Grove of Wishes
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Scene 1
Oumei
I trust you both understand.
Oumei
One wish shall be granted. Only one.
There are no exceptions.
There are no exceptions.
Oumei
Consider carefully, and decide...
Oumei
Whose wish shall be granted?
Alba
...
Zeshua
...
Zeshua
(Ordinarily, there would be a long debate
to make such a decision.)
to make such a decision.)
Zeshua
(Or another exchange of the insults
that have peppered our brief journey.)
that have peppered our brief journey.)
Zeshua
(But in this case...)
A day earlier. 3 leagues from the Majas
Desert.
Desert.
Zeshua
At last, the sight of human habitation.
Zeshua
It's been months since I left the forests of
home.
home.
Zeshua
There were no few perils along the way,
but I'm finally at a settlement of sorts.
but I'm finally at a settlement of sorts.
Zeshua
Though even if I were inclined to ask for
directions, there's not a soul in sight.
directions, there's not a soul in sight.
Zeshua
Whatever am I to do...
???
Stop ya jabberin' and cough up already,
ya cheapskate!
ya cheapskate!
Zeshua
That voice just now...Did it come from
behind that building?
behind that building?
Alba
You're persistent given there's no proof a
toll even exists. I have no obligation to pay.
toll even exists. I have no obligation to pay.
Bandit
You're a stubborn one, aren't ya? If ya
don't pay...this is the end of the road!
don't pay...this is the end of the road!
Zeshua
Is that a sziviik? They seem to have run
afoul of some local outlaws.
afoul of some local outlaws.
Alba
I'm in a hurry. Move, or I will move you.
Bandit
Heh, ya think ya can take us on? Get her,
lads!
lads!
Zeshua
You there! Sorry to interrupt you,
but I was hoping for some directions...
but I was hoping for some directions...
Bandit
Huh? Who the hell're you, sticking your
pointy ears in? Beat it!
pointy ears in? Beat it!
Zeshua
I've no business with common bandits.
I was talking to you, my scaly friend.
I was talking to you, my scaly friend.
Alba
...Me?
Zeshua
Indeed. As I said, I'm in need of some
directions.
directions.
Zeshua
Though I'd rather not ask a bag of scales,
you do seem the most reliable here.
you do seem the most reliable here.
Alba
You're short on manners, friend. Is that
how you ask a favor?
how you ask a favor?
Bandit
Hey! I think you two are forgettin' that
we're the ones in charge 'ere!
we're the ones in charge 'ere!
Bandit
Elf! There's a toll to pass through 'ere.
It's everythin' yer holdin'!
It's everythin' yer holdin'!
Zeshua
Oh dear... Even asking for directions has
its perils, I see.
its perils, I see.
Scene 2
Zeshua
Hmph. It seems we've taken care of the
rabble.
rabble.
Alba
I could have taken them on my own. But I
cannot deny your aid. Thank you.
cannot deny your aid. Thank you.
Zeshua
Oh, there's no need for gratitude. It was
far from an altruistic deed, you see.
far from an altruistic deed, you see.
Alba
Right. You need directions?
Zeshua
Precisely! My, you catch on fast. My map
is just a series of fuzzy smudges...
is just a series of fuzzy smudges...
Alba
I might be able to help. Where are you
headed?
headed?
Zeshua
Majas Desert.
Alba
What...?
Zeshua
Is something wrong?
Alba
No, it's nothing.
Alba
Head south from this village and you
should reach it before sundown.
should reach it before sundown.
Zeshua
South? Marvelous. Then I bid you farewell.
Alba
Hey, what a minute! That's―
Bandit
Ya think I'm gonna let ya go that easy?!
Alba
Hng?! How are you still standing...?!
Alba
Wait, Elf! Listen, that's―
4 leagues from Majas Desert.
Zeshua
This is most strange. I left the village and
headed straight south...
headed straight south...
Zeshua
However, I have no sense of getting any
closer. In fact...
closer. In fact...
Monster
Grrrrr.... Raaaargh!
Zeshua
I feel I may have walked straight into a
monster's lair.
monster's lair.
Zeshua
It appears that my newfound scaly friend
may have been a liar.
may have been a liar.
Zeshua
I suppose it really was quite foolish of me
to place my trust in―
to place my trust in―
Alba
Hey! Elf!
Zeshua
It's...it's you!
Alba
I finally caught you. What in the name of
Erden are you doing here?
Erden are you doing here?
Zeshua
Well, I should think you of all people
would understand.
would understand.
Zeshua
I was lied to, by you, and after losing sight
of my goal,
of my goal,
Zeshua
I became lost and surrounded by monsters.
Alba
No one told you any lies. You got lost all
on your own.
on your own.
Zeshua
Nonsense. There's no way I could have
become lost.
become lost.
Monster
Groooaaargh! Raaaargh!!
Alba
I have a few choice words for you, but
let's take care of these vermin first.
let's take care of these vermin first.
Zeshua
What cruel fate would have me play the
role of the rescued this time around?
role of the rescued this time around?
Scene 3
Zeshua
Now then. It would seem you gave me some
rather curious directions last we met.
rather curious directions last we met.
Alba
There was nothing curious about them.
You got yourself lost.
You got yourself lost.
Zeshua
Did, or did you not, tell me to leave
the village and head south?
the village and head south?
Alba
That village is south of here! You went
north!
north!
Alba
Wait... You do know the difference, right?
Zeshua
...
Alba
Your map is fine! The only thing "fuzzy"
is your head.
is your head.
Zeshua
I think you've said quite enough!
Alba
I'm tempted to leave you here, but I don't
care for you starting rumors I'm a liar.
care for you starting rumors I'm a liar.
Alba
Follow me and I'll take you as far as the
entrance. That's it, though.
entrance. That's it, though.
Zeshua
... So here we are, back where we began.
Alba
You're an awful travel partner. But this
lot would be worse.
lot would be worse.
Bandit
There they are! Back for some more are
ya?
ya?
Bandit
No one defies the Kingdom of Magra and
gets away with it!
gets away with it!
Zeshua
Oh? What exactly is the "Kingdom of
Magra"?
Magra"?
Alba
Who cares what nonsense they're
talking about?! Let's deal with them first!
talking about?! Let's deal with them first!
Scene 4
Alba
What a waste of time.
Zeshua
Indeed. The day draws to a close. We may
have to rest for the night in this village.
have to rest for the night in this village.
Alba
And whose fault is that?
Alba
I should have arrived at the desert by now.
If I hadn't run into you...
If I hadn't run into you...
Zeshua
What did you say just now? Are you by
chance also seeking...
chance also seeking...
Alba
Oumei.
Zeshua
I see. So that's why you were so reluctant
to share your information.
to share your information.
Zeshua
(The Tree of Oumei.)
Zeshua
(In the desolate Majas Desert stands a
lone tree that blooms only once in 20 years.
lone tree that blooms only once in 20 years.
Zeshua
(It is said that whoever stands before it
shall be granted one wish.)
shall be granted one wish.)
Zeshua
(The Tree of Oumei...blooms tomorrow.)
Alba
Don't smear my good name. I wasn't
reluctant, and I didn't need to be.
reluctant, and I didn't need to be.
Alba
I have no idea what you want to ask Oumei,
but you have no chance of finding the tree.
but you have no chance of finding the tree.
Zeshua
I accept that. It's true that I do not know
the way.
the way.
Zeshua
However... I do have intimate knowledge of
the awakening ritual.
the awakening ritual.
Alba
"Ritual"?
Zeshua
To call upon the spirit of Oumei, one must
perform an awakening ritual.
perform an awakening ritual.
Zeshua
Oh my. You look as though you have no
idea what I am referring to.
idea what I am referring to.
Alba
I haven't heard anything about a ritual.
Zeshua
Then I regret to inform you that your
trip to the Tree of Oumei is pointless.
trip to the Tree of Oumei is pointless.
Zeshua
Without the awakening ritual, no wish
will be granted by Oumei.
will be granted by Oumei.
Alba
Grr...
Zeshua
Allow me to propose an arrangement
favorable for both us.
favorable for both us.
Zeshua
If you take me to the tree, I shall perform
the ritual and call forth Oumei.
the ritual and call forth Oumei.
Zeshua
As for whose wish is granted... Well, let us
agree to decide that when we get there.
agree to decide that when we get there.
Alba
The thought of traveling with someone like
you makes my scales itch.
you makes my scales itch.
Alba
However... I suppose I have no choice but
to accept.
to accept.
Zeshua
Well then, it looks like we have an
agreement.
agreement.
Alba
Not without an introduction. I am Alba, of
To'Beyago village.
To'Beyago village.
Zeshua
And I am Zeshua Canbello, of Sanalla
Grove. Call me Zeshua.
Grove. Call me Zeshua.
Zeshua
(En route to the desert we met a caravan of
refugees.)
refugees.)
Refugee
The "Kingdom of Magra" sprung up in
these parts about two years ago.
these parts about two years ago.
Refugee
They call themselves a kingdom, but
they're just a collection of riff raff.
they're just a collection of riff raff.
Refugee
Their leader, Magra, however...
He is dangerous.
He is dangerous.
Refugee
He built himself a fortress in the desert to
block anyone from seeking Oumei.
block anyone from seeking Oumei.
Refugee
Rumor has it he's harming the tree with
magic to hasten the bloom.
magic to hasten the bloom.
Refugee
You should stay away from that desert.
Why do you think we're running?
Why do you think we're running?
Zeshua
There certainly seem to be more obstacles
the closer we get. There's some now.
the closer we get. There's some now.
Alba
What a pain... But we don't have time for a
detour.
detour.
Alba
If Magra is trying to force Oumei into
bloom, we have less time than we thought.
bloom, we have less time than we thought.
Zeshua
I'm loath to agree with you, Scales, but in
this case, you are correct. Onwards!
this case, you are correct. Onwards!
Scene 5
Alba
You don't seem troubled at all by the
dangers ahead.
dangers ahead.
Alba
What's your purpose here? What will you
wish for when we reach the tree?
wish for when we reach the tree?
Zeshua
Let us just say there is someone I would
dearly like to find, and leave it at that.
dearly like to find, and leave it at that.
Zeshua
I would like to ask you the same. To what
end do you seek out Oumei?
end do you seek out Oumei?
Alba
Let's just say there is a place I would
dearly like to find, and leave it at that.
dearly like to find, and leave it at that.
Zeshua
I'm sure you understand, but there is no
way both of our wishes can be granted.
way both of our wishes can be granted.
Alba
Indeed. One of us will have to abandon
their wish in favor of the other.
their wish in favor of the other.
Alba
How to decide? I've had my fill battling
monsters, so a duel is out of the question.
monsters, so a duel is out of the question.
Zeshua
Agreed. Then how about this?
Zeshua
Whoever can list the most medicinal herbs
claims the right to make their wish.
claims the right to make their wish.
Alba
What? You'd risk something so important
on such a childish game?
on such a childish game?
Zeshua
Oh my. Is your botanical education so
lacking that you fear defeat?
lacking that you fear defeat?
Alba
...
Alba
Nasleaf. It has a calming effect.
Zeshua
...Whitebristle. Its roots can be used to
counter poison.
counter poison.
Alba
Whitebristle? There's no such plant.
Zeshua
While your ignorance cannot be helped,
I assure you, it exists.
I assure you, it exists.
Zeshua
It grows to excess in my homeland.
Alba
This isn't going to work. With no judge,
we can lie without any consequence.
we can lie without any consequence.
Zeshua
Perhaps this was not the best way to
settle this affair.
settle this affair.
Zeshua
Now that I've seen the limit of your
intellect, we may as well call it off.
intellect, we may as well call it off.
Alba
If you didn't know the ritual I'd be
tempted to shut that mouth of yours.
tempted to shut that mouth of yours.
Zeshua
It appears we've arrived. Is this the
entrance to the famed Majas Desert?
entrance to the famed Majas Desert?
Alba
It is. According to the refugees, Magra has
made his fortress within the desert.
made his fortress within the desert.
Alba
Be on your guard. I don't want to be slowed
down by some dainty, fragile elf.
down by some dainty, fragile elf.
Zeshua
And I ask that you refrain from slowing me
down as you lug all those scales around.
down as you lug all those scales around.
Scene 6
Alba
I see something. It's likely the fortress we
heard about from the refugees.
heard about from the refugees.
Zeshua
So we can infer that the tree of Oumei lies
just beyond.
just beyond.
Alba
You actually think you can get there on
your own? With your sense of direction?
your own? With your sense of direction?
Alba
If you want a chance at making your wish
come true, follow me!
come true, follow me!
Zeshua
Don't worry, I'll be right next to you even
if every brute here has their teeth on me.
if every brute here has their teeth on me.
Zeshua
Do not forget, my scaly friend. You need
me for the ritual as much as I need you.
me for the ritual as much as I need you.
Alba
I haven't forgotten. You're really starting
to rub me the wrong way...
to rub me the wrong way...
Zeshua
Well then! Onwards, to Oumei!
Zeshua
It was hard to believe common bandits
built these sturdy fortress walls.
built these sturdy fortress walls.
Alba
As we heard from the refugees, the
fortress surrounds Oumei.
fortress surrounds Oumei.
Zeshua
Which means we have no choice but to
fight our way through.
fight our way through.
Alba
You haven't come this far to give up, have
you?
you?
Zeshua
Of course not. How about you, Scales?
Alba
Not on your life. Let's go!
Magra Soldier
Oi! What're you doing here?
Magra Soldier
Lord Magra's orders are to kill anyone
who tries to get close! Grind their bones!
who tries to get close! Grind their bones!
Zeshua
The threats of these brutes are so
uninspired.
uninspired.
Alba
Your own insults are not quite as creative
as you think they are...
as you think they are...
Scene 7
Magra Soldier
Th-These guys're tough!
Magra Soldier
If we can't stop 'em here, they'll break
through. Someone tell Lord Magra!
through. Someone tell Lord Magra!
Alba
We can't let them call for reinforcements!
Zeshua
I am inclined to agree. Now, through that
door!
door!
Magra
Useless, all of you! You call yourselves
my soldiers?!
my soldiers?!
Alba
What in the name of...
Zeshua
This one is bigger than a bull!
Magra Soldier
Be careful Lord Magra! They're stronger
than they look.
than they look.
Magra
Hmph. These worms are no match for me!
Zeshua
Urgh...!!
Alba
Ah! It's poison mist! Elf, hold your breath!
Zeshua
T-Too...l-late...
Alba
Elf... We'd come so far!
Magra
Hmph. How did these weaklings give you
so much trouble?
so much trouble?
Magra Soldier
Lord Magra, shall I finish them off?
Magra
Just throw them back outside. They don't
have long.
have long.
Magra
I've got business with Oumei. Quit
disturbing me with your incompetence!
disturbing me with your incompetence!
Zeshua
U-Urgh... Nago...
Zeshua
...Uh...
Alba
You're awake... Try not to move.
Zeshua
I couldn't move if I wanted to. My limbs
feel as though they're made of lead.
feel as though they're made of lead.
Zeshua
Where are we...?
Alba
We're at the front of the fortress. I've
taken pains to hide us from prying eyes.
taken pains to hide us from prying eyes.
Alba
Magra believes us dead, but I swallowed a
herb before the poison took hold.
herb before the poison took hold.
Zeshua
A herb...?
Alba
It was not Whitebristle. I used Yureso Leaf.
Alba
I also forced some down your throat. The
poison will be gone from your body soon.
poison will be gone from your body soon.
Zeshua
Hn....
Alba
Wait! I told you not to move! Your body
isn't ready.
isn't ready.
Zeshua
But... If I don't... Oumei... My wish...
Alba
What is it you want so badly? What wish
are you prepared to die for?
are you prepared to die for?
Alba
You called a name in your sleep, you know.
"Nago." Is that who you're searching for?
"Nago." Is that who you're searching for?
Zeshua
Nago... Nago was my betrothed.
Alba
"Was"?
Zeshua
... She was killed. By my brother...
Yoshua.
Yoshua.
Alba
...
Zeshua
I will find my brother...and make him
pay...
pay...
Alba
So that's what you meant by finding
someone.
someone.
Alba
I understand why you want this. But I also
have a wish I must see granted.
have a wish I must see granted.
Alba
My village, To'Beyago, was destroyed by
successive natural disasters.
successive natural disasters.
Zeshua
...
Alba
Right now, my people toil the fields of a
barren land in a makeshift village.
barren land in a makeshift village.
Alba
But we cannot survive that way. If we do
not find new land, we shall perish.
not find new land, we shall perish.
Zeshua
I see... That's what you meant... About
searching for a place.
searching for a place.
Zeshua
Urk...
Alba
Hey! Elf?! I told you to be still, didn't I?
Zeshua
Alba. We cannot afford to wait.
Zeshua
Magra's soldiers will not be expecting the
dead to attack them. Now is our chance!
dead to attack them. Now is our chance!
Alba
Heh. If a dandy like you thinks it can be
done, who am I to say no?
done, who am I to say no?
Zeshua
Come then, Scales. This time we shall
know victory. Oumei awaits!
know victory. Oumei awaits!
Scene 8
Zeshua
The wishes we would ask of Oumei are not
compatible. We cannot both succeed.
compatible. We cannot both succeed.
Alba
I'm well aware. However, perhaps we could
think about that after the fortress?
think about that after the fortress?
Zeshua
Agreed. Right now, we need to focus on
rescuing Oumei from Magra!
rescuing Oumei from Magra!
Magra Soldier
They're back! The elf and the sziviik are
back!!
back!!
Zeshua
Just one more step. We can do it!
We can break through!
We can break through!
Scene 9
Magra
Hmph. So you've made it this far?
Zeshua
Magra!
Magra
I should've killed you when I had the
chance.
chance.
Oumei
...
Alba
Th-That's...
Zeshua
Oumei!
Oumei
Urgh...
Alba
N-No?! We're too late?
Zeshua
Not yet, we still have time!
Zeshua
If Magra had been able to make his wish,
the flowers would be scattered.
the flowers would be scattered.
Magra
Grr...! Fine. I won't deny it.
Magra
No matter what I do to this tree it won't do
what I say!
what I say!
Oumei
Urgh...!!
Oumei
Who... Who would grant your vile wishes...
Zeshua
Such cruelty inflicted upon something
that does not fight back...
that does not fight back...
Alba
What could you possibly want so badly?
Magra
To elevate my Kingdom of Magra to the
world stage, of course!
world stage, of course!
Magra
My kingdom needs a castle, an army, and a
populace to grovel under my boot!
populace to grovel under my boot!
Alba
Disgusting.
Zeshua
Agreed. Not even my partner Scales here
could concoct a plan so depraved.
could concoct a plan so depraved.
Magra
Quit your bleating, fools! Get ready to be
squashed like the insects you are!
squashed like the insects you are!
Scene 10
Alba
Is it...over?
Zeshua
It seems that way.
Oumei
I have not the words to thank you both.
Oumei
It is because of you that I am able to draw
breath once more.
breath once more.
Oumei
I would grant you both your wishes to show
my gratitude. However...
my gratitude. However...
Oumei
I trust you both understand.
Oumei
One wish shall be granted. Only one.
There are no exceptions.
There are no exceptions.
Oumei
Consider carefully, and decide.
Oumei
Whose wish shall be granted?
Alba
...
Zeshua
...
Zeshua
(The silence lasted but a moment.)
Zeshua
Then I would like you to grant my partner
here her wish.
here her wish.
Alba
What?! What did you just say?
Zeshua
Have you cotton in your ears? I said I'm
forfeiting my wish to you.
forfeiting my wish to you.
Alba
But...why?! What about your desire
for vengeance?
for vengeance?
Zeshua
Your people's plight is more pressing than
mine. I can search for my brother alone.
mine. I can search for my brother alone.
Zeshua
Or perhaps you've forgotten that we elves
are long-lived?
are long-lived?
Zeshua
If I haven't found him in 20 years, I'll just
come back here again.
come back here again.
Alba
I... I can't believe it...
Oumei
Alba, it is your wish that shall be granted.
Oumei
The inhabitants of this fortress have fled.
It shall become the new land you seek.
It shall become the new land you seek.
Oumei
Although it is a barren desert now, it shall
soon...
soon...
Alba
By the gods...
Zeshua
What in...?!
Zeshua
(Right before my eyes, a miracle
happened.)
happened.)
Zeshua
(The dry desert sand transformed into a
bountiful green.)
bountiful green.)
Oumei
The actions of Magra have forced me to
acknowledge the dangers of solitude.
acknowledge the dangers of solitude.
Oumei
I look forward to being your neighbor, Alba.
Alba
...
Zeshua
Why the long face, Alba?
Alba
I'm thinking.
Alba
You stand little chance of finding your own
feet, let alone your brother.
feet, let alone your brother.
Alba
I shall act as your guide. To repay you for
allowing me to make my wish.
allowing me to make my wish.
Zeshua
I don't know... Traveling the lands with a
lizard strikes me as a mixed blessing.
lizard strikes me as a mixed blessing.
Zeshua
(Even I don't know how long it will take to
find my wretched brother.)
find my wretched brother.)
Zeshua
(In the worst case, I may find myself back
here again in 20 years.)
here again in 20 years.)
Zeshua
(But over the years and months of my
search...)
search...)
Alba
By the way, what happened with the ritual?
Did Magra perform it?
Did Magra perform it?
Zeshua
Oh, that... I had completely forgotten.
Well, no point dwelling on such things.
Well, no point dwelling on such things.
Alba
...Did you lie to me about a ritual to trick
me into guiding you?
me into guiding you?
Zeshua
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Zeshua
(But over the years and months of my
search...)
search...)
Zeshua
(With Alba, I would never know a boring
moment.)
moment.)