Part 4: Chapter 2: Silent World



Credits: Generic Officer

Before Battle

Ranulf:
“King Tibarn! Queen Elincia! We may need to halt for a bit.”

Tibarn:
“Why? What’s the problem?”

Ranulf:
“We have some stragglers lagging behind.”

Tibarn:
“You mean Almedha is slowing us downagain. We have to reach the Tower of Guidance as soon as possible. We can’t have her always hampering our progress.”

Elincia:
“But we have no idea when the Disciples of Order might attack. We need to keep everyone together, for safety’s sake.”

Tibarn:
“Reyson! We’ll rest here. You can land and give your wings a break.”

Ranulf:
“Reyson, I remember when a trip like this would have exhausted you. I’m impressed at how well you’re handling it.”

Reyson:
“Yes, physically I’m quite healthy. But I can’t say that I’m really happy about that…”

Elincia:
“Why would that be?”

Reyson:
“We of the heron clan can feel the energies of others. In times of war, negative energy is dominant, and we sicken. Now that all of the people have been turned to stone, the energy is gone and,physically, I feel much better. It’s unsettling to feel healthy and know that the reason is such a sad one.”

Elincia:
“It’s a terrible irony… We finally have the peace we’ve been praying for, at the cost of all freedom, everywhere.”

Reyson:
“Could this truly be the world that Goddess Ashera wants for us?”

Ranulf:
“No,this is the world she had to give us after we ruined hers.”

Tibarn:
“Ah, welcome back. Any sign of the Disciples of Order?”

Janaff:
“Unfortunately, no.”

Tibarn:
“I don’t like this. Why are they leaving us alone?”

Ranulf:
“I’m not sure I see the problem, Tibarn. If they’re going to let us stroll on through, I won’t complain.”

Tibarn:
“Not me. Right or wrong, I would prefer a stand-up fight. Right now, even.”

Elincia:
“What are you saying, Tibarn? How could you wish that upon us? I don’t understand you.”

Tibarn:
“Right now, the world is calm, peaceful… almost eerily so. It almost feels…comfortable. If this goes on, we might relax, lose our edge. I’m worried that we’ll get careless.”

Elincia:
“Hmm…”

Tibarn:
“Everyone, let’s get one thing perfectly clear here…This isn’t a natural peace. It’s Ashera’s work. Don’t forget for an instant that the world isn’t supposed to be like this. It should be noisy, vibrant, and chaotic.”

Elincia:
“You’re right. A peace built on the sacrifice of so many lives is monstrous and unjust. It cannot be allowed to stand.”

Ranulf:
“I didn’t mean that I’m losing motivation to save the petrified people. It’s just that, before we started talking about it, I was feeling…complacent. Is it just me?”

Tibarn:
“The spirit of order is hanging heavy across the land. When we fight, we get a dose of chaos, which may help us get back in touch with our true selves. If our enemy has also figured that out, it might explain why they’re staying away.”

Almedha:
“Pelleas, dear, how are you feeling?”

Pelleas:
“Mother, I’m fine. Please stop asking after my health.”

Almedha:
“But you’re so pale, darling. You were always such a sickly little boy… You should rest a while. We can’t have you exhausting yourself.”

Pelleas:
“No, Mother… If we stop walking now, we would slow the others.”

Almedha:
“Never mind them, sweetheart, they can wait. You should take a nice rest under that tree. Son, remember that you are a scion of both Daein’s and Goldoa’s royal families! You are more important than any of these peasants! The others can certainly wait for you; don’t spare a single thought for them.”

Pelleas:
“L-let go of me! Leave me alone!”

Pelleas:
“Haah!”

Pelleas:
“Mother!”

Almedha:
“Pelleas…”

Pelleas:
“I’m sorry, Mother. I…”

Almedha:
“Pelleas, wait! Pelleas!”

If Janaff and Ulki were included in the Hawk Army

Janaff:
“We’ve spotted the enemy! They’re over there, to the southwest!”

Tibarn:
“How did they get so close without being noticed? Did we have men out of position?”

Ulki:
“No, I just checked in. Enemy forces just suddenly appeared, with no sign or warning at all.”

Tibarn:
“Guess that’s one good thing about fighting a goddess… Things are sure to be exciting. Everyone, get in position!”

If only Janaff was included in the Hawk Army

Janaff:
“We’ve spotted the enemy! They’re over there, to the southwest!”

Tibarn:
“How did they get that close without being noticed? Did we have men out of position?”

Janaff:
“No, they just appeared, I swear! One minute it’s clear for miles, and the next it’s swarming with crazies!”

Tibarn:
“Guess that’s one good thing about fighting a goddess…things are sure to be exciting. Everyone, get in position!”

If only Ulki was included in the Hawk Army

Ulki:
“…The enemy has been detected. They’re over there, to the southwest.”

Tibarn:
“How did they get that close without being noticed? Did we have men out of position?”

Ulki:
“No, they just appeared, with no warning at all.”

Tibarn:
“Guess that’s one good thing about fighting a goddess…things are sure to be exciting. Everyone, get in position!”

If Janaff and Ulki are not included in the Hawk Army

Ranulf:
“We’ve spotted the enemy! They’re over there, to the southwest.”

Tibarn:
“How did they get that close without being noticed? Did we have men out of position?”

Ranulf:
“The lookouts were all in place. These guys just appeared, Tibarn. Gives me the shivers just thinkin’ about it.”

Tibarn:
“Guess that’s one good thing about fighting a goddess…things are sure to be exciting. Everyone, get in position!”

Reyson:
“…An entire legion that can appear from nowhere? Who are these Disciples?”

Tibarn:
“To be honest, I don’t care who we fight. I just want to knock a little disorder back into the world.”

Valtome:
“My humblest apologies. I hope we didn’t sneak up on you. I’m sure that cheeky little queenlet is still amongst you? I hope so. I’m going to make her pay for defying me! Uwee hee hee!”

After the 1st turn

Pelleas:
“I’m sorry to be late! What unit would you like me to support?”

Tibarn:
“Oh, King Pelleas. You shouldn’t…endanger yourself. Besides, I don’t think we’ll have too much trouble with these guys.”

Pelleas:
“I appreciate your concern, but as the king of Daein, I fight for the people of all free countries. It is my duty.”

Tibarn:
“Wait, where is your mother?”

Pelleas:
“W-well…”

Tibarn:
“Listen, I don’t know what she’s been telling you, but don’t throw your life away. I appreciate that you want to help, but this battle is beyond you. Try to stay out of the way.”

Pelleas:
“…Y-yes, sir.”

Anyone except Tibarn, Elincia, Kieran, Pelleas, Reyson, and Ranulf attacks Valtome

Valtome:
“Uwee hee hee! Uwee hee hee! I have always known that only I, Valtome, possessed the grace and beauty to be chosen by the goddess! How wonderful to finally be recognized for my excellence! If only that insufferable Zelgius could see me now! I am divinity! Uwee hee hee!”

Tibarn attacks Valtome

Valtome:
“Zelgius… Where is Zelgius?! Do you think you can hide him? That man…must be…uwee hee hee… punished!”

Tibarn:
“Sorry to disappoint you, but Zelgius is my prey. There’s no chance I’m passing him on to the likes of you.”

Elincia attacks Valtome

Valtome:
“Ah, there you are, Queen of Hayseeds! I look forward to scraping you off my immaculate nails! Uwee hee hee hee!”

Elincia:
“Lord Valtome, I desire no battle with you. Withdraw your troops immediately. If you do so, no more lives will be lost.”

Valtome:
“Uwee hee…uwee hee hee… Are you touched as well as homely? I offer YOU the chance to surrender! But you, Elincia, I will only forgive if you beg. And crawl. And lick the sole of my left boot.”

Elincia:
“I’m sorry that you feel that way. If that’s how it has to be, may the goddess have mercy on you, Valtome.”

Reyson attacks Valtome

Valtome:
“Oh, how quaint…a bird. Do you seek to defeat me? Haven’t you herons learned it’s not safe to play with senators? Uwee hee hee! Beg for my mercy!”

Reyson:
“Mercy will be done when you and your fellows are gone from this world.”

Ranulf attacks Valtome

Valtome:
“The so-called queen… Where is that brazen little hussy? Bring her before me! Now! Right away! Immediately!”

Ranulf:
“Are you the best that Ashera could do? This really is the end of the world.”

Pelleas attacks Valtome

Valtome:
“You are no soldier! Who are you, boy?”

Pelleas:
“I… I am Pelleas, king of Daein.”

Valtome:
“Oh, how precious! I was hoping that I’d meet the simpering moron who signed the blood pact with Lekain… How funny! Uwee hee hee!”

Pelleas:
“Y-you will regret this!”

Kieran attacks Valtome

Valtome:
“Ah, a Crimean soldier, yes? Ugh! That queen of yours has no style! What ridiculous armor! You go out in that?”

Kieran:
“I will brook no insult to my queen or my armor! You face Kieran, second commander of the Royal Knights…and your doom!”

Valtome dies

Valtome:
“Ze…Zelgiussss…”

After Battle

Tibarn:
“Whew, that’s just what I needed! Queen Elincia, are you hurt? Do you all feel as…alive as I do? This is proof that we need a little chaos. Everyone understand that now?”

Elincia:
“Yes, but it doesn’t make me fond of war. I know we can’t stop, but…”

Tibarn:
“I understand, Elincia. Your path is important, too. Leave the rough stuff to us.”

Elincia:
“King Tibarn… Thank you.”

After Battle (Pelleas is alive)

Tibarn:
“That was some good work you did back there.”

Pelleas:
“Haaaa haaa haaa…”

Tibarn:
“…OK, just relax. Get it together…”

Pelleas:
“Haaa…haa…”

Tibarn:
“Hmm. I’ll go get the others. You just sit down and catch your breath.”

Pelleas:
“Haa huff… Ahem.”

Tibarn:
“Considering he’s the only son of Ashnard the Mad King, scourge of Crimea and butcher of innocents, he is quite the mama’s boy.”

After Battle (Pelleas is alive)

Almedha:
“…Hm? Pelleas?!”

Elincia:
“Queen Almedha… You shouldn’t be out here all by yourself. It’s dangerous.”

Almedha:
“Queen Elincia.”

Elincia:
“I was worried when I didn’t see you at supper, so I came looking for you.”

Almedha:
“Hmph. I didn’t think anyone in this merry band cared about me. After all, my own son is trying to avoid me.”

Elincia:
“Don’t say that. A lot of things have just happened… I’m sure Pelleas is just confused. He’ll come around.”

Almedha:
“I hope you’re right. Lady Elincia, can I ask you a question? What of your mother? Was she also turned to stone?”

Elincia:
“No… My mother died three years ago. Both my mother and my father were killed by King Ashnard…”

Almedha:
“By Ashnard? I-I’m sorry.”

Elincia:
“Lady Almedha, you were King Ashnard’s wife, correct?”

Almedha:
“There was never a formal wedding ceremony, so I suppose some would call me a mistress… But I was the only one he could ever call his wife. And I’m the only one who can be called the mother of his child…”

Elincia:
“King Pelleas.”

Almedha:
“Yes, Pelleas. We were separated so long… Finally having him back is the greatest gift imaginable.”

Elincia:
“…Forgive me for asking, but why did King Ashnard suddenly decide to invade Crimea? I want to know why my parents died.”

Almedha:
“Truthfully, I don’t know.”

Elincia:
“You were closer to him than anyone. Didn’t he say anything? Did he never explain his reasons?”

Almedha:
“The last time I saw Ashnard was long ago, more than twenty years. I’m afraid I don’t know many state secrets from after that point.”

Elincia:
“But, why…”

Almedha:
“You look so surprised. We had a falling out and ended up living separately… It happens rather a lot, I’m afraid.”

Elincia:
“No, it’s just that… Well, you said that King Ashnard had no other wives or children… I just assumed that you had always been by his side.”

Almedha:
“Ha ha… There was always gossip, of course, and I hated it. But I know with absolute certainty… Ashnard had relations with no other woman. And so I said as much.”

Elincia:
“So he did love you, in his own way?”

Almedha:
“Love? Love?! Ha ha… Seriously… Ha ha ha…ha ha haa!”

Elincia:
“Wh-what’s so funny?”

Almedha:
“There was no love between Ashnard and me. There was a strong mutual attraction between us, eventually resulting in a child… But all I ever was to him was a source of power. Once I became pregnant, I was useless to him. Bereft of my strength, he found my presence nothing more than an irritating distraction. After Pelleas was born, Ashnard became obsessed with the boy… But, once he realized Pelleas had no special powers… Ashnard rejected him, and used him as bait in a cruel trap for my brother…”

Elincia:
“Lady Almedha?”

Almedha:
“I… It’s just that I…”

Elincia:
“I’m sorry, it was not my place to ask.”

Almedha:
“Where is he? Where is my Pelleas? He’s the only thing that matters… I can’t lose him…ever! Please, I beg of you. Bring me my Pelleas! Tell him his mother needs him… Hurry… Bring me my Pelleas!”

Elincia:
“Of course. I-I’ll bring him as soon as I can.”

Almedha:
“Oh, Rajaion… I’m so sorry. Please forgive me…”

After battle (Pelleas is dead)

Elincia:
“Queen Almedha… You shouldn’t be out here all by yourself. It’s dangerous.”

Almedha:
“Queen Elincia… Hmph. I didn’t think anyone in this merry band cared about me. Betrayed by my father, stripped of my power… Now my only son is dead. I have nothing left…”

Elincia:
“Lady Almedha… I’m sorry to impose during this difficult time for you, but can I ask you something? You were King Ashnard’s wife, correct?”

Almedha:
“There was never a formal wedding ceremony, so I suppose some would call me a mistress… But I was the only one he could ever call his wife. And I’m the only one who can be called the mother of his child… Oh, Pelleas…to finally have him back after so long…”

Elincia:
“…Forgive me for asking, but why did King Ashnard suddenly decide to invade Crimea? I want to know why my parents died.”

Almedha:
“I don’t know. The last time I saw Ashnard was long ago, more than twenty years. I’m afraid I don’t know many state secrets from after that point.”

Elincia:
“But, why…”

Almedha:
“You look so surprised. We had a falling out and ended up living separately… It happens rather a lot, I’m afraid. There was no love between Ashnard and me. There was a strong mutual attraction between us, eventually resulting in a child… But all I ever was to him was a source of power. Once I became pregnant, I was useless to him. Bereft of my strength, he found my presence nothing more than an irritating distraction. After Pelleas was born, Ashnard became obsessed with the boy… But, once he realized Pelleas had no special powers… Ashnard rejected him, and used him as bait in a cruel trap for my brother…”

Elincia:
“Lady Almedha?”

Almedha:
“My Pelleas… How could you leave me? I am nothing now… Nothing… Leave me alone now. Just leave me alone…”

Elincia:
“I’m sorry, Lady Almedha. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Almedha:
“Oh, Rajaion… I’m so sorry. Please forgive me…”