OPTIONAL QUESTS: REUNION WITH OVELIA

[Ovelia is praying in the ruins outside of Zeltennia.]

FAMILIAR VOICE: My lady.

[She turns. Agrias approaches her and kneels.]

OVELIA: Agrias!?

[Lavian and Alicia approach and kneel as well. Ovelia kneels down to meet Agrias at eye level.]

AGRIAS: Pray forgive the late hour of our coming.

OVELIA: Oh, Agrias! Gods be praised, you're alive! I'd no way of reaching you, and I'd feared the worst. Such a weight is lifted! Please, rise.

[Ovelia and Agrias both stand. Agrias lowers her head.]

AGRIAS: Forgive me. I gave cause for needless worry.

[Agrias looks up at Ovelia.]

AGRIAS: Ser Ramza aided me. I travel with him even now.

OVELIA: Then I owe Ramza a great debt of gratitude.

[Ovelia bows her head this time.]

OVELIA: You'll return to me now, won't you, Agrias? I need your sword and shield now more than ever. Your counsel I sorely miss as well. Please, Agrias, you will stay, yes?

[Agrias looks down for but a moment again.]

AGRIAS: My apologies, Your Majesty. I cannot tarry here, though it pains me to leave. There are nefarious forces afoot, who would take the helm of Ivalice and steer her to the doom of all. A darkness falls upon the realm, my lady, and it is but a matter of time before we are consumed by it. To turn a blind eye to this is to forsake the hallowed oath I swore: to defend this kingdom at the peril of my life. My sword is sworn to you as well, and I mean for it to serve. Your safety requires that this plot be stopped. It is not lightly that I abandon duty, but only for the love I bear you and our kingdom. I can but pray that you forgive me, Highness.

[Ovelia takes a step back and hangs her head, dismayed.]

OVELIA: I...I see. But-

DELITA'S VOICE: You're fond of this place, aren't you, Ovelia?

[Delita enters the scene. Lavian and Alicia stand and move behind Agrias as she approaches Ovelia's side and turns to him.]

OVELIA: Delita...

[He turns to Agrias.]

DELITA: Well met. Agrias, was it not?

[She gestures angrilly.]

AGRIAS: Unmannered dog! How dare you address Her Majesty by name!?

[Ovelia turns to her.]

OVELIA: Agrias, it's all right.

[Agrias turns to Ovelia.]

AGRIAS: But, my lady-!

OVELIA: It's fine. Pay it no heed.

AGRIAS: If that is Your Majesty's wish...

[They both turn back to Delita after a moment's pause.]

AGRIAS: Would that I had not to beg favors of such as you, but fate is not so kind. Responsibility for the well-being of Her Majesty the Princess rests in my hands. But at present, my hands toil toward another purpose. It is not without reluctance that I put my faith in you, but the choice is made for me. Please, let no harm come to Lady Ovelia!

[Agrias lowers her gaze.]

DELITA: Put your mind at ease. I will keep her safe.

[Agrias looks directly at Delita.]

AGRIAS: I shall trust your words. Should aught befall Her Highness, know that my vengeance, and your death, will be swift.

[Ovelia turns to her sharply.]

OVELIA: Agrias!

[Agrias moves to Ovelia to take her hands, giving her something as she does.]

AGRIAS: My lady. I want you to carry this, though I hope with all my heart you need not use it.

DELITA: Having a knife for protection may not be a bad idea.

[Ovelia takes the weapon.]

OVELIA: Thank you, Agrias.

[They part and Agrias, Lavian and Alicia all bow once more.]

AGRIAS: And now, I must take my leave.

OVELIA: Father watch over you.

AGRIAS: I promise this: When all is done, I shall return to you. Until such time, pray be safe.

OVELIA: I shall await your return.

AGRIAS: Fare-well, Majesty. And gods be with you.

[She stands.]

AGRIAS: Lavian, Alicia! With me!

[The three knights take their leave. Ovelia moves to Delita's side and lowers her head.]