01x02 - Who Will You Be?

[bunniefuu]

Previously on The Mighty Nein...

[Bright Queen] King Dwendal,

your Empire agents crossed
the border of the Kryn Dynasty

and stole a beloved relic.

[Zeenoth] What makes you think
anyone even survived that expl*si*n?

[Beau] 'Cause of this.

[Dairon] Beauregard Lionett.

Most don't survive an encounter
with a fully trained Volstrucker.

I am Caleb Widowgast.

Nott the Brave.

Was that magic?

Maybe we could travel
a little more together.

[Caleb] This is where
I would like to go next.

[Owelia] Master Ikithon,

the king is asking for you.

Thank you, Owelia.

[Bright Queen] Return the relic
immediately.

[Ikithon] But the Bright Queen
has been playing a waiting game.

The people will follow you, Sire.

Because we will make them terrified
if they do not.

Prepare for w*r.

[exciting, intense music playing]

[panting]

[grunting]

Whoa! [groans]

You're scared.

That's why you're on the ground.

I attacked you, didn't I?

[Vandran] Any frightened boy can attack.

A brave man knows how to wait.

Narrow your stance.

Don't give me so many targets.

Remember, control.

♪♪

[shouts]

Wait for a moment of weakness.

When I'm recovering from a thrust,

when my legs are off-kilter.

[shouts]

[groans]

Never underestimate your enemy.

[sighs] I'll never be good at this.

I'm twice your age,

and half as fast on a good day.

Then why aren't I able to land a...

'Cause whether you think you can
or you think you can't,

you're always right.

You're a good man, Fjord,

and you have the makings
of a great captain. A leader.

You just gotta get out of your own way.

[scoffs] A leader?

The bullies at the orphanage, this crew,

that Sabian fellow
you're always barking with.

You've let lesser men define you.

But what do you think, Fjord?
Are you a coward?

Weak, like they all say you are?

The past is a noose around your neck.

Cut the rope or it'll choke you out.

Trust me.

[thunder crashing]

He found me.

We weren't expecting a storm.

Don't matter. It's here.

[indistinct shouting]

Remi, secure the cargo!

-On it!
-Pyotor, take the wheel!

Right away, Captain!

Fjord, Sabian,
get that sail under control!

[sailor] Batten it down!

[sailor 2] We're taking on water!

[dramatic music playing]

Ah!

[men shouting indistinctly]

Sabian, give me a hand!

[scoffs]

Huh?

Sabian?

[tense music playing]

What are you...

[laughs] Captain didn't
train you for this, greenie.

What are you gonna do, piss yourself?

I can't let you do it, Sabian.

You'll k*ll us all.

[laughs] And you're gonna stop me?

No, you'll die the way you lived:
pathetic and alone.

♪♪

No.

[gasping]

Not even Vandran can save you now,

you useless coward.
[spits]

[grunting]

[weakly] Captain.

What the...

Sabian!

Captain.

Abandon ship...

[pulsing, intense music playing]

♪♪

[Uk'otoa] Breathe.

[gasps]

[coughing]

Wha...

[gasps]

How am I...

What happened?

Captain.

Captain?

[echoing] Captain Vandran!

[emotional, dramatic music playing]

♪♪

You saw something in me,

gave me a home, hope, a purpose.

I promise...

I promise I'll be the man

you thought I could be.

♪♪

[Uk'otoa] Grow.

Again.

Again.

Yeah, you're really
nailing that tough love.

Stunning Fist is only meant
to buy you enough time to run, Beau.

And you'd better run fast,

before the Volstrucker recovers.

They don't make the same mistake twice.

Come on, it's not like they're invincible.

[grunts]

Better, but you need
to keep practicing on your own.

On my own? Why?

You have a mission. In Trostenwald.

And what am I supposed to tell Zeenoth?

He has me on desk duty for, like, ever.

I took care of it.

Put in your transfer papers this morning,

to one of our remote archives.

Hmm. So, what's the job?

Zeenoth is small fish.

An expl*si*n like that,
that wipes out an entire garrison?

Whatever this is,
it goes way higher up the chain.

My contact has a name.

The head of the Volstrucker.

That's a dangerous name.

Why are they willing to sell it?

You're paranoid. Good.
You'll survive longer.

My informant has their reasons.

They sent a courier, name of Dead Eye.

He'll meet you
at a carnival in Trostenwald.

You'll need this to get in.

Take the chestnut in the back.

You leave now.

Wait, like-like right...

Now.

Beau.

Trust no one.

[lively music playing]

[patron] Have you seen her yet?

-[music stops]
-[man] Oh, she's starting.

[crowd exclaims]

♪ Take off your jacket ♪

♪ have a drink, lend an ear ♪

♪ It's time to start the show ♪

[moaning]

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Let's put these masks on ♪

♪ There's nothing left to fear ♪

♪ The secrets that you keep from me ♪

♪ no one has to know, oh ♪

[cheering and applause]

[laughs] That was a great idea, Traveler.

You are so devious tonight.

What? No,

there will be plenty of time
for more pranks later.

Come on, we're missing the best part.

Jester, you lifesaver.

Ooh. Thanks, Jessie.

Whoop! Appreciate ya.

[jazzy music swells]

♪ No one is watching...

Oh, no, did she forget again?
I'll take it.

Thank you, Jester.

♪ ...be your mistress,
let's have an affair ♪

♪ Oh, who will you be ♪

♪ a pauper or bourgeoisie? ♪

♪ Who will you be ♪

♪ when you're lost in the reverie? ♪

♪ You're my woman, you're my daddy ♪

♪ What's your fantasy? ♪

[Jester] Oy, Mama.

♪ Baby, who will you ♪

♪ who will you be? ♪

♪ Who will you be? ♪

♪ Who will you be? ♪

[cheering and applause]

Thank you. Thank you.

[applause continues]

Mama, that was the best show ever.

Oh, you say that every night,

my little sapphire.

And as soon as we change the backdrops,
it will be a million times better.

You will have a fantasy backdrop,

one with little boat and fireflies,

and, oh, and an ocean one,
so you can do my mermaid idea and...

Oh, no.

Didn't Bluud tell you?

Tell me what?

I'm afraid I'm not going to be able
to paint with you tomorrow, Jester.

Lord Sharpe has booked
the whole Chateau for after his speech.

Ugh, that fopdoodle?

The one with that stupid, pointy beard
on his stupid, pointy face?

Anyone else, you know I would cancel,

-but him, I...
-Yeah, yeah, yeah,

he throws everyone in jail
who says no to him.

-I get it, Mama.
-Well, that's overstating a bit.

He keeps our city safe and prosperous.

For most people,
that's worth putting up with a fopdoodle.

-[groans]
-Please, do not be angry with me.

We will repaint the backdrops
as soon as he leaves.

I can't wait to see your design
for the mermaid lagoon.

Oh, Mama, it's so pretty.

-It's just...
-[Bluud] Ma'am.

Is Lady Truff ready for her appointment?

[Bluud] In the Enchantment Bedroom.

Oh? She brought her own this time.

Go, go. Have fun.

The backdrops... [sighs]

They can wait. I guess.

[sighs]

Hmm. Hmm.

Traveler, how about we make Lord Sharpe

miss his appointment?

[laughs]

[Beau] Just for the night.

We have nicer rooms.

More appropriate for ladies.

It's perfect.

[mysterious music playing]

[grunts] Ow.

We will have to get
those toenails clipped.

Eh, no point.

They grow like f*cking weeds.

[Caleb] Ow. Hurry up.

Oh, you wanna get up here,

with your sausage fingers?

[horse neighs]

[both sigh]

Whew. Huh.

The light scent of horse urine
really makes it cozy.

Five stars.

You know we do not have money for a room.

Oh. Oh, I see.

Is that some sort of
passive-aggressive dig on...

Nein, nein.
I am only saying, two whiskey bottles

is the same price as a room,
and you made a choice.

Well, we still have a few silver left.

Oh, that is for spell components.

Eh.

You know, you could sell that thing

for all the supplies you need plus a room.

Oh.

Wait, is it magic? [gasps]

Do you turn into a werewolf
if you don't wear it?

-Nein.
-An undead zombie?

[chuckles] Nein.

What, did your mom give it to you?

[Caleb] I could not survive without it,
that is all.

Huh. Are you sure
I can't steal us pillows?

Or at least a blanket?

It's too risky. Besides,

it has been a while
since I slept in a bed.

Probably would not suit me now.

[shivers]

Oh.

[sniffs]

-Uh, smells like your armpits.
-[sighs]

[speaking Zemnian]
Goodnight, Nott.

You too, Caleb.

[yawns]

[Caleb snores softly]

[laughs]

[dramatic music playing]

My queen.

This is a devastating loss, Essek.

There are thousands of souls
in that Beacon.

Our people, stolen by heathens.

If the populace finds out,
there could be riots.

I will unleash the full force
of my armies before that happens.

But without a Beacon,

if our soldiers die,
their souls would be lost. Forever.

Every death from now
until it is recovered is permanent.

That is what is at stake.

But that's not what worries me most.

The Luxon Beacon is primordial.

If the Empire knew even a fraction

of its boons, and banes...

It is kept in these hallowed temples,

protected, for a reason.

If you were consecuted
in our faith, Essek,

you might appreciate better
what has been lost.

I assure you, my queen, I appreciate...

General Verrat, I give you two days

to prepare your troops
to march on the Empire.

If you want to avoid this w*r, Essek,

find that Beacon.

Bring the souls of our people back.

♪♪

[exhales sharply]

I've never seen her so upset.

The survival of our people
rests squarely on her shoulders.

Not a weight to bear lightly.

It's more than that.

Her fury is different. She seems...

[footsteps approaching]

[Essek] Speak easy, my friend.

Essek, she's hunting Dunamancers,

calling them in for questioning.

For what purpose?

Presumably, whoever stole the Beacon
plans to use it.

And only a Dunamancer can show them how.

Precisely.

♪♪

[sighs] I didn't
have children in this life.

[chuckles]
Thought I'd get to it in the next one.

To think I might never

get to experience fatherhood now...

You will, my friend. You will.

I believe you.

Oh, Essek.

Where's your mother been?

I haven't seen her in ages.

Oh. She's, um, been traveling.

I've been carrying this around for her.

Will you do me the honor? [chuckles]

She fancies the odd bits of history
we find in the field.

Brumestone, from Eiselcross.

The ancients powered
whole cities with it, so they say.

Looks like a rock to me.

Thank you. She'll love it.

[quiet, dramatic music playing]

[guard] Next. Hurry it up.

[sniffs]

[sighs]

Oy, got papers?

You stupid?
Papers, boy, or you don't get in.

Papers? I-I don't have...

My ship wrecked.
I've walked leagues to get here.

Yeah, we don't give
a flying f*ck about your shipwreck.

Do we, Paul?

-[neck cracks]
-[quiet growl]

Reckon we don't.

You heard Paul.

Now, git!

Please, I'm so hungry.

Please...

Nobody gives a sh*t.

You're holding up the line.

[Paul] Come on, beat it.

You wanna spend the night in jail?

No.

[voice distorts] Let me pass!

Welcome to Nicodranas, sir.

[others murmuring]

[Beau grunting]

[dramatic music playing]

[panting]

Holy sh*t.

Holy sh*t.

[snoring]

[Nott humming]

-[exclaims]
-[gasps]

[gulps] You were snoring very loudly.

I am sorry. Sorry.

[speaking Zemnian]
Thank you.

[groans]

Wait. Where did you get a pillow?

Nott, I thought we agreed
we were laying low. Did anyone see you?

Of course not. [scoffs]

I was quiet as a mouse in slippers.

So, calm your t*ts and have a drink.

You should really stay hydrated.

Hmm.

-[door crashes open]
-[innkeeper] Show yourself,

you thieving mongrel!

I know you're in there!

Quiet as a mouse?

[sighs] f*ck's got good ears.

Come out, thief!
Or I'll k*ll you where you stand!

[horse neighing]

There!

[tense music playing]

-[grunts]
-[gasps]

Ah, sh*t!

[Nott grunts]

Why did you do that?

Do some magic with it.
Get us out of here.

Not all sh*t is magic.

[neighs]

Good horsey, yes.

You are such a big stupid horsey...

-[whinnies]
-[shouts]

This horse is r*cist!

[whinnies]

[horses neighing]

I can hear you, f*ck.

[Nott shouting]

Stop!

Think you can steal from me?

[Nott] Caleb, do something!

[neighs]

[shouts]

[shouts]

Huh. What a generous town.

[whinnying]

Hey, you little shits! That's my horse!

[blows raspberry]

[Nott laughs]

Motherfu...

[quiet, dramatic music playing]

[woman humming]

Mother, how are you feeling?

[continues humming]

It is from
the ancient cities in Eiselcross.

I found it for you.

[Deirta sighs]

Time pries magic
from all things. Eventually.

[chuckles]

What did I tell you about the windows?

I needed fresh air, that's all.

If anyone sees you... [sighs]

I'm trying to keep you safe.

You agreed to give me time to find a cure.

Time pries all things away, Essek.

Even mothers from their children.

We are not having this conversation again.

You know the queen will execute you
if she discovers you have Typhros.

You cannot be so careless.

"The Lord of Light grants eternal life
to the consecuted,

and thus they shall
ne'er perish even in death."

[groans] Spare me the dogma, Mother.

The Beacon should be studied,
not worshipped.

Your "Lord of Light" is a rock...

I'm not ready to lose you.

You're such a young soul.

When you've been reborn as much as...

as much as... as I...

you...

-you...
-Mother?

Mother.

Janica, is that you?

[Essek] Mother. Mother.

[intense, dramatic music playing]

Mother.

[wood splintering]

-Mother, it's Essek.
-No!

Please, come back to me.

When am I? Which life?

It's Essek, Mother.

[shudders]

[exotic music playing]

Uh, how much?

Kick him again! Harder!

You little loser.

Stay down!

Pissant can't even put up a fight.

[grunting]

What you gonna do? Cry to mommy?

-[laughs]
-[blows landing]

[men laughing]

Twice on Thursday.

You're hilarious.

Oh, sorry, mate.

[laughing]

[mysterious music playing]

[gasping]

Wha...

Ah...

[clears throat]

[quietly] What?

[people cheering]

[Sharpe] Of course, the Empire
and Nicodranas are trade partners,

but are we not also bound
by the ties of neighborly friendship?

And with friendship comes loyalty.

-[man] Tell 'em, Lord Sharpe!
-[Sharpe] Today,

King Dwendal asks for our help
against the Kryn Dynasty,

the monsters to the east

that live in eternal darkness,

both physical and spiritual.

Who slayed the Rockguard Garrison.

It's only a matter of time

before they come for us, too.

We must unite
against these barbaric heathens.

[apparition giggles]

What? What is the meaning of this?

[crowd gasps]

-Oh, dear lord.
-[crowd exclaims]

[people laughing]

[man] That's Lord Sharpe.

No.

Avert your eyes! Propaganda!

Nothing but propaganda!

[laughter]

Find who did this.

[laughs]

-Take that, Mr. Fopdoodle!
-[Sharpe] There!

That little brat.

Who, me?

[blows raspberry, laughs]

Get her!

Uh-oh. Traveler,
we need to get out of here.

What do you mean, you have no escape plan?

Me? You were supposed to...

Oh, forget it.

-We'll settle this later.
-Grab her!

After her!

[pulsing, exciting music playing]

There!

My apologies.

[ethereal music playing]

Oh, handsome hero.

Please, save me.

Save you? What?

[soldier] Stop right there!

-[Fjord] No. Wait. What?
-You're under arrest!

-Both of you.
-No, I-I... [laughs nervously]

This is not what it looks like.

Huh?

-He's armed!
-What? No, no!

No! I didn't mean to...

Ooh, your magic is so powerful.

I don't have magic.

Get the girl!
k*ll them both if you have to!

[screams] They're trying to k*ll us!

Come with me if you want to live!

We need to get off the street!

Ooh. So sorry to disturb you folks.

Do you have a back door?

-Uh...
-Uh...

Lovely. Thank you. Come on, handsome!

Out of my way!

Anyone who gives them shelter

will hang as well!

Listen, listen!

I-I had nothing...

to do with this!

Just hear me out!

Huh?

♪♪

Please, I don't want to fight you!

Then give up, and maybe I'll let you

keep your ba*ls till the execution!

[shouts]

[shouts]

What is happening?

[retches]

This way.

Uh, do you know where you're going?

Okay, okay, okay. Don't panic.

I maybe went the wrong way.

[Fjord groans] What?

This house is so big though,

I mean,
they probably get lost all the time.

You can't outrun me forever,
you little wretch!

Fight or window?

-Neither?
-I'm not talking to you, silly.

Traveler?

Hmm. He must be busy. Window it is.

Wait, wait. No, no! No!

[grunts, coughs]

[Sharpe] sh**t them!

sh**t them!

Um, do you mind?

[horse neighs]

[shouts]

Goodbye, old man!

[old man] Goodbye!

He smelled like farts, but was very nice.

Come in, come in. Don't be shy.

[quiet music playing]

[Fjord] Uh, what is this place?

Home.

[Fjord] Oh, h*.

[giggles] It's cute, huh?

So, this is my room.

Um...

Oh, that's the Traveler.

He's my best friend.
But he's also a god. Technically.

You should totally worship him and stuff.

He's super cool.

What did I do with our literature?

Did I put them in here? Hmm.

Wait, no. Maybe it's under the...

Where did I put them?

Did you paint all these?

Mm. Aha!

So what brings you to Nicodranas?

You look, no offense,
like you sort of don't belong here.

But I like that about you.

So, where do you belong?
Are you from far away?

I've never been far away.

Mama doesn't let me leave the Chateau.

She'd be super mad
if she found out what we did today.

Oh, my gosh, I am being so rude.

We haven't even been formally introduced.

I am Jester Lavorre,
daughter of the Ruby of the Sea.

She's kind of a big deal.

What's your name? I bet it's something
epic and heroic, just like you.

Heroic?

Oh. [clears throat]

[imitating Vandran]
Uh, yeah. Fjord.

Fjord Stone. It's, uh, nice to meet you.

Fjord. I like it.

Was your voice different before?

Uh, no. [chuckles]

I was just, uh... [clears throat]

Out of breath.

Oh. Weird.

[gasps] Oh, no. You're injured.

Hmm? Oh, uh, nah. It's, uh, it's nothing.

But I can fix it.

The Traveler showed me how. Watch.

[bear straining]

Okay.

That's... different.

[bear laughs triumphantly]

People dress very strangely

where you're from, Fjord Stone.

Um, it was what was on the ship.

The ship? [gasps] Were you a captain?

Uh...

I have never
met a real sea captain before.

What's it like?
Do you have lots of seamen?

[chuckles]

Do you know how to tie knots?

Mama is famous for her knots,
but she doesn't use them for ships,

if you know what I mean.
[laughs suggestively]

Lord Sharpe,
we did not expect you so soon.

The Ruby of the Sea...

-[gasps]
-I'm not here for her.

Where's that blue-skinned devil?

[grunts]

I don't know who you mean.

Beat the truth out of him.

[blows landing]

Jester, what have you done?

Lord Sharpe is downstairs looking for you.

I didn't do anything, Mama.

Well, just a small thing.

He will shut us down or worse

if he finds you here, Jester.
I can't protect you.

You must leave now, before he kills Bluud.

[Sharpe] Tear this rat hole apart
if you have to!

I want that b*tch's head!

I'll distract him,
give you time to escape.

Escape? Where, Mama?

Far away. Zadash.

Remember Madame Luenna, my old friend?

She runs the Pillow Trove Hotel.

She will keep you safe.

But, Mama, you said I have to stay
where I can see the Chateau.

I always have to see it. You-you said...

I was wrong.

I've known for a long time
that I was being selfish,

keeping you locked in this place with me.

But safety is not life.

Darling, this is the only way.

Go, see the world.

It deserves you,
as much as you deserve it.

My little sapphire.

Mama, I'm sorry.

[objects clattering nearby]

Oh. [clears throat]

This is Fjord.

He's a sea captain. Very trustworthy.

Captain Fjord, my daughter
is the most precious thing in the world.

Can you help her safely to Zadash?

Oh. Well, uh, I don't know, ma'am, I...

I beg you, sir.

[coins jangle]

Uh... sure.

[clears throat] I-I mean,

of course I will. That's a promise.

I love you, Mama.

Goodbye, my darling.

[Sharpe] Search every g*dd*mn room!

-Go!
-[glass shatters]

[intense, dramatic music playing]

[sighs]

[Nott whimpering]

Uh, I'm sorry I steal so much.

There is nothing to forgive.

But next time, let me know
when you are sneaking like a mouse, ja?

I will be your lookout.

And perhaps take fewer things at once.

May draw less attention.

Oh. That's actually very smart, Caleb.

Thank you.

I'm glad you're not mad.

I wouldn't want
an "escaped lunatic" pissed at me.

You did not turn me in?

I may be a goblin, but I'm no rat.

This was a long time ago.

Same sad eyes, though.

Hmm. You are better company than a rat.

And you are smarter

than you smell.

-[chuckles]
-And nicer.

Well, thank you, Nott the Brave.

No comma.

So, "The Fletching and Moondrop
Traveling Carnival of Curiosities."

What are we gonna steal there?

There is one spell in particular
I would like to get back.

The component is very rare.

And how do you know they'll have it?

These. Lumino beetles.

But we will need to communicate better.

If you go off alone again.

I can shout real loud. Here, watch.

[shouts]

[wings fluttering]

Uh, that-that is, uh,
not as subtle as I would prefer.

It is a simple spell.

[gasps] Magic?

Ja. To talk over a short distance.

[mysterious music playing]

-[birds singing]
-[wind whistling]

[sighs]

Must be boring,
on the road like this, Captain Fjord.

You probably have
a million other places to be,

like on a ship, or with a girlfriend.

Uh... no, not really.

Listen, about that... "Captain" thing.

Uh-huh?

No big deal, but it might be better
to drop the "Captain" part.

Just "Fjord" is fine.

Oh. Because you're on land.

Y-Yeah. A sabbatical, as it were.

Like a vacation! Perfect.

I've read there are lots
of wonderful sights to see in Zadash.

Let's see here.
There's a super fancy market.

And a pastry shop.

An erotic bookstore
called Chastity's Nook.

Ooh la la!

A school of magic.

Oh, temples galore!

We could have some fun with those,
am I right, Traveler?

Wait. What was that last one?

A-a school of magic?

Sure, but you're already, like,
super powerful and stuff.

Pow-pow, sword is on my back.

Oh, no! It's in my hand. What?! [laughs]

We don't need no stinkin' school.

-I've got Traveler, and you...
-The Traveler.

Th-That's who gave you your powers?

Uh-huh.

Oh, my gosh, do you want to meet him?

Traveler?!

[bird squawks]

[mysterious music playing]

[clears throat]

Gods are super busy, so...

But when he's back,
I'll totally introduce you and stuff.

Who gave you your powers, Fjord?

I, uh... I don't know.

-[insects chirring]
-[bird squawking]

[mosquito buzzing]

[groans] f*ck' mosquitos.

[rustling in brush]

[animal hooting]

[ominous music playing]

[clock ticking]

[Deirta groans, inhales sharply]

[inhales sharply, exhales]

[whooshing]

[eerie music playing]

[footsteps approaching]

[soft tinkling]

[gasps]

[Eadwulf] Hey!

[gasps]

What are you doing?

You said you'd wait for me to begin.

This Beacon can clearly
do much more than reincarnation.

You did not tell me everything.

Of course not.

It would take centuries
to explain even the fundamentals.

What magic is it?

"Magic" is not the correct word.

Dunamis is rooted in the cosmos
that created the world itself.

Gravity, time,

reality.

It is everything you will ever do

and could be.

Containing every choice you could make.

And every choice you already have.

Floating in an ocean of possibility.

That may work on superstitious ilk, Essek.

But all I see is a mechanism.

And to master a mechanism,

you must rip it apart and study every cog.

Yes. Exactly.

That is why we will work nicely together.

[snoring softly]

[owl hooting]

[Fjord groaning softly]

[mutters]

[grunting, inhaling sharply]

[gasps loudly]

[muffled groan]

[tense music playing]

[Uk'otoa] Become.

♪♪

♪♪

Chirp.