=== Alear & Diamant === --- C --- [Alear] Ah! One of the Corrupted! [Diamant] The Corrupted? Where? [Alear] Diamant! Help! [Diamant] Hyah! [Alear] Thanks for the save, Diamant. Sorry to trouble you like that. [Diamant] No trouble at all. However, I must ask... [Diamant] How did that creature manage to overpower and frighten the Divine One? [Alear] It came out of nowhere! I just started running. I'm...not really good with the Corrupted. [Diamant] Not good with them? You handle them in battle just fine. [Alear] It's different on the battlefield. I can spot them first, then steel myself before engaging. [Alear] That last Corrupted soldier got the drop on me. My guard was down. [Alear] I'm an easy target for them outside of battle. [Diamant] Hm, I don't follow. [Alear] Isn't there something that makes your skin crawl, Diamant? [Diamant] I suppose...hairy caterpillars can have that sort of effect on me. [Alear] OK, let's say you knew you were about to see a big caterpillar. You'd have a chance to prepare. [Alear] Now imagine you're eating dinner at home, and a caterpillar suddenly drops onto your plate. [Diamant] Hmm... [Alear] Wouldn't that startle you? Wouldn't you cry out in surprise? [Diamant] I probably would. [Alear] That's what sneak attacks from the Corrupted feel like─caterpillars dropping on my plate. [Diamant] I understand. Very clear explanation, Divine One. [Alear] That was a strange example, but I'm glad you followed it. [Alear] Sorry you had to watch me struggle like that. How unflattering... [Alear] I wish I was flawless like you, Diamant. [Diamant] Flawless? Hm. --- B --- [Diamant] ... [Alear] That's the most concerned I've ever seen you look, Diamant. [Diamant] Oh, Divine One. I apologize. Didn't think anyone else was here. [Alear] What's that you're holding? [Diamant] This is a medal my father gave to me a while back. A commendation from the king. [Alear] From King Morion... [Diamant] I was with our troops during an intense battle against Elusia. We found ourselves surrounded. [Diamant] We needed to make a quick retreat, so I took command out of sheer desperation. [Diamant] When we returned, Father gave me this medal. It felt like the first time he saw me as a leader. [Diamant] But occasionally...I wonder... [Diamant] Was it my leadership that got us home, or was it pure luck? Perhaps I didn't earn this. [Alear] So, even the crown prince of Brodia suffers through moments of self-doubt. [Diamant] Sorry to shatter the illusion. [Diamant] To protect my country's reputation, I must insist you keep this conversation private. [Alear] Of course. You saw me in a vulnerable moment with that Corrupted soldier, so let's call it even. [Alear] But I will say one thing... [Diamant] Mm? [Alear] Knowing that you do have a vulnerable side makes me feel a bit closer to you. [Alear] Vulnerability isn't always a bad thing. [Diamant] Hm. You're a peculiar leader, Divine One. --- A --- [Alear] ... [Diamant] Divine One? Are you training? [Alear] Yes. I can't shake this feeling that I'm not strong enough. [Alear] The truth is...I'm worried. And I feel weak. How can I restore peace to the world in this state? [Diamant] Huh. [Alear] What is it, Diamant? [Diamant] It's just...surprising. I never would have guessed that the Divine One had doubts like this. [Alear] Of course I do. I worry a lot. My plate is full, and caterpillars keep dropping on it! [Diamant] Hahaha! [Alear] You know what I mean, right? [Diamant] Yes. And I see what you meant earlier about vulnerability. I feel closer to you too. [Alear] Really? All of a sudden? But you've seen this side of me before. [Alear] I fled from that Corrupted soldier in such a panic. [Diamant] Haha, I remember. [Diamant] What I mean is, you make me feel safe enough to discuss my deepest concerns. [Diamant] If it weren't for you, I might still be clutching that medal and thinking about my father. [Diamant] I'm grateful for that. Thank you, Divine One. [Alear] I feel the same way. I appreciate having an ally to confide in too. [Alear] I suspect we have a lot in common. [Diamant] You might be right. [Alear] Let's keep this up. We may seem guarded to the others, but I'll always be open to chat with you. --- S --- [Diamant] Divine One? Is this a good time to talk? [Alear] Sure. What is it, Diamant? [Diamant] I'd like for you to have this. [Alear] You're giving me a ring? [Diamant] I am. It's made from the medal my father gave to me. I had it melted down and recast. [Alear] The medal from your father?! Why would you do that? It was so important to you! [Diamant] In Brodia, medals and tokens change form whenever they change hands. It's tradition. [Alear] I don't know about this. I couldn't possibly take something so precious from you. [Diamant] You wanted us to keep relying on each other, right? And offer mutual support? [Diamant] Think of this as a reminder. I'll always be around when you need me. [Alear] I see... [Diamant] So? Will you accept the ring, Divine One? [Alear] Well, Diamant... [Alear] I'm not sure I'm worthy of such a personal gift. [Alear] I guess I'll just have to do everything I can to live up to this. [Diamant] So you will accept it? [Alear] I will. [Diamant] I'm glad to hear it, Divine One. [Alear] This is actually pretty funny... I have something I'd like to give you as well. [Diamant] The Pact Ring? [Alear] I was planning on giving this to you soon, but you beat me to the punch. [Diamant] But this ring is so important... [Alear] So is the ring you just gave me! [Alear] There's no one I'd rather have by my side, Diamant. I won't take no for an answer. [Diamant] Don't worry. I enjoy fighting beside you too much to turn this down. I accept your gift. [Diamant] Amazing. It's like I can feel the history of the Divine Dragons─the history of Lythos itself. [Alear] I feel the history of Brodia within your ring as well, Diamant. [Diamant] It's changed in form between fathers and sons, but that item tells the story of my kingdom. [Alear] If we hope to add worthwhile stories of our own, we'd better help each other out. [Diamant] I'm not worried. When we work together, there's nothing we can't do. [Diamant] I vow to protect you, Divine One. From this point on, I will always fight by your side.