Razelt/Stories
Alk can't wait to get away from Razelt, a prince with a head too big for his crown. But when they run across a hungry child in the streets, the rambunctious royal proves that he has a heart of gold.
Townspeople: To the Farlands! To the Prince!
Razelt: Hah-hah-hah! Good, good! Drink! Let us have some life in this dreary place!
Alk: Sure sounds like you're all having a good time! I can't drink, but do you have anything non-alcoholic on the menu?
Razelt: What? You would refuse my wine?
Razelt: *sigh* Very well. Come, bring juice for the boy! Something sweet enough to enliven the spirits!
Alk: Thanks. So... you're a prince?
Razelt: Yes. The heirs to the throne of Nihil command the Nine Noble Houses.
Razelt: I am fourteenth in line to that throne—Razelt, of the House of Nialas. You owe me your love and honor!
Alk: Cool. I've never seen a prince before. My name's Alk. Nice to meet you, your highness!
Razelt: You are forward, but I like you the better for it. Now, Alk! Eat and drink your fill!
Razelt: All shall order as they wish! We mustn't let clouds on the horizon lessen our enjoyment of today. A kingdom is sound only when its people are content!
Razelt: Do not worry about payment! My tutor will—
Razelt: What? Tutor? TUTOR?!
Razelt: Has he no heart? Wringing every coin from my purse, before hanging me out to dry!
Alk: Honestly, I'd have been surprised if he let you stay...
Razelt: In the Farlands, there is a tab for the royal family... Well. It's time I found an inn—one that extends credit to princes!
Alk: Oof... How thick can that skin get...
Razelt: What is it, little one? Do not lay your soiled hands upon me... Lave them, and then return.
Children: I'm hungry...
Alk: Oh... Hey. He, uh, doesn't have any money right now, but maybe I can—
Razelt: Merchant. How much wheat can I buy with this gem?
Razelt: Hah-hah-hah! Eat, little ones! Eat, until your stomachs grow round as drums!
Alk: Stop laughing and help! This line's not getting any shorter!
Razelt: You would ask a prince to work? How bold.
Alk: Hey, you sure it was a good idea? You know, turning ALL your jewels into porridge?
Razelt: Of course. I have no regrets.
Alk: But you could've rented a room with some of them.
Razelt: I-I have no regrets!
Alk: That's not what your face is saying! You didn't think this through, did you?!
Razelt: A prince's judgment must be swift!
Alk: Yeah, but not swifter than thought. Right now, you're as helpless as a stray puppy.
Razelt: I am no STRAY! I am merely... a wayfarer.
Alk: With no place to stay! Unless your fancy armor turns into a tent, tonight's going to be rough!
Razelt: Enough. I can sleep well, knowing that the people do not go hungry.
Alk: But this isn't even your country. Aren't the Farlands a long way off?
Razelt: Even abroad, it is a prince's duty to look after the people.
Razelt: This land is ruled not by a king, but by merchants. Its ways are different, but that does not make them lesser.
Razelt: All countries—and all people—are linked. If I ever wish to be king, I must learn to honor my neighbors.
Alk: ...Um, your highness? If you're interested, I might know a place you can stay...
Razelt: Hah-hah-hah! Here is a rare sight, hidden even from kings!
Alk: You're free to stay until you find your tutor. That is, if you like it here...
Razelt: I do! This shall be my new base, from whence I will wander into foreign lands!
Alk: All right, then. Happy to have you with us, Razelt.
Razelt: And I am glad to be here. Now, Alk. Lead me to my castle!
Alk: How funny would it be if I brought him to the doghouse...
Razelt's ego is bruised by a group of jocular sailors who've never heard of the Farlands. But when a group of pirates threatens their ship, the prince learns it is not your name, but your actions that command respect.
Razelt: Magnificent! Ocean, as far as the eye can see.
Alk: Yeah, it's pretty amazing. Try not to get lost, Razelt.
Razelt: I am no addlepated gaffer! Now, I wish to journey out onto the waves.
Razelt: Ahoy, sailors! I bestow upon you the honor of my first sea voyage!
Sun-Kissed Sailor: What's that, lad? You lookin' to come sailing?
Razelt: Yes. A prince of the Farlands shall grace your decks.
Sun-Kissed Sailor: Well, if you can cough up the money, who be a humble sailor to complain? So, what kind of island's this Farlands anyways?
Razelt: The Farlands is a great kingdom, and I one of its leaders. When you address me, it should be with honor and respect!
Sun-Kissed Sailor: A kingdom? Never heard of one. It have somethin' to do with the Gaean government?
Sun-Kissed Sailor: Anyways, give me a hand with this here cargo. Then you can go struttin' and crowin' on deck all you want.
Razelt: Does lineage mean nothing in different worlds? I am beginning to feel... small...
Alk: Yeah. I mean, respect's usually something you have to earn. But at least you're learning to stay out of trouble. I'm so proud...
Razelt: That is not how one talks to a prince!
Razelt: *sigh* But I will abandon my title for now. While we are on this ship, I am simply Razelt.
Alk: Great. It's important to just be yourself sometimes, you know?
Razelt: I do. I only wish my younger brother did as well.
Alk: You have a little brother? Are you guys close?
Razelt: He is a gentle child—quite different from you. Yet he holds a powerful position in court, and is often pulled into political affairs.
Razelt: As fourteenth in line to the throne, I am largely left to my own devices. But my brother cannot do as he wishes.
Razelt: I would share my freedom with him... But perhaps it is not my place.
Alk: He's family. You SHOULD be hanging out. And I'm sure even a prince has time for a fishing trip.
Razelt: Yes. Perhaps we CAN go fishing...
Sun-Kissed Sailor: L-look alive, lads! We're bein' attacked by pirates!
Alk: It's go time, Razelt!
Razelt: I am with you!
Pirate Captain: Haah-hah-hah! Are you likin' this lovely cannon we found? Just gotta light 'er up, and she can turn any vessel into splinters!
Pirate Captain: Now, unless you want to be makin' friends with the fishes, you best start handin' over your cargo. Come on now! No time for dilly-dallying!
Alk: Wait, a cannon?! Razelt, think you can take it?!
Razelt: I am Razelt of the House of Nialas! I fear no cannon...
Razelt: A-and would stand my ground even in the face of d-d-d-d-death!
Alk: You're worrying me. Well, I... I might be able to cut down the cannonball or...
Razelt: S-stay behind me, Alk. I will keep you safe.
Sun-Kissed Sailor: Lad! You're shakin' like a leaf. You best find somewhere to hide—
Razelt: A prince who trembles is still a prince! And a lord who cannot lead on the battlefield is not fit to lead at all!
Razelt: For honor and country, I call upon thee! Ward thy people, Lord's Aegis!
Razelt: Hah-hah-hah! What are a few cannonballs?! The real Lord's Aegis could withstand a dragon's wrath!
Alk: Wait, so that's not the real thing? Well, whatever it is, it's getting the job done!
Razelt: We are being boarded! Alk, fend them off! My knees have given way!
Alk: What?! You were just hurling attitude at them! How are you still scared?!
Sun-Kissed Sailor: Three cheers for the hero who saved our ship! Three cheers for Razelt from the Farlands! Hip, hip, hooray!
Alk: Nice work, hero. Bet you're the first Nialas to be celebrated in a different world.
Razelt: Words must be backed by action.
Razelt: And a prince must protect the people!
Alk: Guess I didn't have to worry after all.
Razelt: Hah-hah... hah? What... did you mean by that?
Alk: Oh, nothing...
Razelt: Then let us return! All of Starview must hear of my valor!
Alk: What about mine?
Razelt: Haha! Of course! "The Tale of Prince Razelt and His Loyal Servant, Alk..." It has a nice ring to it.
Alk: Wait. Prince Razelt and his WHAT?!
Razelt's baby brother is pitted against a dragon in a trial spun together by court intrigue. Razelt's Aegis is shattered during the daring rescue, but a new one is soon after bestowed upon him.
Razelt: That looks quite good.
Alk: Yeah. It's brimming with cream! ...Are you going to demand some as an offering, or...
Razelt: Do you take me for a miser? I wished only to know where you bought it!
Razelt: ...Tutor! So this is where you were!
Tutor: Your highness! It is a relief to see you safe!
Razelt: My purse! Where is my purse?!
Tutor: You lost my purse?!
Tutor: Sounds like quite the hullabaloo... Well, what do I always say? The only thing Prince Razelt can find his way to... is trouble.
Razelt: Well, if you would stop disappearing!
Alk: Okay, let's stop trying to place the blame, and be happy you found each other.
Razelt: You speak wisely. Tell me, Tutor, how were your travels? Were they as great as my own?
Tutor: I have become... well-acquainted with the nightlife of various cities... but that's a story for a different time. I have a favor to ask of you.
Tutor: Your younger brother will soon be leaving for his first trial. He wishes to see you before then.
Young Prince: Brother! I have missed you.
Razelt: As have I. I am glad to see you well.
Young Prince: Is he a soldier of your guard?
Razelt: No, he is Alk—my friend and a seasoned traveler with many tales to tell.
Young Prince: A friend! Should the chance arise, I do hope you'll share your tales with me.
Alk: Your brother's exaggerating... But I'd be more than happy to chat sometime, your highness.
Razelt: ...Now. I heard you will soon face your first trial.
Young Prince: Yes. The second of the Nine Houses put forth that I would not be fit to lead until I proved myself in battle.
Razelt: The Dau? They direct finance! What business do they have, demanding you risk your life!
Razelt: Did they not pledge their allegiance to you?
Young Prince: Brother. I have long hoped for a chance to show my worth.
Young Prince: You must understand. I do not go needlessly into peril.
Young Prince: The trial is tomorrow, the foe a dragon. I humbly request your presence.
Alk: But he's just a kid! He can't fight a dragon, Razelt.
Razelt: No, he cannot... I have come to a crossroads...
Royal Guard: ...May fortune smile upon you. Now, let the trial begin!
Young Prince: Tsk! It's too strong! This really was a plot—
Razelt: For honor and country, I call upon thee! Ward thy people, Lord's Aegis!
Royal Guard: Y-your highness! What are you doing? Surely you must know that your actions—
Razelt: And you call yourself a guard... You would endanger YOUR ward and MY brother for politics?!
Razelt: If it is a prince's duty to cast aside family for vain ambition, then I renounce my title!
Razelt: Armor may crack, and my Lord's Aegis may shatter! But as long as I am Razelt, I will deliver my brother to victory!
Razelt: Though I would prefer to do it in one piece... Dragon, cease your flames!
Young Prince: Brother! You must withdraw! Not even you can fell the dragon!
Razelt: No, I cannot. Not alone. But with the aid of a friend... Now, Alk!
Alk: I'm on it!
Alk: Good work, Razelt. You looked pretty cool out there.
Razelt: Of course. There is nothing "cooler" than protecting your family.
Razelt: I am sorry. But I could not just stand by and watch!
Young Prince: Don't apologize. I was happy you defended me. Thank you, Brother!
Young Prince: To tell the truth, I had hoped you would save me... And I accomplished what I set out to do...
Razelt: Y-you did? Then I am glad for you.
Razelt: However, I wish my Lord's Aegis had not been shattered...
Alk: I mean, without your magic shield, you really are just a stray puppy...
Razelt: I am a WAYFARER.
Tutor: Your Highness. I actually have a spot of good news for you.
Razelt: What you call fair tidings, I call an ill omen.
Tutor: Oh? Then I suppose you won't be wanting this after all.
Young Prince: That was quick. But then again, the Oinas are a powerful family.
Razelt: Another Aegis! But how...
Tutor: Let's just say, I had an inkling you'd need a new one... As did your younger brother.
Young Prince: Hehe. And our finance minister is beholden to me.
Tutor: And thus, Your Highness, you've escaped the life of a stray... for now.
Razelt: Am I a prince, or the court fool?! ...Wait. Do not answer that question.
Razelt: Alk, I have made my choice. Starview Village shall be my home for a while longer. The castle walls now feel like a cage to me!
Alk: Sure—as long as you know there's no such thing as a free meal. Hope you're ready to work, Razelt!
Razelt: I am ready for anything!