Scenario:Jasmine - To Save a Life
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To Save a Life
The crew helps a sickly old woman home amid the heavy rain. Learning that she doesn't have long left to live, Jasmine hopes to make a medicine that will delay the granny's symptoms long enough to attend her granddaughter's wedding.
Lyria: Yikes! It's really starting to pour!
Jasmine: Oh no! We should find a place to take cover from the rain!
Vyrn: Darn it... The mudslide's blocked off the road to town.
The crew has just completed a monster extermination request.
And now they are seeking shelter from the heavy rainfall.
???: Owww...
Jasmine: Huh? Did anyone else hear that just now?
(Captain), too, stops to survey their surroundings.
Lyria: Ah! There's a light just past the tree over there!
Jasmine: It must belong to the person who was moaning in pain! Let's go take a look! They might need our help!
And so the crew rushes toward the flickering lamplight.
Jasmine: ...!
Are you okay, ma'am?
Are you okay, ma'am?
There lies an elderly woman collapsed on the ground, clutching her ankle with one hand while holding a basket in the other.
Elderly Woman: Oh my... How rare to see others walking outside on such a rainy day.
Elderly Woman: Haha... I slipped on the wet ground and sprained my ankle.
Lyria: Please take it easy, Granny! Where do you live? We'll take you home!
Elderly Woman: Ah, but I wouldn't want to trouble you...
Vyrn: You're in pretty bad shape, especially with that sprained ankle, Granny. There's no way we're gonna just leave ya here!
Elderly Woman: Thank you kindly... I suppose I'll take you up on the offer then.
Elderly Woman: My house lies in the village due east of here. It's not too far.
Vyrn: All righty! We'll get you home in no time at all!
The crew carries the injured senior citizen and heads for the village in the east.
Jasmine: That should do it. Is the bandage too tight, ma'am?
After delivering the elderly woman home, Jasmine sees to her wound.
Elderly Woman: Thank you so much, dear. As if bringing me home weren't enough, you even treated my sprain.
Jasmine: Oh, it's nothing. Besides, I couldn't just leave behind someone who was in pain.
Elderly Woman: You've been such a big help. If not for you, I'd have surely passed out there in the rain by now.
Elderly Woman: What brings you to the area anyway? There's no proper town in the immediate vicinity, so I rarely see outsiders.
Lyria: We're skyfarers! We came to the forest to take out some monsters as part of an assignment.
Lyria: On our way back to town, we found that the road was blocked by a mudslide...
Elderly Woman: Oh dear, so that's what happened. Come to think of it, the village elder did mention a mudslide this morning.
Elderly Woman: In that case, you're more than welcome to stay here in the meantime.
Elderly Woman: After all, there aren't many places you can go. It'll take roughly two days for the road to clear up, I believe the elder said.
Lyria: Two whole days? Is it really okay for us to stay that long?
Elderly Woman: Absolutely. My children have gone on to start their own families, and my husband departed for the great unknown ahead of me. I've been all alone ever since...
Elderly Woman: Not to mention I owe you my life anyhow. Consider this my way of saying thanks.
Vyrn: As much as we appreciate the offer, Granny, it doesn't feel right to stay here for free.
Elderly Woman: Why, you're awfully straitlaced for a young'un. Hm...
The elderly woman has an idea after looking around the room a bit.
Elderly Woman: Maybe you can help me prepare for the upcoming wedding while you're here then.
Lyria: Upcoming wedding?
Elderly Woman: Mm-hm. My granddaughter will be getting married next week.
Elderly Woman: I used to work as a tailor in town. And I've made a point of fashioning a handmade wedding outfit for each of my children when their big day came.
Jasmine: Oh... I was actually quite curious about that dress in the corner.
Jasmine: I take it that's the wedding dress you made for your granddaughter?
Elderly Woman: Ah, so you noticed. Indeed, the dress on that torso bust is for my dearest granddaughter.
Elderly Woman: But it still needs work. With my age and all, I'm not as fast as I used to be.
Elderly Woman: You'd be doing me a huge favor by helping me finish it up, but only if you'd be comfortable doing so...
(Captain) offers her a hearty thumbs-up, promising whatever assistance the crew can offer.
Lyria: Yeah! Let us help make your granddaughter's wedding a day to remember!
Vyrn: Your granddaughter's gonna be blown away when she sees what a pretty dress we've got in store for her!
Elderly Woman: Haha, thank you so much. You're all too kind.
Elderly Woman: Hack... Cough!
Jasmine: A-are you okay? Have you caught a cold?
Elderly Woman: No worries. This is nothing new.
Elderly Woman: Anyhow, you must be starving. I can't make anything fancy, but I'll whip you up some food.
Jasmine: Wait, ma'am! You probably shouldn't move too much in your state. I wouldn't want your sprained ankle to get worse.
Elderly Woman: Haha, I appreciate the concern, but I can stand up well enough. Besides, I want to treat you folks.
Lyria: Um... Maybe we can help! We can make a meal faster if we work together! It'd be more fun too!
Elderly Woman: Hm, I suppose you're right. Follow me to the kitchen.
Not wanting the senior citizen to hurt herself further, (Captain) and company are quick to offer their assistance.
The crew engage in idle banter as they feast on their dinner, then later spend the night in warm beds.
On the following day...
The crew gets to work prepping for the wedding ceremony.
Lyria: Wow! What a beautiful and sparkly mushroom!
Jasmine: I've never seen anything like it! What is it used for?
Elderly Woman: It's a mushroom that grows only in this region. We crush it into powdered form, which works great as makeup.
Elderly Woman: Applying it on your eyelids makes them really sparkle. The way it heightens the bride's beauty makes it a popular wedding gift.
Jasmine: A mushroom that works as makeup...
Jasmine: I know of a few flowers and plants that are used that way, but this is my first time hearing of mushrooms used as makeup!
Elderly Woman: Haha, it's definitely not something you see every day. Since I have plenty of the mushrooms, I'd be happy to share a bit of the completed makeup with you ladies.
Elderly Woman: Basically, you'll want to use the mortar and pestle to ground the mushrooms into a fine powder.
While the elderly woman works on the dress itself, the crew assists with the makeup and accessories.
Occasionally, a rare plant or tool enters the mix and sparks some lively conversation. A pleasant time is had by all.
Elderly Woman: Hack... Cough...
Jasmine: Granny? Are you okay? Your coughing was quite serious this morning...
Jasmine: You must've caught a cold after all...
Elderly Woman: No, really, I'm fine. I'm sorry for making you worry...
Elderly Woman: ...!
Guh... Cough-cough!
Guh... Cough-cough!
Jasmine: Granny!
As the elderly woman coughs up a storm, clutching her chest all the while, Jasmine rushes over to her.
Jasmine: ...!
This is...
This is...
Jasmine realizes the pure-white dress has been stained red by the few drops seeping from between the fingers covering the granny's mouth.
Lyria: ...!
I-I'll go call the doctor!
I-I'll go call the doctor!
Vyrn: I'm comin' too! Be right back, guys!
Elderly Woman: Urk...
Jasmine: Everything's going to be just fine, Granny. Lyria's gone to fetch the doctor...
Jasmine gently rubs the suffering granny's back, waiting with (Captain) for Lyria and Vyrn to return.
The village doctor soon arrives. Though surprised, he proceeds to the checkup without delay.
Jasmine: An incurable illness...
The doctor's emergency treatment is over, and the granny is in stable condition once more.
The words Jasmine utters while looking down at the resting granny cast a dark shadow over the room.
Vyrn: We had no idea it was somethin' that serious...
According to the doctor, the granny succumbed to an incurable illness a few years ago. There's no telling when she'll suddenly pass away.
The doctor was regularly prescribing her medicine, hoping to keep her alive long enough to see her granddaughter's wedding. But the efficacy of the medicine seems to have reached its limit.
Lyria: Being able to attend her granddaughter's wedding is everything to her... She was working so hard on the wedding dress...
Vyrn: I mean, medicine keeps the symptoms in check, right?
Vyrn: The wedding's next week... Surely she can stick around until then?
Hearing Vyrn's comment, Jasmine casts her gaze downward.
Jasmine: I've heard of this disease a few times before.
Jasmine: As the doctor said, she won't last much longer now that the illness has progressed this far.
Jasmine: And the medicine prescribed to her isn't meant to treat the symptoms, but rather to ease her suffering.
Jasmine: Truth be told, I've made a few attempts at creating a cure for this illness before.
Jasmine: Though I managed to concoct something that slightly alleviated the symptoms, it had no effect in prolonging the patient's remaining life span.
The crew can do little more than watch Jasmine, whose fists are clenched in remorse.
After a heavy silence, the herbalist turns away from the resting granny and stands up.
Lyria: Jasmine?
Jasmine: I won't give up.
Jasmine: I may not be able to make a cure as I am now...
Jasmine: But I might be able to make something that will delay the symptoms just long enough for her to have a splendid time at her granddaughter's wedding.
Jasmine: I'm going to use everything I've ever learned and my entire life's experiences to make her well.
Seeing the determination in her eyes, the others offer encouraging nods.
Vyrn: We can't do what it is you do with medicine, but leave all the ingredient gathering to us!
Lyria: Yeah! Let's do what we can to fulfill her last wish of seeing her granddaughter happily wedded!
Jasmine: Thank you, everyone! I'll do my best!
The crew has decided to see things through with this kind elderly woman.
To Save a Life: Scene 2
(Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn assist with wedding prep, while Jasmine works on concocting medicine. When the herbalist collapses from overwork, the granny urges everyone to prioritize their own well-being first. Jasmine apologizes for pushing herself too hard.
Determined to see the granny have a pleasant time at her granddaughter's wedding...
(Captain), Vyrn, and Lyria continue working on the dress and accessories while Jasmine focuses on the medicine.
Lyria: I wonder if the granny's going to be okay... She got up for a bit this morning, only to go right back to sleep...
Lyria mutters in a low voice while looking toward the bedroom.
The granny's condition has been especially precarious ever since coughing up blood the other day.
Jasmine: I think she's just physically drained. She was coughing really bad last night too.
Vyrn: I know there's a limit to what we can do, but it still hurts to see.
Jasmine: I have to complete the medicine before she gets any worse...
A hint of exhaustion is evident on the herbalist's face.
Choose: You get enough sleep, Jasmine?
Jasmine: Uh... S-sure! I've been sleeping as soundly as a sheep!
Lyria: You don't look too well though...
Vyrn: I can see some light bags under your eyes. You sure you been gettin' your forty winks?
Jasmine: Er...
Jasmine: I guess I can't hide anything from you guys.
Jasmine: But I'm okay! Sure, I cut down on the number of hours I sleep, but at least I do sleep...
Jasmine: And you're right about me looking tired. I'll make sure to get in a good night's rest tonight to make up for it.
Vyrn: Well, okay then...
Lyria: Please don't push yourself too hard. And let us know if there's anything we can help with!
Vyrn: Yeah! We can't mix the medicine itself, but we can at least gather and prep any ingredients you might need!
Jasmine: Thank you, everyone!
Though still somewhat worried about Jasmine, (Captain) and company decide not to press the matter any further after seeing her response.
It isn't until days later that they realize their concerns were not without merit.
Jasmine: No... This blend results in too many side effects.
(Captain) and company watch on with concern as Jasmine remains glued to the desk, testing out different herbal mixes.
Vyrn: Guys... You think it might be time to pry her away from work and get her to rest?
Lyria: Mmph... Her face has gotten so pale and you can clearly make out the bags under her eyes...
Lyria: Considering how neat her bed is, I wonder if she's gotten any sleep at all the past few days...
Worried that she might be in danger of collapsing, (Captain) calls out to her.
Jasmine: Ah! Um... (Captain)?
Jasmine: Vyrn and Lyria too? Why are you all looking at me like that?
Confronted with the captain's stern tone, a troubled Jasmine lowers her gaze.
Jasmine: I... I'm okay. I do sleep, even if it's only for a few hours..
Vyrn: You got any idea how worn out you look right now, Jasmine?
Lyria: You're going to pass out at this rate. Please, listen to your body.
Jasmine: ...
Jasmine: Look, I'm sorry for making you worry.
Jasmine: But I'm almost there. Just a bit more work, and the medicine will be ready!
Lyria: You—
Jasmine: There's no time left!
Jasmine retorts in an unusually desperate voice, leaving the others speechless.
Jasmine: ...!
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell.
She continues on in an apologetic tone.
Jasmine: The granny has been getting gradually worse since the fall. These past two days, she's hardly been awake...
Jasmine: I kept pestering the doctor to see if he knows of any other illnesses with similar symptoms or if there's any medicine I don't know about.
Jasmine: I pursued every possible lead I could, and I think I've finally made a breakthrough.
Jasmine: I can't afford to have a good night's rest and lose track of what I'm doing right now.
Jasmine: Once again, I'm sorry, guys.
Jasmine: I know you're worried about me, but I need to keep at it for just a bit longer.
Vyrn: Jasmine...
Lyria: ...
The crew realizes that there is no convincing Jasmine.
(Captain) relents and heaves a deep sigh.
Choose: At the very least, let us help.
Lyria: That's right! We can help you research, gather materials, or anything else.
Lyria: You've been getting the materials all by yourself, Jasmine...
Lyria: Please depend on us! We're here for you!
Lyria: And we want this medicine for the granny just as much as you do!
Jasmine shows Lyria a sad smile and gently shakes her head.
Jasmine: You're already doing your part to help me. Look how far the wedding preparations are coming along.
Jasmine: You refashioned the dress from scratch and made the accessories and makeup... In addition, you guys prepare the daily meals and watch over the granny.
Jasmine: So you see? You already are helping in a big way. And I thank you for that.
Lyria: Jasmine...
It's abundantly clear that Jasmine won't change her position, so all the crew can do is let her have her way.
Jasmine: Sigh...
Jasmine burns the midnight oil while everyone else is asleep.
Jasmine: (I wonder if I could've handled that better...)
Jasmine: (They were so worried about me, yet I ended up pushing them away.)
Jasmine: Once this is all over, I need to apologize properly—
The moment she breathes another sigh, the vial in her hand slips through her fingers and crashes on the floor.
Jasmine: Ah!
Now I've done it.
Now I've done it.
Jasmine: This is proof that I'm losing focus. Not good...
With yet another exasperated sigh, Jasmine rises from the chair to clean the mess.
Jasmine: Oh, no, no...
The herbalist is suddenly overcome with extreme dizziness and loses consciousness.
Jasmine: Mng...
Jasmine: Ah! What the... Where am I?
Jasmine bolts upright upon regaining consciousness and finds herself in the bedroom, which she hasn't seen for days.
Jasmine: Strange... I was mixing medicine, the vial fell from my hand, and then...
Elderly Woman: ...!
Nice to see you're awake, dear. Thank heavens.
Nice to see you're awake, dear. Thank heavens.
The granny, who had been asleep for days, appears to be up and about.
Jasmine: Granny? Sh-should you really be up? Your condition—
Elderly Woman: Calm down now. You should be worrying about yourself before others.
Elderly Woman: I heard from your friends how hard you've been pushing yourself to make that medicine for me.
Jasmine: I'm sorry... They must be so angry...
Elderly Woman: Yes, they were. But more than that, they blamed themselves.
Elderly Woman: For not forcing you to rest your body no matter how much you resisted.
Jasmine: ...
Jasmine slumps and hangs her head in shame.
The granny kindly pats her on the head with a smile.
Elderly Woman: I realize you're pushing yourself so hard for my sake.
Elderly Woman: But if you work yourself to exhaustion...
Elderly Woman: Who's going to be there to help your friends when they get injured or sick?
Jasmine: ...
Elderly Woman: I appreciate what you're doing very much, but never let it come at the cost of yourself.
Elderly Woman: Think of your precious friends who care about you so much. Don't try to do everything alone; learn to depend on them more.
Elderly Woman: They sounded pretty sad that you wouldn't ask more of them.
Jasmine: I had no idea...
Feeling tears forming in her eyes, Jasmine clenches her fists.
Jasmine: Thank you, Granny. You've opened up my eyes.
Jasmine: As an herbalist, helping people is what I live for. And I'm misplacing my priorities by putting myself at risk.
Jasmine: I'll try to take a more balanced approach going forward. And of course, I'll have to apologize to the crew.
Approaching footsteps are followed by the sound of the bedroom door opening.
Vyrn: Granny, how's Jasmine doin'—
Lyria: Jasmine! Thank goodness, you're awake!
Jasmine: (Captain), Vyrn, Lyria! I'm so sorry about all this...
Relieved to see their friend in good spirits, they shrug it off with exaggerated indignation.
Vyrn: Geez, Jasmine! This is exactly why we kept tellin' ya to get some rest!
Lyria: I hope you've learned a valuable lesson! I know you were desperate, but our bodies need sleep!
Jasmine: Right... I'll be more careful from now on.
Reflecting on her actions, Jasmine lets out a sigh before continuing.
Jasmine: Um... (Captain). And of course, Vyrn, Lyria.
Jasmine: I probably should've asked earlier, but can I ask you to gather some herbs for me?
Jasmine: I'm about to finish making a sample, but I've run out of ingredients...
Choose: Of course. We're on it.
Vyrn: Sure thing! We'd be more than glad to!
Vyrn: Make sure to ask us next time too, and every time after that! Wouldn't want you to collapse again!
Lyria: In return, please stay well-rested until we get back!
Jasmine: Haha... Thank you, everyone!
Pleased to see how eager everyone is to assist, Jasmine smiles from the bottom of her heart.
Watching the exchange of friendship unfold, the granny adds a few more wrinkles to her face as she smiles.
To Save a Life: Scene 3
Days before the wedding, Jasmine completes the medicine to delay the granny's symptoms and thereby briefly extend her life. The morning after the wedding, the granny's daughter delivers news of her mother's passing to the crew and hands over a letter to Jasmine. Touched by the granny's final words to her in the letter, Jasmine is more determined than ever to go about saving lives.
A few days have passed since Jasmine resolved to accept the crew's help and to be less reckless in her efforts.
The wedding is only two days away. Jasmine goes over to the resting granny with a medicinal vial in hand.
Jasmine: Granny. The medicine is ready.
Elderly Woman: Oh my... You really did it? I never imagined a cure would be possible for my condition...
Jasmine: Well... To be precise, this isn't a cure. It only mitigates the symptoms.
Jasmine: Any actual cures I made took far too great of a toll on the body...
Jasmine: Medicine that delays the onset is the best I could do...
Elderly Woman: I see...
Jasmine looks down sadly, but the old woman smiles and gently strokes the girl's head.
Elderly Woman: It's fine. I'm already incredibly grateful that you've come this far at all.
Elderly Woman: Of course, that goes for you and your friends.
Elderly Woman: Preparations for my granddaughter's wedding are complete. And hopefully this medicine will keep me alive long enough for me to be there.
Jasmine: Granny...
Elderly Woman: Truth be told, a part of me had already given up. The doctor said I wouldn't live to see the wedding.
Elderly Woman: But you saved me on that fateful rainy day.
Elderly Woman: And then you went on to help with the wedding dress and my other needs.
Elderly Woman: Seeing you go so far for a complete stranger made me realize I can't give up too easily either.
After a short pause, the granny lets out a deep breath.
Elderly Woman: I hate to ask this after all you've done for me, miss, but...
Elderly Woman: Won't you allow me one more selfish request?
Jasmine: Of course! You only need to ask!
Elderly Woman: Haha, thank you. It's just one little thing, really.
Elderly Woman: Your little red friend told me about one of your medicines that makes a person feel especially lively.
Elderly Woman: As you've no doubt noticed, I look like a sickly patient right now.
Elderly Woman: I wouldn't want to worry my granddaughter on such an important day.
Elderly Woman: I'd like the occasion to be a wonderful memory for her to look back on, and I simply want to see her happy.
Elderly Woman: I only need to look the part for one day... Won't you please make me the medicine for this?
Seeing the determination in the granny's eyes, Jasmine feels a surge of emotions swell up from within and proudly thumps her chest.
Jasmine: Gladly! Leave it to me! I'll make you feel like you're in your prime!
Elderly Woman: Haha... Thanks for hearing out this old lady's request.
The granny is already showing gradual signs of improvement slowly after taking Jasmine's medicine.
Her granddaughter's wedding soon comes to pass.
Vyrn: Phew... Looks like the granny had a great time at her granddaughter's wedding!
Lyria: Mm-hm! And her granddaughter was so happy with the wedding dress... She was beautiful in it!
The crew had also attended the wedding, which took place in the village square.
When it became clear that the granny's family would be staying with her for the night, (Captain) and company had planned on leaving so as not to impose.
But by the graces of the village elder, they were able to stay in the village for a while longer.
Vyrn: I've gotta say Jasmine's medicine worked like a charm! The granny looked as healthy as a horse the whole time!
Jasmine: Yes, it's certainly a relief to know the medicine worked well enough.
Lyria: The granny's going to be living with her daughter from now on, which should make things easier for her!
Jasmine: Yeah. It's not like we can stay by her side forever anyhow...
Jasmine: Being with her family works out for the best!
Vyrn: Since the road to town's opened up, we'd better get a move on to our next destination.
Vyrn: We ended up stayin' in the village a pretty long time... Hope the other crew members aren't too worried about us.
Jasmine: I'm sorry for insisting that we stay...
Lyria: You have nothing to be sorry for! Every one of us decided to help that granny!
Jasmine nods appreciatively, yet her shoulders droop ever so slightly.
Having gained a sense of calm over the peaceful resolution of events, they turn in early that night in preparation for the next day's departure.
On the next morning...
The crew is on the way to the granny's house to bid her farewell when a woman shows up before them.
Woman: Excuse me... I'd like to thank you for attending my daughter's wedding the other day.
Jasmine: You're the granny's daughter...
(Captain) notices the puffy redness in the woman's eyes.
Woman: Um, how should I put this...
Woman: The elder said you would be leaving the village today, so I came out to let you know...
The woman pauses briefly to catch her breath, then looks intently at the crew, her eyes glazed in sadness.
Woman: My mother passed away last night. According to the doctor, the strain on her body finally caught up to her.
Vyrn: Wha!
Lyria: Oh no...
Jasmine: ...
Woman: I was supposed to help her prepare for the wedding ceremony.
Woman: But plans went awry when the road was blocked due to heavy rainfall.
Woman: She told me about how you saved her.
Woman: And about how you worked so hard to make medicine for her, in addition to helping with my daughter's wedding prep.
Woman: I don't know how I can even begin to thank you...
Tears begin to pour out of her eyes as she bows deeply in gratitude.
Then she takes a letter out from her pocket and hands it to Jasmine.
Jasmine: Hm? What's this?
Woman: A letter from my mother. Her last words were for me to hand this to you.
After a moment's hesitation, Jasmine opens up the letter.
The shaky handwriting suggests that the granny was battling her condition even as she penned these words.
Elderly Woman: "Dear Kindhearted Skyfarers and Herbalist,"
Elderly Woman: "Getting to know you has been my life's greatest joy."
Elderly Woman: "Had we not crossed paths that day, chances are I would not be alive right now."
Elderly Woman: "To the most gracious herbalist the skies have ever known: your medicine is truly a blessing. "
Elderly Woman: "I have faith that you will one day find a remedy for incurable sicknesses such as mine. Please believe in yourself."
Elderly Woman: "Thank you for fulfilling my dying wish, for showing me my precious granddaughter in all her beauty as she found happiness. It meant so much to me."
Elderly Woman: "Please take care of yourselves. I pray that you will all go on to fulfill your hopes and dreams in life."
Jasmine: ...
Jasmine holds the letter close to her heart, her eyes swimming with tears.
Feeling hopeful, she looks up toward the sky.
Jasmine: I'll give it my best shot, Granny.
Jasmine: I'm going to dedicate my life to finding a way to treat incurable illnesses.
Jasmine: I'll keep studying throughout my travels and save as many people as I can.
While some lives can be saved by medicine, other lives are less fortunate. But Jasmine may very well have what it takes to change that.
Instilled with a newfound determination, the compassionate herbalist resolves to reduce the amount of suffering in the world as she sets out in her travels anew.