A Strange Land/Script

Main story
Before Battle Narration Having narrowly escaped Daein's grasp the Greil Mercenaries are pleased to feel the ocean beneath their feet as they set sail. According to Captain Nasir, the voyage to Begnion will take roughly two months. Narration Blessed with temperate weather the ship's journey southward is smooth and steady. As it passes the midpoint of its trip, the ship sets a course along the coastline and begins to head east. Narration These seas belong to Phoenicis and Kilvas, the kingdoms of the bird tribes.Both nations prey on human vessels for supplies and wealth, and their flying corsairs[are feared across the seas. Narration Additionally, the southern portion of the continent contains the realm of the dragon tribe: the monarchy of Goldoa. Narration This country remained isolated founding centuries past, preserving its] closed culture behind a veil of mystery. Narration It is these laguz-controlled waters that Ike and company must now cross.

Ike ... Mist Ike? Ike ... Mist What's bothering you? You've been moping around ever since we came aboard. Ike I'm...just a little seasick. Mist Seasick? You're such a bad liar. You never even get regular sick. You're not the type to get seasick! Ike Really, it's nothing. Mist Come on, talk to me. You've been doing so much lately. I just want the chance to help you for a change. Ike Well...All right. I'll tell you what's been bothering me. It's that incident back in Toha. Mist Go on. Ike When everyone discovered Ranulf was a laguz, all those people--they changed, just like that. Up until that instant, they'd seemed like such kind and decent people. I just...I had no idea beorc prejudice against the laguz was so strong. Why do they hate them so much? How are we so different, Ranulf and I?

Mist I have to say, at first, I was scared, too. When I saw how they could change...They can do things that we hu--I mean, we beorc can't do. They're not like us... Ike Mist, you can't honestly feel... Mist It's different now! Everyone's so very nice. But, you know, that's because of all the time we've spent together. I've seen how they are; I've gotten to know them. That's why I've changed. I'm not scared or nervous around them, but other people don't get that chance. I think that's why they're frightened. Ike Maybe you're right...Maybe people like me are the odd ones, the people who accept others as they are. Mist I wish more people were like that. I mean, no one really wants to fight, do they? Doesn't everyone WANT peace? I guess it's just hard to put all of those fears behind us. Unknown You're right. It is very hard Mist Nasir! What's the big idea, eavesdropping on us like that? Nasir How do you find sailing? Have you gotten sick at all? Ike We're fine. But answer a question for me, would you? Why are you here? Why do you associate with the laguz? Nasir Why? Besides the obvious financial benefits, I suppose I do so because I am one. Mist What? No, you're not a laguz! I don't see any tail or anything! Nasir Because I've chosen to live among beorc, I've taken certain steps to make sure I'm not recognized. I've had to change my attire, my feeding habits...I've done many things. Ike Why would you do that? Nasir Laguz cannot survive in isolation, nor can beorc. If both races are to thrive, they must learn to coexist. I have spent many years searching for a way to make this happen. Ike You think that laguz and beorc can live together? After everything you must have seen? I'm impressed. Nasir Ike, you will never truly understand a matter unless you look at it from each party's perspective. As you say, the laguz are indeed now persecuted by the beorc. But long ago, these roles were reversed. Ike ...Whatever happened in the past does not justify what we do to the laguz now. Nasir That is the thinking of an honest man. Keep things simple and pure. I like that. Still, the strength of your conviction comes from your youth and your innocence. Trust me: it will be tested. When your journey is over, how will you be changed? I pray your conviction is not lost to despair. Ike Talking to you is hard work. Nasir Someday, you'll understand. For now, my role is simply to deliver you safely to Begnion. Ranulf has paid me quite handsomely with money from the king of Gallia himself,and I will not let him down. Ike We're out of our element here at sea, so you're all we have to depend on. Thank you for your help. Nasir I will do what I am able. Exit base Ike Nasir, what is it? Nasir Nothing. Nothing we can do anything about, at any rate. We're being followed by pirates. Ike Really? I don't see any ships... Nasir Not by sea. By air. Look up. Ike Are those...birds? If they are, they must be huge... Titania Those are laguz, Ike. Soren Ravens from Kilvas. Their black wings are an ill omen for all who see them. Ike Titania, Soren, you noticed them coming as well? Titania Yes, Soren and I saw them when we were discussing our plans from the aft decks. Ike I'd heard stories, but...they're really flying. Wow. Nasir We're still out of their range, but airborne foes can be especially troublesome. I'd prefer to avoid them altogether. Let's see if we can outrun them. Titania From what I've been told, the flying corsairs of Kilvas and Phoenicis are far more cruel than any beast laguz. Ike Winged pirates...How am I supposed to fight against that? Wha-what was that? Titania Oof...It felt like we hit something. Nasir Blast...We've run aground! We must be caught on a reef or something! Move it, lads!Get the ship free! Seeker Predictable humans. Sailed right into our trap without fail. Raven Laguz Let's finish this quickly! It won't be long before Phoenicis or Goldoa takes an interest in what's happening here! Nasir Ike, the crows are coming! Ike Pull everyone together! Looks like we're in for a fight! First turn Ike Soren! Do you have a plan? Soren I've done research in the past. All members of the bird tribes are vulnerable to wind magic. I think it's safe to assume that they are also as susceptible to arrows as any other flyer. Ike Wind magic and bows...All right! Everyone gather your weapons and prepare to meetthe enemy on the deck! I want a small group to remain belowdecks to protect Princess Elincia and the crew. We've never faced an enemy like this. I want everyone to stay together. Let's go! After a certain amount of turns Jill Caught up...at last. I'll do this on my own. I will not let them escape! Huh? What are those things? Giant birds? Disgusting! Could they be...Are they...bird half-breeds? Jill talks to Ike Jill You! Why are you lollygagging about? Ike Who are... Jill I am Jill Fizzart, wyvern rider of Daein, attached to Commander Haar's battalion. I offer a truce! I cannot sit by and allow a human vessel to be attacked by sub-human degenerates! I will fight with you! Ike We will accept no help from Daein! Jill This is no place for foolish pride! At this rate, the sub-humans will[ devour you-- Ike I will not accept aid from anyone who thinks laguz are sub-human. Jill What are you babbling about? I'm on your side! We'll talk after I chase off these crows! Bleed the half-breed! Ike Hold it! What...What in the world is going on? Seeker is attacked Seeker Plunder away! King Naesala has given us his blessings! Seeker dies Seeker Argg...I'm falling... After battle Ike Is everyone all right? Soren I'll check on injuries. Titania Those crows make fierce opponents. Ike Nasir, how's the ship? Nasir Completely immobilized. We can't shake free of this reef. Ike I feel useless just waiting around here. There has to be something I can do to help. Mist Hey! Ike! Where are you going? Should you be leaving the ship!? Ike Nothing's getting done sitting around here. I just want to go ashore and see what I can see. Nasir What? Hold on, Ike! You can't...That's-- Mist Ah! Ike! Behind you! Red Dragon Laguz You there! What are you doing? Ike Huh? Nasir This could be trouble... Red Dragon Laguz This is Goldoan territory. Outsiders are not permitted. Ike No, wait, you don't understand! Our ship has run aground. There's nothing we can do! We're stuck here! Red Dragon Then return to your ship. What happens to beorc is none of our affair. Ike That's ridiculous! You're a complete-- Red Dragon Laguz You have been warned. You will not be warned a second time. Hey! Kurthnaga Cease this at once! What do you think you're doing? Red Dragon Laguz My...My lord prince. Kurthnaga Man of the beorc. My countrymen were discourteous. I ask that you forgive them. Ike Who are you? I am Kurthnaga, prince of Goldoa. Ike The prince? Now we're getting somewhere. Thanks to some Kilvas pirates, our ship's run aground. Can you lend us any help? Kurthnaga ... Ike What is it? You can't help us, can you? Kurthnaga I am not used to being addressed in such a direct manner. I was...taken off guard. My apologies. Ike No, I didn't--If anyone should apologize here, it's me. My father had a great deal to say about my lack of etiquette. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. Kurthnaga Please, pay it no mind. I am more concerned with the misfortune your journey has met.Of late, the ravens have grown ever more barbarous, and this cannot stand. My father will lodge a formal protest with Kilvas, I assure you. In the meantime, we shall help you with your ship. Gareth, direct the others to push their ship free. Gareth At once! Mist Dragons! They're all dragons! They're huge! And so strong! It's incredible! Elincia It's overwhelming... Ike Yeah...it is. Titania Goldoa is the land of the dragons. More than any other laguz tribe, they are known for their longevity. I've heard tales of Goldoans still living who flew the skies when the goddess herself still walked the land. Ike How is it you know so much about Goldoa? Titania Everything I've learned comes from books. Goldoa itself no longer has any contact with the outside world. Seeing them now, it's like a dream... Ike So this is good fortune, is that what you're saying? Mist She's saying we got lucky! For once, your recklessness actually got us] OUT of trouble! Ike What's that supposed to mean? Kurthnaga We have moved your ship safely and without harm to you or your vessel. Kurthnaga My subjects tell me your ship was indeed lodged against a reef. However, there was no structural damage to your ship. You need not interrupt your journey. Ike That's good news. Thank you. Kurthnaga Is there anything else you require? If you need food or fresh water, we can replenish your supplies. Ike That would be most appreciated. We are beginning to run low on water. As for food, anyfruit, meat, fish...anything fresh would be wonderful Kurthnaga It shall be done. Gareth, will you see to it? Gareth Yes, at once. Ike I know that Goldoa does not engage in trade with other nations, but will you accept gold in payment? Kurthnaga Do not worry about payment. Ike But you've done so much for us when you could have left us to die out there. We must repay you somehow. Kurthnaga Sweet courtesy is ever the herald of hospitality. Will this suffice to explain my actions? Ike Hospitality? Isn't that for guests? Kurthnaga As you know, Goldoa prefers isolation. We rarely see foreigners, especially beorc, and even more rarely do we treat with them. Chance has brought us together, and I am grateful for this opportunity. In fact, I wish we could feast a while and converse. However, my father would never allow it. Ike You can't expect us to accept so generous a gift-- Kurthnaga But I do. I insist that you consider it a personal gift from Goldoa's prince. However, I have made you uncomfortable, so if you feel you must decline... Ike No, of course not. We will be happy to accept your gift. We appreciate it. Kurthnaga I'm so pleased you understand. Titania Ike! Captain Nasir wants to depart as soon as possible. Ike Understood. Ike Well then, I beg your leave. Prince Kurthnaga, I won't forget your kindness. Thank you! Kurthnaga It was my pleasure. Take care. Kurthnaga Farewell, beorc! May your journey be safe! Elincia My lord Ike, is something amiss? Ike First, those ravens attack us, and then a band of Goldoan dragons rescues us. I can't understand how they are all considered laguz. Is that strange? Elincia No, I see what you're saying...Just as there are both good and evil beorc, there must be good and evil laguz as well. But they are so distinct in appearance...It is tempting to assume each race is, as a whole, intrinsically good or evil. Ike Aye, that it is. The beast tribes of Gallia and the dragons of Goldoa seem sohonorable...and the birds of Kilvas and Phoenicis seem so cruel. It seems so easy to reduce them all to good or evil. Elincia I'm sure it can't be as simple as that... Ike Look at us beorc: Daeins are evil, and Crimeans are not. It's as simple as that.Well, wait...There were those prejudiced fools we met in port. They weren't all that honorable. Maybe you're right. Nasir Much of what seems good and evil is simply a matter of perspective, Ike. Many conditions affect our judgment. Drawing a definitive line is nigh impossible. Ike Nasir! Where have you been? You vanished without a trace. Nasir I am uncomfortable around dragons. I thought it would be better if I stayed below in my cabin. My apologies. Ike Now that you mention it, Soren seems to have disappeared as well. Have you seen him? Nasir Perhaps he's feeling nauseated. For one unaccustomed to sea travel, it's not uncommon. Ike Right...I think I'll check up on him later. Nasir The wind is picking up. I believe I will go and check on the condition of our sails. Keep yourselves warm up here. It's a chill wind that blows in these waters. Ike Princess Elincia, you should be returning to your cabin. Elincia What about you, my lord Ike? Ike I'll stay on deck a while longer. I have a lot to think about. Elincia Would you mind if I stayed here with you? I won't be any bother. Ike Hm? It's all right with me... Elincia Oh, thank you.

Youth
Ike ... Unknown Ah, Ike! Grab that boy! Ike What's going on? Sothe Mm! Nasir No more running for you. Sothe ... Ike Nasir, who is this? Ike A stowaway. I gather he boarded the ship at Toha. Ike What are you doing here? Why did you sneak aboard the ship? Sothe ... Ike You won't talk? In that case... Sothey Hm? Ow...oouuuch! Nasir Ike, there's no need to be so rough! Ike I'm not going to waste my time playing games with this urchin. You want me to let you go? Open your mouth and start talking. Sothe Owowow! Quit it! I'll talk!! Sothe ...That hurt! I thought you were gonna break my face... Ike Well? What's your name? What are you doing here? Sothe I'm...Sothe. I'm...I'm a thief, but...I didn't come onboard this ship to steal anything. Ike ... Sothe Stop scowling at me like that! You're making me uncomfortable. Nasir It's not just you. Ike always looks like that. Don't mind him; just keep talking. Sothe I'm...looking for someone. I heard this ship was sailing for Begnion, so I decided to climb aboard. Nasir This person you're after is in Begnion? Sothe I don't know. The trail went cold in Toha, and...I couldn't think of anywhere else to go from there. Ike Is it family? Sothe Huh? Ike The person you're looking for. Sothe Yeah. I mean, we're not related by blood or anything, but...we're definitely family. Ike ... Aid Sothe Ike Nasir, my mercenary company will look after this boy. He won't be a burden to you or your crew. Nasir If that's what you want to do, it's fine with me. Sothe Are you sure? Ike You're going to be put to work. I hope you're prepared. Sothe Sure, no problem! I'll..I'll do whatever you need! Don't aid Sothe Ike I wish we could help you, but we have our own troubles to deal with. Nasir I see your point...This is a very difficult time for all of you. Sothe ... Nasir I see no other option. I'll take you on as a junior member of my crew. Sothe Really? Nasir It's either that or I toss you overboard, and I suspect you'd prefer I didn't. Sothe Thank you! I'll repay you somehow! I swear it! Nasir Don't worry about the boy, Ike. We'll take care of him. Ike It's your ship. You can do as you please. Nasir Well then, it's settled. Sothe, was it? Come, and I'll introduce you to the rest of my crew. Sothe Sure! Ike You're a lucky boy. Sothe I'm just happy I don't have to hide anymore!

Volke
Ike ...Volke? Ike Right here. Ike Gah! Where've you been? You disappeared the moment we got on this ship! Volke Don't worry about it. I'll be there when you need me. Ike It's not me; it's my sister. You've never once shown up for a meal, and she thinks you're dying of hunger. Volke Did we ever eat together while we were on land? Ike All right, listen. Land? Big. Ship? Small. It's not the same thing! I don't want Mist roaming the ship with a plate of food anymore. So please, eat one meal a day with us. Volke One hundred gold. Ike You're going to charge me? To make you eat? And that's more than you charge to pick a lock! Why? Volke I don't like large groups. Bye. Call me if you decide it's worth it. Ike Maybe I should just tell Mist he's dead...

Zihark
Ike Do you have a minute? Zihark Of course, Commander Ike. Ike You and I haven't had very many opportunities to talk, and I-- Zihark You don't think you can trust me? Ike No, it's not that. I'm just curious--I was surprised to see anyone in Toha who chose to fight on the side of the laguz. Zihark I joined the Toha vigilantes solely for the purpose of saving laguz. I'm not from Crimea, but when I heard she had joined with Gallia, I envisioned my perfect world, one in which the laguz could live normal lives, free of oppression. However, when I came to Crimea, I found things were no different there than in any other beorc nation. Ike It was the same for me. I couldn't allow myself to ignore these problems any longer. Zihark I'm happy to hear it. Of all the beorc I've ever met, you're the only one who shares my conviction. Ike Zihark, is there...some other reason you defend the laguz? Zihark I don't follow you. Ike You see, I was born in Gallia, or so I've been told. I just wondered if you had a similar reason guiding you. Zihark ...Of course I have my reasons. Would you be upset if I didn't want to discuss them? My reasons are...extremely personal. Ike No, it's no problem. I wanted a better understanding of what kind of man you are, and I have that now. Zihark Can I ask what that is? Ike You are a good man. I'm glad to have you along. Zihark I'm glad to be here. I feel I'm finally able to do the kind of good I've longed to do for years.

Ilyana
Ilyana Ooo... Ike You don't look so well. Are you all right? Ilyana I'm...seasick...When I was traveling with the merchants, we sometimes used...ships...Every time was the same... Urp...I'm...sorry. Ike Did you travel with Muston and the others for a long time? Ilyana About four years, all told. I had just left home, you see...I was all alone, and I couldn't find work.[ In my hometown, I had so many people I could depend on...but once I left, everything changed. If Muston's group hadn't found me by the side of the road, I'd probably be dead by now. Ike Hm...You seem to have led quite an adventurous life. It's a bit surprising. Ilyana I get that a lot. Ike I find it hard to imagine that you couldn't find work, though. Your magic skills are amazing. Ilyana Aren't they, though? Hee hee! I'm always happy when people notice...Whew...Wow! I feel so much better now. I'm actually starting to get hungry. Ike I'm glad to hear it. Just stay above deck, and when you start to feel sick, look off at the horizon, all right?