debt?
Cleo: I think the two of you—you and Euden—are more alike than you might think. Both unfailingly kind, and both aiming for similar dreams.
Melsa: Oh! But then if your dream is to make a place where everyone can be happy... Um, Euden? Might I ask you a question?
Euden: Sure.
Melsa: What IS happiness to you?
Euden: ...Huh. Let me think about that. Well, this might sound weird, but I think it means that everyone can laugh together.
Melsa: Everyone...can laugh together?
Euden: I know, I know. But laughter has always felt like true happiness to me, so I guess it's something that I strive for. Anyway, that's what I think.
Melsa: Well, I think it's lovely. For what is happiness if not being surrounded by merry friends? ...And that's why I've made my decision!
Euden: ...Uh, Melsa? Why are you kneeling?
Melsa: Make me your servant, Euden! Here and now, I swear to you that we will rescue Zethia! And after that, I will offer up all that I am to help make your dream a reality!
Euden: That...that means a lot, Melsa. But in that case, I have to repay your courtesy with one of my own. Ahem! In the name of the royal family of Alberia, I, Euden, accept your request.
Melsa: Oh, thank you so much!
Euden: ...Okay, that's enough of the formalities. You can get up now.
Melsa: B-but I've become your servant! Wouldn't that be improper?
Euden: To be honest, I'm not really comfortable with the idea of servants. I'd just prefer to have a bunch of friends who all support each other. I'll be counting on you, Melsa.
Melsa: I won't let you down. I will remain by your side forever.

Halloween Melsa: Trick or treat! I hope you brought candy, because otherwise I'll have to eeeeat your braaaaaains...
Female Villager: Oh, what an adorable little zombie! Here's a gumdrop, dear.
Village Girl: Mom? What's a zombie?
Female Villager: A zombie is a dead person who comes back to life and crawls out of the grave.
Village Girl: People come back when they're dead?!
Village Girl: ......
Halloween Melsa: Oh, I'm sorry. Did I frighten you?
Halloween Melsa: There's really nothing to worry about; this is just a fun Halloween costume! I'm not ACTUALLY a zombie.
Village Girl: ......
Halloween Melsa: I suppose it's difficult for one of her age to make that sort of distinction.
Village Girl: Are you...Emilia?
Halloween Melsa: I'm sorry?
Village Girl: YOU ARE! YAAAAAY!
Female Villager: Anna, stop that at once! This isn't your sister.
Village Girl: YES IT IS! IT'S HER!
Female Villager: *sigh* Oh, Anna...
Halloween Melsa: Forgive me, ma'am, but who exactly does your daughter think I am?
Female Villager: I'm so sorry. She had an older sister who passed away and... Well, I suppose she thinks you are her.
Halloween Melsa: Do we look alike?
Female Villager: A similar height and build, but that's it. Frankly, you're not even the same race.
Halloween Melsa: Yes, I was wondering about that. Er, so then, why does she...?
Female Villager: She's never really been able to accept my Emilia's death.
Female Villager: I think she understands in her head, but in her heart...
Female Villager: At home, she'll suddenly get up and go looking for Emilia until she remembers that she's gone. Then come the tears...
Halloween Melsa: How simply heartbreaking.
Village Girl: Why do you look so sad, Sis? Are you okay? Does your tummy hurt?
Halloween Melsa: Er, n-no! I'm fine! No hurt tummy here!
Village Girl: Yay! Then c'mon, let's go home.
Halloween Melsa: Whoa, hold up! Sweetie, I'm really sorry, but I'm not your sister!
Village Girl: But you're a zombie, right?
Halloween Melsa: Well, I'm DRESSED as a zombie, but—
Village Girl: I knew it! You ARE Emilia! You came back for me!
Halloween Melsa: (Oh, this is just so sad. How am I going to fix things with this poor girl...?)
Halloween Melsa: (Ah! Of course!)
Halloween Melsa: Listen. Zombies are like ghosts, all right? They're dead bodies that still move around.
Halloween Melsa: But YOU are a living human, which means the two of us can't stay togeth—
Village Girl: NOOOOO!
Halloween Melsa: Ah!
Village Girl: I don't care if you're a dead zombie! I wanna stay with yooooou!
Together: !
Halloween Melsa: You really miss her, don't you?
Female Villager: ......
Female Villager: Oh dear. I know this is terribly improper, but might you come live with us and pretend to be her sister?
Halloween Melsa: What?!
Halloween Melsa: Then you want me to lie to her? Will that really help anything?
Female Villager: I know how mad it sounds, but I think the poor child needs her sister's help to heal.
Female Villager: Please, I beg of you: Just for a little while, until her heart is whole again.
Halloween Melsa: ......
Halloween Melsa: ...All right. If I can be of help, I'll do all that I'm able.
Female Villager: I don't have the words to thank you.
Female Villager: Isn't that nice, Anna? Your sister is going to be with us again!
Anna: YAAAAAAY! Let's play a whole lot, just like we did before!
Halloween Melsa: O-of course we will, uh, Anna...
Halloween Melsa: (I'm not certain I make a convincing sister, but I'll do what I can.)
Halloween Melsa: (This is something only a zombie could do for her, so I must make it count!)

Melsa: Er, thank you for having me.
Anna: No! That's not what you say, Emilia! You're s'posed to say, "I'm home."
Halloween Melsa: Oh. Right. Uh...I'm home?
Anna: Yay! Welcome home, Sis!
Anna: You haven't been back in a long, long time, so what do you think? Did you miss it?
Halloween Melsa: Um...I don't really...
Anna: Wait, did you forget about home?
Mother: Sweetie, she was asleep in her grave for all those months, remember? You need to give her a little more time to wake up.
Halloween Melsa: Y-yes! That's right...um...Mom!
Anna: Hee hee! You're such a sleepyhead, Emilia!
Anna: OH! Wait right there, 'kay? I've got the perfect thing!
Halloween Melsa: Thank you for the assist there.
Mother: It's the least I can do, after dragging you into this mad scheme.
Anna: Hrrrf... Rrrgh... PHEW! Here, Emilia! I brought it for you!
Halloween Melsa: Uh, that's a SPEAR.
Anna: You used to practice with it every morning, 'member? It's how you woke up.
Anna: Now do the spinny move! I wanna see the spinny move!
Halloween Melsa: Er, you want me to...spin the...spear?
Halloween Melsa: (Sounds like Emilia was quite athletic.)
Halloween Melsa: (Problem is, I am most certainly NOT. How am I ever going to fake this?)
Mother: You mean her spear dance, honey? Yes, Emilia WAS really good at that, huh? But, um, now that she's a zombie...
Halloween Melsa: R-right! Zombies can't move very fast, so I don't think "spear dancing" is going to be possible for...quite some time.
Anna: Aw, you can't do the spinny move? That makes me sad...
Halloween Melsa: Well, maybe there's something else I can do that doesn't require so much...talent?
Halloween Melsa: Perhaps we could play house. Do you feel like playing, Anna?
Anna: YEAH! I wanna play house with you!

Anna: Zzz...
Halloween Melsa: She's finally down.
Mother: Dear thing played herself to sleep.
Anna: Love you, Emilia... Zzzzzz...
Mother: I really can't thank you enough, Melsa. She hasn't been this happy in months.
Halloween Melsa: I'm just glad she's feeling better. Er, but if you don't mind my asking, do you think I'm doing an okay job of...all this?
Mother: You've been wonderful—especially with playing house. She and Emilia used to play that game all the time.
Mother: She was so good with Anna. So caring. Why did that disease have to choose her?
Halloween Melsa: I'm so sorry for your loss.
Mother: *sniff* I'm sorry, dear. You shouldn't have to listen to me get all maudlin.
Mother: I'm going to take this one to bed.
Halloween Melsa: So Emilia was kind as well as athletic.
Halloween Melsa: In that case, I'm going to make this work!

Halloween Melsa: Hah! Yah! Raaah! ...Phew! This spear workout is no joke.
Halloween Melsa: (Maybe I'm going about this all wrong. I mean, there's no reason to push myself to do things I can't just to be a more convincing Emilia.)
Halloween Melsa: (What matters here is helping Anna heal, which means being nice to her is the most important thing I can do.)
Anna: Aw, you can't do the spinny move? That makes me sad...
Halloween Melsa: (But Emilia adored her little sister. If she'd seen the look on her face, she would have done whatever it took to make her happy again.)
Halloween Melsa: (And now that job falls on me!)
Halloween Melsa: HAH! YAH! RAAAH!

Anna: You can do the spinny move again?!

Mother: Er, Emilia? Are you certain you're not pushing yourself too hard here?
Halloween Melsa: I'm fine, thank you. Now please stand back and permit me to show you.
Halloween Melsa: Okay, here we go... YAH!
Halloween Melsa: Shah! Haaah!
Together: !
Halloween Melsa: Raaagh!
Anna: WHOA! That was soooo cool! You're the awesomest, Emilia!
Mother: She really is, isn't she?
Mother: I never thought I'd see that spear dance again. Thank you so much, dear.
Mother: It's almost as if Emilia really had come back to us...
Anna: Hee hee! You're so silly, Mom. She DID come back to us!
Mother: Yes, Anna. Of course she did.
Halloween Melsa: I sure did!
Halloween Melsa: Now, we have another whole day to play together, so what should we do first?!

Anna: Zzz... Hnrf? Emilia? Where are you?!
Anna: No... Don't leave me!
Melsa: Mmmn? Anna?
Anna: Emilia!
Anna: You're still here!
Halloween Melsa: Don't worry, sweetie. Your big sis isn't going anywhere; I'll always be right here at your side, okay?
Halloween Melsa: Now go back to bed.
Anna: Thanks, Emilia... I'm not lonely anymore...
Anna: Zzzzzz...
Halloween Melsa: (Poor Anna woke up crying again.)
Halloween Melsa: (On the surface, she seems better, but you can tell her heart's still hurting.)
Halloween Melsa: (Maybe what I'm doing isn't enough.)
Halloween Melsa: (I need to work harder to make sure she never feels lonely again!)

Anna: Owwww... WAAAAAAAAH! Emiliaaaa, heeeelp!
Halloween Melsa: Anna, are you all right?! Can you stand?!
Anna: *sniffle* It hurts and I can't walk.
Anna: Can I have a piggyback?
Halloween Melsa: One express horsey ride home, coming up!
Anna: Yaaaaay!

Mother: Dinner time, girls.
Anna: Blech! Carrots and peppers are GROSS.
Anna: You can have mine, Emilia! Eat them all up for me, 'kay?
Halloween Melsa: What? You shouldn't be picky, Anna...
Halloween Melsa: ...Oh, all right. But just this once!
Anna: Yaaay! I love you soooo much!

Anna: Morning, Emilia! Morning, Mom!
Mother: Good morning, honey.
Halloween Melsa: Morning, Anna.
Halloween Melsa: (She slept through the night without waking up in tears this entire week.)
Halloween Melsa: (It seems like her scars really are beginning to heal.)
Halloween Melsa: (My role here is coming to an end...)

Halloween Melsa: (Which means it's time to end this and let both of us go back to our real lives.)
Halloween Melsa: Yah! Hrah! ...Gah?! I lost my grip!
Anna: Whoa! You messed up the spinny move?!
Halloween Melsa: I did, huh. Isn't that funny?
Halloween Melsa: (Now that she's had time to heal, she may be ready to accept her sister's death.)
Halloween Melsa: (But if I just throw the truth in her face, the shock could do terrible damage.)
Halloween Melsa: (If possible, I'd like to lead her to learning the truth on her own.)
Halloween Melsa: Pretty weird, huh, Anna? It turns out I may not be that good with a spear after all.
Anna: Ah! Emilia, are you...?
Anna: Are you not feeling good?! Did you catch a bad cold again?!
Halloween Melsa: Er, no. I... That isn't what I—
Anna: MOOOM! Come quick! It's Emilia!

Halloween Melsa: (Perhaps that was a bit too subtle.)
Halloween Melsa: (I'll have to make my next hint a touch easier to follow.)
Anna: Here, Emilia! If you've got a fever, you gotta put ice on your forehead!
Halloween Melsa: Thank you—oh, but not the forehead. A little higher up, please.
Anna: Huh? Higher up?
Halloween Melsa: That's right. Would you set the ice right on the top of my head?
Anna: Okay! ...Huh? It won't stay. Your big dumb ears are in the...
Halloween Melsa: That's right—I have great big ears coming out of the top of my head! You don't have big ears like mine, do you, Anna?
Halloween Melsa: Isn't that funny? We're sisters, so why would we be different?
Anna: Your ears... Your ears are...
Anna: SOOOO CUTE! You look like a bunny! I wish I had big ears like you!
Halloween Melsa: What?!
Anna: I want to grow my own pair of bunny ears! Show me how! Show me, show meeeee!
Halloween Melsa: Er, that's not really... Um...

Halloween Melsa: No luck today, either.
Halloween Melsa: I guess that just leaves the final option: Telling her the truth in plain language.
Halloween Melsa: It feels so cruel to hurt her like that when she's just starting to feel better.
Halloween Melsa: Oh, but this is simply awful. What am I going to do?

Melsa: Hello, Anna? Might we talk? It's...important.
Anna: Sure, Emilia! Whatcha wanna talk about?
Halloween Melsa: Er, right. Phew! Okay then...
Anna: Oh, can I sit on your lap while we talk?!
Halloween Melsa: Er, of course...
Anna: Yaaay!
Anna: Okay, I'm all comfy now. What's up?
Halloween Melsa: Well, it's... You see, I need to...
Halloween Melsa: I need to ask you if you want me to read you another picture book!
Anna: Ooo, yes! Can we pleeease?!

Halloween Melsa: *sigh* Well, THAT was an utter disaster. I promised myself today was the day I would finally tell her the truth...
Halloween Melsa: But when I see that trusting smile and those eyes, it's like a dagger being thrust straight through my heart.
Halloween Melsa: It gives me flashbacks to Sarisse and the prince; I was so scared of betraying them, I couldn't get the truth out.
Halloween Melsa: I wish I'd been able to be honest back then and ask for help instead of hiding...
Halloween Melsa: ...Hold on. I CAN ask for help!
Halloween Melsa: I bet her mother has an idea how I can get Anna to realize I'm not her sister!
Halloween Melsa: I'm sure she knows her own daughter a lot better than a stranger like me does!
Halloween Melsa: Why didn't I think of this sooner?!

Halloween Melsa: ...So that's where I'm stuck.
Mother: ......
Halloween Melsa: I've tried to get it across to her a bunch of different ways these last few days, but I've had no luck so far.
Halloween Melsa: What do you think I could do to help her understand that I'm not really her sister?
Mother: This may just be my worry talking, but...
Mother: Anna might not be ready to accept Emilia's death quite yet.
Halloween Melsa: In the sense that her emotional scars still have yet to heal?
Halloween Melsa: But she's calmed down so much the last few weeks—she hasn't woken up crying in the middle of the night once!
Mother: It's true she's all smiles these days.
Mother: And that's all thanks to you, Melsa. You put her broken heart back together.
Halloween Melsa: I'm glad I could help, but with that being the case, why do you think she isn't ready?
Mother: See, Anna and Emilia were close, but their relationship wasn't exactly perfect.
Mother: Before she died, Emilia told me she regretted being so overprotective of Anna.
Halloween Melsa: She did?!
Mother: She was so excited to have a baby sister, and she just loved Anna to bits.
Mother: But because of that, she did everything for her—including the things Anna needed to learn to do for herself.
Mother: Before either of us realized it, Anna had grown into someone who couldn't manage life on her own terms.
Halloween Melsa: Ah, I see. I noticed she was a bit clingy, but had chalked it up to grief.
Mother: The fault is mine as much as Emilia's; I spoiled the child a great deal.
Mother: I told myself it was a good thing they were so close, which let me ignore the problem.
Mother: But eventually it got bad enough that the two of us had to acknowledge it.
Mother: Emilia was ready to step back and let Anna finally learn some independence, but then she took ill and...
Halloween Melsa: It must have been so hard to leave her sister right when she was about to help her make her own way in the world.
Mother: ...I think it's this unhealthy dependence that has blocked Anna from accepting her sister's death.
Halloween Melsa: I see...
Halloween Melsa: Well, if Emilia wanted to instill some independence in Anna, then I'll simply have to do it in her place!
Halloween Melsa: Because right now, I'm her big sister!
Mother: You're a terribly sweet girl, but it wouldn't be right to drag you any deeper into my family's problems.
Mother: Especially when it would mean forcing you to be the bad guy—Anna's not going to learn without some tough love, you know.
Mother: There's no guarantee she wouldn't just come to resent you instead of forging out on her own like you want.
Halloween Melsa: That's true—and I'd be lying if I said it's not scary to think of someone who's become like a real little sister hating me.
Mother: Which is why I can't ask you to—
Halloween Melsa: But! No one ever solved a relationship problem by putting it off out of fear of upsetting the other person.
Mother: !
Halloween Melsa: I've made that mistake myself, in the past. I was so afraid some very dear friends might come to hate me...
Halloween Melsa: But kicking that can down the road only wound up making more trouble for everyone in the end.
Halloween Melsa: So this time, I'm not running away. Instead, I'm going face this problem head-on and deal with it!
Mother: Melsa...
Mother: Well, if you're committed, I'd be eternally grateful if you could help her learn to stand on her own two feet.
Mother: And I know you'd help Emilia rest easy, what with finishing the thing she never had the chance to start.
Halloween Melsa: Leave it to me.
Halloween Melsa: Emilia's regrets. Anna's grief.
Halloween Melsa: It's time to put an end to both of their sadness and let this family move on!

Halloween Melsa: Okay, Anna. Dinnertime.
Anna: Ewww... Carrots and peppers are gross.
Anna: You can have mine, Emilia! Eat them just like always, 'kay? Pleeeease?
Halloween Melsa: Hmmmm...
Halloween Melsa: I'm sorry, Anna, but you're going to have to eat those by yourself.
Anna: But...I said please!
Anna: Do you hate me? *sniff*
Halloween Melsa: I only hate bad little girls who won't eat their veggies. Are you one of those?
Anna: What?! N-no! Please don't hate me!
Halloween Melsa: Then let's see you gobble up all those veggies. Because if you don't...
Anna: O-okay, I'll eat 'em! I'll eat 'em right now!
Halloween Melsa: (I feel like a monster for threatening you, Anna, but it's the only way you'll learn.)
Anna: I... *sniffle* I hate carrots and peppers. *nibble* Blech.
Anna: *nibble* Hmm. Actually, these are kinda yummy? *chomp*
Halloween Melsa: (You're being a real champ, Anna.)
Halloween Melsa: (You've got this—and I think I've got this as well.)

Anna: Owie! *sniff* WAAAAAH!
Anna: Emilia, heeelp! It hurts too bad to walk...
Halloween Melsa: Aww, it looks like you skinned your knee there, kiddo. But you're okay—a little scrape like that won't stop you.
Anna: No, I really can't walk! It huuuurts!
Halloween Melsa: You really can't? Even though you're the strongest little girl I know?
Anna: ...Am I really strong?
Halloween Melsa: Much more than you know, Anna.
Anna: Really? B-but, um...
Halloween Melsa: Even if you don't believe it yet, I do.
Anna: You...believe in me?
Halloween Melsa: I do. Now up we go! Get back on those big strong legs all by yourself!
Anna: 'Kay, I'll try!
Halloween Melsa: Look at that! You did it all on your own! Now do you believe me when I say you're super strong?
Anna: Hee hee! I guess I AM pretty strong...

Anna: Emilia! Mom! I'm gonna go play with my friends outside!
Together: Ah!
Anna: Ha ha! I fell! What a doof.
Anna: But it's okay! I'm super strong!
Halloween Melsa: I think she might finally be ready to leave her sister's side.
Mother: I think so, too. Thank you so much, Melsa.
Mother: Now BOTH of us are ready to move on, as a family.
Mother: And I hope...I hope Emilia can rest easy knowing she has no unfinished business to worry about.
Mother: ...Oh, that reminds me. Melsa: I was wondering if you'd want to visit her grave. I think she'd really like to meet you.
Halloween Melsa: Of course. But first, I need to return her name so I can meet her as my own self.
Halloween Melsa: And that means telling Anna the truth.

Anna: Um, so what'd you wanna talk about all the way out here, Emilia?
Halloween Melsa: It's something very important.
Halloween Melsa: Anna, sweetie... I'm not your big sister.
Anna: Huh? What do you mean?
Halloween Melsa: My name is Melsa. Not Emilia.
Anna: Mel...sa? But you're STILL Emilia, right?
Anna: Because you're a zombie. You came back to life and you're my sister.
Halloween Melsa: I'm only dressed up as a zombie, honey. It's just pretend—not real.
Anna: But then where's Emilia?!
Melsa: Emilia is sleeping in her grave. She has been ever since she died.
Anna: No... No! I don't want that! It's so lonely when she's gone! I miss her so... *sniff*
Melsa: Don't cry, Anna. You're strong, remember?
Anna: But... But...
Melsa: No buts. You can eat all your veggies, you can walk off a skinned knee, and you can go play with friends all by yourself.
Melsa: That's how strong you are—and that's why you'll be all right even if your big sister isn't there to help you.
Melsa: You're going to get through life just fine, because that's what strong girls do.
Anna: Even if I'm all by myself?!
Melsa: You've got this! Up on your feet, Anna! You can do this on your own!
Anna: (Melsa's not my sister for real, but she's cheering me on like she is.)
Anna: (She said nice things to me like Emilia always did, and it made me really happy.)
Anna: (So I want to try to be like she says. I wanna do things on my own.)
Anna: ......
Anna: Okay. I'll try. Even if I'm on my own, I'll still try really hard.
Melsa: And you're going to do GREAT, Anna, because I know how strong you are.
Anna: Hee hee! Thanks, Melsa. Hearing that from you makes me feel way better.
Anna: I'll be okay as long as you're with me!
Melsa: Sweetie, I'm sorry, but... I can't do that. I have my own family back at the Halidom that I have to return to.
Anna: Oh. Right. If you're not really my sister, then I guess you can't stay.
Anna: *sniff* It's gonna be lonely on my own...
Anna: But I'm not gonna cry, because I'm strong!
Melsa: You really are, Anna. And though we only got a little while together, I'm very proud to have been your big sis.
Anna: Hee hee! Thanks, Melsa.
Anna: I'm glad I got to be with you, too.
Anna: So, um...bye! And, er...take care?
Melsa: I have one last lesson for you, Anna: the perfect words for times like these.
Melsa: (Right, Sarisse? When you have to part with people you love, it's not goodbye.)
Anna: Huh? What are they?
Melsa: See you later.
Melsa: There's no rule that says we can never meet again, so you can come play at the Halidom whenever you like!
Anna: Yaaaaaay! I'm totally gonna do that!
Anna: See you later, Sis!