We're running out of familiar faces to help, so let's check another off the list.

SILENCE



She has never left my letters unanswered for so long before...



I do hope that nothing is the matter.

Music: Grandport, Center of Commerce



Noa hasn't been replying to Cordelia's letters, so time to look into that.

As to how Cordelia and Noa know each other...?



We spoke of everything and nothing. It was all nonsense, really, but she listened to my every story with such delight. When the time came for me to return to my own lands, she begged me to write to her. And we have exchanged letters ever since. Yet recently, I've had no replies from her...



Noa did talk about wanting to set out on an adventure, but did she follow through with it...? Perhaps there's something else going on here.



Considering Cordelia hasn't exactly had the best luck dealing with trusting people outside of Heathcote and Therion, it makes sense she's concerned for one of the few friends she has. Naturally, it falls to us to find out what's going on.





Therion, how could you?



In our mission to solve this, let's leave Grandport and talk to this random NPC that now shows up outside town.



Can't pass through these mountains without giving up your belongings. I'm afraid that's just the way things are.



But I don't see any reason to hand a thing over to you. Not unless you think you can make me!



So yeah, turns out some random bandit stole the letter. Why not.









Suffice to say, we get the letter back.



At least Cordelia will be relieved at the news.



Oh, what a weight off my heart... I'm so glad that nothing had happened to Noa herself!



Noa!
Cordelia, what in the world are you doing here?

Music: Enveloped in Kindness



Well, though I'm sorry to have caused you such distress, I'm so glad you're here!





What do you have to be embarrased about? I think it's a wonderful story! It's so romantic...



No, no, it's Noa's travel narratives that are truly amazing!
Oh! No, those are just...just my imaginings of what it might be like to travel the world someday. I wouldn't want anyone else to read them but you, Cordelia. The thought is mortifying!
Anyone should be delighted to read them!



Thank you, Cordelia...
You will keep writing me still, won't you?



Their penpalship is more than two lonely women maintaining friendship from opposite sides of the country. It's a creative outlet for both of them to express their dreams and create the stories they want to live but can't for whatever reason. So it's nice they could see each other in person again and let each other know how much they love the other's stories.





Simple but effective. The only one we get, great for Ophilia or any other healer, both for healing and for staying alive.



Just reading them makes me feel as if I'm a part of the story and experiencing all the things she describes.



I won't ask her just yet, but perhaps someday I'll put the idea to her... Hee hee!

Perhaps Cordelia would make a great playwright. Only time will tell, I guess!





At least Noa's been doing well in the meantime.



What she writes now already captures beautifully the wonder she feels toward the world. I hope she'll also come to my own homeland someday in her journeys.



Hopefully these two will have many more writings to come. Maybe some samples will even pop up in a sequel! Who knows?

Next time, things get somber.