Chapter 5: Rescue at Mistmount

## Scene 1

*The scene begins not long after the bandits left with Phira. With the bandits gone, the townsfolk find their footing and they begin picking themselves up and try to resume their day.*

Mina: So, where do we start?

Valerie: Figure out where they went, I guess.

Bernadotte: Lady Valerie, may I…?

Valerie: Yeah?

Bernadotte: Judging by the manner they conducted themselves and how the townsfolk reacted, I suspect they may be operating from a camp or hideout. I propose we ask around and gather as much information we can before pursuing them.

Valerie: Alright… I trust your judgement.

## Village Exploration - Market

### Talking to Mina

Mina: Hey, Val?

Valerie: Yeah?

Mina: Can I talk to you for a moment?

Valerie: Of course, what’s up?

Mina: Well this situation has got me thinking…

Valerie: About Aizen...?

Mina: Y-Yeah…

Valerie: Me too… how long has it been now?

Mina: Almost ten years… I’m scared, what if what happened to him happens to Phira…?

Valerie: I wouldn't worry about it, I know we can get her back.

Mina: If you say so…

Valerie: Trust me, I promise you I won’t let it happen again. We can hold our own in a fight now, it'll be different this time.

Mina: Alright… Thank you, Val...

### Talking to Noel

Noel: Hey...

Valerie: Are you okay? You look like someone kicked you in the face.

Noel: Really? I guess that's accurate.

Valerie: Does it have to do with Phira…?

Noel: What? Not at all.

Valerie: Wow… okay…

Noel: I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm bummed about Phira, but I'm certain we'll get her back from those creeps!

Valerie: That's good to hear. I'm sure we'll get her back too… So, uh… what's actually bothering you?

Noel: Well, while asking around about those bandits, I finally met this really cute boy! Just my type too… tall, muscular, and handsome.

Valerie: And you're upset about that?

Noel: Y-Yeah, because it turns out he's already taken!

Valerie: Ouch… sorry about that. But I'm sure there's plenty more guys out there.

Noel: Yeah, yeah… plenty of fish in the sea and all that… which reminds me

Valerie: Hm?

Noel: Are you interested in that Cad fellow?

Valerie: What gave you that impression?

Noel: I dunno, you just seem a bit dolly-eyed around him.

Valerie: W-What!? No way! It's not like that, I swear!

Noel: Could've fooled me…

Valerie: Listen, that's the last thing on my mind. If you want, maybe you could give it a shot?

Noel: Oh, is it because you think he's my type?

Valerie: Yeah, exactly.

Noel: So you admit he's handsome…?

Valerie: I… whatever…!

Noel: Heheheh… I'll keep my eye on you two...

### Talking to Asch

Asch: Geez, where could those foul evildoers be?!

Val: Hey, Asch…

**[still gotta write something here]**

### Talking to Old Woman

Old Woman: My, what a ruckus that was…

Valerie: Right, sorry about that…

Old Woman: What are you sorry for? You showed them up, missy! Keep it up!

Valerie: O-Oh, thanks… by any chance do you know where they went?

Old Woman: Nope.

Valerie: Do you know who might?

Old Woman: Nope.

Valerie: Okay… is there anything you need help with?

Old Woman: Nope. Good day…

Valerie: Oh… okay then… H-Have a good day too...

### Talking to Young Girl

Young Girl: Hey, do you have a castle?

Valerie: No, why?

Young Girl: Every princess has a castle, and since you don't have one, I doubt you're really a princess.

Valerie: I-I'm a princess! I just don't have a castle… yet…

Young Girl: Uh huh…

Valerie: I just have to take it back from someone!

Young Girl: Mhm… maybe we'll talk when that happens. Let me know then...

Valerie: Maybe I will!

## Village Exploration - Street

### Talking to Bernadotte

Valerie: Gods, how did they get away so fast? I can’t see any sign of them!

Bernadotte: Indeed, it would seem Phira’s assailants know the surrounding area intimately.

Valerie: So you’re saying we’ve already lost them?

Bernadotte: Not all, milady. They may know where to hide, but thanks to our skirmish with them earlier, we have a clear advantage in numbers. Phira may be a useful bargaining chip for them, but I doubt they’ll make any reckless maneuvers now they’re incapable of winning in a direct confrontation.

Valerie: Hm, that makes sense...so we’re putting as much pressure on them as they are on us…

Bernadotte: That’s not a bad way to look at things, milady. As long as we keep level heads, those ruffians will slip up before we do and we’ll have Phira back safe and sound.

Valerie: …

Bernadotte: I’m sorry, Lady Valerie, did something I say disturb you?

Valerie: Huh? No, I was just thinking about how you’re always so calm and collected at times like this. I don’t think I’ve ever really seen you panic about anything…

Bernadotte: Well I can assure you I’ve not always been so unflappable. I suppose your grandfather must have rubbed off on me at one point or another.

Valerie: Grandfather did?! I never got that impression of him at all from your stories! You always made him sound so passionate and fiery…

Bernadotte: Well that is the side of him people saw the most, especially in battle, but behind that passion was a calculating mind. As you know, your grandfather lived by a strict philosophy — only strength decides who is the victorious, be that strength of body, strength of mind or strength of character. The world always made sense to him. Even on the rare occasion when he was on the back foot, his response was not to protest that the enemy’s strength was unforeseeable, but to ponder on what made them stronger than him, and in turn how he could close the gap.

Valerie: Then it’s no different here. All we need to do is remain focused and find the strength we need to win.

Bernadotte: I couldn’t have said it any better, milady.

### Talking to Eurys

Eurys: \*sigh\* Nothing here, either…

Valerie: No luck on your end, I guess?

Eurys: Oh, Valerie. Yeah... no one seems to want to say anything. Blasted brigands... I never have good run-ins with them or assassins...

Valerie: Hold on a second. Brigands I can understand, but assassins? Do you have a price on your head or something?

Eurys: Oh, no no! But let's just say I have some... connections! Some folks don't like me, or some people think I'm an easy target because I'm-

Valerie: ...Because you're..?

Eurys: ...U-Uh, I think I've said enough for now! Let's pick this conversation up sometime later, Val! It's okay to call you Val, isn't it?

Valerie: ...Yeah, it's fine?

Eurys: Great, Val it is! I’ll go try searching for some more clues now, okay?

Val: Wait, Eurys…! And she’s gone... I swear, that girl can't stop moving...

### Talking to Caduceus

Valerie: Hey, Caduceus…

Caduceus: Yes?

Valerie: You’re a local, right? Do you by any chance you know anything about these bandits?

Caduceus: No, actually… since I’m not a local either.

Valerie: Oh… I thought you were.

Caduceus: Heheh… nope, I’m just passing by like you.

Valerie: Oh, okay… right… Sorry about that...

Caduceus: No worries. By the way, I’ve been asking around and I haven’t got much of lead. If anything, most people have been asking me about you.

Valerie: Me?

Caduceus: Yes, it appears a lot have heard your outburst regarding you being the lost princess of Valm.

Valerie: O-Oh, right… what did they say?

Caduceus: Not much. Most, if not all, are skeptics. Those that believe are even smaller than our eccentric “wielder of the light.”

Valerie: Oh… well, maybe it’s best that people don’t believe me…

Caduceus: Perhaps.

Valerie: Now that begs the question, do you believe me?

Caduceus: It's hard to believe, but with that entourage of yours, I just might have to.

Valerie: I don't know what other proof I could give you.

Caduceus: I wouldn't worry about it…. Besides, royalty isn’t without enemies either. So it's best that you maintain a low profile.

Valerie: You're right… I just expected a warmer welcome, I guess.

Caduceus: Anyways, I’ll continue on with my search. We’ll find them soon.

Valerie: Yeah, I should do the same. Thanks, Caduceus.

Caduceus: Don't mention it.

### Talking to Woman

Woman: Thank goodness that's over.

Valerie: Are you alright?

Woman: Yes, thanks to you and your friends.

Valerie: Don't mention it. Say, do you by any chance know where those bandits went?

Woman: Heavens, no… and I don't think I want to.

Valerie: That's okay… thanks.

### Talking to Young Boy

Young Boy: Are you really a princess?

Valerie: Huh? Uhh… y-yeah…?

Young Boy: Awesome! I couldn't see it but the grown-ups said you kicked butt.

Valerie: Yeah, I guess I did.

Young Boy: Could you make me a knight?

Valerie: Maybe when you're older.

Young Boy: Aww...

## Village Exploration - Tavern

### Talking to Barkeep

Barkeep: Here for a drink, missy?

Valerie: Actually, I was hoping you could help me with something.

Barkeep: Oh yeah?

Valerie: I'm looking for the hideout of those bandits that attacked earlier.

Barkeep: Oh, those dastards… I heard they bunked down in the abandoned mine just north of here.

Valerie: Really? Anything else you know about them?

Barkeep: Nope, but that's about it. But for the record, you didn't hear it from me.

Valerie: It'll be our little secret. Here's an orange tart for your trouble.

Barkeep: …

Valerie: …

Barkeep: ...Thanks, missy.

### Talking to Young Man

Valerie: Hey.

Young Man: …

Valerie: It's no use… he's passed out drunk.

### Talking to Old Man

Old Man: Are the bandits gone?

Valerie: Yeah, my friends and I scared them off.

Old Man: Oh, bless ye, lass… I wasn't sure what happened when things quieted down outside. Those cretins always come in at the worst time.

Valerie: So I take it this happens often?

Old Man: Often enough to fill their bellies and their tankards.

Valerie: Do you know anything else about them?

Old Man: Gods, no. I don't want anything to do with them.

Valerie: Oh… sorry to bother you.

Old Man: It's alright…

## Scene 2

*After asking around, the group reconvenes in the marketplace.*

Valerie: I got a lead.

Caduceus: What did you find out?

Valerie: Apparently their hideout is a mine north of here.

Eurys: I heard the same. Guess it lines up!

Noel: Perfect! So let's head over there right now.

Bernadotte: Not so fast. We should ensure we're prepared before rushing headlong into battle.

Mina: But this is Phira we're talking about!

Bernadotte: Indeed, but without the right provisions, we’re in no better position to protect her than before, and I don’t think her captors will be so forgiving a second time round.

Caduceus: If you're looking for a shop that sells tonics and vulneraries, I know a place.

Eurys: There was a blacksmith around the corner too. Their bows... could be better though.

Bernadotte: Excellent. Milady, I propose we visit these vendors to resupply. Only then will we be in good standing to promptly give chase.

Valerie: Alright, I trust your judgement.

## Dungeon Delving - Mistmount Mine

*As the player explores the dungeon, the following exchanges of dialogue may play during traversal.*

### Entrance

Valerie: Do you think this is it?

Bernadotte: I believe so. Look at the tracks, they're fresh... and numerous.

Eurys: It's gotta be! Let's get in there.

Bernadotte: Let us practice caution. Lead the way, Lady Valerie. We're at your side.

Valerie: Okay, let's do this.

### Exploration Banter 1

Mina: Hang on, Phira… we're coming for you…

Noel: And boy are those bandits in for a treat.

Valerie: Why? Did you bake them cookies…?

Noel: ...Okay, you ruined it.

Mina: ...Now is not the time, Val.

Valerie: Sorry…

### Exploration Banter 2

Asch: Oooh, I wonder… What treasures might we come across in these walls…? Maybe an ancient mythical weapon of the gods that only a chosen hero can use?!

Caduceus: Typically, you should expect valuable minerals such as iron, copper, and nickel.

Asch: Aww, no legendary objects? Well, I guess that'd still be a good way to make some coin...

Eurys: How about jewels?

Caduceus: Possibly, but they're not as common.

Noel: If I find a diamond, think you could make me a ring with it?

Caduceus: Not likely, I'm not a trained craftsman. I could maybe give it a shot if I find a book about it.

Eurys: Oh, I know a guy who can make the best rings back home! I’ll introduce you to him sometime.

Noel: I didn't mean it literally…

### Exploration Banter 3

Eurys: This mine is so vast… Yodelayheehoo!

Asch: Whoa, it echoes! Shazam!!

Bernadotte: Miss Eurys, Mister Asch… Could you please not yell like that in a den filled with bandits? We are rescuing Phira, but we shouldn’t attract so much attention to ourselves.

Asch: But these dum dums deserve to get their butts kicked! They can come at us anytime - really, I WELCOME the challenge! I have the power of the gods and sheer awesomeness on my side! Woohoo!!

Eurys: I don’t mind putting an arrow through each of their heads! Let them come and try to stop us! Yeah!!

Bernadotte: Good gods… I’m commanding literal children...

### Exploration Banter 4

Noel: Hmm… I wonder if we would find gems in here….Asha would’ve love to see Amethyst crystals!

Valerie: Yeah, maybe we can find her one!

Noel: Really? Well it would be a nice gift for her…

Valerie: Heck, the hard part would be getting it to her.

Noel: Yeah…

Valerie: Still a sore subject…?

Eurys: Sorry to ask, but who’s Asha? A friend of yours?

Noel: My….My sister…..

Asch: Huh, I didn’t know you had a sister!

Eurys: Doesn’t really sound like a good relationship from that tone… er, tough times?

Noel: W-Well we get along fine! It's just...Never mind.

Eurys: I don’t know the specifics, but sibling relationships can be tough. Doesn’t mean they don’t love you though, there’s always going to be that sort of bond.

Asch: Hmm… Really? How can you be sure about that?

Eurys: Well you come from the same mother, right? Especially when it comes to being the older sibling, there’s always going to be a part of you that thinks about the younger one. Take it from me if anything, since I’m a big sister myself!

Noel: You're right...Heh heh~ I do hope to see my big sis again….

Asch: (quietly) I wonder if he really… Nah, there’s no way.

### Exploration Banter 5

Mina: Gods please keep her safe.

Bernadotte: Rest easy, Mina. If anyone has the gods' favour, it will be her.

Mina: I just can’t stop thinking about her, who knows what horrible things those dastards could have done to her by now…

Valerie: I'd rather not think about it…

Bernadotte: I understand, Mina. Her parents left her in my care and if they harmed her, rest assured that retribution will be swift.

Mina: I’m counting you Bernie, please save her…

Valerie: We will… together.

### Exploration Banter 6

Mina: Eurys, you mentioned you have a brother, right?

Eurys: Yeah, why you ask?

Mina: So do I...

Eurys: Oh cool, what's he like?

Mina: I… I don't know.

Eurys: Wait, did something happen to him? How could you not know?

Mina: He’s been away- for a long time… almost ten years…

Eurys: Oh… I’m sorry to hear that. I can’t even imagine how lonely that’d feel.

Mina: Yeah… At least I had Val…

Eurys: That’s true, but still… a brother’s a brother. Life would be rough without mine.

Mina: …

Eurys: **[something]**

## Scene 3 - Battle Preamble

*The group rushes inside a fairly sizeable makeshift dining chamber where Kardias and his group reside. Phira is present inside a cage.*

Mina: Phira!

Phira: You guys came!

Valerie: Of course we did!

Mina: Are you okay?! Did any of these monsters do anything to you?!

Kardias: You persistent dastards! How did you find us?

Noel: We have our ways, pal!

Kardias: You got through my boys to get here, didn't you!?

Eurys: How else do you think? Now we’ve got you right where we want you.

Kardias: Grr! Time to work, boys! Kill them!

Asch: We're gonna kick your butts for being mean to Phira!

## Map Dialogue

### Map Start

Caduceus: Hmm… Valerie?

Valerie: Yeah?

Caduceus: The construction of that cage appears to be fairly weak. I believe with the right amount of force, we can break your friend free.

Valerie: I like where your head's at. Let's do it!

**Objective: Rout the Enemy**

### Rescuing Phira

Valerie: Phira! Are you alright?

Phira: Mhm, I am now.

Valerie: Great, I hope you're ready to kick some butt!

Phira: Yeah, I'm ready to help!

### VS Kardias

Kardias: I thought I told you to stay put! I'll show you what happens when you cross me!

*List of replies depending on the unit chosen to engage with him first:*

Valerie: And I'll show you what happens when you cross me!

Asch: **[something]**

Bernadotte:**[something]**

Caduceus: I can't in good conscience let you get away with what you've done, so I can't simply stay put.

Eurys: Bold words for someone in skewering range. I’ll put an end to you here and now!

Mina: I won’t let someone I care about get taken away again! you’ll pay for this!

Noel: Did you honestly think I was gonna let you get away with taking my friend? No you sit right there while I ram this sword through your gut!

Phira: **[angry sheep noises... just kidding, we need to write something]**

## Scene 4.1 - Ending A

*The group is successful in rescuing Phira and taking out the bandits.*

Phira: Thank the gods you guys came!

Mina: Of course, you're our friend.

Noel: As if we'd leave you alone with those ugly thugs.

Valerie: How else are we going to make the legend we dreamed of together?

Phira hugs her friends, overwhelmed with joy.

Mina: Oh my gods I was terrified of what was going to happen to you, I’m SO glad you’re okay!

Eurys: Hello hello, hope you didn’t forget about us too!

Asch: Yeah, I hope there's room for Asch the Lightbringer in that legend!

Valerie: O-Oh, right. Phira, I don't think you properly introduced yourself. This is Caduceus.

Caduceus: Hello, Phira. Nice to meet you… properly…

Phira: Hehe… hello there. Maybe we should have a do-over at the marketplace and meet properly there?

Caduceus: It would be better atmosphere than a dusty old mine.

Noel: Ooooh, watch out, Val…

Valerie: Watch out for what?

Noel: You know…

Valerie: Alright, can it.

## Scene 4.2 - Ending B

*While the bandits were defeated, Phira fell in the conflict.*

Valerie: Is that all of them…?

Caduceus: ...Yes.

Valerie: Those dastards… how dare they…?

Mina: Oh, gods…! Phira…! I'm so sorry! I wasn't strong enough! Why…. why couldn’t it have been me instead...

Noel: This was supposed to be easy! How could I screw it up like that!?

Valerie: No… it's entirely my fault… it's all my fault… I couldn't stop them…

Bernadotte: Milady, if I may… this is a burden we must all share together. It's cruel, but this is the reality of war…

Valerie: But I should've been able to stop it! I should've been like the Saint-King!

Bernadotte: Even the Saint-King faced burden and loss… nobody is infallible… you can't hold yourself to an impossibly high standard.

Valerie: Damn it all…! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it…!!!

Eurys: I could have done something to prevent this… I’m so sorry...

Caduceus: She deserves a proper burial.

Mina: Yeah…

Asch: There should be a meadow filled with beautiful flowers nearby… maybe we can bury her there.

Eurys: How do you know?

Asch: I live in a town to the south… I saw it one time while traveling with my mother.

Valerie: Okay… Asch, if you can… please lead the way.