=== Alear & Lindon === --- C --- [Lindon] Are you ready to begin, Divine One? [Alear] I think so, Lindon. [Alear] But I do want to double-check one last thing. [Alear] This experiment will somehow result in making people's lives easier and happier, right? [Lindon] Absolutely, Divine One. [Lindon] What I learn by examining you is certain to lead to a new discovery or three. [Lindon] I anticipate very interesting results relating to quality sleep. [Alear] Quality...sleep? [Lindon] You dozed for one thousand years, after all. [Lindon] It's fair to say no one has ever slept more soundly than you. Maybe we'll find out why. [Alear] Do you really think that's likely? [Lindon] I most certainly do! This could be a godsend for those who struggle with insomnia. [Alear] I hadn't thought of that. All right, sure. I'd love to help with your experiment. [Lindon] I greatly appreciate it, Divine One. [Lindon] The first step is to cast Thunder on you a few times to see how your body reacts. [Lindon] You'll grow numb to the pain soon enough, but your hair may not survive the experience. [Alear] You know, I've changed my mind. Sorry, but you'll have to find another test subject. --- B --- [Alear] I keep thinking back to what you were saying about sleep, Lindon. [Lindon] Ah, greetings, Divine One. [Alear] I'm still a firm no on that experiment, but I do want to talk about it with you. [Lindon] Are you sure you want to waste your time visiting this old codger? [Lindon] There are so many others you could talk to who'd have a real impact on your life. [Alear] What's gotten into you? Is this because you got a talking-to from Vander? [Lindon] ... [Alear] He wasn't happy to hear you might have burned my hair off. [Lindon] Er... Well, no use dredging up the distant past, I always say. [Alear] I know it won't happen again. So let's put it behind us and talk about sleep. [Lindon] I'm relieved to hear you don't hold a grudge, but even so, I don't know how much use I'll be. [Lindon] Find a more practical and efficient use of your time, or you'll regret it down the road. [Alear] Well, I'd hate to waste any time, it's true. [Alear] I of all people know how fleeting it can be. [Lindon] Well said. Now then... [Alear] All the more reason why we should sit and have this talk without delay, Lindon. [Alear] There's a lot I want to ask, and any more back- and-forth would be impractical and inefficient. [Lindon] Well─ But on the other hand─ [Lindon] Hmph. Too smart for your own good, I say! [Lindon] But have it your way. Whatever wisdom I've got is at your disposal. --- A --- [Lindon] My, but you're a quick study, Divine One. [Alear] I have a good teacher. [Lindon] Ha ha. Cheap flattery won't win me over. [Lindon] Ahh, but I never thought I'd live to see this day. [Lindon] A former royal knight of Elusia sitting with the Divine Dragon for a chat. [Lindon] If I could somehow go back and tell my younger self about it, I don't think I'd believe me. [Lindon] ... [Alear] Something on your mind? [Lindon] Just a request of the Divine Dragon from someone who has been around a while. [Lindon] Stay alive. No matter what foulness you see in this life. [Alear] Lindon? [Lindon] Among my many days were some so trying that I was tempted to give up and die. [Lindon] But something always came along afterward that made me glad I lived to see it. [Lindon] My friendship with you, Divine One, rates high among those happy occasions. [Alear] I'm touched that you'd say so. [Lindon] Push hard through those bleakest of nights toward the dawn where things seem brighter. [Lindon] If there's one bit of wisdom I'd want today's youth to heed from me, it's that. [Alear] I'll take it to heart. [Alear] Although I should mention, Lindon... [Alear] You talk a lot about how long-lived you are, but you realize I'm actually far older, right? [Lindon] Hahaha! I suppose you are, at that! [Lindon] You see? Every day's a surprise! Hahaha! --- S --- [Lindon] So this is the Pact Ring. I can tell already that there's great power bound up in it. [Lindon] You don't mind if I experiment with it a bit, hm? First, I'll test its reaction to Thunder... [Alear] Wait, stop! That ring is very important. [Lindon] Hahaha, just winding you up, Divine One. [Lindon] So, is there some reason you're showing me this ring? [Alear] I was hoping you'd wear it. [Lindon] Hm. I suppose I could, but why? [Alear] As a sign of our partnership. [Lindon] Um...pardon? [Lindon] What's gotten into you?! Why would you want a partnership with me, of all people? [Lindon] I thought you were bright, but you're proving yourself an utter fool! [Lindon] I'm far too old to enter into something new with anyone now. [Alear] I beg to differ. We work well together. This ring is a sign of the partnership we already have. [Alear] We're stronger together. I want to seal that bond in the hopes of saving the world. [Lindon] It has to be me, eh? There's no one younger? I only have so many years left. [Lindon] You do this, and you'll end up feeling like I did the day I lost my wife. [Lindon] Nothing but sorrow for you lies down that road. [Alear] Right now matters more to me. [Alear] You're alive now. I draw inspiration and strength from you now. [Alear] Besides, even if I choose someone younger, I'm a dragon. I'd outlive any of them anyway. [Lindon] Hm... [Alear] Do you really think I'm a fool to ask this of you? [Lindon] ... [Lindon] No, you aren't. If one of us is being foolish here, it's me. [Lindon] You came to me in need, and I brushed you off without a second thought. [Lindon] Give me the ring, and I'll give you whatever I've got left. [Alear] I appreciate that. Really and truly. [Lindon] Ah, listen to me! I sound so ungrateful. [Lindon] Thank you for this gift, . [Lindon] I'll make sure that it's worth your while. Now, shall we go save the world?