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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.
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