Heart and Soul/Celica: Valentia's Hope

Celica: Valentia's Hope - C

Celica	So, you mean to tell me that Mila herself is here in Askr?
Yep. She shows up every once in a while to help us out.		Mae
Fjorm	Indeed. We summon more than just the heroes of other worlds. We call on their gods as well.
And it’s not just Mila from our world, either. Duma’s here too, helping the people of Askr.		Mae
Celica	Both of the gods who had a hand in the creation of Valentia, here in this world... Perhaps my summoning was Mila’s will after all. If she and Duma both offer their aid to Askr, that is a reassuring thing to hear. However...
What’s on your mind, Celica?		Mae
Celica	Princess Fjorm, you said a moment ago that Askr calls upon the gods of other worlds for help as well.
I did, yes.		Fjorm
Celica	That means, despite the assistance of divinity itself... Askr has yet to be able to step out from under the shadow of war?
Correct, I’m afraid. As powerful as the gods may be, our enemies have all too often been just as strong.		Fjorm
Celica	I think at last I understand just how hard this struggle has been for you. And thus, I think, how difficult and important the battles to come will be.

Celica: Valentia's Hope - B

Mae	Hey, Princess Fjorm. Have you seen Celica around?
I saw her praying in the courtyard a short while ago.		Fjorm
Mae	Great. I’ll head there, then. Thanks!
Actually, would you mind if I came along with you? I feel as if something has been troubling her lately. I’d like to help, if I can.		Fjorm
Mae	It’s kind of you to be concerned. Of course you can come. I’m worried about her too. She’s praying even more than usual lately.
...		Fjorm
Celica	Seraphim! Thunder!
Huh. You know, Celica’s prayers don't usually involve this much shouting. Or lightning.		Mae
Fjorm	She looks to be practicing her magic.
Oh, hello, Mae. Princess Fjorm.		Celica
Mae	We decided to drop by and check on you. How are you feeling, Celica?
I suppose I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. That’s why I’ve been practicing my magic so much. It keeps me moving, focused on something simple.		Celica
Fjorm	May I ask what’s been troubling you?
I have always thought of myself as an instrument of Mila’s will. But ever since I learned that Mila’s direct intervention has not been enough to win peace for Askr... I have been wondering what good a mere instrument such as myself can possibly do to help.		Celica
Fjorm	It is a tall order indeed, for all of us.
I get it. Our power is nothing when you compare it to a god. So if Mila’s efforts aren’t enough to get something done, it’s easy to think it must be impossible.		Mae
Fjorm	It is true that the gods have given us their assistance many times. But that does not devalue the efforts of anyone else. And I do not think they are as omnipotent as they seem.
...		Celica
Fjorm	I think the gods are a lot like us. They have problems and struggles just like we do.
Perhaps you’re right.		Celica
Mila	“For Naga knew there was but a creeping madness waiting at eternity’s end.” “It is a ruin all dragons share.” “And the only end is one of total destruction.”
Mila...		Celica
Mila	“I loved my brother, even as we loved mankind.” “Where we strayed, I cannot remember.”
Even the gods have struggles...		Celica
Fjorm	...

Celica: Valentia's Hope - A

Fjorm	I’d like to tell you a story, Princess Celica, if I may.
Of course. I assume it’s a story about the gods, somehow?		Celica
Fjorm	Yes. As champion of the god of ice, Nifl, I once had to fight against the god of fire, Múspell. But Múspell also had a champion of his own. Princess Laegjarn. She and I actually shared a mutual respect. Neither of us wanted to fight the other.
It sounds like you might have been friends, if not for the gods.		Celica
Mae	Celica... This sounds like...
Please go on, Princess Fjorm.		Celica
Fjorm	It was a terrible battle...and we both knew it would not be over until one of us was killed.
That’s awful. I’m so sorry.		Celica
Fjorm	It was, but...what got me through it, in the end, was my belief in her. In Princess Laegjarn. Even though the gods themselves made us enemies, I believed we could overcome that fate together. And because I believed it, we did. We both managed to survive, and we did eventually become friends.
Your bond must have grown very strong, to overcome such a hardship.		Celica
Mae	This sounds a lot like what happened between you and Alm, Celica.
For all the gods’ power, there are times when even they can’t imagine what ordinary people are capable of. Because when we truly care about each other, we can achieve anything.		Fjorm
Celica	You are absolutely right. Mila entrusted me with the future of Valentia for a reason. And I will not let her down!

Celica: Valentia's Hope - S

Celica	I will never forget what Mila said to Alm and me just before she ascended to the heavens. She said, “Perhaps men have long been walking on their own without our aid.”
So Mila herself acknowledged the strength of humanity.		Mae
Celica	It’s just as you said, Princess Fjorm. When people harness their potential, they can surprise even the gods. Mila has known that all along.
She must have.		Fjorm
Celica	There is also what she said when she entrusted us with Falchion, the key to the fate of Valentia. Her exact words were, “I entrust Falchion to your care.” But the fate of Valentia was never purely in the hands of Alm and me. It couldn’t be. Mila had to have been addressing all of the people of Valentia. Everyone.
It certainly is more than just heroes who change the future.		Fjorm
Mae	Right. Regular folks can do so much when they work together.
Precisely. So, even if the gods cannot win peace for Askr on their own... that doesn’t mean we should say it’s impossible, or that we should give up. We have so many allies. So many friends ready to support each other.		Celica
Mae	Celica...
So even if the gods weren’t here, I have to believe that we could secure peace by working together. Because that is what we do. That is who we are. Thank you for reminding me of my faith in people, Princess Fjorm. It seems I sorely needed it.		Celica
Fjorm	If my words have been helpful to you, then I am glad.
I’m grateful to you as well, Mae. Thank you for looking out for me, as you always do. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful friend.		Celica
Mae	Ah, don’t mention it. You know I’m always here for you!
Mila has placed her faith in me. I will ensure that faith is not misplaced. And with so many incredible friends to lean on, I cannot possibly fail.		Celica

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