Kenli: Dialogue: Daily

Chat

Kenli
Every year, I eat the same thing for my birthday... a steaming plate of longevity noodles, straight off the frying pan.

(Player)
Longevity noodles?

(Player)
Same here!
Kenli
You too? Excellent!

Kenli
Longevity noodles are a must have on special occasions like your birthday.
The noodles symbolize a long life. You must never break apart the noodles before you eat them.
In accordance with tradition, I’ve eaten that every year since I was born. That’s why I’ve been able to live such a long and healthy life.

Kenli
You know I never really wanted to become mayor, but my father made it clear it was my duty.
You see my family has been honored with caring for the citizens of Bahari province for generations.
When my father decided to grant my younger sister the title of Duchess...
Well, he had to give me something to do... and small town mayor was a job he thought I could handle.

Kenli
When I was a boy, I kept a pouch of rock candy with me at all times.
I snacked on it when I was nervous or bored. Having something sweet and crunchy to chew on always made me feel better.
I still have that pouch to this day. It was stitched by the great Barinka Omiata herself, so its threads have withstood the sands of time!

Kenli
Did I ever tell you what happened to our old cook Enzo?
Oh, I didn’t... well, that may be a story for another time.
I wouldn’t want Eshe overhearing me embarrassing her like this.

Follow-Up after previous dialogue

Kenli
So I promised to tell you about Eshe and her chef, Enzo, later.
And now is later... soooo...
Eshe actually fired Enzo after he overheard her telling Caleri how much she depended on him!
Apparently, she couldn’t deal with having a lowly servant know how grateful she felt!
Poor Enzo... Now he’s out of a job... And we are out of a household chef.

Kenli
There was once love between me and Eshe. Perhaps it was one-sided, but it was still there.
Now, we can hardly hold a conversation, much less hold hands.
The last time we held hands was at our wedding, and that was decades ago!

(Player)
Why did you get married?
Kenli
Well... that is a complicated story, one best saved for another time.
Still, talking to you has lifted a weight off my shoulders.
Now I can enjoy tonight's dinner with a sound mind!

(Player)
I hope you can find happiness soon.
Kenli
Being able to serve my constituents, albeit poorly, brings me much joy.
I may complain a lot, but I still find happiness in the simplest of things.
Like the steaming bowl of Sernuk Noodles I’m having for dinner tonight!

Kenli
Today is one of those where I find myself missing my grandmother.
Of everyone in our five-generation household, she was the one I was closest to.
She was a wonderful leader and terrific chef. Her homemade dumplings were my favorite.
I ate so many of them as a boy that everyone started calling me Little Dumpling!

Kenli
Eshe insists I should leave the village patrols to her, but staying cooped up my office all day long is no good for me.
I always make time to walk around town and chat with everyone.
After all, the key to a healthy village is nurturing the relationship between its governors and residents.

Kenli
Even though Eshe and I don’t see eye to eye on some things... erm, most things, there’s one we do have in common.
We both want Kenyatta to succeed in life. What that success looks like is something we’ll unfortunately never agree on.

Kenli
My father was Duke of Bahari before my sister Kenyara became the Duchess.
Despite me being the older one, he always favored her more than me.
I suppose it’s because he sees her as a successful continuance of himself, and me as the failed version better left discarded.
Oh well. You know what they say. One man’s trash is a chapaa’s treasure.

(Player)
Your dad’s a jerk.
Kenli
Shh! Don't let anyone hear you say that, or I'm afraid it will bite me in the butt later.
The last time I spoke ill of my father, Kenyara caught wind of it and shamed me in front of our peers at one of our sub-council meetings.
To this day, I don't know how she found out when she lives all the way in Bahari City.
Elouisa was right. The walls of City Hall DO have ears!

(Player)
His opinion doesn’t matter.
Kenli
That's what I would like to think, but his opinion does matter, at least to me.
He is my father after all and someone I look up to.
Still, I've learned not to dwell on the what ifs. I'd be lying if I said it didn't bother me from time to time, though...

(Player)
I’m sorry that happened to you.
Kenli
There's no need to be sorry! I've moved on, for the most part.
I've learned not to dwell on the what ifs.
I'd be lying if I said it didn't still bother me from time to time, though...

(Player)
You’ll just need to prove him wrong then.
Kenli
Well I would... except that he’s dead.
He passed through the Veil quite some time ago, and that was when Kenyara succeeded him.
Even so, if I can just get her to be proud of me, that’s more than I could ask for. Maybe one day...

Kenli
Kenyatta’s out rather late these days. It drives Eshe up the wall trying to figure out what she’s up to.
I’ve tried reminding her that Kenyatta is no longer a child and should go out and experience the world, but that didn’t go very well.
Now I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut.

Kenli
The Inn is the one place in the village that escapes Eshe’s eye.
I have a theory that it’s because she’s afraid of lively places like these where our agreeability precedes our status.
...Don’t let her hear me say that though, or she’ll have my head on a platter for dinner!

Kenli
Hmm... When was the last time I took a vacation?
It had to have been when Kenyatta was born!
I would take them more often, but Eshe would never allow it.
If she doesn’t give herself a break, why would she give ME one?
...Honestly, I’m too afraid to ask her for one anyway.

Kenli
At first I was frightened to move from my family home in Bahari City, all the way out here where I don't know anyone and I'm hours away from a proper dining club.
But...I find the slower pace of life here actually suits me.

Kenli
Sundrop lillies may be a common flower, but their radiance never ceases to bring a smile to my face.

Kenli
Eshe's giving me the silent treatment, because we caught Zeki selling some out of season produce and I let him off with a warning.
I know laws are what keep our society intact.
But really, there's no point in having the poor man rot in jail for the Dragon knows how long over a few rotten radishes!

Kenli
My daughter, Kenyatta, certainly is growing into a beautiful young lady.
Eshe's worried about her because she hasn't chosen her Path yet...
But I keep reminding my wife that the most beautiful flowers are the ones that take the longest time to grow.

Kenli
My flower garden is one of my few true joys in life.
Raising heartdrop lilies can be finicky, but that makes it all the more rewarding when you can make them grow.

Kenli
Shhh! Kenyatta's in her room studying up on healing herbs. I've never seen her motivated ike this before.
I'm glad to see doing something that actually makes her happy.
After all, not every Bahari is suited for a life in governance.
I'm living proof of that!

Kenli
If only every moment of my life could be as tranquil as it is at this moment.
But, alas, after I am through with my supper I shall be forced to return home to Eshe.

Kenli
I hope complaining about my situation at home doesn't bring you down too much.
You're always so happy, I wouldn't want to ruin that for you.

Kenli asks The Player Questions

Kenli
Tell me. Do you think I'm doing an admirable job as mayor?

(Player)
You're doing alright.
Kenli
Thank you. That is good to hear. Even if I suspect you don't truly mean it.

(Player)
There's always room for improvement.
Kenli
Thank you for phrasing your criticisms so kindly.
I know I'm not naturally suited to governance, but still, I do one day hope to be worthy of my role.

(Player)
No.
Kenli
Well...I, uh, I respect your honesty. Don't worry about the tears. I'm not crying...it's just my allergies.

Kenli
I’m in quite the pickle. Caleri’s been complaining that the noise at the Blacksmith goes on too late.
But Sifuu told me her business will suffer if I force her not to work during evening hours.
What should I do?

(Player)
Tell Sifuu to shut down.
Kenli
Okay, I will do as you say. But I will tell Sifuu it was your suggestion...

(Player)
Tell Caleri to chill out.
Kenli
Okay, I will do as you say. But I will tell Caleri it was your suggestion...

(Player)
Can’t they both just get along?'
Kenli
Unfortunately, no...a decision will have to be made. And now you've forced me to be the one to make it!

(Player)
I’m staying out of this.
Kenli
I can’t believe you’ve forced me to make the decision on my own. I HATE disappointing people.

Follow up to Earth response

Kenli
So, your idea about Sifuu has not worked AT ALL.
After I gave her the order to shut down at night, she's only been LOUDER.
What am I to do? I can't be expected to actually arrest the woman for a noise complaint!

Follow up to Fire response

Kenli
I'll have you know that after you told me to speak to Caleri, she banned me from the library!
Now I'm never gonna finish the Chronicles of Miradorn!!!
And I was already on Book 47!

Kenli
Tell me, do you ever struggle with feeling like a disappointment?

(Player)
Sometimes...
Kenli
I know how you feel. My father tells me I was a very scrawny baby who used to cry all the time.
I feel like I did nothing but disappoint him since the moment I was born.
Then he passed... and now I live with Eshe.
My only hope is that I can bring some small amount of joy to the dreary, ordinary lives of the common villagers.
Like you.

(Player)
Not really.
Kenli
Information Needed

Kenli
Tell me, what do you think of my outfit?

(Player)
I love it!
Kenli
Information needed.

(Player)
It's a little stuffy.
Kenli
Information needed.

(Player)
What matters is that you like it.
Kenli
Hmmm...that seemed like a backhanded compliment...but I don't want to be presumptious [sic].
Excuse me, while I go fret about me appearance in private.

Specific Time

In the Morning

Kenli
Ohhh...you startled me. I was just looking at out [sic] the window and I spotted the most beautiful morning dove.

Kenli
Eshe's always getting onto me for not working immediately at the crack of dawn.
But I find it important to take a few minutes to gather my composure, so I will have the strength to face the rest of the day.

In the Evening / At Night

Kenli
That constellation over there is called the Constant Gardener.
It's named after a Galdur named Magnus that was said to tend the stars as if they were flowers.
I do think in another life I would have been quite the gardener, but alas, that wasn't my Path...

Kenli
The day is drawing to a close, and it feels like I've accomplished nothing today.
Maybe because I could feel Eshe looking over my shoulder the entire day...

Kenli
There's nothing like reading the evening paper to catch up on local news.
Though I must confess...I mostly just look for my own name..

At Night

Kenli
Between you and me, I'm having a bit of trouble sleeping as of late.
It may have something to do with sharing a room with Eshe...

Specific Location

In the garden of the Mayor's Estate

Kenli
It's almost time for work. Forgive me if I take a few more minutes to enjoy the peace of the great outdoors!

In Kenli's Records Room

Kenli
Shh...don't tell Eshe I'm here. I'm hiding from her.

In Kenli's Office

Kenli
You're lucky that you're free to go wherever you want. I'm stuck in this dreary office.
But at least I have this nifty chair. It might not be able to spin, but it certainly is bouncy.
Whee! Oh, it's so exciting!

Kenli
Could you come back later? I'm a bit busy applying my seal to the documents Eshe has given me to approve.

At the Mayor's Estate

Kenli
You know, you may be the first person in this village that has come to my home just to socialize.
For that, I cannot thank you enough. It eases the burden of governance to know I have you as a friend.

At the Inn

Kenli
If you haven't gotten a chance to try Ashura's new Heartdrop mead yet... do!
It's so intoxicating that I'm starting to find the lettuce soup rather tasty.

Kenli
Come, sit down. Badruu was just telling me the most amusing anecdote. Let me see if I can remember it.
Oh, yes. Why did the bushberry stop in the middle of the road?
Because...it ran out of juice! Oh that fellow never fails to crack me up!

Kenli
I'm due at home any minute...but one more drink couldn't hurt, could it?

Friendship Level 3-4

Friendship Level 3

Kenli
Eshe isn't very fond of Reth, but I think he's great.
Alongside Ashura, he works very hard to keep this Inn running. That deserves a lot of praise!

Friendship Level 4

Kenli
You know, there was a time when I actually would have been relieved if Kenyara had me replaced as mayor, but now...
The fact that she's trying to makes me want to fight. I believe in this village! And the people in it!
I want to fight...and I don't know if I'd feel that way if I hadn't had your support.
Having someone who believed in me...well, it's meant everything to me.

Higher Friendship With Other Villagers

With

Kenli
(TBA)

Associated with Quests

After Kenli's Friendship Level 2 Quest: A Big Harvest

Kenli
I'm a bit embarrassed to admit, but I may have made my morning juice out of one of the carrots I was supposed to send to my sister.
If your stomach is up to it, I recommend adding a bit of heat root. It gives the juice just the right bit of zing!

Kenli
I'm a bit embarrassed to admit, but I sampled one of your tomatoes before I sent it to my sister.
It had the perfect mixture of tangy and umami flavors that made my tastebuds absolutely dance!

Kenli
I very much appreciate your help with the taxes this month.
Hopefully, I won’t have to rely on you like that again.

After Kenli's Friendship Level 3 Quest The Bad News

Kenli
I was enjoying my usual breakfast of a poached peki egg and I was thinking...
I owe this all to (Player). If it weren't for them the Daiyas would have been kicked out by now.
And then where would I have gotten my eggs?

After Kenli's Friendship Level 4 Quest: A Bigger Harvest

Kenli
So, things with that tax deal actually ended up working out for the best. Even for Kenyara.
It turns out the peasants she was going to bring in to replace the Daiyas were actually known swindlers.
They were going to take the advance Kenyara gave them for fertilizer and seeds and make a run for it!

Kenli
It felt good to finally stand up to Kenyara.
Thank you! If it wasn't for you, I don't think I would have ever even realized it was an option.

After Eshe's Friendship Level 4 Quest: Feast of Fancy

Kenli
Thank you for helping Eshe impress my sister. Their relationship has always been a bit...complicated.
They've been trying to outdo each other since they were girls.
In fact, sometimes I think Eshe may have married the wrong Bahari.
Of course, I'm only kidding! Me and Eshe's marriage is just fine...perfectly fine.

Kenli
I heard you were the one who made that Akwindu[sic] Chapaa Eshe and I ate at the dinner with my sister.
I have to say, that meal totally saved my night.
Without food and wine, how could one possibly get through an evening with those two.
I swear I'll never understand their relationship.
Sometimes they fight like there's no tomorrow, and sometimes they can spend hours engaging in pleasantries.
Even I have a difficult time telling how they feel about each other.

After Kenyatta's Friendship Level 4 Quest: The Path Ahead

Kenli
I know Eshe is disappointed our daughter didn’t seek out a Path in governance, but personally I’m happy things went the way they did.
Despite her hard exterior, Kenyatta has always been at her best when she’s caring for others.

Pin Reactions

Hassian's Pin

Kenli
That pin! That’s Hassian’s, isn’t it?
Excellent! He may seem distant at first, but he cares as deeply for the village as anyone else.
You two make a wonderful pair.
Ah, young love... It warms my heart!

Kenyatta's Pin

Kenli
Oh, I see you have an admirer. Tell me, who is it?

(Player)
Kenyatta
Kenli
Kenyatta? My Kenyatta? ...I see. Well, I approve.
Though I better not tell her that or she might break things off with you if she knew I approved.

(Player)
I'd rather not say.
Kenli
(TBA)

Reth's Pin

Kenli
That pin! That’s Reth’s, isn’t it?
Excellent! Many judge him for his choice of Path, but I always thought he was brave for that.
You two make a wonderful pair.
Ah, young love... It warms my heart!

Tish's Pin

Kenli
That pin! That’s Tish’s, isn’t it?
Excellent! She's a valuable member of our village, with a heart as true as gold. You two make a wonderful pair.
Ah, young love... It warms my heart!