Zeki's Dialogue

Welcome to the general store, pal.

Actually, you look like you’re fresh out of the ruins, so I guess I should say welcome to livin’!

Name’s Zeki. I run this here establishment.

Come back when you get some cash, we’ll take care of your needs. We got vegetables, seeds, fertilizer...

We got that pointy stick over there that kinda looks like a rake.

All your basic farming whoosits and whatsits.

My shop's closed for today and I kinda got my hands full right now.

Stop by the General Store tomorrow and we'll talk.

I'm assuming you've got a shipping bin on your property. You can make money offa just about anything you put in there. Bugs, mushrooms, veggies. You name it.

Heard some Humans have even made a fortune off of food they grow themselves! If you're goin' down that route, might I suggest buying some seeds from me?

Well, good luck making money, Player. I'll be rootin' for ya!

You're an Earth type, right? I knew you and me were alike.

We're practical, shrewd, and we don't take Ormuu dookie from anyone!

Information Needed.

You're a water type, right? I thought so.

You're thoughtful, sensitive...everything us Earth types, ain't!

No worries, it takes all kinds.Just know if you need a shoulder to cry on...it probably ain't mine.

You're really intense kid -- always asking questions, always wantin' to chat about this and that!

Kinda like Auni!

You know if you haven't had time to shoot the breeze with him, you probably should.

The both of ya have that crazy Fire Type energy.

If you ever find any old Human junk while you're explorin' the mines, bring it to me.

I'd be happy to take a little looksee at it. Probably can give ya a decent price too.

If you want anything from any part of Palia, we Grimalkin have a secret way of shipping stuff from here to there just like that.

I can't tell you exactly how we do it, but it involves the aid of short range teleportation technology.

Don't tell Reth I told ya this, but I'm startin' to actually like the kid.

He reminds me of a younger, less handsome me.

Did I ever tell you about the time I worked with... wait for it.. The Order!

That's okay. You don't have to be smart when you got charm.

Anyway... that scam worked for about the last fifteen years, but one of the Watchers recently figured out what old thorny Zornie was up to.

And I'm wonderin', should I try to help him out of this mess or should I turn him in to protect myself? I want to help him... but I don't want to end up dead... or worse.

You're never gonna believe what happened. I agreed to testify against Zorn.

I'm gonna go talk to the Order rep in Bahari tomorrow, can ya believe it?

I'm not in the mood for idle chit chat.

When I got to Bahari to talk to the Order, I found out they'd convinced Zorn before I even got there! Poor bastard didn't even have a trial!

I gotta tell you, kid, sure wish we still had that Umbraan community right next door.

A legal way to buy and sell magic so close to home?

I woulda had my fiscal freedom right now if it weren't for that war.

You like my coat? It cost me a fair penny at the Bahari silk market.

But worth it, 'cause I'm not doin' business lookin' like I just got done hiking the Kilima trail.

No offense...I'm sure there are those out there who appreciate the understated look. I'm just not one of 'em.

I just bought this trinket off a traveling salesman. Guy said it could sense exactly how every living being is gonna die.

Wanna help me test it out?

Just close your eyes and think of a number between one and three.

You want in a little secret?

You know that whole fire, wind, earth, air..."I can tell the way you're gonna die" mumbo jumbo?

It's all Ormuu dookie....ya do know it's all Ormuu dookie right?

If you could have just one wish what would it be?

How's that adder oil workin' out for you?

How's the pursuit of happiness going?

Is life all giggles and rainbows?

You ever get that really good sandwich?

There's my favorite young entrepreneur.

How's business going?

I'm thinkin' about investin' a little more in the Underground, makin' it a swingin' nightlife spot.

Whaddya think I should add?

So I think mentionin' new food options in the Underground to Reth may have been a mistake.

He's workin' on somethin' now he calls a "lettuce souffle".

It's... uh... about as appetizing as it sounds.

I tried to contact some of the Underground's contractors about that dance floor you mentioned.

And you'll never believe the kind of permits they wanted to charge me for. Like apparently, I need something called "boogey insurance." What the Dunya is that?

Eshe should take lessons from the Underground on bureaucracy, let me tell ya.

After I stopped laughin' about your books idea, I got ta thinkin', maybe we could add a little readin' material to the Underground.

I got a subscription to Crime Times and Luna Signs Daily and we've upped our appeal to the woo-woo demographic by at least 50%.

Now we gotta do somethin' for everybody else. Maybe a few books on Ancient Humans? I hear male Majiri think about the Ancient Human Empire at least nine times a day.

I had some auditions for bards to play at the Underground.

Unfortunately, only Nai'o showed up. And his instrument was...you guessed it, ormuubell.

I guess my customers are just gonna have to make peace with the sound a' silence.

I'm glad you're here Player. I am in a bad stinkin' mood.

I learned my rotten little good for nothin' apprentice actually became the head of the Shadvarak Cartel, if ya can believe it.

Why do rotten little turds tend to fail upwards?

*yawn* ...Man, I could use a cup o' bean juice. Should've accepted Hodari's offer this mornin'.

Hey, kid, don't mind me. I'm just lookin' up at the stars wonderin' which one of those planets is the Grimalkin homeworld.

We've been down here a couple hundred years, and sadly, the location of our home was lost to time. I'm not even sure if our culture has anything to do with the old world culture.

Like do those cats up there got cartels and debt? Or is that just for us folks down here?

Eh...I suppose it don't matter one way or another. Ain't no way I'm ever goin' up there.

If you tell me Reth's sent you here to deliver somethin', tell him he better bring it on his own.

Or else I won't be responsible for what happens to his precious soup.

Hey, kid, don't mind me. I'm just lookin' up at the stars and wonderin' which one of those planets is the Grimalkin homeworld.

We've been down here a couple hundred years, and sadly, the location of our home was lost to time. I'm not even sure if our culture has anything to do with the old world culture.

Like do those cats up there got cartels and debt? Or is that just for us folks down here.

Eh...I suppose it don't matter one way or another. Ain't no way I'm ever goin' up there.

In this world, there's a Dragon moon and a Phoenix moon, but no Chimera moon.

I'd like to think the Old World has a moon for good ole Dunya.

But to tell ya the truth, I don't know anymore about the Old World than you know about the ancient Humans.

That is...unless you're trying to pull one over on me.

It's been a slow night, kid. Good to see you around.

I've just been sittin' here dreamin' of my fiscal freedom.

See Delaila over there? She's in here almost every day picking up stuff to make dinner.

I tried to tell her it's time for Badruu to start picking up the slack, and she told me in no uncertain terms I better shut my fuzzy little mug.

Apparently, making shopping for groceries is one of her favorite parts of her day and she has no intention of letting Badruu in on the fun!

Auni tells me you've been catching bugs faster than a hungry Shadvaraak.

If you ever need help with procuring bug balls, know I sell 'em right here at Zeki's.

Reth says your cooking's so good that you may have him looking for a job soon.

If you ever need ingredients, I sell a wide variety of cooking supplies here, including things like flour and milk that you can't get anywhere else.

Einar told me that something fishy is going on with you...

But then he clarified that it meant you like fishing.

I'll have you know that I provide a fine selection of worms for any perspective fisherperson.

I've heard from Badruu you've got a green thumb.

With his sense of humor, I'm surprised he wasn't being literal.

Anyway, if you've got any veggies you'd like to sell, I'd be happy to take 'em off your hands.

I heard from Sifuu who heard from Hassian that you're quite the hunter.

If you ever need a few extra arrows while you're out, I've got you covered.

I miss when I had my shop in Bahari. That place was hoppin' 24 cycles a day.

If you're in need of fertilizer, I got plenty. And I'll give ya a good price too.

I'm tired of it stinkin' up the store.

Whew wee! That stuff is ripe.

We got a special on onions if you're interested in any.

Between you and me, I don't know how anybody can even stand those things.

They make me cry like a kitten.

That butter over there is fresh from the Daiya family farm.

I assume it's from their Ormuu, but I didn't exactly see Delaila squeeze the teat.

You want some fresh bait, it's over there.

I had Auni dig all those worms for me for the low, low price of candy.

It's amazing how little kids are willing to work for.

It's a surprise they haven't run all us hardworking adults out of a job.

The other day I told Kenli I had a special on a new sorta bean seed.

One creates a stalk so giant, you can use it to visit the Dragon's Great Wellspring on the moon.

He totally bought it! Can you believe that?

I only charged the poor sucker one gold though.

Going out there and watchin' him stare at the dirt every day is reward enough.

Please try to distract Sifuu for me!

She keeps wanting to arm wrestle and my paws can't take it anymore.

Have a seat and stay awhile, kid.

The conversation's so good, it'll take your mind off Reth's cookin'.

I've been trying to keep all four of my ears to the ground, and I found out an interestin' little secret.

Rumor has it that the boss of the Adders is actually a Majiri. One high up in the government at that.

I always knew those aristocratic pricks were talkin' out of both sides of their mouth.

Heck, they probably only outlawed magic so they could control the supply and sell it for more.

Ya know, most of my associates in the big city think I'm an idiot for endin' up in this no Riffroc town in the first place.

But, I don't know, I kinda like it. I like comin' to the Inn and knowin' who's gonna be here and have them know me.

You tell anybody I said that, and you're a goner, pal.

Sorry if trust doesn't come easy for me.

Last time I trusted somebody, I got played like a sucker. Lost out on my chance at Fiscal Freedom for it.

I've just been sittin' here dreamin' of my fiscal freedom.

Let's play a little game.

I'm gonna tell you three things about myself, two are a lie and the other one is the truth.

You gotta guess which one is true. Okay?

First thing, I once stole the crown jewels of Akwindu using nottin' but a paperclip and a negligee.

Two, I once participated in the Vault Raid of a Grand Arbiter and discovered a scepter from the Grimalkin Old World.

Three, I can make a diamond outta nothin' but air. Which is da truth?

Wrong! You think I stole the crown jewels with just a paperclip and a negligee? Ha! I also used a toothpick.

What brings you out tonight, kid?

If you think this place is nice, you oughta check out the Underground in Bahari City.

That place is a party 24 cycles a day.

Do you ever wonder how much you could accomplish in life if you didn't have to run a front business?

No? I guess that's just me then.

Workin' nights can be lonely sometimes.

Almost everybody else in Palia's in their bed asleep or out partyin' at the tavern.

But it's when we get a chance to make the best deals. If you wanna keep workin' with me, ya best remember that.

So, uh, kid, now that you know about my mom, I think it's only fair you tell me somethin' about your kin.

You guys close?

Have you seen Reth around? That boy owes me a delivery... or three.

I found out from a little birdie that you found out about the hold I got on Reth and his sister.

Look, I've got my reasons for not lettin' 'em go, okay?

If it wasn't me runnin' the show, I'd be somebody a lot worse.

Not that I care what you think, but you oughta know, I'm really doing them both a big favor.

Ya know, sometimes I feel like I did wrong by Reth gettin' him mixed up in alla this. I should find a way to make it up to him.

I hear you and Jina opened up a new area behind the Phoenix Shrine.

Pretty impressive... If you happen to find any glowy rocks in there let me know.

You see, those things are called Flow stones.

They’re made from the fossils of dead magical plants and animals.

Ancient Humans used 'em to power their cities. They’re extremely powerful, and extremely valuable.

You know at first I wasn't so sure about you givin' a flyer to the mayor's daughter, but it turned out better than expected.

She bought out half my secret stock to get under her ma's skin!

You know I signed my debt with the Adders when I was only a kitten?

I thought I was gettin' a chance to come up in the world...but no, turns out I was sellin' my life and my freedom away when I was barely weaned.

Sometimes I blame my ma for that, but eh, there's no point in gettin' upset with her.

She was only doing what she thought was for the best.

I really owe you one for helpin' me out with that douplifier.

The world's gonna change for the better cause of what you and me did, kid.

You'll see.

I TOLD Auni not to mess with the douplifier, but he did it anyway.

I guess that's just how kids are though, ya tell them one thing, they do the other.

Next time I should tell him the thing's a toy.

Then he'll stare at it for a few seconds, get bored with it, and never play with it again.

I bribed Reth to sneak me into Tish's room to get the fallin' star fragment.

I didn't find nothin'... except some fashion magazines and her diary.

I read it, of course, just in case it mentioned where she hide it. It did not, but I now know more than I ever needed to about her crush.

That's private! I wouldn't dare disclose that kind of information.

I may be a crook, but at least I got principles.

I got the douplifier workin' again. It's great. A modern miracle!

I would give ya one, but uh, unfortunately there's a limited supply since every one requires a bit of a fallin' star. I gotta make sure they only to the Underground's best customers.

Whaddya know... it turns out that's the one thing it can't douplify!

Tish thinks it's got somethin' to do with it bein' from a different planet or somethin', but to me it feels like the gods just want a convenient reason why there's can't be more douplifiers everywhere.

I wonder what ma would think about the fact I'm tryin' to take down the Underground.

On one hand, she worked so hard to get to the top, I feel bad I might be messin' it up for her.

On the other hand, she breaks the rules to write me letters, so she can't respect 'em too much, ya know?

So I haven't heard back yet from old Zeddie about whether tradin' those artifacts for my fiscal freedom is on the tablet yet.

But soon, you might be lookin' at someone who can call his own shots for once.

I wonder what I'm gonna do with all that freedom...I'm not sure yet.

Najuma's been sendin' me letters about her new inventions.

She reminds me of her ma more an' more every day.

And the ideas ain't bad either. I might have a business partner in my future if she keeps this up.

Me and Najuma's mom used to work together.

...Maybe I should drop by the Remembrance Garden some time, catch her up on things.

So I did some diggin' and I found out that Watcher of yours never turned in that nightlight.

Keep an eye on her, kid. I think she might be someone we can work with.

So, uh, how come you never come by the shop for side jobs anymore? Is it somethin' I said?

That pin you got on looks like it's made of old fishin' junk.

Let me guess, it's Einar's romance pin?

It is!

Well...uh...far be it from me to stand in the way of your happiness.

Kenyatta's pin?

I thought I saw the farm boy wearin' that just the other day...you know what, that's none of my business.

I guess if there's one way to make Eshe madder than a herd of ormuu it's to date a Human.

You’ve got Reth’s pin on I see. You know... he shouldn’t really be offerin’ a life with anybody.

His life don’t belong to him no more.

Ah... don’t look at me like that. I don’t make the rules. I just follow ‘em.

I see you're wearing Tamala's pin.

I don't mean to put my adorable little mug in where it doesn't belong, but that lady's trouble.

It's up to you what you want to do with your life.

But if she breaks your heart... or your limbs... don't come crying to me about it.

Caleri told me about that ancient machine you found.

All I can tell ya is that thing took A LOT of Flow to power.

I have no idea where you'd even get that much raw Flow.

Maybe you humans have Flow in your blood or something? I don't know...

I gotta say, it’s nice having the Maji Market to look forward to every night.

Nothing better than being surrounded by good deals on stuff ya can’t find anywhere else... just like the General Store!

If you want anything from any part of Palia, we Grimalkin have a secret way of shipping stuff from here to there just like that.

I can't tell you exactly how we do it, but it involves the aid of short range teleportation technology.

Happy Maji Market, pal!

Ain’t every day ya see the ol’ miner and his daughter mingling with the other villagers.

I gotta say, those explosives they’re selling are somethin’ else.

I set a couple off on top of that hill just to see what they were made of, and man did they let out a big boom! Just about scared the pants right offa Eshe!

I’ve just about had it with the magistrate! I did everything she asked for when applying for a booth.

I filled out all of the paperwork, paid the fees, and even penned a friendly little letter askin’ for her consideration... only to be rejected!

Have I ever mentioned how awesome Delaila is? ‘Cause she’s a great Palian if I’ve ever seen one.

After she found out I couldn’t get a booth, she took pity on me and gave me some of her treats.

Let me tell ya, pal, those desserts are outta this world!

I saw what you did for Delaila, kiddo. I had no clue you were such an upstanding citizen.

Thanks to you, everyone can enjoy the new goodies she added to her menu. By everyone, I mean me!

It's business as usual in the day, but once the sun starts to set, I'll be strollin' over to the fairgrounds.

Don't be surprised if you also see me managing my side business at the same time. My teleporter is real handy for busy nights like this.

I applied to be a vendor at last year's Maji Market but the magistrate flat out REJECTED me.

I was down on my luck then, but the tables have turned- and just in time for Luna New Year!

Not only am I sellin' some neat stuff, but I've also got this cool prize wheel for people to spin. The rewards are pretty sweet, if ya ask me.

Why don't you try your luck at winnin' big? C'mon. Y'know you want to! I promise it ain't rigged!

Have I ever mentioned how great Delaila is? She's the greatest Palian I know.

While we were setting up our booths for the day, she swung by with a box full of Luna New Years sweets, just for me!

Obviously, I gobbled 'em right up and sent her off with a bag of goodies from my booth, too.

Make sure to stop by her booth and buy her stuff, alright? She deserves all the best!

Holidays like Luna New Year are always great.

Not only are they lots of fun, but you can also make loads of cash from 'em if ya play your cards right.

I'm hoping I'll get real lucky this year and make a fortune from being a vendor here.

Take a look at what I've got for sale. You'll definitely find somethin' ya like!

And if ya don't, well, either way you'll be sorry about missin' out on these limited-time deals!

Ugh... Make it stop, make it stop!

O-Oh, hey pal! Just uh, rehearsin' lines for a Luna New Year's play Auni's been workin' on. Yeah!

I've gotta say, out of all the booths in the market, mine is the one with the most primo location... And I didn't even have to bribe Eshe for it!

People notice my booth as they walk in, and most people come by on their way out.

It also helps that I'm right across from the ol' wish tree. After folks are done there, they usually waltz right up to me.

Every once in a while, I'll glance over at Chapaa Hut just to see what Kenyatta's scowlin' about.

Sometimes, she'll be frownin' at her mom as she walks by, and other times I'll catch her makin' a face at her own reflection.

Needless to say, she can't stand the sight of herself in that chapaa onesie. I think it's cute, though. Think Jel would tailor me one if I asked?

Wouldn't that be a sight to behold?

Sifuu refused to give up on winning the grand prize on my prize wheel, no matter how many times she walked away empty-handed.

I felt bad for her after her tenth defeat in a row, so I activated what I like to call my pity system.

She left with the grand prize and a big ol' smile on her face.

I keep replayin' everything that's happened over the past few nights and man, has it been a Luna New Year to remember!

Thanks again for listenin' to me blab on about my days as a kitten, and for bringing me that surprise gift.

I dunno what's sweeter- the candy, or the messages everyone wrote me. I'm definitely ending Luna New Year with a cavity or two!

The next business I open should be a dental office!