Searching for Red Jewels

I feel like I'm being watched... Could it be a secret admirer? At my age?

I thought these days were behind me. It takes me back, though... When I was younger, I always asked my suitors for vermeralds. Such a pretty stone, I wonder if I'll ever have one of my own...

Oh, be still my heart... Hetta looks as lovely as ever today...

Hey, what are you doing sneaking around?

Hyaaah! Don't scare me like that!

That was a pretty telling reaction. Whoever you are, I have a feeling you're up to no good.

Don't be absurd! What gives you the right to judge me? Who are you, anyway? Wait... Don't tell me you're Hetta's...boyfriend? Lover? Husband?!

What? No, I don't even know who you're talking about. I was just passing through.

Passing through?

Some random traveler dares to stand in the way of my passion?!

Hey, take it easy! What did you expect? You look kinda shady lurking back here.

Lurking? Me...?

I just wanted to give a present to the lady who lives here. The wonderful, radiant Hetta!

Oh, I get it. You've got a crush on this Hetta person, right?

A "crush...?" Such words fall lamentably short of doing justice to my feelings. They are an insult to me. She...is...my...EVERYTHING! I worship the very ground she walks upon!

Okay, sorry. Good luck with that.

W-Wait!

What is it?

I... That is... Could you do me a little favor?

Huh? You're not going to ask me to give her the present in your place, are you?

Nothing like that! To tell you the truth, I haven't actually found a gift for her yet.

What?

I've just been having trouble thinking of the right thing to give her. What could a woman like her desire? I've been...observing her for a while now, but I'm still no nearer to the truth.

I think that's called "stalking..."

Please, I beg of you! Couldn't you find out what kind of thing she'd like in my stead? I'll never ask you for anything again!

I've heard that one before...

It's the truth, I swear!

All right, fine. I guess it won't hurt just to ask.

Comrade! I knew I could count on you.

Don't push it, buddy.

Hm? Is there anything I desire?

It's been a few years since anyone asked me that. In my younger days I had lots of admirers bringing me gifts. I always told them what I wanted most was vermeralds. Such a pretty stone, I wonder if I'll ever have one of my own...

Please, I beg of you! Couldn't you find out what kind of thing she'd like in my stead? I'll never ask you for anything again!

Vermeralds? Yes, I've heard of them. They're beautiful gemstones with a deep red hue. Why? It's what my beloved Hetta wants?! Where am I supposed to get something like that around here? What a predicament... Perhaps I'll have to think of an alternative... No, wait a moment. I think my old grandpappy once said the Laughing Mandrakes on the Zol Plains sometimes contain red stones. Our path is clear, we must scour the plains and get ourselves some treasure. Laughing Mandrakes are those large, orange flowers, by the by.

Hah...Haaahhh... I didn't sign up for fighting this many monsters...

I guess Grandpappy mistook the eye for a red gem, just like we did. Phew... I'm totally worn out. I'm heading back to Ratle for a while. Thanks for your help...