Scenario:Florence - An Unchanging Smile
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An Unchanging Smile
In order to secure Gawain a seat at the union conference, the crew gathers signatures from Dalmore citizens. As they walk around, they are approached by a pair of siblings that Florence and Gawain had trained with the day before. The children express their desire to be defenders of the country, exactly like Florence and Gawain. Florence offers words of encouragement, bringing a smile to Gawain's face as he recalls the way she had done the same for him in the past.
At the sudden behest of an acquaintance, (Captain) and company travel to the Duchy of Dalmore.
Florence: Hello, (Captain). I'm sorry I haven't kept in touch.
Florence—head of Dalmore's sorcerers and older sister of the knight Gawain—has asked for the crew's help once more.
In the past, Florence approached the skyfarers while Gawain was on a journey to remove a curse—one she had placed.
She cast it in hopes of changing Gawain for the better. Gawain, through his journey with (Captain), learned the importance of kindness, and the curse was lifted.
Florence parted with the crew after the incident that freed him, content to leave Gawain in their capable hands for the time being.
She explains the current issue at hand: Dalmore is soon to meet with Wales and Feendrache to discuss the forming of an alliance.
For the union conference to go well, Gawain's presence will be needed. This is why Florence has come to collect him.
However, upon returning to Dalmore, the group finds that Gawain's past transgressions against his people are not so easily forgiven.
Archduke Hyland: I'm sorry, but I won't concede to any more than this. If he cannot do what I've asked in time and regain the trust of the people, then he will not join the talks.
Gawain: All I have to do is regain the trust of the people? Very well. I accept this task.
Gawain: But as Florence pointed out, I am not sure how I'll prove that I've succeeded. Trust is not a tangible object I can return with, after all.
Gawain: I ask that you be as clear about the conditions for success as you were with the deadline.
Archduke Hyland: All right. Then how about this? Gather the signatures of the citizens who will support you and return with that list.
Archduke Hyland: So long as you obtain those signatures, you shall be guaranteed a chair at the conference.
Gawain: It will. For the sake of Dalmore, I won't fail.
In order to convince people to sign for them, the crew head into town and take on requests. After a while, they are met with some success.
Vyrn: All right! We're startin' to get a few signatures!
Lyria: People are coming up to us more often compared to before.
Lyria: But a majority of the town still seems pretty afraid of Gawain...
Vyrn: Yeah, everyone with requests would rather go to Florence or (Captain) than talk to Gawain directly, huh?
Gawain: Can't expect them to come around so quickly. They probably see the old prideful commander when they look at me.
Lyria: Hmm... From the way they were acting, they looked like they wanted to speak to you. But you're so famous, maybe they were too nervous to?
Vyrn: Ain't Florence just as famous as he is, bein' the number one magic hotshot in the country and all? Nobody seems scared of her.
Gawain: That's because she's Florence. She's an everyday sight around here.
Gawain interrupts with an explanation.
Gawain: I don't think there's a single citizen who doesn't know her face by now. She's got a habit of walking around town when she's free and chatting with anyone she runs into.
Gawain: People appreciate that she keeps herself out of the castle and spends time with them as equals.
Gawain: Most importantly... She's a kind person, unlike me. Why would anyone be terrified of her?
Hearing the self-deprecation, (Captain) can't help but interject.
Choose: You're kind too, Gawain.
Lyria: That's right! You're just as nice as Florence is!
Lyria: Actually, don't you guys think Gawain resembles her a little bit?
Gawain: Huh? Don't kid yourself! I'm nothing like her!
Vyrn: That's right, Lyria. Look at him freak out and yell over a compliment. Bet you wouldn't see Florence do that!
Choose: You really love your sister, don't you?
Gawain: What? I'm just stating what I've observed, that's all.
Lyria: It's okay, Gawain. You don't have to be shy about it! I love Katalina a whole lot, and I'm proud to say it!
Vyrn: Haha, that's right! You should be more honest like Lyria!
Continue 1
Gawain: Cut it out! And you, Captain! Quit grinning like that!
Gawain: Sheesh... The point is, everyone in Dalmore knows that Florence is the sympathetic and compassionate type.
As soon as Gawain finishes, the group looks over to see Florence chatting lightheartedly with townspeople.
Lyria: I guess when we first met her, she had a mask on, so she looked kind of scary...
Lyria: But after being with her for a while, I can tell she's a really warm and friendly person!
Vyrn: She only cursed you to make sure His Majesty spared your life too.
Vyrn: With a big sis like that, you oughta show a little more appreciation! Right, (Captain)?
Gawain: You don't need to tell me. I know that better than anyone else.
Florence: I'm sorry to keep you all waiting! I have acquired our next request. Shall we be on our way?
Gawain: Sure, let's go. Come on, (Captain). That's enough idle chatter.
Time passes as the group completes one request and moves on to look for the next.
As they search, a pair of young children come rushing toward Florence.
Sister: There you are! Florence! Gawain!
Brother: Sorry to bug you, but can we talk for a second?
Florence: Ah, the two children we trained with earlier. Hello again.
Florence smiles kindly after recognizing the two newcomers.
Lyria: Oh! The ones who requested to learn magic and swordplay!
Vyrn: Gawain sure didn't hold back, huh? Surprised to see you show up again after that beat down!
Florence: Haha, it was a valiant effort to stand against him. What can we do for you, young knights?
Brother: We wanted to thank you again. Our mom baked some cookies, so we brought some over.
Brother: Hope you like them!
Nervously presenting a neatly wrapped package, the boy holds it up to Florence.
Florence: They look wonderful. Thank you very much. I can't wait to try them.
Sister: Is it okay if you help me study more magic sometime?
Sister: I wanna keep practicing so I can be a cool sorceress like you one day!
Brother: Hey, that's not fair! I wanna train too! And when I grow up I'll be a hero just like Gawain!
Florence: Now, now. It's good the both of you are so determined.
Florence settles the children down with a gentle smile.
Florence: We'd be happy to help you if you'd have us. Call whenever you like.
Gawain: Should you really promise that so easily? You know we're both busy people.
Gawain: And you, kid. Don't grow up like me. You'll make your parents cry with a goal like that.
Gawain: I'm sure they've told you the stories about me already.
Brother: Ah...
Hearing Gawain's harsh rebuke, the boy goes quiet.
Then he raises his head and meets Gawain's gaze without hesitation.
Brother: Mom and Dad did tell me you were scary.
Brother: But I know now that isn't true! You're super nice, and strong, and cool, and I definitely wanna be like you someday!
Gawain: Huh?
Brother: I know I'm still super weak, but you didn't hold back when we trained! You took me seriously!
Brother: That's why I know you actually care! If I was more like you, my parents would be proud of me!
The boy's vehement statement has Gawain blinking in bewilderment. After a moment, he heaves a sigh.
Gawain: I just don't understand children...
Florence: Hehe, I believe you can simply take his words at face value—
Florence: Proof that others are starting to believe in your reform and genuine wish to aid your country.
Florence crouches down to meet the children at eye level.
Florence: My brother and I will honor the respect you show and continue to protect this country.
Florence: While we do so, know that we eagerly await the day that you both join us in our duty.
Siblings: Yes, Ma'am!
Florence: A fitting response. You will become a fine knight, and you a fine sorceress.
Gawain: ...
Gawain: Mom and Dad were so cool today...
Gawain: I want to hurry up and get strong too! Then I'll protect our home just like them!
Florence: Hehe, there's no need to rush. I know you'll become this country's best knight one day.
Florence: And I'll become a sorceress powerful enough to watch your back! So let's work hard together.
Gawain: Okay!
Gawain: Heh. She hasn't changed a bit.
Lyria: ...?
Gawain sure looks happy about something.
Gawain sure looks happy about something.
Vyrn: Was he mutterin' about Florence? Makes me wonder what they were like as kids...
The captain, Lyria, and Vyrn whisper among themselves as they observe the rare expression on Gawain's face.
Together they imagine what knight and sorceress were like as young children in a distant past.