=== Alcryst & Seadall === --- C --- [Alcryst] Seadall? May I ask you about something? [Seadall] What would you like to know, Prince Alcryst? [Alcryst] I've heard that you were once part of a traveling caravan. [Alcryst] Is that true? [Seadall] Yes. That's right. [Seadall] Merchants, performers, dancers... I've traveled with them all and many more. [Alcryst] Really?! That must have been incredible! [Seadall] "Incredible"? That's a flattering description. I'm surprised you think so. [Alcryst] Well, I've rarely traveled outside of Brodia. My duties as a prince keep me so busy. [Seadall] I see. [Alcryst] I'm also a bit of an introvert... I envy those who can navigate foreign cultures with ease. [Seadall] The world is full of wonders. The things I've seen...some of it would take your breath away. [Seadall] In fact, if you're truly interested in that life, I could tell you a story or three. [Alcryst] Really? I would enjoy that very much! [Seadall] Of course, if I tell you these tales, I will be obliged to leave out some of the best bits. [Seadall] I can't be responsible for inspiring a prince to go adventuring beyond his kingdom's walls. [Alcryst] Oh, no need to worry. I'm not that brave. I was anxious just asking you a simple question. --- B --- [Alcryst] That's amazing! Wolf jousting sounds like a thrilling sport to witness. [Seadall] That it is. [Seadall] But it's the fights out in the crowd...hm, that's where you'll find the real action. [Seadall] There are plenty of ways to amuse oneself in Solm, but nothing is quite like the Wolf Arena. [Alcryst] So many stories... What a fascinating life you've led, Seadall. [Alcryst] Your descriptions are so vivid. I feel as if I've witnessed it all with my own eyes! [Alcryst] The caravan lifestyle sounds like so much fun. [Alcryst] Coming and going as you please, following your own whims and curiosities all over the world. [Alcryst] No restrictions, no cares...and if you ever grow bored, you can just set off on another journey. [Alcryst] I wish I could have that life... [Seadall] Yes, well... [Alcryst] There's one story you haven't told yet. When did you first join the caravan? [Alcryst] I bet you were born into it. Am I close? [Seadall] No. I was born in a town by the sea. It was...beautiful. [Seadall] I was so young when my father died, I have no memories of him. My mother raised me. [Seadall] She was a fortune-teller, but...an ill-fated one. She got sick and died when I was young. [Seadall] One thing led to another... Before long, I was living on the streets. [Alcryst] On the streets? But why? [Seadall] I was a child without a family. Where else would I live? [Alcryst] Oh... [Seadall] But one day a caravan was passing by. The travelers called to me...invited me to join them. [Seadall] And I did. I traveled with them from that day on. [Seadall] Speaking was difficult for me then. Words were hard. So my teacher taught me to dance. [Seadall] I learned that I didn't need words to communicate. That saved me. [Alcryst] I see... [Seadall] Ah, my apologies. That story is not so amusing as the others... [Alcryst] Please, I'm the one who should apologize. I didn't think before broaching the subject. [Seadall] No, I've darkened the mood. [Seadall] I'm sorry. I think this is a good place to stop for now. Another time, Prince Alcryst. --- A --- [Alcryst] Seadall? I'd like to apologize once more for our conversation the other day. [Alcryst] I really should have considered your feelings before asking about your past... [Seadall] It didn't bother me, and you didn't do anything wrong. [Alcryst] I've been thinking about your stories since then. [Alcryst] I had assumed the caravan lifestyle was all fun and games...but that's not true, is it? [Seadall] No. Fun isn't the right word. [Seadall] That life can be brutal beyond compare. I watched friends die during raids...and worse. [Alcryst] ... [Alcryst] There must have been so many hardships...and yet, I assumed it was a life of leisure. [Alcryst] If I had looked past my own desires for even a moment before speaking... I really am sorry. [Seadall] Oh, Prince Alcryst... [Seadall] Like I said, you've done nothing wrong. [Seadall] Yes, bad things happened when I was traveling with the caravan. [Seadall] But good things happened too. Many more good things. [Seadall] The caravan was my family and my home. I count myself lucky to have lived that life. [Alcryst] I'm very glad to hear that. [Seadall] So please, do not hesitate. Ask as many questions as you like. [Seadall] Ask me about the strange and wonderful foods I tasted for the first time at the border village. [Seadall] Or about the morning sun I watched set the sky on fire as it rose over the desert oasis. [Seadall] There are so many questions I hope you ask. And so many stories I hope to tell you. [Alcryst] Your tales mesmerize me, Seadall. I can't wait to get lost in them again. [Alcryst] Please, tell me a new oneā”€and another after that! Tell me stories until the break of dawn. [Seadall] Haha... With pleasure, Prince Alcryst. --- S ---