dlc2

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STONE-HUMPED HAG
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Oh, your head's square on your shoulders, is it?
I thought that clamouring tin can was the last, but here we go again.
What is it you want from this old stone-humped hag?
I've nothing for you, not a smithereen. I just like to stand here, and take in the view.

Well, that came out of nowhere.
You think an old stone-humped hag would be brimming with goodies?
I've none of that, not a smithereen.
Strange little lad, you are.
Strange little lass, you are.
What on earth do you see in me?

At the close of the Age of Fire, all lands meet at the end of the earth.
Great kingdoms and anaemic townships will be one and the same.
The great tide of human enterprise, all for naught.
That's why I'm so taken by this grand sight.
This must be what it's like to be a god.

Oh, if you just can't stop yourself, at least hear this.
Far below, there's a deep, dark hole carved out of a tree.
From time to time, voices brim from the depths of the cavity even now.
Mutterings of the very demon that Prince Lorian spoke of, I'm sure.
Horrible sounds, of an afflicted thing yet cursing men.

Why, where did you hear that name, love?
Oh, it doesn't matter. I'll tell you what I know.
The Ringed City is said to be at world's end.
Past this heap of rubbish, as far as one can go.
But you'd better think twice.
The forsaken Ringed City was walled off by the gods to contain the pygmies.
...and the dark soul is better left well alone.

Ahh, yes, it's just what you'd guess.
Legend says that the Ringed City lies at the end of the earth.
This heap of everything, you're looking right at it.
But be warned.
The pygmies were exiled to the Ringed City.
And no one should go near the dark soul.

You're not willing to reconsider, are you?
Well, that's just fine. It's a rare thing, to have a true duty.
Don't go and take it for granted, I suppose.
Won't do any better than this, not you or that poor tin can.
Keep your marbles intact, love.
At least until I lose mine.

When you see that tin can, pass the word along.
I'm afraid he's a little too brave for his own good.
Don't run off and die, love.
It's a nicer view with you in it.

...My time has come, has it?
Well, maybe I'll get to see an angel.
Hark! They brought thee here, did they not?
Dost thou the gods serve? Or merely that role affect?

A lie, a wretched lie! How wouldst one such as thee do service to the gods?
Thy scheme is known to me, I know what it is thou desirest.

...The dark soul, no?
Why else wouldst one deign to visit this dung heap?
Give rest to thy falsity, I would be an ally to thee.
Yes, yes, of course. How wouldst one such as thee do service to the gods?
I have intimate knowledge of thy kind. I know thy want.

...The dark soul, is it not?
Why else wouldst one deign to visit this dung heap?
Give rest to thy falsity, I would be an ally to thee.
If it is the dark soul thou desirest.
Then seek Filianore's church, at the base of the cliff.
There wilt thou the sleeping Princess waken.

Her slumber is a deceit...
A lid covering an overgrown privy; a prop to keep thee from the dark soul of thine desire.
Worry not, I am a true friend to thee.

If thou'rt yet human, the urge will soon begin to swell.
To curse the gods, and bring ruin upon this accursed heap of dung.
Now, yarely to Filianore's church at the base of the cliff, to rouse the sleeping Princess.
If thou yet the dark soul desirest.



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LAPP
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Oh, look at you, you've got your head screwed on correct.
Fantastic. To meet a kindred spirit, on this godsforsaken crag.
Call me Lapp. I can't remember my real name, so let's just go with that.
I have a feeling we're going to make a fabulous team. Oh, you'll see, you'll see!. .Ohh, in all honesty there's something I should tell you.
I'm a Hollow. Yes, I try to play it off, but I haven't a clue about my past.
Who I was, or what I lived for. Not even my own blessed name.
That's why I've come here, searching.
For the Purging Monument, said to be in the Ringed City,.All I can say is.
Those little stones aren't doing much to help me remember anymore.
...where the pygmies, who found the Dark Soul at the dawn of fire, reside.
Well, that's the long and short of it.
So, if I completely forget who you are, don't be wrath with me.
C'mon, what else can I say? I'm a bloody Hollow, for heaven's sake.

Oh, I know who you are.
Great to see you still in once piece.
Cor, I can see why they call this the dreg-heap at the world's end.
Mangled remnants from every age, and every land.
It actually sort of lends credence to the old rumours.
That the Ringed City rests below it all.
Ah, don't mind me. You needn't worry yourself with this nonsense.
I just wanted to tell someone, and I'm sick of old humpty. I should stay quiet.

Wait, I'll make it up to you, by letting you in on a secret of sorts.
Past here, you'll find the remains of a giant earthen tower half-submerged in a poisonous swamp.
Not a very nice place to visit.
Only, there's precious treasure in the thick of the swamp.
I didn't have any use for it, you see. So sorry, I left the whole package behind.
If I get the chance, I could go fetch it for you, but if that's too long to wait, go nab it for yourself.

I know who you are. A righteous warrior, yes? With a solemn duty, to boot. Well, grab that treasure, that's as good a duty as any.
Oh, wait, I forgot to give you a wee warning.
Watch out for the Dark Spirit lurking at the earthen tower.
I'm hollow, so it won't bother me, but you're still human, I presume?
Hmm, must be nice. Really, must be nice!

Ohh, look at you, you found the treasure.
Dashing, just dashing. You'll make good use of it, I'm sure.
Now, this is a little toast, from me to you.
Not much to speak of, but bottoms up. To the greatest warrior there is.

Oh, there you are, perfect timing.
You remember that treasure, in the thick of the poison swamp?
Well, I fetched it for you, as promised.
Oh, it was only a hop and a skip. I needed a rest from old nan over there.
Here, go ahead, it's yours. Maybe it'll help you with that solemn duty of yours.

This really is a dreg-heap at the world's end.
Mangled remnants from every age, and every land.
It actually sort of lends credence to the old rumours.
That the Ringed City rests below it all.

Oh, well, fancy meeting you here.
A true blessing, that we should seek the same place, and find ourselves standing here, together.
I've got the last of my brew. Let's have our own little toast with it.
To my search, and to your duty. And to the joy that lies before us.
All right, then. Bottoms up! Now, I'm off in search of the Purging Monument.
Once I find it, everything will come back to me.
Who I was, what I lived for, what my name was.
And....
What terrible grudges I held.

...I dunno, I just have this feeling. That that's the kind of man I was.
Oh, don't hold it against me, I only think I was! Now, I'm off in search of the Purging Monument.
Once I find it, everything will come back to me.

Oh, and here we are again.
How goes things? I'm rather running in circles, I'm afraid.
I can't find the Purging Monument. And I've searched high and low.
What if it was never here in the first place?
Ah, bloody hell, what do I know.
Sorry, I know it doesn't concern you.
Seeing you all good and well, I...
I just sort of spilled my guts to you.
Just forget it all. Like a good Hollow would!

...What did I come here in search of?

Damn, stop it, I'm unbreakable, unbreakable.

...Ahh, please, someone tell me...

Who am I? Why am I here?
Are you certain of that?
No, sorry, I know you'd never lie to me.
Thank you, thank you kindly. I'll speed right on over.
It won't be long now, before I know everything.
Who I was, what I lived for, and what my name was.
And I'll have you to thank for it all.

Ahh, thank you, most sincerely.
I swear upon my birth name.
That I am your friend. No matter what might come out, no matter what I was.
If you would do me the honour, allow me to be a true friend, always.

It won't be long now, before I know everything.
Who I was, what I lived for, and what my name was.
And I'll have you to thank for it all.

Oh, finally, you've come.
Now I know exactly who I was. And for that, I've a little thanks to be giving.
Go this way, and peep past the broken staircase. Some awfully fine treasure's just sitting there all alone.
It'll change your life.

I've much to thank you for, so I'll say it again and again.
Go this way, and peep past the broken staircase. Some awfully fine treasure's just sitting there all alone.
What, don't you believe me?

Every age, it seems, is tainted by the greed of men.
Rubbish, to one such as I, devoid of all worldly wants! Hmmm, I dunno, maybe it's just the way we are.
I'll stick you in my prayers. A fine dark soul, to you.

What's wrong, friend?
Stop it! Oh, please!
...Bloody hell! Lost your mind, have you?
Then I have no choice! Forgive me!
...Perhaps
...I deserved this.

Forgive me, friend.
I cannot die just yet.
What in bloody hell?
Stop that! Enough of that!
...Bloody hell, you've lost your head, have you?
Then, let's have a go, shall we.
I'm unbreakable! You can't crack me! I'll rot yer flesh!
...Curses, of all the luck.

Everything always goes to pot, doesn't it.

True friends, eh?
Everything always goes to pot, doesn't it.



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???
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Ahh, I prithee help.
The Red-hood is come to eat us.
To eat our dark souls...
May the Abyss's curse take the gods.

Ohh, Filianore, help me, please.
The Red-hood is come to eat us.
To eat our dark souls.

Filianore.
...help me, please.




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???
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Many of us are by the fire forsaken.
I speak of thine kind, and mine.
Behold this city! We are kindred, belike two eyes which gaze upon the other.
Fear not, the dark, my friend.
And let the feast begin.

One met the dark with learning. But in the end, learned his knowledge was wanting.
The world began without knowledge, and without knowledge will it end.
Dost not this ring clear and true?
Fear not, the dark, my friend.
And let the feast begin.

One poor girl slew her own kin, but even so, was embraced, enveloped by the Abyss.
Twas a comfort that neither moon nor sunless sky afforded her before.
Fear not, the dark, my friend.
And let the feast begin.

One was a wayfaring knight, on an endless, forbidden search.
Only the Abyss granted closure, if not reunion with his beloved.
Fear not, the dark, my friend.
And let the feast begin.

And so, she lived in fear. Of the dark, of the things that gnawed at her flesh.
And yet! The Abyss hath yet to produce any such creature!
Fear not, the dark, my friend.
And let the feast begin.

And so, despite his weighty armour, he lived in fear. Of a delicate thing, little more than a girl.
Where fire resideth, shadows twist and shrivel. But in the Abyss, there are shadows none.
Fear not, the dark, my friend.
And let the feast begin.

Of all the Fingers, he alone was embraced by the Abyss.
For he was human, and ne'er a grub.
Fear not, the dark, my friend.
And let the feast begin.

Ahh, yes, yes, I remember now! Let the feast begin.
Let the feast begin.

I shall partake!
...Search thine own self. Fear not the dark.
And let the feast begin.




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SHIRA
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Speak thee the name of God.
Thine own god, if thou canst recall.

Ahh, then thou'st not forgotten.
Perhaps 'tis why we may converse.
I am known as Shira, servant to the Princess Filianore, matriarch of the church.
They who are ken to God's name are surely ken to the terrors of the dark.
Please, I bid thee take not from the Princess her peace or rest.
As the fire waneth, does she lie by the dark, all for the sake of Man.

Thou'st a kind heart.
To speak to a captive such as I.
It is no surprise thou rememb'rest our God.
May I ask thee a kindness?

Perhaps thou'st beheld the lone dragon that inhabiteth this city?
Midir is his name, and the Archdragons are his forebears.
He once railed against the dark, but was by dark afflicted. Now here, returned, he remaineth.
To watch over the sleeping Princess, true to the old accord.
...And yet, I would have thee put the dragon to rest.
Afore the dark consumeth him, and his vows are forgot.

I offer my sincerest gratitude, thou who art ken to God's name.
Please, take this.

I have asked a thing most terrible of thee. May this token of thanks be of aid.

I beg of thee, put the great dragon to rest.
Afore the dark consumeth him, and his vows are forgot.

As I thought. Such memories were lost by thy kind, long ago.
And so it is ye.
...who yearn for darkness.
Give thy memory a nudge.
And name thee thy God.

Very well. Then hasten on thy journey.
Only, disturb not the sleeping Princess.
As the fire waneth, does she lie by the dark, all for the sake of Man.

Carest thou to speak thy peace?

Hast thou mine entreaty reconsidered?

So, Midir hath into the chasm fallen.
Still, his voice I hear. The dark grieveth him yet.
I prithee, put him to rest.
Afore the dark consumeth him, and his vows are forgot.

Just afore the church of the Princess standeth a tower, honouring ancient knights.
There lieth a small shrine, behind the sculpted knight which beareth no arms.
Tis from there one may descend the chasm of darkness.
I prithee, put the great dragon to rest.

I know, I have asked of thee a thing most terrible.
Forgive me, thou wert but mine only hope.
I prithee, put the great dragon to rest.
Afore the dark consumeth him, and his vows are forgot.

Just afore the church of the Princess standeth a tower built to honour ancient knights.
Behind the sculpted knight which beareth no arms, is a small shrine, from which one may descend the chasm of darkness.

My most humble thanks.
Tis thanks to thee the dragon erred not from his vows.
Please, take this. A final gift of thanks.
Now, hasten on thy journey, but wake not the slumbering Princess.
As the fire waneth, does she lie by the dark, all for the sake of Man.

My humblest thanks.
Now, hasten on thy journey, but wake not the slumbering Princess.
As the fire waneth, does she lie by the dark, all for the sake of Man.

Oh! Thou'rt now a spear of the church! What a wonderful, blessed day this is.
With a spear such as thee, surely the Princess will slumber most gently, and Midir's vows will be honoured.
I must thank thee, as a servant of the Princess, and a dear friend to Midir.
May thy travels be resplendent with glory.

As the fire waneth, does she lie by the dark, but now with thee to shelter her sleep.
Bless ye spears of the church. May thy travels be resplendent with glory.

Ah, thou'st a Divine Spear become! An honour once bestowed in the time of the Gods, nearly unheard of in this age of waning fire.
As a servant of the Princess, and friend to Midir.
I am honoured to have met thee.
As the fire waneth, does she lie by the dark, but now with thee to shelter her sleep.
Bless ye divine spears. May thy travels be resplendent with glory.

I've searched for thee, dark-stricken creature.
I am Shira, daughter of the Duke, descendant of gods, and trusted friend to Midir.
At once, I am the honour of the gods, the glory of fire, and the fear of the dark.
Thou shalt not go unpunished.
For thy treachery, thy profanity, and thy shameless yearning!.Remember this, creature.
Ne'er will I forgive thy kind.
Try again, to remember.
The great honour it was to be a spear.
...Ahh, but why.

Art thou to bed with the dark?
Never would I ever...
...forgive thy lowly kind.



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JUDICATOR ARGO
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Unknowing visitor, return from whence thou camest.
The Abyss runneth deep. By the King's decree,.None may disturb our mistress's slumber.
Turn back, unknowing visitor.
By the King's decree.
Foolishness. The King's decree is no trifling matter.
I, Judicator Argo, shall deliver thee justice.

Spear of the Church, sworn defender of our Princess Filianore! Harken to the call that summons thee! Make haste! Spear of the church, by the sacred decree, protect our Princess.
...Spear of the Church, make haste.

Spear of the Church, turn back.
The Abyss runneth deep. Thou'rt sworn to protect our mistress's slumber.
Or wouldst thou thy covenant forsake, in violation of the King's decree?

Turn back, Spear of the Church.
Or wouldst thou thy covenant forsake, in violation of the King's decree?

Foolishness. To forswear thy covenant and the King's decree.
I, Judicator Argo, shall bring this defiled spear to justice.

Divine spear of Yore, sworn defender of our Princess Filianore! Harken to the call that summons thee.
Make haste! Divine spear of yore, by sacred decree, protect our dear Princess.

Divine spear of yore, make haste.

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PAINTER GIRL
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What, still here?
Hand it over. That thing, your dark soul.
For my lady's painting.
Ahh, is this the blood?
The blood of the dark soul?

 ...Ashen One, thy gift of flame has taken root. And Uncle Gael will soon bring the pigment.
Pigment coloured like the dark soul of man.

I wonder if Uncle Gael has found it?
The pigment coloured like the dark soul of man.

My thanks, Ashen One.
With this will I paint a world. Please tell me thy name.
I would name this painting after thee.
My thanks. I will paint a world of that name.
Twill be a cold, dark, and very gentle place.
And one day, it will make someone a goodly home.
I see. We are much alike.
Twill be a cold, dark, and very gentle place.
And one day, it will make someone a goodly home.
Then I will name this painting "Ash".

I wonder when Uncle Gael intends his return.
I hope the new painting will be to him a gentle home.
My thanks, Ashen One.
I will assuredly finish the painting.
Of a cold, dark, and very gentle place.
One day, it will make someone a goodly home.