Scenario:Siegfried - Burdens of a Loyal Knight

Burdens of a Loyal Knight

(Captain) and company visit a dragon researcher, seeking his advice on how to stop Siegfried's transformation. They get a little sidetracked as Siegfried and the researcher reminisce about the days when King Josef ruled, but they eventually focus on the main topic at hand and discuss an herb they need to analyze Siegfried's blood.

---

When Siegfried was the leader of the Order of the Black Dragons, there was a researcher in Feendrache at the same time.

He studied the dragons of Feendrache and was regarded as an expert in the field, trusted by King Josef himself.

Perhaps he would know of a way to prevent these fits of dragon transformation.

With that hope in mind, Siegfried, (Captain), and the crew travel to the island where he has retired to.

Researcher: Yes, who is it?

Researcher: Oh my, if it isn't Siegfried! Look at how much you've grown!

Siegfried: I apologize for the sudden intrusion. You haven't changed one bit, I see.

Researcher: Come in, come in. I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival since your letter came.

Researcher: Please make yourself at home. The rest of you are also welcome to join us.

Lyria: Thank you very much.

Vyrn: I was expectin' someone scary when you mentioned he's famous, but he's actually pretty nice.

Siegfried: There should be nothing to worry about, as I wrote ahead to say you're simply a lizard. He won't try and study you.

Vyrn: I ain't no lizard! But, uh, thanks for worryin' about me, I guess.

Siegfried: Heh. Let's head inside.

The researcher serves everyone tea and spends a while chatting animatedly with Siegfried about old times.

Researcher: You know I left Feendrache right after the king was murdered.

Researcher: I can't even express the amount of relief I felt when I heard that the real culprit wasn't you.

Researcher: And now that we've had the chance to meet again, well, I'm absolutely tickled pink.

Siegfried: That incident truly put my comrades and kingdom through some hardships.

Siegfried: But thanks to them I was able to clear my name completely and join them in their battles once again.

Researcher: How wonderful! The people must be delighted to have a knight as amazing as you return.

Siegfried: Not quite. With Lancelot and the other knights that have since protected the country in my stead, I merely support them from time to time.

Vyrn: You two sure are havin' a grand ol' time. How did you meet anyways?

Researcher: Well, as unexpected as it may sound, I used to give the occasional advice to the knights.

Siegfried: His extensive knowledge on dragons and other monsters in Feendrache was indispensable.

Siegfried: If there was anything out of the ordinary regarding the monsters, he would assist in planning the corresponding defense of the people.

Siegfried: I joined the knights around the same time he began to help us, and since then I've been saved by his guidance countless times.

Researcher: Heh heh heh, I still remember what you were like back then.

Researcher: I believe it was ten years ago, give or take.

Researcher: You were such a boorish young man, completely unwilling to get along with others. I even doubted that you were truly a knight.

Lyria: So even someone like Siegfried had that kind of youth.

Siegfried: It's quite embarrassing to remember how I used to be. You were right to doubt my knighthood at the time.

Researcher: At the time, perhaps. But then you worked your way up and became captain, and even now you're still quite the outstanding knight.

Researcher: From the way you carry yourself, I can tell how much effort you've spent on your own betterment.

Siegfried: I would have been nothing without King Josef, so the credit really goes to him.

Researcher: King Josef, hmm?

Researcher: Seeing you again takes me back to when he ruled over Feendrache.

Siegfried: A fine king widely known for his great wisdom. I am proud to have served under his rule.

They take a moment of silence and nod at one another, paying respect to the great ruler's memory.

Siegfried: Well, I hate to take up more of your time, but could I discuss something else with you?

Researcher: Oh, that's right. I apologize for getting so off track.

Researcher: What did you come to discuss? You wrote of some problem involving Fafnir, but the letter wasn't quite clear what that problem was.

Siegfried begins to give a general explanation about what has happened to his body.

Researcher: Preposterous! How could such a thing happen to you!

Lyria: You've never heard of this happening before?

Researcher: Unfortunately this is the first I've heard of it.

Researcher: However, this is not the first instance of a dragon's life force exceeding our expectations.

Researcher: I would not be surprised to find it affecting a person's body, given the right circumstances.

Siegfried: So it is an isolated case after all. I expected this much, but I had hoped otherwise...

Researcher: Siegfried, would you allow me to run a few tests on your blood?

Researcher: Before a solution can be found, I believe the best course of action is to determine the current state of your body.

Siegfried: I shall procure anything you need. Thank you for your help.

Researcher: In that case, could I ask you to gather a few special herbs I need to study dragon components?

Researcher: I'm afraid they only grow where monsters make their dens, otherwise I'd get it myself.

Vyrn: You can leave that to us! Those monsters won't stand a chance!

Siegfried: You're already going out of your way for my sake. This is the least I can do, and I would be happy to be of use.

Researcher: Still, I appreciate it. Let me just grab the map where I've marked their growing locations.

Once Siegfried's blood is collected, (Captain) and the crew pull out their map and set out.

Burdens of a Loyal Knight: Scene 2

As (Captain) and company head out in search of the herb, Siegfried shares a story about the ceremony held long ago in honor of his appointment as captain of the Order of the Black Dragons. Following that story, he continues with another tale which shows a different side to the King Josef that everyone knew and loved.

---

Lyria: According to the map, we should follow this path... here?

Vyrn: (Captain) says we should turn right.
Which I hope is right, 'cause this path is lookin' dicey enough without us goin' the wrong way...

Siegfried: I was more worried when he mentioned the herbs were special like they weren't going to be growing on this island.

(Captain) and crew follow the map and walk along the hazardous mountain path.

Lyria: I've been wondering about something for a while now.

Lyria: What was King Josef like? Do you have any stories about him?

Vyrn: He's gotta be different than the fatherly type of person the current king is, right? I'm definitely interested in hearin' about him!

Siegfried: If you're fine with a storyteller like me, then I'd be happy to share.

Siegfried: King Josef was, as you've already guessed, a very strict man.

Siegfried: He never let anyone close and focused only on what was ahead. Perhaps the word "aloof" would have described him perfectly.

With that introduction, Siegfried begins to tell them about a ceremony that was once held for Feendrache's people.

King Josef: Loyal subjects of Feendrache, thank you all for joining me at the castle.

King Josef: I have an important announcement to make today. Please listen carefully to what I am about to say.

King Josef: Our royal knights have finally sealed away the menace that has terrorized us for far too long—the dragon Fafnir.

King Josef: Rejoice, for our days shall no longer be shrouded in fear! Today we are triumphant!

Citizen 1: Fafnir was sealed?

Citizen 2: No way! How in the world did they deal with that powerful beast?

The people fall into stunned silence at this revelation before breaking into excited murmurs.

King Josef: I have one more announcement to make.

King Josef: In commemoration of this great achievement, the Royal Knights of Feendrache shall be renamed to the Order of the Black Dragons.

King Josef: And to lead them we have appointed a worthy knight.

King Josef: Siegfried, if you will step to the front.

Siegfried: Yes, Your Majesty!

King Josef: Siegfried assisted greatly in the sealing of Fafnir without any regard to his own safety.

King Josef: His innate strength and will are more than enough to fill this position of leadership.

King Josef: Thus I beseech you, Siegfried, to take up this mantle and guide our great country to prosperity!

Siegfried: There could be no greater honor! I pledge myself with pride!

King Josef: Loyal subjects, let us celebrate our new captain!

King Josef: May he protect Feendrache as its sword and shield, and remain a pillar of strength and pride!

Citizen 1: Heck yeah, Captain Siegfried!

Citizen 2: Nothing can stop our country now!

Siegfried: ...

Siegfried's expression tightens as he gazes over the celebrating citizens.

They cheer with envy in their eyes for him and their wise, aloof king.

Their shouting is music to his ears, and he stands a little taller, reflecting on the joyous honor of being able to serve the country he loves and respects.

Siegfried: That's how I remember it going at least.

Lyria: He sounds like he was an amazing king. I almost can't believe he was King Carl's brother.

Siegfried: I should mention that this is how he appeared in public. In private he was a cheerful and friendly man.

Vyrn: Really? Lancelot and the other guys never mentioned anythin' like that.

Siegfried: Of course he always remained collected like a king should be in front of his subjects.

Siegfried: But in front of an eccentric fellow like myself, he was sometimes able to show his other sides.

Siegfried: You know, we actually had a conversation about this that night.

He begins to speak once more, a nostalgic smile showing as he does.

Burdens of a Loyal Knight: Scene 3

Starting his tale, Siegfried speaks of a night during which he went on a walk in the gardens with King Josef and showed him how to approach a small wind rabbit that had wandered inside the castle grounds. He finishes speaking right as they reach the herb's growing location.

---

Siegfried: Your Majesty, I apologize for my tardiness.

King Josef: No need, no need. I'm the one who called you out here.

King Josef: We should hurry though, so let's be on our way.

The night of his appointment as captain, Siegfried is called to escort King Josef for an evening stroll.

They do not travel past the castle's walls, instead opting for the safety of the castle gardens.

However, Siegfried's back is ramrod straight as he attempts to be the perfect guard, fretting over his ability to do so.

Siegfried: ...

King Josef: There's no need to be so stiff. No one else is here aside from the two of us.

Siegfried: But... you were the one who said that a knight should always act as if someone is watching them.

King Josef: Heh, well let's just call this garden a special place where you don't have to.

King Josef: We are free to enjoy ourselves for a fleeting moment here where we can attempt to forget our troubles and obligations.

His eyes are at peace, a complete contrast from the stern focus he displayed earlier in the day.

Siegfried: Very well, I will also attempt the same.

The knight pulls at his collar and loosens it up.

King Josef: Siegfried, as you very well know, I am the king at all times. This is a mantle I can't put down, not until another person succeeds me.

King Josef: But there are times when I need a moment to remember who I am as a person, not a king.

King Josef: Otherwise I might just break at the pressure from continuously acting as an almighty leader forged by an iron will and endless wisdom.

King Josef: Enjoying the evening breeze and plant life of this garden every so often is enough to remind myself that I am but one single person.

Siegfried: ...

Josef seems to be speaking more to himself than giving any advice in particular, but Siegfried listens quietly nonetheless.

Wind Rabbit: ...

Some nearby shrubbery unexpectedly rustles, and a single wind rabbit hops out.

King Josef: A wild wind rabbit? Looks like you've wandered a long way from home, my friend.

King Josef: Come here now. I promise I won't hurt you. Just hop on over.

Wind Rabbit: Squeak?

When Josef approaches with his hand extended, the rabbit scurries away in fright and hides in the bush it came from.

King Josef: Hmm. It seems this is out of my area of expertise.

King Josef: Though I can't say I'm surprised. My brother was always better at gaining the trust and love of animals and children.

King Josef: It appears my form instills fear no matter who I face, but there's nothing that can be done about it.

Siegfried: Heh, so even Your Majesty worries about such things.

King Josef: Of course. I've worried about it since I was young, but that's a secret that doesn't leave this garden.

Siegfried: If I may offer a word. Wind rabbits are small creatures, and like many other small creatures, they are extremely wary of anything bigger than themselves.

Siegfried: You should crouch down and appear harmless while you wait for any opposition to your approach.

King Josef: I see. Like this?

Siegfried: It's also important not to stare either, as that might make you seem like a predator. Perhaps focus your gaze slightly to the side.

King Josef: O-oh, all right, gaze a little to the side then.

Under Siegfried's guidance, Josef crouches to the ground and waits quietly.

Wind Rabbit: ...?

King Josef: ...

Wind Rabbit: ...

King Josef: ...!

Wind Rabbit: Squeak...

King Josef: Ah! It hid again.

King Josef: Sigh. What did I do wrong?

Siegfried: If you'll excuse me again, Your Majesty. You need to relax a bit more.

Siegfried: If you aren't relaxed, then the rabbit won't relax its guard either.

Siegfried: Any hint of danger is enough to scare it away, so keeping a level head is key.

Siegfried crouches down next to Josef and calmly reaches his hand out.

Siegfried: Come here.

Wind Rabbit: ...

Siegfried: Heh, good rabbit. You're a friendly one.

King Josef: Well now... This is quite surprising.

King Josef: For someone so boorish and unaccustomed to working with others, you are unexpectedly skilled at gaining the trust of those weaker than you.

Siegfried: I don't believe I've done anything out of the ordinary. Knowing the behavior and characteristics of monsters is essential when facing them in battle.

Siegfried: Naturally those studies extended to small monsters too. That's all.

King Josef: You have quite an interesting view of things.

King Josef: Quite fitting for an eccentric fellow like yourself.

Siegfried: Eccentric?

Siegfried: Well, putting that aside, this is a good chance to get that rabbit to warm up to you, Your Majesty. Why don't we try again?

King Josef: Heh, I'm sure I'll accomplish it in no time with such a reliable teacher.

Lyria: It's adorable that he tried so hard to get the wind rabbit to like him!

Siegfried: I found that aspect of him charming as well, though I have to wonder if he worried only because he was such a dignified ruler.

Vyrn: I bet Lancelot and the other guys'll be so surprised when they get a load of this story! They're gonna be so jealous we heard it first, (Captain)!

Siegfried: Now then, it seems we've arrived in the time it took to share those stories.

He points at their destination as monsters prowl in front of the prize.

Vyrn: Let's get this over with and knock 'em down!

Siegfried: Yes, let's!

Burdens of a Loyal Knight: Scene 4

They return with the herb in hand and start the blood analysis. Siegfried visits the researcher's room later that evening and, upon receiving the result of the analysis, learns that the transformation of his body is steadily progressing. Before he can spiral downward into worry, he is reassured by the knowledge that his friends will stay by his side throughout this ordeal.

---

Herbs in hand, (Captain) and the crew return to the researcher.

The blood analysis will take most of the night to finish, leaving the crew to rest in the researcher's home as they wait.

Late into the evening, Siegfried visits the researcher while the chirping crickets accompany his footsteps.

Siegfried: I apologize again for making you do so much work. Is there anything I can do to help?

Researcher: Oh, Siegfried! You're still awake?

Siegfried: I merely lost track of time maintaining my sword, so please don't worry that you'll be keeping me up.

Siegfried: (Captain) and the others have already been put to bed too. I told them to go to sleep first.

Researcher: Heh heh, I see, I see.

Researcher: You've got some good timing then. Would you like to discuss the results that just came out?

Siegfried: I would greatly appreciate it if we could.

He sits down in a nearby chair and turns to the elderly man.

Researcher: From what I've gathered, it seems your suspicions are correct.

Researcher: Your blood contains dragon cells, and the number of these cells are steadily increasing over time.

Researcher: I believe eventually your Human cells will be completely consumed by dragon cells.

Siegfried: So my body is no longer purely Human.

Siegfried: And eventually it won't be Human at all.

Researcher: As much as it pains me to say it, but yes.

Researcher: There is some good news, however. While your body did transform a few days ago, and you lost control, I don't see any signs of that happening again soon.

Researcher: No rapid changes should occur at all, actually, if these blood results are correct.

Researcher: Whatever magic that caused the dragon cells to activate was cleared away by the alma you drank.

Researcher: Good thinking there, by the way. I can't think of anything better you could have done in that situation.

Siegfried: I'll have to properly thank the ones who gave me the alma.

Siegfried: From the way you phrased your explanation though, I assume more alma won't rid me of this problem.

Researcher: Indeed. Alma may be a powerful medicine, but the most it can do is control aging and heal sicknesses.

Researcher: These dragon cells are already a part of you too, so I would advise against forcefully removing them.

Researcher: That's why if you drank more alma, it might not give you the desired result.

Siegfried: ...

Researcher: I'm sorry that I don't have better news to share.

Siegfried: Please don't apologize. I'm grateful you shared the whole truth.

Siegfried: For the time being, just knowing that I can live without fear of succumbing to a sudden transformation is enough.

His gentle expression never changing, he lowers his head into a deep bow.

Researcher: I have pills here made from an herb known to repel dragons.

Researcher: It's been rumored to suppress dragon magic as well. Maybe it might help slow the change in your cells.

Researcher: Though it's nothing but a shot in the dark, I hope it helps.

Siegfried: Did you go out of your way to get this? Thank you, I'll give it a try.

Researcher: I'll contact some other researchers in the meantime and see if they don't have any information to share.

Researcher: And if anything else changes, don't hesitate to see me again. I'd be more than happy to help.

The researcher tidies up his workspace and excuses himself, leaving first to finally turn in for the night.

Siegfried: ...

Now alone in the room, Siegfried folds his arms over his chest and heaves a sigh, his expression grim.

Siegfried: (I expected this. I was prepared to expect this.)

Siegfried: (The price to pay for a monstrous power is my humanity.)

Siegfried: (But this means I've been reduced to a threat to my own country.)

Siegfried: (How can I uphold my duty to the king now?)

King Josef: Siegfried.

King Josef: We promoted you to captain solely based on Gunther's recommendation, but it appears that we weren't mistaken in our decision.

King Josef: I have every bit of confidence you will prove to be the glorious, guiding sword of our people and the stout shield to protect our country.

King Josef: It will be exciting to see what you do from now on. You will do great things, Siegfried.

Siegfried: (He said that to me that night.)

Siegfried: (Though with my body like this, do I even have the capabilities to keep trying?)

Vyrn: Well, we're not sayin' that it's impossible to figure it out on your own, but don't feel pressured to join us if you don't wanna.

Vyrn: On the other hand, don't feel like you're imposin' either. We've known each other long enough, and we'd love to have you aboard!

Lyria: We definitely want to do what we can for you! Right, (Captain)?

Siegfried: ...

The tight, worried tension in his furrowed brows finally vanishes.

Siegfried: (No, for the sake of King Josef and all my allies, I can't give up. I must find a way to fix this.)

Siegfried: (Before I do anything else, I'll meet with (Captain) and the others in the morning and let them know what I've learned tonight.)

He unfolds his arms and slowly stands.

A bit of worry still lingers in his mind. However, knowing there are kind friends watching after him puts the aloof knight at ease.