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Among Snowy Shrubs
- Paleroche Messenger
Madame Ratatos, I bring a message from my master regarding the meeting of the three clans a few days ago.
- Paleroche Messenger
The Paleroches' stance towards the outsiders is firm. We can never be too careful regarding the faithless.
- Paleroche Messenger
We must be even more vigilant now, with the Saintess out on pilgrimage and state affairs deferred to the three clans.
- Paleroche Messenger
My master does not think ill of Sir Enciodes, but it is true that Clan Silverash has been too close to the Victorians. We do not know if he has other intentions.
- Paleroche Messenger
My master has chosen to communicate with you, as he sees you as a woman who has always upheld Kjerag's traditions. He is happy to meet with you in person, if you have any thoughts you would like to share.
- Ratatos
Are you finished?
- Ratatos
Out of respect for Arctosz, please bring this message back to him.
- Ratatos
I don't know if Arctosz is harboring a grudge because the Catastrophe occurred on Paleroche soil, and I don't care.
- Ratatos
But at the last meeting, we reached the conclusion that none of us should make a move without direction from the Vine-Bead Court.
- Ratatos
While the Saintess is absent, the best thing we can do for the nation is to take care of our own business and avoid causing more issues.
- Ratatos
That will be all.
- Victorian Ambassador
I see there is no avoiding these issues.
- Ratatos
I apologize. But this little thing is no cause for concern.
- Ratatos
Let us return to the topic at hand—long-term cooperation between premium Victorian clothing brands and Clan Browntail...
- Victorian Ambassador
No, wait. With all due respect, Madam Browntail... I'm afraid this is not an issue I can ignore.
- Victorian Ambassador
If the people of Kjerag are so hostile to Victoria, how are we to believe that any cooperation can last?
- Ratatos
Our three clans may have our differences, but I am the sole representative of Clan Browntail. You may take my word on that.
- Victorian Ambassador
This conflict between the three clans... I suppose that's not hard for a Victorian to understand. Not at all.
- Victorian Ambassador
I have made great efforts to learn about Kjerag during my time here. Your culture is exotic, and fascinating.
- Victorian Ambassador
While all of Kjerag is united by your Kjeragandr faith, the same tenets seem to have had different influence on the three clans.
- Victorian Ambassador
The brave Paleroches, the clever Silverashes... but you Browntails, I must apologize that I find it hard to summarize your virtues in a single word.
- Victorian Ambassador
I suppose the way I would put it, is that Clan Browntail is noble and trustworthy.
- Ratatos
My sympathies for the homework you have to do.
- Victorian Ambassador
Knowledge is the foundation of cooperation.
- Victorian Ambassador
Her Grace the Duke values cooperation with Kjerag highly, and she is looking for a reliable, proper representative of your land to work with.
- Ratatos
A representative of Kjerag? Is Her Grace unsatisfied with Karlan Trade?
- Victorian Ambassador
Mr. Silverash is a most astute businessman, but this is also his greatest flaw. He will not permit any other winner in his game.
- Victorian Ambassador
I'm sure you understand, as his neighbor.
- Ratatos
Hmph... a keen summary.
- Victorian Ambassador
Therein lies the problem. The three clans may equally be Kjeragandr's children in name, but in the eye of an onlooker like me, they are not.
- Victorian Ambassador
Even an outsider like me can tell that your clan and the Paleroches have had virtually no effective role in response to this Catastrophe.
- Victorian Ambassador
The Silverashes and Karlan Trade have not only monopolized Kjerag's foreign commerce, but also all of her foreign affairs.
- Victorian Ambassador
And your nominal head of state, the Saintess—Mr. Silverash's sister, seems to have no objection to the present situation.
- Ratatos
Mind your words, sir. Do not presume to blaspheme the Saintess's piety with your prejudice.
- Victorian Ambassador
Oh, I apologize if my frankness has offended you. Please understand that I am speaking out of good faith, and simply conveying what I have observed as an outsider.
- Ratatos
Cut to the chase. What's your proposal?
- Victorian Ambassador
A simple one. Victoria is seeking friendly, equal, and truly mutually beneficial cooperation.
- Victorian Ambassador
Effective, long-term cooperation. Not one that only benefits one side, or limited by narrow-minded nationalism.
- Victorian Ambassador
Her Grace thinks highly of Clan Browntail, and of you personally. My presence here is proof of that.
- Ratatos
The opinions of foreigners is of no importance to Clan Browntail. Your promise is the very proof of the shifting nature of Victoria's position.
- Ratatos
You are wrong if you think Clan Browntail is simply another Clan Silverash, but easier to manipulate.
- Victorian Ambassador
No, of course not, Madam Ratatos.
- Victorian Ambassador
The Empire of Victoria does not seek subservience or dependence. She seeks to do the right thing.
- Victorian Ambassador
Clan Silverash is a window that is sometimes open, sometimes closed. Only those inside the room can truly know its contents.
- Victorian Ambassador
Tell me, Madam Browntail. Are you not tired of the constant, meaningless tribal conflicts that haunt this land?
- Victorian Ambassador
Or perhaps... you aspire to lead Kjerag into a new era yourself?
- Ratatos
...
- Ratatos
I think that will do for today.
- Ratatos
Thank you for your visit. I fully understand your proposal, and I have a message for you to bring back to the Duke.
- Ratatos
She does not yet have a sufficient understanding of Kjerag, but I sincerely hope she will one day find it.
- Victorian Ambassador
Noted. Unfortunately, any commercial cooperation must remain on hold while political issues remain unresolved.
- Victorian Ambassador
But we have plenty of patience for an important partner such as yourself.
- Victorian Ambassador
We look forward to your answer.
Dear Ensia, I hope this letter finds you well.
By the time you read this, you will have already learned of my decision.
Don't worry. Think of it as your sister going on a long trip. She'll be back before you know it.
I'm sorry that we'll have to put our plans for fondue in the Vine-Bead Court's kitchen on hold, but I promise I'll be good as my word once I get back.
Don't worry about Enciodes either. He has his plans, though he might be busy for a while. We'll count on you to take care of things at home, alright?
There are a lot of things going on. Stay safe and be especially careful when going out.
I hope I'll find you as cheerful as always when I return.
I'll pray to Kjeragandr for both of you.
P.S.: Remember to keep your appointments at Rhodes Island, follow your doctor's orders, and wear protective gear when climbing the mountains.
- Ensia
...
- Chester
A letter from Enya?
- Ensia
Yeah...
- Ensia
It's always like this.
- Ensia
Same for Enciodes. It's quiet enough at home to begin with, and ever since I came back from my trip, he's barely been around!
- Chester
These are exceptional times. They're doing all they can to protect Kjerag.
- Chester
All we can do is trust them and support them...
- Ensia
I know... I just wanted to blow off some steam.
- Ensia
They still treat me like a kid, never telling me anything. I don't even know what I'm worrying for.
- Ensia
I want to help them too...
- Silverash Clan Servant
Lady Ensia, Master Chester...
- Silverash Clan Servant
Is Sir Enciodes here?
- Ensia
He's probably at the office. Why?
- Silverash Clan Servant
A herald has arrived from the Vine-Bead Court. They said they're meeting with Clan Paleroche to discuss cooperation in the joint mining venture, and they want Sir Enciodes to submit the relevant documents early.
- Chester
I have the documents... but submit them early? Is this a temporary notice?
- Silverash Clan Servant
The herald didn't explain...
- Chester
Very well. Prepare the car, I'll go—
Before he can finish, Ensia grabs the documents and runs out the door.
- Ensia
You can stay home, Uncle Chester! Let me handle it!
- Chester
Ensia! Come back!
- Chester
Sir Enciodes said you are not to go outside without permission!
- Ensia
It's alright! Enciodes must have forgotten to bring these with him. I'll have a good laugh at him later!
- Ensia
Come on, let's go!
- Chester
Oh dear...
- Chester
I should let Sir Enciodes know...
A brown car is driving on the mountain path to the Vine-Bead Court. Sitting in the back seat, Arctosz rubs his neck.
- Arctosz
*yawn*
- Arctosz
Why call me over so early in the morning? Is the mine thing so urgent?
- Gulo
I hear Sir Enciodes often stays overnight at the company these days. An early-morning meeting would fit his recent routine.
- Arctosz
Hmph—
- Arctosz
It's not like there's much to discuss. I'm just waiting for the Silverash documents to sign off on.
- Arctosz
Give me the minutes from last time, Gulo. I'll take another look.
- Gulo
Yes, sir.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Gulo takes the documents from the glove box and is about to hand them to Arctosz when the car is violently jolted.
- Arctosz
Gah! What was that?!
- Paleroche Driver
F-Falling rocks! They almost hit us!
- Gulo
Falling rocks? Here?
The car is once again violently jolted before he could finish, as falling rubble slams against the trunk.
- Gulo
It's not safe inside! We need to get out, sir! The road ahead is blocked!
- Arctosz
Fy faen!
The three of them abandon the car and run to the mountainside, but the amount of falling rubble is overwhelming.
- Gulo
Look out—
A rock falls towards Arctosz. Gulo pushes him out of the way, and is struck by the sharp edge of the rock on his forehead. His massive frame falls on the ground, bleeding.
Arctosz crawls towards Gulo and pulls him closer to the mountain, leaving a long trail of blood on the ground.
The blood is soon covered by the falling rocks.
- Arctosz
Gulo! GULO!
- Degenbrecher
...
The tranquility of the mountain is broken by the roaring sound of engines as the morning mist disperses. Tranquility is not what Degenbrecher seeks right now.
She pushes her bike to its limits. The scenery flies by swiftly, but she does not see what she is looking for.
The tracks are still visible on the road; the target was here not long ago.
- Degenbrecher
There—!
Degenbrecher jumps off the bike and rounds a corner—
- Degenbrecher
...
Two cars are burning on the road after a collision, sending rancid smoke skywards.
Degenbrecher pulls her weapon and creates a gust that extinguishes the fire, revealing the familiar silhouette of a Silverash car.
The door is easily cut open. There is no one inside. Degenbrecher's worst fears have not come true.
She hears the sound of rocks clashing from the direction of the cliff.
Degenbrecher looks down at the source of the sound, and finds the one she is looking for, despite the dirt and soot on her face.
- Ensia
Degenbrecher!
- Ensia
...
Hanging off the side of the cliff with a hook, Ensia looks up at Degenbrecher, unsure how to hide her embarrassment.
- Ensia
Heheh... uh... I guess I screwed up...
- Enya
...'Her kingdom promises not tomorrow.'
- Enya
'Nor was it built for yesterday.'
- Enya
'Those who walk the present are closest to Her.'
- Enya
'Her blessings are ever beneath the traveler's feet.'
- Enya
...
The snowflakes stick to her fur collar. The lone traveler pulls her hood tighter and walks up the mountain, against the cold wind that blows through the forest.
Enya pulls her cloak tighter around herself, her steps slowed by falling branches mixed with snow.
The clerics often say that Kjeragandr tests Her people with wind and snow, but Enya knows 'She' would never torment her like this.
- Enya
Kjarr...
The Saintess sees the smoke of a campfire deep in the woods. Perhaps there is a place to rest.
Enya walks towards it and finds the fire still burning, providing a rare source of warmth. She reaches out to it at once.
The hides hanging around shows that it belongs to a hunter. Short shrubs surround a lone wooden house, but the owner is nowhere to be seen.
Then, one of the shrubs rustles. The tip of a metal bolt protrudes from it, pointing towards the campfire—
- Enya
Who's there?
Enya turns around quickly, but not quick enough to avoid the bolt that strikes her right leg, soaking her thick clothing with blood.
She raises her bell instinctively as she stumbles from the pain. The attacker has emerged from the bushes, aiming his next bolt at the Saintess's heart.
Whoosh—
The attacker falls as the bell rings, his body quickly covered in snow. Slowly, the small lump turns red. It was not the holy bell that did this.
Enya gets closer, and sees a crossbow bolt in the attacker's neck.
A rough hand, small but strong, grabs Enya's shoulders and pulls her to one side.
Another bolt cuts through the air, taking down another attacker, but more of them continue to emerge from the forest.
- Young Huntress
Holzchopf bandits! How dare you commit murder at MY camp while I'm away!
A young huntress, carrying a heavy crossbow that seems too big for her, stands in front of Enya. She smells of herbs and cloudbeast.
- Young Huntress
Stop daydreaming!
- Young Huntress
...
- Young Huntress
You're a Silverash... What are you doing here?
- Young Huntress
Never mind... Stay close to me!
