Tefnut's Melancholy
(Captain) and company arrive at Auguste for a long-awaited vacation when they spot Tefnut on the beach lost in thought. Sensing fatigue from the Diviner, Lyria invites her to join them for a meal at a beach house. There, Tefnut confesses to the others that she has recently been feeling restless.
Some time has passed since the sumo warriors fought passionately against one another at the Humvar Islands.
Putting the banzuke fiasco behind them, (Captain) and company are now ready to settle down for a vacation.
Lyria: A lot's happened recently, but I'm so glad we can finally take a break!
Vyrn: I mean, everything's over, so I'd say it's time to kick back and relax!
Lyria: Hehe. How do you want to spend our time off this year?
Vyrn: Some of our friends got here before us, right? How 'bout we go see what they've been up to?
Lyria: That's a great idea! There's always something new to do in Auguste, after all!
- Let's see if anyone's on the beach.
Choose: Let's see if anyone's on the beach.The three walk around in hopes of finding some familiar faces to talk to.
Tefnut: ...
Lyria: Oh! Is that Tefnut?
Vyrn: It sure is. Is it just me or does she look kinda down?
Lyria: She does... She seemed to be having a lot of fun working as the matron though.
Vyrn: Maybe she's burnt out from bein' the matron for so long—which wasn't all that long, to be honest.
Tefnut: Correct. I am indeed rather fatigued.
Vyrn: Whoa!
Tefnut: I apologize for frightening you. My eyes met with the singularity's, you see, so I thought to come and offer my greetings.
Vyrn: Teleportin' right behind someone's not exactly the best way to do it...
Tefnut: But walking can get rather tiring, don't you think?
Lyria: Ahaha... By the way, are you here by yourself, Tefnut?
Tefnut: Yes. The merfolk king has been freed, after all. Oh yes—how are Raiden and the rest?
Vyrn: They're workin' hard with Kyuta and the others at the sumo classes.
Lyria: Seofon, Narmaya, and Icarus are back to their usual selves too!
Tefnut: I see... I'm glad to hear that. It was worth all the effort then.
Vyrn: (And how much effort was that?)
Lyria: Speaking of which, where's Bennu?
Tefnut: He's returned to normal and already left for another place.
Tefnut: I'm sure he will show himself to all of you again at some point. When the time comes, I hope you'll give him a warm welcome.
Vyrn: Right... You've sure got your head on your shoulders for these kinda situations.
Tefnut: Getting things ready ahead of time will create less work for later.
Tefnut: Regretting something that wasn't said or done earlier will only make things harder for myself.
- Is that why you came over to say hi?
Choose: Is that why you came over to say hi?Tefnut: You are correct. Well, I was also curious to see how all of you were faring.
Tefnut: Now I can rest in peace without needing to worry. If you'll excuse me...
Lyria: Oh, wait! It's not every day that we see each other, so... would you like to stay and have a meal with us?
Tefnut: A meal?
Lyria: Yes! But if you feel that it'll tire you out, you don't have to feel obliged to join us...
Tefnut: We've had chanko together before. A meal with all of you shouldn't be tiring in the least.
Vyrn: You ate so fast back then... Not sure we can actually say we've eaten together.
Tefnut: Can I leave picking the restaurant to you?
Lyria: O-of course!
Lyria: Um, give us a minute to decide!
Lyria takes (Captain) and Vyrn over to where a map of the beach is posted.
Lyria: I'm sorry... I should've asked both of you before deciding on today's plan.
Vyrn: It's all good. What made you wanna suddenly invite Tefnut out for food though?
Lyria: When I saw her by herself earlier, something bothered me.
Lyria: She didn't look tired necessarily, but there was something different about her. Like her aura...
Vyrn: I don't really get it, but oh well. I'm gettin' hungry, so let's go ahead and find a place to eat!
The three choose a beach house they are familiar with and take Tefnut to it.
Tefnut: A beach house? Come to think of it, I haven't stepped foot into one since arriving here.
Tefnut: This establishment is calm and much quieter than some other places. I quite like it here.
Lyria: I'm glad to hear that! The food's delicious too!
Vyrn: So what made you come to Auguste anyway?
Vyrn: If you don't like noisy places, this isn't the best place to be...
Tefnut: It's true that bustling areas are not my forte, but I don't hate them.
Tefnut: Even before the Festival of Falling Flame, I've always liked visiting different locations across the skies while pursuing the Phoenix.
Tefnut: I had come to Auguste a number of times. It feels nice to spend time in a land blessed with water.
Tefnut: It's perfect for rejuvenating oneself.
Lyria: Were you... rejuvenating for the Festival of Falling Flame?
Tefnut: Yes. The festival was a prime opportunity to fulfill our goal, after all. I worked hard for it and did my part.
Tefnut: A chance like that doesn't come often, so it was important to restore my strength to prepare for it.
Tefnut: They say good things come to those who wait. That's why I thought to bring myself to Auguste, where I can simply do nothing and relax.
Tefnut: Rolling around in bed for the entire day and idling my time away... Those were truly wonderful days.
Tefnut: And even if I wore light clothing like this, no one would look at me twice.
Vyrn: So you were just hidin' in your room in your swimsuit.
Tefnut: Indeed. If I didn't go out, I would not need to succumb to the boisterous activity of Auguste.
Vyrn: Wow... Can't believe you went from bein' a shut-in to a matron.
Lyria: The merfolk king asked you himself, right? Did he happen to see you when you were out on an errand?
Tefnut: Um, well, yes...
Seeing Tefnut waver, Lyria decides to cut straight to the chase.
Lyria: You see, Tefnut... When I saw you earlier, you seemed a little different.
Lyria: I was curious, and that's why I asked you to join us for a meal. Um... If there's anything we can help you with, please let us know!
Tefnut: I appreciate the concern. But...
Vyrn: All the Diviners are workin' on their own, right?
Vyrn: We're here if you need someone to talk to. Keepin' it all in's only gonna make you more and more exhausted, ya know.
- You took good care of us. Now it's our turn!
- We became friends at the festival, right?
Choose: You took good care of us. Now it's our turn!Vyrn: Did she? Pretty sure Raziel was the one who cooked most of the chanko...
Lyria: She, um... introduced us to Bennu!
Tefnut: So you want to repay me? You certainly have a strong sense of responsibility.
Vyrn: (Let's just keep it at that.)
Choose: We became friends at the festival, right?Tefnut: I recall having tried to kill you.
Vyrn: What (Captain)'s tryin' to say is, all of that's behind us now.
Vyrn: So you don't hafta hold back!
Tefnut: Rather strange one, aren't you?
Continue 1Tefnut lowers her gaze briefly before resigning to tell her story.
Tefnut: You see, lately... I've been finding it difficult to enjoy lazing around and doing nothing.
Lyria & Vyrn: Wha?
The crew stares at the Diviner, unsure of how to respond.
Tefnut's expression remains listless as she continues brooding over her very much genuine concern.
The Ultimate Cure
Tefnut explains to the crew that she finds herself overcome with an unsettling feeling whenever she spends her time doing nothing. The Diviner realizes that she was most at peace while working as the matron before. Determined to help Tefnut find a hobby that can occupy her time but not exhaust her, (Captain) and company decide to head out to the beach to ask other crew members for advice.
Tefnut: You see, lately... I've been finding it difficult to enjoy lazing around and doing nothing.
(Captain) and the others are taken aback by Tefnut's unexpected confession.
But seeing how serious their friend is, Lyria pushes her confusion aside in the meantime.
Lyria: Um, what about it are you finding difficult? Is it... boring?
Tefnut: Boring? Hm... No, it feels more than being simply bored.
Tefnut: Whenever I roll around on the bed in my room, I almost hear someone whispering in my head asking if this is really how I want to live.
Tefnut: With that question lingering in my mind, I find myself unsettled and no longer satisfied burrowing inside my covers.
Vyrn: I'm not sure what to make of that, but it sounds kinda serious... You sure you're not sick?
Tefnut: I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm ill. While it is my first time experiencing this...
Tefnut: I can distract myself by going outside, among other methods.
Tefnut: I'll admit it's tiring to walk, and the sun drains my energy as well, but it's still better than staying inside my room.
Lyria: Ah! So you were out taking a walk when the merfolk king came to talk to you.
Tefnut: Indeed. Now that I think about it, I might have felt the most at ease during my time working as a matron.
Tefnut: It was a sufficient balance between labor and not doing anything. After working, I was able to lie in bed happily.
Vyrn: Hm. Sounds to me like you just need a job or somethin'.
Tefnut: You mean to suggest that I regularly participate in manual labor?
Vyrn: Y-you don't hafta if you don't wanna...
Lyria: Then how about finding a hobby instead of working?
Vyrn: Oh yeah, that could work! You got anythin' you like?
Tefnut: Sleeping?
Lyria: A-anything else?
Tefnut: Wandering around without a purpose?
Lyria: Right... And you're already doing that...
- What about reading?
- How about trying a variety of foods?
Choose: What about reading?Tefnut: Reading tires my eyes.
Vyrn: Wha? Primal beasts get tired eyes too?
Tefnut: We certainly do—or at least I do. I once read a large number of books in search of clues on the Phoenix, you see.
Tefnut: I believe I've read enough for a lifetime from that. I'm sick of seeing printed text.
Choose: How about trying a variety of foods?Tefnut: I'm not opposed to the idea of delicious food made by different people.
Tefnut: But walking all the way to a place to eat the food is rather... troublesome. Not worth the bother.
Lyria: Then... what did you eat here in Auguste before we bumped into you?
Tefnut: I ordered room service and tried the items on the menu from top to bottom. It's a wonderful system that requires no action for food to appear.
Continue 1Vyrn: I'm startin' to think there isn't gonna be any hobby that won't be tiring for ya.
Vyrn: You've been thinkin' a ton about what wouldn't tire you out—I'll give ya that.
Lyria: It must be getting frustrating for you...
Tefnut: Yes... It really is.
Lyria: I wish there was something out there that you could devote yourself to without feeling any sort of fatigue.
Vyrn: Yeah, it's a hard one. Even (Captain)'s suggestion wasn't good enough, so...
Tefnut: I'm sorry for pushing something so complicated onto all of you.
Lyria: Oh, no, it's all right! We don't mind at all.
Vyrn: Yeah! Besides, you helped us out before too.
The three continue racking their brains for ideas, but to no avail—until suddenly, a thought comes to (Captain)'s mind.
- Let's try asking the others!
Choose: Let's try asking the others!Vyrn: Oh, you mean everyone in our crew!
Lyria: Good idea! Since our friends have all had different experiences, they might be able to come up with some hobbies we don't know about!
Tefnut: I wouldn't want to turn this into such a big fuss and bother so many people.
Vyrn: Not a bother at all! I mean, we've all been through a lot more than this.
Lyria: That's right! Not to mention, we can't just leave you worrying about this all by yourself.
Tefnut: But...
Vyrn: Hey, it's fine!
Lyria: Please, don't worry about it!
And with that, the three nudge Tefnut out to the beach once more.
The Ultimate Cure: Scene 2
Unable to gather any ideas for a new pastime, the crew parts ways with the Diviner for the night. Memories of pursuing the Phoenix surface in Tefnut's mind, and she is struck with a fear that she may never be able to carry out her duty. Just then, a drunk Lamretta appears on the beach and calls out to Tefnut, offering her a listening ear.
Tefnut is taken by (Captain) and company on a search for a hobby that will not exhaust her.
Tefnut: This is proving to be quite the difficult endeavor.
Vyrn: I thought we came across some pretty good ideas...
Lyria: Yes, but if Tefnut thinks they'll tire her out, then they're probably not the right ones.
Lyria: And we have a lot of friends who aren't here yet, so we'll have plenty more chances to ask!
Vyrn: Oh yeah. A bunch of 'em are out enjoying some drinks, right? No wonder we didn't see that many familiar faces.
Tefnut: Having a drink together... They must get along very well.
Vyrn: I'm just worried they're gettin' along too well and having a few too many drinks.
Lyria: Ahaha... I'm sure they're fine.
Vyrn: Anyway, we can ask 'em later. And we've still got everyone back at the ship too.
Lyria: If we get any more ideas tomorrow, we'll let you know!
Tefnut: Thank you for doing this for me...
Vyrn: No worries! Gotta finish what we've already started, right?
Lyria: See you tomorrow, Tefnut!
Tefnut: Yes, until tomorrow.
Tefnut gives the three a small wave and watches as they head back to their lodgings.
Tefnut: Well then...
She shifts her gaze to the beach—still filled with activity despite the setting sun—and begins to wander without aim once more.
Finally, night settles even on Auguste, and the beach grows quiet.
Tefnut gazes out into the horizon, now veiled by a curtain of darkness.
Tefnut: It's been some time since I've talked this much and felt this tired. I suppose this isn't terrible once in a while.
The days she spent pursuing the Phoenix before the Festival of Falling Flame surface in her mind.
The darkness of the night abruptly swells as if to conceal her memories, expanding until it covers Tefnut's vision.
Tefnut: ...
Atum: Tefnut, look at me!
Tefnut: ...!
Tefnut: Whew... Haaah... No. I can't burden anyone by talking about it.
But inside Tefnut is a whirlpool of fear that has continued to torment her since the festival.
Phoenix: Indeed. My ashes in your cores allowed me to alter your perception, making you think that I had been with you since the beginning.
Tefnut: If you can do that, then we'll... never be able to...
The feelings from that moment rush back all at once, murky and ominous, and seize Tefnut's entire body.
Tefnut: I can't have the matters of the Phoenix cause any more trouble for them.
Tefnut: Perhaps I should simply focus on chasing after the Phoenix so I won't need to think about anything else...
Tefnut: No. That won't solve everything... Sigh.
Tefnut: It might just be easier... to fall into a deep sleep for eternity...
Tefnut: Wait. What am I...
???: Heeey. You okaaay over there? Doesn't look like you are...
Tefnut: My apologies. I'm afraid you'd be wasting your time talking to me.
Tefnut: I don't want to tire myself any more today.
???: Wha! You think I'm some weirdo, don't you?
???: S-sorry if I came off that way! I saw you looking all gloomy... and was worried... Heheh.
Tefnut turns around to see a Draph woman bowing her head in apology, her face as red as a tomato.
Tefnut: ...
Drunk Lady: You were sooo spaced out, looking out into the ocean... in the middle of the night. That's why... I got curious!
Tefnut: I see...
Drunk Lady: So... did something bad happen?
Tefnut: It's not... bad, per se...
Drunk Lady: But there is something, hm? You can talk to meee about it... Hiccup.
Tefnut: Talk to you?
Drunk Lady: Yeah! Talking about things helps you feel better... and I'll probably forget all about it by tomorrow... Hiccup!
Tefnut: Rather than listening to what I have to say, I believe it would be better for you to return to your lodgings and rest...
Drunk Lady: I'll be fiiine! I'm only on my second drink!
Drunk Lady: But I should sit myself down first... Oof.
Tefnut: (What a free-spirited person...)
Drunk Lady: All right, I'm ready! Tell me what's on your mind! I might not look the part, but I'm a professional at this!
Tefnut: (At what exactly?)
With no one else around to help, Tefnut is unsure what to do with the intoxicated stranger in front of her.
Tefnut: (There's no doubt that talking to this lady will only tire me out. But I suppose it's been a day full of conversation already.)
Tefnut: I guess I'll simply have to accept the fact that it's that kind of day.
Resigned to her fate for the night, the Diviner lowers herself beside the woman.
Tefnut: Where should I begin?
Drunk Lady: Hmm... Start from the things you wanna talk about, and finish with the stuff you don't wanna talk about!
Tefnut: I see. Very well...
Tefnut begins to spin her story into words, with no one to listen but the stranger next to her on the deserted beach.
The Ultimate Cure: Scene 3
After listening to Tefnut's troubles, Lamretta states that the Diviner is, in fact, a very hardworking person. When Tefnut accepts a drink as a reward for her efforts, she finds the beverage to be more delicious than expected. Lamretta assures the Diviner that focusing on simple moments like this will help alleviate her fears. The next morning, Tefnut's presence on the Grandcypher pleasantly surprises Lamretta. The Diviner decides to join the crew on their journey in hopes of experiencing many more enjoyable times.
Tefnut sits on the sand by the sea and slowly tells the intoxicated woman next to her about herself.
Tefnut: I like being lazy, you see. Since long ago, there's been nothing more blissful than doing nothing and only being lost in my thoughts.
Drunk Lady: I toootally get that. For me, there's nothing better than sleeping past noon!
Tefnut: I love doing that too!
Tefnut: However, I have a job I've been doing for many years. Recently there was a point where it was nearing completion... only for it to return to the starting line again.
Tefnut: That's when being idle started to frighten me.
Drunk Lady: Hmm... You mean you feel like you should be working hard at your job again... instead of lazing around?
Tefnut: Not quite. Actually, just before my task was to be completed, I suddenly felt as if I was going to lose sight of the meaning in my job.
Tefnut: No... I'd say I had already lost it. It was as if all of the things I've done up until then were for naught.
Drunk Lady: That's rough...
Tefnut: Ever since then... I feel as if everything's been uprooted. It makes me restless.
Tefnut: I thought to distract myself from these emotions and tried to look for other things to do.
Tefnut: But generally I don't do well with activities that tire me, and I haven't found anything that works for me yet.
Drunk Lady: Finding a new hobby to try is a preeetty big challenge in itself. It's bound to tire you out.
Tefnut: Indeed...
Drunk Lady: Here's a question. Do you want to go back to lazing around? Or are you looking for something new in your life?
Tefnut: Ideally I'd like to return to being perfectly satisfied idling my time away...
Drunk Lady: Okay... Hiccup.
Drunk Lady: Whew...
You know, I think you're someone who tries pretty darn hard.
Tefnut: Huh?
Drunk Lady: I'd say most people don't think this much about doing nothing.
Tefnut: Well, I won't deny that I'm quite intent on finding something that won't bring fatigue. I'm not sure if I'm trying hard or not though...
Drunk Lady: You felt meaning in your job before. That's proof that you were working reeeal hard.
Drunk Lady: I have a feeling that your task wasn't an easy one at all.
Tefnut: No... it wasn't.
Drunk Lady: Right. And it's because your job was so tough that when you did get some time to yourself, you just wanted to relax.
Drunk Lady: Resting felt good, and that's how you got the idea that not doing anything was what you wanted.
Tefnut: I see...
Despite the woman's clear intoxication, somehow, her words resonate within Tefnut.
Drunk Lady: Your job must've really pushed you hard for you to feel that way. That's gotta be tough...
Drunk Lady: It's too bad I can't do anything but cheer you on. I'm just a humble drunk, after all...
Tefnut: I'm surprised you realize that you're drunk.
Drunk Lady: Of course I do! And I can still taste what I'm drinking!
Tefnut: I don't think you should ever be drinking to a point where you can't taste what it is anymore...
Drunk Lady: See? Exactly what a hard worker would say!
Drunk Lady: A person as diligent as you deserves a biiig reward.
The lady whips another bottle out of nowhere and offers it to the Diviner.
Tefnut: You'd like me to drink this?
Drunk Lady: Oh, wait! Don't tell me you're actually younger than me! Are you even of age?
Tefnut: Yes. I'm quite sure I'm older than you.
Drunk Lady: Okay, I thought so! Phew... I almost made the same mistake just a while ago too.
Drunk Lady: Anyway, go for it!
Tefnut: Thank you.
Although Tefnut has tried a few alcoholic drinks before, she never found them to her liking.
They were not particularly tasty, and the fact remains that Tefnut is a primal beast—in other words, alcohol and water are not so different to her.
This time, however...
Tefnut: Delicious.
Somehow the single drink in her hand—offered by a complete stranger on the night beach—leaves a deep impression.
Drunk Lady: I'm glad you think so!
Drunk Lady: You need to let go and relax. Forget about your next task or finding a new hobby for now.
Drunk Lady: The taste of the drink, how fun it is sitting here—focus on simple feelings like that, you know?
Drunk Lady: Let yourself enjoy the moment. I'm sure all those scary and restless thoughts are gonna fly out of your head in no time.
Tefnut: So I should drink more tasty things?
Drunk Lady: Definitely. Enjoying a drink is the best feeling. You don't drink often, do you?
Tefnut: Not at all. Just a couple of times in the past. But this one has been the most delicious one yet.
Tefnut: I almost want to have another.
Drunk Lady: Whaaa. I don't think...
Drunk Lady: I could ever say no to that! Of course you can have another one—there's plenty! This is our little beach party!
Drunk Lady: Although I have to say—drinking's great, but it's no solution to anything.
Tefnut: Oho. I assume that's coming from experience?
Drunk Lady: Huh? Er, well...
Tefnut: I've told you quite a lot about myself. It's your turn now.
Drunk Lady: Nyaha... All right, I guess I wouldn't mind if it could provide some entertainment.
Drunk Lady: So, I'm traveling as a skyfarer right now, but when I was a tad younger...
With drinks sitting comfortably in their hands, the two continue to talk into the night.
Lamretta: I'm sooorryyy!
Lyria: Wh-what's the matter?
Vyrn: Whatcha apologizin' for this early in the morning? Didja drink the alochol in the pantry again?
Lamretta: Nooo, not yet!
Lamretta: Wait, forget that! What I meant to say was that after drinking with everyone last night, I went out to the beach for another one by myself...
Lamretta: And there was this gorgeous lady I really clicked with. We talked and drank till dawn, and when I woke up this morning... I found myself sleeping in my own bed.
Lamretta: Did I just abandon her last night? It'd be so rude of me! But that's gotta be what happened, right?
Lamretta: So I wanted to ask if you could all help me find her...
Unable to hold it in any longer, (Captain) and company start chuckling.
Lamretta: Wh-what's so funny! Wait, did you actually see me get carried in?
Lamretta: That means you saw the lady too, right? Did you ask her where she's staying? I need to go and apologize...
Tefnut: No need to go anywhere.
Lamretta: ...!
You're... the hardworking lady! Since when did you get here?
Tefnut: I was here since the beginning, talking with (Captain) and the others about my room allocation.
Tefnut: Also, you don't need to be so formal. You can still call me Nu.
Lamretta: Nu... Oh! I kinda remember now...
Lamretta: Tefnut's a really unique name! I especially like the "nu" sound. How's Nu for a nickname?
Tefnut: I don't mind. Then I'll call you... Hm, La sounds a bit too much like someone else I know...
Tefnut: Mu. Like mine, but with the "m" in your name.
Lamretta: Mu! Ahaha, that's new. I'm loving it already!
Lamretta: Um... My head hurts so I'm not quite grasping the situation, but... did all of you know each other already?
Vyrn: Yeah, we did. Crazy how the two of ya got to know each other too.
Lyria: I was so surprised to see Tefnut here so early in the morning, carrying you with her magic!
- We can talk about this some more later.
Choose: We can talk about this some more later.Lyria: Oh yes, you're right. We're about to have a welcome party!
Lamretta: A welcome party?
Tefnut: Yes. I'm happy to say that I will be traveling with this crew from today.
Lamretta: Huh... Wha! How? Why?
Tefnut: I thought I might be able to experience many more fun and delicious things if I journeyed with everyone here.
Lamretta: Ooh! Well you're right about that. I can guarantee it!
Lamretta: Okay, guess we can save the story of how all of you know each other for later.
Lamretta: I'll go wash up first!
Tefnut: What a delightful person.
- Everyone in our crew's got a personality.
Choose: Everyone in our crew's got a personality.Tefnut: Hehe. I'm looking forward to it then.
Tefnut: Once again, thank you for having me aboard, (Captain).
The Diviner bows her head in gratitude, her gaze soft as she looks upon the crew.
Soon after, they all head out to the beaches of Auguste once more for Tefnut's welcome party.
Tefnut: This very well may be the true start of me idling my days away.
Tefnut: Fun activities, delicious things... I certainly hope I can experience them all at my own pace from now on.
