Then and Now

Raid Event: Kindness and Captivity

Episode 2

Then and Now

Previous Quest

Persisting on the Path

Next Quest

Break through the Fiends!

Summary

Some manner of disaster has befallen the captive Sylvia, which has the prince and Melsa concerned for her welfare. Suddenly, a powerful for called a Storm Sentinel appears. Hoping to reach the village quickly, the party decides to battle it head-on.

Dialogue

RAAAARGH! HIYAAAAH! Oh, did you SEE that?! I am the BEST! WHO ELSE WANTS A PIECE OF SARISSE?! Damn, kid. You ain't follin' around. Agreed, that was a splendid display of skill. She might even be stronger than her own brother Oooo-kay, that's enough of that!

Look, I wont deny that she's got some serious bow skills, but she also has a long way to go in the whole fighting department. For example, she's way too focused on what's in front of her. So if someone were to hit her with a surprise atta—

GRAAARGH! Hey, that one came from the SIDE! That's CHEATING! See? I've got this— Sarisse! Are you all right?! Thanks for the save, bestie! Damn. That girl's got some serious situational awareness going on.

I mean, yeah, she's a little timid, but a little of that'll keep ya alove longer.

And combined with Sarisse's abundant courage, they make a potent pair. Melsaaaa! It's getting awaaaaaay! Oh no it's not! ...... Is something amiss, Luca? You look rather put out. Bwa ha ha! Aw, leave the poor guy alone. He's just sad his baby sis don't need his help no more.

But maybe be happy about it, yeah? She's all grown up now!

Grown up? Ha! She's barely half-grown, and that's WITH Melsa's help!

Still... I guess it's nice she managed to make a friend. Good for her.

Right then. That ought to do it for this bunch of fiends. Phew. That was quite the adventure. Are you okay, Melsa? I know you said you don't really like to fight. It's tiring going through one battle after another like that, isn't it? How about we stop and take a breather? I'm fine. We should push on.

It's not far to my village now. Please follow me.

Without stopping for rest, Melsa and the rest of the group soldier on. Before long, the group draws near a clearing associated with Sylvia

Woooow! The view here is just gorge! ...By which I mean gorgeous. Not a literal gorge. Sylvia liked this place a great deal, and I used to visit often as well.

Sylvia loves nature — she's an incredibly gentle dragon. I used to recline against her and gaze up at the clouds as they rolled past. Ah, how I miss those times... It is a relief that the Empire did not manage to occupy this area. But enough woolgathering. I must continue guiding all to the villa—

...Melsa? Is that you? Ah! That was Sylvia! Oh, thank the heavens you managed to escape! Alas, I fear I come to you now as a mere consciousness. I am but a phantom vision without form.

However, we've not the time left to continue bandying words. Hear me, Melsa. Hear me well... You must not attempt to rescue me.

Wh-what do you mean? All that I've done to this point has been for you! Great Prince Euden... I know you carry within you the strength of dragons...

Please... you must take Melsa and flee this place... Before it is too late...

Sylvia, wait! Don't go! Buh?! She disappeared! The heck's going on here, Euden? I'm not sure — but I have a really bad feeling about it. Agreed. I think we should be well-served by some haste. Something terrible must have happened to Sylvia...

SYLVIA!

The hey?! Melsa, wait! Phew! I'm glad we caught up to you! Wait, Your Majesty! Look there! What manner of fiend is that?! That is one of the Empire's servants. the ones even Sylvia couldn't defeat. Wait, that thing's stronger than a dragon? So what the heck are WE supposed to do about it?! Well, it's moving in a regular pattern, almost like it's patrolling a set route.

We should learn said pattern, find an opening, and slip through when we can.

Eh, I ain't really much for stealth. Besides, tht thing'll hear us comin' a mile away. ...Then we'll fight. Wait, are you serious? We'll fight — and we'll win.

We don't have time to sneak about or memorize routes — we have to get to the village and save Sylvia now!

Oh man, this is crazy...

But hey, if my bestie is for it, then I am too! Let's do this thing!

Thank you, Sarisse. Well, I suppose a direct frontal assault does have SOME merits... We came here to save the sylvan people, and their dragon, and we're going to do it.

All right, everyone. Get ready.