Scenario:Lamorak - What I Hold Dear

What I Hold Dear

Following Albanorum’s withdrawal, Lamorak visits his parents' grave and vows to rebuild Wales with his brothers. Upon later discovering that his room has been lovingly maintained in his absence, Lamorak contemplates how he can best serve his homeland in return.

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Lamorak: Mom... Father...

Lamorak kneels before his parents' graves, gently tracing the headstones with his fingers.

Lamorak: I'm home. Sorry for not coming to visit you sooner.

Despite the inevitable silence in response, he continues speaking in a gentle voice.

Lamorak: Things have been rough here in Wales, but the three of us brothers are all safe.

Wales had suffered a devastating blow as the result of an invasion by the mysterious nation of Albanorum.

This was compounded by an outbreak of domestic unrest that had seemingly been fostered over some time.

But Dalmore, a fellow member of their three-nation alliance, had sent in reinforcements.

And when the three brothers of the House of Wales vanquished a certain enigmatic knight, the Albanorum forces withdrew.

Lamorak: There's still so much we don't know about Albanorum. We have no clue why they even retreated...

Lamorak: But you can be sure I'm going to step up. Aggy, Percy, and I will work together to rebuild this country.

The wind sweeping through the graveyard still carries the smell of smoke, likely a remnant of the recent conflict.

Even so, Lamorak's expression is peaceful.

Lamorak: So you don't need to worry.

Lamorak: Isn't that right, Aggy? Percy?

Turning around, Lamorak calls out to his two brothers standing a short distance behind him.

Percival: ...

Aglovale: ...

Lamorak: Seriously, why are you two way over there?

Lamorak: You can come pay your respects with me, you know.

Percival: Well... we just thought you might want some time alone to speak to Mother and Father.

Aglovale: Unlike you, we visited here a few days ago.

Lamorak: Ahaha, right. That makes sense.

Aglovale: But, Lamorak..

Aglovale: You're the one who has been leaving white flowers at their graves all this time, aren't you?

Lamorak: Ahh, you caught me.

Aglovale: Knowing you, I assume you probably sent the flowers with magic instead of coming in person.

Lamorak: It's been three years already since Father passed away...

Lamorak: I heard in town that Percy's about to come home. Though, we won't be able to visit Father's grave together this year either...

Regret tinges Lamorak's words as he releases a bouquet of white flowers into the sky.

The flowers soar upwards until a magic gust of wind carries them into the castle grounds, gently placing them in front of a magnificent grave.

Lamorak: I mean, you have to remember I was a wanted member of the cabal.

Lamorak: It wasn't exactly easy for me to just drop by whenever.

Lamorak: But... that's not really an excuse, is it?

Aglovale: ...

Percival: Lamorak...

Aglovale: Have you truly left all of that cabal business behind?

Lamorak: ...
Yeah, I have.

Percival: So why were you with them, Lamorak?

Lamorak: At first, well... I approached Merlin to get revenge.

Lamorak: I'd learned that he was the one who provided information on the Otherworld to Father. That's how Father started devoting himself to reviving Mom...

Lamorak: But...

Percival: You no longer resent Merlin, do you?

Lamorak: Hm? Is that what you think?

Percival: Yes. I hear no hatred in your voice when you speak of him.

Percival: If anything, I hear empathy.

Lamorak: Empathy, huh... You might be right about that. I wish for that man to find salvation.

Lamorak: I know what it's like, after all.

Lamorak: The pain and sadness of being utterly powerless, as someone you love dies right before you...

Lamorak: I still can't help but worry about Merlin.

Lamorak: But I don't think there's really anything I can do for him right now.

Lamorak: (Not that he ever expected much from me anyway...)

Lamorak: Right now, I need to focus on Wales. This is my precious homeland, after all.

Lamorak: Though considering I learned next to nothing after all that wandering around causing trouble, I guess I'm not the most reliable...

Aglovale: Nonsense. There's no need for that sort of talk at this point.

Percival: That's right. Aglovale and I both owe you for helping us out of a dangerous situation.

Percival: We're very glad to have you back, Lamorak.

Aglovale: And since you've returned, we intend to make full use of you—be it through your skills, your magic, or that silver tongue of yours.

Lamorak: Sure thing! Just say the word, Aglovale!

Lamorak: Now then...

Brushing the dirt from his knees, Lamorak rises to his feet.

Lamorak: Shall we be on our way? I'm ready to be put to good use.

Percival: Are you sure you've had enough time?

Lamorak: Yeah, for now. Let's come again soon to tell Mom and Father all about Wales' big comeback!

Percival: Yes, absolutely. We'll make sure to return with good news!

Lamorak: I didn't have anything for them today, but next time I want to bring another bouquet—one even bigger than before.

Aglovale: Flowers are all well and good, but I'm certain you being here in person will give them the greatest joy of all.

Lamorak: You think so?

Lamorak: Actually, yeah... I'm sure you're right.

Lamorak: Mom, Father... Wait for us a little longer, okay?

Having paid their respects, the three brothers head back to Wales Castle. However...

Lamorak: Ah, I figured as much...

The intense fighting in the capital has reduced it to little more than a desolate ruin.

Lamorak: It's completely wrecked.

Lamorak: The piano too, huh...

Lamorak's face falls further at the sight of the shattered grand piano buried beneath the rubble.

Aglovale: The castle can be rebuilt. And we can buy another piano.

Lamorak: Yeah, I know...

Lamorak: (I guess I was too late.)

Lamorak: (I always thought my home would be there waiting for me when I returned... but it's gone now.)

Percival: Lamorak!

Having completed his inspection of the castle, Percival hurries back to the devastated great hall.

Percival: The west side seems to have escaped much of the damage. It's still mostly intact.

Aglovale: The west side...

Percival: Yes. So I think your room should be safe as well, Lamorak.

Lamorak: My room? But, I mean...

Lamorak: (I haven't set foot in there for ages, so it's bound to be...)

Lamorak: Incredible. It really is my room.

Stepping into his old room for the first time in years, Lamorak looks around in awe.

Lamorak: Everything's exactly the way it was. Someone's even been keeping it clean.

Lamorak: Haha. I guess it feels smaller now because I've gotten bigger.

He trails his hand over the back of a slightly-too-small chair before moving to his bookshelf.

Lamorak: Wow. All my books and notebooks are still here too.

Lamorak: (I never imagined everything would be just as I left it.)

Lamorak: That means...

Lamorak: (Aggy must have gone out of his way to look after my room for me.)

Lamorak: (It was close to my heart the whole time I was away, but it wouldn't have survived without someone to tend to it.)

Lamorak: Yeah... I get it now.

Lamorak: (There are others who cherish the things I care about just as much as I do.)

Lamorak: What a blessing that is.

Murmuring to himself, Lamorak gently brushes his hand over the cover of a book.

Lamorak: (My beloved country... and all the people I hold dear...)

Lamorak: (What can I possibly do for them?)

Lamorak: I have to find a way to give something back...

As he watches the sunlight from the window dance across his old notebooks, Lamorak's resolve burns brighter than ever.