Scenario:Helel ben Shalem - Ancient Gift
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Ancient Gift
Picking up the scarf, Shalem sees a flashback of her travels with a certain adventurer's party from the time of creation. One member, the priestess, had been knitting this very scarf to give to her. After prompting from Lyria, Shalem decides to try it on.
The present addressed to the Dusk Speaker—Shalem—has been revealed: a white, handmade scarf.
Although (Captain) and the crew are surprised, they're happy that she received a gift.
Lyria: Isn't this wonderful! You got a present!
Vyrn: Never woulda guessed there'd already be one here for ya...
Santa Claus: Hohoho... There's always a present for a child who's been good.
Lyria: Hey, (Captain). Do you think this is from the time of creation?
(Captain) gives a small nod in response.
Besides the crew, only one group of mortals would have sent Shalem a present.
The adventurer and friends from the time of creation.
Shalem: ...
Lyria: Shalem! Hey, what's wrong!
The sound of the blizzard blows into the cave, bouncing off the rocky walls.
Shalem: You lot are pitiful. Actually, no, I don't even have pity for you.
Shalem: Those villagers warned you about a blizzard coming before we starting climbing. But oh, we'll be fine, you said.
Shalem: And look what that got you. Knuckleheads.
The Dusk Speaker's cold gaze lands on the far corner of the cave where the adventurer and company are huddled together.
Instead of retorts, however, chattering teeth is the only sound they can make.
Shalem: Try being more like me, why don't you? Look, this cold is nothing.
Shalem: Then again, if just trying was good enough, you wouldn't be in this mess. Heh.
A voice from behind tells the Dusk Speaker to hush already—it belongs to another member of the adventurer's group, the priestess.
Shalem: Priestess? Ah, perhaps you've finished your little project?
The priestess smiles, nods, and passes a white cloth of some sort to all of her freezing friends.
Seeing the items' fluffy knit and cute adornments, the group chuckle, commenting on how it doesn't match their ragged appearances at all.
Shalem: I see, so you stitched an elemental factor into these. Yes, that'd be enough to keep the whole body warm.
Shalem: Hehe, looks like you all owe the priestess some thanks. Hop to it.
Though rolling their eyes at the Dusk Speaker, the group does convey their appreciation to the priestess.
Glad to have helped, the priestess returns to her rocky seat once more.
Shalem: You're not done knitting? Aha, you forgot to make your own, didn't you? You always are that one step away from perfect.
The priestess points to the scarf she's already wearing.
Shalem: Oh. You did have one. What then, are you just knitting another for kicks?
You could say that, the priestess replies with a gentle grin before continuing.
Shalem: ...
It's... for me?
It's... for me?
Lyria: —lem! Shalem!
Shalem: Haaah...
Vyrn: Hey, are you okay! As soon as you picked up that scarf, you started zoning out...
Shalem: ...
I had another flashback.
I had another flashback.
Lyria: Then this scarf must really be from them!
Shalem: Yes... The adventurer's friend, the priestess, was making this...
Vyrn: So it is from the time of creation? Then maybe Gramps here knows something!
Santa Claus: My apologies... It's been such a long time that my memory has become very fuzzy...
Santa Claus: If only I'd thought to write something down at the time, perhaps I could have been of more help.
Shalem: It's fine. The present was delivered. That already is in the realm of miracle.
Shalem: Even I'm not greedy enough to ask for more.
As Shalem speaks, her grip tightens around the scarf.
Lyria: Shalem, since your friend made this for you, why don't you try putting it on?
Shalem: Right, I suppose I should. Even if the cold is nothing to me.
Shalem: Wait here.
Vyrn: Why's she leaving just to put on a scarf?
Lyria: Vyrn! There's more to fashion than just putting one thing on!
Santa Claus: Hohoho... That's right Lyria, there certainly is.
The light conversation continues as they patiently await Shalem's return.
Ancient Gift: Scene 2
Shalem returns with a coordinated outfit to match the scarf. Satisfied with the crew's reactions, she invites (Captain) on a holiday date. Walking together through the falling snow, Shalem offers (Captain) a touch of the scarf—technically an ancient relic—just as another of her lost memories resurfaces.
Shalem: Ta-daaa!
Lyria: Wow! It's so cute!
Shalem: Hehe, of course. It's a perfect blend of the modest and the sexual. Now, continue to laud me.
Vyrn: I agree your outfit looks great, but where'd ya get all those other pieces?
Shalem: I always have suitable attire for the season on hand. Just like with summer and Valentine's Day.
Lyria: You always do impress! I love the way you coordinated the scarf with the rest of the outfit!
Shalem: And, of course, what do you think about this, (Captain)?
Shalem: Exactly. Such words of praise suit me perfectly.
Shalem: But, it's not nearly enough. More is needed to satisfy me.
Choose: It's a bit... revealing...
Shalem: Hmm... And where exactly do you find it to be revealing?
Shalem: Hehe, you said it yourself, (Captain). Now's not the time to hesitate.
Shalem: Come, (Captain). Tell me all your thoughts.
Continue 1
As Shalem draws closer, (Captain)'s eyes begin sliding to the side.
Shalem: Hehe. All right, we can save this inquisition for another time.
Shalem: In exchange—it's holiday date time, (Captain).
Lyria: A d-date?
Shalem: I've already gotten dressed. It would be such a waste to not go out.
Shalem: Especially on the holy night, this era's biggest date for going on a hot date.
Lyria: U-um, I'm not exactly sure about that...
Shalem: No need to fret. You and Vyrn will each get a date with me later.
Vyrn: That's not what we're talking about—
Shalem: But right now, it's (Captain)'s turn. There's no getting off this hook.
Shalem takes the captain's hand.
Shalem: We're off.
With Shalem's white scarf flowing behind them, the pair fly out the door and toward the snow-covered town.
It's cold outside. Each breath blown into (Captain)'s cupped hands for warmth escapes as plumes of stark white.
The warning Santa Claus gave them on the way out seems accurate; it's a night for a blizzard.
Shalem: I see you're weak to the cold as well, (Captain). Even after all these years, you mortals haven't changed.
Shalem: But this is a date. You have permission to warm your hand with mine.
Shalem: What, there's nothing lewd about holding hands, is there?
Shalem: ...
Hm, fine. Just don't complain to me if you freeze.
Hm, fine. Just don't complain to me if you freeze.
Seeing Shalem in such a good mood, (Captain) can't help but grin.
Choose: I'm glad you got that present.
Shalem: Indeed. Oh, speaking of. Try feeling it: it's warm.
Shalem: How often do you see lost crafts from the time of creation? It'll make for a great story, I'm sure—
Shalem: Huh?
Shalem's voice drops to a mumble as she holds onto the scarf.
Panicking, (Captain) tries to grab her attention as she freezes up.
But without warning, Shalem's consciousness travels back in time once more.
Ancient Gift: Scene 3
Once again, Shalem watches the priestess knitting. Even as Shalem insists the cold doesn't bother her, the priestess continues, saying she wants Shalem's future friends to not worry over her. Afterward, Shalem asks (Captain) if she looks warm, then responds to the answer by sharing the scarf—and a reminder that the captain still owes her this year's present.
Shalem: ...
It's... for me?
It's... for me?
The priestess looks back at the Dusk Speaker's widened eyes and nods.
Shalem: What moves you to that? I'm not lying about the cold meaning nothing to me. Not that I appreciate being rained or snowed on...
If you go on a winter walk with someone, the priestess explains without pausing her knitting, it's only natural to worry if they seem underdressed for the weather.
Shalem: This outfit of mine is ideal for showing off my appeal. Adding to it would only get in the way, no?
Shalem: Besides, who is going to worry? Not those louts over there, surely.
The thawing group chime in with agreement—at the moment, they would relish a chance to be on the other end of her earlier scolding.
The priestess casts them a sharp look, and they quiet down. The adventurer, hands busy starting a campfire, softly adds to the priestess's explanation.
There's no reason to assume the Dusk Speaker won't ever make new friends outside this group, so why not be prepared?
Shalem: Huh? Don't you start acting like the priestess too. First of all, the reason why I'm even here is...
Despite her protests, the others all join in, clearly sharing the adventurer and priestess's opinion.
Shalem: I... didn't know I could be this confused. You've all one-upped yourselves today.
Shalem: Wait, I get it. Your brains are all just frozen. Adventurer, hurry up with that fire before it's too late.
The adventurer grins and works faster.
Shalem: I'll make sure to finish this in time for you to walk with your new friends, worry free.
The Dusk Speaker gathers with the others around the pile of wood that has yet to catch on fire.
As the priestess watches fondly from behind, words quietly tumble out of her mouth.
Priestess: I will make sure you'll be able to walk with your new friends.
Shalem: Ahh...
(Captain) breathes a sigh of relief upon seeing Shalem return to normal.
Shalem: Sorry. It was another flashback.
Shalem: Presumably, the elements woven into this—preserved from the time of creation—stimulated something that triggered my memories...
Shalem: And I also thought I heard a voice at the end...
Shalem: But it wasn't clear, so I'm not entirely sure.
Shalem: It makes me think, though, that maybe I've truly forgotten the voices of my friends...
Shalem: Don't look at me with such pitiful eyes, (Captain).
Shalem: Instead, you should rejoice. I was able to recover a part of my memories.
Choose: But you were able to remember something.
Shalem: True, that I was. Good attitude.
Shalem: This is, I'm sure, one step closer to finding out how that journey ended. Today's a happy day.
Continue 1
Acting again like her usual self, Shalem's words are cheerful.
But the act leaves (Captain) unconvinced and uncertain how to help.
Shalem: ...
(Captain). I raise to thee a question.
(Captain). I raise to thee a question.
Shalem: Do I look warm to you?
Whiplashed between the sudden pomp of the setup and the utterly mundane question it led to, (Captain) simply offers a confused nod.
Shalem: I see... Hehe, then I'll do something special for you.
Shalem: Let's share this, (Captain).
Shalem takes off the scarf and wraps half of it around (Captain)'s neck and half around her own.
Shalem: To touch a relic from the time of creation itself—how is it?
The scarf is warm, just like Shalem herself.
Feeling slightly flustered and red in the face, (Captain) can't do anything but nod.
Shalem: Hehe.
Shalem: Shall we walk for a bit more?
Shalem: You're twice, no, thrice as warm now. This cold should be nothing to you.
Shalem: We did get off track for a while, so I'll remind you.
Shalem: A member of your crew—one Helel ben Shalem—is still owed this year's present.
Shalem: And since I can hardly ask Santa Claus for it now, the duty falls on you.
Shalem: Now, come. Let not this snowy night deter us from bringing salvation to whatever poor spice store is open tonight.
In pursuit of that grandiosely modest goal, two small shadows make their way through the freezing white landscape.
Yet their path is a warm one, lit by smiles and decorated with laughter, as they enjoy this holiday night together.