Summer Norwin/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

On Entering a Room

When Quest Begins

Let us paint a summer's tale!

Are you prepared for adventure?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

We shall craft a tale of unrivaled fun!

Yes! I can't wait to see how this all unfolds!

When Controlling Character in Quest

When Receiving a Heal

That was a close one. You have my thanks.

Such a comforting breeze... Thank you.

When Entering a Boss' Room

Our summer tale of adventure is here at last!

Let us make this a happy ending for everyone!

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

May this end as a comedy and not a tragedy!

We'll get the best ending together!

Upon Getting to Low Health

The plot's sudden reversal starts right here!

I cannot give up here...

Upon Opening a Chest

Ah, this looks to be a great treasure!

What a fine vacation souvenir.

Boss on Low Health

At last, the villain was sunk into the ocean depths!

Don't let your guard down until the last page is turned!

Boss Enters Break State

The enemy is worn down! This is our chance!

Ride this favorable wind to victory!

Rare Enemy Spawns

A rather unique character, no?

Did the summer's heat make them look like that?

Upon Death

Blast... It seems that summer has ended once more.

I didn't want this summer... to become a tragedy...

When Using Weapon/Shared Skills

Player Uses Damaging Skill

You're the hero of the beach!

You're the ruler of the sea!

When Shape Shifting is Ready

The dragon is in a summertime mood as well!

If you turn the page, you'll find the dragon!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Idle During Quest

Mind if I sketch a bit?

Don't forget to hydrate.

Quest Clear

Quest Failure

Home Screen Walking

I'll put a message in a bottle...

And they lived happily ever after.

I don't do well with heat.

I like to look upon the sea from time to time.

I can hear the song of the wind.

Oh! I just saw a shooting star...

Home Screen Inside

I have been beckoned to the songstress's stage, but what should I bring? My brushes, perhaps?

Summer is a treasure trove of tales! Love, adventure...even frightful horror!

This straw hat is my treasure. It's filled with memories from Anasonne.

I enjoy the ocean, but mostly from a distance. Swimming is...difficult for me.

The sea of stars is nature's canvas, where infinite pictures can be drawn.

Shall I tell you a story? Perhaps a tale of a miracle that happened one summer day...

Home Screen Portrait

Collection Portrait

At The Halidom

Shall I read you one of my picture books?

I'll paint this with the color of the sky.

The sunlight today was exceptionally dazzling.

New Mana Circle Unlocked

On Mana Circle Fully Unbound

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

The Princess and the Scribe

Hmm, no. The waves are a lighter hue. The water farther out runs a deep cerulean, so I'll need to add darker tones for depth. And also there, where sea meets sky in a seamless gradient of blue. "Lured to the water's edge by the ocean's song, our prince suddenly beheld the beautiful princess who lived in the deep." Ah, a storybook meeting if ever there was. Hello, Norwin. Working on your next tale? Indeed I was, Euden. Duuude, that seascape is bananas! You are too kind. However, I am glad to hear you enjoy it, for my next picture book will be a rousing tale of the sea. I can't wait! ...Unless it's got another of your trademarked Norwin grimdark endings, in which case, hard pass. Heh. I shall do my best to avoid such an unhappy fate. Darn tootin' you will, buster! I'm glad you're able to write happy stories again, Norwin. As am I—and I have you to thank for it. Ooo! Is this beach-party gossip? I am SO in. Dish! The Marine Diva Dragon, Siren
Oh wow, this is SUUUPER pretty... It's like you put the whole ocean down on the page or something! I KNOW, right? Ol' Norwin here's a classy picture-book author. Picture books?! Ooo, I wanna read one! Please please please pleeease?! Of course. I always carry a few finished works with me to read to the children I meet in my travels. Yay! Okay, then I'm totally gonna start with...um...this one!

---

Aw, that was SOOO good! *sniff* The princess totes deserved her... *sniff* happy ending... *sniff* I'M SO PROUD OF HER! WAAAAAH! Your tears are the highest praise an author could hope for, miss. Oh, and please help yourself to this handkerchief. *sniff* Oh! Th-thanks. *HOOOONK* It's just, like, seeing her happy made me all teary and then... *HOOOOOONK* Like, I was scared when she got turned into that creepy monster, but THEN the nice wizard guy totally turned her back! I know it's crazy dumb, but I was kinda... jealous? I mean, who WOULDN'T want to be zapped by a spell that made you happy forever and stuff! I see many similarities between the princess in my story and yourself. Wait, for seriously? Yep. I see it too. Remember all the stories about how your songs led sailors to their doom? None of them were true, but they turned into frightening legends all the same. But you got through that; you found the courage to walk onto that stage and share your gifts with the entire world. Aw, that was only 'cause you and your friends helped me out. We need you to sing for us so Barbary lowers her defenses. Will you help? Thank you, everyone! If I hadn't met all you guys, I'd still just be singing to myself right now. You gave me a stage, and I am for real suuuuper grateful. If that meeting wasn't magic, I'm not sure what is. Do you now understand why I see you as a faerie-tale princess? Hee hee! You totally know how to sweet-talk a girl! But yeah, I probably shouldn't be all envious and stuff. I mean, I'd just be a total Greedy Gus to wish for MORE than I have in my life now. Like wishing my song could reach him... Hmm? Eeep! I mean, uh...whatever I'm gonna go swimming now byeeeee! I wonder what she meant by that last cryptic aside? Yeah, and I wonder WHO she meant? These days, her song should be able to reach any dang person she wants! Unless... Do you know something about this, Euden? I think it may be about the incident that started her rumors in the first place...

---

Ohmigosh, I am a TOTAL joke. I mean, who envies storybook princesses? Is that not the purpose of stories? Norwin! Fantasy makes possible what reality can never provide. It's only natural for envy to arise in such circumstances. Might I bend your ear with another tale? Uh, sure. Long ago, in the depths of the seas, lived a mermaid who sang with the voice of an angel. One day, as the sea roiled and churned in a terrible storm, a ship was dragged 'neath the waves, and the mermaid gave her all to save a lost crewman. But the ship's other crew and the villagers who took in the rescued crewman blamed her for the ship's fate. That's—! Indeed, it is your story. The prince was kind enough to share some of it with me. Apologies if I have perhaps overstepped my bounds in inquiring about you. Is the man you saved that day the one you wish to share your song with now? Yeah. He's...he's my friend. My really GOOD friend. But gosh, this was, like, decades ago. I was off singing by myself like always when I heard him start talking to me. His name was Paul, and he told me that my voice was... Well, I don't wanna get all braggy, but he said really nice stuff. But was your good name not restored after that whole sordid affair? Surely your reputation these days is as a songstress and not a sea monster. If you wish to share your song with Paul, I see nothing which might prevent that. Um...he's deaf. What? Yeah, he lost his hearing the day he almost drowned. Oh dear. I'm truly sorry. No, Norwin! Don't be all sad, it's fine! I mean, yeah, he can't hear my voice or whatever, but he can still see my smile. That's good enough. ...Or it should be. But I'm still super greedy, and I just wish there WAS some way for him to hear me! Just, like, one more time, you know? Singing is sorta the only way I have to express what I feel for him. Ah, so that is the magic you yearn for. I know, I'm the WORST. I should totally just be happy that I can sing in public again and not have everybody wanna attack me with pokeforks or whatever. Anyway, that's how this story ends, so let's stop being all weird about stuff that can't happen and— Will you permit me to aid you in pursuing this dream? Sorry, I thought I made this all obvious. He can't hear! Like, at ALL! Though your voice may not reach him, your feelings are another matter. We need only borrow the power of picture books to make this so.

Episode 2

A World Beneath the Waves

Though your voice may not reach him, your feelings are another matter. We need only borrow the power of picture books to make this so. Okay, so how is my song supposed to reach him if he TOTALLY CAN'T HEAR? We will simply bring it to life in a picture book. Picture books sing songs to the eyes! I will capture the soul of your tune and transform it into an image! Will you trust me with this endeavor? Awww, Norwiiiin! You're the BEST! So, um, how do we do this? Do I just sing? I can sing. Should I sing? Okay, here I go! ...I go now, right? It would be my honor to hear your song. Then, like, hold onto your ears! ♪♪♪ (Her voice is everything the rumors say. If I were to express this sound as an image, it would be...) (The sea. At night. Stars streaking across the sky as a thousand ripples play over the water's glassy surface.) (And of course, solitude—for she sang only to herself in those times.)

---

Norwin, shut UP. That's AMAZING! What a beautiful night scene! You are kind, but this is merely a sketch. I will paint the final image for the book after observing such a scene directly. Ohmigosh, this is GREAT! I can't wait to see what my song looks like as one of your awesome...um...pic...ture... Uh, Norwin? What's this one here, and why is it all mega creepy? Ah, that is my rendition of the abyssal dark which lurks beneath the surface of the sea. Norwin? I love you and stuff, but you are way wrong. It's BEAUTIFUL under the sea! Mmm, I worried as much. Having never been there, I lack any kind of clear mental image of the place. This was merely my attempt to paint the world where you once sang alone. Is THAT why it's so gloomy?! I mean, yeah, it was a little lonely down there or whatever—but is this terror-town REALLY what my song sounded like to you? No, far from it! I simply... My apologies. The failure here is entirely mine. Hmm. As I'd suspected, there are limits to what imagination alone can yield. Uh, Norwin? Where're you going? J-just off to do a little...first-hand observation beneath the waves. Okaaay—so why are your legs all shaky and stuff? Th-this is nothing! Just a mild case of, um, painter's knee! Yes, that's it... Seriously? Ahem! Indeed! Yes, I'll go see that watery world for myself and pop right back. Won't be but a moment! Norwin, waaaaait! Ugh, what a pain. Still, he's gonna be totally fine. ...Right?

---

*GAAASP* *heave* *cough* You have...my gratitude... Okay, totes NOT fine. You should have just told me you can't swim! But then I would remain ever unable to capture the world beneath the sea. Then I'll just DESCRIBE it to you! Duh-doy! A most generous offer, but with your leave, I will attempt this approach a while longer. It's one thing to rely on hearsay for things that cannot be observed, but to do so simply to spare myself the effort would be a dereliction of my craft. I've heard of starving artists, but never drowning ones. This book is to be a gift for a person you cherish. I refuse to cut even a single corner on such an undertaking. Why are you making such a big deal about this? Perhaps because all of the tales I've told have been so...horrific. Huh? But the book I read was— Happy, yes. But for a very long time, I was unable to tell such stories. I desperately wanted my characters to live happily ever after, but the endings always came out as these twisted things. Such is a storyteller's lot, I suppose— which is why I was moved to help you see your dream realized. You took the narrative thrust upon you and bent it to your own will. As a storyteller, such a tale gives me hope. Aww, Norwin... Okay, BUT! Ground rules: Even though it's super sweet of you to say all that, you're still not allowed to drown. Now, if I go down there with you, I can pull you around and show you whatever stuff you wanna see. But then... Hey, so how long can you hold your breath? Well... Be honest! I can't. Not really, anyway. That was why I nearly drowned a moment ago. Hmmmm... Oh! Got it!

---

So you're looking for a spell that lets you breathe and see underwater? Inheritor of "Better Living through Spellcraft"
Xania
Indeed. You see, I need to observe the depths for myself, but am unable to swim. We thought perhaps a passage in your spellbook might offer a solution. Lucky for you, my father was the master of just such a spell. People used to ask him to bust it out all the time. Yaaay! Next stop, the world beneath the waves! Please, Xania, cast that enchantment upon me with all speed! Sure thing. Hold still, because this is going to tickle a bit...

---

*gulp* A-all right, let's go under... You're sounding a little woobly. You sure you're okay? Perfectly! Well, perhaps a bit nervous, but I trust in Xania's skill absolutely. And more importantly, I will do what is necessary to make this book an uncompromising success! You are TOTALLY a sweet-talker! Okay, let's do this thing. Yes, let us be off!

---

*gasp* See? It's crazy pretty down here! My word, how could I have been so wildly mistaken? I must put this scene to canvas while it is fresh in my mind! Sooo...Norwin? Yes? Let's make this a SUPER special book together, okay?! Of course! I will see the stunning world of your song put to the page no matter what effort is required!

Episode 3

Sunken Memories

(This is it—the place where Siren last saw her friend Paul.) (She described it as a seaside village, but it's grown into a proper town.) (Regardless, there is little point in completing the picture book if we've no one to give it to.) If there is a clue to be found, I will find it. No matter how long the search takes. Pardon me, madam. Can I help you, stranger? Does an older gentleman named Paul perchance live in this town? Paul, is it? Hmm, can't say that's a name I've heard 'round here. I see. Thank you for your time.

---

Nope. Don't think I know any Pauls.

---

So sorry, dear. I can't help you.

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NnnnnnNOPE!

---

*sigh* I suppose I should not have expected this to be simple. Perhaps it would have been wiser to speak with Siren and search for him together. (But what if we learned Paul had already departed this world?) (Human lives are so very brief, after all.) (She would be crushed.) ...... No, I mustn't fall prey to pessimism. Keep hope alive, Norwin—as she has. Sorry, but might I ask a question? Who, me? Fire away, friend. Might you know of an older gentleman by the name of Paul, either here in this town or perhaps a nearby village? I believe he had an unfortunate incident at sea many years ago, if that helps. Sure, I know him. Truly?! A'yup. Troubled fella—barely comes by the town market, save for necessities. Never thought I'd see him get a visitor, if I'm honest. Troubled, you say? Yessir. Not that I can rightly blame him— I feel for the old timer. It's all because of what happened that terrible day. He used to be just as bright and cheery as a summer's sun, but that incident... Well, it changed him, plain and simple. Keeps people at arm's length now. Face hasn't known a smile in years. Do you know where I might find him? He's cooped up in his house like always— just look for the one furthest from shore. Reckon he still fears the water to this day. He fears the sea? Ocean took his hearing and near stole his life along with it. You'd feel the same. Some of the other townsfolk check in on him from time to time and come back with tales about how he moans in his sleep. Terrible sounds, from the telling of it. One more question, if I may: Does the name Siren mean anything to you? Blasted hells! Listen, if you value your own good name and safety, you'll never speak that name in this town again! Do you refer to the rumors of old? I assure you, madam, Siren's song has not the power to lure ships nor sailors. Hogwash! That monster is to blame for everything that happened! For if not her, what else has given that poor old man a lifetime of nightmares? ...... Go to him if you like—but if there's even a trace of mercy in your heart, you'll refrain from mentioning that name. Doing so would just be rubbing salt in a wound the years have failed to close. A wound the years haven't closed...

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Waaah! Help, Norwin! ...The young nobles who perished while in my charge. (Yes, I know all too well about wounds that are slow to heal.) (And I am no stranger to the dreams that bedevil an aching heart.) (Am I truly acting in this man's interest? Or will I only deepen his pain?)

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There's someone I want to share my song with... Let's make this a really special book together!

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I want to see your dream made true, Siren. I truly do. However...

Episode 4

Nightmares of the Past

...... Ah, my painting is veering dark again. Siren will give me another earful. ...... (Will this picture book bring a smile to Paul's sad face?) (Or will it simply inflict anew the pain of past trauma?) (I resolved to place my faith in the power of fantasy—to believe in imagination.) (And yet, no tale can erase the past; no image can undo harm suffered.) Is showing him this book though truly the right thing to do? Hello, Norwin. Sketching the sea again? I am. And what brings you here? Just stretching my legs a bit. Thought the sea breeze might do me some good. I see. I heard you were working on a picture book about Siren's song? Yes, I... That's right. She seems pretty excited about it. Said her dream of singing for her friend was finally going to come true. I...I see. Hmm? Norwin, what are these scraps? Did you tear up one of your paintings? You needn't concern yourself with that. Just a failed sketch, is all. Are you having trouble with the book? ...... If you want to talk about it, I'm always happy to listen. ...It was hubris on my part. Oh? After I met you, I decided to place my faith once more in fantasy. I chose to believe imagination held the power to bring smiles to people's faces, no matter how dark the times. Which allowed you to write happy endings again and bring joy to people. That isn't hubris, Norwin. It's talent. But it is, for in the end, fantasy is merely that. It cannot hope to become reality. No stroke of my brush will ever restore life to the royal children of Anasonne, nor rewrite the Duchy's tragic end. ...Norwin? I have long been haunted by nightmares of the past, and now two questions have me paralyzed in much the same fashion: What if the same is true for the recipient of this book, and what will become of Siren if he rejects her? Both will suffer terrible pain—and the moment that thought crosses my mind, my hand stops cold. ...... I could paint a hundred happy endings for this picture-book tale... But I am powerless to change the tragedy that took place in the real world! A tragedy will remain so forever. This is a truth I know well. Are you sure? What? I understand that none of us can change the past. But can't we shape what follows? Can't we help create a happy ending? I know someone who managed the feat— someone who took a tragedy and penned their own happy ending for it. You speak of Siren! Well, sure. Her, too. But I was actually thinking of YOU, Norwin. That's why I know you'll find a way to write a happy end to this tale. ...Heh. It seems I nearly succumbed to old habits and let this story end in misery. But so long as we draw breath, our stories will go on. Even in a tragedy, there's no way to know what the next page holds until it's written. And it is we—the characters of the story— who wield the mighty pen. I cannot hope to be a storybook prince who fills the world with hope as you do... But I have imagination on my side, and shall trust in its power once more! I want to believe it can overcome any pain or despair that reality can inflict. I MUST believe that. And as a man who knows pain and despair, you're better equipped than anyone to see that particular wish come true. With the two of you creating it, I know your book will bring happiness to anyone fortunate enough to see it. Then I shall do all I can to make it so. I WILL see this work completed! This tragedy will have a happy end yet!

Episode 5

Delivering Happiness

(Finally, the book is complete. Now comes the hard part...)

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...... (I should introduce myself to start. I hope written notes will suffice?) "I am Norwin, a picture-book author. It is an honor to meet you." ...... "Why have you come?" "I have brought you a book, sir." "A picture book for a grown man?" "It is a tale called 'The Song of the Sea.'" Nrgh! Please, sir! Just read through it once! ...... "This book was created for you." "I know of your unfortunate past with the ocean—and what you lost as a result." "Reality is oft a cruel thing, and despair a feeling I know all too well." "All the more reason I wish to ease yours." "So I ask you now, humbly, to read this story through but a single time." ...... "Fine." Thank you! ...... ...Hngh?! (This story. This is...)

A beautiful princess who loved nothing more
than to sing once lived amongst the waves.
But one day, a terrible storm separated her
from her dearest friend.

Left alone beneath the sea, she spent each
day singing, her songs reaching none but
herself. She sang of her friend—and the love
she felt there in the calm, beautiful abyss.

Months turned to years. But one day, a magical
thread appeared and guided her ever upward
to the water's surface.

There, she beheld a world not seen in an age.
The night sky full of stars uncountable.
The galaxies in their shimmering dances.
It filled her heart and soul with new purpose,
and she swore then and there to find him.

"If you are out there waiting somewhere—
and if it can bring a smile to your face—
then I will sing your song eternal."
And so she swam the ocean wide and deep,
resolved to find her friend even if he hid within
the countless stars above, or if the sky itself
went dark and cold rain fell without pause.
"If you are out there waiting..."
Ah... *sniff* "This book is my humble attempt to put Siren's song to paper." "My attempt to help her song reach you one last time." "Siren? I believe that is your cue." Nnngh?! Hello, Paul. ...It's been so long. Ah... Aaah! I've missed you so, SO much! *sniff* Si...ren... Hey, you. *sniff* I so badly wanted to see you. And to apologize. It's all my fault, what happened to you. All of it. I'm so sorry. No it isn't, Paul. It really isn't. Besides, none of that matters now! I should have gone looking for you. Every time I saw water, I thought of you. Then I'd think how I'd never hear you sing again and...and it tore me apart. So you decided to hide here, away from the shore? I was too weak, Siren. I knew what they were saying. Those terrible rumors. ...But I couldn't stop them. None of that matters anymore, Paul. I'm just so happy to be with you again. Oh, and I came here to bring a smile to your face, so let's see it already! ...... Your song... It's as beautiful as ever. "Even if I can no longer hear it, your song still echoes in my ears." "This picture book brought that back to me. Thank you for your wonderful creation." You did it, Norwin! You totally found a way to make my dream come true! This is all thanks to the power of your song; I merely wrote a book. Okay, do NOT be like that right now. You gave me a PERFECT ending! It's magic, Norwin. YOUR magic. ...I am glad you think so. "Will you sing for me, Siren?" "I still love your song and your smile. Now, as ever." Oh, you know it! Here's a TOTALLY snappy number to get you up on your feet! ♪♪♪ (My magic created a happy ending...) (Reality is cruel at times: Tragedy is heaped on merciless tragedy until all that remains is despair.) (But tragedy and despair are not the end. Those tales continue, and happy endings may yet come to pass—in reality as well as in fiction.) (I may never be able to serve as a kind of hope for the hopeless as Euden does...) (But with imagination, paint, and quill, I can craft my picture books.) "The ocean princess and her prince smiled wide, and both lived happily ever after. —The End."