Palace in the Sands

Campaign: The Princess's Party

Chapter 9 / 2-1

Palace in the Sands

Previous Quest

The Path to the Party

Next Quest

Saving the Sparrow

Summary

Eventually, the prince and his friends reach a giant landship owned by Chelle. In the name of "entertainment," she plans to have Leif, the royal family's battle instructor, fight fiends near the ship. Seeing the danger his former teacher is in, the prince sets out to rescue him.

Dialogue

...Wait, so this is it? We hit the X on the map or whatever? So where's the damn party?! Maybe Jupiter's right and there's a hidden oasis around somewhere. Do you truly think an oasis could survive in a desolate hell such as this? I agree that it seems unlikely to hold life at first glance, Paladyn. And yet, I see something approaching us; an object of quite incredible size. Oh man, I can HEAR it comin'! NOOOO! THE MOUNTAIN IS ALIIIIVE! IT'S GONNA EAT US AAAAAALL! Hang on. That's not a mountain. It's... It is a ship. ...On land. Of all the ridiculous things! Yeah, this is a new one for me, too. Methinks I hear the dulcet tones of my sweet brother's voice. Are you there, Euden? Chelle?! In the flesh! I have come here specifically to fetch you all. The craft before you is the pride of the Radiant City—the landship Gran Fiore! It's quite the impressive vehicle. Vehicle? This is no mere conveyance— it can ferry its distinguished passengers across the desert in style and grace. Why, it is a veritable mobile palace! No expense was spared to lavish it with every conceivable luxury— including the finest banquet hall in all the land. And with that, I would like to formally welcome all of you aboard. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and join me in welcoming my brother— seventh heir to the throne of Alberia— and his royal retinue! This landship truly is bedecked like a royal court. It has been quite some time, my dear Euden. I'm sorry for the long silence between us, Chelle, but I'm glad you seem to be well. I'm merely pleased you remember me. Do you recall how we used to play games of horsey when we were young? HORSEY?! Bwaaaa ha ha! This lady looks all fancy and junk, but she ain't half-bad. You really did make a fine horse, Euden. You were quite comfortable—AND you obeyed any command given you! Wait a sec. The horse was YOU?! I, um... Well, I was little, and... You know what? Let's just forget it. So is your gala taking place inside this ship, Chelle? Indeed. Now, I know you are weary from the road, but we have stylish tuxedos and elegant dresses in all sizes—so if you would be so kind as to get changed? It is a kind offer, but I must refuse. Uh, Cleo? It pleases me to see the prince and his sister rekindling old ties. However, given the terrible actions currently being undertaken by the Empire, I am not particularly given to levity. My, but you are rather free with your opinions, sylvan! But let us see how disinclined to levity you truly are. Attendants! Take the sylvan to the dressing room and let her have her pick! As you command, Highness. Ho there, what are you doing?! Unhand me at once! Goodness... I have never SEEN so many wonderful dresses... Does levity still escape you, sylvan? If so, I would have you prove it. Choose the dress that suits you! Any dress at all! I don't know that any of them suit me, but if you insist... Ah, this one is like something from a faerie tale... Yes, I think this one is— Oh no. That will not do at all. What?! But that is the dress that I... Bah. I knew this was a useless exercise. Now, now—it is merely your method of selection that fails you, sylvan. A person's clothing is a tool for presenting themselves to the world. You are clearly not of noble birth, so why would you possibly pretend as such? It seems I must be your chambermaid for the day. Hmm... Perhaps... Ah, yes! This is PERFECT for you, sylvan! This dress will make for a glorious debut! But this dress is... Hot damn, Cleo! Look at you! It is not an outfit I would have envisioned on you, and yet it simply screams "Cleo." Behold the impassioned gazes directed your way, sylvan! Commoners have their own style of beauty. And nothing is more arresting than embracing one's natural aesthetics! Eee hee hee! You are... Enough! Save your honeyed words! I am in no mood for frivolity! Eee hee hee! And yet your eyes tell me that you are not wholly displeased! Come now—surely you must be feeling at least SOME levity at the moment. I feel no such thing! My, but you ARE a stubborn one. Well then, if the romance of wearing a gorgeous frock is not enough... Ah, what perfect timing. A prince arrives! Would you be so good as to dance with this fine lady, my brother? Sorry, what? What japery is this?! As you so clearly stated earlier, I am but an attendant, and not fit to dance with royalty. And thus comes the EXCITEMENT! The border of status, crossed for a single, surreptitious night of dance and revels. And if THIS doesn't bring a little levity to your cold heart, I will admit my defeat. ...Or perhaps all your talk of being levity-proof is nothing but wind? Your call, Cleo. I am in no such mood, and I will prove it. Dance with me, Euden. Er, we start out like this, right...? Sorry. It's been a long time since I've had to dance formally. ...You are fine. Er, thanks, but you don't sound too pleased. I am not upset. Merely...mortified. Why's that? Because I went on a tirade about how I could feel no levity, and yet levity is beginning to encroach upon me as we spin across this floor. She led me like a lamb to slaughter. Oh ho ho! And here I thought you weren't the type of woman to become starry-eyed with romance. It seems I am the winner. Isn't that right, sylvan? ...... Ah, but dancing will not be the only entertainment on offer this evening! If everyone would be so kind as to turn your gazes outside the window? I told my brother I had invited another honored guest—and that guest will now perform for our amusement! You did mention that, actually. Can you guess who it is? Your Highness, look! There is a group of men outside battling fiends! Graaaargh! What is a horde this large doing in a wasteland such as this? Captain! We should assume a defensive position and hold our ground here! No. Fighting a protracted battle when reinforcements are not coming would be dangerous. We'll find a weak point in their ranks and break through. But we came here at Her Highness Chelle's invitation, did we not? Surely she will be dispatching reinforcements soon! Her Highness is not that kind of person. We must do this thing ourselves. Understood, Captain! ...White Sparrows! Do honor to your name and FIGHT! Wait, is that...LEIF?! You know that man, darling? He was my teacher when I was still in the capital. Much of what I am today is owed to him. He's a master of the sword, but it won't matter against numbers like that! Eeeee hee hee! Such entertainment truly befits my royal gala! Everyone, clamber forth to the edge of your seats and enjoy the show I have set out before you! How can you do this to Leif, Sister?! He was everything to us! Which is what makes this so thrilling! I pray you remember this naughty feeling as a taste of true adult fun. There's nothing fun about this. Come on, everyone. Leif needs our help. To arms, everyone! To arm... Er, Cleo? What are you doing? W-wait a moment! I'm getting changed!