=== Alear & Lapis === --- C --- [Alear] Oh, Lapis! I wanted to thank you for all of your support in our recent battles. [Lapis] Oh, I didn't really do much out there. [Lapis] I was just following your lead. You don't have to thank me for that, Divine One. [Lapis] There were lots of other, more skilled warriors in those battles. You should thank them instead. [Alear] Lapis, please. You're strong and you think fast. You should have confidence in your abilities. [Lapis] Confidence? I don't know about that... [Lapis] I'm thrilled to be a retainer, but everyone else is much more qualified. I'm not even a noble. [Lapis] I wouldn't want to sound arrogant when I rank so far beneath everyone else. [Alear] Wow. You're pretty hard on yourself, huh? I guess that can be a good motivator... [Alear] But you shouldn't compare yourself to others like that. Everyone has different skills. [Alear] Be a little more kind to yourself, OK? Like I said, you've earned a bit of confidence. [Lapis] But... Well, Divine One, I... I'm not sure what to say to all of that. [Lapis] I'm not used to being complimented like this. [Lapis] I should go. Please excuse me. [Alear] Lapis sounds so sure that she doesn't really belong here. [Alear] There has to be some way to help her work past that mindset. --- B --- [Lapis] Huh?! You're serious? You really want to train with me today, Divine One? [Alear] Yes! I thought it would be nice to work together every once in a while. [Lapis] That's so exciting! Thank you for carving out the time. [Alear] So, what am I in for, Lapis? What's your usual training regimen? [Lapis] I start with some drills using different weapons, try a few practice swings...then do heavy lifting. [Lapis] I strap a weighted pack to my back and go for a long run. Sometimes I climb a mountain. [Alear] That...seems like it would build up an incredible amount of endurance. [Lapis] Oh, if you're going to train with me, you'll need a pack too. I'll make you one real quick! [Alear] You're going to make a weighted pack? [Lapis] Sure! It's not too hard. I had to make most things by hand back in the countryside. [Alear] Countryside? [Lapis] Ah! [Lapis] Ahh! I...I meant, "can't decide!" I can't decide, uh, whether to make you a pack or not! [Alear] Oh. Well, I'd love it if you did. I think it's really amazing you can make those kinds of things. [Lapis] Ooh, please don't tease me like that. [Alear] I'm not teasing. Your crafting skills could be very useful on the battlefield. [Alear] Would you be willing to teach me how to make a few things? I'd like to learn. [Lapis] ... [Lapis] It feels...strange to be complimented for such a modest skill. [Lapis] But yes, I can show you how to make a pack right now. Watch closely! [Alear] All right. [Alear] Whoa! Your hands move so fast! Can we, uh, go back a few steps? --- A --- [Lapis] Hello, Divine One. I have something for you! [Alear] Are these crafting tools? [Lapis] Yep! You said you wanted to learn crafting, and you can't practice without a set of your own. [Alear] Thank you for these. [Lapis] I should be thanking you, really. [Lapis] I've been down on myself for a long time. You helped me shake some of that off. [Lapis] Your kind words about my crafting skills made me feel more confident in myself. [Alear] Good! You really are amazing, Lapis. [Alear] I watched you make that weighted pack like it was nothing. I still have a lot to learn from you. [Lapis] OK! I could show you how to make a rake. [Alear] A rake? What would we use that for? [Lapis] Harvesting taters. [Alear] Taters. [Lapis] Yeah! I can make a rake that works on all kinds. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, Brodian yams... [Alear] Brodian yams? [Lapis] Well, Brodia is in the name, but they can grow everywhere. I even found a few near here! [Lapis] They're so sweet when you boil them... Ugh, now I want some. Let's get started on that rake! [Alear] Amazing. Like I said, I still have a lot to learn from you, Lapis. --- S --- [Alear] Hello, Lapis. Do you have a moment? [Lapis] Sure, Divine One! What can I do for you? [Alear] Well...I want you to have this. [Lapis] Wow. What is this? The metalwork is beautiful. It looks all fancy and expensive... Ah! Wait! [Lapis] Is... Is this the Pact Ring?! [Alear] It is. Look at the back side. [Lapis] Why is my name engraved here? [Alear] I carved it there using the crafting tools you gave me. [Lapis] What? You did this to the ring yourself? Using the tools I made for you?! [Lapis] Ahh, an engraving like this can't be removed! Why did you do this? [Alear] I have no intention of undoing it. I carved your name into it because I want you to have it. [Alear] What do you say, Lapis? Will you wear the Pact Ring? [Lapis] ... [Lapis] You know, there was a time when a situation like this would've had me fleeing in shame... [Lapis] But...I care about you, Divine One. And it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. [Alear] Does that mean... [Lapis] Of course. I will accept this ring. [Lapis] You took such care in carving my name into it... How could I possibly say no after that? [Alear] Thank you, Lapis. I'm so glad. [Lapis] Um... I actually have something important to tell you, Divine One. You see, I... [Alear] You're from a village of yam farmers, right? Way out in the Brodian countryside? [Lapis] Huh? How did you know that?! [Alear] I read up on Brodian yams. It's just a nickname. The only people who call them that are... [Lapis] Yam farmers. Ugh. My secret is out...but I think I'm glad. That's a big part of who I am. [Alear] Indeed. And I'm giving you the Pact Ring because of who you are, Lapis. [Lapis] Thank you, Divine Dragon ... [Lapis] You'll be safe with me. It turns out we're both pretty crafty...so let's carve out a better world!