=== Alear & Boucheron === --- C --- [Boucheron] Are you all right there, Divine One? [Alear] Boucheron? Why do you ask? [Boucheron] Oh, I just thought you seemed a little worn out. [Alear] Ouch, you noticed? I am feeling sort of sluggish. [Boucheron] Hm, that's not good. You're eating three meals a day, I hope? [Alear] Yes. I don't think my diet is the issue. [Boucheron] Well then, how about your sleep? [Alear] About the usual. [Boucheron] Hmm... So you're eating and sleeping fine, but you still feel groggy. [Boucheron] It could be stress. [Alear] You think so? [Boucheron] I wouldn't be surprised. Going to war is stressful for anyone. [Boucheron] What have you been doing as stress relief? [Alear] Nothing. It hadn't even occurred to me. Why, what do you do? [Boucheron] I have several ways to blow off steam. [Boucheron] Like going up a mountain alone and spending some quiet time fishing. [Alear] Wow. That does sound relaxing. [Boucheron] Would you like to join me sometime? The "alone" part of it is optional, really. [Alear] Yes! I would love that. Please come get me the next time you head out! --- B --- [Boucheron] How are you liking this mountain air, Divine One? [Alear] It's so clear. Everything about this place is gorgeous. [Alear] Just standing here is doing a lot to clear my mind. [Boucheron] I'm glad it's working as intended. [Alear] Is this the stream you mentioned before? [Boucheron] Yes. Well, probably. It's got to be one of the ones around here. I think. [Alear] You sound...less than sure. [Boucheron] It's this terrible sense of direction I have. [Boucheron] I've tried to visit the same spot twice, but I've never had any luck. [Alear] Now you tell me... [Boucheron] What's the matter? You seem worried. [Alear] I'm suddenly wondering if we're going to be able to find our way home. [Boucheron] Haha, don't worry about that. I've been breaking tree branches to mark our path. [Boucheron] Look over there. See that broken branch? It shows we came...that way... [Boucheron] Huh? Aww... [Alear] I'm not seeing it. [Boucheron] Ugh... [Boucheron] I could swear I broke that branch! [Alear] Um, which one? [Boucheron] What? None of these branches are broken! I am so sorry, Divine One. [Boucheron] But I think it'll be OK. Let's try going in this direction! [Alear] Actually, let's head the other way. [Boucheron] What? Why? [Alear] If your sense of direction is that bad, we should do the opposite of whatever your instinct says. [Boucheron] Hm, fair point! Haha, off we go! --- A --- [Boucheron] I feel just terrible about the other day, Divine One. [Boucheron] I hope my poor sense of direction didn't stress you out even more. [Alear] I wouldn't worry too much. We got home safely, and the whole thing was even kind of fun. [Boucheron] Whew. That does make me feel better. [Alear] So, how else do you relieve stress? [Boucheron] I do enjoy a good book. Diving into a whole other world helps me forget about ours. [Boucheron] I highly recommend this─it's a classic from my homeland called, "Love in Bloom." [Alear] It's very...damp. And wrinkled. [Boucheron] Oh, sorry about that. It's from tears. [Alear] Excuse me?! [Boucheron] It doesn't take much to get the waterworks going for me. That's why, uh... [Boucheron] That's why I get misty just looking at the cover for this one. [Alear] That's all it takes?! [Boucheron] Don't be fooled. Reading really is very relaxing. And this is one of my favorites. [Alear] All right, then... Let's see here... [Boucheron] Wait! I'm going to need a moment after seeing the table of contents... [Alear] Is this for real?! [Boucheron] I'm sorry, Divine One... This can't be very relaxing. I'll leave you alone with the book. [Alear] Are you sure? I really don't mind. [Alear] Besides, I think people would start to worry if they saw you walking around in tears. [Boucheron] Uwah... Oh, Divine One, you're too kind! Wait until we get to the introductory paragraph... [Alear] At this rate, we'll finish the war before the first chapter... --- S --- [Boucheron] You called, Divine One? Is everything all right? [Alear] Hello, Boucheron. I've been thinking about your stress-relief tips. [Alear] But the reason I called you here is for something else altogether. [Boucheron] Hm? [Alear] You're here so I can tell you three things. [Alear] First, I'd like to thank you. [Alear] I hope you know that your unwavering support is always appreciated. [Boucheron] Please, think nothing of it. I'm just happy I can help you in some way. [Alear] I must say, your dedication is very charming. As is your humility. [Boucheron] You think I'm charming? [Alear] Yes. That was actually the second thing I wanted to tell you, so...there it is. [Alear] But there's one last thing I have to get off my chest. Here goes... [Alear] ... [Alear] Sorry, I'm just...feeling a little emotional about this. [Boucheron] ... [Alear] What's the matter? [Boucheron] I can't watch you get so emotional without getting all choked up myself. [Alear] That's the kind of all-out supportiveness that I think makes me like you so much. [Boucheron] Hm? [Alear] Boucheron, will you take the Pact Ring and promise to stay with me? [Alear] I think we have something special, and I'd hate to lose that after the war. [Boucheron] You─ You mean it? Oh, Divine One, I'm so happy right now I could cry. [Boucheron] But no, I've gotta keep it together long enough to tell you this. [Boucheron] I'm no royal or steward, just an ordinary knight. But I've always held you in high esteem. [Alear] Is that a yes, then? [Boucheron] Of course I'll take the ring. It's proof that we're of the same mind about each other. [Boucheron] If you'd have me, I'd follow you to the ends of the earth. [Alear] Thank you, Boucheron. This is cause for celebration. [Boucheron] Haha, you took the words right out of my mouth. [Boucheron] I may get lost in life and feel emotional, but I'll always find my way with you, .