Twinkling Twilight (Story)

Onslaught Event: Twinkling Twilight

Epilogue

Twinkling Twilight

Previous Quest

Cassandra's Wish

Summary

The battle with the Imperial Army has begun. But when night falls and the festival ramps up, the enemy misinterprets its fires and voices as the coming of enemy reinforcements and flees. Cassandra then releases a lantern of her own and enjoys the rest of the festival with Curran.

Dialogue

Sun's goin' down and we look evenly matched. I sure hope... Huh? What is it, Ranzal? The town just got bright as hell. What's goin' on down there? They've lit the festival bonfire; it will burn throughout the night. And with that, our friendly enemy captain should be just about to...

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Hmm? What's this? The skies are bright, and there's smoke rising high... Looks like a fire is burning in the direction of the town, Captain. Cor, Captain! Ya think it might be some kinda beacon or signal?! If it's a signal, that means reinforcements! Could they truly have more soldiers waiting in the wings?! It looks to be exceptionally bright for a simple signal fire, though. Perhaps we... Hmm? Yes? What is it? I thought I heard voices, Captain. Voices?! Hoooooo! Heave! Heave! Haaah! Haaaah! Damnation, listen to 'em howl! Full'a beans and vinegar, they are! It's a soldier's victory cry! Wait, really? I've never heard of people shouting "heave" and "ho" in battle...

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Our friends seem a mite nervous— but what ARE those voices we're hearing? Men from the festival. I think they're bringing in the float about now. It's a battle cry from the enemy! They're getting reinforcements... and in such numbers! We can't hope to compete with this... Their morale seems to be flagging— which is odd, considering the fight is an even one. I told you we'd have the divine protection of the festival. And what's more—look. There's a light coming from the river.

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The lanterns! Looks like the merchant made it through just in the nick of time. Curran, you...

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Hell's bells, Captain! We gots lights on the river! It's enemy boats, so it is! Has to be! HUNDREDS of 'em! Yes, well...e-even great warriors such as us must know when to honorably withdraw. They're moving very slowly for a fleet of "hundreds of soldiers"... You see how certain they are of victory? They move with all the time in the world! All troops, fall back! Fall baaack! Enemy reinforcements on the way! All troops, retreat NOW! I...can't believe that worked. Heh. I think I see why they banished that particular captain to the hinterlands. Well, it worked out well for us! So this is what you meant about receiving the festival's protection: We would win not through fighting, but by AVOIDING it. The Goddess teaches us to sidestep unnecessary conflicts—a skill I'm something of a master at. Does this repay the debt, my lady? Heh. It does indeed, you rapscallion. Also, I told you to stop calling me that. And I told you the term has nothing to do with age, remember?

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Here. I brought you a lantern. My, it's beautiful. Don't you think, Lathna? So pretty... I've never seen one like this before... It's pretty indeed. Now let's hurry and send it off on its journey. From here, it will float ever on...

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Wow! It drifted away! It's the most lovely thing I've ever seen... And without your determination, we would have missed it. You know, dearie, when one sets a lantern adrift on the river, they are meant to make a wish as well. We do so in the hope that what resides in the hearts of the living can cross to our departed loved ones at the river's end. Our departed loved ones...? Now you see why I wanted to do this. Cassandra... I wasn't able to have a burial for him— or even a service. I see. Well then! The lanterns have moved on. I think that means it's time for me to browse the festival stalls. Truly, Curran—thank you. ...... Cassandra looked sad. Yeah, she did. Say, Lathna? I know I said we'd visit the festival, but do you mind if we push that off until tomorrow evening? Of course. Go on. Heh. You're a big-hearted kid, you know that?

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Hmm. Both of these treats look good. Which one should I choose...? I certainly don't think I could manage to eat all of this myself... Hey there. Want a bite?  ! I picked up some shaved ice and grilled corn earlier, and there's no way I'll be able to finish it all myself. Why are you here, dearie? It's dangerous for a lady to walk around alone at night. And while I imagine you'd probably be fine, a little company's still gotta be better than seeing a festival all alone. Are you attempting to court me, young sir? Sadly, I think you might be out of my league. Still, it goes against my principles to ignore a lady who's down in the dumps. Maybe think of me as a replacement for a handkerchief to wipe up your tears. Heh. You really are a smug little thing. Also, I have no issue with the shedding of tears when necessary. Crying clears the eyes—and the more one weeps, the better they are able to see the world. And when you're done, the world is a bit brighter than it was. Indeed, crying is the secret to a long and happy life. That was beautiful; I'll have to tell it to someone else if I get the chance. Please don't—you'll only butcher it. You wound me, my lady! Besides, even if the words come out wrong, the intent will still be clear. After all, it's snot the words in your mouth that matter, but the dumbs in your heart! Butchery.