Strength in Service/Fir: Swordmaiden

Fir: Swordmaiden - C

Fir	Thanks for taking the time to show me around, Princess Fjorm. I know you’re a busy woman.
It’s no trouble at all. I’m never too busy for my allies. This place can be confusing for newcomers, so if questions come up, please feel empowered to ask me.		Fjorm
Fir	I appreciate that! I’m really looking forward to— Huh?
What is it?		Fjorm
Fir	Do you hear that? A rumbling sound... and it’s getting closer!
Now that you mention it, it does feel as if the ground is starting to shake...		Fjorm
Bartre	There she is! Sweet Fir! Welcome to Askr, my daughter!
Father? Please don’t— Hngh! Stop it!		Fir
Bartre	What? No hug? Don’t you miss your old man?
I should’ve known that sound was you stomping over here... And no, no hug! Not in front of people!		Fir
Bartre	Gahaha! Why so shy? Can’t a father hug his little girl? Well, not so little anymore. You’re big and strong now!
You’re right. I have grown since I first left to follow in Mother’s footsteps. I’ve met all sorts of people...I’ve learned all sorts of things. My journey is not over, but it’s true— I’m not the child you knew.		Fir
Bartre	Wow, listen to you. So mature! My little Fir, all grown up... BUHHH!
Father, don’t cry so loudly! You’ll scare the princess!		Fir
Fjorm	No, it’s all right. *sniffle* I love reunions.
Not you too!		Fir
Bartre	All right, I’ll quit with the blubbering. I’m just so happy to have my daughter back! Say, you mentioned following in your mother’s footsteps.
Yes... In my travels, I got to meet people who knew Mother. It taught me a lot about her. Now, when I practice with my sword, I can feel her presence nearby.		Fir
Bartre	Well, see... Karla actually is nearby! She’s in Askr!
What?!		Fir

Fir: Swordmaiden - B

Fir	So Mother is here? Even though she’s been gone since I was young... in Askr, she’s still alive?
Yep! Well, sorta. This Karla doesn’t know you.		Bartre
Fir	What do you mean? How could she not know her own daughter?
That’s how things work around here! She’s younger, this one. Hasn’t even met me yet!		Bartre
Fir	Younger? So, she doesn’t know she’s going to marry you? Or have me?
That’s the shape of it. Believe me, I’m confused by this stuff every day!		Bartre
Fir	Hmm.
You still want to meet her, Fir?		Bartre
Fir	Yes... I do, yes. I always wished I could see her just one more time. My mother is the whole reason I’ve been striving to master the sword.
I can understand the feeling...		Fjorm
Bartre	If that’s how ya feel, then find her! Talk to her! You just gotta be all right with her not knowing you.
I am! Or, I think I am. Maybe I need some time to think it over.		Fir

Fir: Swordmaiden - A

Fir	Princess Fjorm, can you explain something to me?
I can certainly try. What is it?		Fjorm
Fir	I heard there’s someone here who’s named Fir, like me, and uses a sword, like me...who isn’t me.
Yes. Even if two Heroes share a name and look alike, they can differ based on what worlds they came from.		Fjorm
Fir	Right. And in that case, then... couldn’t this version of my mother be from another world too?
Yes. That may be true of the Bartre you met as well.		Fjorm
Fir	I think Father’s the same wherever you go. He’s a big, loud constant.
Perhaps so.		Fjorm
In any case, I have heard one Hero’s fate can differ from world to world.		Fjorm
Fir	Then this version of Mother might never marry Father, or have me. Her future’s not decided yet.
Indeed, that’s true.		Fjorm
Fir	All I want is to see her, talk to her— learn from her. But if she finds out who I am, it could disrupt her future. So what do I do? Would it be better not to meet her at all?
Hmm. What if you kept your identity hidden and simply met her as a fellow swordfighter?		Fjorm
Fir	Challenge her to a sparring match, you mean? That might not be a bad idea. I’ve always dreamed of learning the art of swordplay from my mother...
You and Karla are both eloquent with the blade. You can show how you feel with your weapons, if not your words.		Fjorm
Fir	You’re right—thanks for the idea, Princess Fjorm! Now, let’s see how I do against the Sword Princess!

Fir: Swordmaiden - S

Fjorm	Karla should be practicing out in this forest somewhere... Oh! There she is!
My mother—and she looks so young! Standing there like a true warrior...		Fir
Fjorm	Fir... I see you’re emotional, but we should make our presence known.
You’re right. OK, here I go... You there!		Fir
Karla	Yes? How may I be of help, Princess Fjorm and... Apologies, but I do not believe we have met. What is your name?
I’m, uh...shy! I don’t like giving out my name to people.		Fir
Karla	I see. Well then. What business do you have with me, shy one?
You’re the famous Sword Princess Karla, aren’t you?		Fir
Karla	I do not recall ever being given that title, though I do go by Karla, yes.
Well, Karla... Would you like to spar with me?		Fir
Karla	I am willing, but...are you certain? You look to be on the verge of tears.
Not at all... I’m just shaking because I’m so excited!		Fir
Karla	Before we begin, you must try to compose yourself. Breathe deeply of the forest air, and then slowly draw your sword.
I...feel better. It worked! Thank you, Karla! Now, let’s spar, and I’ll show you all I’ve learned!		Fir
Karla	Very good. Leave no regrets.
*pant* That was a good match!		Fir
Karla	Yes. I feel as if it taught me about your inner spirit. You strike me as one who has survived much.
*pant* *pant* I’ve always counted on my friends to keep me alive...		Fir
Karla	You credit yourself too little— your swordplay is excellent. And also, I must say, somehow familiar.
Oh! Um... Look how late it’s gotten! I’d better get going, but thank you for today!		Fir
Fjorm	What an exquisite fight! That took my breath away.
Mine too. Now I see that I’m not half the swordmaster she is. It was good to meet her, just to learn that. Thanks, Princess Fjorm.		Fir
Fjorm	Of course.
Now, all that’s left to do is get even stronger...and show Mother how I’ve grown!		Fir
Fjorm	Wonderful. I will help however I can.
One day, my blade will be strong enough to overcome any hardship— and make my dreams reality!		Fir

Scenario
← Sue		Elffin →
Strength in Service
Fir	Saul	Dorothy	Noah

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