Dragonyule Nefaria/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

I shall see everyone gladdened.

On Entering a Room

Victory shall be our gift on this day.

When Quest Begins

We are off to fight...for good cheer and happiness!

Are all preparations complete?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

Indeed, let us return joy to this world.

I am most assuredly prepared.

When Controlling Character in Quest

The time has come to distribute baubles!

When Receiving a Heal

Apologies—and thank you greatly for the aid.

I must offer you my thanks.

When Entering a Boss’ Room

This is it! Go forth!

Let us give everyone the present of a sure victory!

Response to Entering A Boss' Room

Indeed, let us bring this to a swift end.

All shall drink from the cup of victory this day!

Upon Getting to Low Health

I cannot surrender now!

I must deliver gifts to the populace!

Upon Opening A Chest

A most unanticipated boon!

I look forward to the gifts that emerge!

Boss on Low Health

Come, then! We make ready for the final push!

Victory is ours to claim!

Boss Enters Break State

We mustn't let this chance slip away!

Now! Press the advantage!

Rare Enemy Spawns

My, but that IS a rare foe.

A rather curious specimen, wouldn't you say?

Upon Death

My people... forgive me...

We came so far... Alas, what regret...

Upon Revival

May miracles never cease!

When Using Weapon/Shared Skills

Damage: Begone, interloper!

Buff Self: I must treat this most seriously.

Buff Ally: I shall grant strength to all.

Debuff Enemy: Mind your station.

Heal Ally: Your healer arrives.

Heal Self: I'll not surrender yet.

Player Uses Damaging Skill

An excellent skill.

You never disappoint.

When Shape Shifting is Ready

I am replete with the power of a dragon!

The dragon is ready to celebrate this holiday!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Behold, a Dragonyule miracle!

Idle During Quest

A little rest now and again is always welcome.

Has something piqued your curiosity?

Quest Clear

Tell me, did you enjoy my gift?

Quest Failure

I have failed to discharge the duties of Saint Starfall!

Home Screen Walking

For the happiness of all!

The next gift is...

I pray everyone's happiness continues.

If I am to bring joy to everyone, I must...

Such a lovely gift.

Truly a night of falling stars.

Home Screen Inside

My kingdom had a holiday similar to Dragonyule, but nary a tree like the Yuletree.

Even in faraway lands, the smile of one who has received a gift glitters all the same.

I can feel the love the tailor put into each stitch of this bespoke Saint Starfall outfit.

Dressing as a saint allows me to bring joy to my people as I once did long ago.

The key to selecting a fine gift is to imagine the pleased face of its intended recipient.

This land's winter is hard on a sourthern person like myself, but Saint Starfall will not be deterred.

Home Screen Portrait

We didn't have snow in my homeland, I'm... rather thrilled by the novelty of it.

Well, well. Perhaps you wish to become one of my reindeer? Hah, a jest only, I assure you.

I feel grateful. I can scarcely believe that I, as Saint Starfall, have been the one to receive such boons.

Whatever the time or place, humanity delights in the exchange of offerings.

The thing I most desire remains eternally outside my grasp. And yet this time I have gained something beyond it.

Collection Portrait

The winters here are much colder than those in my homeland, but you'll not hear a single ill word from me!

Be you a queen or Saint Starfall himself, the joy of the people is the utmost concern.

I did so enjoy thinking up gifts for everyone. I shall be delighted to witness your reactions.

Sitting down to the evening meal with everyone fills me with good cheer!

Trick or treat? But what use do the dead have for candy?

At The Halidom

Come, let us celebrate Dragonyule together.

Shall we deliver some gifts to everyone?

You seem to show great interest in my outfit.

New Mana Circle Unlocked

I shall be EVER devoted to my role as Saint Starfall.

On Mana Circle Fully Unbound

Now I can fulfill my duties as Saint Starfall. You have my humble thanks.

On Promotion to 5

Now I can fulfill my duties as Saint Starfall. You have my humble thanks.

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

What Was Once Desired

Saint Starfall... The one who hands presents out on Dragonyule. And now that I've undertaken such duty, I shall see it through to completion. Who is next on my list, pray? Ah, wonderful. They are all assembled in the selfsame location. Hey there, Nefaria. What's up? Now that I have donned this garment, there is but one thing I must do... The gifts from Saint Starfall must all find their way into your possessions! Er, that means it's present time, right? Wooo! Presents! Gimme, gimme! Patience, sirrah, lest you corrupt the moment! You will have your gift anon. ...Ah, yes. There it is. Oh man, what's it gonna beeee? Whoooa, this is a premium bowstring! Man, I wish EVERY day was Dragonyule. It gladdens me to see you so happy. Next, I have a gift for Ranzal. Eh, I'm too old for this kinda stuff... Though since yer here, what the hell! Now, what'd ol' Saint Starfall bring? Sweet mother'a crap! This is one'a those crazy rare mushrooms—most people write 'em off as make believe, but anyone who finds one swears they're delicious! You seem much satisfied, Ranzal. I pray this finds a choice spot upon your next banquet table. No complaints here. Thanks a million! Next, I've something for Elisanne. In truth, this was far and away the most difficult gift to acquire. Well, I am quite looking forward to it. What is it? 'Tis the novel you were much desirous of. The one which fell under the genre of romanc— THANK YOU NEFARIA I ACCEPT IT GLADLY! You seem rather...intense about that gift, Elly. Why is that? Gah! N-no reason at all, Your Highness! Pay me no mind! N-now, Nefaria! Give His Highness his gift! Yes, that would be perfect. My apologies, but I am still worrying over what manner of gift to procure for the prince. I fear I must go above and beyond, given his relative import. Huh? Nonsense. Just get me something nice like you did with everyone else. Nay, that is unacceptable! A rare and extraordinary man such as yourself deserves a gift of equal weight. Prithee, might I ask you to wait until I find a token which adequately gives form to my gratitude for all that you do? Um...okay? Sure. That sounds fine. My darling and everyone else look to be having ever so much fun... I see now what Dragonyule is all about! That being said...where is MY present, Nefaria?! Ah yes. Of course. This is for you. AUGH! It's a plushie of my sweet darling! Oh, it is simply ADORABLE! This is truly the best present ever. And lastly, a gift for Cleo. I pray you do not find it wanting. Er, a gift for me? But as you can see, I am also Saint Starfall right now. That means I hand out presents, not receive them. Oh, I think it's okay. Let's not get hung up on rules if it means everyone gets to have a good time. He speaks sooth. Now take this, I beg. In that case, very well. Ah! It is a kitchen knife and cookpot! Goodness, look at the keen edge on this blade... When last I espied you in the scullery, I noticed your cookware was quite worn indeed. I pray you find these items to your satisfaction. This is quite impressive, Nefaria. You put thought into everyone's gifts, right down to the smallest... No, this will never do. I must be allowed to give Nefaria a present in return for those she has given us! You are part of the castle family now, which means you also deserve to be happy on this day! Hey! I wanna make her happy too! Same. Ain't my style to just keep getting without givin' in return. If we're all decided, then let us set about selecting the perfect gift for her. ...Thank you all. However, your thoughts alone are more than satisfactory. There is nothing that I require. (Will I never be able to have it? No matter how much I may desire it...?) Oh dear... Er, is something wrong? I was recalling something from the past. My memories of those times are dim, and yet...there WAS something. Something I most desperately desired, and yet could not obtain. Then let's try to figure out what this mystery thing is! Alas and alack, I have not a clue even where to begin such a search. Good thing we have Saint Starfall on the case. Right then—we'll figure out the special something Nefaria wanted and find a way to make it happen! Yeah! Ah, but you are boon companions all... So be it. I look forward to your gift.

Episode 2

Tasteful Reciprocity

What's that you got there, Ranzal? Ya picked out a gift for her too, eh? In that case, which of us should go first? I'll start. And lemme just say, I NAILED what Nefaria wants with this one. Nefariaaaa! I have an amazing Dragonyule gift for yooooou! And I shall accept it with gratitude. ...Erm, my apologies, but there appears to be something in your hair. Hmm? Oh yeah, you're right. Looks like a leaf decided to hitch a ride. A leaf...? Did you go to the woods? Yep! Had to wander preeetty far afield to find this little present. Then you are giving her an item you collected from the forest? Does that not strike you as... Well, a bit odd? Hey! I'm not gonna put all this effort into something just to give her a weirdo gift! I got her some of this fruit that only grows every few years, so it's super rare—er, but now I've kinda spoiled the surprise, so I might as well just hand it over. It gladdens me to accept such a rare and precious thing, Luca. Sounds good to me! Er, so does that help you remember anything, or...? I mean, if this is the thing you wanted, it should bring your memory back, right? Alas, I fear those recollections are still but a distant glimmer in my mind. Guess you must have wanted something different, then. Eh, whatcha gonna do? Stand back, chumps—I got a gift what's gonna make Nefaria's eyes bug right outta her skull! Someone is rather confident today. Inspiration must have struck in the night. Oh, I got inspiration comin' outta my... Anyway, Nefaria's a former queen, yeah? Which means she coulda had pretty much whatever she wanted. So I just tried to imagine something that she COULDN'T have, even with all her royal power and gold and whatnot. That's actually a logical thought process. ...Are you sure you're feeling all right? Are you finished? Stop talking it up and just tell us what you got her already! Yeah yeah, keep yer smallclothes on. My present to Nefaria is... BEEF! And not just any ol' beef—this is the high-quality stuff where they feed the cows caviar and chili all day or whatever. It's almost impossible to find! *drool* Check out the marblin' on this puppy! It's practically a religious experience. ...... ...... ...... Er, guys? Why ain't ya baskin' in the glory of my beef? Oh, we've no doubt as to the quality of this item you procured. I swear, the both of you have your brains located inside your stomachs. What's that supposed to mean? Ask Nefaria and you'll understand. Or you know what? I'll ask her myself. So then! Was the thing you wanted most in the world a big hunk of dead cow? Alas, it seems not. Oh man, I was SO sure this was it! Prithee do not mourn so, Ranzal. Your cut of meat looks delectable indeed. Between this and Luca's fruit, I will be blessed with a fine meal this eve. Thank you, Luca. Thank you, Ranzal. Right then! Time to throw a feast! A fine plan. Let us hurry forth and summon Euden. She's really something else. I agree. Rather than saying she didn't like those...wildly off-base gifts, she somehow managed to thank them profusely. She has the tolerance of a true ruler. I would expect no less of a former queen. Yeah, fine. So we didn't exactly nail it— but it ain't like you guys did neither! What does this lady even WANT?! Well, it's clearly not fruit or beef, so... Aha! Fish! It must be fish. Yer a smart one, Luca—that's gotta be it! Would the two of you PLEASE stop thinking about food for one second?!

Episode 3

The Value of Sincerity

Now, to select a gift for Nefaria... Goodness, but this is proving troublesome. Well, we know we'll at least step over the bar set for us by Luca and Ranzal. We've come up with a lot of ideas, but none of them seem perfect. Every time we think we've figured out the thing she wants, it ends up not feeling quite right somehow. Hmm... Well, let's consider the one thing Ranzal said before that DID have some merit. You mean the bit about finding something unusual that even a queen couldn't have? Yes—though how he came up with beef out of that boggles the mind. Still, the initial reasoning WAS sound. We now need to determine what kind of out-of-the-ordinary thing she wants. I've rolled this over and over in my mind and STILL can't come up with anything! If this were a gift for my darling, I'd know exactly what to give him! Is that so? Well then, if you WERE giving a gift to His Highness, what would it be? Why, it would be ME! ...Obviously. There's no other gift in the world like me, for I am the one and only! ...... I highly regret my question. That was almost shockingly unhelpful. Oh, come now! Was it really so bad?! It's perfectly natural for a maiden in love to try and give her everything to the object of her affecti... Wait. Hm? You look as if you've had an idea. I have it! I know what Nefaria wants! Then tell us already! LOVE! She must have been suffering from some unrequited love—for even a queen cannot rule over an unwilling suitor's heart. Hmm. That's certainly possible. I suppose I understand your reasoning, but it doesn't exactly mesh with my understanding of Nefaria's character. Oh come now! She's a lady, is she not? She must have suffered some degree of heartbreak in the days gone by. I fear there was no such person. Nefaria?! When did you get here?! A moment ago. I saw you conversing most intently, and thought to come over and see whatever was the matter. Er, and if I might be so forward, were you truly discussing whether or not I had ever suffered from an unrequited love? No! I mean, yes! I mean...not exactly. We were actually just wondering about what kind of gift to get you. But then we somehow ended up wandering into that other discussion. I understand. Thank you for not being upset. How can I be upset? The sincerity of your discussion was plain even from afar. You're a good person, Nefaria. Thank you. But back to the subject at hand. You're apparently quite vexed over what manner of gift might be appropriate. However, you should understand that I would be gladdened to receive even the smallest trinket, if only it came from you. Huh? B-but... I do not dissemble in this, friends. Anything would be acceptable. Why, just look at the lengths you are going to in an attempt to sate my desire! That alone is enough to make me content. Ah! Now then, I must be off. Saint Starfall still has many gifts to deliver this day. ...Ladies? Were we REALLY trying to make Nefaria happy? I was just wondering the same thing. Perhaps we were only... Being obstinate? We felt we had to give her something perfect because we were so disgusted with Ranzal and Luca's poor attempts. Let's think carefully one more time and REALLY try to make Nefaria happy. A short time later... Here, Nefaria. Some light, sturdy shoes. I heard you liked dancing, and thought these would serve you well in that. And from me, a new handkerchief. Please use it during those times when the grime of battle becomes too much. And this tiny bottle is full of my mana. If you use it, it will create an arid, desert-like environment all around you. Give it a try if your travels have you yearning for the sights of home! Thank you, one and all. Truly. Hmm. I can see from the look on your face that we still haven't found the thing you desired in your past. Prithee, do not concern yourself so. The strength of your feelings for me come through in these gifts quite clearly. They make me truly and deeply happy.

Episode 4

A Formless Gift

...Hmm? Wh-where am I? Are you awake, Nefaria? I was...asleep? Here? Do you not remember? Prithee, give me but a moment. I believe it is coming back to me... Ah, yes. You were speaking to me in the castle when... Nefaria, do you have a second to talk about your present? Your timing is impeccable; I've something I wish to impart to you as well. Is that so? Well, color me curious. Go ahead. As you know, there is some thing I wanted in days of yore that I could never have. I merely wish to state, once and for all, that it is unnecessary for you all to continue your attempts to find it. Oh? Why is that? I already possess happiness enough. How can I not, when all of these good and true friends are spending so much time in an attempt to see me satisfied? Such a thing is more valuable than any treasure this world could proffer forth. Well, I'm glad to hear that. It sounds like celebrating Dragonyule here in the castle was worthwhile. And you have my gratitude for it. Now then, what was it you wished to speak with me about? Ah, right. Are you up for a bit of a walk, Nefaria? Pardon? Is this not about my gift? No, it is—I just can't give it to you here. Then you brought me to this place and revealed your gift... The gift of precious tranquility. Yep. I figured you probably didn't get much of that when you were a queen. So then? Did you like it? Ah, but it was delightful indeed— and made all the more so by these most beautiful surroundings. My slumber here should serve as proof of that, I would imagine. I cannot recall a moment where I was allowed to simply...be. It must have been hard to be a queen. Indeed, leading people can be quite a trial. Duty and pressure hang ever over you much like the headsman's axe. I imagine you can relate, Euden? I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard. Maybe that's what gave me the idea for your present. You are quite different from other people, aren't you, Euden? I received many boons during this holiday, but none so precious as yours. It feels as if your sincerity has permeated into my own heart and... Heavens! Huh? What is it? I have remembered the thing that I so very much desired. Is that because of my present, or...? I... I... ...... Er, Nefaria? Why do you look so sad? I cannot answer. However... It seems that the object of my desires is one I will ever be without. Wait, what do you mean? Apologies, but I fear I am taking ill. I must make for the castle with all haste. Huh?! Nefaria?! What's going on with you...?

Episode 5

A Moment is Forever

Alas, I desired something I can never have. Yet even armed with that knowledge, why do I continue to...? I'm sorry, Mym, but I cannot accept. Noooo! Stop, my darling! Your present is ME! Don't you want me?! Come baaack! (Mym truly is incorrigible... Still the lives of human and dragon must be two very singular things. They cannot hope to share a lifetime together, so why would she...?) Oof. You feeling okay, Nefaria? It almost looks as though the undead walk among us! I'm sorry—that was in poor taste. ...It's fine. I don't mind. If you are amiable to it, might I speak with you about a matter? Whoa. This sounds SERIOUS. What is it? I'm happy to listen. Your counsel will be much appreciated. You see, I know now what it is that I desired in my former life. That's wonderful news! ...... Or...not? I'm going to guess not. So what was it that you wanted? A partner in life. You wanted to MARRY someone?! Wait, but that doesn't make sense. I thought you told me you didn't have a special someone in your life? It was not love that I desired, per se. I merely grew tired of carrying the mantle of leadership on my own. I wanted someone at my side to share in the burdens and pressures of my life. I wanted to live alongside that person; to travel through life with them. I see. It is something I have long desired, and yet something I can never have. For I am a singular being—an immortal in all but name. None exist who could share my life. I think I understand your pain. My darling and I... Well, we cannot go through life in the same way, either. The truth of that is very painful. I thought you might suffer as I do in this. However, given such pain, why do you continue to persist in your affections for Euden? Why do I continue to...? Heh. AAAAAH HA HA HA HA! I meant the question most soberly. You CLEARLY have never been in love. Well then, let me explain something. When you're in love, you can try to ignore it or avoid it or bury it deep, but it doesn't matter. It's ALWAYS going to come out. Oh? Love sounds...terrifying. Oh, it is. Why, at any moment, you might find the face of your beloved floating through your mind! And the merest thought of them fills your heart up to bursting! Sometimes you even act without knowing what you're doing—or why. It's like your body is no longer your own. Are you saying your body acts of its own volition, without the input of the mind? Pretty much. That's how it is for me, at any rate. I don't know the future—which is often TERRIBLY vexing—but I do know that I can't do anything about these feelings. Ah. So for you, it is the present that is most important, not the future. You've got it. Eeeee! All this talking about my love for my darling makes me want to see him! I'm off, Nefaria. Oh, and try not to worry too much about this, all right? Thank you, Mym. I feel rather unbound from my recent burdens. None can know the future, but I CAN learn to understand my feelings in the now. Such as the peace I felt at the side of Euden... Whew! That Mym is a force of nature. No matter how many times she told me to, I can't accept her as a gift. It's just...weird. Oh! Euden! Hey, Nefaria. It looks like you're feeling a little better. I was worried when you took off for the castle the other day. My apologies if I caused consternation. I am well now. In fact, if it is not too much to ask... Might you return with me to that location? Sure. I'm free right now, actually. ...Ah, but I feel my heart ease when I am in this place. It's almost like I want to stay here forever. Indeed, I feel the same way. But that is an impossible dream. ...Or mayhap my wish is already in the process of being granted. What do you mean? The ease which I feel here will surely remain etched upon my mind. It will never fade—it is eternal. I suppose it is. I know I'm going to remember the times we've shared here. I am honored, Euden. Strange. I always thought the flow of time to be a great wave none could stand against, but now I see I was mistaken. The past, present, and future all exist in the depths of my heart. A moment is forever—and it is within that moment where we live.