Backbone

Backbone

• Related Event: A Wish to the Winds/November 2018
• Release Date: November 14, 2018
• Featured Characters: Edward, Hope, Ricardt

Dialogue

I've enlisted young master Hope to assist with today's session, Ricardt. Heya. Er, yes! Th-thank you for coming... No worries. Umm...but why am I here? To offer your advice to Ricardt in his efforts to change and grow as a person. Ooo-kay? What sort of advice do you want? E-er, I... I don't precisely... Um... As you can see, he is barely able to form words while making eye contact. They refer to cowards as chickenhearts, yet I suspect a hatchling fresh from the egg has more nerve than this one. This guy doesn't mince words, eh, buddy? *whimper* Self-confidence and affirmation should be the order of the day. And so I turned to you: a man with the gall to aspire to knighthood while still wholly incompetent as a priest. Yeah, that's me all rig—HEY! S-sorry! Sorry, sorry, I'm sorry! Not really seeing how that's your fault, but...thanks, I guess? Anyway, I'm not sure what I can offer, advice-wise. I just set my sights on the knighthood because it's what I want to do. So why don't you just do what you want? B-but what if... Well, what if that makes trouble for someone else? I guess I DO fight with my folks about it, but end of the day, it's my life—not theirs. Gotta live for you, am I right? Excellent! Do you understand, Ricardt? Such backbone is just what you're missing. Y-yes, sir... I'll try to be more like him. Well! This has been most productive. Yeah, I feel kinda ticklish about being a role model for somebody. Just think what doors a little backbone will open for you. Or windows! Such as those of a church, when you smash them open and loot the treasures withi— WHAT?! What kind of example is that?! Gosh... You really think I could break into a church, Edward? Hold up! Don't take this maniac seriously! Fear not, Ricardt. I know you have it in you to smash every last window to pieces, be they stained-glass or otherwise. I think... No, I KNOW I can smash those windows! Thank you, both of you! HOW ARE WE HAVING AN EMOTIONAL MOMENT WITH THIS RIGHT NOW?! Just remember that one must always learn proper protocol. The texts I've read suggest the ideal choice for a church window is a length of lead pipe, rather than a plank or hammer. Can we take a lead pipe to the nutcase writing books about breaking into churches? Mind you, pipes of sufficiently sturdy build can be difficult to acquire. (Whew...) Which is why I procured one for you. HOW IS THIS REAL LIFE?! I'm officially worried now. I mean, who just HAPPENS to have a window- bustin' lead pipe lying around? A man must always be prepared. No one should be prepared for anything that requires a lead pipe! Here you are, Ricardt. Now go forth and smash your meek little heart out! R-right! Thank you, Edward. Smashy smashy... This is insane... Um... Is something amiss, young master? W-well, it's just... If I use this to smash the church windows, won't that make trouble for Hope? Yes! That! EXACTLY that! "Gotta live for you, am I right?" ...I believe those were your words, Hope? I take it back! I take it baaack! ...I'm sorry, Edward. But I don't think I can do this. I feel like there are other things I should be working on before...you know. Smashing church windows. I don't feel it's right to make trouble for Hope until I've finished doing all those other things. Ah. A praiseworthy realization, Ricardt. What you truly need is the resolve to change through your own efforts. Right... Right! I shall leave that pipe in your care until the day you're ready to smash those windows of your own will. Thank you, Edward! I love a happy ending... Which is why I hate everything about this! What is HAPPENING in this castle?!