Marius "Will of the Trees"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 1. Marius is not yet in a relationship with the MC.

Before Marius and the MC return to Stellis from their trip to the Imana Rainforest, they are invited back by the Imana tribe to participate in their annual Habira festival. On the morning of the festival, the MC finds Marius in conversation with Chief Imana, asking about a unique pair of intertwined trees he found on a visit to the area when he was six years old. The trees, which he dreamt of the night before, spark memories of exploring the jungle with his brother, Giann. Understanding how much Marius misses his brother, the MC suggests they pray for his safety in the Habira festival.

In order to participate in the festival, the two must carve their own wooden totems in accordance with the village's customs. While Marius goes to get materials, the MC looks through a travel log written by Giann during his and Marius' previous visit to the Imana Rainforest. Meanwhile, Marius talks with the chief once again about looking for the intertwined trees; the chief encourages him not to do so, saying the trees will only appear to him if fate wills it, as the village believes such unusual natural phenomena are the guidance of the gods.

Marius returns to find the MC fascinated by a photo of him at age six. In the photo, Marius is crying; he explains that Giann took the photo after his arm had gone completely numb from touching a poisonous plant. Marius helps the MC sand her wooden carving, and an indigenous girl teaches them both how to color the carvings in accordance with their wishes. The girl secretively tells the MC that the women have special patterns they hide from the men to pray for marriage. The MC is reluctant, and the girl doubts the MC's claim that she isn't sure she has feelings for Marius. Eventually, the MC is convinced to try the marriage pattern.

In accordance with custom, the chief sends Marius and the MC away on their own to find a place that feels special to them to bury their carvings. The MC suggests they go down the river to find Marius' intertwined trees. When a toucan flies by and distracts the MC, Marius grows concerned for her safety, urging her not to fall from the boat; in that moment, he understands that Giann's protectiveness had come from a place of care. When Marius tells the MC this, her mind returns to the pattern on the wood carving, and she considers whether she wants Marius to protect her at all times.

A pair of rare harpy eagles lands near the boat, and Marius and the MC feel compelled to follow them. They lead the pair to the intertwined trees that Marius remembers. Marius wishes for their lives to be as intertwined as the trees are, and the two bury their carvings near the special trees.

After returning to the village, the MC is pulled away to join the women's dance by the bonfire, while Marius accompanies the dance on drums with the men. Later that night as she sleeps, Marius guesses that the pattern the MC took great pains to hide had something to do with him and is pleased that she finally seems to be interested in him.

Illustrations

CrybabyIn the photo, a young Marius is sitting in the woods looking frustrated.

Intertwined TreesStanding underneath the ancient tree, Marius made a wish, hoping you'd be intertwined for the rest of your lives.

Video Call

Video Call		Marius: Will of the Trees (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Marius: Good afternoon! It's finally the weekend. Did you sleep in again?

Marius: Me? Nope. I wake up early every day.

Marius: Look. I picked the best photos from our trip to the rainforest and made them into an album. One for each of us!

Marius: Just flip through them and the beautiful memories will flash before your eyes.

Marius: Aren't I so thoughtful!?

Marius: Why aren't you saying anything? Do you not like it...?

Marius: Don't worry! I picked only the best photos of you. Each one can be considered a work of art.

Marius: People don't really make photo albums anymore. But I feel our precious memories deserve to be fitted with thick paper, fragrant ink, and an exquisite binding.

Marius: Do you not have work today? How about I come by your place to give you the album?

Marius: Uh... Wait, no. Why don't you come over instead?

Marius: Didn't you say that you wanted to look at photos of me as a kid? I have plenty of those at my place.

Marius: Why'd you go all red? It's not the first time you've been over at my place, so why are you so nervous?

Marius: I still remember the last time you came over. That night was wonderful.

Marius: Ahhh, don't hang up! I'm only kidding, Miss.

Marius: I'll bring the album over, so wait for me. See you in a bit!

Story Locations

Tambyani
Imana Rainforest Village

Tambyani
Plaza

Tambyani
Tribe Warehouse

Tambyani
Rainforest

Tambyani
Imana Rainforest Village

Tambyani
Inside the Residence

Story Characters

Marius von Hagen

Marius von Hagen

Giann von Hagen

Chief Imana

Indigenous Girl

Staff