Nomar's Courage

Oh, hey! Just the village guard I was looking for.

You need Nomar for something?

Actually, I wanted to ask you as well, Aldo. Do you have some time free?

Of course. Let me guess, it's some dangerous task only seasoned warriors like us can handle?

Yeah, let's go with that. It's vital work for the good of Baruoki, anyway.

I can't really say no, then.

You know that huge prisma mining vein over in Zarbo?

I've heard about it, but I don't know too much... Why?

I was thinking, what if we bought a bunch of prisma wholesale from Zarbo and sold it on to the capital?

Wow. If you pull that off, it could open a lot of doors for trade with Unigan.

Exactly what I was thinking! With so many people and goods moving through the village, prosperity won't be far away!

That's great and all, but where do we come in? Sales work isn't really my area.

Zarbo is right in the middle of the desert. Not many plants are capable of growing there.

But there is an exception. You know the Lunar Grass that grows in Moonlight Forest? With a little help from the prisma, that stuff can survive anywhere.

Oh, so we harvest a bunch of that and trade it with Zarbo.

That's right. I just need your help collecting enough of it to start things off.

Okay, I can do that. When do we start?

As soon as you can! I'll come with you. You're gonna need me to pick out the highest quality plants.

What? Are you sure about that?

Hey, I shouldn't be in any danger with a couple of village guards by my side, right?

I...I guess, but...

Requests like this are all part of the job, Nomar. You can't pick and choose who you help out.

I-I understand!

Now that's settled, let's get moving. To Moonlight Forest!

...It's no good. There's no Lunar Grass here, either.

We've gone pretty deep into the forest now, but we still don't seem to be finding any...

Yeah. The guards don't even come this far in on their daily patrols.

R-Really? I didn't know that...

Lunar Grass thrives in places with an abundance of elemental energy. I'm sure we'll find some soon.

You want to go further in?! There's gonna be a lot more monsters from here on, it could be dangerous.

If you're scared, feel free to go home without me. I won't force you to come along, Nomar.

B-But, I'm a guard. I can't just let you...

You're such a weirdo sometimes.

......

Look, we can handle going deeper into the forest if you want. Just keep your wits about you, both of you.

Right. Let's do this!

Finally! This is genuine Lunar Grass growing here.

Will this be enough?

Yes, this is perfect. I only want a small sample for now, anyway.

This is Lunar Grass, huh? It's pretty.

It also has an incredibly hardy nature. With a little boost from some prisma, it can take root in even the driest soil.

I'm sure it'll be in high demand once we introduce it to the merchants of Zarbo.

I hope so...

Whoa! You two, get back!

Yaaah!

Hm!

Nomar, what are you...

I-I'm doing my duty! I'll protect you.

That's the spirit. Let's do this!

Are you hurt?

No, I'm...

*huff huff* Whoa, oh man... That was terrifying...

Uh, Nomar, are you okay? You didn't get injured, did you?

I-I'm all right. My hands are just shaking a little...

You idiot! What were you thinking, acting all tough and jumping in front of me like that?

Well, like I said, this is all part of my job.

What does a weak fraidy-cat like you even want to be in the guard for? One of these days you're gonna get yourself killed!

That's...a little harsh, don't you think?

It's the truth! If anything happened to you, I...

Nomar... Tell me straight. Why did you join the village guard?

I guess it's because Aldo's in the guard, and I've always looked up to him.

You're saying it was just a whim?

Maybe, at first. But then I started actually fighting monsters, and, well... In the guard, everyone has their own part to play, and they're all passionate about protecting what's precious to them. I wanted to be more like them. I wanted to be the kind of man who can protect the ones I care about.

I guess that makes sense... Do you feel like that's where you really belong, though?

Oh. Uh...

Hey, of course it is. Nomar's a model recruit; diligent, eager to learn, and serious about his goals.

If you say so... But he can't get by on attitude alone.

That's not all he has going for him. He's a capable soldier. The guard wouldn't be the same without him.

He's really that good?

He's got a great eye for armor and equipment. Because we have better gear now, less people are getting hurt. And let's not forget his heritage. His family have great connections to the mining and smithing trades. I can't count the number of times Nomar's negotiated a great deal on some new weapon or armor.

Really? Wow, I guess you're not such a helpless kitten after all... Hee hee.

Wait, is that why I always get stuck taking care of supplies?!

Heh heh. Relax, Nomar. You should take it as a compliment.

Gosh... I had no idea he was so...needed.

Neither did I, to be honest.

Nomar, Aldo. Thanks for coming here with me. I'll just grab some Lunar Grass and we can get out of here.

We'll accompany you the rest of the way to the Royal City.

You don't have to do that. I only asked you to help me find the grass...

Think of this as a little something extra. We'll see you to Unigan and home in time for dinner, on our honor.

Hear that? Aldo says it's fine.

Oh... All right. Have it your way.

Aldo, Nomar, thanks again. For everything.

If you need our help again, you know where to find us.

Oh, stop trying to act all cool! But, you know... Seeing how hard you're working has inspired me. I won't be outdone! I'm going to work even harder from here on out.

That's great. I'll be rooting for you!

Do you think I...got through to her a little today?

Absolutely. She knows you're the real deal.

That's wonderful!