Rejecting Destiny/Celica: Warrior Priestess


Celica	Making the rounds, `【Summoner】`? Oh? You wish to know what's on my mind? Well, I was just thinking about the village I lived in as a child. Ram Village... Truth be told, I didn't live there for very long. And yet, I can recall my time there as clear as day. The shape of the hitching post in front of the tower, the markings on the fence... I remember it all, right down to the most minute detail. Of course, it's not just the scenery I can recall...but the time I spent with the others who lived there as well. Everyone was so kind—especially the other children who played with me. Alm, Gray, Kliff, Tobin, Faye... Back then, we would spend all day running around playing all sorts of games. We were absolutely exhausted come evening time but couldn't wait to do it all again the next day. We were nothing but smiles as we'd plan tomorrow's games, sure the next day would be greater than the last. We'd all fall asleep without a doubt that this was true... Heheh, what wonderful times those were... Is there some place from your past that is always fresh in your mind? The next time we have some time to chat, I'd love to hear all about it.


Celica	Sometimes, I can't help but wonder... What kind of life would I be leading today had I never left Ram Village? I'm fighting as a Hero in the Order to protect the innocent, but had I stayed, I'd likely be plowing a field. That is what you do in Ram Village, after all. Plow, gather crops from the mountains, and live a peaceful life. A peaceful life that passes as gently and predictably as the changing of the seasons. After leaving Ram Village, I went to an island called Novis. Perhaps I would have become a priestess there... It would have been a quiet life, free of fighting of any sort. I'd watch over the church bell, ringing it at the start and end of each day. My day-to-day life would be quite different from that of a Hero. And yet, had I not taken up the sword, I would not have been able to help save so many lives. And I would not have met many of my dearest friends. Including you, `【Summoner】`. Had I simply lived as a villager or as a priestess, our paths would never have crossed. But I am neither a villager nor a priestess...which means I must carry out my duties as a Hero of this order.


Celica	Tell me, `【Summoner】`... If you were given the chance to live a life in which you were never called to Askr...would you take it? I see... I should have figured you would have such a perfect answer! You and I are one and the same. If it is within my power to help someone or to acquire the strength to do so... I will not hesitate to take up my sword. Even if a life of peace was offered to me, I would choose the path that allowed me to help others. You agree, do you not? And further, I'm sure we aren't alone in feeling this way. I'm certain that everyone gathered for the Order of Heroes shares our sentiment. Using our strength for the sake of others rather than for ourselves is what affords us the title of Hero.


Celica	It wasn't my strength that allowed me to choose the path of a Hero. The path of a Hero allowed me strength. In the beginning, all I had to go on was my own ideals—mere thoughts in my head. I wanted to see an end to war, and I wanted to ensure the protection of those most precious to me. Even if I could have lived as the princess of Zofia, letting others fight to protect me instead of the reverse... I would not have chosen that life. I am strong enough to fight as a Hero. Therefore, it is my duty to use that strength for the benefit of others. I did not cultivate that strength on my own. I was entrusted with it. So to stand idle in times of strife would be to squander that gift. We simply cannot abide war. And when the fighting comes to an end and peace is finally upon us... I'll consider anew how I wish to live my life. The future holds more for me than chances to wield a blade... But until that day, I will continue to live the life I've chosen for myself: the life of a Hero.