paranoodle | Sep. 23rd, 2020

As I said in the last post, we're taking a little detour before Peterny... by walking right back into Arias! This is the only time available to view a short cutscene with Tynave and Farleen, so we head back into their room to talk to them.

Tynave: We're members of the Secret Legion serving under Lady Nel.

Farleen: It's a pleasure to meet you.

Fayt: I'm Fayt. I'm an... uh... engineer from Greeton. Nice to meet you.

Tynave: My main duties consist of manual labor. And Farleen over there...

Farleen: I'm the brains here.

Tynave: That's right! And since we're in the same unit, our pay is the same.

Farleen: Huh!?

Tynave: What? You mean... it's not?

Fayt: (Uh-oh...)

Now that we've sown that discord (which they say they'll talk about in private after), we can get back on track and head to Peterny for real. It's a fairly quick treck through a new field area, Palmira Plains, that honestly doesn't have much of significance to talk about. Entering Peterny starts a new cutscene.

Nel: Yes, that's because this town is closer to the sacred royal city of Aquios. Plus, it borders on the Republic of Sanmite, and is therefore a center of commerce.

Cliff: Makes sense.

Cliff: No wonder it's so lively.

Nel: I have to attend to some business. You can do what you will until I get back.

Nel: We'll meet... We'll meet in the central plaza.

Nel: Go to the plaza when you're ready.

Fayt: Okay.

Cliff: Got it.

We're not allowed to leave Peterny, but there's a couple different things we can get a look at! The first notable stop is the Craftman's Guild, which opens up the entire Item Creation mechanic, and I'll cover everything related to that in an extras post. Partly because the little story there is is pretty detached from the main plot, but also because it's easier to talk about inventors in their own update as opposed to putting them in main updates and breaking pacing. On top of that, if I want to explain Item Creation at all as a mechanic, it'll need its own post.

So, second off is there's a lot of villagers to talk to, including this PA if we start talking to weird people in seedy taverns:

Fayt: I've been through a lot. I'm in the middle of a journey to Aquios with a certain lady.
Strange Man: A lady, eh? You don't say?
Strange Man: Oh yes! Have you ever heard of the Moonshadow Clan? You must've passed through many a town on your travels. So, you obviously must've heard of them, right?

Fayt: (Moonshadow Clan... Hmm...)

[If we choose Yeah, I've heard of them.]

Fayt: Yeah, I've heard of them. I mean, they're famous, aren't they?
Strange Man: You could say that. They're a band of thieves that strikes fear into the hearts of all they meet. I'm not surprised a kid like you knows about them. Their leader is amazing. He's a fine swordsman and very handsome. He's the ultimate man.

Fayt: I wonder why such a gifted man would be leading a bunch of bandits? If he was that magnificent of a person, he'd be able to find a more creditable line of work than thievery.
Strange Man: *gasp* You little brat! Did you just say what I think you did!? Listen to me! Being a thief isn't as easy as you think it is. You never know if you're going to be killed. Only a real man could handle such a profession.

Fayt: Well, I don't think I'd call it a 'profession'.
Strange Man: You just can't keep your big mouth shut, can you!?

Fayt: I apologize if I've offended you. But I don't understand why you're taking it so personally. Do you know someone in that band of thieves?
Strange Man: Hmm!? Oh, umm... Well, you see... It's just that I think the life of a thief is a rather admirable profession for a man. At least, it's better than being one of those spineless fools you see everywhere these days, don't you think? Well!?

And if you talk to him again after the PA:

Strange Man: Well... You'd understand if you came across the Moonshadow Clan. I guarantee that you'd be overwhelmed by the sheer presence of their leader.

[If we choose No, never heard of them.]

Fayt: No, never heard of them.
Strange Man: What? You're joking, right? I'm talking about the Moonshadow Clan, a band of thieves that strikes fear into the hearts of all they meet. They're the most powerful band of thieves, and they follow an amazing leader, a handsome swordsman of superb skill. You must have heard at least something about them, right?

Fayt: Nope, it's news to me.
Strange Man: You're not serious, are you? Normally, people say things like, 'That Moonshadow Clan's leader is incredibly powerful', or 'that Moonshadow Clan is the best'.

Fayt: I was in Airyglyph until just recently, and I haven't been in this town very long.
Strange Man: Oh... I see, I see... Well, I guess it's to be expected if you've been in Airyglyph. Yes indeed. I suppose you wouldn't know then.

And if you talk to him again after the PA:

Strange Man: The Moonshadow Clan is the ultimate band of thieves. They strike fear into the hearts of all they meet. You had best remember their name. I guarantee, you won't regret it.

Either way, we'll be seeing this guy again for a minute in the next update, and maybe getting the tiniest bit of context as to why he's so desperate to praise this "amazing leader".

With that done, the "only" thing we have left is talking around to the remaining townspeople, and there's a lot of them. I'll cover them in an extra when we're a bit further into the story, so we can see what they've all been up to this whole time.

Anytime we want to stop wandering around, we're free to stop by the plaza in front of the church and let Fayt take a break. The next choice isn't a PA, it's just to give us an out if we don't want to progress.

[If we choose Relax while waiting for the others.]

Fayt: I think I'll relax while waiting for the others. I've been pretty tired lately.

Fayt: What are you doing here!?

Ameena: Huh?

Fayt: Uh...

Ameena: Umm... I'm really sorry, but I think you have me confused with someone else. My name is Ameena.

Fayt: Ameena?

Ameena: That's right.

Fayt: I'm so sorry! You look just like a girl I know. For a moment I thought...

Ameena: Oh, I see! Sorry if I seemed a bit startled when you shouted like that.

Fayt: Sorry about that.

Ameena: That's all right. Don't worry about it. Um, well...

Fayt: Nice to meet you.

Ameena: Fayt Leingod?

Fayt: That's right.

Ameena: I'm pleased to meet you. My name is Ameena Leffeld.

Fayt: Nice to meet you, Miss Leffeld.

Ameena: You can call me Ameena. That's what everyone calls me around here.

Fayt: Okay, Ameena. And you can call me Fayt.

Ameena: Ah... Okay... Thank you Mr. Lein... I mean Fayt.

Fayt: (She sure reminds me of Sophia... And her voice is exactly the same.)

Ameena: Please, don't look at me like that. You're making me blush.

Fayt: Oh! I'm sorry. But you really look just like her.

Ameena: Really? Who is she?

Fayt: She's... an old friend of mine.

Ameena: Where is she now? Has she gone shopping?

Fayt: No... She's very far from here now. That's why I was so surprised to see you. There's no way she'd be here...

Ameena: I see... *cough*

Fayt: (Hmm?)

Ameena: I used to have a good friend like that. He'd be just about your age.

Fayt: Used to?

Ameena: Yes, I haven't seen him for many years. I was born in this city, but I used to live in Airyglyph for a while...

Fayt: Airyglyph...

Ameena: We had been exchanging letter, but that was no longer possible after the war started... I don't even know where he is now. His last letter mentioned something about becoming a researcher.

Fayt: Is that so...

Ameena: But I have faith that I will see him again someday.

Fayt: I'm sure you will.

Ameena: Yes, thank you. *cough*

Ameena: *cough cough*

Fayt: Do you have a cold? You've been coughing since you sat down...

Ameena: I'm fine. Yes - it's just a little cold. It's... nothing.

Fayt: Oh, I see. Okay.

Ameena: This? I grow flowers and sell them in this town. It's my job!

Fayt: You sell flowers?

Ameena: That's right. I live alone, and that's about all I can do... I grow them in my garden, or I find herbs in the hills to sell.

Fayt: You live alone? What about your parents?

Ameena: They died in this war.

Fayt: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked.

Ameena: It's okay. I've gotten used to it. And, the lady who lives next door takes really good care of me...

Fayt: I'm really sorry...

Ameena: Please don't worry about it. So, Fayt, are you here on a pilgrimage? You don't look like you're from around here.

Fayt: Um, yeah, well, it's not exactly a pilgrimage. I'm on my way to Aquios.

Ameena: By yourself?

Fayt: No, there are two others traveling with me.

Ameena: Really? Oh! Wait-

Fayt: Are you sure? You sell these, right? I can pay...

Ameena: No, that's not for sale. It's my own, personal good luck charm.

Fayt: A good luck charm?

Ameena: Yes, it's been a local tradition for generations. It's called the 'Maiden of Irisa'. It's a flower that represents Irisa, the goddess of the moon and the wind. They say that if you carry this flower, Irisa will use her powers to keep you safe during your journeys.

Fayt: Wow... That's amazing.

Ameena: I carried it with me when I came back home from Airyglyph.

Fayt: I can't take something so precious from you!

Ameena: Don't worry. I don't need it anymore.

Fayt: Thank you, Ameena. I'll take very good care of it.

Ameena: Please do.

Fayt: Hehehe.

Ameena: Hehehe.

Cliff: Hitting on the ladies?

Fayt: N-no! Ah, umm... She just looked like someone I know. And, well...

Cliff: Come on, you can come up with a smoother line than that! I'll teach you a few for next time.

Fayt: I told you I'm not hitting on her!

Cliff: Hey, hey, simmer down! Can't you take a joke? Look, if you don't wanna get teased a little, then don't play lovey-dovey while you wait around for us, got it?

Fayt: Who's playing lovey-dovey!?

Nel: Anyway...

Fayt: What?

Nel: Aren't you going to introduce her?

Fayt: Oh, yes. This is Ameena. She sells flowers in this town.

Ameena: Hi, I-I'm Ameena.

Fayt: Ameena, these two are the people I'm traveling with: Cliff, and Nel.

Cliff: Ameena, what a nice name. Nice to meet you. I'm Cliff Fittir. Guess you could say I'm this kid's bodyguard.

Nel: Nel Zelpher.

Ameena: Nice to meet you.

Nel: That's a rare flower you're holding. Where did you get that?

Fayt: Oh, this? Ameena gave it to me.

Cliff: Huh? A rare flower?

Nel: It's the Maiden of Irisa. The current war has pretty much devastated the lands where it grows, so it's a hard flower to find these days. In the stories of Apris, it represents the goddess Irisa. These days it's used as a good luck charm for travelers. It's much the same as Palmira's Wishing Charm, or the Wreath of Erinia, which we use to pray for victory in battle.

Cliff: Wow... That's pretty amazing. You sure you want to give him something so valuable?

Ameena: Yes, I don't need it anymore. I'm sorry, but I need to get back to work...

Fayt: Oh...

Ameena: Please excuse me. It was fun talking to you. Have a safe journey to Aquios.

Fayt: Thank. Ameena, tese are tough times... Take care of yourself!

Ameena: Thank you.

Fayt: I'm sure you'll meet your friend again. I believe it.

Cliff: Hey, is she sick or something? She sure was coughing a lot.

Fayt: Uh, yeah. She said she had a cold.

Cliff: Right...

Nel: All right you two, let's not talk out here. Let's get to the inn.

Fayt: Good idea.

Nel: Peterny has two inns, but there're some issues with the one on the east side, so we'll use the one on the west.

Cliff: Issues?

Nel: It's a cheap inn that's also a tavern. Put bluntly, it's got a lot of questionable patrons. This may be Aquaria, but we want to avoid any unnecessary trouble.

Fayt: All right. Let's use the one on the west side.

The cheap inn Nel is referring to is the place we went to earlier with the weird thief-enthusiast, so I can't fault her. We go to the inn and talk to the receptionist:

Inn Receptionist: This inn is reservations-only. If you would like to stay here, the earliest available room won't be for another six months.
Inn Receptionist: Oh... It's Lady Nel! W-will you be staying with us? No, there's no problem at all. We'll prepare rooms for you at once.

Nel: I'm going to visit a subordinate who is stationed in this town. Feel free to walk around, but whatever you do, stay out of trouble!

Cliff: All right... don't worry so much.

Cliff: I don't know about him, but do you really think I'd cause trouble?

Fayt: Hey... Why are you worried about me?

Nel: I'm just saying what I think.

Nel: This town is lively with commerce - and that has attracted more than its share of shady characters. Guys like you are easy to pick fights with.

Cliff: If that happens, then I'll just give as good as I get. No worries.

Nel: That's what I'm worried about.

Cliff: Ah, right.

Nel: *sigh* ... Okay, I'm off. I'll be back by nightfall.

Cliff: I think I'll hang out at the local tavern. You go amuse yourself.

Fayt: I think I will.

We've got free roam again, but there's a little less new things to explore this time, so we just wander around through town a little bit until:

Middle-Aged Woman: Well, of course it's right.

Fayt: (That voice...)
Middle-Aged Woman: Ah, mercy!
Woman's Voice: Hehehe.

Fayt: (Is that Ameena?)
Woman's Voice: Of course I'm okay.
Middle-Aged Woman: Well, that sort of thing happens too...
Woman's Voice: Yes, I agree.

Fayt: Hi there, Ameena.

Ameena: What are you doing here?

Fayt: I was walking around outside and I thought I heard your voice...

Ameena: What a coincidence!

Ameena: Oh, this is Fayt. He's traveling to Aquios.
Middle-Aged Woman: My! All the way to Aquios? On a pilgrimage?

Ameena: No, he's just traveling there.

Ameena: I thought you might have left by now.

Fayt: No, not yet. We'll stay in Peterny for one night, then leave tomorrow morning.

Ameena: Really? Tomorrow morning... I won't be able to see you off.

Fayt: That's all right, you don't have to see us off - but thanks, anyway. Did you have something you have to do tomorrow?

Ameena: Yes, the two of us are going into the mountains to pick some flowers.

Fayt: Flowers from the mountains? To sell? I thought you grew your own flowers?

Ameena: These flowers aren't the kind you can buy. You have to pick the flowers of the Wishing Charm for yourself, or they say it won't work.

Fayt: The Wishing Charm?

Ameena: Right, you may not have heard of it. It's another one of the traditional charms of this area, just like the Maiden of Irisa.

Ameena: That's what that bouquet is...

Ameena: The Palmira flower is pretty hard to find, you know.

Fayt: Huh.

Fayt: (Kind of like the four-leaf clovers that Sophia used to love finding.)
Middle-Aged Woman: They say that your wish will come true when your bouquet reaches one thousand flowers. Palmira, the goddess of the moon and rain, will hear you... but only if your wish is as true as your tears that fall like rain.

Fayt: She really grants your wish...

Ameena: That's right.
Middle-Aged Woman: All of us want the war to end! Everyone in town feels that way; that's why we're making our own Wishing Charms. Unfortunately, no one's wish has come true, yet.

Fayt: Is that what you're wishing for, too, Ameena?

Ameena: Me?
Middle-Aged Woman: This girl wants to see her long-lost friend again; that's her number one wish. Of course she wants the war to end, too.

Ameena: Oh, don't tell him that!

Fayt: Right, your old friend...

Ameena: Umm... Er...

Ameena: I mentioned him, didn't I? I'd really like to see him again. Well, that's not all I'm wishing for, you know.

Ameena: My dis... uhm...

Fayt: What did you say?

Ameena: Umm, never mind. It's nothing.

Fayt: I... I hope so.

Fayt: And I hope you get your wish.

Ameena: Thank you. I have to believe that my wish will come true. If you give up, then it's all over.

Fayt: Yeah, you're right.

Ameena: I have faith.

Fayt: Well, I have to get going. Take care of yourself, Ameena.

Ameena: Please take care of yourself too, Fayt. If you come through Peterny again, please stop by.

Fayt: I'll do that.

Ameena: May the grace of Apris be with you on your journey.
Middle-Aged Woman: Take care of yourself. May the grace of Apris be with you on your journey.

Fayt: Goodbye.

And now we're done running around for real, so let's meet back up with Nel. Again, no PA, just an option to let us back out.

Nel: Have you finished exploring?
[If we choose Yeah, I'm done.]

Fayt: Yeah, I'm ready.

Nel: I see. Well then, you should rest up. I know you must be tired, but we'll be heading out to Aquios tomorrow morning as planned.