=== Alear & Jade === --- C --- [Alear] Jade! Are you OK?! [Jade] Oh. Divine One. [Alear] I heard you were attacked by bandits! I rushed here to check on you. [Jade] Thank you, but I'm fine. I drove them all away. [Alear] Why did they attack you like that? [Jade] I've run into that group before. [Jade] I used to be the guard for the mine near my hometown. I stopped them from looting it once. [Jade] They must have tracked me down for revenge. [Alear] Now? After all this time? [Jade] I was pretty infamous among the bandits in our area. They used to call me the "Iron Wall." [Jade] Looks like I'm the target of a few deep, long- standing grudges. [Jade] But it's fine. I can handle anything they throw at me. They're not much of a threat. [Alear] I know you're strong, Jade, but I'm still worried. [Alear] If you ever need backup, you can always count on me. I'll do whatever I can. [Jade] Oh, I wouldn't want to burden you like that, Divine One...but thank you. --- B --- [Alear] Hello, Jade. Nice weather today. [Jade] Yes, Divine One. It is. [Alear] Did you see that sunset yesterday? Gorgeous. [Jade] Yes, it was. [Alear] ... [Jade] ... [Jade] Divine One... We've been running into each other a lot lately, haven't we? [Alear] I suppose we have. I'm not bothering you, am I? [Jade] I think I know what's going on. [Jade] You want to be nearby in case those bandits try to attack me again. Is that right? [Alear] Ah. I guess I didn't hide it very well. [Jade] I appreciate your concern, but I can handle them myself. [Jade] You don't have to watch over me. I'm sure you have better things to do. [Alear] Well...I do have some free time that I could be enjoying right now. [Alear] You wouldn't mind if I just relaxed around here for a while, would you? [Jade] ... [Alear] I know how strong you are, Jade. [Alear] I'm not doing this because I think you can't handle it. I'm here because I want to help. [Jade] As you wish, Divine One. --- A --- [Jade] ... [Alear] Jade! Are you OK? [Jade] Yes, Divine One. I just made it back. [Alear] Thank goodness. You don't look hurt...but I can't believe you did something so reckless. [Alear] Sneaking out to ambush those bandits at their hideout all by yourself... Unbelievable! [Jade] I knew the risk I was taking. I had to settle things once and for all. [Jade] If I didn't, their revenge plots might have dragged on forever. [Alear] ... [Jade] Everything is fine now. The bandits have been defeated and placed in military custody. [Jade] I made sure to leave a lasting impression...and plenty of bruises. They won't be back. [Jade] Thank you for being so concerned. You won't have to worry about my safety anymore. [Alear] Amazing. You took care of it all on your own, just like you said you would. [Alear] I admit...I'm a bit disappointed. I really hoped that I would be able to help you with this. [Jade] Oh, I would never drag you into my unresolved business like that, Divine One. [Alear] Why not? We're friends, Jade. [Jade] Friends... [Jade] Hm. [Alear] What's wrong? [Jade] I'm just happy. [Jade] I know I can be hard to read sometimes. I'm not very good at expressing my emotions. [Jade] But I am sorry for making you worry. Thank you for caring about me, Divine One. [Alear] You're very welcome, Jade. --- S --- [Alear] Say, Jade... Your father studies gems, and your mother is a jeweler. Is that right? [Jade] That's right, Divine One. [Jade] I used to live in a mining town. Everyone there had jobs related to minerals and gems. [Jade] I would try to help my mother with her jewelry from time to time, but I was all thumbs. [Jade] So, in the end, I settled on being a guard for our town's mine. [Alear] You've probably been dealing with gems and jewelry since you were a child. [Jade] Sure. I guess I'm more knowledgeable than most. [Alear] In that case, I'd like you to tell me what you make of this... [Jade] The Pact Ring? [Jade] Hmm. [Jade] There's a mysterious power inside. No other ring has ever felt like this... [Alear] That's just how it felt for me. [Alear] Well, that ring and its power are both yours now, Jade. [Jade] Huh? Wh-what do you mean? [Alear] I mean they're yours─if you'll have them. Let them be a symbol of our growing bond. [Alear] I want to stay by your side, Jade. Then you'll never have to fight alone again. [Alear] So...will you take the ring? Please? [Jade] ... [Alear] You really aren't kidding about being hard to read, are you? [Alear] But I think I understand. I know what you're feeling right now. [Jade] Yes. I know you do. [Jade] I'm happy. I'm very, very happy. [Jade] It really is the Pact Ring... Thank you. So much. [Alear] Will you continue to walk the road ahead by my side? [Jade] Of course, Divine Dragon . [Jade] The bond we share is now stronger than iron... and nothing will break it.