Party of Scoundrels
Episode: III
Part One
Warm and cosy in bed, Trimbo sleeps in his bedroom, wrapped in his blanket in the early morning. He is about to wake up, when he suddenly feels something that makes him wake up right away, much to his confusion.
Trimbo: Ringo? Is that you?
But he sees Ringo sleeping on a smaller bed across the room, so it wouldn't be him. Checking under the blankets, Trimbo sees who it is: Pelly, naked and cuddling with him, much to his shock.
Trimbo: P-P-P-P-Pelly?
Pelly: [seductively] Good morning, lover. Did you have a good night's sleep?
Trimbo: It wouldn't work with you suddenly sneaking into my bed.
Pelly: I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself. You looked so cute when you were sleeping, and I… kinda see you as a hug pillow.
Trimbo: [deadpan] That makes me a little suspicious.
Then Pelly pulls herself closer to Trimbo's face, pressing her breasts on him.
Pelly: Hey Trimbo, it's still early. Why don't you do something "sexy" with me?
Trimbo: [nervously] Um… what happened to "touching a cleric is a bad omen"?
Pelly: Are you really that scared of the gods? Because you know, Gamma is the god-queen, but she's the goddess of beauty, love and the earth. She can allow love for anyone.
She puckers up, ready to kiss Trimbo, until the door is knocked. Alarmed, Pelly jumps right out of bed, still naked, and leaps out of the opened window. Trimbo sits up in shock about it, but he straightens himself up.
Trimbo: Come in.
The door opens, and Rozella comes in wearing a camisole.
Trimbo: Oh, Rozella, it's only you.
Rozella: Did I disturb you or anything?
Trimbo: Not at all. I was… awake anyhow.
Rozella: I thought you'd like to know that you have a list of items to do for the day for your father, while he helps out my father's troops with delivering materials, documents and food for Prusha. So basically… they're quoted the basics.
Trimbo: [annoyed] Augh! The basics.
Rozella: So….
Much to Trimbo's surprise, Rozella removes her camisole, walks across the room, and tuckers herself in the blankets with him.
Rozella: We have all the time we need to… be closer than ever.
But again, there is a disturbance, and this time, it is Kent coming in the bed.
Kent: Still in bed, you guys? It's past seven. Breakfast is ready and waiting.
Trimbo: Uh… maybe it'll have to hold, Rift.
Kent: C'mon, lazy bones, time to get moving!
Kent yanks the sheets off of Trimbo and Rozella. He is surprised to see Rozella bare naked, so he covers his eyes.
Kent: Aaahhh! You know, you really need to get yourself a pair of jammies.
First thing in the morning, a maid makes Trimbo to get dressed and she adorns him in a red cloak with gold adornments with gemstone accents, much to Trimbo's quiet embarrassment.
Trimbo: This is my hell.
Afterwards, a large crowd has gathered to watch a ceremony in Graceville. Trimbo walks down the aisle to the podium, making his announcement.
Trimbo: Whoever has been blessed with a firstborn, let he or she be known.
Two parents bring their baby forth, letting Trimbo carry it.
Trimbo: As a representative of the King, I congratulate these parents for their new baby, and announce the given name….
The father whispers "Hilary" into Trimbo's ear. Trimbo clearly doesn't think so as he looks at the baby.
Trimbo: Yuch. Hilary? Doesn't look like a Hilary to me. We could try Marvin instead.
Mother: [offended] But she's a girl, Prince!
Trimbo: Trust me, she's not gonna look like one. [to the crowd] Hilary-Marvin.
Later, Trimbo is at the dungeon, trying to settle a dispute between the two men in interrogation.
Trimbo: Your roommate says you were smoking weed on the weekends.
Roommate 1: [defensive] I never smoked weed.
But Trimbo puts a box of burnt roaches on the table, making the man look guilty.
Trimbo: What's this? Buried treasure?
Roommate 2: I knew it! You lied and cheated on me!
Trimbo: Clearly, since it's between the two of you, there's only one way to settle this.
Trimbo offers the roommates weapons and walks out. There is an awkward moment of silence before the two raise their weapons.
Next, Trimbo officiates at a boat christening for the Royal Navy. He is holding a bottle of champagne. He leans on the boat, accidentally pushing it down the ramp. Trimbo throws the bottle at the boat and it punches an enormous hole in the side of the hull. The boat quickly sinks.
Trimbo: [nervously] Sorry.
Afterwards, Trimbo, wearing his ususal outfit without the helmet, is sulking in his room, throwing a fit as he slashes his sword around and ripping the pillows. But then, Iris shows up and ducks down from the blade, grabbing Trimbo's attention.
Trimbo: [shocked] I could've killed you.
Iris: You need to relax, Trimbo. Throwing a tantrum isn't going to make things better.
Trimbo: Mother, you have no idea. It seems that whatever I touch makes bad luck. I crumbled down a shopping district, today I made a shipwreck, I got sued by the roommates, some parents scold me for giving their baby a man's name, and whenever I try to do something for the greater good, it gets worse for everyone around me.
Iris: Is that also the reason you wanted to leave Ukrim?
Trimbo: Sorta…. Yeah, maybe. I thought it might save them the trouble.
Iris: First of all, you're doubting yourself. Second, you should be behaving since your future bride is here. I understand Ukrim is not a very warming kingdom, but places like these do have their perks, you know. Oh, and by the way, Rozella is requiring you. She wants you to finish giving her a tour.
Part Two
Afterwards, Trimbo and Rozella are strolling through town, continuing where they left off before the incident with the bandit trio.
Trimbo: As I was about to say, Graceville is not the biggest or the brightest settlement in Ukrim, but it's quoted to be the most comforting, considering the fact that it has no skyscrapers or tall castles. Although it does have Alibi Castle, it doesn't count, apparently.
Rozella: Well, it still looks comforting to me. No traffic jam, no mob crisis, no food storage debate, and no… civilian riots. In Prusha, we get that all the time, and it's so noisy that you can't sleep until midnight.
Trimbo: Well, I would've taken my chances, if it means to leave this place again.
Rozella: Oh, please, you would only abandon your duties.
Trimbo: But more importantly, why didn't you say you're-
Then, Rozella covers Trimbo's mouth to silence him.
Rozella: Shhhh! [quietly] Not out here, please.
The two of them look around, knowing there are too many people to overhear, so they rush over deep into the woods to keep the conversation between them both.
Rozella: I know it's been… eight days since you found out, but….
Trimbo: I get that you're half-dryad, but why didn't you tell me?
Rozella: [hesitates] Because back home, dryads and humans never come together. They always had their conflicts: humanity keeps chopping down trees, and dryads protest or attack them out of retaliation, but that's not the case. It's mostly because all of Prusha's behemoths were hunted down to extinction.
Trimbo: And that's when you guys began a feud.
Rozella: Yes. However, when my father was a prince, he encountered my mother being assaulted by poachers. He rescued her, took her home, and they… fell in love, up to the day where I was born. When my… stepmother found out, she had her….
Trimbo: [sympathetic] Oh. I get it. It wasn't easy, was it? But… is she…?
Rozella: No. She was exiled when my father found out. Still… she died when I was a baby, and I wanted to learn more about her. Fortunately, Wor-Kis was a close friend to my family, so he knows about dryads better than we do.
Trimbo: I've been meaning to ask. Is he… a dryad too?
Rozella: [giggles] No, silly. Dryads are all women. He was a hunter who was cursed centuries ago to live with them, for getting too close to their land. He's like an uncle to me.
But then, they hear voices and hide behind a tree together. But when they take a peak, they see the bandit trio, Ozzy, Sleek and Gibber, strolling along with chickens and turkeys in their arms.
Ozzy: You see, boys? I told you it's not poaching when you're snatching away hens and turkeys from a den.
Sleek: I still don't know about that. Those farmers might be pissed to find out that-
Ozzy: Nonsense. They won't be.
Gibber: [gibberish]
Sleek: I know they still have plenty, Gibber, but why pluck up chickens when we're having turkey?
Ozzy: Isn't it obvious? Chickens lay eggs, and we can go for some good omelets for a change of taste.
Looking at them, Rozella feels like she wants to get even with the bandits, so she smirks with an idea. She uses her magic on the tree, triggering something in the ground. All of a sudden, the bandits trip over a lifted root, making them spill the captured birds around.
Gibber: [puzzled; gibberish]
Ozzy: Watch your feet, ya big oaf!
Sleek: It wasn't me. It was the tree.
Ozzy: Oh, of course. The tree just felt like lifting its roots like-
They see the tree root out of the ground, until it drops back into the earth, and the trio become a little scared.
Ozzy: [whispers] Do not panic.
Suddenly, a tree branch whips on their asses, agonizing them, and they flee after they snatch only two hens.
Ozzy: PANIC!
Gibber: [gibberish]
Ozzy: Forget the turkeys! We've got hens!
The bandits are gone; Trimbo and the giggling Rozella come out of hiding.
Trimbo: Now that's what I'm talking about.
Rozella: Those are for the times they almost sold us off, and for your friend.
Trimbo: We better go before they send the whole gang here.
They are about to leave, when suddenly Rozella discovers something.
Rozella: Wait, what's that?
It is a red orb the size of a basketball. Rozella curiously kneels over, and picks it up to take a gander at it, with Trimbo seeing it too.
Rozella: Some kind of… stone?
Trimbo: I don't know. I've been to many parts of the woods around town, but… never seen anything like this.
Rozella: Whatever it is, I'm taking it with me. I could use it as a jewel for one of our thrones.
Trimbo realizes about his engagement with Rozella, but he needs to be sure of something.
Trimbo: Yeah, about that. I know it's been eight days since our encounter, but I still… didn't get to hear your saying in all this.
Rozella: I think it's obvious, Trimbo. I still like for us to be together more often, and see if we can… make our engagement official.
Unbeknownst to them, as Rozella holds the stone to her chest, the stone begins to glow orange, until the light fades away like magic.
In his bedroom, Edgar is watching his son and Rozella together down below, and he seems concerned, until Iris and Rob walk over to him.
Iris: What seems to be the problem, Edgar?
Edgar: Nothing. But, um…. I was thinking if Trimbo's engagement with Rozella may resolve our feud with the Prushans and all.
Iris: I believe so, unless that's not what the Steelovs would want. King Ivan agrees with it, but he too is weary of our nations waging or threatening wars, so chances are, he would have other solutions.
Rob: Yes, and one of those solutions would be about killing off either one of us who are in line for the throne. Or they might ransom with our family to-
Iris: Rob, calm down.
Edgar: Nothing he said is folly, but I just want to know if I'm doing the right thing for Trimbo. Because-
Then, the window is being tapped by something. It is a raven, perching there. Rob opens it, finds a message attached to it, and he takes it out to read it.
Rob: A message from the raven. "You have won the latest addition of… double-G cup bras?"
Iris: [giggles nervously] That one's mine.
Rob gives the message to his sister, and finds another message from the raven to read.
Rob: Ah, here's a better one. "King Edgar is requested to be present in the High King's Castle, where his coronation will begin."
Edgar: My coronation? Right now?
Rob: Apparently, yes. Townley has suddenly fallen ill, and if he doesn't crown you High King as it said in his will… Xenotopia will have a hard time dealing with the ogres.
Edgar: Then I will go. This time, the family will come with me.
Rob: And there's more. "Commander Ayazz is given permission to visit the coronation as well." Would that mean…?
Iris: We know. It means Trimbo and Rozella will be going back to the battlefield, against the….
Edgar: Don't spill it, Iris. Once I'm High King, I can demand the permission slip to send them both back here, and crown them the next day. Rob, tell Kent to pack up for the trip. We're leaving right away.
Rob: Right away, sire.
Rob takes his leave out of the room. Edgar looks back at the window to see Trimbo and Rozella together, and this time he grows a smile on his face in knowing what will come next for his son.
Part Three
The High King's Castle is having a party. A crowd is on its way to the castle. Inside the castle, the crowd is there for the presentation of the new High King, as Townley sits on the Crystal Throne. Townley seems a bit ill, but he has enough strength for one more ceremony. All of the kings and queens who were in town before are back in the throne room, as well as most members of the Grand Army, including Trimbo with his friends. A quartet of trumpeters sound off a fanfare on their trumpets as the royal majordomo announces some of the guests.
Majordomo: Presenting their royal highnesses of Kyland. Queen Valim and Prince Gerald.
Queen Valim and her twelve-year-old son, Prince Gerald, walk to the Crystal Throne with retainers holding the flag of Kyland (a fox in a green field), and bow to the High King. Townley welcomes Valim with open arms.
Townley: Welcome back, old friend.
Valim: I apologize for not coming here last week. But you know my husband: settling scores with the yokai and all.
Townley: Yes, yes, I do recall. [coughs] But we have a yokai in our midst, so best to show some respect, if you please.
Valim looks around, seeing Kesseki standing with the Grand Army, and seems baffled about the sight of him. Again, the trumpeters sound off a fanfare on their trumpets, and Edgar walks over with Iris walking arm and arm. They both approach Townley, and bow before him.
Townley: Iris. I haven't seen you since your wedding.
Iris: It's a real honor to be here, your majesty. Although, if my husband is to be crowned, I was wondering if there could be room for, perhaps, a High Queen.
Townley: [laughs; coughs] That may work if we have two Crystal Thrones, but we only have one.
Once more, the trumpeters sound off a fanfare, right before the Oracle arrives with a few clerics, including Pelly who winks at Trimbo, to the throne.
Townley: People of Xenotopia, at my last moment of being your High King, I want to say… you honor me with your servitude, open hearts, and loving support over me. Being your ruler was the best moment of my life. And I'm afraid, even with the ogres coming back, I will step off of the Crystal Throne and offer my platinum crown… to Edgar Morningstar, King of Ukrim.
[crowd cheering]
At the strike of twelve when the clock tower rings, Townley and Edgar both fall to their knees simultaneously. The Oracle gently removes the platinum crown from Townley's head, and slowly puts it on Edgar as she prays.
Oracle: May Apex keep the seas calm and still. May Gamma show us love and joy. May Kappa protect us with strength. May Delta remain the land fertile. And may Beta and Zeta… steady the skies.
At the last stroke of twelve, the crown is on Edgar's head, and he's become the new High King as he stands up before the crowd cheers for him. He sits on the Crystal Throne, motioning everyone to be still.
Edgar: My people, as your new High King, it is my honest-to-Apex duty to make sure the Grand Army does all it can to keep the ogres away from our lands. Even if it means to banish them behind a mystic wall again.
During Edgar's speech, Raizer scolds at the scene on the balcony, then he walks away before slamming a door behind him, followed by She-Dom, and begins ranting.
Raizer: That should've been ME! Not him!
She-Dom: I'm afraid it's not that simple, disregarding your age, Raizer. It takes full responsibilities to assume a throne.
Raizer: [chuckles] You think I don't know that?
She-Dome: Of course not, but you're just acting so impatient for no reason. If what the will says is true, then once Edgar-
Raizer: [agitated] I know, I KNOW! Fuck, She-Dom. Would you please stop talking to me like I'm a little kid?
She-Dom: I wouldn't have to if you would stop behaving like one.
Then, Duke Cardi shows up from the door, grabbing their attention.
Raizer: Ah. Cardi, so good you're here. Because we've been itching to know if we have any news from the ogres.
Cardi: [bows] Absolutely, your highness. Our spies have discovered them, setting a base camp on the shores of the Fellum Bay, just at the edge of the chasm where they… fell to their defeat.
Raizer: Are they still eager to come for the fight? Because if this war is over by the time that Morningstar is still High King, then everything I've hoped for is ruined!
She-Dom: But what's more important now, is that the people are still looking up to the former High King and his family, including yourself. But all the same: if we're to know that… the prince's secret weapon can be operational and successful for his primary goal.
Raizer walks over and stares out a window, brooding.
Raizer: It will work. I've spent most of my free time getting everything done and right. All I need for now is a craftsman who can build it. When it succeeds, the people will have no choice but to beg me to be High King.
Cardi: Truly, a remarkable plan, your highness. Once you are the new king, I will be whispering far too close to your ear, and you should know that I have a special brooch that I wear. It's my style. So, if you need a brooch, I'll be here.
Raizer: Thank you, Cardi. Always good to have a brooch guy.
As Cardi takes his leave with a bow, a dwarf comes in with a messy apron and a belt holstered with tools.
Dwarf: Hey, whose leg do you have to hump to get a Dornish wine around here?
Raizer: [to She-Dom; irritated] What's Bardian doing here? Don't tell me you hired him.
She-Dom: I must apologize, but he is the only craftsman you can afford, since your uncle discovered you bribing the guards and he cut you off. He's smart, so we need him.
Bardian: [chuckles] I have two skills: I build and I know things.
Raizer: Oh, word? What things do you know? Just name one.
Bardian: War. Tons about war.
Raizer: What about it?
Bardian: It's bad. Like, really, super bad. Well, that's just one. The other is… um…. Front lines, flanking… planking….
Raizer: That's yoga.
Bardian: Uh, I think it's both, but we can broach that subject later.
Right on cue, Cardi arrives at the scene.
Cardi: Hmm? Somebody say brooch?
Raizer: No, Duke.
Cardi: Oh, no worries.
As Cardi leaves again, Raizer pulls out a rolled up paper from his rope and gives it to Bardian.
Raizer: I have one thing for you to build for me. The prototype is set and ready, but all it needs now are the finishing touches. And that's where you come in.
Bardian unravels the paper only for himself to look at, and he nods with a smile to believe he can build it.
Part Four
As the sun goes down, Trimbo and his friends are being escorted by a butler to a private dining hall.
Butler: Here we are. One of the finest dining halls of the castle. His former majesty wants you all to be welcomed here for the night. The chef will come to take your order.
Arkus: Thank you, we'll take it from here.
The butler takes a bow to the group before taking his leave. Trimbo walks over with Rift, admiring all the antiques the room has.
Rift: All this must've cost a fortune.
Trimbo: Not even close. Most of them would just cost tens of bucks, plus a bonus for the ones who recently made them.
Kesseki: But Trimbo, I've been meaning to ask. Since your father is now the High King, would that mean you're going back to Ukrim to be crowned king there?
Trimbo: I wouldn't count on it. Mostly because my brother Kent can have that duty if I'm not around, and also… I'm part of the Grand Army, just as much as you all are.
Rozella: Not only that, but Trimbo and I are still settling in with our you-know-what.
Arkus: Fair enough. But… where's Bestial and Pelly?
Rozella: The maids are working out on giving Bestial a-
Just before Rozella can finish, the doors are opened. Much to everyone's surprise, it turns out to be Bestial, wearing a dress and embarrassed, but Pelly is also wearing on and she is happy.
Rift: Wow, Bestial. I never imagined you wearing a gown like that.
Bestial: You shut up! I have to wear it since I was dressed… inappropriately.
Pelly: [confident] Well, I didn't mind. I had to tell the Oracle that I was invited to a friend's party, and snuck my way in here.
Pelly walks over to Trimbo, clinging onto Trimbo's arm, and it causes Rozella to be shocked.
Rozella: Excuse me! Is there a reason to be so close?!
Pelly: Hey, don't you act so fussy. I'm just showing my appreciation for Trimbo coming to see me.
Trimbo: Me, seeing you? Well, you-
Then, Pelly stomps on Trimbo's foot, silencing him, until Rozella yanks him away to cling on his other arm.
Rozella: You keep your arms to yourself. I wouldn't care if you're his childhood friend. He's my fiance.
Pelly: That's funny. You told me that before, and I see no ring in his finger.
Rozella: He hasn't asked me yet.
Pelly: Well, he can have second thoughts, you know.
Trimbo: Uh, could you two just… cool it down?
Out the door, Edgar and Iris are watching the scene, and Edgar seems concerned again.
Edgar: I'm not sure a private dining hall is good enough for them.
Iris: Does that mean you don't want one with me? [lovingly] It's been decades since we had a private dinner, so shall we, my love?
Edgar is tempted by his wife's request. After taking one last look at his son, he smiles and walks arm in arm with Iris.
All the way in Prusha (resembling Newfoundland and Labrador), King Ivan is in the Rococo Palace, which looks like the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, and placed on top of a hill that overlooks the land and the sea. He is pacing around in worry, as Wor-Kis floats around in the room.
Ivan: She exposed herself? And on the battlefield, where it had dozens of young men who don't even know the truth?!
Wor-Kis: She didn't share her dryad inheritance to Trimbo either, but she only used it to protect the others.
Ivan: But what if they wouldn't understand, and she is prosecuted for being so different?
Wor-Kis: Well, on the plus side, she's used all the fighting techniques you taught her when she was younger, so we can count the glass half-full.
Ivan: That's easy for you to say! If Trimbo is not disturbed about her secret, then I know he's a good fellow. But… what about the rest of the world? They would go after her and exploit her powers. This is why she should never fight and leave it all to the men. And now, she's become… a warrior princess?
Wor-Kis: Her mother was a princess, and it never stopped her when she says she wants to fight for her people. That's probably what she wants you to respect, because she would never forgive you if you don't.
Ivan: I understand that, but Wor-Kis, it's not the same. She's half and half, and with the ogres on the rampage, there's no telling what will happen if someone would get the idea of having dryad magic for a weapon.
Wor-Kis: It will never work, sire. Dryad magic is natural magic. It can never be used for weapons, because it would deplete them of everything that makes them the dryads they are today. If Rozella would dare weaponize her spells, she will lose them all. I don't want to see her drained.
Ivan, depressed, walks over to his throne, sits on it with his head on his hand, and gets worried as Wor-Kis floats over to him.
Ivan: I don't know. [hesitant] I, uh…. I was trying to be a good father.
Wor-Kis: But you are a good father.
Then, the clock on the wall rings, and it indicates the time.
Wor-Kis: Already six? I should be on my way to Kyland. I'll tell her you said "hi", your majesty.
Using magic, Wor-Kis blows out dust, disintegrating him, and the dust flies out the window.
Part Five
Back in the High King's Castle, Trimbo's team is seated at the dinner table. Trimbo sits at the end of the table; to his sides sits Rozella and Pelly, both getting close to him and glaring at each other. The others look around nervously to think there might be something bad going on. On the other hand, Rift is unsure of how to eat the food on his plate properly, and plops it in his mouth.
Rozella: I fail to see why you'd have to be so close to him.
Pelly: Trimbo would love it. We used to sit together when we were kids, and… likes the way on how-
Trimbo: Hey, hey, this is not one of those times, okay? Can we just enjoy our supper when it arrives?
Kesseki: I agree. In fact, I have something for us all.
Kesseki claps his hands. A servant arrives with a bottle of sake. He pours it to a wine glass, but the yokai snatches it away.
Kesseki: Sake. Straight from Ingersil, which is something I've been saving for sixteen years. [chuckles]
He pours the sake in several glasses, and gives each one to his friends.
Kesseki: Here, to our victory.
Arkus: Right, Kesseki. To our victory.
Everyone gets a sip of the sake. And the servant takes a sip of the sake he poured not too long ago.
Trimbo: Wow. That's some good stuff.
Kesseki: You think so? Normally, this sake is so strong, a mere human would get hammered on the first sip.
The servant then lets out a hiccup, visibly drunk.
Rozella: Another, to the new home.
Trimbo: New home?
Rozella: Children need a nest of their own, right? A place to raise their little brood?
Trimbo: Well, I suppose in time….
Rozella: Of course. To the home!
Rift: Oh, shucks.
Rift loudly slurps from his bowl instead of sharing a toast.
Trimbo: Um, Rift
Rift: Yeah? Oh! Sorry! I'll give a toast later. But… this soup is great. Mmm.
Trimbo: No, no.
Trimbo demonstrates that the bowl he ate from is for washing his hands.
Rift: Oh! [embarrassed] Right.
The rest of the dinner table does the same. Ringo jumps up on the table, and begins drinking from Trimbo's finger bowl.
Bestial: If we're being honest, I still doubt Ringo would be a hero in one of our scenarios.
Trimbo: Well, it was only a guess.
Arkus: But more importantly, we cannot relax entirely. The ogres have become more adaptable than they were millennia ago, which we believe it could mean… we have a traitor in our midst.
Kesseki: He's right. However, we're not sure who it is yet.
Rift: Can't Dragonators use magic to find out who it is?
Arkus: Sadly, no. I had magic to know something disturbing happened, but not knowing what it is or who did it. The Elders back in Dallad told me it was the ogres breaching the Great Barrier, but that's it.
Rozella: Whatever the case, our new home will be fortified when it's completed.
Trimbo: Okay, I'm at a loss. What are you talking about?
Rozella: Isn't it obvious? I'm talking about our new home, where we can raise our kids and protect ourselves after we're married.
Pelly: Why would he marry you when he's never touched your breasts before?
Rozella gasps, Bestial starts choking on her drink and Rift accidentally swallows his spoon. They both gag until Rift spits his spoon out onto the table.
Rift: [chuckles] Sorry, but… I think it's a bit early to be thinking about that.
Arkus: [realizing] Hold on. When you said "napping in the park", you meant fondling Penelope's breasts?
Rozella: What?!
Trimbo: Now, hold on there!
Rozella: Why would you…?!
Trimbo: You were in a coma; we weren't this close.
Rozella: But… why didn't you ask me to touch mine?
Pelly: Well, you were too decent, that's why.
Rozella: Too decent?!
Rift: Uh, I'm going to the bathroom.
The chef and a host of servers enter the room with dinner, including a whole turkey, a lobster, and a pig.
Chef: Dinner is served!
Rift: Never mind. I can hold it.
The servers set the food on the table. Dinner is now ready, but Rozella and Pelly are both glaring at each other.
Rozella: I thought we were friends, Pelly. You welcomed me with open arms, and you'd just snatch my fiance away from me?
Pelly: Oh, I wouldn't mind that. But I also wouldn't mind… being his mistress and all.
Rozella pulls the lobster towards herself and Pelly takes the whole turkey.
Rozella: What are you talking about? He can only have one woman, and that's the one he is going to marry.
Trimbo: Well, yeah, those are the basics, really.
Bestial: Hey, can't you two just save it for later? We're having dinner and I'm hungry.
Rozella: Yes, yes, and I understand Trimbo's meaning of basics. Especially holy women sacrificing their own young!
Rozella violently stabs into the lobster with a knife.
Pelly: Not really, we usually escape ourselves from being locked away in a dragon-guarded castle!
Pelly rips off both drumsticks off the turkey and bites in.
Rozella: That's a fairytale and you know that.
Pelly: Oh yeah, then what's your life? Waiting for your father to have you engaged or for your make-belief prince to arrive?!
Rozella: I have Trimbo, and I came to him!
Trimbo sighs as Rozella and Pelly continue to rip apart their food, sending bits and pieces flying over the table.
Kesseki: I think the sake is a little stronger than I remember.
The two girls tug over the pig in the middle of the table, accidentally sending it flying upwards. The pig lands on the table with a thud.
Pelly: The results are the same. Trimbo has liked me since childhood, and I think he wants me to marry him.
Rozella: It would never happen! You're a peasant and a cleric, forever to be unmarried and a virgin!
Pelly: At least I'm not a total flawg!
Rozella gasps, hurt and angry at the same time.
Arkus: Oh dear.
Rozella: THAT'S IT!
Pelly: YOU WANNA FIGHT?!
Rozella: I WILL IN A WARZONE!
Rozella & Pelly: [in unison] This means war! [to Trimbo] And you better decide, or else!
With a huff, Rozella and Pelly whip around with their backs turned, and head out separate doors, leaving the others alone in the messed up dining room.
Arkus: [to Trimbo] I thought you'd know better.
Trimbo: What? I didn't know touching her would be a bad omen, and I- Augh, everything is messed up! It's never easy living like a prince! You know that!
Arkus: You could, at least, tell me what you were doing, and I would warn you about it before this might happen.
Kesseki: Stop, stop. People, we should never fight each other.
Bestial: Yeah, well… I'm going back to the other Craitans. Hey, you don't mind if I take the pig?
Bestial takes the pig and walks away. Just then, the doors are pushed open and Wor-Kis enters the room.
Wor-Kis: Holy, what a mess. Did I miss something?
Rift: There was a cat fight. It stopped when Pelly called Rozella…. Um…. I don't know how to say it.
Trimbo: I'll say it. [beat] She called Rozella a… flawg.
Wor-Kis: [shocked] Oh. Oh, I see.
Rift: What's a flawg?
Trimbo: That's something you never hear when you're outside a royal family. It means "dirty blood". Flawg is described to be a swear word and someone who's either one of his parents is not from royalty or even human. Someone like Rozella for being half-human, and… like me. My father wasn't a prince until he married my mother. It's a name some royals and noble families would say when they want amusement.
Arkus: And that's with a good reason. There are some royals, like Raizer Helix, who think they're better than everyone else because they're what's to be called pure breeds. In other words, "pure blood".
Rift: That's horrible.
Kesseki: And it's bullshit, I'll give you that. "Dirty blood". What is it that humans would know or judge? The fact is, people like Trimbo and Rozella are qualified to be kings and queens when they have the means to be by their motifs instead of bloodlines.
Trimbo: You really believe that?
Kesseki: Your highness, I may not be human, but I do have wisdom that is beyond humanity's and it's almost as high as the elves'.
Arkus: He's right, you know. Unfortunately, it would be too late to explain this to Rozella and Pelly right this minute.
Rift: So, uh…. So what do we do?
Arkus: We just let them be. They will learn from their mistakes, and hopefully… change their minds. And while we're at it, we still must be focused on the ogres.
Then, the boys hear lute strings being played in a snoring manner. They peer under the table cloth and find the servant sleeping from all the sake he drank with his head inside his lute. The lute strings then break off, as the boys just leave him alone.
Up one floor from the dining room, Edgar stands at a balcony. He has been listening the whole time. He walks back inside the bedroom, where Iris is sitting in bed with a book in hand.
Edgar: I knew they would fight.
Iris: You should. You brought one of them into this.
Edgar: I can hardly believe that Iris. I mean really. They're competing for him, not me.
Iris: Edgar, I think you're taking this a little too personally. This is Trimbo's choice.
Edgar: Yes, I understand that, but he's supposed to choose the princess we picked out for him! I mean, he wishes to leave his birthplace and be with… some… some holy woman?
Iris: He wants to leave Ukrim, just to have warmer days. And he's kept it from you, because he was worried you would reject his wish, and he would disown you if you did. I don't want to lose our son again, Edgar.
Edgar: [sighs]
Iris: Ugh, you act as if love is totally predictable. I remember a time when we were young, and… oh, we used to lose ourselves for days in the woods, swimming in the Warm River, and under the full moon….
Edgar: [softly] Our first kiss…. [dramatic] But it's not the same! I think you're missing the point here: our son's engaged to a rival's princess and he's dating a cleric!
Iris: Oh, stop acting like the gods would curse our family.
Edgar: I am, because we're having a string of events going on. Ogres on the rampage, I've crowned High King, and our oldest son, the true and rightful heir to the throne of Ukrim, has become a free spirit. And you let it slide because… why?
Iris: Because I was like that. I wanted to leave Ukrim because it's much too cold for me to handle, until you came along. But I stayed… because I love you, you love me, and the same goes for all of our children. Trimbo just wants you to be proud of him, with whatever choice he makes. That's what every father should do, and you'd know it.
At night in her room, Rozella is sulking about Pelly's behavior, but she is still hurt for being called a flawg. But then, she hears a sound, and it is coming from the red stone she found, placed on the night table. She cautiously walks over to the stone, reaches out to it, until it explodes that shocks her to stifle a scream. But the smoke clears away, and the stone is shattered, but in its place is a little, red baby dragon.
Rozella: [stunned] It's…. It's a dragon.
The dragon looks up at Rozella, imprinting on her as its mother, and then it jumps onto her chest. It digs its way into her cleavage, which makes her moan, and Rozella attempts to make it get off, but it is sucking on her breasts to be fed.
Rozella: Great. The only thing that can touch my boobs is a dragon.
Finished, the baby dragon looks up to Rozella, and licks her chick as a form of kissing, before cuddling up in her arms. When she looks at it now, Rozella gets an idea.
Meanwhile, Arkus is asleep until he is awakened by the scent of something that makes him worried.
Arkus: It can't be.
He gets out of bed and gets dressed immediately, but Trimbo wakes up to see him about to leave.
Trimbo: Where are you going?
Arkus: Something just happened tonight, Trimbo. I have to fly to Dallad for a quick visit.
Trimbo: What for?
Arkus: Questions. Questions that need to be answered.
Trimbo: But you just got here. I don't understand.
Arkus: [hesitates] Neither do I. But listen, keep this between us until further notice. In the meantime, stay with the others.
Arkus walks out the door, heading off somewhere.
Part Six
The next morning, there is a meeting being held in a temple. A bunch of clerics in war suits are seated together. As the clerics talk amongst themselves, Pelly calls the meeting to order with three taps from her staff.
Pelly: Brothers and sisters, on this day, we are in a state of crisis at this moment.
Cleric 1: Which could be what, if I may ask?
Pelly: War. War is happening, between us and the Princess of Prusha, who has insulted our order. Calling us nothing more than peasants, claiming that royalties are better than us, and they would have whatever they want.
Cleric 2: People would say what they want to say, Penelope. It doesn't meant they would-
Pelly: You're missing the point, Clive. We clerics are as powerful as we are supposed to be, we get our blessings from the gods, and when they insult us, they insult even the gods!
Cleric 3: Here, here. I spoke to two farmers last night. They say the clergy is so addicted to the gods, we're incapable of having our own independence.
Pelly: Yes. We've all been hearing the same thing. But if we go to war with the people who insulted us, we can change all that. We can show the world that we only pray for our protection. If we do this, without the use of praying or starting a civil war, everything the people have known of the clergy will be altered for the greater good.
Clive: [beat] Okay. But how do we do this?
Pelly: Spread the word. Inform all of our best warriors, have them assembled in the countryside, and be prepared for war. But whatever you do, leave the Oracle out of this.
Clerics: Yes, ma'am.
Meanwhile, Rozella is assembling an army as well: knights of Prusha and other mercenaries. She is walking around, surveying her knights, and cradling the baby dragon on her arm. Then, a knight, Howard, runs up with a sheet of paper and hands it to Rozella.
Howard: Your highness! I have news from the east, milady! [salutes]
Rozella: [quietly] They don't salute in Game of Thrones, Howard.
Howard: Uh, sorry, I haven't watched it.
Rozella reads the paper, and she seems pleased about something.
Rozella: Ah, very good. The House of Kingsley has agreed to join our fight!
Knight 1: The House of Kingsley?
Knight 2: Harry and Bron Kingsley
Rozella: But my friends, we must still find others who will fight by our side! Is there no one else who can come to our aid?
Knight 3: [raises hand] Hey yeah, I know. How about the guys who play Star Trek?
Rozella: [beat] Uh no! Screw them. This is not Trekkie turf. Now keep sparring!
Howard looks at the baby dragon in Rozella's arm, who just wakes up.
Howard: Um… the dragon, Princess?
Rozella: Yes. His name is Blaze. He thinks I'm his mother, and I like to keep it that way. [to Blaze; motherly] Isn't that right, Blaze?
Blaze squeaks as Rozella scratches his chin.
Howard: Well, he's a cute little fella.
Howard pets on Blaze's head, which he seems to like. Blaze backs away, until he sneezes a small fireball into Howard's face, who ducks down before it burns him.
Howard: Well… this'll mean he's a fire-spitter, of course.
Rozella: Don't you worry. Because with him, the clerics wouldn't stand a chance against our faction. We need to wait for Blaze to grow up, and it'll catch them off-guard.
Howard: But are you sure about this?
Rozella: Dragon training was entrusted to my people, so I have my rights.
Howard: If you insist, but he has to be trained, quick. Because my uncle has dealt with dragons before. He says when a dragon hatchling is born, they can be a real bother. They barely control their fire-breathing, pounce on someone else's pets to eat, and… barely listen to their mothers.
While Howard is talking, Blaze hops off of Rozella's arm and walks away somewhere.
Rozella: Really? Then… was it a bad idea of bringing him here?
Howard: That depends on his behavior. But in the meantime, just keep an eye on him. [whispers] Word to the wise.
Woman voice: Princess! The rug!
Rozella: [worried] Oh no. Blaze! No!
In a rush, Rozella snatches up Blaze from making a mess on the rug, and takes him elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Trimbo is standing in front of the main tent back in the Grand Army's tent, awaiting an appointment from Ayazz. Garlym shows up, and motions him to come in, seeing Ayazz.
Ayazz: You wanted to see me, Morningstar?
Trimbo: Yes, Ayazz. I was-
Garlym: Hold it! You may be a prince, but outside of your walls, you will address your commanding officer as "Commander" or "Sir", nothing-
Ayazz: Simmer it down, Captain. This is not one of those times.
Garlym: [salutes] Yes, sir.
Ayazz: Now… as you were saying?
Trimbo: It's in regards to both Rozella Steelov and the cleric Penelope. They just began… competing, declaring war upon themselves, and both… expecting to win over me. And right after they fought together against the ogres.
Ayazz: I see. And you come here to tell me… why?
Trimbo: Because I want to find a way of keeping a squad together. And deep down, I know you would feel the same thing.
Ayazz: [chuckles] Well, you have the thoughts of a reasonable young man, and I'll give you credit for that. First of all, there won't be a war. Because this is not a conflict of nations, it's a dispute between two women. If they're going to compete for you, that can be a risky thing to do. Because one of them is a cleric, and all she would get is scolding from the Oracle, just like a school bully with a principal. And also, without the right amounts of money and weapons, a princess wouldn't have this battle last for long.
Garlym: [to Trimbo; whispers] He's gotten his experience with women before.
Ayazz: But most of all, if it's you they are fighting for, you have the rights to decide whether or not they should fight for you.
Trimbo: So, you're saying I could just step in and tell them to stop? Right in between their brawl?
Ayazz: Not likely. Mostly… before the brawl. But you just have to wait for the time being, son. That moment will come to you soon. Are we clear?
Trimbo: [hesitates] Yes, sir.
Ayazz: Good man. You're dismissed.
Outside, Rathborne's eagle is perched on a tree, spying on the campsite and eavesdropping on the conversation, then it flies away.
Elsewhere on the beach of Fellum Bay, the ogres are forging and sparring for the next battle with the Grand Army. Stoneclaw speaks to Rathborne while staring at the sparring ogres.
Stoneclaw: But your greatness, this was bound to happen sometime in the future for us. We couldn't hide our horns, which are the sensitive part of us, and they figured it out on their own. How do you expect to defeat them, when they know what our weaknesses are?
Rathborne is staring at the water on a stone, brooding.
Rathorne: You fool! Do you think I'm unaware of the situation? If they know how to exploit our weakness, then we need to do the same… on them.
Then, he hears a screeching and sees his eagle flying towards him. With a proud smile, Rathborne lifts his arm up to let the bird perch on him. The eagle walks up to say something in his ear, and whatever he says makes Rathborne smirk.
Rathborne: Two of the heroes have declared war upon themselves. If that happens, it will distract the Grand Army, and it'll give us the advantage to continue the rampage. Stoneclaw, get the other clans ready for the march.
Stoneclaw: [salutes] Right away, your greatness.