This text can be read on its own but is related to Tales and Stories of Merandir
Arcas and Solace
Ingame dialogue concept | 2022
Genre: interactive fiction, dialogue
Themes: learning about the protagonists, grief, friendship, brotherhood
CONTEXT
This dialogue happens during the second cycle of Tales and Stories of Merandir. The player incarnates Solace, a humble farm boy from the remote town of Mirth eager to see more before the next ecological crisis happens. As the story begins, Solace meets Arcas, the young prince of the province as he is on a diplomatic journey in the country.
After facing a storm and several quests, the two protagonists are led back to the castle which they find deserted for a bigger storm is said to be coming in the following days. It is there that Solace and Arcas decide to help the people of the region to move up north, out of the way of the storm.
Tired and unprepared, the Prince offers Solace to spend the night in the castle and invites him to his apartments.
Sunset. The room is a mess and full of dusty decorations. Arcas lights up some candles before sitting down at the table at the center of the room. He cleans his gear. The player is free to wander around and interact with some of the elements of the décor.
DIALOGUE 1
Solace interacts with the painting of a young man. He is depicted as a knight wearing the coat of arms of Arcas’ House in front of a field of sunflowers. Upon investigating it, Solace finds a note that reads “Postmortem portrait of Helian as commissioned by Prince Arcas.”
Arcas sits on a chair and begins to unpack his stuff
Solace to himself
Helian… Maybe I shouldn’t..
Arcas
So silent all the sudden. Turns his head towards Solace. What is it?
Solace to Arcas
Couldn’t help but wonder who that is… Was he.. a lover?
Arcas
What makes you think that ?
Solace
Seems unlikely for a Prince to have the portrait of some knight in his room.
Arcas
I… don’t want you to get the wrong idea. I loved him, yes, but not like a lover. It was so much stronger than that. My opposite in our likeliness. My heart does not belongs to him, he is one half of it. A lover? I would have been able to get past it, but as a brother, his passing has ravaged my soul. The scars have been slowly healing ever since, I do not feel rage or sorrow like I used to.
Solace
I’m sorry.
By unlocking this dialogue, the player has more options to interact with.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
DIALOGUE 2
Solace interacts with a shield and a sword attached to the wall; he coughs upon touching them as they are cover in dust
Arcas
These were his. We retrieved them on his body, that’s how I knew it was Helian.
Solace
Seems like a painful subject but… can you tell me about his passing ?
Arcas
Actually, it is still a mystery. He was dismissed of his functions the day before. He had been travelling to the capitol for a day. A messenger from our house found his disfigured body. It has been declared he was mauled by a bear. I am a little skeptical. He was a skilled warrior, one of the best, and his weapons were as new in his sheath. I guess we will never know for certain.
Solace
From the sound of it, looks like he refused to fight. And a bear? Unlikely in this region, we only get rogue ones but nowhere near the towns. Someone might have gone after him knowing he was not serving your family any…
Arcas
I do not seek vengeance, Solace. It will come to me in time, I’ll seize it. I have ruminated over a thousand of scenarios, it made me even more miserable than grief itself. I’ll wait with the memory of his life in mind.
Solace
That is a noble thought Prince. Did not think you had this wisdom in you after the last three days running after some highwaymen.
Arcas first laughing then serious
Ah! The dead can wait, we shall fight for the livings first. In fact, take that shield and the sword off the wall, you shall have them.
Solace acquires the Helian’s gear
Solace to himself
I shall honor their past owner.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
DIALOGUE 3