Hoarse Echoes

Oh, you're early! Looking forward to your gift?

That's right! Nechca's been so sick, and Tlazolli had to give up what she loves...

Things might be getting better, but they could probably still use some cheering up.

Haha, I've already asked someone to swing by and let Tlazolli know we're coming. She's probably made all the necessary preparations.

Let's go, then. Do you mind watching the store, Imix? I'll be right back.

Here we are. Nice house, right? Gimme a sec, I'll go knock.

Tlazolli, open up! They're here!

...Tlazolli? Are you home? Open the door!

That's strange... Huh, the door's locked, but she shouldn't be out at this time of day.

Hey, Nechca? Nechca? It's me, Cheven. Open up, please.

Still, I told Tlazolli we were coming... Maybe she had to take Nechca out to get some medicine?

Hey, what's that over there? Looks like a Tepetlisaur nest.

That's right. Tlazolli has a Tepetlisaur companion. If I remember right, its name is... Iengu?

When she was still in the forging business, she'd often have Iengu help with some digging work.

But since Nechca fell ill, she hasn't let it dig much recently...

Wait a minute. What the...? This place is a mess! Iengu's nowhere to be seen, either.

Whoa, look at all these broken boxes! Something terrible must have happened...

Huh, there really is a Tepetlisaur up here. Might not be Tlazolli's companion, though...

Huh... Paimon still doesn't see any sign of Tlazolli...

Hey, 旅行者! Paimon!

That's Cheven's voice!

Looks like there's someone next to her.

Come down, quick! Tlazolli's here!

Huh? We just got up here, and Tlazolli's back already? What a coincidence...

Huh? Why's the Tepetlisaur coming along — Whoa, hey, hey, don't run, you'll hit us!

Iengu, come here... Are you being naughty again?

Roar...

That's a good Saurian. You must be hungry. Sorry... I'll whip up something for you later.

Alright, run along and play now. I'll come along in a sec.

Roar!

Sorry, you two. I was waiting for you at home when Nechca... Well, she snuck out and ran off by herself.

She said she just wanted to pick some flowers for our guests.

But, she ended up getting lost along the way... Luckily, I managed to find her before long.

Is she alright?

Yeah, Cheven told us she was just starting to get better...

She's still very weak. The shock and the cold wind certainly didn't help, so she ended up with a slight fever. I gave her some medicine, and now she's in bed.

But, it's nothing a good night's rest can't fix.

That said, she won't be able to meet you today. I'm sorry you came all this way for nothing.

Don't worry about it! We know she's still recovering. Cheven told us how serious her illness was.

Her health definitely comes first! We were just dropping by to check on her.

Yes, and to run away from eating her vegetables. She's a fast one, that's for sure.

She jumps over the chairs, hides under the table... then runs all around the house. I can hardly catch her.

Seeing how she is now... That's already enough. I really couldn't ask for more...

Hey, cheer up! This is supposed to be a happy occasion!

We do appreciate that she tried to welcome us with flowers. Anyway, Tlazolli, about the thing I was telling you before...

Yeah! What did you get us?

Well, it's a Blazegem Inscription. I made it from the purest ore, so it's almost completely resistant to erosion.

The techniques used to make it are all rooted in Ancient Name forging.

So, it's like a simplified version of an Ancient Name?

Heh, don't say that, or the Wayob might smite me. The process just uses a few of the same techniques and materials.

When I first made one, I didn't think it could serve any practical purpose, apart from the erosion resistance and the general aesthetic.

But, then Cheven suggested using these crystals to make a special kind of "ornament"...

"Blazegem Inscriptions made by an Ancient Name artisan, engraved with words that never fade."

Quite the sales pitch, don't you think?

Wow, that description really does make it seem special...

Haha, Tlazolli's Blazegem Inscriptions really are special, though.

Word of mouth isn't always reliable. As information gets passed along, it becomes incomplete, forgotten, and, sometimes... even distorted.

But the words inscribed on these crystals will stand the test of time. The inscription will never deteriorate, and the meaning will never get twisted.

It's the perfect gift for a dear friend or significant other. You could even pass it down to younger generations!

Paimon's interested! Let's buy one, 旅行者! We can engrave our names onto it!

Then, once we find your sister, we can get her to add her name, as well.

You deserve it! You saved me and Nechca's birthday present. It's the least I can do to repay you.

Cheven, I thought I told you—

Don't you start acting shy too, Tlazolli! It's a great gift! I know how much work goes into one of your Blazegem Inscriptions.

Well, then... Thank you both. I'll have it ready as soon as possible. Then, I'll have you do the inscription yourself.

Nechca should be well by then. She'll be very excited to meet you.

Whoa, let's not get ahead of ourselves. We don't even know how expensive that would be. You sure we have enough travel funds?

Hold on... this isn't part of some scheme to make us spend all our Mora, right Cheven?

You never know... You do look like you have some savings to spare...

No! Don't listen to that, 旅行者! You'll end up losing all your Mora!

Haha! In any case, it's up to you.

Roar!

Oh no, it's the Tepetlisaur again! Quick, someone stop it! Paimon doesn't wanna get run over again!

Whoa! There, there!

Roar...

Also, if you don't mind, Tlazolli, I'd like you to help me repair my Blazegem Inscription.

I dropped it when I was attacked earlier. The rope and clasp both snapped, so I haven't been wearing it.

I tried to fix it myself, but I just couldn't get it to stay. Could you help?

Just leave it to me. I'll make it as good as new.

...Thank you, Cheven... for going all that way, and—

It was nothing. We all just want Nechca to get better.

...You're right.

Iengu! Behave yourself! I'll feed you in just a second!

I'll have Cheven contact you once everything's ready, 旅行者.

Maybe we'll even line it up with Nechca's birthday. We could even have a little party.

That sounds great! We'll look forward to all the good food, and we'll make sure we're ready to eat!

Anyway, see you around, Tlazolli!

Look after yourselves!

Nechca... is going to be so happy to meet you.