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The Gala Location: Sulen'Eska -> Up -> Up Vortex -> Up -> Kara SuLema -> Quests -> The Gala Requirements: Completion of My Spot Release Date: February 24th, 2023 Objective: It's time to don your formalwear and head over to the royal gala! Objective completed: You KNEW something was going to happen!!! Experience rewarded: 0 Gold rewarded: 0 Monsters None NPCs ??? (1) ??? (2) Announcer Annoyed Noble Bored Noble Dezyderiush Diligent Noble Distracted Noble Haughty Noble Jaania Kara SuLema Kind Noble King Alteon Lynn Melissa No-name Noble Not-so-Noble Noble Princess Victoria Proud Noble Popular Noble Secretive Noble Sleazy Noble Very Noble Waiter Weird Noble Wobbly Noble Young Noble Zlatomira Rewards None Dialogue *Back in the cliff near Oaklore Keep at night, following your rude claim to the little red-haired girl, she—now shy and fearful—turns around to face you and your dragon; your chair can be seen behind you and dragon.* <Character>: I'm... I'm just kidding, you don't have to be afraid! Sorry! *The girl became hesitant to speak with you.* ???: ... <Character>: ... <Character>: So... <Character>: My name is <Character>. <Character>: What's yours? ???: My daddy told me not to talk to strangers. <Character>: That's... that's very solid advice! <Character>: ... *The girl notices your dragon and becomes curious about it.* ???: Is that a dragon? <Character>: Yes! Indeed it is! <Character>: This is <Dragon>! ???: It's very cute! <Dragon>: Cute!? I will burn you, kid! *grumble* | *Very offended growl* <Character>: ...<Dragon> says "Thanks"! *The girl smiles, an indication that she decided to warm up to you before revealing her name.* Lynn: I'm Lynn. <Character>: Nice to meet you, Lynn! *After greeting Lynn, you question why she is here on the cliff.* <Character>: Why are you out here so late? <Character>: Do you live nearby? Do you want me to escort you home? Lynn: It's okay. Lynn: When my dad isn't home, I like to go on adventures! <Character>: But it's late! Aren't you afraid of monsters or bandits? Lynn: No. <Character>: Oh, I see. *Silence follows after Lynn answers your question.* <Character>: ... <Character>: Does your dad know you're going on adventures? Lynn: Yes. <Character>: Reeeeally? *After a moment of silence, Lynn gives you an honest answer.* Lynn: No. <Character>: You know what? <Character>: I don't want to get involved, you obviously look like someone who can take care of themselves... <Character>: ... so I will just leave this chair here and get going! Lynn: Mhmm. <Character>: But... this is my spot, so I will be back! <Character>: Eventually. <Character>: If you want... you can come over too. If you'd like. Lynn: You have my permission. <Character>: E-excuse me? Lynn: This place belongs to me! I am the princess of all these lands and the whooole world, and you have my permission to come here! <Character>: Oh... are you now? <Character>: Whoa! Okay... thanks! <Character>: This is such an honor! Lynn: Bye bye! <Character>: Umm... <Character>: Bye! *You and your dragon run off from the cliff while Lynn turns around and watches the view with a smile; you and your dragon run through the Oaklore forest to privately converse their thoughts about their encounter with Lynn.* <Dragon>: What was that about? | *Confused grumble* <Character>: Yeah... I... I don't know what was up with that girl, either. <Dragon>: That was too weird, I don't like her. | It was weird, I don't like her. <Character>: Oh, come on, you're just upset she called you "cute"! <Dragon>: Something feels wrong about her. | *Contemplative chirps* <Dragon>: She smells like death... and flowers. | *Hiss of familiarity* <Character>: ...She was rather strange, even for a kid, wasn't she? <Character>: Well, we've got bigger things to worry about. Let's get some sleep and return to Sulen'Eska. The gala's tomorrow night, and I'm getting nervous. <Dragon>: You'll be fine, I'm coming with you! | *Supportive purr* *The next day, you and your dragon arrive in Sulen'Eska to tell Kara about having your dragon to accompany you to the Gala, however, there is a problem...* Kara SuLema: I am sorry, <Character>. <Dragon> can't come with you. <Character>: What?!, <Dragon>: What?! | *Indignant roar* Kara SuLema: Why are you so surprised? Kara SuLema: <Dragon> could never come with you! It's simply too risky! Kara SuLema: I know you somehow managed to smuggle them into the city last time, but this is a different matter entirely. Kara SuLema: You can't just show up to the royal gala with your dragon in tow. Security will be provided by The Rose, and they will not be accommodating. <Character>: Oh come on! <Character>: I'll just put <Dragon> in my backpack again! I'll be fine! <Dragon>: Not again! It's a mess in there! And I ate all the snacks last time, too. | *Surprisingly hesitant, and hungry, grumble* Kara SuLema: What did <Dragon> say? <Character>: ...Apparently I need to throw out some junk and get more snacks. <Dragon>: Yeah! But... I still want to go with you... | *Acknowledging growl* <Character>: ...Maybe it's for the best. I shouldn't have to leave you behind. But The Rose would jump at any excuse to kick me out, or worse. <Dragon>: But we're a team! Where you go, I go! | *Slightly annoyed hiss* <Character>: I know. ...I'm sorry, <Dragon>, but Kara's right. It would be too risky. I'll be careful, okay? <Dragon>: Fine! But if anything happens to you, I'm burning that whole city to the ground! | *Angry, but understanding, growl* Kara SuLema: I'm so sorry for this <Character>. I know you two are close... Kara SuLema: But <Dragon> simply can't go with you this time. <Character>: Yeah. I understand... I'll be okay. Kara SuLema: Someone else will be accompanying you, however. Just in case something goes wrong. <Character>: Oh? Who? Kara SuLema: Melissa. <Character>: The Fairy Princess?! Kara SuLema: Precisely. <Character>: Um. But... she's magical as well! <Character>: How— Kara SuLema: As royalty, once disguised, she'll be able to blend in with the crowd. It took some arguing, but she's already on her way to Swordhaven. Kara SuLema: She will aid you in case there's any trouble. <Character>: Very well... Kara SuLema: I know this isn't how you envisioned it, but it will have to do. *You look down feeling disappointed that your dragon won't be able to come along; Kara smiles as she receives some good news.* Kara SuLema: Ah! Kara SuLema: Your friend Danyel's SoulAlly, Baltael, was here earlier! Kara SuLema: He dropped off the outfits and, I must say, they look absolutely dashing! Kara SuLema: The fabric is beautiful! It’s so pleasant to touch, and so... fragile, yet durable! I don’t know how else to describe it. <Character>: Yeah, soulweaving is something else. Kara SuLema: Well? <Character>: Well what? Kara SuLema: Try it on, of course! <Character>: Oh... alright. Equips VIP. *You enter an illuminated dressing room where you try on a suit or a dress and change the base and trim colors that you feel suits you best; once you have chosen the type of formalwear and the colors you are comfortable with, you exit the dressing room and return to Kara, who admires your marvelous appearance.* Kara SuLema: Oh, <Character>! Kara SuLema: You look absolutely marvelous! Kara SuLema: With such a magnificent outfit, you're sure to capture everyone's attention! *Scene pans upward to show you and your chosen formalwear for the Gala; you look down nervously as you remain hopeful that King Alteon will listen about the Rose's wrongdoings.* <Character>: Especially since I was directly invited by the king himself. I just hope he, and anyone else, will listen... Kara SuLema: Of course. Now, remember, while talking to the king, please try to mind your manners. Try to keep calm. Kara SuLema: The high-born nobles of Swordhaven are sheltered and fed lies about magic by The Rose. They must hear reason. <Character>: And what if they don't want to listen to reason? Kara SuLema: Then your words must be more forceful. The nobles benefit greatly from their arrangements with The Rose. Kara SuLema: They lie to themselves that it's for the protection of Greenguard, rather than profit. If you must shatter that lie, do it. Kara SuLema: This... will be as treacherous an environment as any battlefield, <Character>. <Character>: ...I see. Thanks for the advice. Kara SuLema: But, please, try to have a nice time! Enjoy yourself, if you can find the time and space. You... you deserve it. *You pause before considering Kara's advice.* <Character>: Well... Thank you, Kara. <Character>: I'll be off, then! Kara SuLema: May the winds guide you, <Character>. Good luck! *Later this evening, during the Gala, Swordhaven Castle is filled with many nobles, who are enjoying the refreshments provided on the dining tables set out; as you arrived at the castle very late, the Gala's announcer pulls out a scroll to read the moment you have arrived in the part of the castle where the Gala is taking place.* Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, may I have your attention, please! Announcer: The one we've all been waiting for, has finally arrived... fashionably late! <Character>: Give me a break, I got trapped in an outhouse on my way here!!!! Announcer: Scandalous! Announcer: Now, may I present to you... Announcer: Tamer of dragons! Announcer: Collector of powerful artifacts! *As you arrive, you look the opposite direction of where you are walking while the nobles whisper amongst themselves about you.* Announcer: Slayer of titans! Announcer: Master of the Elements! Announcer: Mayor of a small town by the ocean! <Character> (thinking): Whaa...? Announcer: Chickencow Wrestler! <Character> (thinking): ... Announcer: Bringer of the sun! Announcer: The Hero of Falconreach! Announcer: Defender of the oppressed! Announcer: Everyone's object of desire! Announcer: Saviour of Lore! Announcer: And a terrible cook! Announcer: The one and onlyyyyy... Announcer: Lady/Lord <Character>! *The nobles continue to whisper as you look straight ahead to ignore their gossip; you approach King Alteon, who is guarded by a duo of Swordhaven Knights.* <Character>: Your Majesty! King Alteon: Greetings, <Character>! I'm so glad you could make it! King Alteon: In these uncertain times, it is important that we honor those who selflessly defend Greenguard and her people. King Alteon: And it's time for all of us to come together and strengthen our resolve to protect our subjects. King Alteon: I'm sure you are familiar with some of the guests here already. The Rose have been so instrumental in keeping the peace. King Alteon: Jaania herself, in fact, has— <Character>: That's exactly what I wanted to talk with you about, Your Majesty. King Alteon: Oh, there will be plenty of time for that later! For now, please enjoy yourself, <Character>. King Alteon: Eat, mingle, let us celebrate The Rose and its achievements! <Character>: W-wait... what? <Character>: This gala is in their name?! King Alteon: Not everything can be about you all the time, <Character>! Now, if you would excuse me, I do have other guests to greet. <Character>: Your Majesty! Please, wait— ???: Hi, <Character>. *You turn around after someone from behind greets you; that person turns out to be Princess Victoria, who haven't met you for quite sometime.* <Character>: Wait— <Character>: What are you doing here? Princess Victoria: This is a royal gala, <Character>. I'm a princess. I don't exactly have a choice. Princess Victoria: After I kept asking father about The Rose, he insisted I come and "learn of their accomplishments". <Character>: That doesn't seem fair. Princess Victoria: It isn't. But if I don't play the role of princess some of the time, it's more difficult to excuse my... excursions. <Character>: Is King Alteon that controlling? Princess Victoria: No. No, we just... We don't really talk to each other much. I don't want to listen to him tell me what to do, and he dismisses whatever I try to say. Princess Victoria: Ah, but what about you? I didn't think you were the gala type. *Victoria's eyes widen when she realizes that you were King Alteon's special guest and the winner of the Tournament of Champions.* Princess Victoria: Wait a minute. You must be that special guest Father mentioned! The winner of the tournament, right? Princess Victoria: This is perfect! We can explain things together! He can't dismiss both of us, right? Princess Victoria: I... heard about what happened in Betrubung after the failed peace talks. Jaania's pulled her forces back for now, but... Princess Victoria: ...I'm worried about what she might be planning. We need to speak to my father! <Character>:Yeah. I'm supposed to have an audience with him later. You're welcome to join me. Princess Victoria: It's a plan! <Character>: With that out of the way, where are the other princesses? What do they think of The Rose? Princess Victoria: Oh, Tara's lucky. She's out exploring some eastern country across the sea. I doubt she's been paying too much attention to the politics back home. Princess Victoria: And Brittany is... sick. <Character>: Oh no, I'm sorry. Princess Victoria: I think... I think she's going to be fine. Jaania's been helping... <Character>: Ah... *You pause before asking about King Alteon's behavior.* <Character>: How is your— how is the king? He seems to be in high spirits. Princess Victoria: He... He wholeheartedly believes in Jaania. <Character>: I got that feeling... Princess Victoria: I think... she's preying on him. On our misfortune. I bring it up every now and then, but he refuses to listen. <Character>: What do you mean? Princess Victoria: <Character>, our mother died...because of magic. Princess Victoria: And with my older sister's health— Princess Victoria: I don't know how she's reassuring him, but I know that she's been very convincing. Princess Victoria: My father may appear strong, but he's hurting. Even after ALL these years. Princess Victoria: When Jaania first came to my father, he was hopeful, but skeptical. After all... she IS good at what she does, and people saw it. Princess Victoria: But then she showed him something, and... it tipped the scales. His outlook on Jaania changed. Princess Victoria: I don't know what it was, but it changed his perspective entirely. He thinks she can protect Greenguard— protect all of Lore, even. Princess Victoria: And where the king goes, the nobles follow. The Rose certainly never lacks for funding. *Your eyebrows widen as Victoria tells how The Rose gained influence on King Alteon.* Princess Victoria: ...He even allowed The Rose to construct their Ivory Tower in the middle of the city. To him, Jaania can do no wrong. <Character>: I... I didn't realize how involved he was with supporting The Rose. <Character>: ...It might be more difficult to change his mind than I thought. But we still have to try. Princess Victoria: I agree. Thank you, <Character>. Princess Victoria: Now, as much as I don't want to greet the other guests, I better get going. <Character>: Yes, of course. Until later, Princess Victoria. Princess Victoria: ...Go on, have some fun. Mingle with the guests, enjoy the refreshments. See you soon! *You take a walk through the hallway after your conversation with Princess Victoria; along the way, you try your best to mingle with various Swordhaven nobles, who have things to say about various topics.* Sleazy Noble: I heard a rumor that King Alteon is going to marry Jaania! Distracted Noble: Oh, don't be ridiculous. Jaania, Queen? Preposterous. Sleazy Noble: It would certainly be convenient, you must agree. Proud Noble: You know, when I was young, my parents wanted me to study magic. I wasn't any good at it, but look at me now! Proud Noble: Property owner, gala attendee... I'm 658th in line for the throne, you know. I've done the math! Annoyed Noble: Yes, yes, you've mentioned SO. MANY. TIMES. Noble: They say the Rose has spies everywhere. Good on them! The better to protect the people, I say. <Character>: Hmm. Secretive Noble: I'm not sure I like the Rose getting so close to the King. <Character>: Not a fan of the Rose? Secretive Noble: I—uh—the Rose? I said, the crows. You know. The birds. <Character>: Right... Waiter: Moglinberry juice, my Lady/Lord? Haughty Noble: Did you hear? King Alteon has the Rose taking care of poor young Brittany. Haughty Noble: I think they might have had something to do with the sickness in the first place! Kind Noble: You don't actually think that, do you? The Rose have the best non-magical physicians in the city. Of course the king would want only the best. Haughty Noble: But that's the thing—I heard they're actually using magic! Kind Noble: Oh, don't be ridiculous, dear! Wobbly Noble: I think—*hic* I thiiink I've had a little.. too much Moglinberry Juice. <Character>: Should— do you need help? Wobbly Noble: Help? *urp* You know who needs help? The King! Hahaaa. <Character>: Is he in danger? Wobbly Noble: He looks... fuzzier than usual. <Character>: Maybe you really have had too much juice. Wobbly Noble: If you say so, fuzzy hero, if you say so. Popular Noble: Did you hear about the recent magical attacks on some of the outlying villages? Those poor people. We must do something to help. No-name Noble: Perhaps we should increase funding to the Rose? They're stretched fairly thin as it is, what with the recent events. Popular Noble: And let them take the glory and fame for themselves? I think not! Elections are coming up soon, you know. Young Noble: Isn't Jaania supposed to be here? <Character>: I think so. Young Noble: I don't see her anywhere. Oh, I was hoping I'd get a chance to talk to her. Do I look presentable? <Character>: You look...fine. Young Noble: I knew I shouldn't have worn this top today, my one chance at the beautiful Jaania and I'm already messing it up! <Character>: I'll leave you to it then. Weird Noble: Hey, hey you. The Rose is evil. Don't listen to their lies! <Character>: Finally, someone who— Weird Noble: They're from beyond the stars. You have to listen to me, hero, you have to stop them. Weird Noble: They're going to—I've seen their true form, writhing masses of tentacles—they're in our brains. Our brains! <Character>: Umm... Weird Noble: Remember. They're in the water. Not-so-Noble: You are in my personal space! <Character>: Excuse me? Not-so-Noble: You are excused. <Character> (thinking): Wow, he must be a blast at parties. Oh, wait... Bored Noble: I wish something exciting would happen. I just want to go home and sleep. Very Noble: Ah, <Character>! I was hoping I would get a chance to catch you. Very Noble: I was wondering if I could get your opinion on some matters of great importance. <Character>: Of course, anything to help. Very Noble: Quite, quite. Surely you've heard of the great storms recently interrupting sea trade with the west? <Character>: I haven't. Are they magical storms? Very Noble: No, no, nothing of the sort, or we would have contacted the Rose! Very Noble: Could you weigh in on the complexities of intercontinental taxation and dues, considering the delays and lost cargo and lives— <Character>: I'm afraid I don't know much about, uh, taxes. Sorry. Very Noble: Not a problem, not a problem at all. We can't all be out slaying monsters and prancing about, can we? <Character>: Prancing? Very Noble: Just a phrase, just a phrase. ???: Enjoying the gala... ???: ...<Character>? Diligent Noble: Keep your eyes open. I've had good information that this gala has been targeted by anti-Rose sympathizers. <Character>: I'll keep that in mind... *While you were trying the best you can to enjoy yourself during the Gala, you bump into a grumpy Melissa, who is wearing a lavender dress for this occasion.* Melissa: Are you done cozying up to the high and mighty? *After few moments of looking at her in order to make sure it was truly she who Kara sent in case of something goes wrong, you finally respond.* <Character>: Melissa? <Character>: Well, look at you, "princess"! Melissa: Ugh... <Character>: Not feeling it? Melissa: I. Hate. Dresses... <Character>: I meant to ask, how did you...? Melissa: Magic. Melissa: Hopefully subtle enough to not raise attention. It's working, for now. Melissa: I can hide my wings very easily. Melissa: As for the ears, I cut them. <Character>: What?! Melissa: That was a joke. I am known to joke. Melissa: I concealed them with magic too. Melissa: Ugh, this dress is so constraining. My sword is sticking to my thighs... *You glare highly at Melissa before not asking her joke.* <Character>: I won't even ask. Melissa: Good. Melissa: Have you spoken to the king yet? <Character>: Yes, but I haven't had a chance to use my "royal audience" card yet. Melissa: Well, get to it then. I can only keep this up for so long, and we don't know when— ???: Hello... <Character>. *Jaania—wearing a sky blue dress decorated by ice crystals and roses—suddenly appears before you and Melissa, causing both of you to feel tense and alarmed.* <Character>: Jaania. Jaania: I had heard you would be gracing us with your presence. Please, do introduce me to your... enchanting companion? <Character>: This is Melissa. She's a friend. <Character>: And how are you? You look positively... cold. Jaania: Thank you. Jaania: You look lukewarm, at best. <Character>: I think I'm going to need some ice for that burn, but I don't want history to repeat itself. Jaania: Oh, you are hilarious. <Character>: Thank you. Melissa: Lady Jaania, Lady/Lord <Character>... I bid you farewell. *Melissa leaves as tension between you and Jaania escalates; you and Jaania glare at each other; before either of you could say a word, however, a beige-haired Rose Soldier shows up right next to Jaania as he gives an urgent message from Amadeus to her.* ???: Please excuse the timing, Lady Jaania, but Emissary Amadeus said this is urgent. *Jaania looks at the Rose Soldier before listening to what he had to say.* Jaania: What is it? ???: Someone has sent you a bouquet of flowers. They were... delivered to your private quarters. Jaania: And this is urgent how? ???: I— I don't— I don't know! I think they just... appeared there? I am sorry for interrupting, I was told it was urgent. So sorry. Please excuse me! *Jaania excuses the Rose Soldier.* Jaania: You are excused. ???: Thank you! Have a pleasant ball!!! *The Rose Soldier leaves immediately; shortly after you and Jaania are alone again, you smirk at her.* <Character>: Secret admirer? Jaania: ... Jaania: I hope this event is to your liking? <Character>: It was, until you showed up. Jaania: Do we really need to do this? Can't we be civil? <Character>: Aren't we being civil right now? Jaania: ...You are exhausting, <Character>. <Character>: You're the one to talk! Jaania: I beg your pardon? <Character>: Jaania, I'm sorry, but... it must be said. <Character>: What you and The Rose are doing is wrong! *Jaania's eyes turn at the opposite direction before they are drawn back to you as everyone will listen to their conversation.* Jaania: You might want to be careful, everyone is listening. <Character>: Let them listen. I want them to hear how you justify yourself— your actions, and the actions of The Rose! <Character>: In Betrubung Swamp, for example, the Clawkin and the Dravir have been— Jaania: You are such a brute, <Character>! You need to be the center of the attention, don't you? Jaania: You crave it. Jaania: You are the hero, aren't you? Jaania: Well, let me tell you something! Jaania: You are not the only one who can bear that title! You are not special! Jaania: You were not the one who woke up in a world on the brink of destruction, caused by your closest friends. Jaania: I was! Jaania: You were not the one who tried to help people when the elves invaded Greenguard and threw the land into chaos! Jaania: I was! Jaania: You were not the one who managed to crush the onslaught, saving countless lives— the one people turned to! Jaania: I was! Jaania: You were not the one who had to deal with all that pressure and still come up on top! Jaania: I was! Jaania: You were not the one who, in the midst of all the destruction and chaos, founded an organization that to this day is bringing peace to this land!! Jaania: I was! Jaania: You are not the hero of this story! Jaania: I AM! *Your eyes widen with concern as Jaania's rant escalates; while Jaania continues her outburst, ice crystals form around the floor around her; your expression changes from concern to frustration.* <Character>: Jaania... ???: My my... ???: What a spectacle! ???: Now, that was worth the trip, wouldn't you say? Jaania: Who are you...? Dezyderiush: I'm Dezyderiush, and this is Zlatomira. Zlatomira: We represent the Magesterium of Azaveyr. Dezyderiush: And by decree of the Shapeless, you, Lady Jaania, are to come with us. King Alteon: Jaania? What is the meaning of this? Jaania: They are no one. I will take care of them. Jaania: This does not concern you... Your Majesty. Zlatomira: You are meddling in affairs you cannot hope to comprehend. Dezyderiush: Your trespasses near the Fissure have not gone unnoticed. You are to be brought before the Magesterium for questioning. Jaania: And if I refuse? Zlatomira: In that event, we will be forced to take action. We have this place surrounded. King Alteon: Anyone who threatens my subjects, threatens this kingdom! Explain yourselves! Dezyderiush: We have no qualm with you, King of Greenguard. Zlatomira: However, if your "subject" will not come with us… King Alteon: Jaania, explain! Jaania: ... Jaania: <Character>, escort the king and the princess to safety. <Character>: What? Jaania: Please... do as I say. Jaania: Protect the royal family. This is going to get messy. Dezyderiush: You will not surrender, then? *Jaania does not respond as she glares coldly to the Magesterium's representatives, indicative that she will not comply to their demands.* Zlatomira: Very well. <Character>: I knew this wouldn't end well... <Character>: Your Majesty! Victoria! Come with me! <Character>: Jaania. *Jaania turns to face you while you prepare to leave and protect King Alteon and Princess Victoria.* <Character>: We're not done. *Jaania continues to face you, assuring that they will meet again.* Zlatomira: Get her! *Scene cuts to black.* Complete Quest Equips player's saved class. Other information This quest was reimagined with new dialogue and bugfixes on February 24th, 2023.
< Message edited by DemonicDarkwraith -- 6/24/2023 10:45:58 >
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