Handmaidens Reunited
Teatime with the maids brings back fond memories of past episodes with them. When Dorothy and Claudia lost sight of each other in the search for their runaway queen, it was (Captain) and company who helped the two reunite.
One sunny afternoon, (Captain) and company are getting ready for their next assignment.
The crew members return to their rooms for a short reprieve.
Dorothy: Welcome back, Master! Teehee.
Claudia: Won't you have a seat? Preparations for teatime are complete.
Vyrn: Whoa... It feel like you two have been waiting to ambush us with refreshments every day lately!
Dorothy: Just doing our part! Today's tea is a special Port Breeze blend.
Lyria: Th-thanks, but how are you able to get everything in order so fast every time? It's not like we have a set schedule for taking breaks.
Claudia: Such is the duty of us maids. I've become proficient at gauging your likely rest times, Lyria.
Vyrn: Yeah, cuz you girls are always snooping on us... Dorothy on (Captain) , and Claudia on Lyria.
Dorothy: Ahh, (Captain)! That cookie's still a bit warm to the touch—let me cool it down for you.
Dorothy: Teehee...
Dorothy: Here you go! Say "aaaah..."
Lyria: Hey, you can't do that! Because... Just because!
Vyrn: Careful, Lyria! You're gonna spill the tea!
Lyria: Yikes!
Claudia: If I may...
Claudia: All tidied up. Forgive my intrusion.
Vyrn: What the... It's spotless. You cleaned it up like a ninja!
Lyria: Thanks for the save...
Lyria: Hey, where did my cup go?
Claudia: There is no need for concern. I shall bring you another cup.
Dorothy: And I'll be making some more sweets!
Vyrn: Phew... Those two are more fired up than ever. I appreciate the quality service, but they kinda give me the jitters.
Lyria: Ahahahaha...
Lyria: I'm just glad the two found each other okay.
Vyrn: Huh, what do you mean by that?
Vyrn: Oh, right... You weren't exactly yourself when it all went down that day...
Lyria: Yeah? Tell me about it. My memory of the day is all fuzzy. What happened on that day?
The reunion of the fiery and iron fist handmaidens goes back a few days.The crew had become acquainted with the two on separate occasions and now hoped to help the maids reunite.
(Captain) and Vyrn brought Dorothy, while Lyria brought Claudia, to the central plaza of a remote town.
Dorothy and Claudia had set out from their castle in search of their former master who had run away.They got separated on the way, and the lack of leads to assist their search did not help matters.
But a surprising twist of fate leads them each to joining the crew in their own way.
Dorothy: It must have been destiny.
Dorothy: We just sort of clicked. It was incredible...
Dorothy: I was traveling in search of the runaway lady of the castle...
Dorothy: And I got separated from Claudia, who was searching with me, before I knew it.
Dorothy: But now I know that everything was just leading up to our meeting, Master. I suppose I should be grateful!
Claudia: I've changed my mind. (Captain), would you let me travel with you after all?
Claudia: But don't get the wrong idea. It's not like I have any ulterior motives related to that beautiful young woman or anything like that... Hee-hee...
Claudia: People have been fascinated with beautiful women since ancient times...
Claudia: So my tastes are not at all unusual. You could even call them boring.
And just a few days ago, the crew had thought of having the two come face-to-face with each other.
(Captain) and Vyrn brought Dorothy, while Lyria brought Claudia, to the central plaza of a remote town.
Continue 1The place is bustling with activity when everyone gathers.
Vyrn: Boy is the place packed! I sure wasn't expecting a festival today...
Vyrn: What do we do, (Captain)? Lyria and Claudia should be here any minute now.
Dorothy: Ooh, look at all the food stalls, Master! Why don't we buy something while we're at it?
Vyrn: Ahaha, looks like curiosity's got the best of you!
Vyrn: Let's check 'em out after meeting with the others!
Dorothy: Okaay!
Dorothy: How should we go about finding them though? It's hard to get around with these crowds...
Vyrn: Well, for starters, you two have known each other since you were kids, right?
Vyrn: Judging from Claudia's personality, where do you think she might be waiting?
Dorothy: Ah, good thinking! Even if they're not in town yet, we'll find them faster if we know where they might show up first!
Dorothy: In times like these, Claudia would...
Dorothy: I know! Any of the nearby cafes is as good a bet as any!
Vyrn: Cafes? Even though we agreed to meeting by the plaza?
Dorothy: Yes, there's a good chance Claudia is waiting at one of them until things cool down out here!
Vyrn: Oh, I hear ya. Let's go check out the nearby cafes then.
Lyria: Phew, I don't see them anywhere...
Claudia: ...
Lyria: I'm so sorry, Claudia. If only I were better at spotting them...
Claudia: Hee-hee.
Lyria: Huh, what's wrong? Are you feeling okay?
Claudia: Eep!
Claudia: Please, forgive me.
Claudia: I was only daydreaming about my tryst with a beautiful young girl, layering my fantasies upon our current situation.
Lyria: Tryst? Um... So you're feeling fine?
Claudia: Fine as can be.
Claudia: As for Dorothy and the others, there is a high possibility that they're waiting by the plaza.
Claudia: As you may already know, she is more of the happy-go-lucky type, so I would not be surprised if she is parading along the streets, browsing each food stall.
Lyria: Haha, you know your friends really well!
Lyria: Let's get to finding them then!
Claudia: Yes, please stay by my side at all times...
Prowler 1: Gahaha... I love the scent of good food. The annual festival's drawin' in huge crowds as usual.
Prowler 2: Yep, drawin' in the scent of money too. 'Bout time we hit the spots where security's lax.
Dorothy: I'm really sorry... I was so sure she'd be in one of these cafes...
Dorothy: Sigh... Where could Claudia be?
Vyrn: The day's not over yet—let's try to think of where else she might be based on her personality!
Dorothy: Master, Vyrn, thanks a bunch!
Dorothy: But if we can't find them at this hour...
Dorothy: Maybe's she's given up and is taking her siesta! An afternoon nap can do wonders to clear the mind!
Vyrn: Great, she's napping... You really think she'd be catching some z's now with Lyria beside her?
Vyrn: Wait a minute, if they're lookin' for us too... Maybe we just missed each other?
Dorothy: Ah, now why didn't I think of that!
Dorothy: Claudia must be running all over the place with Lyria, trying to think of where I might be!
Vyrn: We'll just have to reverse the train of thought... Hoppity-hop—go where you want right now, Dorothy!
Vyrn: We follow your whims, and they'll find us sooner than later!
Dorothy: Great idea! Now let's see...
Dorothy: I want to...
Dorothy: ...
Dorothy: Aha!
Claudia: You wish to know what I would like to do?
Lyria: Mm-hm. Do something that's in character for you, and they might have an easier time finding us.
Claudia: A splendid idea.
Hm...
Claudia: ...
Claudia: Zzz...
Lyria: Um... Claudia?
Claudia: Ah!
Claudia: My apologies. This is usually the hour for my siesta.
Claudia: The task is proving rather difficult. I've repressed my personal desires for so long in order to fulfill my duties as a maid.
Lyria: Well, there's no rush; let's take it slow. I'll help in any way I can!
Claudia: In any way?
Claudia: Are you sure about that? Will you help me in any way possible?
Lyria: Erm, yes... That's what I meant...
Claudia: Thank you. To start with... Hee-hee.
Prowler 1: Not many guards in the northern part of town. Don't ya reckon we've done enough recon already?
Prowler 2: Fair enough—about time we put our plan into action. Let's head back to the hideout and tell everyone else!
Vyrn: Pant... Wheeze...
Vyrn: You can do it, (Captain)! Just a bit longer and we'll make a clean getaway!
Dorothy: Master, Vyrn, there you are!
Vyrn: Crud! She caught up already!
Dorothy: Hey now, wait! Why are you running from me anyway?
Vyrn: Do we have to spell it out for you! You're scaring us with those cuffs and shackles!
Dorothy: Hey, I'm just following my heart. I've always wanted to take care of my master's every need and whim down to a T!
Vyrn: Okay, now you're goin' too far!
Dorothy: I mean... (Captain) is just so smart and so kind that my help isn't really needed.
Dorothy: Nothing that can't be solved with some bondage of course... Teehee.
Vyrn: Uh-oh, not good! She's so gung ho about what she wants that she's lost her grip on reality!
Vyrn: (Captain)! We turn on this next corner and head straight for the docks! We'll have backup on the Gra—
Vyrn: Ack!
Claudia: ...!
Dorothy: Huh? Master, Vyrn!
Dorothy: Oh no, I got so caught up in the heat of the moment... You're not hurt, are you?
Vyrn: W-we'll be fine. Not sure I can say the same for the girl we bump—
Vyrn: Wait... It's you, Claudia!
Claudia: Hm? Oh, glad to have found you, everyone.
Dorothy: Claudia! I'm so happy we've finally met up!
Claudia: Dorothy... It's been a long time. Are you well?
Dorothy: Never been better! We were looking all over for you! Say, where's Lyria?
Claudia: Lyria? She's, um... Maybe over there?
Dorothy: Huh, but that's where we came from.
Claudia: ...
Vyrn: What the!
Vyrn: Why'd Claudia just run away from us?
Dorothy: Uh-oh... Could it be that she's followed her heart as well?
Dorothy: We'd better go after her, Master! Lyria's in trouble!
Claudia: Phew... This should be far enough.
Dorothy: Waaiiit! Hand Lyria back to us!
Claudia: Caught up already, eh?
Claudia: I'm impressed at how much she's grown over such a short period... Still too shortsighted though.
Claudia: Hyaagh!
Dorothy: Wha... Cripes, she destroyed the road here to stop my pursuit... She's gotten stronger, all right.
Claudia: Hehe... Hope you enjoy the gridlock.
Dorothy: Ah, wait!
Dorothy: You leave me no choice...
Dorothy: Didn't want to risk it, but it's time for sterilization!
Claudia: She's setting the whole area around me on fire...
Dorothy: Give it up, Claudia! Teehee, it's only a matter of time before I catch you!
Claudia: Sure, we have less room now for this game of tag, but you'd best keep your expectations in check.
Claudia: Even if we're evenly matched in agility, endurance is my forte. I'll just keep running till the flames dissipate.
Dorothy: Oh, no you won't!
Dorothy: Now, Master!
Vyrn: Huff... Huff...
Vyrn: We've got you now, Claudia!
Claudia: ...!
Hm, very well...
Claudia: Bravo. I'm impressed you planned out the pincer movement so well.
Vyrn: Phew... Please tell me you're not cuckoo anymore and that you'll return Lyria to us.
Claudia: I owe you an apology. I had mistaken fantasy for reality and lost myself. As for Lyria...
Lyria: Who goes there? Is it you, Claudia?
Dorothy: Lyria! Thank goodness, the rest of us are here too!
Lyria: Ohoho. My, my, if it isn't Dorothy. How do you fare?
Vyrn: O-ohoho? Are you off your rocker, Lyria?
Lyria: How gracious of you all to gather here on this fine day. I take it everyone will be attending tonight's ball?
Dorothy: Oh... my... gosh...
Dorothy: She's been educated in the ways of a highfalutin lady!
Vyrn: Say what?
Vyrn: What's that even mean?
Claudia: It's what I've always wanted to do. I long fantasized about personally training Lyria in the well-fashioned manners of an elegant lady.
Dorothy: Sheesh, Claudia... Everthing'll be ok, Master. Just let Lyria rest on it for a night.
Vyrn: You girls nearly knocked me off my rocker...
Vyrn: Let's head back to the airship then. Boy, this meetup was one heck of a doozy.
Prowler 1: What do you punks think you're doin' loiterin' around our hideout!
Prowler 2: You the ones who set the fire and busted up the road here? Damn you for getting in the way of our attack!
Vyrn: Whoa, what's this now about an attack?
Prowler 1: Shut up! Don't think you're gettin' outta this alive!
Prowler 2: Hey, we've got intruders, and we're takin' em out!
Lyria: Oh my, I'm not certain we have enough spots for all these attendees to tonight's ball.
Claudia: Hm... It appears they were waiting for the day of the festival to make off with valuables.
Claudia: But fear not, everyone. Allow me to make up for my earlier transgressions.
Claudia: Dorothy!
Dorothy: On it, Claudia!
Dorothy & Claudia: Checkmaid!
Prowler 1: Urgh!
Prowler 2: Gaaah!
Although the maids had to undergo numerous twists and turns to finally come together...
They successfully reunited and saved the town together.
Lyria: Oh, so that's what happened...
Dorothy: Sorry for the trouble, everyone.
Dorothy: And thanks again for helping Claudia and I meet up! Teehee!
Vyrn: No worries. Maybe now you two can get back to your original goal of finding your former master?
Claudia: Yes. Dorothy and I have put two and two together and pinpointed a location...
Claudia: A place that our former master, Queen Constance, might be!
Lyria: We'll do whatever we can to help!
Dorothy: Thanks a ton, everyone!
Their hearts filled with gratitude, the maids pour all their effort into the daily cleaning and teatime for the crew.
The true search for their runaway master begins shortly after.
Come Home, My Queen
Dorothy enters a bar in hopes of finding info on her queen. Although the crew is surprised to see her come out of the bar fighting wanton thugs, Claudia is even more surprised to see the thugs so unified.
With new intel from the maids, the crew sets a course for the likely location of their former master.
But a true shame it is when they land in a town of roughnecks.
Lyria: I've a bad feeling about everyone glaring at us...
Vyrn: Yeah, I don't like it one bit either. Dorothy, Claudia, you watch out too!
Dorothy: Of course!
Dorothy: Hey, over there, Claudia! You see that mommy and kitty cat?
Kitten: ...!
Mother Cat: ...
Claudia: Mommy and kitty? I don't quite see the resemblance... What do you say to feeding them while we observe them?
Lyria: Ahahahaha... You two seem to be okay...
Dorothy: Oh, we're used to this kind of thing. I'm sure Constance is okay too, because she's just like us despite being a crybaby!
Vyrn: That reminds me: you two grew up in some sorta lawless zone, right?
Dorothy: Yep, we called the slums home. So this kind of murky atmosphere really brings us back.
Dorothy: The sign for the bar's come into view! I'll ask around for info on our queen!
Lyria: D-Dorothy!
Lyria: Will you be okay alone?
Claudia: Worry not. We'd likely draw more attention acting as a group anyway.
Claudia: And let us not forget this is merely a den of unorganized, vulgar knaves. I'm sure she'll be fine.
Vyrn: Fair enough. Though I guess you really place your trust in Dorothy, huh?
Claudia: Trust...
Claudia: Hehe... I'm not so sure if my feelings on the matter equate to such an elegant word.
Claudia: Bound by destiny, the two of us are in the same boat.
Lyria: What? You're on a boat?
Claudia: To put it simply, we're bound by fate.
Lyria: I see... That reminds me: how did you two come to know each other?
Claudia: How, you ask?
Lyria: Yeah, I'd like to hear about the where and how of it all—if you don't mind!
Claudia: Hee-hee, you're too kind, Lyria. I apologize in advance if this bores you...
Claudia: I first found her outside an abandoned house in the slums.
Claudia: It wasn't too far from my own home. I noticed a girl close to me in age began to appear there regularly.
Claudia: I did not wish to have my neighborhood depredated by outsiders, so I resolved to shoo her away.
Claudia: But as I approached her in the abandoned house, I found an injured little bird in her hands...
Lyria: So she was looking after a little birdie... And you helped her?
Claudia: No... It had already passed on.
Vyrn: Wha? Then what was Dorothy up to every day?
Claudia: Well...
Dorothy: Tch... You're having way too good of a time for utter trash!
Thug 1: The heck is your problem? Who do you think you are traipsing about like you own the place?
Thug 2: Don't let her get away! She must be after the girl! I'll get the other guys here!
Lyria: Yikes! What's happening with Dorothy?
Vyrn: Whoa, it sure didn't take her long to whip up that mob!
Claudia: How odd for them to share such a strong sense of camaraderie...
Claudia: Perhaps this may be a good chance for my fists to ask their bodies for info on the queen!
Come Home, My Queen: Scene 2
The scuffle with the thugs leaves Claudia separated from the rest of the crew, who retreat to a small cottage to sort out the situation. After hearing an account of how Dorothy and Claudia first met, (Captain) and company suddenly hear Claudia fighting thugs outside and rush out to save her.
A scuffle with the wanton thugs leaves Claudia separated from the rest of the crew.
(Captain) and company arrive at a small cottage in town and try to make sense of the situation.
Vyrn: Lemme get this straight... You mentioned your former master's name, and then a fight broke out?
Dorothy: Correct.
Dorothy: Who the heck are you!
Dorothy: Said the customers and waiters.
Lyria: Wow... I wonder what everyone's connection with Constance is...
Dorothy: From the looks of it, I'd say—
Dorothy: Let's just enjoy our break for now. We can ask those men directly later.
Vyrn: Yeah, let's do that. We've gotta meet up with Claudia anyway.
Dorothy: So you two were talking about the past, right? Claudia told me during the battle.
Lyria: Yes... Sorry for prying...
Dorothy: Oh, no worries! But you probably think I'm a weirdo since she stopped at the part about the little birdie.
Dorothy: Don't get me wrong—I definitely noticed that the bird died as I looked after it.
Dorothy: But I didn't want to admit it, despite how commonplace death was in the slums.
Dorothy: I figured it was probably abandoned by its mommy when it fell into a little corner in town.
Dorothy: As a child I guess I kind of saw my own future in the bird. So I continued to watch over it even after the fact.
Vyrn: Must've been tough... How'd that lead to you two meeting up though?
Dorothy: As I played doctor in the run-down house, a voice called out from behind.
Dorothy: Most people would've been creeped out. You know, with me using medicine and bandages for a bird that's passed on.
Dorothy: But Claudia? She just stared at me for a short while before saying...
Dorothy: How adorable...
Vyrn: ...
Dorothy: Sorry if that was all kind of weird, teehee.
Vyrn: Erm, no, how should I put this...
Vyrn: I kinda see what you're getting at. Claudia musta felt the same sort of future you were envisioning.
Vyrn: That's why she tried to cheer you up...
Vyrn: You scored yourself a true pal there!
Dorothy: Hehe, thanks!
Claudia: Humph, think you can take me on? My iron fists shall wipe out the lot of you!
Lyria: Is that Claudia? She seems to be fighting those people!
Lyria: Let's go, (Captain)!
Come Home, My Queen: Scene 3
After fending off the thugs, the crew presses them for the whereabouts of Constance, but their lips remain sealed. However, all becomes clear when Constance herself makes an appearance—the thugs are actually protecting her and perceive the crew to be a threat.
After putting the thugs in their place, Claudia confronts them about Constance.
But their lips are tighter than expected.
Claudia: My, just how stubborn can you be?
Thug 1: Humph... Why don't you just go ahead and off us!
Dorothy: Their sense of unity is surprising for a bunch of thugs.
Thug 2: Wh-what's it to you... Everyone's got something they want to protect...
Vyrn: So what now? Doesn't look like we can get 'em to talk.
Lyria: Hm... This one's a—
???: Yikes, it's okay, everyone! There's no need to go so far to protect me...
Dorothy: Hm?
Claudia: Ah...
Thug 1: Don't come any closer, Connie! Get back underground!
???: Oh, I'm so sorry! You're all hurt because of me...
Thug 2: Hehe, nothin' to worry about! We'd gladly gives our lives for you.
Thug 2: We took you for one of those haughty rich folks when we first saw you in town; but then we found out how much of a crybaby you were...
Thug 2: And then when we learned you were on the run, we knew we had to protect you!
Lyria: Huh? Rich folk? On the run?
Dorothy: Yay, it's Queen Constance! I don't think she's noticed us. What should we do, Master (Captain)?
Vyrn: I was about to ask the same thing. Why are we the villains here?
Claudia: Queen Constance often runs away from the castle when her lack of confidence as a ruler overtakes her.
Claudia: Those men were stirred by an intense desire to protect her.
Dorothy: Ah, it's not too different from us then.
Claudia: Her innocence, unreliability, negativity, listlessness, tendency to cry, inability to think things through...
Claudia: Such an existence shines greater than the most valuable of treasures to those who lead a wayward life.
Vyrn: Hm... In any case I'm just glad she's okay. Now why don't we get this mess cleared up with—
Thug 1: Stand up, you ragamuffins! Connie still needs our protection!
Thug 2: Yaaargh! Muster up whatever you've got left in you!
Lyria: Ai-yai-yai, they look ready for another battle!
Vyrn: Geez, what's their deal?
Vyrn: Anyhoo, we'd better keep our guard up, (Captain)!
Come Home, My Queen: Scene 4
The crew pacifies the thugs once more, coming to a peaceful resolution when the relationship between the maids and Constance is made apparent to all. The trio thanks the crew for all their help and return home with the promise of ongoing assistance to (Captain) and company in their future endeavors.
After pacifying the thugs, the servants make clear their relationship with Constance, leading to a peaceful resolution.
Now that (Captain) and company take charge of Constance, they agree to deliver her home.
Constance: Oh, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry! It's all my fault that such a big misunderstanding happened...
Vyrn: Hey, don't worry about it. All's well that ends well, right?
Lyria: Yeah, the maids are really happy you're safe too. Right, Dorothy, Claudia?
Dorothy: No way, teehee. Can't you see how angry I am?
Constance: Oh no!
Claudia: You've set a new record this time with the length of your getaway and the lengths we had to go through to retrieve you.
Claudia: To match that, we must set up the most severe form of discipline ever upon our return to the castle.
Constance: No, no, no! Please, I won't run away again!
Constance: Probably...
Vyrn: Sigh, some people just never learn...
Lyria: Ahahahaha...
Lyria: It sure is going to get lonely though. I guess you two will be—
Dorothy: Yes, duty calls, so we'll have to leave the crew.
Dorothy: Thank you sooo much for everything! This whole adventure has been a blast!
Claudia: Indeed, but please rest assured that we will rush to your aid if the need should ever arise.
Claudia: Until you've reached the Island of the Astrals, we will gladly continue to support you.
Vyrn: Glad to hear it! It's been fun, you two!
Lyria: Mm-hm! And it'll continue to be fun!
Dorothy: Well then, Constance. Let's head in for some good ol' teatime.
Constance: Y-you'll do that for me, even though I've been such a terrible queen?
Claudia: A trashy master is still a master to us.
Claudia: You, who wandered into the slums and wept on that day, embody our future.
Dorothy: Mm-hm. That orphan we met in the slums makes for the best master!
Constance: Dorothy... Claudia...
Constance: Thank you! I'm looking forward to the tea!
Having found their true master, the two feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
With their thanks and promise of their continued support, the crew sets a course for the hometown of Constance and the maidens.