*: Oh, if it isn't young <pc>! You came along at just the right time! I've got a favour to ask, you see.

*: The other day I was playing with my lad—you know, messing around, as you do. Well, anyway, he's got this flurry feather that he loves, and well...fool that I am, I managed to let it blow away.

*: Luckily, the wind only blew it as far as the roof of your shed. I'd go and get it myself, but I'm not too good with heights, I'm afraid...

*: Anyway, I know you're a brave young fellow, so I was wondering if you'd mind clambering up there and getting it back for me. You'd be doing me a huge favour, I'm telling you.

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Oh. That's...unexpected. I mean, what is it the priest is always saying? ‘Be nice to others!’ Maybe you should bear that in mind next time someone asks you to do them a simple kindness...

*: I knew you'd help me out! You always paid attention to what the priest said in church—you know, that stuff about always being kind to others. You're a fine fellow, and no mistake!

*: Now, there's no time to lose! My son's desperate to get his beloved feather back—hurry on over to your shed!

*: I'm sure you've climbed onto your fair share of roofs, but just find something to clamber onto and press  to jump up there.

*: Once you've found that flurry feather, bring it back here and I'll see if I can't give you a little something in return. Best of luck!

*: Listen, you've probably got plenty to keep you busy already, but you'd be doing me a massive favour if you'd go up onto your shed roof and get my boy's feather back.

*: I'm sure you've climbed onto your fair share of roofs, but just find something to clamber onto and press  to jump up there.

*: Once you've found that flurry feather, bring it back here and I'll see if I can't give you a little something in return. Best of luck!

*: There you are, <pc>! And it looks like you've got the feather! Would you mind letting me have it?<yesno>

*: Hey, what are you playing at!? Do I really have to remind you again about all that stuff the priest is always saying about being kind to others?

*: Thanks! I knew you wouldn't let me down! I can't wait to see the look on my boy's face! Oh, and before I forget, here's a little something in return...

*: And that's not all! I've got a tip for you I hope you'll find useful. If you ever want to do someone a good turn, look for a purple speech bubble above their head.

*: Listen to what they have to say and see if you can do anything to help—it always pays to be kind to others!

*: But don't feel that just because someone's shared their woes with you, you have to help them right away. You can always come back when you want a little change of pace, or if you're not sure what to do next.

*: Anyway, thanks again, <pc>. I really owe you one. Now, just remember—whatever's waiting for you up ahead, be kind to others, and you'll do just fine!

*: When I let my boy's flurry feather get blown away, I thought he was going to disown me. You really helped me out of a tight spot, <pc>!

*: You'll always be able to tell when someone needs a helping hand. They'll have a purple speech bubble floating about their heads, just like I did.

*: If you spot any folks who look like they might need your help, make sure to have a word with them—it always pays to do what you can for others.

*: But don't feel that just because someone's shared their woes with you, you have to help them right away. You can always come back when you want a little change of pace, or you aren't sure what to do next.

*: Anyway, thanks again, <pc>. I really owe you one. Now, just remember—whatever's waiting for you up ahead, be kind to others, and you'll do just fine!

*: I came all the way to Heliodor with just one goal in mind—to catch a glimpse of two of the greatest heroes in all of history: Sir Jasper and Sir Hendrik!

*: The only problem is that they won't let me into the castle. Can you believe it? Well, if I'm not going to get to meet them in person, I suppose I'll have to bide my time by reading up on them instead.

*: You know, if you wanted to earn my eternal gratitude, you could help me find a book about the exploits of those two fabulous knights.

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Oh well, it was worth a try. I had wanted to bone up on all their tales of derring-do, but I know when to quit. I suppose I'll do some souvenir shopping and head off home...

*: Oh thank you so much! I know there's a book about my two favourite knights just sitting on a bookshelf somewhere!

*: I've taken a look around the west of the city, so maybe you should head east. If you see any bookshelves with red books in them, take a closer look—apparently, they're the ones worth reading.

*: If you do manage to find a book about Jasper and Hendrik, make sure to come back and tell me all about it, won't you? Good luck!

It's a book entitled ‘The Soldier and the Strategist – A Tale of Two Heroes’.

It appears to be all about Heliodor's two most noble and knightly heroes.

*: I've come all the way to Heliodor, so I'm not going to go home without at least learning a little more about my heroes, Sir Hendrik and Sir Jasper.

*: I just know there's a book all about them both sitting on a bookshelf somewhere in the city—there must be!

*: I've taken a look around the west of the city, so maybe you should head east. If you see any bookshelves with red books in them, take a closer look—apparently, they're the ones worth reading.

*: If you do manage to find a book about everyone's favourite knights, make sure to come back and tell me all about it, won't you? Good luck!

It's a book entitled ‘The Soldier and the Strategist – A Tale of Two Heroes’.

‘No matter how ferocious an assault the monsters may launch against Heliodor, this great kingdom shall not fall, for two heroic figures will stand in the path of any attacker.

‘The first is Sir Hendrik, a warrior without equal. Countless times has he ridden his colossal black steed Obsidian fearlessly into the heart of an oncoming assault, scattering the enemy like so many leaves.

‘He is chivalrous to a fault, and considered by many to be the greatest swordsman in the world—even the vilest, most towering troll dare not stand its ground when faced with his whirling greatsword.

‘The second half of this gallant duo is the shrewd and ingenious Sir Jasper. Regarded as the sharpest military mind of the age, he has led heavily outnumbered forces to glorious victory again and again.

‘Though as a swordsman he may be no match for Sir Hendrik, his ability to analyse any battlefield and quickly arrive at the ideal strategy for the situation at hand is unrivalled.

‘With these two great men—the Swordsman and the Strategist—to protect it, Heliodor need fear no foe.’

You found the book about the two great heroes of Heliodor! You should go and tell the tourist who was looking for it!

*: Oh, hello there! I can tell from that look in your eyes that you found that book! Go on—tell me what it said!

*: ...What's that? Sir Hendrik is the mightier swordsman, but Sir Jasper is a peerless military tactician? I'd heard as much!

*: ...And between the two of them, they've made Heliodor a nigh on unbeatable military force! Well, I never! Fancy that!

*: Ahh, I'm so glad you shared that with me! Now I feel a lot closer to my heroes—and I feel a lot safer knowing they're around to protect Heliodor!

*: Thank you so much for enlightening me! I may not have met them, but this is the next best thing! Here's a little something to say thank you!

It's a book entitled ‘The Soldier and the Strategist – A Tale of Two Heroes’.

‘No matter how ferocious an assault the monsters may launch against Heliodor, this great kingdom shall not fall, for two heroic figures will stand in the path of any attacker.

‘The first is Sir Hendrik, a warrior without equal. Countless times has he ridden his colossal black steed Obsidian fearlessly into the heart of an oncoming assault, scattering the enemy like so many leaves.

‘He is chivalrous to a fault, and considered by many to be the greatest swordsman in the world—even the vilest, most towering troll dare not stand its ground when faced with his whirling greatsword.

‘The second half of this gallant duo is the shrewd and ingenious Sir Jasper. Regarded as the sharpest military mind of the age, he has led heavily outnumbered forces to glorious victory again and again.

‘Though as a swordsman he may be no match for Sir Hendrik, his ability to analyse any battlefield and quickly arrive at the ideal strategy for the situation at hand is unrivalled.

‘With these two great men—the Swordsman and the Strategist—to protect it, Heliodor need fear no foe.’

*: So between the two of them, Sir Jasper and Sir Hendrik have made Heliodor a nigh on unbeatable military force? Fancy that!

*: Ahh, I'm so glad you shared that with me! Now I feel a lot closer to my heroes—and I feel a lot safer knowing they're around to protect Heliodor!

*: This just goes to show that there are all kinds of amazing facts just sitting in books waiting to be read! If you see a bookshelf with a red book, make sure to have a good leaf through it!

*: Waaah! Waaah! Amelia's stuck on the roof! She won't come down! Waaah!

*: Someone help meee! Amelia's stuck on the roof! You have to help!

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Waaah! You're horrible!

*: Oh thank you! Thank you so much! You're so nice! Please get Amelia down! She's scared of heights, you know!

*: Meeew!

The cat sounds distressed.

*: According to this poor nipper, her friend Amelia's gone an' got stuck on the roof.

*: You can get out on the rooftops from the item shop, but I can't leave 'er 'ere bawlin' to go an' get it, can I? Cor, wot a pickle...

*: Waaah! Waaah! Amelia's stuck on the roof! She won't come down! Waaah!

*: Poor Amelia! She must be starving!

*: Please, mister! You have to help Amelia! She's stuck on the roof! You have to get her down!

*: Meeew!

The cat's paw seems to be stuck in a hole in the roof. Do you want to help it?<yesno>

*: Miaooow!

<pc> gently removes the cat's paw from the hole.

*: Miaaaowr!

You helped the little girl's cat! Go and tell her the good news!

*: Y-You did it! You got Amelia off the roof! Thank you! Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! Here, take this!

*: If you got up on that roof, you can get onto others! You can probably even climb down chimneys!

*: Mmm! Mmmeowww!

*: So you're the 'ero who climbed up on the roof an' came to the rescue, eh? Nice one, mate! She looks pleased as punch to 'ave 'er cat back!

*: Thank you so much for getting my kitty back, mister! I'm glad you didn't get stuck on the roof too!

*: If you got up on that roof, you can get onto others! You can probably even climb down chimneys!

*: So that blue-haired chap with you is called Erik, is he? Well, he looks like he knows how to handle himself. You could have picked a worse travelling companion, that's for certain.

*: Now, tell me something—have you heard of pep powers? They're special attacks that you can only unleash with the help of your companions.

*: Basically, they're what happens when spells and abilities are mixed together in various combinations. And believe me, they're well worth learning. Heh heh! I can see I've piqued your interest!

*: Alright, let me think... Ah, of course! I've got just the one for you to try! I'm pretty sure that if you and your friend Erik put your minds to it, you'll be able to master a little cracker known as The Real Decoy!

*: All you need to do is team up and try it out on some hapless monster. You'll soon see how incredible it is. Well, what do you say—fancy giving it a try?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Hmph. I see. So you'd rather do things alone, eh? Well, it's your loss. Trust me, there's nothing quite like a pep power. Ah, well...

*: That's the spirit! But just one word of warning—this pep power won't work unless the people performing it are pepped up.

*: And what does that mean, I hear you ask? Well, it's when you're in battle, and monsters are attacking you, and suddenly you find that you're fully focused and ready for anything!

*: That should be enough to get you there, I'm sure. Now, stop listening to me waffling on and get out there and try it! Once you've taken out a monster with The Real Decoy, come back and let me know!

*: No doubt about it, you and that blue-haired chap could pull off The Real Decoy with panache! Now, go and find a hapless monster to try it out on!

*: But just one word of warning—you won't be able to use it unless both of you are pepped up.

*: And what does that mean, I hear you ask? Well, it's when you're in battle, and monsters are attacking you, and suddenly you find that you're fully focused and ready for anything!

You defeated a monster using The Real Decoy! Head back to the soldier by the church in the Heliodorian Foothills and tell him the good news!

*: ...No! Don't say a word! You don't need to! A man with my vast fighting experience can recognise a first-time pep power user a mile off!

*: The glint in your eyes, the spring in your step, the glow of satisfaction...oh, yes! You nailed it alright!

*: You should be proud of yourself! To have teamed up with a trusted ally and pulled off a pep power is a momentous day for any aspiring warrior!

*: It feels amazing, doesn't it? Yes, there's nothing like a pep power! And I must say, I feel rather proud of having opened your eyes to their wonder!

*: Here you are. Consider this a small souvenir to commemorate this magical moment!

*: Now, don't forget—there are many more pep powers out there just waiting to be discovered. The number of ways in which spells and abilities can be combined is beyond even my imagining!

*: And don't think they're all just two-person affairs—oh no, there are some that need three of you to be pepped up before they can be performed too!

*: To cut a long story short, the more spells and abilities you master, and the more companions you meet, the more pep powers will become available to you.

*: Which just goes to show that you can't always go it alone in this life. No, there are times when it really pays to work with others!

*: There are all kinds of pep powers out there just waiting to be discovered. The number of ways in which spells and abilities can be combined is beyond even my imagining!

*: And don't think they're all just two-person affairs—oh no, there are some that need three of you to be pepped up before they can be performed too!

*: To cut a long story short, the more spells and abilities you master, and the more companions you meet, the more pep powers will become available to you.

*: Which just goes to show that you can't always go it alone in this life. No, there are times when it really pays to work with others!

*: A wedding beckons.

My son is to tie the knot,

But he needs a ring...

*: I have the gold ore,

But sadly not the talent

To craft a gold ring.

*: ...But could it be true?

Could you have a Fun-Size Forge,

And know how it works?

*: Please, forge a gold ring!

And not just a normal one—

My son demands it!

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?

You'll need to forge a +1 gold ring or better.<yesno>

*: This is a dark day...

My hopes dashed against the rocks

Like boats in a storm...

*: What a joyful day!

Now, open this treasure chest!

Take what lies within!

*: You will need this too.

Take the tome I offer you,

And study it well.

<pc> receives the book containing the recipe for the gold ring!

*: Learn the recipe.

Gather the items it lists

And craft a gold ring.

*: And if you should fail,

Use a perfectionist's pearl.

Try your hand again.

*: Forge the ring I crave.

Do not equip it yourself,

For my son needs it.

*: Please, I beg of you!

Pray, make my son's dreams come true

With a ring of gold!

*: Please, forge a gold ring.

And not just a normal one—

My son demands more!

*: I have what you need.

Just open this treasure chest,

Take what lies within.

*: You will need this too.

Take the tome I offer you,

And study it well.

*: And if you should fail,

Use a perfectionist's pearl.

Try your hand again.

*: Forge the ring I crave.

Do not equip it yourself,

For my son needs it.

*: Please, I beg of you!

Pray, make my son's dreams come true

With a ring of gold!

*: Do you have the ring?

One of refined quality,

Shining like the sun?<yesno>

*: Do not toy with me!

My son's wedding is at hand,

Time is against me!

*: A wonder, a joy!

All I had hoped for and more!

Please, take this reward!

*: I am so grateful!

My son will be overjoyed,

His wedding perfect!

*: I owe you so much!

You and your miniature forge—

A thing of wonder!

*: The sweat on one's brow,

The hammer on hot iron—

The life of a smith.

*: Art of our fathers.

A village built on this trade.

A proud tradition.

*: We need iron ore.

The mountains abound in it—

An endless supply.

*: Help us to find it!

Gather the ore we so need—

A reward awaits!

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Your words pain my heart...

Your refusal saddens me

Like autumn's first chill...

*: You are still so young,

Yet you fear effort and toil,

Lazy as the sloth!

*: Your words glow like gems!

You have a miner's spirit,

A will of iron!

*: Now, seek out that ore.

Look for crystals in the rocks.

There you will find it.

*: Find a source of ore.

Rain down blows with your hammer—

The prize will be yours.

*: Head west from Hotto.

The earth's wealth awaits you there—

Bring me what you find!

*: Seek out iron ore.

Look closely for its sparkle,

Blessing of the rocks.

*: Look out for crystals

Glittering in the rock face.

There you will find it.

*: Find a source of ore.

Rain down blows with your hammer—

The prize will be yours.

*: Head west from Hotto.

The earth's wealth awaits you there—

Bring me what you find!

*: You have found the ore!

Now, friend, I must beg of you—

Please, let it be mine!<yesno>

*: Your words pain my heart.

Yet I still have a faint hope—

You may change your mind...

<pc> hands over the iron ore.

*: ...Now I must confess—

In truth, we had enough ore.

I wished to test you.

*: You passed with aplomb!

You have a true miner's heart—

You may keep the ore!

<pc> receives the iron ore!

*: But that is not all!

I must reward you further—

This tome, too, is yours!

*: You have learned a lot—

About mining, about ore...

And about yourself!

*: A smith without ore—

Bereft as a winter nest,

Birds long departed...

*: Remember my words:

Find those precious seams of ore,

Let your hammer swing!

*: Do not fear shortage—

In time, the seam will give more,

Like new leaves in spring.

*: How much longer must I wait...? Why must the sands torture me so...?

*: ...Ah. Good day to you. You are perhaps wondering why I am standing here, yes? The truth is, I am a painter, and I am waiting for a scene worthy of being immortalised by my hand.

*: I have already envisaged the sort of image I would like to paint: a mighty, magnificent conflict unfolding in the desert...

*: Alas, the sands have yet to oblige me. There is something missing...

*: But what could it be...? The setting is perfect, and there are plenty of spitzfires... Ah, but of course—conflict! Cataclysmic, chaotic conflict in the form of a magnificent move such as Wild Side!

*: Wait—perhaps you could assist me! Venture out into the Celestial Sands and slay a spitzfire by unleashing your Wild Side—that will provide me with a tableau truly worthy of my talents!

*: Surely you will not refuse a struggling artist in his hour of need?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Oh. How disappointing. It would have made a wonderful painting, I am certain... Still, things cannot always be as one would like them to be...

*: Oh, wonderful! A thousand thank yous! Yours is the kind of attitude that can inspire a masterpiece, I am sure!

*: Now, before you venture out into the sands, I feel that I should remind you that Wild Side can only be performed by three very specific people. That should give you an idea of its power—and its beauty!

*: If you want to know who exactly needs to be pepped up in order to perform it, simply select ‘Attributes’ from the menu and press  to find out more about your pep powers.

*: Now, get out there and show me the beauty of battle! I will ensure that you are immortalised on canvas!

*: I would like you to venture out into the Celestial Sands and slay a spitzfire by unleashing your Wild Side. That will provide me with a tableau worthy of my talents!

*: Now remember—Wild Side is a pep power that must be performed by three very specific people.

*: If you want to know who exactly needs to be pepped up in order to perform it, simply select ‘Attributes’ from the menu and press  to find out more about your pep powers.

*: Now, get out there and show me the beauty of battle! I will ensure that you are immortalised on canvas!

You unleashed your Wild Side and slew a spitzfire! You should go and tell the painter in front of the noticeboard in northern Gallopolis!

*: I saw it all! Every single moment! Even from this distance, I could sense the glorious intensity of the battle!

*: And do you know, inspiration for a title for my masterpiece has already struck—it shall be called ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’!

*: But now is not the time to be thinking of titles—I must devote all my energies to completing the work itself!

*: Ah, but before I forget, I must give you something to thank you for your assistance. Please...

*: Truly, it has been years since I witnessed such a stimulating scene! These are the moments an artist lives for! A thousand thank yous, young man!

*: I have already chosen a title for my masterpiece! It shall be called ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’!

*: But now is not the time to be thinking of titles—I must devote all my energies to completing the work!

*: And as soon as it is finished, I must devote myself to my next great project: capturing the ominous majesty of Erdwin's Lantern!

*: Oh! Good day to you! I assume you are here to sample Gallopolis's world-renowned cactus cutlet?

*: If so, I am afraid I have bad news for you—the kitchen is currently closed while I dedicate my energies to improving the recipe.

*: I am certain that a golden globule would intensify the flavour tenfold, but acquiring such an ingredient is easier said than done. The golden globes—the cacti who carry them—are extremely vicious...

*: Ah, but they would pose no problem for a young and no doubt vigorous individual such as yourself, I am sure!

*: Perhaps you could assist me? Would you be willing to hunt down a golden globe in order to acquire the golden globule I require in order to perfect my cutlets?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Aha ha ha! But of course. A thousand pardons. I should never have made such a demand of a stranger. How terribly rude of me...

*: I shall have to make do with the ingredients I have. I will seek out other ways of improving the flavour of my cutlets. I only hope I am able to find one...

*: You will? Oh, praise the sands! I can assure you that you are about to play a crucial role in culinary history!

*: The golden globes which drop the golden globule that I require are curious beasts. They appear very occasionally alongside their cactiball brethren in combat out in the desert surrounding Gallopolis.

*: They are not the most common of creatures, I confess, but if you were to engage enough cactiballs in battle, you would be sure to encounter one eventually.

*: I only require a single golden globule. That will be more than enough for the culinary experiments I wish to perform. I pray that it will not take too long for you to find one and deliver it to me.

*: My cactus cutlets require an additional...something to take their flavour to the next level, and I am keen to try using a golden globule in my next batch.

*: However, the golden globes that drop them are curious beasts. They appear very occasionally alongside their cactiball brethren in combat out in the desert surrounding Gallopolis.

*: They are not the most common of creatures, I confess, but if you were to engage enough cactiballs in battle, you would be sure to encounter one eventually.

*: I only require a single golden globule. That will be more than enough for the culinary experiments I wish to perform. I pray that it will not take too long for you to find one and deliver it to me.

You got a golden globule! You should take it to the chef at the Aloe Beera in Gallopolis.

*: Ah! Good day to you. Does your presence here mean that you have brought me a golden globule?<yesno>

*: Oh... That is rather disappointing, I must confess...

*: But I have faith in you still! You are the only one who can acquire one for me—and I am fully confident that you will!

*: By the sands—a golden globule! Is it not so much more charming than any ordinary cactus? And its texture appears to be perfect! This will make for a most satisfying cutlet indeed!

*: Perhaps I should sample a small piece of it raw... (nibble) Hmm... (munch) Oh! It is so rich and juicy! And so very sharp—just as a cactus should be!

*: My cactus cutlets will soon taste better than ever, of that I am absolutely certain!

*: A thousand thank yous, friend! You have improved the lives of cutlet-lovers everywhere! Please, allow me to give you a little something in return...

*: Golden globes are not the only rarefied forms of regular monsters. Seeking others out would provide you with valuable experience, I am sure.

*: Ah, good day to you, friend! I am pleased to report that as a result of your heroics, my cactus cutlets are growing tastier every day!

*: I am not quite satisfied just yet, however. Rest assured that you will be the first to sample the new recipe as soon as it has been perfected!

*: Golden globes are not the only rarefied forms of regular monsters. Seeking others out would provide you with valuable experience, I am sure.

*: The city of Gondolia lies beyond this checkpoint. It is known for its busy port, and for the crowds of people that throng its streets.

*: Somewhere among those crowds is my dear little sister. She went to Gondolia to pursue her career, and has been too busy to come home since. I dearly hope that she is well...

*: Greetings, traveller. My name is Hakim. Please pardon my impertinence, but I assume you are making the journey to Gondolia? If so, I have a favour I would like to ask of you.

Hakim

I have a sister, you see. Her name is Akia, and she works in a bakery in the city.

Hakim

It seems she has been very busy of late, and has been unable to come home and visit as a result. As such, I have written her a letter.

Hakim

Unfortunately, I am not permitted to leave my post. Would you be so good as to deliver the letter to Akia on my behalf?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Hakim

...I understand. It was most impudent of me to ask such a favour of a stranger. Forgive me, please.

Hakim

You will!? Oh, praise the sands! Only one with a truly kind heart would agree to assist a stranger in this manner!

Hakim

Here is the letter I would like you to deliver. I do not need to tell you this, of course, but its contents are very important. Do not lose it, please!

<pc> receives Hakim's letter.

Hakim

Akia works in a bakery in the north-western part of Gondolia. I would be most grateful if you could deliver the letter to her there.

*: Doge Rotondo is rightly revered as the greatest merchant in all of Gondolia. I consider it an honour to be in his employ!

*: If you are no sure what to buy, I recommend the cream cake. Is fresh from the oven! It tastes like the heaven! Molto delizioso!

*: Is so tiring, working in the bakery from the morning until the night. Now I finish, I want to eat something sweet. Allora, what I choose today...?

Hakim

Please, you must deliver the letter I gave you to my sister in Gondolia.

Hakim

She works in a bakery in the north-western part of the city. I would be most grateful if you could deliver the letter to her there.

*: ...Hm? You are looking for a young lady named Akia? Well...my name is Akia. Do you think I might be the one you are looking for?<yesno>

Akia

No? Are you sure? There are no other people of that name in Gondolia...

Akia

Oh! Is this...a letter from Hakim!? A thousand thank yous! I shall read it right away! Let me see...

‘My dearest Akia,

Are you well? I hope that your apprenticeship at the bakery is not proving to be too draining. I am certain that you will do well there.

‘After all, you have always been such a hard worker, ever since you were a little girl.

‘Now that the misery of our old life is a thing of the past, I pray that you are enjoying your freedom. I cannot wait to see you blossom into a fully fledged baker.

‘I have enclosed a few gold coins. Hopefully they will make life a little easier for you. I very much hope to see you one day soon—and to taste one of your delicious cakes! With all my love, Hakim’

Akia

Oh, poor Hakim... How he must scrimp and save in order to send me money...

Akia

I must write him my own letter in response. Wait a moment, please. It will not take long.

<pc> waits while Akia writes her letter...

Akia

I realise that this is quite the imposition, but would you mind returning to the western checkpoint and delivering this to Hakim?