Taylin: Dialogue: Daily

Chat

Taylin
I was going through all those "vaults" you opened and reading what happened to the Enfields.
It's sad. They were family.
They shouldn't have torn each other apart like that.

Taylin
The Echo that was part of my curse is still out there.
I hear it sometimes when things are quiet.
It calls to the bits of Echo that are still wrapped around my heart.
It wants to be one. It wants to rage.
It wants to rip the world to shreds.
It's my job not to let it.

Taylin
I heard about what happened with Ulfe’s real parents.
I want to comfort him, but I don’t know if I’m crossing a line.
I don’t want him to think I’m trying to replace his mere.

(Player)
Go to him! He loves you!
Taylin
Alright! Here’s hoping a big bear hug solves all his problems. Or at least some of them.

(Player)
Maybe give him his space.
Taylin
You're right. If he needs me, he'll come to me. No need to pressure him to spill his guts.

Taylin
You remember that constellation I told you about, the Huntress? Got time to hear her story now?

(Player)
Of course!
Taylin
Good! I haven’t had someone new to tell these stories to since Hassian was in diapers.
Anyway, the legends say Emuutepp was once a human. She was the leader of one of the old King’s hunting parties, before the days of Mudan. She fell in love with the King’s daughter, Astraya.
But when Emuutepp asked for Astraya’s hand, the King told her that the bride price for his daughter was nothing less than a single star plucked from the night’s sky.
Every night Emuutepp shot her arrows into the darkness and every night they appeared to fall just short of catching a star.
Impressed by the huntress’s efforts, the princess Astraya came up with another plan. She infused a rock with the power of Flow so that it shone like a star, and she gave it to Emuutepp for her bride price.
When Emuutepp presented her “star” to the King, he was flabbergasted. He never expected the huntress to succeed.
But true to his word, he gave the hand of his daughter to the Huntress and they ruled as fair and just queens.
To honor them, after their deaths the Night Sky painted the figure of Emuutepp, forever shooting her love into the night sky.

(Player)
Not right now.
Taylin
Fair enough. It's a long story. Maybe some other time.

Taylin
Each day brings with it a new set of adventures and challenges.
Today, I'm tracking that mother Jaakcat over there.
Not for food mind you, but to make sure nothing else hunts her. If she's killed before she goes back to her den, her babies won't survive the season.
Us mommas gotta look out for each other.

Taylin
I'm going crazy trapped in the apothecary!
I can't run around or feel the rays of the moon on my fur...
Plus it smells like knapweed! I haven't touched that stuff since I was an apprentice.

Taylin
I know I shouldn't have done it, but I read some of Hassian's poems.
I saw the one about him hunting me, about the "eyes."
I had a whole flood of emotions that just came rushing back to me.
I remember being the beast and having his arrow pointed at me.
I remember how much it hurt. The beast curse amplifies everything. I felt so lonely... so betrayed. Like my own family wanted me dead.
I know they didn't know it was me. I mean, damn, they thought I was the creature who killed me.
But... that curse doesn't work on logic.
What can I say? It wrecked me.

Taylin
Hassian's all worked up about this smutty book Sifuu wrote.
I want to read it, but she won't let me. Says it still needs a couple of drafts.

Taylin
You know, Sifuu and I were never exclusive.
We both had a lot of lovers before the whole beast incident. Some separately, some together...
And yet, Sifuu never had so much as a one night stand the entire time I was gone.
Maybe she was worried it was disrespectful, or she just didn't feel like it...
But I just wish she'd let someone else comfort her, when I couldn't.

Taylin
I know Sifuu told you I've been avoiding her lately.
Let her know, if you talk to her, it's not anything bad. And it's not her fault.
I just don't have full control over my beast form all the time, and I don't want her and Hassian to get hurt.
That's all.

Taylin
Can I tell you a secret? Sometimes it's hard being at home.
Like I remember the amount of self control it took for me to be near them without hurting them before and I feel so...

(Player)
Guilty?
Taylin
(TBA)

(Player)
Exhausted?
Taylin
(TBA)

(Player)
Sad?
Taylin
Not exactly sad. More like tired? Like even though I don't have to fight to control my impulses anymore, my body still feels like I do.
So, I'm just constantly struggling not to struggle.

(Player)
Hungry?
Taylin
(TBA)

Taylin
I was just thinking about how Hassian and I would play catch when he was little.
I'd throw a ball and he'd pretend to be a plumehound and try to catch it with his mouth.
Don't get me wrong, I love and admire the man my son's become, but sometimes, I miss that little boy...

Taylin
I don't miss being feral... but I do miss roaming the fields, sun on my fur.

Taylin
Sometimes I like to make up my own stories when I look at the stars.
Like, look over there next to the smiling Kitsuu. What does that look like to you?

(Player)
Some sort of beast?
Taylin
Yes, when I look up there. [sic] I see Ulfe. What he was like when I met him.
All that he's gone through. All the pain he's had to endure. If he doesn't deserve to have his story written in the stars, who does?

(Player)
A bunch of stars.
Taylin
(TBA)

Taylin
I was just stargazing again. Have you ever heard the story about the Fellraven?

(Player)
Let's hear it!
Taylin
It's a good one. Y'see, the Fellraven's kind of a famous figure among the people of the Plains.
I know the name's a little ominous, but he wasn't a bad guy.
When the Majiri first came to the plains, it was a hostile place of beasts and blood. It was a hard life that nearly wiped my people out.
But the Fellraven took a liking to us. He taught us how to hunt, how to track prey across long distances... and he even shed his own feathers to give us the plumehounds, our lifelong companions.
But shedding his feathers turned him into another man, no different from the rest of us. As thanks for his sacrifice, the Plains people wrote his story into the sky, so none of us would forget what he did for us.
And that's the story of the first Chief of the Plains. Pretty cool, huh?

(Player)
Tell me later?
Taylin
(TBA)

Taylin
Hey (Player). Look, I know it gets all awkward the more people thank you for helping them, but...
I just wanted to say it again. Thank you. Seriously.

(Player)
All in a day's work!
Taylin
(TBA)

(Player)
It was really more Tamala.
Taylin
Don't sell yourself short. Tamala may have done the spell, but who brought everybody together in the first place?

(Player)
I was only doing it to get to the tap.
Taylin
(TBA)

(Player)
I'll miss the Beast...
Taylin
(TBA)

Taylin
You know what I miss most about being the beast?

(Player)
The ability to sense danger.
Taylin
You're on the right track. But it's actually the smells, believe it or not.
As the beast, the world was a rich tapestry of scents. The Elderwood was a rich bouquet of weeping wisteria, fresh spring water, and a little bit of shmole for spice.
I can almost smell the memory.

(Player)
Eating off the ground?
Taylin
(TBA)

Taylin
The stars are so beautiful at night, and they tell so many stories.
At some point when we have more time I'll have to tell you some of my favorites.
Hassian, the hopeless romantic, always like [sic] the tale of the star-crossed lovers Nyota and Dunn, but I always preferred the tale of Emuutepp, the huntress.
She's right there. See. That arc of stars is her bow.

Taylin
Look, I don't know much about that Eshelon fellow, and I know he helped you, but I wouldn't trust him too easily if I were you.
I don't remember much from our run-ins in the Highlands... but he seems a little more tormented than your average brooding noble.

Taylin
I heard you helped Hassian out with his crusade against the cursed chapaas.
I went to the mayor myself to talk to him about it, but he just burst into tears the moment I brought up culling.
Now I get why Hassian's so worked up about it.

Taylin
I've been trying to think of ways to reconnect with Hassian. I figure an activity's best, but...
Not really sure what he's into these days.
Something tells me it's not bedtime stories or cuddle piles anymore.

(Player)
He likes hunting.
Taylin
I mean, yeah, even I could figure that one out. Hmm... maybe tried and true's best.

(Player)
Everyone likes cuddle piles!
Taylin
Yeah, but I already tried that. He gave Tau a pat on the head and then said he was too busy

(Player)
Why don't you ask him?
Taylin
Because he'd just say hunting and refuse to elaborate. Though, I guess hunting's not a bad idea...

(Player)
Go to a beat poetry night.
Taylin
Trust me, you do NOT need to hear me butcher the written word like that.
I'm pretty good at public speaking, but Sifuu's actually always been the writer out of the two of us.

Taylin
Gonna take a lot more than this to kill me.
I've got too much to protect to stumble now.

Taylin asks The Player Questions

Taylin
Hey (Player), you know your way around Kilima. What’s there to do for fun around here?

(Player)
Hang out at the Inn.
Taylin
That’s what Sifuu suggested. Does seem like a good place to get to know people, but honestly… it’s a little tame compared to what I’m used to back home.

(Player)
Go to the library.
Taylin
Information needed

(Player)
Watch the grass grow.
Taylin
That bad, huh? Don't worry, I'm sure you and I can get up to a little bit of trouble together and liven this place up.

(Player)
The Grimalkin Underground.
Taylin
There's an Underground here? Now that's what I'm talking about! I have got to hit up Zeki and see what else he's been holding out on.

Follow-up to Earth choice

Zeki
I can't thank you enough for sending Taylin my way, kid. Not only has she become one of my best hot pot customers, but she got me some connections for real exclusive monster furs!

Taylin
What do you think I can do to get Hassian to talk to me like he used to?

(Player)
Just be patient.
Taylin
You're probably right, but patience was never my strong suit.

(Player)
Remember he’s not 10 anymore.
Taylin
That’s true. Maybe I just need to focus on the man he’s become and not the boy he was. Then things will work themselves out?

Taylin
So… you have any idea why Hassian’s in such a bad mood lately?

(Player)
He’s having problems with the mayor.
Taylin
Over the chapaa thing, right? Was wondering why so many of those little runts were infesting somewhere this far south.
Still, feels like that’s only the tip of the iceberg…

(Player)
Well, there was the whole dead mom thing.
Taylin
...Good point. I was just wondering if there was anything else beyond my catastrophic failure at motherhood.

Taylin
So. What's the deal with Tamala and my son?

(Player)
That's between them.
Taylin
See, I'd love for that to be true, but everyone seems to have an opinion about it.
Some breakups can be messy, but... exactly how messy WAS this one?

(Player)
It's complicated...
Taylin
That's the understatement of the century.
Sifuu and I were lucky. She was the first love of my life, and that hasn't changed for decades.

(Player)
Some people should NOT date.
Taylin
You're telling me. Sifuu and I got lucky, honestly. She was the first love of my life, so I never really had any messy breakups.
At least none that I didn't have Sifuu in my corner to help out with. She was always good at tossing them out when they misbehaved.

(Player)
Tamala's a JERK!
Taylin
That seems like the easy answer, but I get the sense her bark's worse than her bite.
Then again, Hassian's always been sensitive. I can see why things might break bad with a woman like Tamala.

Taylin
So, tell me the truth, when did you figure out I was the beast?

(Player)
When Ulfe told me about his maman.
Taylin
You know, sometimes I still question what I did to protect Ulfe. Leaving my family like that...
But then I just look into his innocent face, and remember all the pain he was in, and I just know I couldn't have made any other choice.

(Player)
Honestly? I thought it was Tamala...
Taylin
Not a bad guess. And honestly, with all the time that woman spends alone in the woods, she's bound to have something fishy going on...
Not to mention that smell. I mean, I can't smell it anymore, but when I was the beast, she had this odd scent. Almost like a corpse...

(Player)
Hassian had this random chat about eyes.
Taylin
Information needed

(Player)
I didn't assume without evidence.
Taylin
Information needed

Taylin
Hey, I was wondering if you might have any idea of where to take Sifuu on a date.
Preferably something that says, "I know we haven't seen each other in fifteen years, but I still love you like the first day we met."
You know... no pressure.

(Player)
Take her hunting!
Taylin
Nice! That's how we first bonded. We could go back to our roots. I love it!

(Player)
Maybe cook her dinner?
Taylin
Some quiet time with just the two of us could be nice.
Though it may take me a second to remember how to properly cook meat. Been a while since I had access to a stove.

(Player)
I hear Bahari City's nice.
Taylin
A night out in the big-ish city! Now we're talking. I could take her to see a Roundball game, maybe swing by the Akwinduu armory, she'll never know what hit her.

(Player)
Line Dancing.
Taylin
You’re joking, but Sifuu and I always used to bond over learning new skills.
We always tried to one up each other to see who got the hang of whatever we were learning first.
I'll drop by Badruu's and see if he can arrange a hoedown!

Follow-up to Fire choice

Taylin
That hunting trip you told me to take with Sifuu was a real success by the way.

(Player)
What did you catch?
Taylin
Just each other. The best kind of hunt.

(Player)
How many shmoles did you get?
Taylin
None. Actually we didn't catch anything. Besides each other...

Follow-up to Earth choice

Taylin
I've got front row seats at the Bahari Phoenixes game next weekend. I'm gonna surprise Sifuu with the tickets tonight.

(Player)
She'll love that!
Taylin
I hope so! I spent the last bit of my leftover monster bounty savings on those seats.

(Player)
Doesn't she like the Shadvaraaks?
Taylin
(TBA)

Follow-up to Air choice

Taylin
So, you'll never believe this, but Sifuu and I actually arranged to go line dancing with Badruu and Delaila last night after all.

(Player)
How was it?
Taylin
It could have been better. I had no rhythm and Sifuu kept stepping on my toes.
Still, I liked getting to know Badruu and Delaila. They're good people.

(Player)
How many yees did you haw?
Taylin
Multiple yees AND haws were had. Even if Sifuu and I took turns stepping on each other's toes.
It was nice to get to know Badruu and Delaila, too. They're good people.

Specific Time

In the Evening

Taylin
Shouldn't you be grabbin' dinner? First rule of the forest, never skip a meal!

Specific Location

(TBA)

Friendship Level 3-4

Friendship Level 3 or Higher

Taylin
If anything happens to me, I want you to look after Ulfe, okay?
He may be in his late thirties chronologically, but the curse stopped his aging both physically and mentally. For all intents and purposes, he's still a kid.

(Player)
Of course I will!
Taylin
I appreciate it. Maji sent us a real blessing when he sent you to my family.

(Player)
That's not ominous at all.
Taylin
It's not like I suspect anything's gonna happen. I just...don't want what happened to Hassian to happen to him. That's all.

Friendship Level 4

Taylin
I know you already have a key to my place, but if you didn't, I'd give you one.
You're family. And not just 'cause you're friends with Sifuu.
We're a pack, and a pack's gotta stick together.

Skill Level

On reaching Level 10 Gardening

Taylin
I heard you have a real green thumb. Maybe I can buy some apples off you, huh?
Target practice and a snack in the same fruit, what's not to love?

On reaching Level 10 Fishing

Taylin
I heard from Einar you really know your way around these waters.
Honestly, I’ve never really had the patience for fishing. At least when you hunt, you can see your prey.

On reaching Level 10 Hunting

Taylin
Looks like you know your way around a bow. We'll have to test that some time.

On reaching Level 10 Bug Catching

Taylin
Auni told me you're an official Bug Scout.
I ever tell you Sifuu's terrified of most creepy crawlies? I'm on bug duty whenever one sneaks into the house.

On reaching Level 10 Furniture Making

Taylin
Tish mentioned you've got a knack for carpentry, I always wanted to learn...
But when you spend most of your time at hunting camps, there's not much room for furniture in your pack.

Higher Friendship With Other Villagers

With Sifuu

Taylin
Sifuu told me a lot about you. To hear her tell it, you’re a regular hero out of the sagas.
I know she likes to tell a tall tale, but I’ve got a feeling she’s right on the money about you.

With Tau

Taylin
I can tell Tau really likes you.
That means you’re either a kind, open hearted person…
…Or you give him treats.
Either way, that makes me like you.

With Hassian

Taylin
I know Hassian can be a tough nut to crack, but he’s worth it when you put in the effort.
I haven’t always been able to be there for him, so I’m happy he has someone like you to talk to.

With Ulfe

Taylin
(Player), I just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for Ulfe.
Being the beast, it’s easy to get lost in negative emotions. And I know that caused him to do things he regrets…
But I can tell having you to talk to has meant the world to him.
It means the world to me too.

Associated with Quests

After Main Quest The Lion and the Lamb

Taylin
Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad that nasty administrator is dealt with, but I’m a little afraid of what’s going to happen next if you know what I mean…
I can sense that the Echo is still out there.
And whoever or whatever was controlling that bag of bolts is too.

After Friendship Level 1 Quest Hair of the Beast

Taylin
Thanks for helping me with that remedy.
I’m finally allowed out of that prison of a chapel and I can stretch my legs!
I mean, it feels a little weird there are only two of them now, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.

After Friendship Level 2 Quest Hunter's Family Feast

Taylin
That dinner may not have been everything I hoped it would be. Hassian seems sullen as ever, but I’m still grateful you helped.
Hopefully the next one goes better.
If there is a next one…

After Friendship Level 4 Quest Party to the Hunters

Taylin
Funny how a good day can go bad so fast, huh?
Still, I'm grateful I get days with Hassian at all. And I won't forget the good moments, either.

Pin Reactions

Hassian's Pin

Taylin
Hassian’s pin looks good on you.
He keeps his heart close, probably because of me to be honest, but I’m glad he found someone like you to share it with.

Tamala's Pin

Taylin
Wearing the alchemist's pin, huh?
I'm not judging! I'm just a bit surprised.
From what little I've gotten from Hassian, she doesn't really seem like the pin type.