[ Video log, May 1st ]

[principilucis]

[ Video ]

[ The beginning of the feed is shaky, but it quickly settles into a view of the Verdant Forest. A youth dressed in blue sits formally upon a rock, his gaze steady but a little unfocused.

There is a few moments of silence filled in by ambient forest sounds before he begins to speak. ]

Apologies for intruding upon your time.

My name is Marth. Due to recent circumstance, I have only recently been assimilated into Union. Thus, please excuse my unfamiliarity with accepted procedures.

[ A pause. ]

I would like to ask if any Trainers are willing to assist me in training. I possess fair knowledge in swordplay, but I fear that my skills may have dulled over time.

Information regarding the current state of affairs will be much welcome, as well.

[ There is a longer pause before the youth bows slightly to the viewer. ]

I will be lingering near the Forest Shrine of the Verdant Forest. Thank you for your attention.

[ The feed cuts here. ]

Comments

[principilucis]

[ Marth's eyes remain closed for a few more moments, but the light around him stabilized and resumed as a more gentle glow. ]

Your presence is clear in my memories, too. I... I am sorry that I can't remember more than this.

[ He listens patiently to Tiki's words. When she finished, he takes a while to start speaking. His voice starts hesitant at first, but his tone grows stronger as the narration unfolds. ]

I am Marth. Prince of Altea, and heir to Falchion's pact. ... The Shadow Dragon brought waste to the lands, and many heroes from all walks of life united to cast him back into the earth. You were with me, during those arduous days... that much... I can be certain...

[ There is a long pause. ]

The Gods' wrath gave no mercy... We paid for the mistakes of others...

Then, the haven... and countless defense battles... and peace at long last...

[ He shook his head. ]

Please forgive me, Tiki... my thoughts ramble on too long.

[thedivinevoice]

[Tiki slowly shakes her head.]

On the day that you were lost before the might of the fell dragon... I thought that I should never hear your voice again. I lived many long years believing that the greatest friendship I had ever known was nothing more than a distant recollection. And now... to see that I was wrong...

There is naught I have wanted more than to hear that voice again.

[principilucis]

[ Marth smiles, mostly out of relief, though the expression is tinged very faintly with grief.

It is a while before he speaks, though. ]

... I... can say the same... All those individuals who were with us... so long ago, upon the plains where we struggled to survive - every one of them, irreplaceable friends... All gone. Time has no mercy for us...

But at least, we will still have each other. I suppose that is consolation enough...

[ He closes his eyes briefly. ]

Ah... again, I dwell too much on what has slipped through our hands. Please forgive me...

[thedivinevoice]

It is more consolation than I could have hoped for.

[Tiki holds out her hand.]

Do you intend to stay out here alone, Prince Marth? Come back to the human city - it, too, is a part of your legacy.

[principilucis]

[ There is only the briefest hesitation before Marth gently takes hers. However, his answer is doubtful. ]

... I... I think so.

[ There is a pause. ]

The city... is a human city. It feels a little disorienting... 'tis most unfortunate that my place of slumber is more homely. Too many things have changed...

[ He indicated the stone steps beside him leading into the ground. ]

I have little need for worldly comforts, given my current situation. I should be fine...

[thedivinevoice]

The world you have protected has evolved into the world that you see today. I will not say it will not be a difficult adjustment - I know it shall be, having been subject to the same. And I not even human. ...But I must insist that you come within the safety of the walls.

Moreover... if you are to protect this world, you must understand what it is that you seek to protect, do you not? To know the passions and the trials of these people, their joys and their sorrows... I, too, have much to learn still.

[principilucis]

[ Marth remains silent for a few moments, his expression becoming slightly pained. ]

... If you insist...

[ He turns away briefly, eyes closed. ]

The Sealed Chamber is a place of great magic. I... I am not sure if I am ready to leave its aura just yet...

... and I am no longer human, Tiki. A ghost. A spirit... long forgotten. Will they still accept me, after so many years?

[thedivinevoice]

I am a dragon, Prince Marth. The most deadly of enemies to humanity in a time long past.

And yet, there was still one who wanted me.

[She smiles in encouragement.]

The people of this city are... accepting. Understanding. To an unexpected degree. Perhaps that, too, is part of your legaacy.