Sarisse

Fiend: Raaaargh!
Luca: Now they're coming from this side! There's no end to these things!
Euden: Keep fighting! We have to save the village!
Ranzal: Besides, ain't you the one what was struttin' around earlier talkin' about how easy this was gonna be?
Luca: Yeah, yeah, I know. ...Okay, then. I said I'd do it, so I'm gonna do it! Time for a Luca special. Eat this, fiends!
Fiend: Graaaagh...
Euden: You took out two at once! Pretty impressive, Luca.
Luca: That wasn't me. My bow's still nocked.
Euden: Er, then who was it?
Luca: No idea. But whoever they are, they have some SERIOUS bow skills. I don't think I could make a shot like that.
Euden: Oh, I don't know about that. I've seen you make some pretty impossible shots.
Luca: Sure, but look at where the arrows pierced these two—straight through the heart, both of 'em. That's one in a million. I mean, yeah, I could probably make a shot like that, but not without a lot of luck.
Fiend: Raaargh!
Euden: Luca, watch out!
Luca: Aw, crap!
Fiend: Graaargh!
Luca: Okay, now I owe this mystery archer a HUGE thank you!
 ???: You two all right over there?
Luca: We're fine—but I think I owe you a dinner. Or maybe THREE dinners, considering how many fiends you just took out.
Gala Sarisse: Not necessary; I'm just glad you're... Wait a second. LUCA?!
Luca: SARISSE?! What are YOU doing here?!
Ranzal: Wait. Ain't that...?
Euden: Luca's little sister, yes. We met her back at their village.
Gala Sarisse: Euden! It's been a while.
Euden: It's great to see you again, Sarisse, but what are you doing here?
Gala Sarisse: Oh, I'm just out on a little fiend hunt. The same villagers who asked you for help also wanted me to pitch in.
Ranzal: Now THAT'S a piece of encouragin' news! Right, Euden?
Euden: If she's as good as those last two shots, she'll be an incredible asset.
Luca: Okay, everybody just slow your rolls! Don't I get a say in this?
Euden: Er, why would your say not be "yes"?
Luca: Because this is my little SISTER, man! Exterminating fiends is dangerous work.
Ranzal: Yeah, but you were JUST goin' on and on about how skilled this mystery archer person was!
Luca: Was I, though? No, I don't think so. It was more of a head-nod, "yeah, I guess that was okay" kind of thing.
Gala Sarisse: Luca called me skilled? Woohoo! You finally recognized my ability!
Luca: I said those things in the heat of the moment! Now, after careful reflection, it's clear that I was over-effusive. Regardless, there's no WAY I'm letting you chase around a bunch of fiends!
Gala Sarisse: But you said I was skilled!
Luca: I know you too well. You're looking at this like some game to test your skills. If you go into combat thinking like that...
Gala Sarisse: Now hold on! When did I say anything like that? I'm taking my fiend-hunting duties completely seriously!
Luca: Fiend-hunting...duties? Wait, what? What are you—
Ranzal: Listen, I get that you guys have this sibling mind-meld thing goin' on, but—
Luca & Sarisse: WE DO NOT!
Ranzal: But yer startin' to attract an audience!
Fiend: Raaargh!
Euden: Uh oh. We're surrounded!
Luca: Okay, fine. You can help us, Sarisse. But JUST this one time, got it?!
Gala Sarisse: You have to be kidding me.
Luca: See? I knew she'd be thrilled! ...Wait, what did you say?
Gala Sarisse: I said that you're an IDIOT, Luca! First you treat me like a useless kid, and now you want my HELP?!
Luca: I'm just trying to keep you safe!
Gala Sarisse: And I'M just trying to help people! What's so wrong with that?
Luca: Well...okay, yeah that's not a bad reason... Look, all I'm saying is that you should have talked to me about this before you just ran off and started arrowing fiends.
Gala Sarisse: I can decide how to live my own life, thank you very much!
Luca: Sarisse, wait! Don't go running off!
Gala Sarisse: I'm going to kill every last fiend here! Maybe THEN you'll admit I know what the heck I'm doing! Taaaaake THIS! Hiyaaaaa!
Fiend: Raaargh....
Gala Sarisse: Right then! Who's next?!
Fiend: Rrrgh!
Gala Sarisse: Attacking from behind? Not cool!
Luca: Stay the hell away from my sister! Haaah!
Gala Sarisse: Luca! You saved meeeeeee...um...a tiny bit of trouble. Yep! That's all you did. Still, I SUPPOSE we can call it even for me saving you earlier—even though I did that, like, three times.
Luca: I'm sorry, Sarisse. This is all my fault.
Gala Sarisse: Come again?
Luca: I owe you an apology. I totally disregarded your feelings, and that was wrong.
Gala Sarisse: You mean it?
Luca: Yeah. But I also wanna say one thing... PLEASE be more careful! It makes me CRAZY when you just go running off into danger like that!
Gala Sarisse: You were that worried about me... I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have just run off and started plunking fools like that.
Fiend: Raaargh!
Luca: Woah, look at the size of this fella. It must be their leader.
Gala Sarisse: C'mon, Luca! We'll take it down together!
Luca: You got it! Time to show 'em what we can do!
Sarisse & Luca: Sylvan Sibling Speciaaaaaaal!
Fiend: Graaaaaarrrgh...
Ranzal: Told ya you two had a sibling mind-meld.
Euden: Agreed. That was impressive.
Gala Sarisse: Heh. Thanks, Euden. But yeah, there was something different about that shot we did just now, right? Something amazing!
Luca: That's what happens when you fight alongside someone.
Gala Sarisse: Huh. Well, I'll be. Well, in that case, I'm coming with you, Euden!
Euden: We'd love your help! Er, but what do you think about all this, Luca?
Luca: Hey, now that you've learned how to work with others, I'm fine with it. You're really growing up, Sis! Welcome to the team.
Gala Sarisse: Aw, thanks, you two. Those stupid fiends aren't gonna know what hit 'em!

Gala Sarisse: La la laaa ♪ That was so fun!
Euden: You seem awfully happy, Sarisse. Did something nice happen?
Gala Sarisse: Yep! I bought some amazing thread for suuuuper cheap here in town.
Euden: Thread?
Gala Sarisse: Yeah, I'm kinda into embroidery.
Euden: That seems like a nice hobby.
Gala Sarisse: It's pretty great, all right. But yeah, I can't tell you how awesome that village shopping place was. It was full of these colorful outdoor stalls where everyone was yelling and arguing about prices. So great!
Ranzal: Oh! That's a flea market. It's where you go to sell old things you don't need anymore.
Gala Sarisse: Do they sell fleas? Ah ha ha! Oh man, I slay me. ...Oh, but wait! There's more! I haggled with somebody! HAGGLED!
Ranzal: Bwa ha ha! Yeah, hagglin' is the best. The shopkeeps are usually reduced to tears when ol' Ranzal's done with 'em.
Gala Sarisse: I KNOW, right? Every time they'd lower the price, I'd be like, "That is an INSULT, sir! Don't you know who I am?!"
Ranzal: Bwaaa ha ha! I love it! Maybe we're more alike than I thought. I mean, I feel kinda bad for the shopkeeps, but that's just the flea-market game!
Gala Sarisse: It was a total blast—and I owe it all to you, Euden!
Euden: I'm not sure what I did here.
Gala Sarisse: If I hadn't joined you and your pals, I never would have come to a town this far from my home! THAT'S why I owe it all to you.
Euden: In that case, you're welcome.
Ranzal: Shoppin' is all well and good, but it ain't the only fun thing about this town. There's also the food. Speakin' of which, I know a little place you just gotta try!
Gala Sarisse: Yessss! Take me, take me, take meeee! Pleeeeeeease? Wait, crap! Noooo!
Euden: What's wrong?
Gala Sarisse: I blew all my money at the flea market. *sniff* Guess I'll just have to go home and eat rocks tonight. Cheap, cheap rocks...
Ranzal: Aw, don't be like that. It'll be my treat!
Gala Sarisse: Reeeeally?!
Ranzal: 'Course! You and me got lots in common after all, yeah? Sharin' a meal is gonna be a blast.
Euden: Sarisse does have a certain way of brightening the air around her. Go ahead and enjoy your dinner, Sarisse. I'll let Luca know what's going on.
Ranzal: Ya hear that? We've been ordered to go eat by royalty. Got no choice now.
Gala Sarisse: Yaaaay! Thanks, you two! ...Ranzal, this menu is CRAZYPANTS! I've never heard of half this stuff!
Ranzal: Well then, order whatever sounds good. It's all on me!
Gala Sarisse: Aaaanything?
Ranzal: Yep! Go hog-wild, kid.
Gala Sarisse: Excuse me? Waiter? We'd like to order! Okay, so I want this...and this... Oh, and some of these...
Ranzal: (Huh. She's orderin' a whole lot'a food for such a tiny kid.)
Gala Sarisse: And a dozen of these... Oooo, and this! Oh, and can I get this in a trough? Is that a serving size you guys do?
Ranzal: A trough?!
Gala Sarisse: *BRRRP!* ...Oh my gosh, Ranzal, that was the best meal ever.
Ranzal: I didn't think there was any way ya'd eat all'a that, but ya did! Nice job, kid. Guess we should grab the bill now, yeah?
Gala Sarisse: The bill? Heck no! I'm just getting started! I still need to try the salad, and the fish, and that giant haunch of meat, and... You know what? Let's just go ahead and order one of everything! We'll make it a challenge to ourselves.
Ranzal: Nnngh!
Gala Sarisse: You okay, Ranzal? You've gone all pale.
Ranzal: *cough* D-don't worry 'bout me...
Gala Sarisse: Well, if you're sure... Okay, time to order! Excuse me! Waiter!
Ranzal: I'm gonna be a broke joker by the time this night's done...but a promise is a promise, so I gotta see it through!
Gala Sarisse: Boy, there isn't a bad item on the menu. I can see why you love this place! Wait, what's this way down here? The "Helltongue Spicy Special"?
Ranzal: Yeah, I dunno if yer gonna dig that one. It's more of an adult taste.
Gala Sarisse: Then THIS adult is going to eat it all! Down the hatch! *chomp* HAAAAAAAAH! W-water! WATER! Everything buuuuurns!
Ranzal: Feel free to stop eatin' that whenever, yeah?
Gala Sarisse: *wheeeeze* Gonna...finish it... Gonna eat...every last bite... *nibble* The paaaaain! *nibble* Aaaaiiiieeeee! *nibble* Hmm... *chomp* You know what? I think I'm getting used to this.
Ranzal: Or else yer tongue's just gone numb. Either way, ya plowed through that like a real grown-up. Nice job!
Gala Sarisse: *munch* *horf* Oh man, I LOVE this! Woo-hoo! I did it, Ranzal! I ate everything on the menu!
Ranzal: Then it's time...for the bill.
Gala Sarisse: No! I want more spice! MORE!
Ranzal: Yer killin' me here, kid!

Gala Sarisse: Mom! Dad! We're here!
Luca & Sarisse's Father: Oh, thank heavens you're all right!
Luca: 'Course we are! Neither of us is going down without a fight!
Luca & Sarisse's Mother: Do you have ANY idea how worried your father and I have been, young man?!
Gala Sarisse: Ha ha! You two haven't changed a bit! Still, I'm surprised you guys are all still hiding out in the forest here.
Luca: Yeah, me too. I know the Empire leveled our village, but I thought you'd have rebuilt by now.
Luca & Sarisse's Father: There's a reason for that, unfortunately.
Luca & Sarisse's Mother: You see, Imperial soldiers are still patrolling the area.
Gala Sarisse: But I thought the prince drove all those crumbums outta here!
Luca & Sarisse's Father: He did—for a while, at least. But a little after Sarisse left, they started causing trouble again.
Luca & Sarisse's Mother: Oh no! Invaders!
Luca & Sarisse's Father: Speak of the devil.
Luca: C'mon, Sarisse!
Gala Sarisse: We'll take care of 'em! Take this! Haaah!
Imperial Soldier: Who the hell are these guys?! Fall back! Fall baaack!
Sylvan Child: Wow, Sarisse! You're super strong!
Gala Sarisse: Well, I've been learning a lot fighting with Euden.
Sylvan Child: You're the best, Luca. Thanks for saving us!
Luca: Heh. Just doing what's right.
Elder: You really have grown since I last saw you. You took care of those soldiers as if they were children's playthings. If you were to stay here and protect us, we might even be able to rebuild. Would you perhaps consider this?
Luca: I wish I could. Really I do. But I made a promise to fight with Euden.
Elder: Yes, I see. Pray forgive me for asking this of you. And you, Sarisse?
Gala Sarisse: ...Me? What about me?
Elder: When you left our village, you said you did so in order to help us all.
Gala Sarisse: That's still how I feel.
Elder: And would not staying in the village more readily allow you to do so?
Gala Sarisse: Well, I suppose that's true, but...
Elder: Please, Sarisse. We need you.
Gala Sarisse: I...I need some time to think about this. Can you wait until tomorrow? *sigh* What should I do...? I thought I knew what I wanted, but now...
Luca: You okay, Sarisse? I can lend you a big floppy ear if you want it.
Gala Sarisse: Aw, thanks, Bro... See, the more I think about it, the more I think the elder is right. If I want to help people, I should stay here and do that.
Luca: ...But there's more to it than that, right?
Gala Sarisse: I mean, I KNOW that makes sense, and yet... Deep down, I just want to keep fighting with Euden.
Luca: I think I get what you're saying. That's exactly how I felt when I decided to leave the village and join up with Euden's merry band.
Gala Sarisse: Really?
Luca: Yep. There's just something about him. The moment I met him, I felt like I could accomplish the thing I desired most.
Gala Sarisse: Oh yeah? What's that?
Luca: It's...I dunno. My dream, I guess.
Gala Sarisse: Yeah, but what IS your dream?
Luca: No way I'm telling you that! It's too embarrassing.
Gala Sarisse: Aww, c'mon! I'm your sister!
Luca: I don't care who you are! These lips are zipped. All that matters here is that I understand where you're coming from, right?
Gala Sarisse: Yeah, but I don't really have a dream or...whatever.
Luca: But you might find one if you stick with Euden long enough.
Gala Sarisse: Hey, yeah! So THAT'S why I want to be with him!
Luca: Heh. Sounds like you've got your answer.
Gala Sarisse: Thanks, Luca. I'm sorry, everyone. But I've thought about this a lot, and I'm going to keep fighting with Euden.
Elder: No! You must reconsider!
Gala Sarisse: I'm sorry. I can't. This is how I'm going to fight to bring peace to everyone. And it's also how I'm going to discover what I want to do with my life.
Elder: But what about your people?
Luca: Please listen, Elder. Sarisse wants to find her dream, and you can bet whatever she comes up with is going to be way bigger and better than all of us here!
Luca & Sarisse's Father: Please, Elder. Let her go.
Luca & Sarisse's Mother: Supporting the dreams of children is the duty of parents—and of ALL adults.
Luca: Mom! Dad!
Elder: But what will happen to us? What are we to do the next time the soldiers come back?
Luca & Sarisse's Mother: We'll have to learn to defend ourselves. We cannot keep placing that onerous task on the backs of our children. It's been a long time since I've had a good scrap; I'm looking forward to it!
Luca & Sarisse's Father: Let's go easy now, honey...
Elder: *sigh* I suppose you are right. Go forth and live your life, Sarisse. We will keep your people safe.
Gala Sarisse: Aw, thanks, everybody! I won't let you down!

Gala Sarisse: Whew! That was one exhausting journey. Good thing I've got a bed in the castle with my name on it.
Euden: I hear you. Let's hurry up and get back.
Ranzal: Hey, you guys smell that?
Elisanne: It smells like something is burning. ...Ah! Look there! Smoke!
Luca: There's a village over there, right?
Gala Sarisse: Yeah, that one we used to trade with back in the day. Please tell me it's not actually on fire!
Euden: We'd better go check it out.
Gala Sarisse: Oh no! It's been destroyed!
Elisanne: Could it be the work of fire-breathing fiends, perhaps?
Ranzal: This ain't fiends. Look here—these prints are from military-issue boots.
Luca: Look! There's someone on the ground!
Cleo: Easy, now. Let me heal you.
Sylvan Villager: You...saved my life...
Luca: Who did this?
Sylvan Villager: The Empire—they swept through without mercy. What did we ever do to them?!
Gala Sarisse: They did the same to our own village some time back.
Luca: And we're seeing similar things happening all over the continent now.
Gala Sarisse: I'll never forgive them for this... I've got to take down the Empire!
Ranzal: I like yer spirit, but... Takin' on fiends and takin' on the entire Empire are two very different things.
Gala Sarisse: How? They're both just strong foes.
Ranzal: Think about it for just a minute. ...The answer's right in front of ya.
Euden: Elisanne! Luca! You two move the rubble! We're going to save the people trapped undeneath!
Elisanne: On it! ...We're here to help! Answer if you can hear us!
Luca: You're gonna be okay!
Euden: Cleo, you heal the wounded. Try to prioritize the most heavily injured.
Cleo: Understood.
Gala Sarisse: He's such a natural leader... Is this what you were talking about when you said there's a difference between fighting the Empire and fighting fiends?
Ranzal: Yep. When ya fight a fiend, ya just gotta focus on what's in front of ya. But the Empire's bigger than any pack'a fiends. Even if ya beat the guy in front, yer gonna lose other battles somewhere down the line.
Gala Sarisse: Then what should we do?
Ranzal: Think about the big picture. For example, ya gotta go back to places where ya lost and take care of who's left. If ya do that, maybe they turn into allies what can help out later on. The prince knows that better'n anyone.
Euden: Ranzal, can you give me a hand? We need to fashion some temporary huts for these people to live in.
Ranzal: On it, boss!
Gala Sarisse: He's taking the time to build huts? I never would have thought of that... If it was up to me, we'd just be chasing down the soldiers who did this. This must be what Ranzal meant when he talked about "the big picture." The prince wants to earn victory for everyone—with the HELP of everyone!
Euden: Sarisse! Over here! There might still be others who need our help; we have to save them all if we can.
Gala Sarisse: I'll do my best!
Euden: You're going to be all right. Your mom is in that hut there.
Sylvan Child: Mommy!
Sylvan Villager: Oh, thank goodness you're all right! How can I possibly thank you for saving my child?
Euden: I know you two have been through a lot, but everything is going to be all right. Let's get back to looking, Sarisse.
Gala Sarisse: Look at all the people you're saving, Euden! It's amazing!
Euden: I'm just a very small part of this. Without all of you at my side, none of it would be possible.
Gala Sarisse: Bzzzzt! Wrong.
Euden: Huh?
Gala Sarisse: There's just something about you that makes others WANT to help you. I know, because I feel it myself. That's a special quality—there are very few people who have it.
Euden: I'm honored that you think so. Thank you.
Gala Sarisse: Yep! You're one in a million for sure. I wonder if I'll ever be like you? Wait a second... Ah-ha! That's IT!
Euden: Er, what's it?
Gala Sarisse: I just thought of something! Something great!
Euden: Oh? Glad to hear it. Now, let's help those people! Attention, villagers! We're here to help, and we won't leave until the last one of you is safe!
Gala Sarisse: (I think I've finally found the path I should be following... If I make the prince my role model... I should be able to find my own dream!)

Gala Sarisse: You have a sec, Ranzal? There's something I've been meaning to ask you.
Ranzal: Shoot.
Gala Sarisse: We're just here to gather up people who've lost their homes in the war, right? So is there really a need for Euden to go out of his way to come along?
Ranzal: Heh. Yer answer's right over there.
Euden: Please follow us, everyone. You can stay at our castle for as long as you like.
Elderly Refugee: I can't believe the prince himself has come to our aid!
Female Refugee: What an honor!
Ranzal: These folks've been through hell and back, but he knows just how to put 'em at ease.
Gala Sarisse: Heh. That is SO like him.
Euden: *pant* *pant*
Cleo: Are you well, Euden? Your breathing is terribly uneven. Oh no! Your face is bright red! Do you have a fever?!
Euden: Please just...don't fuss over me... If others see me like this... they might lose heart...
Cleo: Euden!
Elisanne: I have returned from my patrol and am ready to give my repor—YOUR HIGHNESS!
Cleo: He collapsed from a fever—most likely caused by overwork.
Elisanne: Cleo, you must heal him right away! ...Wait, no! I have to give my report!
Cleo: Has something happened, Elisanne? It's not like you to lose your composure.
Elisanne: I fear there are imperial soldiers waiting on the road ahead.
Luca: So? Those chumps are a dime a dozen. We'll take 'em out and keep moving.
Elisanne: That would be all well and good if we were unaccompanied, but we must protect the civilians who travel with us.
Ranzal: And we got wounded and elderly with us, so we can't be divergin' off into the woods.
Refugee Child: Um, guys? What's wrong? Why is everyone so serious?
Gala Sarisse: Uh oh. Now the kids are worried... That's the very thing the prince was trying to avoid by coming with us. Well then, it's time to do what HE would do at a time like this! Everything's going to be fine, folks! You're all in good hands!
Refugee Child: You're gonna protect us?
Gala Sarisse: That's right. We've protected plenty of villages that were attacked by the Empire. So don't you worry about a thing. You'll be safe with us!
Refugee Child: Yay! Thanks, lady!
Gala Sarisse: Right then! How many imperial soldiers are we talking about, Elisanne?
Elisanne: Not that many, but they appear formidable. It's likely a small, elite unit.
Gala Sarisse: Well, at least they can't surround us. Can we force our way through?
Elisanne: Ordinarily, perhaps. But to attempt that while traveling with civilians...
Gala Sarisse: In that case, I'll act as a decoy. Once I lead the soldiers away, you take these people and go.
Elisanne: By yourself? That sounds like a very reckless plan.
Gala Sarisse: But at least it's only dangerous for me and not everyone else.
Luca: I'm opposed, too. It's just too dangerous alone.
Gala Sarisse: B-but...
Luca: Hey, let me finish. I'm opposed, but... If Euden were here, I think he'd say the same thing you did. He'd say that we can't put those people in danger. ...So that's why I'm coming with you. Two decoys mean half the chance of something going wrong.
Gala Sarisse: Aw, thanks, Luca!
Ranzal: It's a crazy plan—but if anybody can pull it off, it's these two. The moment ya pull them soldiers away, we'll take the civilians and push through.
Gala Sarisse: This is going to work. I know it!
Elisanne: I swear it on my honor as a Paladyn to keep these villagers safe.
Cleo: ...Be safe, Sarisse.
Gala Sarisse: We'll see each other again soon. All right, let's do this. Yaaaaaaaaah!

Euden: Thank you so much, Sarisse. I don't know what we would have done without you.
Gala Sarisse: You sure you should be up and around there, Euden?
Euden: I'm a little woozy, but I'll be all right. I heard what happened yesterday; what you did was amazing. They say you took command in my place?
Gala Sarisse: Oh, I dunno if I "took command" so much as I tried to do what I thought you'd do. Besides, everyone else did all the heavy lifting, so it's not really a big deal.
Euden: Do you remember what you said to me when we were helping the village that was attacked by the Empire? You said people who make you want to help others are special.
Gala Sarisse: Sure, I remember. Er, but why are you bringing it up now?
Euden: Don't you see? Everyone helped you, which means YOU have this special talent.
Elisanne: Now that you mention it, we did simply do as she bade us without hesitation.
Cleo: She's thoughtful of others, has a strong sense of right and wrong, and takes charge of the situation. It was like watching a little Euden in action.
Gala Sarisse: Okay, stop it! But if you really think I can be like Euden one day... That means I've found my dream!
Luca: That's great news. I'm sure everyone back home will be happy to hear it. So are you gonna fill us in on this dream of yours or what? I bet it's a real whopper!
Gala Sarisse: I'm gonna become chief of a new village!
Everyone: WHAAAAT?!
Luca: That's a bit unrealistic, don't you think? I mean you've gotta find somewhere everyone can live, THEN bring people with completely different opinions together? Sounds impossible to me!
Gala Sarisse: But our village only existed because someone started it, right? There've been loads of chiefs ever since, but SOMEONE had to be the founder. So why can't I found my own?
Luca: Okay, sure. But what made you come up with this crazy plan to begin with?
Gala Sarisse: I want to be for sylvans what Euden is for all of us. Someone who fights alongside everyone for the good of all. And since the closest thing sylvans have to royalty is a chief, I'll just have to become one of those!
Luca: Heh, you make it sound like no big deal. Well, if you've made your mind up, it's not my job to change it—it's my job to stand back and cheer you on! But man, Sarisse. I figured you'd land on something big, but I didn't think it would be THIS big!
Euden: If anyone can pull this off, it's her. No matter how tough the road ahead might be, her spirit will see her through.
Gala Sarisse: Aw, thanks, guys! Just you wait. This dream WILL happen!

Soaratorium Gal: Okay, isn't there ANYONE I can get to do this for me? Why aren't there any proper hunters in this world, anyway?!
Sarisse: Helloooo! Anybody heeeeere?
Soaratorium Gal: Oh, hello! I don't think we've met.
Sarisse: Name's Sarisse—I'm Luca's little sister.
Soaratorium Gal: Really! Well, if you're Luca's sister, you must be a pretty tough cookie.
Sarisse: Lady, I'm the toughest cookie you'll ever tangle with. You'll break your chompers on this cookie!
Soaratorium Gal: That's great to hear. See, I'm actually in a bit of a bind here, and I need a tough cookie to help me out of it.
Sarisse: Well, the whole reason I even CAME here was to see if you guys needed help!
Soaratorium Gal: Well, aren't you a peach? ...Honestly, I can't believe how darn NICE everyone is in this world.
Soaratorium Gal: Anyway, since you're feeling so helpful, I've got an egg-delivery quest with your name smeared all over it.
Sarisse: Muh? Why the hey do you need a tough cookie to deliver an egg?
Soaratorium Gal: Are you kidding? Egg work is HARD.
Soaratorium Gal: Plus, if you do a good job, I've got all sorts of sweet rewards to throw your way. You'd practically be robbing me blind!
Sarisse: Uh... Do you want me to earn the rewards or not...?
Sarisse: Anyway, let's just ignore that for a bit. You guys need an egg, yeah?
Soaratorium Gal: Yep! I marked the location on this map. Good luck—and be careful.
Sarisse: Ha! Stealing eggs from nests is second nature to us sylvans. I'll have this job done and dusted by breakfast!

Sarisse: Okay, looks like the egg should be right... Whoa. That is a HUGE nest.
Sarisse: Welp, there's nothin' for it. Better just grab this egg and... HRRRRNNNNNGH! *pant* Damn, this is one heavy sucker. Better get both hands under it... HRRRGH!

Sarisse: *pant* *heave* I'm already... *pant* Outta breath... *gasp* Can't believe I thought this was gonna be easy...
Sarisse: Uh oh! I'm getting a bad feeling here...
Sarisse: Ack! I think the parent has come back to check on the egg—and it looks ANGRY!
Sarisse: Gyah! S-slow down! That's not fair! I can't run while I'm holding this thing!

Sarisse: *pant* *pant* Oh man, all that running made me hungry. I gotta get home and...
Sarisse: Gwargh?! Dammit! It found me again! Leave me alone, you!
Sarisse: N-no... I can't...go...on... Never...gonna...make it...
Sarisse: BLARGH!

Sarisse: *sniff* Oh man, I'm so sorry. I completely borked my quest.
Soaratorium Gal: Aw, no worries, Sarisse—it happens. You'll get 'em next time!
Sarisse: But all that running around will just make me hungry, and then the same thing will happen again.
Wyventurer: Then I've got just the thing for you! It's special gear made from a type of monster called a Mizutsune.
Wyventurer: So long as you're wearing this, hunger will be a distant memory.
Sarisse: And I can just HAVE it?! Seriously?!
Wyventurer: Think of it as our way of saying thanks for your being so willing to help.
Sarisse: In that case, I'm gonna get changed and take another crack at that quest!

Hunter Sarisse: Whoa, this is soooo sooooft... But I can also feel how tough it is! This time I'll get that egg for sure!
Hunter Sarisse: Bend with the knees and... HRRGH! Gotcha! Now to get this egg back.
Hunter Sarisse: Ha! You again, eh? Well, I'm not gonna be such a pushover this time!
Hunter Sarisse: Time to leave you in the dust, pal!
Hunter Sarisse: Wow, this is incredible! I'm not hungry at all!
Hunter Sarisse: Boo-yah! I got this, baby!
Hunter Sarisse: Aaaand we're done. Sch-weeeeet! Better go tell the Guild Gal.

Soaratorium Gal: Congratulations on the successful completion of your first guild quest.
Hunter Sarisse: Hee! It's as satisfying as winning a battle, but in a totally different way.
Wyventurer: Allow me to express my gratitude as well. This egg could lead to major advances in our studies of Rathalos bionomics.
Hunter Sarisse: Bio what now?
Wyventurer: Bionomics. The study of what species eat, how they live, adaptations, and so forth.
Wyventurer: We could learn a great deal from just this single egg.
Soaratorium Gal: Studying monster ecology is a super important part of what hunters and Wycademy members do.
Hunter Sarisse: So hunter quests AREN'T just about helping out people with their problems? I had no idea.
Hunter Sarisse: This whole "hunter" thing goes pretty deep. What other sorts of things do they do?
Wyventurer: Why not find out for yourself? The Wycademy could certainly use a proper hunter on this world.
Hunter Sarisse: Then sign me the heck up and watch me work my freakin' BUTT off for you!
Hunter Sarisse: I wonder what kinda quests I'll get? Rad ones, hopefully.
Hunter Sarisse: Get ready, world, cause there's a new hunter in town! Wooooo!

Hunter Sarisse: What have you got for me today, boss?
Soaratorium Gal: Well, someone's an eager Barroth! Lemme see... Ah, here we go.
Soaratorium Gal: We need you to go out and collect plant and mineral samples for our research.
Hunter Sarisse: Fun! I'll be back in two shakes of a... uh...a big monster's tail!

Hunter Sarisse: This is gonna be a snap—I already know everything about these here woods. Like, if you check around these roots...
Hunter Sarisse: There we go! Rub your ears with the oil from this herb, and they'll look great all day!
Hunter Sarisse: All right, let's keep the samples coming. Better get some of those minerals next...

Hunter Sarisse: For rocks, you gotta check riverbanks, 'cause rivers drop all sorts of cool stuff. ...Ooo, look how shiny this boulder is! You don't see that every day!
Hunter Sarisse: AND it's full of beautiful minerals. Score! All right, better keep hunting...

Hunter Sarisse: I'm baaack!
Soaratorium Gal: There you are! You were out so long, we were starting to get worried.
Hunter Sarisse: Heh heh. Yeah, sorry about that— I might have got a little carried away. But check out all these samples!
Soaratorium Gal: Wow! I've never seen most of these before!
Hunter Sarisse: What did I tell you? We sylvans know everything about nature!
Soaratorium Gal: This is some G-rank hunter work right here.
Hunter Sarisse: Er, sorry?
Soaratorium Gal: G-rank hunters are the best of the best. When we've got a real tough quest, those are the folks we call.
Hunter Sarisse: So...you really think I'm hunter material?
Soaratorium Gal: Are you kidding? I get shivers down my spine just hearing you say that! And since there's no electrical storm happening right now, I know it's you.
Soaratorium Gal: So yeah, I'd say you've got the makings of a world-class hunter.
Hunter Sarisse: And you think I could be G-rank someday?!
Soaratorium Gal: Abso-freakin'-lutely! In fact, let's get you on that G-rank track right now.
Soaratorium Gal: The first step is actually this quest right here...
Soaratorium Gal: I want you to capture Rathalos, the King of the Skies!
Hunter Sarisse: Er, what do you mean by "capture"?
Soaratorium Gal: In capture quests, you don't slay the monsters—you just weaken 'em and lure them in a trap.
Hunter Sarisse: Whoa. That sounds like...a thing.
Hunter Sarisse: Wait, but isn't Rathalos the monster I stole that egg from?
Hunter Sarisse: How am I supposed to capture THAT? It's super huge AND super strong!

Hunter Sarisse: Well, whatevs. Guess I'll just give it my best shot and hope I don't end up dead.
Hunter Sarisse: So I just gotta weaken it first, huh? Time to introduce Rathalos to my bow!
Hunter Sarisse: Bring it on, buddy!
Hunter Sarisse: Nice try, pal, but I saw that attack coming a mile away! Better remember how much practice I've had running from you.
Hunter Sarisse: Time to turn the tables. Take...THIS!
Hunter Sarisse: Muh?
Hunter Sarisse: Oh, come on! That shot was PERFECT! How is that thing still standing?!
Hunter Sarisse: Looks like I'm gonna need to give this everything I've got.
Hunter Sarisse: ...Dammit! It's too fast! I can't get a clean shot!
Hunter Sarisse: Wait, is it shooting a FIREBALL at me?! Yikes! Hail to the king indeed!
Hunter Sarisse: But I won't let this thing beat me—it doesn't have a CLUE what I'm capable of!
Hunter Sarisse: Time to finish this!
Hunter Sarisse: Get ready for a rain of arrows, pal!
Hunter Sarisse: No way it'll shrug all these arrows off! ...Wait, hang on. I better hold back a bit if I wanna take this thing in alive.
Hunter Sarisse: Oh man, it's really roaring now! Sheesh, I hope I didn't hurt it TOO much.
Hunter Sarisse: Feels like I should soften it up a bit more, but I also don't wanna kill it by accident.
Hunter Sarisse: Maybe I just set the trap and see if it works?
Hunter Sarisse: Oh, this is stupid. Why'd they even send me out here in the first place?!
Hunter Sarisse: Uh, hey there, Rathalos. Don't suppose you'd tell me how to...you know? Capture you? 'Cause the thing is—
Hunter Sarisse: BLARGH!

Soaratorium Gal: Well, these wounds don't look TOO bad. I mean, it ain't great, but I've seen worse.
Hunter Sarisse: N-no, I'm okay. It's just...well...
Hunter Sarisse: Oh, darn it all! Look, just gimme another chance—I promise to finish this quest next time, no matter what!
Soaratorium Gal: Ha ha! I love that fire, girl! I know you'll do better next time.
Hunter Sarisse: Damn right. Nobody beats me twice!
Hunter Sarisse: I'm gonna be a G-rank hunter before you know it!
Hunter Sarisse: Just, uh...could you maybe explain that whole "capturing" thing one more time?

Hunter Sarisse: Okay, that Rathalos was REALLY tough. How the heck am I supposed to capture it?
Wyventurer: Sounds like you're having a rough time with your current quest, Sarisse.
Hunter Sarisse: I sure am—especially when the stupid thing decides to up and fly away from me!
Wyventurer: Oh, is that the problem? Easily solved. I have just the thing right here.
Hunter Sarisse: Uh, is this a bomb?
Wyventurer: A flash bomb, to be precise. It can be used to blind the Rathalos in midair, which will in turn send it crashing to the ground.
Hunter Sarisse: Coooool. Thanks, man!
Wyventurer: You are most welcome. And please, do not be too hard on yourself—struggling to deal with the aerial tactics of a Rathalos is something of a rite of passage for hunters.
Wyventurer: The day one successfully brings down a Rathalos is the day many of their peers begin to regard them as a true hunter.
Wyventurer: Give it your all, Sarisse. You have my full confidence!
Soaratorium Gal: Right then! Let's get you loaded up on flash bombs—go ahead and take as many as you can carry.
Hunter Sarisse: Thanks, guys. I feel crazy confident now!
Hunter Sarisse: Enjoy your last few moments of freedom, Rathalos!

Hunter Sarisse: Well, that's weird. Rathalos can usually be found in this area, right?
Hunter Sarisse: Wait, there it is—and it hasn't noticed me! Time to get this party staaaarted!
Hunter Sarisse: Whoops! There it goes! Now let's see if this flash bomb is actually the real deal.
Hunter Sarisse: Guess I just toss 'em and see what's what, right? Well, here goes... Hnnnngh!
Hunter Sarisse: Wow, that's bright! Dang. If that doesn't blind the Rathalos, I dunno what will.
Hunter Sarisse: What the what?! It didn't do ANYTHING!
Hunter Sarisse: Wait, hang on. What did the Wyventurer tell me right before I left...?
Wyventurer: Just so you know, Sarisse, there is something of a trick one needs to bear in mind when using flash bombs.
Hunter Sarisse: Oh yeah? So what's the trick?
Wyventurer: Alas, not being an actual hunter myself, I'm afraid I'm rather fuzzy on the details. I suppose that was something of a tease.
Hunter Sarisse: Eh, don't worry about it. I grew up with a brother who LOVES tricks, so I'm sure I can figure this one out.
Hunter Sarisse: A trick, eh? A trick... Lemme see here... Maybe I just need to use more of 'em?
Hunter Sarisse: Yeah, that makes sense. I probably just have to set off a whole mess of bombs!
Hunter Sarisse: Get ready for some PAIN, Rathalos! Hah! Hoh! Hee! Hoo! Hiiii-ya!
Hunter Sarisse: Okay, that HAS to be enough. Now let's see if...
Hunter Sarisse: Nope. Nothing. Well, poo. I guess quantity doesn't have anything to do with it.
Hunter Sarisse: So what other variables are there?
Hunter Sarisse: Hey, maybe there's a trick in the timing! If I can get the flash to go off right in front of Rathalos's beady little eyes, that will blind it for SURE!
Hunter Sarisse: So next time I just... Huh?
Hunter Sarisse: Oh, for the love of clams! I used my entire supply of bombs!
Hunter Sarisse: How the heck am I supposed to come up with a plan under these conditions?!

Hunter Sarisse: Okay, Sarisse. Calm down. Think. If I fight without flash bombs, I'll just end up on the cart again. So what would a true hunter do in this situation?
Hunter Sarisse: GYAH ...Oh, it's just a firefly. Whew! Little guy scared me, flashing like that. Flashing...like that...
Hunter Sarisse: THAT'S IT!
Hunter Sarisse: I bet these guys will do the trick! I've got bomb casings in my pouch, so...

Hunter Sarisse: Well, after all that work, all I managed to whip together was a single bomb. Better make it count!
Hunter Sarisse: Steady now... Eeeeasy... Wait for the last possible second and then...
Hunter Sarisse: ......
Hunter Sarisse: Now! Have a taste of my homemade flash bomb explodey thingie!
Hunter Sarisse: It worked! IT WOOORKED! Woooo! Yay, ME! I am the freakin' BEST! And now to move in for the kill...
Hunter Sarisse: Take this! And this! And one of these! And a few of those! Hah! Hah! Hah!
Hunter Sarisse: Ha ha! Oh man, your attack is WAY off. You must still be blinded!
Hunter Sarisse: So now I strike back! Hah! Hah! Haaaa... Okay, hang on, Sarisse. Don't overdo it.
Hunter Sarisse: This is your battle to lose, so just calm down and carefully assess the situation.
Hunter Sarisse: Hey! It's limping! THAT'S TOTALLY A LIMP!
Hunter Sarisse: Trap. Trap! Gotta get the freakin' trap ready before this thing recovers!
Hunter Sarisse: Tranq bombs, do your thing!
Hunter Sarisse: Holy holes, it's asleep. I think it worked! ...Hey! You! You're asleep there, right? Not faking it or whatever?
Hunter Sarisse: Oh my gosh, I did it. I really did it! I captured myself a Rathalos!

Soaratorium Gal: Welcome back, girl—and congrats on completing your quest!
Hunter Sarisse: Thanks, but I couldn't have done it without all the help you guys gave me.
Soaratorium Gal: That's sorta what we do! So did those flash bombs come in handy or what?
Hunter Sarisse: TOTALLY handy! ...Well, once I figured out the trick to using 'em, that is.
Hunter Sarisse: I wasted all the ones you gave me, but figured out how to craft one on the fly, which really saved my bacon.
Wyventurer: Wait. You say you fought the Rathalos using HOMEMADE flash bombs?!
Wyventurer: That's the sort of behavior I would expect of a master hunter, not a mere pup who has barely cut her teeth!
Hunter Sarisse: Okay, let's not go crazy here.
Wyventurer: There is nothing crazy about it. That is precisely how veteran hunters operate.
Wyventurer: When they find themselves without adequate tools, they cobble together what they need from ingredients they've brought and foraged.
Wyventurer: Improvisation is the hallmark of a master hunter. And you, Sarisse, are already operating at that level.
Soaratorium Gal: Wowza! Way to go, Sarisse! And let's also take a sec to acknowledge my genius in recognizing yours.
Soaratorium Gal: After all, I was the one who first said you'd be a legendary hunter one day!
Hunter Sarisse: Er, not sure I recall that exact conversation...
Hunter Sarisse: But look, while it's super nice of you guys to praise me like this, I won't be satisfied until I'm the cream of the crop.
Hunter Sarisse: I want to be a G-rank hunter, and I won't stop until monsters everywhere tremble at the very mention of my name!
Wyventurer: With that attitude, I've no doubt you'll be facing off against Deviant monsters soon.
Hunter Sarisse: Well, that sounds interesting. Count me in!

Hunter Sarisse: Another day, another hunt! ...Er, but where's the camp?
Hunter Sarisse: That's strange. Did I get off course? Or maybe the boss's map is wrong.
Hunter Sarisse: Well, whatever! I know my way around a Rathalos hunt already, so I'm sure I can handle a little something like this.
Hunter Sarisse: A-ha! I just heard its roar, which means I MUST be in the right place!

Hunter Sarisse: I've got you now Ratha...los...?
Hunter Sarisse: Uhhh, I don't remember the last Rathalos looking like that.
Hunter Sarisse: This one is just so...dark. And also waaay bigger than I remember.
Hunter Sarisse: Whoops! It just flew off into the sky! Welp, it may look a little bit different, but that's CLASSIC Rathalos behavior.
Hunter Sarisse: Which means I've just gotta give it the ol' flash-bomb beatdown!
Hunter Sarisse: Then when it comes crashing down I just run over and... Um...
Hunter Sarisse: Okay, why isn't it crashing down? Did my flash bomb miss?!
Hunter Sarisse: Sheesh, talk about embarrassing. I'll have to be more careful this time.
Hunter Sarisse: ...There! Perfect shot!
Hunter Sarisse: Okay, come on! That was PERFECT!
Hunter Sarisse: Huh. I wonder if flash bombs just don't work against this particular Rathalos?
Hunter Sarisse: Yikes! Almost got me there! Good thing I know its attacks and dodged—which means it's still KIND OF normal.
Hunter Sarisse: Yikes, that's hot—AND super weird! I've never seen Rathalos flames like that.
Hunter Sarisse: Yeah, this dark Rathalos is definitely some strange variety.
Hunter Sarisse: Aaaand now it's blowing some kinda weird crap out of its mouth...
Hunter Sarisse: Maaaybe I'd better get away from that...
Hunter Sarisse: Okay, this is NUTS!
Hunter Sarisse: This Rathalos is unbelievable! It's taking all my skill just to watch it without getting killed!
Hunter Sarisse: Should I maybe fall back here?
Hunter Sarisse: Oh crap, it got me! Yeah, and there's for sure poison in those claws. Urk... Better use an antidote, quick...
Hunter Sarisse: Nnngh... Man, I feel like I just got run over by a wagon, but I've gotta get back in this fight...

Hunter Sarisse: Okay, good. The antidote is working. Back to the hunt for me!
Hunter Sarisse: But am I even capable of taking down this weird dark Rathalos?
Hunter Sarisse: It doesn't seem to have any weaknesses, and its attacks are so powerful...
Hunter Sarisse: I may have bitten off more than I can chew here...
Hunter Sarisse: I talked a big game about becoming a G-rank hunter, but if this is what it takes...
Hunter Sarisse: Uh oh... Did it just see me?!
Hunter Sarisse: Oh, phew! It's moving away.
Hunter Sarisse: That was a close one. I'd better get back to the Soaratorium while I can.
Hunter Sarisse: Oh no! Someone's screaming!
Hunter Sarisse: And there's a Rathalos's roar! Is it attacking people?!
Hunter Sarisse: Well, this sucks. I can't just let this thing run around hurting people, but I don't think I'm strong enough to stop it!
Hunter Sarisse: I don't wanna end up a crispy critter...
Hunter Sarisse: Aw, to heck with it! I may not be able to stop it, but I still have to try!
Hunter Sarisse: This is no time to question myself— it's a time to be brave!
Hunter Sarisse: If I wanna be a G-rank hunter, I need to show G-rank courage!
Hunter Sarisse: All right, let's do this! You're going down, you weird dark Rathalos!

Villager 1: Heeelp! Someone save us!
Hunter Sarisse: Help has arrived! You guys get out of here and leave that thing to me.
Villager 1: Oh, thank you so much!
Hunter Sarisse: Quit thanking me and go! Run as far and as fast as you can!
Villager 2: Y-yes, ma'am!
Hunter Sarisse: Gotta admit, I think I'm actually scared to fight this thing...
Hunter Sarisse: Wait, no! I DON'T gotta admit that! If I let my emotions get the better of me, the Rathalos will have me for lunch!
Hunter Sarisse: I will not abandon this hunt. I'll use everything I've learned and bring it down!
Hunter Sarisse: Now come get me, you weird Rathalos! Hiii-ya! Take that!
Hunter Sarisse: Flash bombs don't work on it... How do I fight something that doesn't even have a weakness?
Hunter Sarisse: Guess I'll just do it the old-fashioned way: Stick to the fundamentals, maintain a safe distance, and go at it with all I got!
Hunter Sarisse: Don't get greedy now, Sarisse. Stay calm. Watch for an opening. It's probably gonna come at you just like the other one did...
Hunter Sarisse: Yesss! I'm starting to learn its movements! ...Hey, that's actually sorta rad.
Hunter Sarisse: Those flashy attacks threw me for a loop at first, but now that I take a calmer look, it's clear this is still just a Rathalos.
Hunter Sarisse: Bigger, sure—and the color is still pretty weird—but it acts the same as any other.
Hunter Sarisse: Still, those claws definitely have a little extra oomph to 'em.
Hunter Sarisse: But it uses them in the same ol' way, so if I stay calm, I should be okay.
Hunter Sarisse: This is my chance! Graaaaaaa!
Hunter Sarisse: It worked! Just gotta keep this up and... Uh oh. I think my power phial just ran out.
Hunter Sarisse: Oh jeez, I know what that is! I have to get out of heeeeere!
Hunter Sarisse: Whew! Okay, calm down, girl. Get your crap together already.
Hunter Sarisse: My power phial may have run out, but I still have plenty of materials.
Hunter Sarisse: Just gotta whip up a new power phial, set it, aaaaand... Hey-o!
Hunter Sarisse: Now we're in business!
Hunter Sarisse: Watch its movements! Find a weak point! If you need something specific, improvise!
Hunter Sarisse: Uh oh. Fireball incoming! Run! Ruuuuu...
Hunter Sarisse: Wait, no. I'm gonna stand my ground, study it, and find a way to survive.
Hunter Sarisse: Okay, it's gathering its breath now... So if I take advantage of that and use the tip of its nose... HAAAAAAAH!
Hunter Sarisse: I did it! I jumped right onto it!
Hunter Sarisse: Ha ha! You're not the only one who can fly, you dumb monster!
Hunter Sarisse: Now I can hit it anywhere I want! Head! Wings! Uh...whatever that thing is!
Hunter Sarisse: Hah! Hoo! Haaaaaaah! Yeaaaaaah! How you like that, buddy?!
Villagers: WOOOOO HOOOOOO!
Villager 1: By the goddess! She drove that black dragon from our midst!
Villager 2: Your strength is unbelievable, ma'am!
Village Chief: You saved our village! Please, you must come to a feast tonight in your honor!
Hunter Sarisse: Aw, that's super sweet of you, but I can't accept a reward yet.
Village Chief: But...you saved us.
Hunter Sarisse: Yeah, but I'm not a hero—I'm a hunter! And saving your village is just one stop on a very long quest for me.
Hunter Sarisse: A hunter only gets paid when the hunt is over, and my prey is still out there.

Hunter Sarisse: Hey, look at all those animals running. That dark Rathalos must be after 'em!
Hunter Sarisse: The chase continues!
Hunter Sarisse: I may not have taken you down this time, but I'm only gonna get stronger.
Hunter Sarisse: And when I catch you, I'm gonna finish this hunt once and for all!

Sharpshooter Sarisse: ...There.
Melsa: A stag! And a large one. He'd fill the Halidom's larder nicely.
Melsa: What do you think, Sarisse? Can you take him down with the manacaster from here?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: On it!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: (Deep breath... Focus. Steady arm... Take aim, and...)
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Fi—
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Huh? I hadn't even pulled the trigger!
Melsa: That looked like...an arrow? Who shot it?
Sylvan Man: What are you two doing in these woods?
Melsa: Oh! Are...you the one who shot that deer?
Sylvan Man: I am. A pair of fellow hunters, I take it? Odd choice of weapon for a sylvan, though.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Ah! So you noticed. Here's the thing...

Sylvan Man: Huh. Thought you'd take the manacaster you got off that human for a whirl and add to your meat stores in one fell swoop, eh?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: That was the idea. But I'm so sorry— I didn't realize these were your village's hunting grounds.
Sylvan Man: Bah, it's fine. I trust our kind to hunt responsibly. But that caster's gotta go.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Why's that?
Sylvan Man: It's made of steel, for one. You have any idea how many mountains humans have torn apart to mine the ore for those things?
Sylvan Man: Twists my guts to see a sylvan heftin' one around. Have you no respect for the land you stand on, girl?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: What?! Of course I do! It's true that humans may have harmed the earth to mass-produce these in the distant past...
Sharpshooter Sarisse: But my friends would never do that. They didn't make this manacaster; they just dug it up and repaired it.
Sylvan Man: Even so, that doesn't change the fact that Mother Nature paid the price for the birth of that weapon.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I...suppose it doesn't. But I'm sincere when I say that I am very seriously committed to ecological conservation.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: At the same time, I swore I'd fight to protect my friends, my family, and the people of my village.
Sylvan Man: You talk of fighting. Fitting enough you carry an implement of war, then.
Sylvan Man: Unlike the bow, that thing doesn't require a lick of training. It's all too eager to steal lives for you. An evil invention...
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Evil? Surely a tool should be judged by the person who wields it.
Sylvan Man: One pull of the trigger and a life is snuffed out. I'd say that's proof enough of the evil in the hearts of humans.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Sir, that isn't fair! I agree that it was wrong to level mountains to mine the steel, but that's no basis for calling all humans evil!
Sylvan Man: ...You're still young. I'm sure the humans who've sweet-talked you did a fine job of it, but I'd ask you to think long and hard.
Sarisse & Melsa: ......
Sylvan Man: It'll be dark soon. You two are welcome to stay the night in our village. You're family.

Sharpshooter Sarisse: *sigh* Seems like there's still a big divide between sylvans and humankind.
Melsa: I'm afraid so. He's hardly the only sylvan I've met with closed-minded views about other races.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: And I get it. That's how they were raised. How they've lived their whole lives. Still!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Manacasters are a perfectly respectable part of human culture, no different from our preservation of nature.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I hate it when people dig in their heels and refuse to consider other perspectives.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: And I just know that if they'd reach across that divide and actually get to know the other side, they'd change their minds!
Melsa: I hope so, Sarisse... Now, it's getting late. Let's get some sleep. It's back to bow hunting tomorrow, right?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Right. We have to respect these people's rules while we're here. Good night, Melsa.
Melsa: Night, Sarisse.

Sharpshooter Sarisse: Mnnngh...AHHH! I slept well! Ready to hit the hunting trail?
Melsa: Yep! I'd like to thank the man from yesterday for his hospitali... Huh?
Melsa: That's a big crowd. I wonder what's up.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Maybe something happened. Let's go take a look!

Sharpshooter Sarisse: Sorry to butt in, but is everything all right?
Sylvan Man: Hm? Oh, it's you girls. A bear came through last night and tore up our fields.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Does that happen often?
Sylvan Man: Aye. The forest here's bountiful, but it can't compete with the village food stores.
Sylvan Man: We see bears, boars, deer... All sorts of animals come to eat our crops.
Melsa: That must be difficult... Plus there's the danger of a villager being attacked.
Sylvan Man: It's a real problem. Which is why we cull any animals who make a habit of raiding the village.
Sylvan Man: Much as we hate to harm a part of nature, it has to be done.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I see. So you've already taken care of that bear?
Sylvan Man: No... We couldn't finish it off before it ran. It's a big one, to boot.
Melsa: Won't it be back, then? Bears are notoriously persistent when it comes to food.
Sylvan Man: Aye. That's why we're setting out to hunt it before that happens.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I'll come with you, then!
Sylvan Man: I thought I told you plain that we don't want anyone shooting a manacaster in our woods.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I understand that. I brought my bow as well. Please, let me help you.
Sylvan Man: Hm... If you're using a bow, I've no cause to turn you down. Follow me and stay alert.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Can do!

Sharpshooter Sarisse: There it is, mister! Looks like it didn't wander far.
Sylvan Man: Waiting for a chance to sneak back into the village, the cheeky devil... All right. This time, we'll—
Bear: Grrr?
Sylvan Man: Damn, it spotted us!
Bear: Rrrrr... GROAR!
Melsa: No, it's running...towards the village!
Sylvan Man: After it!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: ......
Melsa: Sarisse? You coming?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Yeah, just... That bear's awfully high- strung. It's got freakishly good hearing, too.
Melsa: Hm? True... We were barely whispering, but it heard us from that distance.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Bears do have sharp ears, but that one's on a whole different—wait a second.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Sharp ears... Aha! That's perfect!
Melsa: Um... Hellooo? Sarisse?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Get this, Melsa: I just thought of a way to get rid of that bear without having to kill it!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Now, to put this genius plan into action!
Melsa: Sar—ack! Sarisse, where are you going?!

Sharpshooter Sarisse: Hurry! We've gotta beat it back to the village!

Sharpshooter Sarisse: Looks like we made it back to the village ahead of the bear. Now I just need my manacaster!
Melsa: *gasp* *wheeze* But I thought we weren't supposed to use that here!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: We're not, but... Oh, I'll explain later! We just need it right now!
Melsa: Need it for WHAT, though, Sarisse?
Sylvans: BEAR! It's headed for the village!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Here it comes. I'll explain everything once this is over. Now c'mon, Melsa!

Bear: Rrr... Hrrrgh...!
Sylvan Man: Wait! Please, stay away from the village!
Bear: Grrrrr... GROAR!
Sylvan Man: No! It's coming straight for us!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Get down, mister!
Sylvan Man: Wha—?!
Bear: GRARGH?!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: That give you a scare? Have another taste!
Bear: GRAH?! *whimper* Nroooarh...
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Phew.
Melsa: The sound of the shots scared him away...
Sylvan Man: You attacked the bear with that...that thing! How could you?! Using that man-made monstrosity to murder a part of nature...!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I apologize for using the manacaster against your wishes, but you were trying to avoid harming the bear, weren't you?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Well, this manacaster made that possible, so I made the call to use it.
Sylvan Man: You did that...for me?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Yeah. That bear has unusually keen ears, right? So I realized a loud enough noise would convince it this place wasn't safe.
Sylvan Man: That may be true, but...! I mean, yes, there's nothing here we use in our daily lives that's that loud...
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Right. Which is why some animals have never learned to steer clear of your home.
Sylvan Man: Because they didn't fear it...
Melsa: So by making a sound that doesn't exist in nature, you taught them that this is a scary place they should stay away from.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Exactly. So you should see fewer animals coming into your village from here on. I AM sorry for breaking my promise, though.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: But it was to help protect the animals you guys care so deeply for. To protect nature.
Sylvan Man: Using a human war-machine not to sully the land, but to spare it...
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Yes! A manacaster can just as easily save a bear's life as end it. You understand how animals behave. Am I wrong here?
Sylvan Man: No, I... I suppose not. Our sylvan ways wouldn't have saved that bear.
Sylvan Man: We owe it all to you...and that caster.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Thank you for understanding.
Sylvan Man: Perhaps...I've been a bit too wary of humans and their ways.
Sylvan Man: Sarisse, was it? It would please me if you'd come by our woods now and again to hunt. If you'd like, that is.
Sylvan Man: Hearing those shots may help the animals understand the bounds between our land and theirs better. Keep them safe.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: It'd be my pleasure! I'll hunt here with the utmost respect, to help preserve this beautiful forest.

Sharpshooter Sarisse: Phew...
Luca: *whistles* Somebody's on fire today.
Euden: She was always a deft hand with the bow, but she has a real talent with that manacaster as well.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Hey, Euden. Luca. What brings you two to the practice range?
Euden: I caught wind of a rumor about a certain sylvan village with bear trouble and the plucky hero who saved the day.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Oh, that? Heh heh. What can I say? Guilty as charged. I was pretty proud of that one!
Euden: Well, consider me proud of you, too. That village was always a bit leery of us humans.
Euden: But they've warmed up to talks with us over the last few days.
Euden: Using human technology to preserve the sylvan way of life... Quite brilliant, really.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Ha ha, I'm glad you're so impressed! That whole incident made me realize something important, too.
Luca: Oh yeah?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Yeah! How important it is to understand other people, places, and cultures!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I want to be the chief of my own village someday. That's why I need to get busy learning about the outside world now.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: The way I figure it, the more I learn now, the better a leader I can be then!
Euden: Wise words. And I believe I have just the opportunity for you to put them to practice. Don't you think, Luca?
Luca: Ugh, you're really gonna send me up north with this gremlin in tow?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: What's this about? Dish.
Euden: I'd like to ask a favor of you, Sarisse. You know that we're beginning to have more dealings in North Grastaea lately, yes?
Euden: I've been thinking of sending Luca on a scouting mission to have a look at one of their cities.
Euden: I was hoping I could persuade you to accompany him.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Whaaat?! North Grastaea? I've never been! Sign me up!
Luca: Flash forward to you whining about the cold and throwing a tantrum about wanting to come home. Look, just—
Luca: GRNFH!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I'm not a CHILD, Luca! This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about another culture. Of COURSE I'm on board.
Euden: Ha ha! I'm glad to hear it. I'll leave the matter to you two, then. Noelle will serve as your guide.
Luca: Ugh... Fine. Guess I can't complain about what's basically a vacation. Just don't go getting lost on me, gremlin.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Obviously! Ooh, I'm so excited... I'm gonna study the HECK outta this place!

Sharpshooter Sarisse: Ah... Ahhh... AH-CHOO!
Noelle: (Eep!) A-are you, um... Are you okay? Our next observation site isn't much farther, so, um... Yeah.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: *sniff* Thanks, Noelle. It's so cold up here, I think I'm already coming down with something... WAH-CHOO!
Luca: This? This right here? This is why I told you not to come. C'mon, let's pick up the pace before you freeze into a Sarisse-sicle.

Sharpshooter Sarisse: Wow... So this is a human city on the northern continent!
Noelle: Er, yes. Mora. Th-that's its name, I mean. They're one of Svenitla's trading partners.
Noelle: It's prosperous by Northern standards, but that also makes it a frequent target for its jealous neighbors. So, um...
Moran 1: (Where're they from?) (How should I know?) (Never seen garb like that before.)
Noelle: *fidget* Urgh... As you can see, they're not the biggest fans of outsiders around here.
Noelle: My country, Svenitla, has struggled to forge a lasting connection here as well.
Luca: Gotcha. But if they're that well-off, it's in our interest to figure out a way of making friends here.
Luca: The question is how. Got any bright ideas, Sar—
Luca: ...Huh? Where's Sarisse?!
Noelle: Oh gosh! You're right! Sh-she's not here... Do you, um... Do you think she got lost?
Luca: Ugh, it never ends with her! C'mon, let's go find her, Noelle.

Moran 2: ...Here. One dried fermented fish.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Thank you much! Y'know, I hear this is a local delicacy.
Moran 3: Hmph. Just do us both a favor and leave it in the bag. I don't need some gawky tourist hurling her guts out after one whiff.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Whoaaa, is it really that pungent?
Moran 4: Enough to send every tourist I ever met running. Fools can't appreciate the subtlety of Moran cuisine.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Gosh. When you talk it up like that, it just makes me even more curious to try it! Here we go. Baaag... OPEN!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Gah! *cough* Ugh, it smells like Luca's socks after a full day of target practice!
Moran 2: See? That's why we all tell you people to leave well enough alone.
Moran 4: Look, I'll let you return it. Just gimme the bag, girl.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Hey now! The smell may be a little... okay, a LOT bad, but I still haven't tasted it.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: So down the hatch it goes! *NOMF* ...Mm? Mmmmmm?!
Moran 4: Yeah, yeah. You hate it. No accounting for taste with you outsiders. Just don't gag on me. I'm not looking to mop the—
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Stars above and earth below... This. Is. AMAZING!!!
Moran 2: ...Huh?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I've never had anything like it! It's salty, it's sour, it's all over the place!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I'm going back for another bite! *HOMF*
Moran 3: Whoa, ease up. If you wolf it down like that, the smell'll wreck your nose.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Aaaah, it stings! Sinuses...burning!
Moran 3: *sigh* I tried to warn ya.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I couldn't help myself! And the weird thing is, I kinda...like how it feels? *CHOMP* Ha ha, it smells SO BAD! But it's so good!
Moran 2: ...Heh. You're a funny one, kid.

Luca: *huff* *pant* Dang it, Sarisse. Where the heck did you run off to this time?
Noelle: L-Luca! Over there!
Luca: What's with the crowd? Sounds like they're having a party.

Moran 4: Not bad, girly! Here, have another round, on me.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I've never eaten crushed ice before! It's so cold, I... Oh... Oh no... BRAIN FREEZE! Owww...
Luca: Noelle. Please tell me why my sister is sitting under a snow dome eating ice with the locals.
Noelle: Th-that's, um...a local tradition here. The people of Mora do that to, er... To ward off bad luck.
Noelle: But as for why Sarisse is blending right in with them, uh... I really don't, er...
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Ah! Luca! Noelle! Check this snow dome out!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: It looks super cold, but it's actually surprisingly warm inside.
Luca: Uh... Neat? But wait, weren't you getting sick from the cold just a minute ago?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Hm? Was I? Now that you mention it, I do vaguely...remember...
Sharpshooter Sarisse: ...that...
Luca: Sarisse?!

Luca: *sigh* What kind of genius comes to the frozen North and eats a giant bowl of ice?
Noelle: Aha ha ha... Oh, b-but she's awake now, and her, um... Her fever's broken.
Luca: That's good, at least. Once she's back on her feet, we can move on to the next spot. Hey, Sarisse? Big bro's coming in.

Sharpshooter Sarisse: Aha ha ha! Look, you guys! Isn't this embroidery cute?
Moran 2: Wow, you're so good at that, Sarisse. And I've never seen knitting like that before!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Isn't it neat? That's how we do it back in the village where I grew up.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: It's an extra-tight weave, so I bet you could use it in your windows to block the snow and wind.
Moran 3: Hey, that's not a bad idea. We don't have enough glass to set in every window, so this'll be a big help.
Moran 2: And if you used sheep's wool, I bet it'd make a nice, warm rug!
Everyone: Ha ha ha ha haaa!
Luca: She really didn't waste any time making friends here in Mora, did she?
Noelle: It's...r-really impressive. I could never pull that off.
Luca: Don't beat yourself up. She's just freakish that way. Always has been.
Noelle: Still... Being able to laugh with people as notoriously gruff as the Morans is honestly very impressive!
Luca: Can't argue with that. I'm an affable guy, sure, but Sarisse is, like...magnetic.
Luca: She's a weird little dork of a sister, but I guess she IS pretty amazing.

Sharpshooter Sarisse: So this is Valzgald... It's huge! And talk about bustling!
Noelle: Oh, um, yes. Valzgald is one of the North's most active trade centers.
Noelle: It's said they grew to this scale by becoming a melting pot for all sorts of different cultures and peoples.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Ooh, then we should be able to learn all SORTS of things here!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Let's get to it, yeah? C'mon, you two.
Noelle: Ah, Sarisse! That way is—!

Sharpshooter Sarisse: Huh. This backstreet feels awfully different from the main boulevard.
Noelle: Th-this is the, um...less affluent part of town. A slum, really, and i-it's not very safe here, so we should really...
Sharpshooter Sarisse: A slum? The city's this established, but they still have a poverty problem?
Noelle: Yes. It's true that Valzgald developed by taking in aspects of other cultures that boosted their productivity, but, er...
Noelle: Quickly jumping to new ways of doing things can mean that old traditions sort of...fall by the wayside.
Noelle: And as efficiency increases, there's less need for labor, s-so lots of people have found themselves out of work.
Noelle: Plus, not everyone is capable of keeping up when things change so fast.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Gotcha... I guess being eager to adopt other cultures has its challenges. ...Hm?
Luca: What's up, Sis?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Oh, I was just looking at that stall.
 ???: ......
Sharpshooter Sarisse: A silversmith? No...a rokkan steelworker?!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Wooow, these are all so awesome! Did you make all these here, mister?
Rokkan Craftsman: I got no time for window shoppers. Move along.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Huh? I wasn't trying to be a nuisance...
Rokkan Craftsman: Yeah right, sylvan. As if you steel haters can see the value in quality metalcraft.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Hey now! That's not fair of you to say.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I meant it when I said these accessories look amazing, so please don't be like that!
Rokkan Craftsman: Oh, be still my heart. I'm blushing already. Now, why don't you turn your little cottontail around and go home, bunny?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Okay, THAT does it. You wanna see me get serious? 'Cause I'm about to get serious over here!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Now stop being a big jerk and teach me how to make these things!
Luca & Noelle: Whaaaaat?!
Rokkan Craftsman: Wh-what are you on about? You're tourists, ain't ya?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I can stay here awhile! RIGHT, Noelle?
Noelle: Huh?! Er, uhhh, y-yes! Our itinerary has us staying here for, um... For five days?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: See? Plenty of time! I'm not a tourist, by the way—I'm here to study other cultures.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: And I'll have you know I'm a very quick learner, so teach me some rokkan tech!
Rokkan Craftsman: Hah... We'll see about that.
Rokkan Craftsman: Fine. I'll be REAL curious to see if a wimpy little sylvan girl's up to the task.

Sharpshooter Sarisse: *gasp* *pant* I... I didn't think I'd be mining my own ore!
Rokkan Craftsman: Giving up already, cottontail?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Rrgh! I'm FINE, thankyouverymuch! I'll dig clear through the mountain if I have to!

Rokkan Craftsman: See, you gotta work it into shape while it's still red-hot. It'll send up sparks, but you're just gonna have to tough it out!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Ack! Augh! Hot hot HOT!

Sharpshooter Sarisse: *groooan* I've got burns all over, and my whole body is sore...
Rokkan Craftsman: Hey. I told you to be here before sunrise. A craftsman's day starts early.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I know that! I swear, I'm gonna make an accessory so nice, you'll BEG me to let you sell it at your stall!
Rokkan Craftsman: ......
Rokkan Craftsman: Hah. Cute. Now stop giving me lip and march to the workshop.

Sharpshooter Sarisse: ...Phew. It's done. I think.
Rokkan Craftsman: Let's have a look. ...Mm.
Rokkan Craftsman: It's not awful. Still rough around the edges, but it's better than I expected.
Rokkan Craftsman: Today's your last day, yeah? You took it right down to the wire, but...we'll call it a passing grade.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Really?! Yes... YESSSSS!
Rokkan Craftsman: Hmph. May as well commemorate the occasion. You made this thing, so take it with you.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Really? I can have it?!
Rokkan Craftsman: Sure. Call it a memento. It's...the last piece that'll come out of this shop anyhow.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: What? What do you mean?
Rokkan Craftsman: Exactly what it sounds like. I'm going out of business.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: You're giving up on your stall?!
Rokkan Craftsman: Yeah. Writing's been on the wall for a while now. I figured you'd give up and run after a day, tops, so I didn't mention it.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: But steelwork is a traditional rokkan craft, isn't it? Why give it up?
Rokkan Craftsman: It is, and I'm damn proud of it. I'm not giving it up, exactly. It'll just be taking a different shape.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Meaning...?
Rokkan Craftsman: Here. Have a look.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: This is one of your accessories, yeah?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: ...Wait, no. It's nice enough, but it doesn't have the same flavor as one of yours.
Rokkan Craftsman: No surprises there. Wasn't made by hand.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: It wasn't? Then how was it made?
Rokkan Craftsman: With another rokkan city's tech. "Metal casting," they call it. It's the latest trend to catch on around these parts.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: A new trend? ...Ah.

Noelle: Quickly jumping to new ways of doing things can mean that old traditions sort of...fall by the wayside.

Sharpshooter Sarisse: So, people are just going to switch to this new way of steelworking?
Rokkan Craftsman: Casting's better for mass production. More product means more sales means a richer city. So they told me to ditch the old stuff.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: But...don't you feel any attachment to hand-crafting your pieces?
Rokkan Craftsman: 'Course I do. But I gotta eat. I gotta live. So I'm closing up the workshop and starting work at the big factory downtown.
Rokkan Craftsman: It's a good place, with good people. Just... I'm sad to see the old hand-crafting ways disappear like so much smoke.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: That's where you're wrong. They won't.
Rokkan Craftsman: Huh? How d'you figure, cottontail?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: People may be all for casting right now. It's cheap and you can put out a lot of product—and that's all fine and dandy.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: But someday they'll realize that handmade pieces have a charm you just can't get anywhere else!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Heck, even I could tell that one apart from your work at a glance. I know yours are way nicer!
Rokkan Craftsman: ......
Sharpshooter Sarisse: People will come back around to wanting your work again, and in droves. So don't you worry about your tradition ending!
Rokkan Craftsman: Well, shucks, Sarisse...
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Heh heh... Just do me a favor and don't ever forget the craft you worked so hard to hone. I promise I won't forget it, either.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Keep teaching your techniques to more people like you taught them to me. That way, you'll know your tradition will live on.
Rokkan Craftsman: ...Heh.
Rokkan Craftsman: Gah hah hah ha! Yeah... I'd take a decent hand-made piece over a mass-produced piece of junk any day, too!
Rokkan Craftsman: Soon as the knuckleheads in this town wise up to that, I'll be right back to my workshop.
Rokkan Craftsman: Till then... You got a deal. I won't forget. And that's a promise.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I'll hold you to it! And I promise you the same.

Sharpshooter Sarisse: *yaaawn* Not much left on our scouting trip to-do list, huh? What an adventure, though! I've learned so much.
Luca: No kidding. I've learned how exhausting it is traveling with you.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Wh—hey! It's not MY fault all these places have such interesting local customs.
Noelle: You really seemed to enjoy each stop along the way, Sarisse.
Noelle: I've also seen more facets of the other cities of the northern continent. It's been fun. So, um... Thank you. So much!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Aw, thank YOU, Noelle! We wouldn't have made it anywhere without you to guide us.
Noelle: That's my job. So, um... To get back to that for a moment, we should, er... We should really hurry through this area.
Luca: Hm? Why's that?
Noelle: Th-the Lashtern region sees a lot of fighting among the small city-states jockeying for dominance.
Noelle: Travelers have to watch out for former mercenaries or soldiers from fallen states that have turned to b-banditry.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Wow, okay. So...
Luca: That's what the guys following us are up to?
 ???: Tch... Guess they're on to us.
Luca: Did you really think sylvan ears wouldn't pick up on you stomping around like that?
 ???: Feh. I'm mostly thinking there's only three of you.
Noelle: They're clearly trained fighters. Th-they must be ex-soldiers!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: So they were just normal soldiers whose country got taken over? Why attack US, then?
Former Soldiers 1: As if you'd understand. An honest man with no country's got no way to live.
Former Soldiers 1: But we've still got families. Mouths to feed...
Former Soldiers 2: I'll take dishonor before I let them starve... Shame that means you lot have to die instead!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Aaugh!

Sharpshooter Sarisse: ...Huh? I'm okay. Why am I okay?

AC-011 Garland: Are you unharmed, Miss Sarisse?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Ah! You're...
Luca: A dragon? Hey, I know you! You've been to the Halidom a few times, right? Your name was...
AC-011 Garland: AC-011 Garland of Pravda's Air Force, sir. Pleasure to see you again, Master Luca.
Noelle: G-Garland! Oh, thank you so much!
Former Soldiers 1: Pravda? *spit* You're not dragons, you're hyenas. Sticking your noses into other people's wars... Here to finish us off?
AC-011 Garland: No. I saw this altercation happening and intervened to protect Miss Sarisse. But that is not what brings me here.
AC-011 Garland: I come on orders from Pravda Headquarters to speak with you all.
Former Soldiers 1: With us? What are you lot scheming?
AC-011 Garland: Pravda is not engaged in any scheming, sir. We wish only to see Lashtern freed from its long history of violence.
Former Soldiers 1: And just how do you propose to do that?
AC-011 Garland: The nation responsible for your homeland's destruction is expanding at a rapid rate, absorbing all neighboring lands by force.
AC-011 Garland: We seek an alliance among the remnants of those fallen lands to stop them before war consumes the entire continent.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: So... He wants to join up with these guys to help them win a rematch against the people who took their country?
Noelle: Y-yes. Pravda is an independent group of dragons working to end war through their own methods.
Noelle: I, um... I believe they've entered the conflict here in Lashtern in hopes of bringing peace to the region.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Then isn't this a huge opportunity for these people? If they win, they could retake their homeland!
Former Soldiers 2: ...We refuse.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: What? Why?!
Former Soldiers 1: Lashtern has long been a prosperous land, beloved by dragons... We've lived our whole lives with reverence for their kind.
Former Soldiers 2: But not Pravda. Not after you lot violated the rule that true dragons hold fast.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: What, the old rule that said dragons shouldn't directly intervene in human conflict?
Noelle: Yes... North Grastaea is the birthplace of the Ilian Church. Many of the people here still cling to the old ways quite fiercely.
Noelle: To those people, Pravda abandoning their rule seems like, um... Like someone abandoning their own faith.
Former Soldiers 2: Anyone who would spit on something bequeathed to them by their ancestors is no dragon.
Former Soldiers 2: Their kind are beasts, and nothing more.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Hey now! Do you really have to put it like that?! I'm sure Garland and his team have their reasons! He's—
AC-011 Garland: Miss Sarisse. If you please...
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Why are you stopping me?! I'm not just going to let him badmouth you, Garland!
AC-011 Garland: I fear there is little you or I could say to change his mind.
AC-011 Garland: One cannot expect the ancient traditions of a land to be rewritten overnight. Nor does anyone have the right to do as much.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Well, yeah, but...
Former Soldiers 2: Hmph. If you knew that much, why bother coming at all? All you animals know is how to crush the opposition by force.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Okay, THAT is just... AAARGH! I'm done! I am about to LOSE IT with this guy!
Former Soldiers 2: GWARGH?!
Everyone: Wha—?!
Former Soldiers 1: Have you lost your mind, woman?!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: You take it back! Everything you said about Garland, take it back right now!
Former Soldiers 2: Why should I mince words to spare the feelings of a girl from a country in league with Pravda?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Forget Pravda! Forget countries!
Former Soldiers 2: Wh... What?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: I've seen dozens of people cherishing dozens of different cultures. I learned from them—laughed and cried with them!
Sharpshooter Sarisse: What matters most to a person depends on who they are. On their race, on where they were born. That's your right! But...
Sharpshooter Sarisse: But anybody who trash-talks another person's beliefs without even TRYING to understand them is wrong. PERIOD!
AC-011 Garland: Miss Sarisse...
Noelle: Sh-she does have a point... It isn't right to reject others without knowing anything about them.
Noelle: (*gulp*) U-um...! P-please hear me out, everyone!
Noelle: The reason Garland cast aside the old rule has n-nothing to do with power or faith. It was a sincere, principled choice.
Former Soldiers 2: Principled? THEM?
Noelle: Y-yes. Garland and the other dragons of Pravda are troubled by the North's long history of war and violence.
Noelle: Some people may say they only want to rule by force, but...they're just trying to protect their homeland.
Former Soldiers 1: As in...North Grastaea?
AC-011 Garland: Miss Noelle... I am both humbled and joyed beyond words by your understanding.
AC-011 Garland: And to you, people of Lashtern... I will not ask for your understanding. Only know that I cannot bear to see this land suffer so.
AC-011 Garland: In times past, it was home to the beautiful river Lena, to the Scarlet Forest and its magnificent pines...
Former Soldiers 2: Now the forest stands in ash. Burned, the day our kingdom fell. And now it's the Lena that runs scarlet with my people's blood.
Former Soldiers 1: So...you see them, too. The same painful sights.
Former Soldiers 2: ...Fine. Garland, was it? I rescind my prior comment. You're not a beast.
Everyone: !
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Really?! I mean, thank you! Ha ha. It turns out you're actually a good guy, mister!
Former Soldiers 2: Tch. Drop the friendly act. I didn't say I'd work with them.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: No, and that's fine! You took the first step towards understanding, though. And that's a beautiful thing.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Step one is learning about each other's values and beliefs—each other's culture! If you don't make that first effort...
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Then you'll never get anywhere!

Sharpshooter Sarisse: Ahhh, it's so warm here! I didn't mind the air up North, but I'm definitely a Southern girl at heart.
AC-011 Garland: Miss Sarisse.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Garland! It's been a minute. How are things back in Lashtern? Any progress?
AC-011 Garland: Indeed. We have been in talks with the remnant forces. It seems a formal cooperation agreement is forthcoming.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Really? That's great! I'm so glad they were willing to listen.
AC-011 Garland: Credit for that is entirely yours. I fear I had altogether abandoned hope of swaying them from the old ways.
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Aw, c'mon! All I did was give him a left hook to the ribs...
AC-011 Garland: And yet your form was pristine. I have never seen a body blow of its like. Might I inquire after your training regimen?
Sharpshooter Sarisse: Ah... Ha ha... Yeaaah, that's just a little habit I picked up from hanging around my idiot brother. It's basically reflex by now.

Euden: She really is incredible. Look how friendly she is with Garland already. And I hear she made quite the impact up North.
Luca: She probably gave that poor guy a hairline fracture... I feel like that trip aged me by a decade, easy.
Luca: But it did get me thinking. The way she throws herself into things headlong's what lets her cross cultural divides so easily.
Luca: That naive curiosity'd probably let her make friends just about anywhere in the world.
Euden: Ha ha. I don't doubt it for a second. She just may go on to shape the future into something truly remarkable.

Euden: Something you or I couldn't even imagine—a world where kindness and naive curiosity quell the fires of conflict before their first embers ever spark to life.