The Lost Treescape

Celica: This wood is thick and dark, and plays havoc with one’s sense of direction. The tall stone pillars stand as sentinels, keeping watch over our intrusion.

Sage’s Hamlet

Celica: Er, Sage Halcyon? Sir? I’m—

Halcyon: Ah! Celica, child of fate. I’m glad you’ve come,

Celica: Child of fate… You’re not the first to call me that. But I have no idea where my fate lies. Please, Halcyon. Grant me guidance. Tell me what fate holds for me. I’m so lost… I don’t know what to do!

Halcyon: I know you have suffered much along the path here, Celica. But I fear I ken no more of anyone’s fate than you do. What I do ken, however, is this: Two things exist to guide you. One is the Brand you bear. The other is your soul’s pair with the selfsame mark.

Celica: The selfsame… Do you mean Alm?

Halcyon: Indeed. Why were you born with the Brand? And why are there two of you? These are the questions you must consider. And always remember that you are not alone.

Celica: …Right. Thank you, Sage Halcyon.

Halcyon: Of course, child. But while I cannot read the future, my magic may yet assist you. If there is anything you wish for, tell me.

Celica: I…I wish nothing for myself. But I am worried for Alm. Please, if such a thing is possible, use your powers to help him.

Halcyon: The other child of fate? Yours is a generous heart. Very well…

Celica: Ah! What just happened?

Halcyon: I sent my powers on to Alm. With them, he will be able to draw on new strength beyond himself. He need only will for it.

Celica: Oh, thank you, Halcyon!

(Alm can now Class Change to Hero)

Halcyon: Tell me, Celica. Do you wish to see Alm?

Celica: What? Well, of course I do, but… I doubt Alm is eager to see me. I said terrible things to him when we last parted.

Halcyon: Heh heh. The fire of youth at work. All the more reason to meet and speak again, no? I can send you to him if you desire it. Not your physical form, but a projection of your mind. Enough to speak, at least.

Celica: Is that really possible?

Halcyon: It is. Close your eyes, child. ……

Elsewhere

Celica: Alm…

Alm: Hmm? I heard my name…

Celica: Alm, it’s me. It’s Celica!

Alm: Celica? How are you here? Actually, where are you? Come out already!

(Celica’s projection appears before Alm)

Celica: Alm! I can’t believe I actually have this chance…

Alm: Celica! Is this…just an illusion? Is it really you?

Celica: Yes, it’s me. Sage Halcyon’s magic is allowing me to speak with you. Oh, I’ve missed you so much!

Alm: I’m happy to see you, too.

Celica: Alm, listen, I… *sob* I…

Alm: Whoa, what’s wrong? …Celica? Did something happen? Are things not going as well as you’d hoped? Augh, I wish you were here in person! I don’t know what to… Please don’t cry.

Celica: Y-you’re not angry? I said such terrible things to you back at the castle.

Alm: Huh? Wait, that’s been bothering you? I mean, sure, I was sad you didn’t seem to see my side of things. But I’d never get mad at you.

Celica: Why not?

Alm: …Why not? You sure do like putting me on the spot. Didn’t we have a similar conversation years ago?

Celica: Ha! *sniff* I suppose we did. You were always so nice to me, while I— While I’m always thinking only of myself. I’m sorry, Alm…

Alm: Celica? What’s wrong?

Celica: I’ve finally remembered why I left the island in the first place. I’m going to see Duma.

Alm: What? No! Celica, the Duma Faithful are— It’s too dangerous! There’s no telling what they’ll do to you!

Celica: Even so, I have to go. Mila wasn’t in her temple, Alm.

Alm: Huh? What does that mean?

Celica: Emperor Rudolf attacked. She’s being held captive in Duma Tower. That must be the reason why Zofia’s land has gone barren.

Alm: No… The emperor?

Celica: And that’s why I must go— I have to free Mila. I’m the only one who can.

Alm: Wait, Celica… I finally figured it out, but… you’re actually… You’re the princess of Zofia, aren’t you? Princess Anthiese.

Celica: …I am. Heh. I guess my secret’s out.

Alm: Ugh, now I’m cringing at what I said to you before. Talk about thoughtless! Forgive me, Celica. But don’t worry—I promise I’ll get your kingdom back. So please promise me in turn that you won’t—

Celica: It’s kind of you, Alm. But I have to. Just winning this war isn’t enough.

Alm: What? I don’t understand.

Celica: It’ll be clear to you soon. I’ll do everything I can here. Please just…be safe.

Alm: Celica? Wait, Celica! Celica!

(If you talk again)

Halcyon: Duma Tower is just ahead. Be well prepared before you go.

Conversations

Cleric: This place is called the Sage’s Hamlet. The great sage Halcyon’s magic shields us from evil. If you wish to speak with him, you’ll find him at his home.

Young Woman: Halcyon was once a priest of the Duma Faithful. There he struggled against Jedah, who sought to rule by force and terror. But in the end, he was driven out… This place has been his hermitage ever since.

Young Man: This whole area has been tainted. The legacy of Dolth and Garcia’s wicked experiments. I had always thought Emperor Rudolf a wise man, but only a fool would suffer the abuses of the Duma Faithful to grow so bold. If I’m honest, I’m cheering for Zofia’s Deliverance in all this.

Man: Do you all really mean to fight Jedah? I urge you to reconsider. He’s a terrifying man. If you must fight him, there’s only one way. Four… Eight… Twelve… Nraagh! I-it hurts…! J-Jedah’s…curse…!

Woman: Conrad’s mother was of Rigelian noble birth. She was forced to wed the king of Zofia in order to procure food for Rigel… Can you imagine such a fate? My blood boils to even think of it!

Hermit: I’ve spent my life here brewing nectar, drink of the gods. Duma and Mila both have partaken of my humble creations. Know you how nectar is made? …No? Then let me enlighten you! Steep one gargoyle ear in medicinal syrup to form the base. Pour in bonewalker oil and mix well, then allow it to ferment while agitating. Season the result with Duma moss, and the work is done. Voila! Nectar! A libation fit to make the grandest gods salivate! You’re drooling over the prospect as well, no doubt. Bring me the ingredients, and I might be convinced to make you a batch. That’s medicinal syrup, Duma moss, a gargoyle ear, and bonewalker oil!

(If you give him the ingredients)

Hermit: Medicinal syrup, Duma moss, a gargoyle ear, and bonewalker oil… Excellent! You’ve all the ingredients required to make nectar! However, the fermentation process takes three days. Return to me then. But do return, for a taste of heaven itself awaits you!

(If you refuse)

Hermit: You don’t desire a taste of nectar? …How odd. Are you sure you are well?

(If you don’t have all the ingredients)

Hermit: You haven’t the ingredients. I need medicinal syrup, bonewalker oil, a gargoyle ear, and Duma moss. If you wish to taste nectar, you must procure those items.

(If you talk again)

Hermit: I need medicinal syrup, bonewalker oil, a gargoyle ear, and Duma moss. If you wish to taste nectar, you must procure those items.

(If you come back after 3 days)

Hermit: Ah, there you are. I’ve been waiting. You’re dying from anticipation, no doubt. But here! Your nectar awaits!

(If you talk again after completing the quest)

Hermit: If you ever desire another taste, return once more with the ingredients.

Scholarly Man: I’ve been poring over these resources in my studies to create new medicines. One book tells of a foreign land’s theory of food as medicine. It prescribes liver for those with ailing livers, brains for headaches, and so on. I found the idea most fascinating. Consider the gargoyle—it hears the faintest sound of its prey, then strikes! Imagine what a medicine brewed from its ears could do for a person. Which brings me to a request… Could I impose upon you to procure three gargoyle ears? Please! My research needs you!

(If you talk again)

Scholarly Man: Have you managed to find three gargoyle ears?

(If you give him 3 Gargoyle Ears)

Scholarly Man: What splendid specimens! Please, take this for your time.

Scholarly Man: I’ll begin work on formulating that new medicine immediately. Things are about to get busy around here!

(If you refuse)

Scholarly Man: But what use could you have for… Mmm. Perhaps I don’t want to know.

Duma Gate

(Versus Jamil)

Jamil: You persist in your ignorance of Duma’s teachings at your own peril!

(Jamil defeated)

Jamil: Duma’s blessings…be upon us…

The Swamps of Duma

Celica: ……

Conrad: Something wrong? The closer we get to Duma Tower, the quieter you become.

Celica: What? No I don’t! …Er, do I? I suppose I’m just getting a bit nervous as we draw near.

Conrad: And…that’s really it? You’re not hiding anything?

Celica: Conrad, you’re worrying over nothing.

Conrad: Well, all right, if you say so.

Celica: ……

(As the battle begins)

Jedah: Keh heh heh. I’m so pleased you’ve come, Anthiese.

Celica: Enough talk, Jedah! I’ve come to judge the truth of your claims. I will meet with Mila first. Any decision I reach will come after.

Jedah: As you will. But my bargain was with you alone. The rest will die for trespassing upon this holy place.

Celica: What? But my life is the only one you need!

Jedah: This is true. But I’ve no fondness for interruptions, and they’ve proven the meddling sort. I trust you will forgive me for being cautious.

Celica: Gods, he’s completely mad… Everyone, be careful!

(Versus Jedah)

Jedah: I’ve no use for any of you save Anthiese. Now begone!

(Jedah defeated or if he retreats)

Jedah: Keh heh heh… Your struggling is most precious. But I’ll not end your meager little lives quite yet. Anthiese! You will ascend Duma Tower and join me at its pinnacle! …Unless you wish to lose your precious Alm, that is.

(If Sonya fights Jedah)

Sonya: Jedah!

Jedah: Well, if it isn’t Sonya.

Sonya: You’ve no idea how long I’ve waited for this day. You stole the lives of my sisters and cursed them to become witches! I will avenge them with your blood!

Sonya: Their souls were offered to Duma freely, and both received endless bliss in turn. Only a fool would refuse to see a truth so plain. You are a burden to your wise sisters, and I shall relieve them of it now!

(After the battle)

Celica: I’m so sorry. I never thought it would play out that way.

Saber: You’re SORRY?! What in the name of hell just happened here? You KNOW that dog Jedah? And what’s this “bargain” he was talking about?

Celica: I… I can’t say. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but—

Saber: Just…stop. You’ve been full of secrets from the start, and I knew you had your reasons. But I thought you’d at least give me a little bit of trust at this point.

Celica: I do trust you, Saber! I trust all of you with my very life! But this is something…different.

Saber: Dammit, lass! That’s—

Celica: I’m sorry, Saber. But right now, we have to get to Duma Tower. Mila is there, and it’s imperative that I speak with her. Once I do that, I swear I’ll tell you everything. Until then, I have to ask that you place your trust in me one more time.

Saber: …Ah, hell. You know I trust you. But you better start talking as soon as you’re done with Mila—got it?

Celica: I will. I promise.

Duma Tower

Celica: The tower is massive… Oppressive. Like Duma’s power given form. What lies beyond the quest for ever-greater power? Perhaps that answer lies at the tower’s peak.

Tower Top

Jedah: Impressive. I did not expect all of you to make it here.

Celica: Enough talk. I will see Mila now. Where is she?

Jedah: Keh heh heh… Such impatience is unseemly, Your Highness. And at any rate, I’m afraid Mila isn’t here. She’s underground—on Lord Duma’s altar.

Celica: I don’t understand.

Jedah: I can grant you sight, if you so desire. Gaze now upon your precious Earth Mother!

(A vision of Mila)

Celica: Oh no! What have you done?!

Mae: Sh-she’s been turned to stone!

Conrad: Look there! Piercing her brow! Is that…Falchion?

Jedah: You have a keen eye, boy. It is indeed the divine blade. You will likely doubt me when I say this, but that was Mila’s doing. The moment Emperor Rudolf sealed her power, Mila sealed away Falchion. Do not ask me her motive in this, for I understand it not. But no force in this world now remains which can harm Lord Duma. She’s left her children to their fates! Kyaaaaaa ha ha ha ha!

Celica: No… This isn’t possible!

Celica: Mila, I don’t understand. Why would you do this? Have you truly forsaken us?

Jedah: Heh heh heh, Your lamentations are wasted, child. If you truly wish for her release, you know what must be done. You must offer up your soul to Lord Duma!

Boey: Did he just say what I think he said?

Mae: Offer her…soul? Oh gods! Celica, no! He wants to turn you into a witch! That is a REALLY bad idea!

Celica: …… There’s no other choice. Without the divine dragons’ power, all of Valentia’s people are lost. And the only thing that can save the dragons is the soul of a Brand-bearer.

Saber: So… That’s what you couldn’t tell us.

Celica: ……

Conrad: Anthiese, you made me a promise, remember? You promised not to throw your life away again.

Celica: I’m sorry, Conrad. I’m sorry, everyone. Please forgive me… I can’t tell you how much it means to me that we’ve come so far together.

Conrad: Anthiese!

Jedah: You lot are no longer necessary. Begone to wherever you will.

Boey: Huh?!

Mae: Aaah!

(Boey and Mae are teleported away)

Celica: NO!

Jedah: Calm yourself, Your Highness. I’ve merely sent them below. As for your preparations, I fear they will take some time yet. You can while away the hours here watching the boy suffer.

Celica: Alm? No!