Tamers of Dragon and Dagger

Facility Event: Dream Big Under the Big Top

Episode 1

Tamers of Dragon and Dagger

Next Quest

With the Troupe in Tow

Summary

The imperial army pursues the party to a town where they are saved by Annelie, the ringmaster of a circus troupe, and her dagger expert, Fritz. As thanks for sheltering them, the party invites the entire circus troupe to the Halidom.

Dialogue

The prince and his friends have arrived at a town near the Halidom. There, they are greeted by a massive red-and-white big top. That is one large tent right there. You think it might be a circus? So it would seem. Is this your first time seeing one, Your Highness? Yes. I've heard and read about them, but but I've never been to one in person. Well, since we're here, perhaps it wouldn't go amiss to let off a little steam... There they are! Seize them! What the hell's the imperial army doin' here?! If we fight them here, civilians will be caught in the crossfire. Everyone run! *pant* *pant* Ugh, those jerks are a persistent bunch! There's too many of them; we're going to be surrounded at this rate. This way! Whoooooa! Hey! Someone just showed up and dragged Euden away! Well, don't just stand there! After 'em! Am I...inside the circus tent? Your Highness! Are you all right?! Hey, guys. Yeah, I'm fine. Be quiet, or the soldiers will hear you! Are you the one who brought me here? Show's about to start, ma'am. I know, Fritz. If you stay here, they won't find you, so just hang tight for a while. Huh? Hey, wait! What's her deal? Ladieeeees and geeeentlemen! Welcome, one and all, to the fascinating, fantastical, and fabulous world of... the ciiiircuuuus! Sounds like the show is starting. Our troupe, lead by our illustrious ringmaster Annelie, is about to take you on a fantastic journey to the world of magic and dreams! But first, I—Fritz the Magnificent—will dazzle you with my splendiferous dagger-throwing skills! Gaze now at yonder moving targets, and watch in amazement as I pierce each and every one clean through! Hah! Hah! Hah! Goodness! That young man has some impressive skills with the blade. And now, please welcome to the stage our ringmaster, the Sugary Star herself, Aaaaaannelieeeeeee! Hey, it's the girl from earlier! I guess she's the ringmaster. Hold a moment. Is that a wild animal I see behind her? No...it's a dragon! ROOOOOOOAR! This ferocious dragon will now perform, perfectly in sync with the lovely Annelie! Hold onto your hats as they— Hey! You! Where's the traitorous prince?! Gallopin' gravy! It's the army! They're going to ruin the show! Oh ho! What do we have here, ladies and gentlemen? Some unexpected guests? Well, all are welcome under THIS tent! Come, Liger! Give me a ride so we can greet our new friends! GRRRRRRAAR! Wh-what the heck?! Welcome to the show, my imperial friends! I DO so hope you enjoy it! Oh, and here—a souvenir bundle of balloons, just for you! Oh hey, thank—HEY! We're not here for a bunch of balloons! But this is the circus; a place for each and every soul to forget the real world and enjoy a few moments in the grasp of the fun and fantastical! Now, feast your eyes! Gaze in breathtaking wonderment at the dragon's performance, the trapeze artists, and the death-defying tightrope walkers! And in this world of illusions, my friends, I will be your guide! Now please, take your seats! Hey! Quit pushing me already! We're sitting, we're sitting! Annelie! You're the beeeest! Thank you so much for joining us today, and do come again soon! Oh man! I thought the circus would be a waste of time, but that was one heck of a show we just saw! Anyway, looks like the prince isn't here, so let's get going. Sorry to keep you waiting, my friends. Also, you seem to have some VERY angry people with a keen interest in learning your current whereabouts! Yes, and we're sorry about that. Thank you for hiding us. I'm sorry those men ended up interrupting your performance. Aw, don't worry about it. After all, the show must go on! When you're in this line of work, you get used to a little improvisation. Plus, saving you was a fun little way to get back at them! Oh? Thanks to the devastation they've wrought, we're quickly running out of towns to visit. Hence, getting back at them! *wink* Ah, but that DID feel good. Oh, wait! We haven't done proper intros! I'm Annelie, the ringmaster of this troupe. I'm also a world-class dragon tamer. Yeah, I saw you working with that dragon earlier and could hardly believe my eyes. I never thought I'd see a dragon perform in front of a crowd! I, too, have never seen the like. Aw, aren't you guys just the sweetest? Oh, hey! This is Liger, by the way. Say hello, Liger! Grrrrr! And I'm Fritz, the dagger man. Nice to meetcha. My name is Euden. Is there anything we can do to repay you for all that you've done? Like I said, think nothing of it. Helping you out helped us as well! But we would have been in real trouble if you hadn't been around. So if you can think of a way we might repay you, please just let me know. Weeell...I suppose we DO need a place to put on our next performance. What do you mean? See, there's a town beyond the mountains where they hold an annual circus festival. Troupes from all over meet up there and compete to see who has the greatest circus craftsmanship. That sounds interesting. Er, but what does it have to do with finding a location for your next performance? 'Cause we need more manpower if we want to— Publicity! Yes, that's it. We want to get get gums flapping about us before we visit the big festival, and another performance is just the thing. Hmm... A good location... Yeah, it's a pretty crazy request, I know. Don't worry your head too much about it. Well, you could put on a show at the Halidom if you wanted. I'd love for everyone who lives there to get a chance to see your work. What a wonderful idea! We could all use a break from our workaday cares. Then it's settled! We'll throw up that tent inside the castle and give everybody a morale boost they won't forget! That sounds like a great idea! Be a shame to turn down a goodwill gesture like this, eh, ma'am? Right you are, Fritz! We gladly accept. Frankly, I'm surprised we got this sorted out so quickly. Then let's head back to the castle and get this show on the road!