Crossing Paths

Crossing Paths
Event Characters
Bonus Accessories
Start time	2024-01-10T07:00:00Z
End time	2024-01-24T06:59:59Z
Previous: Hope Held High Next: Thaw of Knowledge

Availability

This Forging Bonds was made available on:

• 2024-01-10T07:00:00Z – 2024-01-24T06:59:59Z (Notification)

Rewards

Points	Reward	Points	Reward	Points	Reward	Points	Reward
10	Lara's C Conversation	10	Tina's C Conversation	10	Safy's C Conversation	10	Reinhardt's C Conversation
25	50	25	50	25	50	25	50
50	300	50	300	50	300	50	300
75	50	75	50	75	50	75	50
100		100		100		100
150	50 1,500	150	50 1,500	150	50 1,500	150	50 1,500
200	10	200	10	200	10	200	10
250	50 1,500	250	50 1,500	250	50 1,500	250	50 1,500
300	Lara's B Conversation	300	Tina's B Conversation	300	Safy's B Conversation	300	Reinhardt's B Conversation
350	50 1,500	350	50 1,500	350	50 1,500	350	50 1,500
400	1	400	1	400	1	400	1
450	300	450	300	450	300	450	300
500	50 1,500	500	50 1,500	500	50 1,500	500	50 1,500
550	300	550	300	550	300	550	300
600	50 1,500	600	50 1,500	600	50 1,500	600	50 1,500
700	50 1,500	700	50 1,500	700	50 1,500	700	50 1,500
800	Lara's A Conversation	800	Tina's A Conversation	800	Safy's A Conversation	800	Reinhardt's A Conversation
900	300	900	300	900	300	900	300
1,000	10	1,000	10	1,000	10	1,000	10
1,100	300	1,100	300	1,100	300	1,100	300
1,200	5 1,500	1,200	5 1,500	1,200	5 1,500	1,200	5 1,500
1,300	300	1,300	300	1,300	300	1,300	300
1,400	300	1,400	300	1,400	300	1,400	300
1,500	Lara's S Conversation	1,500	Tina's S Conversation	1,500	Safy's S Conversation	1,500	Reinhardt's S Conversation
1,600	2	1,600	2	1,600	2	1,600	2
1,700	300	1,700	300	1,700	300	1,700	300
1,900	300	1,900	300	1,900	300	1,900	300
2,100	300	2,100	300	2,100	300	2,100	300
2,300	300	2,300	300	2,300	300	2,300	300
2,500	1,500	2,500	1,500	2,500	1,500	2,500	1,500
2,750	300	2,750	300	2,750	300	2,750	300
3,000	10	3,000	10	3,000	10	3,000	10
3,250	500	3,250	500	3,250	500	3,250	500
3,500	10	3,500	10	3,500	10	3,500	10

Special conversations

Crossing Paths

Crossing Paths - Opening

Lara	Wow! We ran for quite a while, and we still haven't managed to shake those bandits, have we?
Indeed we have not. I can still hear them hollering and making a dreadful commotion in the distance.		Safy
Lara	It looks like there might be a place to hide if we go a little farther. Can you two make it?
I can push on, though I am wearing down. Thank you for your concern.		Safy
Tina	What?! We have to run more? I feel as if we're OK now. We've come a long way.
You can't let your guard down. This is bandit territory. They know the area, so they have the advantage.		Lara
Tina	Argh! They should leave us alone. We're just trying to deliver medicine to a village!
Don't yell like that! Do you want them to find us? Focus on outrunning them for now. Think of nothing else.		Lara
Safy	She is right, Tina. I hate to...think of what they might...do to us if they were to catch...us...
Hey, Lara, I think Safy has about hit her limit. If we try to keep running, I'm not sure she'll make it.		Tina
Lara	You may have a point. If we keep trying to drag her along, they're going to catch up. Why don't we hide in those bushes and catch our breath before we move on?
I am sorry, Lara...		Safy
Lara	Shhh! Did you hear that? Is there something moving in the grass?
Does that mean the bandits are here?		Tina
Safy	Breathe as quietly as you can and do not move. Tina, you can manage that, right?
Oh yeah, of course, I can— Ahhh!		Tina
Lara	Huh?!
Tina!		Safy
Tina	A ca-ca...
Tina, calm down!		Lara
Tina	Ahhh! It's a caterpillar! Get it away! The awful thing came down right in front of me!
Ugh! Now the bandits know where we are!		Lara
Tina	I-I'm sorry!
I'll be a decoy. You two run as far as you can.		Lara
Safy	No! We will not flee and leave you to face them alone!
I'm so sorry! This is all my fault...		Tina
Lara	There are so many bandits. We can't handle them by ourselves...
Lara	Huh?
Haaa!		Reinhardt

Crossing Paths - C

Reinhardt	Hmph!
Reinhardt	Yaaah!
Look! Someone from the Order of Heroes is here to save us!		Tina
Safy	Thunder magic... If I recall correctly, he must be...
What is it, Safy? Aren’t you happy? We’re saved!		Tina
Safy	Yes, of course I am happy, however—
Whatever the problem, at least we can finally catch our beath.		Lara
Reinhardt	I fought the bandits off. Has anyone been hurt?
We are all unharmed thanks to you. You have our deepest gratitude.		Safy
Reinhardt	That is good to hear. I am Reinhardt, a knight of Friege. I heard rumors that the bandits were growing bolder and decided to patrol the area.
A knight of Friege? That means you really are—		Safy
Tina	That thunder magic was incredible! And you...single-handedly defeating those scoundrels! So dashing!
Oh my. Come now, Tina. I apologize for her rudeness.		Safy
Reinhardt	No need to apologize.
My name is Safy. I serve the duchess of Tarrah. This is my younger sister, Tina.		Safy
Lara	And I’m Lara—I’m a dancer. Thank you for coming to our rescue. We were taking medicine to a village that’s been stricken by disease when we ran into those bandits.
A noble cause. There may still be more bandits nearby. If it pleases you, I will escort you to this village.		Reinhardt
Tina	You will? Really?! Hey, we’re going to say yes, right?
Your accompaniment would be very reassuring, but it would be something of a hassle for you, would it not?		Lara
Reinhardt	Of course not. I shall guide you there safely, upon my honor as a knight.
Yay! Now we have nothing to worry about, huh, Safy?		Tina
Safy	Y-yes...nothing to worry about...

Crossing Paths - B

Reinhardt	You must be getting tired. Let us rest here for a time.
Yes, please! Let’s do that! I’m just exhausted after all that running.		Tina
Safy	Indeed. We can rest for a while, then.
Relax and recover your strength. We don’t know what lies ahead. I’ll keep watch for treats. I was part of a band of thieves once, so I have experience as a lookout.		Lara
Reinhardt	That is not necessary. I shall keep watch. You need rest as well, Lara.
Huh? Are you sure?		Lara
Reinhardt	Leave it to me. I will stand guard.
And he’s off... Hey! Reinhardt was really impressive, wasn’t he? He’s handsome too, but not as handsome as Prince Leif!		Tina
Lara	I’ve heard rumors about him, but to see him in action... Wow, he really is amazing.
Oh? Do you know Reinhardt?		Tina
Lara	Reinhardt of Friege has been lauded as the crusader Thrud reborn, known even among the Magi.
He’s so powerful, and he talks like a knight in a fairy tale! I’m not at all surprised that he would be likened to a legendary crusader!		Tina
Safy	I suppose not. I agree that he seems to be a man worthy of respect. But...the house of Friege that he serves is a noble house of the Grannvale Empire. That makes him a knight of the empire, which is responsible for unspeakable acts across the land.
You’re right. In normal circumstances he would be an enemy to the Magi, and Prince Leif as well.		Lara
Tina	But...he seems like such a noble man. Don’t you think he would understand our position? He must see that the child hunts the empire is doing are wrong.
I hear that Reinhardt is the right hand of Princess Ishtar of Friege. I fear convincing him may be difficult...		Lara
Tina	We won’t know unless we try! Let’s ask him to stop working for the Grannvale Empire when we return to Thracia from Askr!
If only he would listen to us. I cannot put into words how wonderful that would be.		Safy
Lara	Shhh! Both of you! I hear someone... It’s the bandits again!

Crossing Paths - A

Lara	No! We’re completely surrounded. It looks like our luck has run out.
Wh-what can we do! Reinhardt!		Tina
Reinhardt	Haaah!
Sir Reinhardt!		Safy
Reinhardt	I will not allow you to lay a finger on them. Ha!
W-wow... Look how he’s scattering all those bandits with such ease...		Tina
Safy	So this is the power of the knight known as the second coming of the crusader Thrud.
I took too long to return. You have my sincere apologies for any distress I may have caused you.		Reinhardt
Tina	Not at all! You were right on time!
Thank you for saving us again.		Lara
Reinhardt	I sense no more of that rabble about. They should leave us in peace for some time now, I imagine.
...		Safy
Reinhardt	Are you injured, Sister Safy?
Sir Reinhardt...you may have already realized by now... We are deeply involved with Prince Leif of Leonster, an enemy of the Grannvale Empire. You have saved us now not once, but twice. Your actions are those of a true knight. We do not have the words to adequately express our gratitude.		Safy
Reinhardt	I...
We have a request, though we know it an impossible one. Would you stop giving aid to the Grannvale Empire?		Safy
Lara	I-I would ask the same! You must know of the heinous crimes the Grannvale Empire is committing! Fight with us, for the sake of all the people suffering in Thracia?
I see... I know that you do not make this request lightly. However, I cannot lend an ear to this thing that you ask of me.		Reinhardt
Tina	Why?! You must know that what the empire is doing is wrong!
This is not a choice I make out of consideration for which side is just, but because of my loyalty as a knight.		Reinhardt
Safy	...
I have sworn my allegiance not to the Grannvale Empire, but to the house of Friege. Lady Ishtar has chosen to stand with the empire. It is my sworn duty to follow her. My loyalty will never waver. It matters not what happens.		Reinhardt
Safy	I see... Then please forgive us for making such a request of you.
Do not bow your head, priestess. You have nothing to apologize for. I may not be able to lend you my aid when one day I return to Thracia. My sister, Olwen, is a different story. I entrusted my sentiments and the path I could not walk to her. I believe she would aid you and Prince Leif.		Reinhardt
Tina	I...I would have liked it if we could have become friends.
I appreciate your words. But know that, as long as we are in Askr, we will not be foes. Here we are comrades bringing our strength and will to bear to save Askr from that which threatens it.		Reinhardt
Lara	That’s why you saved us then.
I promise you that I shall devote all my strength to Askr, as a member of the Order of Heroes. I hope that you believe me, and that you, too, will lend me your aid.		Reinhardt
Safy	The paths we have chosen in Thracia may be different... However, that does not change the fact that you have earned our trust here. We will stand with you.
I am honored by your faith in me. I shall wield this blade and this thunder for my comrades.		Reinhardt
Tina	Well then, let’s deliver this medicine to the village together, with the help of our new companion!
That’s right! The bandits have been dealt with, so let’s hurry and finish up this delivery!		Lara
Reinhardt	I said I would escort you to the village earlier. If you allow it, I shall protect you until you return to Askr’s castle.
Thank you. We will count on your protection, Sir Reinhardt.		Safy

Lara: Step Lively

Lara: Step Lively - C

Lara	It’s been some time since I’ve worn this garb... And here I thought my dancing days were behind me. But I need to do my best to shake off the dust. The other dancers in the Order of Heroes are skilled, so I’ll need to practice hard to keep up. If I recall, there’s a spot in this forest that would be perfect for practice... Oh, is someone already here?
One! Two! Step, then...leap! Yes! A picture-perfect landing! Phew. That’s progress, if I do say so myself!		Inigo
Lara	Amazing! That was beautiful!
Wh-who’s there? Oh, dear. You, um... Were you watching me just now?		Inigo
Lara	You were dashing! A little rough around the edges, but I could see the passion in your movement.
T-truly? Thank you...		Inigo
Lara	I’m Lara. I was summoned to Askr from the Thracian peninsula on the continent of Judgral.
Ah, welcome to the Order of Heroes, fair maiden! My name is Inigo. I hail from the Halidom of Ylisse.		Inigo
Lara	It’s a pleasure to meet you, Inigo. Are you a dancer too?
Well, no... My primary role is as a sword-arm. But I’ve been practicing dance steps in secret. I love dancing.		Inigo
Lara	What a waste for someone with your skills to dance in secret! You belong in front of a crowd.
A-absolutely not! I appreciate your kindness, madam, but there is only so much embarrassment I can take...		Inigo
Lara	Oh my... I didn’t expect someone with your level of talent to be so bashful.

Lara: Step Lively - B

Inigo	Your garb suggests that you are a dancer as well. Is that right?
Um... Half right, perhaps.		Lara
Inigo	Half right?
I...quit dancing not too long ago. But I thought the best way for me to help the Order might be to dance again, so I came here to practice.		Lara
Inigo	Is that so? I must admit I’m curious to see what your style is like. Would it be rude to ask for a demonstration?
Not at all. It seems only fair, since I saw you dance earlier. It’s been some time, though... I hope my skills aren’t too dulled.		Lara
Inigo	I’m sure you’ll be delightful!
Now then... Would you keep time by clapping for me?		Lara
Inigo	Incredible! What a fantastic display of skill!
D-do you really think so? You’re not just trying to spare my feelings?		Lara
Inigo	Absolutely not! In fact, I’m shocked that someone with your talent would quit dancing. May I ask why?
Oh, that... I was sold to a troupe of traveling entertainers when I was a child. They forced me to dance. I went to sleep hungry every day. It was...the most painful time of my life.		Lara
Inigo	Gods, how horrible... I’m so sorry I brought it up, and that you had to experience such a thing.
There’s no need to apologize. It’s in the past now. And, you know... Even though the troupe was cruel to me, I couldn’t bring myself to hate dancing.		Lara

Lara: Step Lively - A

Inigo	So you’re going back to dancing primarily because you enjoy it, is that right?
Yes, but...I also think it’s because I want to be able to dance for someone in particular again. They often came to see me perform and praised my abilities.		Lara
Inigo	My, my, sounds like you had quite the fan.
They’re more than a fan. They also ended up ultimately freeing me from the troupe.		Lara
Inigo	Oh, the plot thickens! So you owe this person a great deal.
It’s wonderful that I’ll be able to perform in front of others again. But I will admit my main goal is to hone my dancing skills and make my rescuer proud.		Lara
Inigo	Ah, I can appreciate how you must feel. There is someone I want to perform for as well. My dream is to one day be able to dance for the person who taught me. That’s why I’m practicing alone like this.
Heehee, we’re quite alike, then! Oh, I just thought of a good idea! What if we practiced together?		Lara
Inigo	Wh-what?! Practice together? The two of us?
We’ll improve even faster if we’re able to give each other feedback. Don’t you think?		Lara
Inigo	True... But I’m not sure what sort of feedback a novice like me could deliver to someone of your prowess.
No need to sell yourself short! The two of us are both just people who love to dance. We’re the same.		Lara
Inigo	Huh... You know what, I’m quite fond of that. Let’s embark on this journey for the art of dance together, Lara!

Lara: Step Lively - S

Lara	Ha! Ya!
Exceptional, Lara! A perfect jump!		Inigo
Lara	Thank you! I wouldn’t be picking it back up as quickly without you, Inigo.
You are far too kind! Truly, it is your enthusiasm for the craft that has born fruit, not my involvement.		Inigo
Lara	Heehee. Maybe I’ll be able to perform a fantastic dance for my rescuer sooner than I thought!
On that note, actually, may I ask you something? Do you know where your rescuer is now?		Inigo
Lara	I don’t... It’d be nice if they happened to be summoned to Askr too, but I’m not sure.
If they could be summoned, then they must also be a Hero. Might this person be a...male suitor?		Inigo
Lara	I’m not sure about “Hero,” but yes, he is a man. He’s probably napping in some Thracian forest right now.
I see... It’s a terrible shame that he isn’t here to witness how much your dancing has improved.		Inigo
Lara	It’s all right. I’ll dance for him again someday, when I return to Thracia. I won’t stop practicing until then!
Now, now, no need for endless practicing. I’m right here, after all.		Perne
Lara	Perne?! H-how did you get here?
How did you? The summoner brought me here, obviously. This new world is full of interesting things. Should keep me entertained, for a while at least.		Perne
Inigo	Pardon me for cutting in, but is this the person who freed you, Lara?
Oh, yes, this is Perne. He’s the leader of a band of honorable bandits based in the forest of Dacia, the Dandelions.		Lara
Perne	Truth be told, I was summoned here some time ago. But I noticed you two getting awfully cozy and practicing together lately, so I thought I’d...tag along. You weren’t half bad, Lara. Your dancing is even more bewitching than before.
You’re incorrigible, Perne... I’m here to practice, not to have you stare at me through the trees!		Lara
Perne	Haha! My deepest apologies for the staring. But how could I interrupt such a passionate performance?
Oh, Perne... You really haven’t changed a bit.		Lara
Perne	You know you can’t stay mad at me, Lara. By the way, you. Yeah, you. The soft-looking fella.
A-are you talking to me?		Inigo
Perne	No, I’m talking to a stick. Of course I’m talking to you. Appreciate you looking out for Lara.
Oh, um, it’s been my pleasure. She’s been a great help to me too.		Inigo
Lara	Listen up, Perne! What you saw was just a practice run. The next time you watch me, it’ll be a real performance.
Big talker. I’ll hold you to that. Careful that you’d don’t muck it up!		Perne
Lara	O-of course I won’t!

Tina: Playful Scamp

Tina: Playful Scamp - C

Henriette	This is the box that is troubling me. What do you think? Can you open it?
It looks like any other box, but it seems like this one might require a little more effort than most.		Patty
Cath	Don’t worry! Getting into something like this is easy if you have help from someone with the right skills, like us!
It sounds like we are in good hands!		Sharena
Tina	Queen Henriette, Princess Sharena... What’s all the excitement about?
Hello Tina! We were about to attempt to solve a little problem.		Sharena
Henriette	Indeed. We would like to open this little box, but we have not been able to locate the key.
Wow! What a pretty box! What do you suppose is in it?		Tina
Patty	We’re about to find that out. I’ll have it open in no time! Er, what?! I can’t get it open.
My turn next! For stubborn boxes like this, you do a bit of this, and a bit of that, and then... Rah! Ha! Ya! Huh? That really should have worked.		Cath
Patty	If we can’t open it, then it probably can’t be opened. After all, opening locks is what we do.
This one must be quite challenging then...		Sharena
Patty	I’m sorry, Queen Henriette. It looks as if we won’t be able to help you.
The lock itself could be broken. To be frank, I’ve got no more ideas.		Cath
Henriette	Oh... That is unfortunate, but I suppose it cannot be helped. Thank you both for trying. I will think of another way.
Huh... What is that box? I wonder if it holds something precious to Queen Henriette inside.		Tina

Tina: Playful Scamp - B

Tina	Hello, Queen Henriette.
Hello, Tina. Have you adjusted to being in Askr yet?		Henriette
Tina	Yes! Everyone in the Order of Heroes has been very welcoming to both me and my sister!
That is good to hear. If you have any trouble, do not hesitate to tell me.		Henriette
Tina	Thank you. I was wondering, were you ever able to get into that box from the other day?
Oh, that. I was not able to open it. I have decided to leave it alone.		Henriette
Tina	It seems to be very secure. Do you think there might be some remarkable treasure within?
*chuckle* I wonder. To tell you the truth, I have no idea what is inside.		Henriette
Tina	What?! Is this one of those situations where you put something there for safekeeping then forget about it?
Not this time. The box is not mine. That box... Gustav... It came from my husband’s room.		Henriette
Tina	So it belongs to Prince Alfonse and Princess Sharena’s father?
That’s right. I planned to leave it alone, but I can’t stop wondering what he might have placed inside. So I spoke with Sharena and tried asking the Order of Heroes’ famous lockpickers for help.		Henriette
Tina	I see. It must be sad not being able to open it when something you connect with fond memories could be inside.
Ah, Tina, you are a very thoughtful girl, but it is times like these that knowing when to give up is key.		Henriette
Besides, there may be something to be said for enjoying a mystery for what it is and leaving it as such.		Henriette
Tina	I’m not sure... Don’t give up, Queen Henriette. There may yet be another way into that box!

Tina: Playful Scamp - A

Safy	I see... She still has not been able to open the box, then?
Queen Henriette said she doesn’t mind giving up, but... In her heart of hearts, I believe she must want to open it. I think it’s very important to her. Hey, Safy? My staff, Thief, was made for this. Do you think I could use it to get whatever is inside the box out?		Tina
Safy	If you use the staff’s power, you probably could retrieve the contents of the box for her. But Thief should only be used when faced with truly significant ordeals. The Order of Heroes may face far more consequential challenges in the future.
Yes, I suppose you’re right...		Tina
Safy	But, the staff is yours. You are the only one who can bring out its power. I think that only you, as its wielder, can determine how best to use it. You must be the one to decide what you should do.
Queen Henriette’s smile is wonderful, isn’t it? I believe everyone in the Order of Heroes is inspired by her smile. I...I think, for the purpose of bringing her happiness, it is acceptable for me to use Thief’s power.		Tina
Safy	I see... If the wielder of such a great power uses it in the wrong ways, many will be made to suffer. But if that individual is on the right path when they wield it, it is sure to bring about happiness. I pray for your success, Tina.
Really? Is it all right, Safy? Thank you for supporting my decision! I’m off to help the queen!		Tina

Tina: Playful Scamp - S

Sharena	Tina! I brought my mother!
And I brought the box, but... Have you found some way to open it?		Henriette
Tina	I can’t open the box. But I can get out what’s inside.
You can get the contents out without opening it? Is that some trick passed through the generations in Thracia?		Sharena
Tina	It’s not just a trick anyone can do. If I use the power of my staff, Thief, I can retrieve whatever is in the box. It’s a very valuable staff, so I try not to misuse its power, but... If I draw out its full strength, I should be able to transfer whatever is inside there into my hands with ease!
What?! Is it really appropriate for us to use such a valuable item for this?!		Sharena
Henriette	Thank you, Tina, I appreciate your thoughtfulness. But, I do not need you to go to such lengths for me.
No, let me do this! Sorry, what I mean is, I really want to do this for you. This staff is valuable, but I believe that this is the right time to use it. I think helping you, Queen Henriette, will ultimately be helpful to everyone in the Order of Heroes. I know it will!		Tina
Henriette	I understand how you feel. All right then... Will you allow me to use the staff’s power, just this once?
Yes, of course!		Tina
Sharena	Oh my... I’m getting a little nervous now that we’re finally going to find out what it holds! What will we do if an extremely rare jewel or some kind of powerful magic stone is inside?!
Errr... Now my heart is starting to beat a little faster!		Tina
Henriette	All this excitement. You’re both so wound up... Now I’m feeling a little anxious myself.
All right, here I go! Come on, Thief, we must not fail.		Tina
Sharena	What? Is it possible to fail when using a staff?
Oh, yes! It’s pretty much a daily occurrence for someone to fail while wielding a staff in Thracia! That’s why I have to focus, and... This is it! Here we go!		Tina
Sharena	You did it! Huh? Well...it’s small, isn’t it? Is this... just a rock?
Yes. It appears to be a...perfectly round white stone.		Tina
Sharena	It is quite pretty, but is this the kind of thing one normally puts in a box for safekeeping?
Oh?! That’s...		Henriette
Sharena	Mother? Do you know why this rock was in there?
Yes, I do. How could I ever forget? I gave this to Gustav.		Henriette
Sharena	What?! You gave father a rock?
After we first met... We challenged each other to see which of us could find the roundest stone by the river. He struggled to find anything good. In the end... I won with this stone.		Henriette
Tina	So King Gustav saved it and kept it here ever since that day?
Yes, he must have.		Henriette
Thank you, Tina. You helped retrieve something more valuable to me than any jewel or magic stone.		Henriette
Tina	It was worth it to be able to bring you so much joy, Queen Henriette!
We will have to help Tina out next, right, Mother?		Sharena
Henriette	Yes. If ever you find yourself in need, call on us, and we will come to your aid, no matter what.
Oh!		Tina
Sharena	What? Tell me it isn’t... Did using the staff this way do something to it?
No, quite the opposite! Even though I used the staff, it isn’t damaged or depleted at all! Maybe Thief wanted to lend you its aid, Queen Henriette. I’ll have to report this to Safy!		Tina

Safy: Font of Piety

Safy: Font of Piety - C

Safy	Lifis! So you have been summoned to Askr as well?
Yes, before you were, actually. Askr wouldn’t leave the power of a grand Hero like myself untapped for long.		Lifis
Safy	I was summoned to Askr recently. Let us work together for the common good here, as well.
Since I have more experience here than you, just let me know if you need anything.		Lifis
Safy	Thank you for your generous offer. It could be my imagination, but you seem to have grown calmer here.
Glad you noticed. I’ve turned over a new leaf. I’m choosing to live a respectable life.		Lifis
Safy	That is wonderful news. The words I spoke to you when we were with the pirates may have reached your heart. But what are these clothes you are wearing? Did you have new garments made for you here?
These? As it turns out, there’s an event called a pirate festival in Askr. I made this fine outfit so I could be part of the entertainment.		Lifis
Safy	To help entertain everyone... I see. So you are making yourself useful to the people of Askr, then. I always believed that you had good in you. It seems I was right.
I was a genuine pirate in Thracia, but that’s a thing of the past now. I’m a Hero in Askr, after all. I need to behave in a manner befitting one.		Lifis
Safy	I am so relieved to hear that. You will surely open up a new future for yourself by atoning for your past sins.
Enough about me. How about you? Are you adjusting to life here, Safy? I am willing to help you with any task or accompany you on any venture! You need only ask.		Lifis
Safy	Is that so? May I take you up on that offer now? I would like to help at the orphanage. Perhaps you could come with me.
An orphanage? So you want me to babysit brats? What a pain in the a— I mean, I would love to. Let me show you the upstanding man I’ve become!		Lifis
Safy	I just know the children will be delighted to have you there. I look forward to seeing how you work with them.

Safy: Font of Piety - B

Safy	Good morning, everyone. I am Safy, and I will be helping out around here starting today.
Nice to meet you, kids! If you don’t listen to everything Safy says, you’ll be kidnapped by a pirate!		Lifis
Julian	Lifis... Weren’t you an actual pirate? Are you sure you’re capable of caring for children?
You’re one to talk. I hear you used to be a thief. If you can do this, then it should be easy for me.		Lifis
Chad	Working at an orphanage is more than looking after the children. Carry those boxes to the storage area. Food for everyone is in there, so be sure to handle them with care.
What?! All of this? There’s an awful lot of boxes here.		Lifis
Safy	Are you all right, Lifis? Is this going to be too much for you?
Of course not! This is nothing! I will gladly carry every single one of these. For the kids...		Lifis
Julian	Well, if he’s motivated to do it, then we should let him do it. Now then, I’ll leave all this to you.
Was that the last box? What’s next? Cleaning? Great... Got it. Don’t you worry, everything will be spotless by the time I’m through!		Lifis
Huh? You need me to go to the store? You’ve found the right guy for the job. You need everything in this note? All right, I’ll be back shortly!		Lifis
Chad	Hey, Julian... Was Lifis always this hard a worker?
No, I’m as surprised as you. I seem to recall him complaining about taking part in the pirate festival.		Julian
Safy	Lifis really has had a change of heart. People do change. They are capable of continuing to change, as well. I am quite pleased to see him working so selflessly.
If Safy is happy, then things are good here, don’t you think?		Julian
Chad	I suppose they are.

Safy: Font of Piety - A

Lifis	That’s it, the wall is repaired. Another day of hard work completed, just like all the other days!
Fantastic work, Lifis, and it is early still. You are welcome to head home before the rest of us if you like.		Safy
Lifis	I am? All right then, I think I’ll do just that. See you tomorrow!
Yes, I look forward to it.		Safy
Lifis	Heheheh, Safy... She’s falling for my act. It’s so easy to deceive those who insist on seeing good in everyone! I just have to find the right moment to suggest that we go find someplace peaceful to live out our lives together. Then I can flee this wretched Order of Heroes with her by my side! I can endure it a little longer. Once I have her completely hoodwinked, it will be good riddance to Askr!
Good riddance? Really? Such harsh sentiments for this place.		???
Lifis	Huh? Who the hell are you? You had best not be mocking me, the great pirate, Lifis.
Hello, Lifis. It looks like you are doing well.		Perne
Lifis	Argh! What are you doing here? Er, I mean, it’s a surprise to see you, Perne. When did you come to Askr?
I haven’t been here long. Askr is quite a fascinating place though, wouldn’t you agree? I have seen others I knew from Thracia, but I can hardly believe that Crybaby Lifis was called here too.		Perne
Lifis	Ugh! I told the summoner to bring anyone but this muttonhead here, yet here he is...
Hm? Did you say something?		Perne
Lifis	Uh...no, I didn’t say anything!
We must not let this meeting go to waste. Let us get to know each other better here in Askr, shall we?		Perne
Lifis	Uh... Ah...hahaha... That would be, er, well...
Shall we begin with you telling me in detail about this cleric or whoever it is you were just going on about?		Perne
Lifis	Ahh! Why do you have to crack your knuckles to get to know me?!
You should already know that I hate it when people are dishonest and do not honor their word. Before we visit the tavern to catch up, let’s see if I can pummel that into your little brain, shall we?		Perne
Lifis	Wait! Perne, I... Ahh!

Safy: Font of Piety - S

Safy	Good morning, Julian. Let us have another lovely day working together.
Good morning, Sister Safy. Thank you for your ongoing help and dedication. We are much better off for it.		Julian
Lifis	Um... Good morning...
Good morning, Lifis! Are you all right?! You look like you ran into a ghost or something.		Julian
Chad	You do seem rather pale, and your cheeks look sunken in. Did you eat something that didn’t settle well?
Tell us—what is the matter? You were so full of energy just yesterday.		Safy
Lifis	I’m fine. It’s nothing...nothing at all... I, Lifis, shall grind my bones to dust working for Askr from now on.
Perhaps you should take the day to rest if you are not feeling well.		Safy
Lifis	N-no, if I shirk my duties, then who knows what awful things might happen to me!
What might happen to you? I do not understand. What does that mean?		Safy
Lifis	D-don’t concern yourself! I’m turning over a new leaf starting today. I am so...so sorry...for everything.
I thought you had already turned over a new leaf? We have been doing our best working together to be of service to the people of Askr.		Safy
Lifis	Yes, I will do my best. Today, and every day...
He’s working even more diligently than he was yesterday.		Chad
Julian	He really does seem to have turned over a new leaf. Were my suspicions about him unfounded?
Perhaps he has found meaning in the work here and has decided to take it even more seriously.		Safy
Chad	Hmmm... Could that be it?
Whatever the reason, if he is going to put this much effort, we can hardly ask for more.		Julian
Safy	People can change if they but have the desire and conviction. I wish to see smiles on the faces of others. I hope the work the Heroes do here spreads joy throughout Askr.

Reinhardt: Thrud Reborn

Reinhardt: Thrud Reborn - C

Reinhardt	I seem to have fallen farther behind the thieves than I thought. These tracks are fresh, however... I may still be able to apprehend them before they attack another village.
Reinhardt	Hm? Someone else is engaging with the bandits...
They number over one hundred... Not great odds for me, though I plan on giving them the fight of their lives.		Hríd
Reinhardt	Thunder, I call upon you!
What powerful magic...		Hríd
Reinhardt	I am Reinhardt, mage knight of Friege. I currently operate as a guest general for Askr. Pardon my intrusion.
No, your timing is incredible. I am grateful for the support. I suspect the thieves are headed to a nearby village. I intend to stop them. Will you aid me?		Hríd
Reinhardt	Of course. I shall demonstrate to them the power of my new weapon, Arcane Thunder!
Reinhardt	I did not anticipate that the thieves would throw down their weapons and flee... How disappointing.
Reinhardt, thank you again for lending me your strength.		Hríd
Reinhardt	I cannot accept such praise. A warrior of your caliber would have had no trouble dispatching that riffraff alone. You displayed calculated footwork and exceptional swordsmanship. You must be a renowned Hero.
Ah, I apologize for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Hríd. I am crown prince of Nifl.		Hríd

Reinhardt: Thrud Reborn - B

Reinhardt	You are royalty... Please forgive me for addressing you so casually earlier. This piques my curiosity, however. May I ask what brings the prince of Nifl to such a remote place as this?
Our homeland was embroiled in a conflict with the Kingdom of Flame, Múspell, that devastated us. My people scattered during the fight. I am on a journey to find them and rebuild our country.		Hríd
Reinhardt	I see... I am only recently summoned to Askr, so I was unaware. Please forgive my ignorance.
Summoned? You must be a member of the Order of Heroes, then. Askr and its Order of Heroes were instrumental allies in our conflict with Múspell. Though we lost much, the fact that Nifl survived at all is thanks to Prince Alfonse, Princess Sharena... and the summoner. I will never forget my gratitude to them.		Hríd
Reinhardt	It sounds like you have overcome a trying struggle. I can scarcely imagine how you must feel.
My sisters are in the Order of Heroes. I had considered visiting them while I was in the area, but... I ran into those thieves we just dealt with on my way to the castle.		Hríd
Reinhardt	Your sisters? Would you be referring to Princess Fjorm and Princess Ylgr?
Oh, yes. Do you know them?		Hríd
Reinhardt	I do. You look much like them, and share similar bearing.
Your words warm my heart. Are they well?		Hríd
Reinhardt	Yes, worry not. They are doing great things in the Order and having a positive influence on Askr. I have had the privilage of fighting side-by-side with Princess Fjorm on several occasions. She is valorous and level-headed, able to fight while supporting her allies in a way befitting her station.
I am...very proud to hear that.		Hríd

Reinhardt: Thrud Reborn - A

Hríd	It sounds like Fjorm and Ylgr are both doing well in the Order of Heroes.
Indeed. They are valuable allies.		Reinhardt
Hríd	Huh...
Is something the matter?		Reinhardt
Hríd	It makes me so glad to hear that they have been able to repay some of the debt Nifl owes the Order of Heroes... But, as their older brother, I must admit I also have some mixed feelings about them flourishing here.
Oh?		Reinhardt
Hríd	Truthfully, I’ve always wished they would have stayed in Nifl with me. But this experience in the Order of Heroes will undoubtedly prove more valuable for their futures. That’s what I told myself when I saw them off, anyway, but I can’t seem to help missing them... Pardon me for discussing such a sentimental matter at length. I don’t wish to waste your time.
There is no need to apologize. I empathize with your plight. I, too, have a younger sister. We have...grown apart, in a sense. Our goals have diverged. But I continue to wish for her growth and safety.		Reinhardt
Hríd	I see... We find ourselves in similar situations.
I was also dismayed when our paths took us in different directions... However, my sister was blessed with wonderful companions. They have helped her grow in ways that I never could have.		Reinhardt
Hríd	You’ve reminded me of something precious, Reinhardt. I must thank you again.
Hm? Prince Hríd? Was your intention not to visit the castle?		Reinhardt
Hríd	I am returning to Nifl. Fjorm and Ylgr have strong companions and are doing well on their own. They don’t need their older brother looking over their shoulder. Besides, our conversation has only rekindled the desire I hold to rebuild a thriving home for them to return to.
You possess great strength of spirit. I am certain you will rebuild Nifl into a prosperous country. For my part, I shall endeavor to aid Princess Fjorm and Princess Ylgr in any way I can.		Reinhardt
Hríd	It eases my heart that they have the support of someone like you. I trust that you will do well by them.

Reinhardt: Thrud Reborn - S

Reinhardt	Pardon the interruption, princesses of Nifl, but may I have a moment?
Hello, Reinhardt. What can we do for you?		Fjorm
Ylgr	Ooo, are you going to teach us some flashy thunder magic?
Perhaps another time, Princess Ylgr. I happened to meet your brother while on patrol.		Reinhardt
Fjorm	Hríd? You mean you spoke with him?
Whoa! He came all the way out here?		Ylgr
Reinhardt	It appeared I caught him as he was passing through on other business. Before journeying home, he told me how proud he was of both of you for your accomplishments in the Order.
But...if he was so close, why didn’t he come say hi?		Ylgr
Fjorm	Now, Ylgr, I’m sure he thought seeing him might make us homesick. We should do our best to grow and challenge ourselves here so we can make him proud, don’t you think?
Fiiine. In that case, I’m gonna be so strong next time I see him that he won’t even recognize me!		Ylgr
Fjorm	Thank you for sharing that with us, Reinhardt. It is sometimes painful to be apart from our brother... But I’m confident that this challenge will benefit us in the end, when we can reunite in Nifl as a family.
You’re making it sound complicated. You just mean it’d make Hríd happy if we did our best in Askr, right?		Ylgr
Fjorm	Hmhm. Yes, that’s right.
Got it. I’m going to search for things to do my best at, then!		Ylgr
Fjorm	Oh, Ylgr, please don’t run! Forgive my rudeness, Reinhardt, but I must see to my sister...
Haha, of course. Take care, Princess. Reunite as a family... We may never have such a reunion in Thracia, Olwen... But please know that, as long as your journey continues, I will be the wind at your back. March confidently down the path you have chosen, without regret. That is all I could hope for.		Reinhardt

Story
Previous: Book VIII, Chapter 3: Part 5: Extreme Measures ←		Next: Perne: Dacian Scoundrel →

In other languages

Language	Name
Japanese	いつか交わる道
German	Gekreuzte Pfade
Spanish (Europe)	Caminos entrelazados
Spanish (Latin America)	Cruzando caminos
French	Chemins croisés
Italian	Destini incrociati
Traditional Chinese (Taiwan)	終將交會的道路
Portuguese	Rumos cruzados