Scorched Sand/Script (Eirika)

Opening

(Outside Jehanna Hall)

Seth: Princess Eirika, are you well?
Eirika: ......
Seth: Princess Eirika!
Eirika: ...Oh...Seth?
Seth: Yes, it's me. Please, you must rest. If we continue like this, you'll...
Eirika: No...it's all right. We're all suffering... We're still completely surrounded by Grado's armies... We may all die at any moment... I can't lose focus now. Has anything changed?
Seth: Unfortunately, no. On every front, our forces meet with defeat upon defeat. Rausten's knights are scattered and worn, and the enemy is closing in around them. And this accursed sand... Most of the units can't get proper footing and are being slowed down. Mounted units are having the worst time, as their movement is severely limited. Princess Eirika... I ask that you leave for safety. We'll use flying units and magic users to hold the foe here.
Eirika: No. I will not retreat. If I give up now... My brother would not forgive me. I'm the princess of Renais. I will fight, either to victory or to death. Brother, I...

(Riev teleports to Valter)

Riev: Valter... You should stop playing around. If you don't finish off Eirika's forces swiftly... Her brother's left the capital. He should be arriving here shortly. You don't want to be fighting her still when he arrives. Trust me. We are equals here in Grado's army. Would you like me to assist?
Valter: All you need to do is vanish, you disgusting old man. Eirika is mine. I won't let you have her. She is so strong, so beautiful... She's the prey I've dreamed of.
Riev: Heh heh heh... Your fangs are still sharp, eh? Good. Very good. Ah, Valter... You're a beast. You're bound to no country. You care nothing for friend or foe. Kill a man, claim a woman... You live for nothing more, you wretched beast. That's your strength. That's what makes you stronger than any man alive. A beast acts without remorse. Man's morality cannot win. It's nature's way... The stage is all yours, Valter. Do not fail to get the girl's bracelet. Our master demands it...
(Riev leaves)
Valter: The time is nigh, Eirika... Come to me!

In battle

Enemy phase of turn 2

(Ephraim, Duessel, and Knoll arrive to the southwest)

Ephraim: That building beyond the dunes is Jehanna Hall. I expect that's where we'll find Eirika and her companions. Duessel, Knoll. It's time we rescued Eirika. I'll need all your strength.
Duessel: Of course, Your Highness. I've pledged my service and my axe. You shall have both.
Knoll: Princess Eirika... She's a friend of Prince Lyon's, isn't she? I'll do what I can to help you. I feel like that is what Prince Lyon would want.
Ephraim: The enemy's numbers are great, but we do not need to face them alone. We must move quickly to join forces with Eirika and her company. I'm sure Seth and Innes will be there waiting for us. Let's move!

Ending

Eirika: Brother!
Ephraim: Eirika!
Eirika: Oh, Ephraim... I've missed you so.
Ephraim: And I've missed you. I can't tell you how happy I am to see you safe. Oh, I almost forgot. I have something to give you.
Eirika: What are these?
Ephraim: These are called Sacred Twins. We took these relics from Grado. The dark tome Gleipnir and the black axe Garm... I doubt either of us can use them, but... Why not see if one of your companions can use them. They might have better luck.
Eirika: They're from Grado? Does this mean Grado Keep has fallen?
Ephraim: Yes. I conquered the capital and defeated Emperor Vigarde. But still...
L'Arachel: Eirika, may I make a suggestion? We've been able to join forces here so... How about if we all get together and trade information. There are people on both sides waiting after all.

Ephraim: I see unfamiliar faces among you here, so allow me to introduce myself. I am Ephraim, Eirika's brother and crown prince of Renais.
L'Arachel: I'm Princess L'Arachel of Rausten. The pleasure is mine, of course.
Ephraim: I'll begin by telling you of how we've fared in our mission. We seized the Grado capital and defeated her emperor, Vigarde. Grado's capital guard have, to a man, surrendered and laid down their arms. Pockets of resistance remain, but the war itself is over.
L'Arachel: Is that so?
Ephraim: However, something remains that still bothers me. A Grado man named Knoll told me about something called a "Dark Stone." Their mages had uncovered lore that led them to craft a powerful magic stone. This Dark Stone may have been the catalyst of Grado's transformation. It seems to be the source of that black wave of energy Myrrh described. Vigarde died some time ago, but the power of the stone played him like a puppet. The war and everything that passed since was planned by the Dark Stone's master.
Innes: Well? Who is it?
Ephraim: ...I still can't believe it, but I'll tell you nonetheless. According to Knoll, the man behind this is Lyon, the imperial prince. He said Lyon's got the Dark Stone.
Innes: Figures it's Prince Lyon...
Eirika: No, that doesn't make any sense. Ephraim and I know Lyon better than that. We've been friends for years. Lyon's not the sort of person who could start a war like this.
Innes: But, Eirika...
Eirika: I saw Lyon recently. Ephraim, you might know this, but after I abandoned the sea route to Rausten, I traveled overland with Prince Innes to Jehanna. We ran into trouble with Grado's forces, and I chanced upon Lyon. He didn't share the details of his situation, but he intimated that he was on our side. Despite all appearances, he was on our side. So Lyon...
Ephraim: Eirika, I also met Lyon.
Eirika: Did you really?
Ephraim: Yes. But, he was like a completely different person. To be honest, he didn't seem to be completely...human.
Eirika: Ephraim... What are you saying?
Ephraim: I'll tell you what I saw. I found Lyon inside Grado Keep. This is what he told me: He said he was behind this war. He said he'd befriended us solely so that, one day, he could invade Renais... He told me he killed our father.
Eirika: That... That can't...
Ephraim: I know. I can't believe it either. I refuse to believe it. How could he have planned all this since he was a child... I simply can't fathom it. I've heard Lyon changed when he acquired the Dark Stone. I've no interest in magic, but... There was something uncanny about him. It seemed almost as though he were being controlled by something himself.
Eirika: ......
Innes: The two of you might find this hard to accept, but... The state of Prince Lyon's heart matters little. He has the Dark Stone. That rock is the cause of all that's happened. The prince must be stopped.
L'Arachel: Not yet. There is something that needs doing first.
Eirika: L'Arachel?
L'Arachel: Prince Ephraim, I do believe you felt it as well. The Dark Stone held by Prince Lyon... It exudes a malefic miasma... We might be able to handle Prince Lyon alone, but that stone is beyond our ken.
Innes: Then what do you suggest?
L'Arachel: The Sacred Stones.
Eirika: The Sacred Stones?
L'Arachel: We've all heard the legend of the five Sacred Stones. They alone possessed the power to seal the Demon King away forever. So, of course, to dispel demonic magic, we must use the Sacred Stones!
Innes: You expect us to pin the outcome of this war on some fool legend?
Ephraim: ...Not just the legend. We also have hope. According to Lyon, he has already seen to the destruction of Grado's, Frelia's, and Jehanna's stones.
Eirika: Hm. That explains something... Grado forces attacked me, intent on destroying the Stone of Renais. If that could be the reason they chose to invade Renais... The power of the Sacred Stones may be greater than we'd ever known.
L'Arachel: Yes, exactly! If we acquire a Sacred Stone, we'll be able to oppose the Dark Stone's might!
Innes: But three of the stones have been shattered, and our options are few. Do you suppose that, during the invasion of Renais...
Ephraim: No, I don't think so. The Stone of Renais is hidden by the power of Eirika's and my bracelets.
Eirika: Grado has made many attempts to take our bracelets. Every one has failed, and so the stone may still be safe.
Ephraim: We have to confirm that, of course. We've defeated Grado, and we must turn our eyes to our homeland. It's time to return to Renais.

If Saleh is alive

Saleh: Lady Myrrh.
Myrrh: Saleh...
Saleh: I'm grateful to see you well. The people of Caer Pelyn will be overjoyed that you're safe.
Myrrh: I must apologize to you, Saleh. You were there to protect me from the very start of my journey. When we were attacked, I was separated from you, and... I'm so sorry to have worried you.
Saleh: Lady Myrrh. As long as you are safe, we have nothing to be worried about. It will be my honor to serve you until your mission is complete.
Myrrh: Thank you, Saleh.

Villages and houses

Village

Old woman: Jehanna Hall...has fallen. I wonder what's become of Queen Ismaire. You there... Take this, and do some good with it.

Western house

Man: All the highest generals in Grado's army receive titles named after gemstones. The emperor currently has six gemstones fighting in his service. Caellach, the Tiger Eye, commands the forces fighting here. The Moonstone, Valter, is taking part in this battle as well. Glen, also known as the Sunstone, died in the mountains of Carcino. Selena Fluorspar was killed in western Grado. Duessel, whom they call Obsidian, is missing in action... The Blood Beryl, whose real name is Riev, has also gone missing. Hm? How do I know all this? I know I may look young and naive, but this is my job. I'm here to pass this information along and help you out. And it's good information, too, so don't waste it.

Eastern house

Man: According to this ancient document... ...There was a huge battle here long, long ago. Every day, I'm out here digging up ancient weapons and artifacts out of the sand. There are still more to be found, of that you can be sure. It's even said a long-dead sage left a copy of Metis's Tome out here... Oh! But I won't give that to anyone if I find it. Not a chance!

Talk conversations

Ephraim and Eirika

Ephraim: Eirika!
Eirika: Brother? Is that really you? You're not some phantom, are you?
Ephraim: No, it's really me. Hold. Enemies approach.
(Ephraim leaves)
Eirika: ...Ephraim. Even when we were children, you were always there to protect me.

Ephraim and Seth

Seth: Prince Ephraim.
Ephraim: It's good to see you, Seth. You've served Eirika well. I knew my sister would be safe as long as you were with her.
Seth: No, she's safe only because you came to our aid today. Our situation still is not one to promote optimism, but...
Ephraim: Yes, this is the crux of the war. The majority of Grado's strength is arrayed before us... We're going to win, Seth.
Seth: Yes, sir.

Ephraim and Forde

Ephraim: Forde!
Forde: Ah, greetings, Prince Ephraim. Your timing is flawless, as ever. Riding in at the nick of time with your armor shining and your lance ready... It must be nice to be the dashing hero. I'd like to try it someday.
Ephraim: ...That's just like you, Forde. You make even a crisis such as this seem like a stroll in the garden.
Forde: They say that's one of my best traits. You know, Prince Ephraim, you've changed since the last time I saw you. You're more--how should I put it?--kingly? Is that even a word?
Ephraim: You've changed a bit, too. It looks like the journey has made you strong. What say we show the Grado stragglers how tough we've become? Let's go!
Forde: Music to my ears, milord.

Ephraim and Kyle

Ephraim: Kyle!
Kyle: Prince Ephraim!
Ephraim: You've done a great service in protecting Eirika all this time. Assigning you the task was the right thing to do.
Kyle: It was no task--it was an honor. I shall continue to protect her as best I can. Until your orders for me change, my prince, I'll guard her well.
Ephraim: We'll do so together, Kyle, because this is where we join our forces. Let's you and I finish off these last remnants of Grado's army.
Kyle: Yes, sir!
Ephraim: It looks like you've had plenty of chances to improve your swordsmanship. I expect you to surprise me out there.
Kyle: You've grown yourself, milord. You've the dignity of a king now. Like your father before you.
Ephraim: D-do you mean that? You must be mistaken.
Kyle: I am not! It is precisely why I am, now and forever, your loyal servant!

Ephraim and Innes

Innes: It's been a long time, Ephraim.
Ephraim: Innes, is that you?
Innes: You arrived sooner than I'd expected. Eirika is safe. You've no need to worry.
Ephraim: I've heard that you've been watching over Eirika. I should like to offer you my gratitude.
Innes: It's not necessary. Besides, there's still a war to be won. We can't rest easy till every last Grado soldier's been defeated.
Ephraim: You're right. Let's go!

Cormag and Duessel

Cormag: General Duessel.
Duessel: Cormag! You're...here...
Cormag: I turned my back on Grado to avenge my murdered brother. I never imagined I'd see you abandon Grado's army, though.
Duessel: ...Circumstance has made me a traitor, it seems. It's ironic. Two men who threw away their country, riding side by side.
Cormag: Mm. General Duessel, I would consider it an honor to serve under you again.
Duessel: No, I'm a man with no country. I'm no longer a general of Grado.
Cormag: And I'm the same. Really, when you look at it, nothing's changed. Then I simply choose you as the man I ride with and protect.
Duessel: Cormag...

Battle conversations

Fighting Valter

Valter: I've no use for these bloodless minnows... Give me prey that will sate my bloodlust... I hunger!

With Eirika

Valter: Mmm... I've been waiting for you, Eirika!
Eirika: Who are you?
Valter: Have you forgotten? We met once at Castle Renais. No? Look closely, Eirika. Do you not remember the face of he who will master you?
Eirika: Wha--!?
Valter: Yes, resist. It's much more fun for me that way. Come, Eirika. I should like to tame you.
Eirika: I am here on a mission. One that I swore to my brother I would fulfill. I will not be stopped by the likes of you!

With Ephraim

Valter: Hello again, Ephraim. I let you flee once, but this time, there's no escape.
Ephraim: Escape? I'm not going anywhere. I came here for you. I came to defeat you.
Valter: What's this? A scurrying little mouse that roars like a lion? Are you saying this time will be different than last? Will you finally provide me with some amusement?
Ephraim: I'll do far more than that. I'll provide you with a messy end to your sorry life.

With Cormag

Valter: What now, Cormag? Have you betrayed your oaths and your emperor?
Cormag: I have. I can no longer serve Grado. But I must know the truth, Valter, and you will tell me. You're the one who murdered my brother, aren't you?
Valter: ...Hmph. No reason for lies, seeing as you're nothing but a traitor. You're right, Cormag! I was the one who cut your brother down. He was just like you, a weak, pitiful fool.
Cormag: ...... Ha...ha ha ha...
Valter: Why do you laugh, dolt?
Valter: How can I not? I've dreamt of revenge, chased it for days... And now, it's here before me! Oh, Valter... Your death will be slow and agonizing.

Defeating Valter

Valter: Urggh... Gaaaah!

Fighting Caellach

Caellach: You're a stepping-stone... And I'm moving up. Don't take it personally.

With Joshua

Joshua: Caellach.
Caellach: Hey! If it isn't Joshua. It's been a long time. Have you been well?
Joshua: I've been all right. Still working as a mercenary. When did you get all proper and join the Grado army?
Caellach: Didn't I tell you? I wasn't about to waste my life as a nameless soldier. Still, I think back on those days a lot lately... My axe and your sword... The two of us were a deadly pair, eh?
Joshua: ......
Caellach: By the way... I know all about you, Joshua. Who you really are I mean. The prince of Jehanna, huh? When did you plan on sharing the wealth, you sneaky dog?
Joshua: Listen... You can't reduce a nation to loot waiting to be divided. And more importantly, I made a vow to my mother. I'm going to succeed her as ruler of my homeland. Hey, Caellach... You're the one who killed my mother, aren't you?
Caellach: Yeah... Sorry 'bout that. Things happen, you know? C'mon, Joshua, don't hate me. This is war. There's nothing you can do about it. Besides, grudges get in the way of work, right?
Joshua: That's true. It's as you say. Listen, Caellach... I've got to kill you now. Don't hold it against me.
Caellach: You arrogant... You haven't changed a bit! I've always wanted to show you who's better, Joshua. And I'm even stronger than I used to be. I'm gonna wipe that smug look off your face for good!

Defeating Caellach

Caellach: Bla... Blast... A bit more, and...a crown...would have been...mine...