A Surprise Proposal
Sabrina receives a sudden marriage proposal from Ceodric, the first prince of the Kingdom of Radlith. Although the two of them have been friends since childhood, she questions whether she has any romantic feelings for him. She holds off on her answer and turns to her friend Ava for advice, who encourages her to consider the marriage.
Sabrina: What?
Dumbfounded, Sabrina's jaw drops to the floor as she stares at the man standing before her.
Sabrina: Um... I, uh...
After a long silence, her lips finally quiver into motion.
Sabrina: Pardon me, Your Highness. Could you please repeat that?
Ceodric: Of course. I would ask a thousand times if I had to.
Ceodric: Will you marry me? My dear, sweet Sabrina.
Sabrina: Hup! Yaaah!
Sabrina, knight captain of the Kingdom of Radlith, clumsily swings her sword around the training ground.
Sabrina: Pant, pant...
Sabrina: Ugh... I can't concentrate at all.
Wiping the sweat off her brow, she lets out a deep sigh.
Sabrina: Why did Ceodric have to go and complicate things?
Ceodric: My dear, sweet Sabrina.
Sabrina: Seriously, what the heck! Where did that even come from?
Sabrina: He's never given so much as a sign of those kinda feelings...
Sabrina: Or has he? No, I'm pretty sure he hasn't... I think...
Her voice fades. Sabrina is fully aware that she lacks experience when it comes to matters of the heart.
Sabrina: Sigh... What am I meant to do now?
Sabrina: (I know how I'd respond to anything on the battlefield...)
Sabrina: (But my training didn't prepare me for a situation like this.)
???: Sabrina!
Sabrina: Oh... Hi, Ava.
Entering the training ground is Ava, Sabrina's dearest friend.
Ava: Training by yourself again? Ever the hard worker, I see. Should I leave you to it?
Sabrina: No, it's okay. I can't concentrate anyway.
Ava: You? Unable to concentrate? Well that's a first. Something on your mind?
Sabrina: No... Not really.
Ava: Is that so?
Ava: Liar.
Sabrina: Urk...
Ava: One glance at your face tells me all I need to know!
Sabrina: Seriously?
Ava: Yeah, you're being so obvious, Sabrina. There's no hiding anything from me!
Ava: So? What happened? What's so bad that it's got the knight captain this uneasy?
Ava: Spill the beans!
Sabrina: Hmm... You won't tell anyone, will you?
Ava: Not if you don't want me to.
Sabrina: Then this is just between you and me.
Ava: Okay, you have my word. Now spit it out!
Sabrina: Fine... Well...
Ava: Prince Ceodric proposed to you?
Sabrina: Ava! Not so loud!
Ava: Wow, Sabrina. That means you're gonna be the princess of Radlith!
Ava: Congrats!
Sabrina: No, not necessarily...
Ava: What do you mean? Wait, don't tell me you haven't given him an answer yet?
Sabrina: I need time to think about it.
Ava: Are you kidding me, Sabrina? This is the prince we're talking about! It was practically decided for you the moment he proposed.
Sabrina: I mean, it's not something that you should rush into...
Sabrina: But... Are you saying that I don't really have any choice? Because he's royalty and I'm not?
Ava: That's how it usually goes. But it sounds like he's making an exception for you.
Sabrina: I guess so. He said he's happy to wait.
Ava: Heh. He's fallen for you hard.
Sabrina: R-really?
Ava: He's willing to respect your feelings and wait for you—regardless of his status.
Ava: That's all the proof you need. He truly does love you.
Sabrina: Ceodric... loves me? Really?
Seeing the unsure Sabrina grumbling, Ava lets out a sigh in exasperation.
Ava: Sabrina... Do you not like him?
Sabrina: No, it's not that I don't like him.
Sabrina: I like him, of course. We grew up together.
Sabrina: He helped me through a rough patch. I'll always be grateful to him for that.
Ava: You mean when your parents passed away?
Sabrina: Yeah.
Sabrina: He's usually so talkative—once he starts you can't shut him up.
Sabrina: Sometimes he talks so much you leave the conversation wondering what it was even about.
Sabrina: But soon after my parents died, he suddenly made me his guard...
Ceodric: It's beautiful here, isn't it?
Sabrina: Yes... It's great.
Sabrina: Are we here on an assignment, Your Highness?
Ceodric: No.
Ceodric: Just having a little downtime. That's all right, isn't it? I wanted you to join me.
Ceodric: I feel more at ease when you're around.
Sabrina: I see...
Ceodric: It's just the two of us right now. No need to be so formal. We can talk just like we used to.
Sabrina: Okay...
Ceodric: ...
Sabrina: ...
Ceodric: Did you know? You and I are the only ones who know about this place.
Sabrina: Oh really...
Sabrina: (Come to think of it, he proposed to me in that very same garden...)
Sabrina: At the time, he hardly raised the subject with me.
Sabrina: He didn't say anything like "I'm sorry for your loss," "Be strong," or "I know how you must be feeling."
Sabrina: He didn't fill the silence with platitudes. He just gave me space.
Ava: Oh...
Sabrina: I thought I would need to keep myself busy to avoid getting overwhelmed by emotions.
Sabrina: But that quiet time that Ceodric made for me...
Sabrina: Eased my unbearable pain just a little.
Ava: I see...
Sabrina: There's no doubt that he's special to me.
Ava: You seem pretty sure about your feelings.
Sabrina: Yeah, but...
Sabrina: I mean...
Sabrina: He means a lot to me, but I'm not sure if I like him in that way. I mean, would I want to spend the rest of my life with him... as his wife?
Sabrina: I don't know about that...
Sabrina's words trail off into a mumble as her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
Ava: Sigh...
Ava: You spend so much time swinging your sword, but you're still clueless about love, huh.
Ava: Who would've thought the knight captain's weakness was her heart? Well, I would've, actually. But that's besides the point.
Sabrina: Ugh... I'm so pathetic...
Ava: Look, Sabrina. At the end of the day, the decision's up to you, but...
Ava: I think the two of you would be good together.
Sabrina: R-really?
Ava: Yeah. I don't think you should miss out on this opportunity.
Ava: It sounds like he'd take good care of you. He'd treasure you.
Ava: And as he shows his love to you over time, you might just grow to love him too.
Ava: Relationships start that way sometimes, don't they?
Sabrina: Yeah... I guess...
Encouraged by her friend, Sabrina's face relaxes into a smile.
Burning Remorse
After the Festival of Falling Flame, Sabrina is exiled from her hometown of Radlith, and she and Fenie take shelter with (Captain) and the crew. As she gradually recalls the memories of her past life as Farhana, she begins to have nightmares out of remorse for having killed Ceodric. One night, she wakes up from one such nightmare and is unable to fall back asleep.
Abramelin: Farhana.
The voice that calls out is soft and sweet, overflowing with love.
Farhana: Yes, Melin?
As Sabrina replies with a smile, it dawns on her.
She's dreaming.
Long ago, this dream was once a reality. Now, however, this tender moment is but a distant memory.
Abramelin: This is for you, dear. Here. Turn around.
Abramelin puts a freshly picked flower in Farhana's hair.
Farhana: Hehe. Thank you!
Farhana: How do I look?
Abramelin: Stunning.
Farhana: Hehe! Then let me get one for you too!
Abramelin: Me?
Farhana: Yeah, so we can match!
Farhana, Sabrina in a past life, takes delight in plucking a flower from the ground.
Farhana: Here you go, Melin.
Farhana: Huh?
Just as Farhana outstretches her hand, she feels someone grab her wrist—and it's not Abramelin.
Ceodric: Sabrina.
Sabrina: Ceodric?
Sabrina: Your arm!
Ceodric's arm is engulfed in flames, but he manages to keep a firm grip on Sabrina regardless.
Sabrina: Hey... Let go!
Ceodric: Sabrina, you'll lend me a hand, won't you?
Sabrina: I... I'm...
Caught between two memories, Sabrina's hand reaches for her sword against her will.
Sabrina: What... I... I don't want to draw my sword!
Sabrina: Ugh, no... Stop!
Ceodric: Aaaaargh!
Sabrina's sword cleaves a straight line, and out of it bursts a crimson spatter.
Whether it is blood or fire—she cannot tell.
Sabrina: Aaah!
Sabrina: Huh?
Sabrina awakens to find moonlight streaming in through her cabin window.
Sabrina: Pant, pant... What was that...
Gasping for breath and her whole body shaking, she covers her mouth with a trembling hand.
Sabrina: Oh, it was just a dream...
Fenie: Sabrina?
Sabrina: Ah... Fenie...
Fenie: Are you okay, Sabrina?
After a battle involving the mighty Phoenix...
Sabrina was exiled from her home, the Kingdom of Radlith, for killing Prince Ceodric.
Now, she and Fenie take shelter with (Captain) and crew.
Fenie: You were crying in your sleep. Did you have a bad dream?
Sabrina: No... I'm fine. Thank you for checking on me, Fenie.
Fenie still looks worried, so Sabrina draws her in for a cuddle.
Sabrina: Did I wake you? I'm sorry.
Fenie: It's okay.
Sabrina hugs Fenie tightly into her chest, clinging to her warmth.
Sabrina: It's still late. Let's go back to sleep.
Fenie: Are you gonna sleep with me?
Sabrina: Yes, I'm right here, Fenie. You can close your eyes now.
With Fenie nestled in her arms, Sabrina wraps the blanket over the both of them.
Fenie: Nighty night, Sabrina.
Sabrina: Good night, Fenie.
Despite her best efforts, Sabrina is unable to close her eyes again. She spends the rest of the night watching Fenie as she sleeps in her arms.
Burning Remorse: Scene 2
Sleepless after her nightmare, Sabrina goes to the deck to brandish her sword when (Captain) arrives. She puts on a brave face in front of (Captain), but when it comes time to fight, she is debilitated by her memory of Ceodric. After failing to raise her sword, Sabrina feels helpless and agonizes over what to do with herself.
It's the early hours of the morning, and Sabrina is on the deck of the Grandcypher.
Sabrina: Hrgh! Hah!
Sleepless after her nightmare, she's come to the deck to brandish her sword.
Sabrina: Ugh...
Although beads of sweat are forming on her brow, the cold nip of the night lingers in her core.
Sabrina: (I feel so sluggish... It must be all these nightmares I keep having lately.)
As she lets out a deep sigh and brings her hands to her temples, someone approaches.
Sabrina: (Captain).
- Morning.
- What're you up to?
Choose: Morning.Sabrina: Morning... You're up early.
Having just awoken, all (Captain) can manage is a weak smile.
Sabrina: Hmm...
Choose: What're you up to?Sabrina: Oh, just a bit of training. I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep, so...
Continue 1Sabrina: Oh yeah, where's Vyrn and Lyria?
- They're still sleeping.
Choose: They're still sleeping.Sabrina: Right... Of course they are.
Sabrina forces an awkward smile, but (Captain) points to her eyes with a look of concern.
Sabrina: What, do I have dark circles? Are they really that bad?
With a gentle nod, (Captain) caringly asks Sabrina if she's okay.
Sabrina: Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for your concern.
Sabrina: Oh, but while you're here, I can finally thank you. I've been meaning to do so for a while.
Sabrina: Thank you for accepting me... and Fenie... into your crew.
Sabrina: Words can't express how grateful I am! I wish I could repay you somehow, but...
Sabrina: I have nothing to give. There's nothing left of my hometown... or even my role as the knight captain.
Sabrina: Come to think of it, I'm out of work! Hah! Totally unemployed! It's... kinda sad, actually...
Sabrina: ...
Sabrina: No! Come on, Sabrina!
Sabrina slaps herself on both cheeks.
Sabrina: I told myself I wasn't going to be so pessimistic. That's not the kind of person I am!
Noticing (Captain) blankly staring her way, she flashes a smile.
Sabrina: I mean, the guys I captained called themselves knights, but they were just a bunch of nasty men.
Sabrina: I wouldn't have been able to handle them if I were actually that weak.
Sabrina: I know I shouldn't go around tooting my own horn, but I was strong even back when I was still Farhana!
Sabrina: I don't remember the details, but I'm pretty sure I used to be an integral member of some kind of brigade!
Sabrina: So you know what? I have several lifetimes of experience to offer! From now on, I want to be of service to you and your crew!
Sabrina: I will lend you my strength. Ah, but only if you would allow me, of course.
Sabrina: You can rely on me as the former knight captain. Come what may, I won't let you down.
While Sabrina's words sound confident, there's a noticeable undertone of pleading to her voice.
(Captain) nods in reassurance.
Sabrina: Heh. That's settled then!
A few days later...
Lyria: I'm so glad you're joining us today, Sabrina!
Vyrn: Yeah! Happy to have ya!
(Captain) and the crew, accompanied by Sabrina, have traveled to another island in order to respond to a last minute request.
Sabrina: I'm happy to be here. You won't regret calling me, I promise. Don't hesitate to ask me anything, okay?
Today, they have been tasked with escorting a merchant along a road that's notorious for bandits.
Lyria: How's Fenie, by the way? Won't she miss you?
Lyria: She's probably disappointed that you left her at home...
Sabrina: She'll be fine! I said I'd bring her some souvenirs, so she's looking forward to that.
Vyrn: Then I guess we'd better make a quick stop on the way back and get her lots of tasty little treats!
Sabrina: Yeah. But first...
Sabrina: It's time to get serious.
Vyrn: Oh no! Bandits!
Bandit 1: Hah! Drop all your money, belongings, and get lost if you know what's good for ya.
Lyria: (Captain), watch out!
Sabrina: Leave this to me! (Captain), stay to my right.
Vyrn: Go get 'em, Sabrina!
Sabrina: En garde!
Bandit 2: Uh-oh...
Bandit 2: I knew these guys weren't merchants. So they're bodyguards, huh?
Sabrina: You'll save yourself a lot of pain if you put away your sword and back down right now. The choice is yours.
Bandit 2: We're the ones who make a living out of this, kid. Why would we back down?
Sabrina: Gasp!
Ceodric: Guh!
Sabrina: What the...
Bandit 2: Well, look at that.
Bandit 2: You talk a big talk, but you ain't got nothing to back it up. What's wrong with you, kid?
Sabrina: Ugh...
Sabrina is debilitated by the scene replaying in her memory.
Sabrina: (Why now... My body feels so weak...)
Bandit 2: Haha! That sword is wasted on you. Might as well leave it with us too!
Sabrina: Damn it...
Lyria: Sabrina!
Vyrn: Sabrina! Are you okay?
Sabrina: I'm...
Bandit 2: Pah! We'll start with you then!
Sabrina: (Captain)!
(Captain) rushes to Sabrina's defense and guards her in the nick of time with a quick sword thrust.
Bandit 2: Agh!
Vyrn: Phew... We did it!
Lyria: Thank goodness no one got hurt!
Sabrina: I'm sorry, (Captain)...
Vyrn: Hey, what are you talkin' about? No need to look so glum.
Sabrina: I had every intention of helping you, but all I did was get in your way.
Lyria: Sabrina...
Sabrina: I'm sorry to all of you too.
Fenie: Hey! Sabrina!
Fenie runs up to greet the downtrodden Sabrina as she returns to the airship.
Fenie: What took you so long? I got so bored waiting for you to get back!
Sabrina: ...
Fenie: Sabrina?
Sabrina: Oh. Hi, Fenie. Thanks for waiting so patiently.
Fenie: What's wrong, Sabrina? Did you get hurt or something?
Sabrina: No, I'm not hurt. Don't worry about me.
Fenie: But... You look sad, Sabrina...
Sabrina scoops up the frowning Fenie and gives her a hug.
Sabrina: Aw, Fenie. I'm sorry I worried you.
Sabrina: But I'm fine. Okay?
Fenie: Are you sure?
Sabrina: (I'm utterly useless... How's a mess like me supposed to stay here with (Captain)?)
Sabrina: (But I won't be able to protect Fenie on my own either...)
Sabrina: (Maybe I could leave her here and go on my own...)
Fenie: Sabrina? What's wrong? Cheer up!
Sabrina: (I can't do that! There's no way I could abandon this girl.)
Tormented by her inner conflict, Sabrina squeezes Fenie in tighter—as if meaning to keep her in a warm embrace until the end of time.
Burning Remorse: Scene 3
Unable to sleep, Sabrina heads to the deck where she is met by Seofon. Seofon suddenly thrusts his sword at Sabrina and taunts her by mentioning Ceodric, putting on a bad-guy act in order to provoke her. When she explodes in anger, he catches a glimpse of her true strength.
As the Grandcypher sails into the darkness of the night sky...
Fenie: Snore...
Sabrina: ...
Sabrina, unable to fall asleep, sits up on the windowsill and watches Fenie quietly snooze in her bed.
Sabrina: Sigh...
After a deep, long sigh, she slips quietly out of the room.
Sabrina: ...
Seofon: Good evening.
Sabrina: Seofon.
Seofon: I see you received my love letter.
Sabrina: Some love letter. Is that how you flirt? By inciting my anger? Because I will fight you.
Seofon: Haha. I'd expect nothing less of the knight captain of Radlith.
Sabrina: Former captain.
Seofon: Okay, former captain. Anyway, you look terrible.
Sabrina: Who asked you?
Seofon: Whatever. If you can't sleep, how about keeping me company?
Sabrina: Seofon! What are you—
Seofon: Take this!
Sabrina: Wha—
Seofon suddenly draws his sword and lunges at Sabrina. She fights back in a startled daze.
Sabrina: What the hell are you doing!
Seofon: Doesn't hurt to shake things up once in a while, does it? Come on, focus! I'm not gonna go easy on you!
Sabrina: ...!
Sabrina: Hragh!
Seofon: By the way, Sabrina...
As their swords clash violently, Seofon speaks in an unusually cheerful tone.
Seofon: Ceodric really did you dirty, huh?
Sabrina: Do you seriously have the capacity to hold a conversation right now?
Seofon: Of course. This is nothing.
Seofon: Gotcha!
Sabrina: Kuh!
Seofon: Anyway, about Ceodric. It's a real shame he died. But I think it was inevitable.
Seofon: You reap what you sow. He got burned by his own fire, don't you think?
Sabrina: ...
Seofon: We couldn't have left him to go on like that...
Seofon: So it's a good thing you stopped him. You should be celebrated as a hero.
Seofon: And yet, quite the opposite! You were forced to leave the country. I'm really sorry this is happening to you.
Sabrina: Haaah!
Seofon: You really got the short end of the stick there—and it's all Ceodric's fault.
Seofon: You must hate him. You may have dealt him the fatal blow with your own hands, but you still...
Sabrina: Shut up!
Sabrina: Ceodric... was a good man.
She forces out her words, locking sword to sword with Seofon as she struggles to push him back.
Sabrina: I didn't want to kill him...
Seofon: But you did.
Sabrina: ...!
Seofon: It was your choice to kill him. You did it to protect Fenie's life and your own.
Seofon: Even though it's you who made the decision, you won't take responsibility for it. Instead, you stay hurt and tormented by your own actions.
Seofon: I thought you were different, Sabrina, but you're just like every other girl.
He taunts Sabrina, deflecting her sword with his own. The impact knocks her back.
Sabrina: Ugh... Seofon, you...
Sabrina: If you'd just shut up and listen instead of dribbling nonsense. You don't have a clue!
She steps back from Seofon and readies her stance.
Sabrina: Give it a rest!
Sabrina: What—
Sabrina: The hell—
Sabrina: Do you know!
Seofon: Ho ho!
Seofon's smile grows as he takes on Sabrina's onslaught.
Seofon: So this is Farhana? The legendary swordswoman from 6000 years ago.
Seofon: Now this is what I wanted to see!
Sabrina: Haaah!
Sabrina: You really want me to hurt you, huh? Fine. Then have a taste of my sword.
Seofon: Now we're talking!
Just as their fight is heating up...
Fenie: Sabrina?
Fenie rubs her eyes sleepily as she comes out onto the deck.
Fenie: Oh, Seofon's here too? Whatcha doing?
Sabrina: Fenie! You shouldn't be out here!
Before Sabrina can rush over to her, Seofon has already thrust his sword at Fenie.
Fenie: Seofon?
Seofon: This warrior's weakness has always been her family.
Sabrina: Seofon! Stop!
Seofon: Heh. Fooled ya.
He draws back his sword and playfully raises his hands.
Seofon: Come on. It was a joke, obviously. I wouldn't go that far.
Sabrina: You...
Fenie: Are you okay, Sabrina? What were you doing with Seofon? Are you two fighting?
Fenie: Is he bullying you?
Sabrina: Sigh... No, I'm okay, Fenie.
Sabrina: Please get away from Seofon.
Fenie: Huh? Why?
Sabrina stands in front of Fenie, blocking her path.
Sabrina: Listen, I've had enough of you and your playing the bad guy act.
Seofon: Wow, if looks could kill.
Seofon: But you got a bit of your spark back, don't you think?
Sabrina: ...
Indignant, Sabrina scoops Fenie, who had been hiding behind her, into her arms.
Sabrina: Come on, Fenie. Let's go back to bed. It's late.
Fenie: Okay. Are you gonna go to bed with me?
Sabrina: Yes, I'll be right there next to you.
Seofon: You know, about Ceodric...
Just as Sabrina is about to walk away with Fenie in her arms, Seofon calls out to her.
Seofon: While he may have played pompous and dramatic to mask his true feelings...
Seofon: I don't think he was lying about everything.
Seofon: I didn't hate him or anything.
Seofon: Although we didn't exactly get along either...
Sabrina stops in her tracks, but doesn't turn around. She listens with her back turned to Seofon.
Seofon: There's a part of you that cherished Ceodric as a childhood friend, but then there's also the part of you that loved Abramelin and still does...
Seofon: There's the you that got your power back from the warrior who fought to bring down the gods six millennia ago...
Seofon: But then there's the unsure and gentle part of you that's just like any normal girl.
Seofon: Every one of those are facets of you.
Sabrina: Hmph. Stay out of my business.
Seofon: Heh. Good night.
Fenie: Nighty night, Seofon!
Seofon: Sleep tight! And don't let the bed bugs bite!
While Fenie waves goodbye to Seofon, Sabrina wastes no more time and hastily marches off.
