What Lies In Wait

...And her naaame was Cassandra... That was the overture to my song "Love for Lovers". If you would like to hear what happens next, I'll be playing here later this evening, ask the master for details.

A glass, please?

What'd you think? Did my song find its way into your heart?

Gonna be honest, I didn't really understand it, but your voice was very soothing.

Hah! Well, Love for Lovers is written more for my older, female fans, so I suppose it's only natural you wouldn't understand.

I'm Dunarith, by the bye. A wandering butterfly and singer of myth.

I'm Aldo. Nice to meet ya.

Aldo, huh? A swordsman, by the looks of it. I just finished my latest, a heroic epic. Would you like me to play you some of it?

Really? I mean, I wouldn't wanna put any extra strain on your voice and all...

I wouldn't worry about that. It's not often I play for a male audience, especially not during the day. All I ask is, if you like it, come watch me play tonight?

Ah well in that case, sure. Sing me a few bars.

All right. This is a song about the hero who saved Miglance Castle from a bestial horde...

Wait...it's about me?!

You? Huh. Now that I think about it, the hero's name was Aldo...

Yeah, and I am that Aldo! ...That said it's not like I have anything I could show you as proof...

Hah! Well, as long as you pay the tab, it matters not who you are...

But I must say, to sing in front of the very hero himself is quite an honor. You'll have to excuse the nerves.

Glad you came, Aldo. What'd you think of the song?

Gonna be honest, I didn't really understand it, but it sounded nice. You played well, too.

Hah! Well, Love for Lovers is written more for my older, female fans, so I suppose it's only natural you wouldn't understand.

Then how about a song I wrote about a hero? You might know him. His name's Aldo.

ME?! I dunno, man. Kinda embarrassing.

You'll be fiiine. I wrote it about you, and it would be my honor to play it for you. All I ask is for a small donation in the form of something to drink.

What'd you think? I was only going to play the intro, but I got a little carried away there...

It was amazing! I didn't want it to end.

If I had to nitpick, though... It kind of embellishes things a bit.

What kind of song would it be if it didn't spice up the truth a little bit? Just think of it as an expression of appreciation. Do stop by tonight, and I'll play you the rest.

You gonna pay, or what?

My friend said they'd handle the tab.

(Did he come with a friend? I didn't see anyone...)

I've gotta go too, actually. Here's what I owe ya for the drinks...

You're short.

What? That's exactly how much I owe, unless the prices on the menu are wrong?

You're missin' your bard friend's side of the tab. You ARE the friend he was talkin' about, right?

No? I just met the guy!

I don't know what kinda game you're tryin' to play here buddy, but you better pay up.

(Doesn't look like I'm gonna get through to this guy. Might as well pay up.)

Gonna have to watch out for that guy...

Huh? You mean he wasn't here with someone else?

He came here alone and left here alone.

Welp. I didn't agree to this, but I guess I'm the only one that can pay, so I might as well.

This wasn't about hearing his music at all! He just wanted me to pay his tab.

He couldn't have gone far though, so might as well give him a piece of my mind.

Not here either... Weird, he couldn't have gotten that far...

GET BACK HERE, DAMN'T!

Huh?

A little help, please?

Huff... Finally...caught up... Why...did you...run...

Because you were chasing after me! ...And you had this murderous look in your eyes. Like I was the subject of some great revenge.

And I'd have every right to it, after what you did!

Ummm... Either one of you guys gonna tell me what's going on here?

You friends with this spoony bard?

We just became friends a minute ago. Bonded over drink and song.

Yeah. You sang, you drank, and I paid.

What, did you expect me to sing for free? The nerve!

Yeah, we travel together.

Before I forget, though. You can't just leave without paying the tab, man. I just had to pay for all your drinks.

You are quite the friend indeed, Aldo. I'll pay you back once the residuals for your song start coming in, okay?

So it sounds like you've been scammed too, huh?

You mean...

Yeah, "I mean". But it wasn't just a couple of drinks.

He runs a tavern over in Rinde, the long face mackerel is to die for, you must try it sometime.

I do appreciate the good word of mouth, but what I'd appreciate more is if you'd actually pay your tab.

That's the thing! The fact I've got people paying for me proves I don't have the money in the first place!

That's not what I heard. Rumor has it you're making quite the coin off your little concerts.

I wish! You'd think since I'm bringing in so much business these big city taverns would let me drink for free, but they don't. So any money I make is gone by the time I'm done with the second after-party.

Maybe they just don't trust you not to drink them out of business, like what you almost did to me!

Well I'd much rather trust and be fooled than be a lonely skeptic. Where's the fun in that?

Bold words from the guy doing the fooling.

At any rate, I came for my money and you're gonna pay it. If you don't have the cash, then you're gonna have to work for it.

Me? Wash dishes?

That job's filled. What I need, is someone to take care of a beast.

Sounds absolutely dreadful. Besides, I thought this whole business with humans and beasts was over?

What? I'm not asking you to go to war, here. There's a beast causing me problems and I need you to take care of him. I'd ask the knights, but they're no help. They should change their motto to "Protecting the people, when we get around to it."

So what exactly is this beastfolk doing to cause you trouble?

He's been attacking the merchants that pass through the Serena Coast. So all the stuff I gotta order in from Unigan keeps getting stolen! I figure since you travel alone most of the time, you must be able to handle your own out there. Am I right?

Hardly. But I suppose if it clears up this little debt, there are worse things out there. All that matters is that the Serena Coast is clear, yes? Then, would you be okay if I just convinced your little beast-friend to move?

All I care about is if my deliveries arrive. Doubt you could convince that beast of anything though.

I am a bard, or have you forgotten? Capturing hearts and moving souls is what I do best!

All right, sounds like we're going to the Serena Coast then, yeah?

What's this? You're coming with me? The hero lives up to his name indeed!

In for a git, in for all of it, as they say.

Just remember to keep things peaceful, okay?

So do you ever pay for your own drinks?

Hah! Only when I don't have the cash! It just happens to be that cash is usually what I don't have.

Have you ever thought about...just waiting till you have money? You'd be able to avoid situations like this, you know.

Eh. This whole game of borrowers and lenders is an everyday thing for me. A small price to pay for fun.

An everyday thing? How does that even work?

Well, first you make a few friends at the tavern...

Dunarith, buddy. That was a rhetorical question! I don't wanna know. I'm here to make sure you don't get even further into debt.

That is quite the commitment, my dear hero! I could slip back into my old ways at any moment, you know, so I'm afraid you'll be in it for quite the long haul. But perhaps this is my chance to grow into the dependable young man that dear Mommy always wished I'd become? Oh Aldo, be the father figure I sorely need. Should I call you Daddy? Papa?

Save the sarcasm. You're gonna settle this debt and I'm gonna make sure of it.

Boo. You're no fun.

So he said the attacks were happening around here...

With so much ground to cover, perhaps we should split up? You go down that way, I'll go this way.

You're not thinking of slacking off, are you?

Me?! Come on Aldo, have a little faith in your companions, will you?

Ugh. Fine. I'm counting on you to do your job though, okay?

Aha! And Aldo is...

Nowhere in sight.

Who goes there? Don't...Don't come any closer!

...Unless you wanna die!

Aren't you the lively one, my brave beast soldier. But I'd prefer it if you'd put that ax of yours down...

I'm quite allergic to getting injured.

I'll do the talkin' here you... ...Purifier?

(Uh oh. Looks like this one is familiar with the me from this world. Hm. Well, should be fine as long as he doesn't know the difference.)

Yeah, buddy ol' pal! It's been a while hasn't it? Wanna go get some tea, and maybe catch up a little?

Mm? Never seen you in such good spirits before, and what's with your horns?

Oh, these? You know that fellow, Aldo I believe. The human that defeated our king. Well, I went to give him a piece of my mind and... He took a piece of my horns instead. If you catch my drift.

You fought Aldo and lived to tell the tale?

Yes, but I can tell you all about it later. I'm here to talk about you, my friend.

You're the big scary beast all the humans in town are whispering about, yes? Attacking the merchants traveling through the Serena Coast. There's talk of getting the knights involved, and we definitely don't want that, do we? So I came to see if we could come to an understanding before the humans... "escalate" things.

The stories you hear are true...but I did not know the rumors had spread that far...

So then, you are attacking merchants?

I haven't attacked no one! I might scare a few folks that get too close, but I'm all bark and no bite! Promise!

Mortified merchants singing shameful lies to save their red-faced pride, is it? A tale as old as time. Regardless of what happened, I doubt the boys in breastplates will take the word of a craven beast over the sahaugin tears of a human.

Looks like I won't be safe hidin' here no more... I better look for somewhere else to go.

Do you not have a home to go to? Moreover, why are you hiding out here, anyway?

I was involved in the assault on Miglance Castle, you see... But when I heard the king had fallen, I ran. I was the first one out, even...

You should have kept running till you made it home.

And risk my family finding out I ran from the battlefield?

So what, you're just going to keep hiding by rocks until you've somehow reclaimed your honor? Don't be silly, I'll take you home. Just tell me where you live.

It's a small island not far from here. Alls you need is a small boat to cross the waters. It's what I rode to get here, anyway.

Is that boat still there, you think? We could just ride that back and you'll be home in no time.

Yeah, and it's just a short walk from here but... This whole going home thing... I dunno...

Have something else in mind?

We could...go to Miglance Castle and get revenge for all my fallen comrades!

Yeah! That's what I'll do! I'd rather die on the battlefield with honor than run home in shame!

Tough talk for someone who spent weeks hiding behind a boulder. No need to put on a show for me. Let's get you home.

Quite the problem, this one... So full of life, heart beating for a wish to die... Pessimist words the dead never would dare cry...

This is where I landed. The boat should be behind those weeds...

It's been so long it might have washed away with the tide, though... ...Or some human stole it.

Well, we won't know until we look, will we?

Hm. Still not on board it seems. Such a pain...

And risk my family finding out I ran from the battlefield?

(Worlds may change but it seems like beasts are beasts no matter where we're from...)

Such is life. Might as well keep up the charade a little longer to push our lost soul along...

Now where did that Aldo get off to...

I found the boat, Mr...

...Where'd he go?

What in the world is going on?!

This is the human that killed our king! The hero, Aldo!

Haha! It is ME! The hero of all humans, Aldo the great! All beasts must die! Yarrr!

(I said act like a hero! You sound like a pirate!)

(Hey, if you needed an actor find an actor!)

...Aldo?! THE Aldo?

The last Aldo you'll ever see anyway, beast scum!

Don't just stand there, grab that ax of yours! Now is the hour of your revenge! In the name of the king!

Me? Fight a hero?! I ran from the battlefield and you expect me to win against the man who defeated our king?!

Run from the battlefield? You did no such thing! You have been lying in wait for the chance to attack Aldo when he was least expecting it! To avenge our fallen king! All that's left is to take up and fight! Fight like your honor is on the line!

I...I... I am a beast with HONOR!

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!!

You have drawn your sword for the last time, Aldo! I will avenge our king, right here, right now!

That's the spirit! Now, off you go!

Are you not...going to fight with me?!

Oh. Me? I'm much too weary from battle. This is your revenge, it's all up to you now! I'm counting on you!

IIIII don't think I can do this alone...

...You okay? We don't have to do this if you don't want to.

YOU MAKIN' FUN OF ME?! There's nothing more dishonorable than dishonoring the honorable!

...And the hero defeated the beast with a thirst for revenge mercilessly...

He came at me with all he had. What was I supposed to do!

That's quite the wound... So much blood...Does it hurt?

It hurts like hell... But...I don't understand...

We can talk about it later.

All that matters is that you bravely defended the honor of our late great king. And while it may have ended in defeat... You can go home with your head held high.

Listen closely. You can already hear the songs they're singing of your return. Now get on that boat. Don't keep them waiting!

...You think you could heal me up first?

Don't worry, your soul is clinging quite tightly to that body of yours. Fear not the reaper for he comes not for you. Not today! Besides, people go crazy for a good wound. You'll be thanking me. I promise.

Just take care of that life of yours, got it? It's the only one you got. Now go and be with your people. Tell 'em I said hi.

Phew. Finally! Sorry about getting you involved in all this, Aldo.

No skin off my back. You sure he's gonna be okay?

Beastfolk society is built on honor. The wound you gave him is nothing compared to what they do to cowards. At least this way he can live out his days at home.

You really thought this through, huh? Didn't take you for the caring type.

All I DO is care, Aldo! Your words wound me.

Alas, let's go tell our terrible tavern master our dirty deeds are done, dirt cheap. ...Perhaps he'll have it in his heart to offer us a drink?

Did you forget what got you in this mess in the first place?

Another kindred soul returned to proper home and the heart of a solemn bard grows a beat more whole.

Heeeey! We've taken care of your little beast problem! Hope you're happy! I'll be taking that free drink now!

I don't remember mentioning a free drink. Your debt is paid, that's it.

Maybe you didn't, but come ooooon! One drink wouldn't hurt! Dealing with beasts is hard work, you know!

All it takes with you is one drink. I've learned my lesson. And how do I know you're telling the truth, huh?

He's telling the truth. I saw the beast leave.

Well, if you say so then I guess he really did. Thanks.

And hey, how about a drink before you go? If you're not thirsty, I can cook you up something. Whichever you want.

Oh, I see how it is.

What do you mean? HE did this for free. YOU owed it to me. There's a difference! What kind of society would treat you two the same, huh?!

Thanks for the kind words, I guess, but it's not like I did it for a reward or something. You don't have to make me anything.

I insist! Wait over there I'll fix you something right up.

Friends that care, share! Right, Aldo?

I don't think he'd like me giving you anything. He was pretty clear about that.

Buuut Aaaaldooooo! I want free stuff!

Ugh... I've been wasting my time looking all over for you, and when I finally find you what do I see?

You're never going to change, are you?

Mazrika? Funny meeting you here.

Nothing funny about it. Do you even know how long it took me to find you?

Just to see li'l ol' me? Sorry for leaving you all on your lonesome. I had no idea.

I do leave quite the impression, after all.

What? No. I'm here to deliver a message on behalf of my superior. That's it. THAT. IS. IT.

They do say distance makes the heart grow fonder. How adorable!

UGGGGH. I REEEEALLY would like to go home, so can I just tell you the thing I'm here to tell you?

A letter from dear Zeviro? I'm sure it's just another dreadful job.

He says to stop wasting your time in that world and get back here immediately. That's it. That's the message. Now, I'll be taking my leave, finally.

He wants me to go home nooooow? But I was just about to have dinner with my bestest friend in the whole new world! Hey, I know. You should join us!

No.

He could have just told me himself, but he had to use Mazrika. He really is a bully, you know.

BUT, I'll worry about that later. We've got plans, right Aldo?

You sure you have the time for that? That sounded pretty serious, to me...

I'm sure it sounded that way, but trust me, it's fine. More importantly, there is some free food and drink with our names on it! We mustn't keep it waiting!

Okay! Okay! Stop pushing!