Chapter 15: The Feral Frontier (Script)

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Main story

Before battle

Nealuchi
Oh my! If it isn't young Prince Serenes! Welcome, welcome, welcome.

Reyson
Nealuchi, you're looking well.

Nealuchi
And feeling well, too, thank you very much. This old crow's as spry as ever. Hee hee!...Tell me though. How fares your father, King Lorazieh?

Reyson
The same as ever. Since that terrible day, he remains abed... He seldom rises anymore.

Nealuchi
Mmm... I'm not surprised. In the span of a few days, he lost his family, his friends, and almost all of his countrymen.

Reyson
Yes...

Nealuchi
And yet, we're blessed that you are still with us! Prince Reyson, if there's anything this doddering old bird can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.

Reyson
Thank you. I appreciate your kind sentiment.

Naesala
Sorry to have kept you waiting, Reyson. Nealuchi! You can talk ancient history later. Leave us at once.

Nealuchi
Yes, yes, of course. I'm sure you've much to talk about, much to say. I'll just take my leave of you...Please, Prince Reyson. Make yourself at home.

Naesala
Hmph! Old Nealuchi's always been fond of House Serenes. When he heard the White Prince himself was gracing us with a visit, he could barely contain his joy. So, Prince. What's this all about? We haven't seen your face around here in a long time, and I'm naturally quite curious as to your intentions.

Reyson
Your attitude during the Goldoa meeting piqued my interest. What is it you're after, Naesala? Why do you provoke Tibarn?

Naesala
You came all this way for that? Are you serious?

Reyson
Do not mock me, crow king! Tibarn is my father's guardian. If not for him, we might have suffered the end of House Serenes itself. I will not brook any insults to him.

Naesala
Oh, I see. So rather than ally yourself with me, your trusted companion of old, you would side with this new protector? That's an unfortunate shift in attitude. I trust you remember that when you and your sister were young, it was I, and not Tibarn, who watched over you?

Reyson
Any change in my bearing can be laid at your roost, Naesala. After all...you, my old friend, are the one who continues to engage in commerce with my enemy. With humans. If you were to change your ways, I'm sure we could rebuild the relationship the two of us once shared.

Naesala
Oh no, that I could never do. You see, humans are essential to the fulfillment of my ambitions.

Reyson
...You've changed, Naesala. If this is the path you've chosen, I've nothing left to say.

Naesala
...I doubt you could ever understand what it means to guard Kilvas, Prince. To protect an entire country.

Raven Laguz
King Naesala! Duke Tanas of the Begnion Imperial Senate has arrived.

Naesala
Bring him in.

Oliver
Your Majesty! J-just now, I brushed against the most splendid specimen! W-was that a Serenes noble? They're supposed to be extinct!

Naesala
And what if it were?

Oliver
Oh, I was right! Wonderful! My eyes did not deceive me. Those dazzling white wings. And that shimmering hair, sparkling like falling gold dust...That is the crystallization of beauty in its purest form--

Naesala
Duke Oliver, can we please discuss the business at hand? Per your request, we have appropriated several pieces of art from the ships of Duke Gaddos.

Oliver
Yes, yes, and you will be compensated as promised. But right now there is...something else that I simply must have.

Naesala
Really? Another request? What can we purloin for you today? More art, perhaps?

Oliver
Oh ho! Something much more stunning. And if you agree to my proposition, I will double your normal fee!

Naesala
That is a most generous offer. Tell me, what is it you desire?

Oliver
Desire? But surely you've already guessed...


Exit base
 
Ike
Meeting with the apostle was fine, but all she did was pay us and give us another job. She answered no questions.

Titania
I wonder what she's planning. That cargo... I can't help but believe that there were living creatures inside, but...What do you suppose the apostle intends to do with them?

Ike
I don't know. Titania, are all nobles and royals like this? They have plans and paperwork for every little thing, and their speech is as confusing as it is tedious.

Mist
But, Ike, the other nobles we know are different! There's Princess Elincia, and King Gallia, and the dragon prince, too! All of them have been so nice and friendly and easy to talk to.

Titania
Perhaps the rudeness of the upper echelon is unique to the beorc class system. Princess Elincia was raised in special circumstances. Maybe that's why she's so different.

Ike
Bah! I could never get accustomed to the culture of beorc nobles.

Ike
Tell me, Soren, are you all right?

Soren
Hm?

Ike
Recently--ever since we reached Begnion, in fact--you've seemed depressed.

Soren
Is...is that so? How odd. Well, I can think of nothing specific that's bothering me.

Ike
Well, if you say so.

Ike
So, it's time for the desert! Which is the best direction to enter from?

Soren
...

Ike
Soren?

Soren
...Eh? Yes, what is it?

Ike
All right, I know there's something going on!

Soren
I'm... I'm sorry... I was...thinking. What is it you wanted?

Ike
Well, I was going to ask you for directions, but it's no longer necessary. It looks like we're being met.

Soren
Ah!

Tormod
Who are you? Answer me!

Ike
We're mercenaries. We were hired to take care of a group of bandits operating in this area.

Tormod
More of the senators' dogs! You cast us as thieves so you can murder us and hide your guilt! But we will not be defeated! Mark my words! The day will come when all slaves are free, and then you will pay for your crimes!

Ike
What on earth are you talking about?

Tormod
No more useless words! Come, my brothers! Take them!

Ike
What? We're facing laguz? I don't like the look of this!

Soren
Laguz or no, it doesn't change the fact that they are brigands. Do not lower your guard!

Ike
I know what I'm doing. Everyone! Watch your footing in this sand. Take care and fight well!

Lethe steps on Stefan's space

Lethe
Sniff... Hm?

Lethe
I...sense...something...

Lethe
...Grrrr...Must be my imagination...

Stefan
A female cat! Splendid! I've not seen your face in these parts before.

Lethe
Aaaah! Wh-where...Where did you come from?

Stefan
Oh, I see that I've startled you. My apologies.

Lethe
Who are you?

Stefan
If you wish to learn someone's name, isn't it polite to introduce yourself first?

Lethe
Grrr... I am...Lethe. From Gallia.

Stefan
And I...am Stefan! I live here in this desolate wasteland, playing at being a hermit.

Lethe
Is that so? Well, don't let me interrupt your...life.

Stefan
Oh no! Please don't worry about it.

Lethe
Oh, I won't.

Lethe
...And?

Stefan
What?

Stefan
Why are you standing there staring at me? I'm interested in Gallia's beast tribes. Fascinating, really. I have an idea! Can we go somewhere and talk?

Lethe
...I don't think so.

Stefan
Why not?

Lethe
My companions and I are in the middle of a battle! I've no time to chitchat with you!

Stefan
Very well... Then I will help you! And once this battle is finished, you'll have time to converse, yes?

Lethe
I suppose...perhaps...

Stefan
Right! Off we go then!

Lethe
...What sort of lunatic have I found now?

Mordecai steps on Stefan's space.

Mordecai
Sniff...

Mordecai
Urrrr?

Mordecai
Something's...here...Beneath...the sand... Mmmrrr??

Stefan
Nope! I'm over here.

Mordecai
So there you are.You are...good at hiding.

Stefan
To be praised by one of the beast tribes is an honor! I am Stefan! I live here in this desolate wasteland, playing at being a hermit. Who are you? I haven't seen you in these parts before.

Mordecai
I am Mordecai, a warrior of Gallia. This is the first time I have walked beyond the borders of my country.

Stefan
I thought that might be the case...And I was right. Hoooo! I'm ever so clever!

Stefan
Mordecai, listen here. I'm interested in the beast tribes of Gallia. Would you mind talking with me? I'll buy dinner!

Mordecai
Um... My friends and I are fighting, so I...cannot. Sorry.

Stefan
Very well, then! I will help you. Once this battle is finished, you'll have time to converse, yes?

Mordecai
All right. If you will fight with us,then I will call Stefan a friend. Later, we will talk about Gallia.

Stefan
I'm looking forward to it. Right then, off we go!

Mordecai
Yes! Off we go!...Right...then...

Non laguz steps on Stefan's space

Character that stepped on Stefan's space
Huh?

Stefan
Oh, look at you! Lost in a place like this... What an odd duck you must be. Hmm...It would be a shame to see you go home empty-handed, though. I will give you this as a memento! Now, in exchange... I ask you to treat our meeting as a dream and let it fade from your memory. And now, I bid thee...farewell!

Soren steps on Stefan's space

Soren
Woah!

Stefan
Are you lost, young one? What are you doing in this place?

Soren
What are YOU doing here? Are you with the sub-humans? ...Wait, did you just pop out of the sand?

Stefan
Mmm...

Soren
What?

Stefan
...Hmm. It seems I made an error.

Soren
What are you talking about? You're not--

Stefan
I was wrong. It's nothing. I've no use for you.

Soren
Oh. All right, then.

Stefan
Hold!

Soren
What now?

Stefan
It would be a shame to see you go home empty-handed, though. I will give you this as a memento! Now, in exchange... I ask you to treat our meeting as a dream and let it fade from your memory. And now, I bid thee...farewell!

After battle

Muarim
Haah...haa...haa... We lose...

Ike
You! You're the leader of this band, aren't you?

Muarim
Yes...I am. I'll resist you no further. Take me with you or execute me here... I care not. But my companions... Would you let them go? ...Please?

Unknown
No! I won't allow it!

Ike
Huh?

Tormod
I won't let you take Muarim!

Muarim
Grrr... Stay back, little one! You were not supposed to expose--

Tormod
If you want Muarim, you'll have to kill me first!

Ike
You're--

Muarim
Yes, he is a beorc child. I claimed him when he was little more than an infant. He has nothing to do with us...sub-humans...

Tormod
Stop lying! I'm here because I want to be! Who's the leader of the laguz emancipation army? I am! You're a big jerk, Muarim! Trying to cover for everyone and get yourself killed? I won't allow it!

Muarim
Little one...

Ike
Hey! I don't care who the real leader is.

Ike
A laguz who calls himself a sub-human is protecting a kidnapped beorc who claims to lead a laguz emancipation army? Do I have that right? Because if I do, I have absolutely no idea what any of you are talking about. Would someone please tell me what is going on here?


Tormod
...

Ike
All right... Please go over that again. It's been customary throughout Begnion's history to keep laguz as slaves?

Tormod
That's right.

Titania
But that's in the past now! Twenty years ago, all slavery was outlawed, and all laguz were freed!

Nasir
And as far as the general public is concerned, that is exactly what happened.

Ike
So there's a portion of society that willingly breaks the law?

Tormod
The commoners obey, but there are still many laguz slaves in the homes of nobles. Muarim and I brought this to the attention of the senators, but they would not listen. That's why we gathered other fighters. We break into the homes where slaves are kept and help them escape. Of course, the nobles can't let this be known publicly, so they brand us thieves and turn us into wanted outlaws.

Ike
All right. I think I understand your motives,but you're not going to solve the basic problem this way.

Tormod
We know that. But we can't give up and leave them in chains. We can't and won't!

Ike
Do you mind if I try to help?

Tormod
Huh?

Ike
This sort of beorc behavior is something that's been bothering me. I think there may be something that I can do...

Reyson
Naesala! Stop this foolishness! Where are you taking me? Tell me!

Naesala
It's only a little farther! I'll tell you once we've arrived, just as I promised.

Reyson
I left no word with Tibarn. If I had known we were coming this far, I would have left a message...

Naesala
Here we are. This is what I wanted to show you. Look below you, Reyson. What do you see?

Reyson
What...what is this? How is this possible? What happened here?!

Naesala
...

Reyson
This...is Serenes? Is this what you're trying to tell me?! This colorless vista, these cracked and withered branches, these lifeless trees... This is my forest?

Reyson
[Sacred trees! Seed, root, and trunk! Awake from your slumber and heed my cry! Answer the call of the green, mighty ones!]

Naesala
...The ancient tongue. It's been many years since I heard it last. You can still speak it.

Reyson
The voice of the forest is still. Why... How did this...

Naesala
It's been like this since your clan's been gone. The area near the entrance is especially bad. They used fire...Most of the trees are dead.

Reyson
...Unforgivable. How...how can they do things like this. Cursed humans... What did this forest do? What did my clan do...

Naesala
Humans hold all laguz in contempt. And in the same way, they hold all of nature in contempt as well. They think everything exists for their pleasure and betterment...They are beneath contempt.

Reyson
Naesala... It appears that I have misjudged you. I called you a groveling toady to humans and labeled you traitor. I was overly harsh. I apologize.

Naesala
Not to worry. I engage in occasional commerce with humans...That much is true. A more pressing issue is the growing darkness. You can return to Phoenicis tomorrow, can you not? I'm certain that some noble has a villa in this area. At this time of year, it is almost certain to be empty. I suggest we borrow it for the evening.

Reyson
You would sleep in a human building?

Naesala
Think about it... Bird folk like you and I have no night vision whatsoever. If we were discovered by humans, they would surely overwhelm and capture us, right?

Reyson
Mmm... I see your point.

Naesala
Very good. I'll go stumble around until I find something to eat. Please...make yourself comfortable.

Reyson
Naesala!

Naesala
Yes?

Reyson
Thank you. For everything you've done. I...I appreciate it.

Naesala
Don't be ridiculous. We're old friends,are we not?

Reyson
Right you are! Old friend.

Naesala
Is everything in place?

Raven Laguz
Yes. That Duke Tanas cannot sit still. He is literally...quivering with anticipation. It's not pretty.

Naesala
I bet it isn't. Just make sure that mountain of suet stays hidden. If Reyson catches so much as a glimpse of his bulk, he will take wing.

Raven Laguz
Understood.

Naesala
Now, time to put on the finishing touches. This, too, I do to raise up Kilvas. Reyson, please don't judge me too harshly. That being said, I'm sure you will. Ah, well. Such is life. Enjoy your new one... Old friend...

Base Conversation

Servant

Servant
Ahem. You are from the northwest nation of Crimea, are you not? You have my condolences for the terrible misfortune that has befallen your country and people. Yet you remain blessed! Fate has brought you here to the Grand Temple Mainal! To the splendor of Begnion, grandest of all the nations of Tellius. By the way, I hear you are traveling north to the Grann Desert. There are ancient ruins there, you know? They are the remnants of a race known as the Zunanma, who come from a civilization that predates our own. I'm sure you will enjoy the sensation of being immersed in such primordial surroundings!

Ike
Um...yeah. It'll be a real picnic.

Servant
Oh, yes, picnics are indeed nice. Oh, but a word of caution. Studying the ruins from afar is one thing, but you would be well advised to keep your distance... For safety's sake! It's said that there's a bandit stronghold near the northwest ruins. And we hear occasional reports of strange figures wandering the dunes in the northeast. Be careful!

Sigrun

Sigrun
How are your preparations progressing?

Ike
They're underway. We leave within the hour.

Sigrun
Your next mission takes you to the Grann Desert. You must choose your companions with care.

Ike
A desert is just a large patch of sandy soil, is it not?

Sigrun
Ha ha! With one major difference! Unlike sandy soil, you'll not find solid earth near the surface. You could dig and dig and find only more sand. Those on foot and horseback may find it difficult to move around.

Ike
I see. I'm sure that Soren knows much about these things, but...

Sigrun
Hmm? Has something befallen master Soren?

Ike
I don't know if he's feeling ill or just moping about. It all started when we arrived in Begnion.

Sigrun
Oh...

Ike
Be that as it may, it won't hurt for me to have this information. Can you tell me more?

Sigrun
Of course. There's little water in the desert, and the soil is very dry. Few trees or grasses grow there. Which means there are no groves or anything else which would provide cover. And, as I mentioned before, those on foot or horseback will find the sand slows their pace considerably. The exceptions are magic users, staff wielders, and thieves. Such people will not be affected to so large a degree.

Ike
Thieves are agile, so I understand why they would be unaffected. But those skilled in the magical arts? That doesn't make sense.

Sigrun
I once heard an explanation from a magic user that I know...He claimed that the spirits he employed flew before him and cleared the sand from his path. However, considering the source, I'm not sure how much of that is truth.

Ike
Who was the source?

Sigrun
Prime Minister Sephiran.

Ike
Would he play a joke like that?

Sigrun
Ha ha! Well, the prime minister is a very amusing man. But, please, allow me to continue my explanation. What else...? Others who are unaffected by sand are pegasus knights, wyvern riders, and other flying units. Oh, and laguz, too. Terrain features don't seem to affect them much in either form, although they will be slowed some.

Ike
You said laguz, didn't you? Almost everyone here says sub-human.

Sigrun
Well, of course. Beorc and laguz are both living things. Every precious life was created to be equal by the blessed goddess. The fact that there are still those who persecute laguz in the land of the goddess... It is deplorable.

Ike
...Are you of a noble house?

Sigrun
Yes, I am. One must be of noble birth to serve the goddess.

Ike
But I thought...that all nobles were half-crazed fools who can't speak the truth. You seem quite honest.

Sigrun
Ha ha, I'll take that as a compliment...Oh, and one last thing.

Ike
What is it?

Sigrun
The desert contains the remnants of more than one lost civilization. Rumor has it that treasures from those times still lie undiscovered beneath the shifting sands. Those with good luck may come across such treasures during battle.

Makalov

Makalov
Hoooweee! The Grand Temple! Luxury and...gorgeousness as far as the eye can see. If a scoundrel like myself can find employment in a place like this, I guess my luck hasn't abandoned me after all.

Ike
...

Makalov
But...for all the glitter and gold, there's an equal amount of dangerous work. Hmm...That I could do without. Maybe I can use my prone-to-illness ploy...Cough! Yes, I think I can arrange to work about one out of every...five jobs or so! And now that I've a fixed income, it's time to visit the local inns and see what games of chance are about!

Ike
Evening.

Makalov
WHAAAA! You... Did you happen to hear any of that?

Ike
You were talking out loud. Loudly.

Makalov
Um...I, uh... I wasn't being serious...I am an extremely diligent man! Yes, I am!

Ike
Those peddlers you were with...You were in debt to them, right?

Makalov
Huh? How do you know that?

Ike
When we took out that group, your debt vanished...

Makalov
Yes! You're right! That was a tremendous help. Thanks much!

Ike
Come now, you can't believe that the world is as forgiving as that. Or that we are so foolish.

Makalov
What?

Ike
Debts are debts, and you have many. Those peddlers weren't the only people who were owed coin by you... Right? We can't have debt collectors hounding the company day in and day out. My staff officer repaid the rest of the money you owe.

Makalov
Tha-that's...very kind of you.

Ike
It was from the company coffers. You, my friend, are now in OUR debt. You fight to repay the Greil Mercenaries.

Makalov
Ah! But! Aaah!

Ike
Payment will be deducted from your wages. For...quite some time. It seems you're working for free, friend.

Makalov
Oh! I--! Oooh!

Ike
Until your debts are completely repaid, don't even think about leaving the company. Or getting sick. Right then! I trust you'll do your best.

Makalov
...What a mess...Awww... Nuts!