Jina's Dialogue

I hope I didn't freak you out too much when I clammed up.

I'd just never witnessed and actual Human reemergence before and this whole thing is just...a lot.

You know what I mean?

I wish! Right now I'm just an apprentice. I'm doing my thesis on Human reemergence with the hopes of becoming a full scholar.

So, if you see any interesting artifacts that need examining, go ahead and send them my way.

They might be the key to me becoming a full scholar!

Or, you know, the key to you discovering the mystery of what happened to your people.

That second part is OBVIOUSLY a lot more important. Forget I said the first thing first.

Information Needed.

Information Needed.

Information Needed.

Information Needed.

There's nothing out here that's more dangerous at night than during the day.

So fearing the dark is highly illogical.

... Though that's not to say that animals, such as myself, are always capable of logic.

Long walks help me process my thoughts.

Plus, I don't mind getting a little exercise.

I think having you around is going to be good for me.

Seeing you appear out of nowhere really made me rethink most of my assumptions about the world...

It’s hard to say if the myths of a creature in the Elderwoods have any validity.

Do I believe that things exist out there that we don’t understand? Yes, I do.

Do I also believe that people tend to exaggerate the danger of what they don’t understand? Yes, I do.

It's so beautiful out here, don't you think?

I have to admit that while I didn't pick my research location for its picturesque setting, it certainly is a bonus!

You know, this might sound crazy, but sometimes I suspect there's something...wrong with the Elderwoods.

Like there's some sort of...evil...for like of a more scientific word, lurking around.

You know, nevermind. I'm starting to sound like Elouisa.

I'm not totally sure what the ruins around the village used to be.

But based on the fact that the buildings cluster around a central square...

...the plethora of old books I've found in the subterranean structures...

...and the fact that there's space in the meadow where there are NO RUINS that kinda looks like a sports field...

I would guess some kind of school?

Although, it's possible Human civilization wasn't organized in the same way ours is. So I might be totally off base.

One benefit of never really feeling like you had a home is not having to feel homesick.

I left my family when I was just a kid to study at the Institute.

And the Institute itself never really felt like home.

So I’m just as comfortable here as anywhere else.

You're the first non-Hekla friend I've had in awhile.

I keep expecting you to realize I'm weird and leave, and then it doesn't happen. Which is totally a relief.

I'm sorry I'm having such a hard time figuring out what happened to your people. I promise I'm trying.

You're right. I'm sorry for apologizing so much.

I'm trying to date these ruins.

Did you know that you can find out how old something is by listening to the Flow left behind in the rock?

Or...you know...you can't...and I can't...but Hekla can. She's a really useful helper.

I LOVE mushrooms. Did you know that every region in Palia has its own unique type of mushroom?

It's true. That's why I always make sure to try to local mushrooms wherever I travel.

Mushrooms are, like, the archaeology of food.

It's good to see you again! I always look forward to seeing your face.

But you know, like a normal amount. Not a creepy inappropriate amount!

I don't, like, have a crush on you or anything.

Oof, did I say that out loud? I'm gonna stop talking now.

Don't worry too much if you notice Hekla looking at you a little funny.

She knows we're getting closer, and she's just a little protective. She's afraid you'll hurt my feelings.

But don't worry...I know you won't.

I'm currently reading a book of theories around the early Human demise.

Evidence shows some sort of "shadow presence" emerged right in this Valley just before the extinction event. Fascinating!

I decided to take a break. So, the book I'm reading for now is for fun.

It's about all the different kinds of mushrooms that exist in Palia.

Did you know the Dragon's Breath mushroom can actually help boost the immune system?

It apparently also tastes great in soup. Reth scribed a note in the margins.

It's kinda weird sometimes that Hekla sees taking care of me as her Oneness.

She was made for the purpose of taking care of Human children.

She saw me and I guess her wires just kind of got crossed.

I used to think it was weird that Hekla followed me around everywhere.

The other apprentice scholars teased me sometimes, saying I needed a "nanny."

I actually sent her away for a bit, but then I realized I missed having someone around that cared for me no matter what.

So what if the situation is a little unconventional.

As a scholar, I have to be hard on myself.

Not very many Palians, whether they are Majiri or Grimalkin, have the opportunity or responsibility of exploring these ruins.

If I don't add to our understanding with my research, I'm effectively taking away knowledge the world could have gotten from a more capable Scholar.

Have you ever felt like you're letting the whole world down with your failures?

Sorry for being self-centered. This whole thing is just very tough on me.

I've always suspected the demise of the early Humans had something to do with the amount of Flow they needed to power their cities.

Even if we Majiri knew all the runes Humans used, we wouldn't be able to harness that kind of magic.

The wellsprings just don't creat enough Flow for that.

If we can figure out how the Humans were able to get that much raw power, we'd be able to start putting some pieces together.

You know, this might sound crazy, but sometimes I suspect there's more to the structure behind the falls than meets the eye.

Do the rocks kind of look like a door to you?

You know, nevermind. I'm starting to sound like Elouisa.

I'm looking for a pattern. We know that unlike previous theories the Humans didn't actually die out at once.

The process was slower and it started around this village. What happened here and why?

I keep looking at the same ruins hoping I'll find something new.

If you see a glowing mushroom, let me know.

You can't exactly taste the bioluminescence, but somehow eating something that glows just makes it cooler.

More than anything, I just worry that I'm not worthy of doing the work I'm blessed to do...

But I suppose continuing to do the work is the only way to prove myself wrong.

Hekla keeps gossiping about you and Einar's relationship.

I just wanted to let you know I don't mind, I know you two have your own special relationship and it's different than ours, and that's okay.

I will have to pick your brain later about what it's like to date a Galdur though. I have to admit I find that a little hard to wrap my head around.

I'm not really a big fan of hanging out at the Inn.

I don't like loud places packed with lots of people.

I heard you've been to the Elderwood. Oh, I'm so jealous.

I can't wait to check it out. I hear they have the best mushrooms.

Staircase mushrooms! Elderclam mushrooms! And even the shmole!

My mouth is watering just thinking about it...

Do you ever get lonely?

Can I ask you a question? Do you ever feel like a total fraud?

Like if anyone found out how little you knew they would laugh so hard, they could hear it in Bahari?

I can't help but think of how smug all the other apprentices will be if I fail here.

They always said I only got into the academy because of who my dad is.

I've been thinking lately they might be right...

Be honest, do you think it's weird that Hekla always follow me around?

I've been doing a bit of a thought experiment lately and I wanted your opinion.

If I lived here back in ancient Human times and went to this university, what do you think I would study?

I have a kind of weird question. Do you think of me as your best friend?

I have to admit, I'm a little self conscious about you seeing me this early in the morning.

I haven't even had my Sweetleaf tea yet.

As the sun sets, I often start to think about what scares me.

I'm freaked out by inevitability of death and the possibility that after we die our consciousness ceases to exist.

Also, spiders.

Oh my gosh...is it night already?

Looking at the sky, I can deduce that, yes, it's definitely night.

I can't believe time got away from me like that.

You can keep me company on my walk if you want.

That is, if you don't mind hearing me mumble weird theories to myself.

The pursuit of knowledge always keeps me wide awake. So, I barely need any sleep. *Yawn*

Okay, maybe I'm getting a little tired.

It's getting late.

And studies show that we don't do our best when we're sleep deprived.

Not that I follow any of those studies advice, but you should get some rest.

I'm trying to date these ruins.

Did you know that you can find out how old something is by listening to the Flow left behind in the rock?

Or...you know...you can't...and I can't...but Hekla can. She's a really useful helper.

I know you don't remember, but there was a time your people lived in giant buildings the height of the tallest trees.

They made art that's lasted eons. Preserved by methods no Majiri understands.

The Order says their lifestyle eventually lead to their destruction.

Even so, I don't think there's a Majiri alive that doesn't want to know what it was like to be a Human.

My days are spent studying the ruins, and my nights are spent pondering and reading about the ruins.

I don't really know much about non-ruin related fun.

One time, I played cards with Einar and Hekla.

Their definition of playing cards is a bit... different from ours though.

A single game can take anywhere from four days to six month.

The journal left behind by the ancient Human entomologist is a compelling piece of work.

It's a record of their travels across continents, along with the flora and fauna they encountered on their journey.

What it really is, is an ode to the wonders of the natural world and the beauty of life.

If my memory serves me correctly, the journal is currently being held somewhere in the Ancient Library. You should check it out when you can!

Hekla's already translated a few of the old books from the library

One of them is a really fascinating read about the morality of Galdurics.

Another is a book of love poetry. Let me know if you want to read it sometime.

I find it's nice to do things together, even if we just sit next to each other in silence.

Thanks for being such a good friend, Player.

I'm always afraid to reveal my emotions to others, but not to you.

There's something about you that makes me think you understand just what I'm going through.

So, I was looking around the ancient library today, and I found some evidence of...this is going to sound crazy...

But possibly, like, some sort of ancient Human death cult.

Like it was a flyer or something and Hekla said it was asking all those who believed that "the Undying should die" to convene at the quad for more information.

Although, you know, I don't want to get ahead of myself. For all I know, "the Undying" was the name of, like, a rival roundball team or something.

I'm glad my studies took me away from the Institute.

The other kids always had issues with me because they thought I thought I was a "know it all."

They'd tease me about my interest in mushrooms or my friendship with Hekla.

One girl even accused me of cheating off of her in an exam just to get me in trouble.

You know, that sort of thing.

So...uh, I know Hekla told you about my friend's wedding.

So...uh, I know you told Hekla to hide my friends wedding invitation. Can I ask why?

So I wanted to get your thoughts on something.

A the wedding, I talked to Arfuu about how he used to tease me.

He said the only reason he used to act like that was...because he was jealous of me because I'm so smart and I was close to Ebi.

I acted nice to him and all, but I still don't know if he's being genuine. What do you think?

Thank you so much for opening up that chamber behind the waterfall.

If I can figure out what it's purpose was in Human society...it could be big.

Like, maybe we'll finally understand Human religion or why they disappeared...

Or maybe I could even get published!

I can't help but wonder why the Humans would go through all that trouble to create a magic puzzle.

Maybe there's something important hidden behind fully illuminating that constellation mural...Something they didn't want someone...or something...that couldn't solve a puzzle to find...

Did you know you can fish in the water temple?

It's true! Hekla showed me.

I wonder if some of them have survived since ancient times.

Your acceptance ceremony was just so magical.

I can't stop thinking about it.

My favorite part was the fireworks......or maybe Reth's mushrooms tarts.

I feel TERRIBLE about letting someone into the temple to steal the staff.

I know! But I still feel like I should have known somehow...

Like maybe I could have gotten some kind of anti-sleep charm before I went on patrol or something.

I know...it's irrational. But feelings often are.

I've been scouring the Temple of the Cosmos since you left, and haven't been able to find any new evidence.

But don't worry, if anyone suspicious tries to sneak in, me and Hekla are on the case.

They won't be able to get past us.

I haven't seen anybody new enter the temple since we last talked, but I must admit I find all this stuff about Cosmoflow fascinating.

It's too bad writing about Human magic is banned, or it would make a perfect thesis topic.

You can hold on to your copy of the library key if you want.

Hekla figured out how to duplicate the effects, so I can get in anytime.

Besides, it's kind of nice to have someplace that we can just hang out you and me.

I've been scanning all the books in the old library, trying to discover something new about the way ancient Humans thought.

I might be onto something with one I found on the ethics of Galdurics.

I can't believe you haven't been to the old library yet.

What are you waiting for?!

I'm giving you first dibs out of respect, but if you don't go in there soon, I won't be able to resist the urge.

I'm still drafting my letter to the Bahari Institute, explaining how we found the library.

But for now, it's kind of like our secret spot.

So far I've catalogued over a hundred books from the old library.

Unfortunately, only a few are in good enough condition to be translated.

I read myths about unique types of flow. Outside of that... hmmmm

If Flow is really in the water around here, it would explain a lot.

I'm glad Hekla finally found peace for Sona.

Although to be honest, I'm a little overwhelmed by her whole "archeology is my new Oneness" thing.

Yesterday, she bagged and tagged my tooth brush. Who was she gonna send it to? I hope not the Institute...

I'm really glad Hekla opened up to me about how she's been feeling.

I knew she saw me as her purpose and her only friend, but I had no idea she thought I might deactivate her if I grew closer to someone else.

That's a lot to carry around, so it's a relief to see her letting me rely on other people and seeing her rely on other people.

She even made tea for Subira yesterday after I said I didn't want any! I know that seems like a little thing, but trust me, it's a bit step in the right direction.

So, now that we're partners, I have to ask, what do you make of what we've found in the old library so far?

I still feel silly for getting carried away with those masks.

I mean, why would I just assume they were for some kind of super important religious ritual?

I heard you got a house. Congratulations!

I've been living here a year and I'm still in a tent.

I scanned the circular imprint that looks like a lock and found traces of Flow in the shape of a transformation rune.

That means someone must have pressed an object with that rune on it against this imprint.

And why else would they do that if there was no key?

So, you and Einar are a thing, huh?

What's that like? Dating a Galdur? I must admit, I have some scientific curiousity.

Caleri told me about the kitsuu statue you found.

It makes sense that the humans held them in high regard.

You see, ancient animals are the children of the Phoenix and modern animals were created by Maji.

Give the kitsuu's associated with fire and mystery, I'd say she's giving Phoenix vibes.

Oh! It's my favorite research partner.

You've helped me countless times. Of course you are!

Player! Is it just me, or did the sun just get hotter?

I have to admit that I look forward to work more now that I have a research partner like you around.

Oh! Player! There you are. I was just thinking about you...

Can I say that?

Uhm... yes?

As a scholar, I have to be hard on myself.

Not very many Palians, whether they are Majiri or Grimalkin, have the opportunity or responsibility of exploring these ruins.

If I don't add to our understanding with my research, I'm effectively taking away knowledge the world could have gotten from a more capable Scholar.

It's nice to get a little alone time. Just you, me...

And Hekla staring at us again. No, don't look, let's just pretend we didn't notice.

I forgot to sleep last night. Hekla gave me SUCH a talking to!

Oh, you're back! That's good, I was getting a little worried.

Candies, for me?

I normally prefer mushrooms over chocolate.

But...since chocolates are often given as a gesture of affection...well, I appreciate them.

And I reciprocate the affection.

Assuming, of course, I didn't misunderstand your intentions.

Flowers, for me?

You know I never really understood why we kill plants as a sign of romantic affection.

But I'm very flattered by the gesture.

I was going to go to the Maji Market, but when I got to the gate, I froze. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I panicked when I saw how many people there were.