=== Alear & Mauvier === --- C --- [Alear] Mauvier, I'm curious. What are some of your favorite things? [Mauvier] Pardon? Why would you wish to know? [Alear] I've decided to give you a gift as a token of my gratitude. [Mauvier] A gift from the Divine Dragon? [Mauvier] For what reason? Perhaps you are mistaken about who I am. [Alear] You are Veyle's knight, yes? [Alear] Veyle is alive today because of your actions. [Alear] She is my only sibling, and I cannot thank you enough for protecting her. [Mauvier] ... [Alear] Do you understand why I might want to reward you for such service? [Mauvier] I understand. However... [Mauvier] Knowing I have your gratitude is reward enough. [Alear] Only my gratitude? [Mauvier] I am pleased you value my efforts to aid the Lady Veyle. [Mauvier] I am not a "good person." As your former enemy, I am unworthy of your praise. [Mauvier] Pardon me. I am needed elsewhere. [Alear] Mauvier, you don't... --- B --- [Alear] I've been thinking about how you said you are not a good person. I heartily disagree. [Alear] For example, I've watched you go out of your way to help people in town. [Mauvier] My past actions serve as evidence that I am otherwise. I strive now only for penance. [Mauvier] I once wished to live a humble life. I followed the Fell Dragon as I was taught. [Mauvier] That path led to my becoming the enemy of many. Most notably, you. [Alear] But those days are gone... [Mauvier] Anything I say will be a weak excuse for my part in my own downfall. [Mauvier] I failed to stop Lady Veyle or the rampage of the Four Hounds. [Mauvier] So long as I bear those sins, I am unworthy of redemption or forgiveness. [Mauvier] My acts of kindness towards the people of this town are only a selfish attempt at atonement. [Alear] ... [Mauvier] Any words of praise─from anyone, especially you─give me no pleasure. Only suffering. [Alear] How long do you expect your penance to last? [Mauvier] I do not know. [Mauvier] I do not think my work will be done, even after death. [Mauvier] I am guilty of too much to hope otherwise. --- A --- [Alear] May I join you as you help the village today? [Mauvier] Pardon me? [Mauvier] It is inappropriate for the Divine Dragon to help with such menial tasks. [Alear] I disagree. [Mauvier] You are a strange one. [Mauvier] Why do you feel you must be so kind to me? [Alear] Well, I realized something after spending time with you. We have quite a bit in common. [Mauvier] Impossible. You have never engaged in villainy. [Alear] We are, each of us, unable to resist offering a helping hand to those in need. [Alear] Our only difference? You momentarily strayed from the path. But now you are home. [Mauvier] Are you making excuses for my actions? [Alear] You can't forgive your past mistakes precisely because you're a good person. [Alear] The only fault I can see in your character is that you don't believe you can be good. [Alear] You don't need to burden yourself with shame or seek atonement... [Alear] All you need to do is trust your friends and stand by their side. [Mauvier] ... [Alear] Please trust me, Mauvier. I want nothing more than to help you. [Mauvier] I have made so many mistakes that I have long told myself I am beyond redemption. [Mauvier] Yet, you make me question my way of thinking. [Mauvier] Perhaps the Divine Dragon understands who I am better than I do myself. [Alear] Of course not. [Mauvier] I accept your offer of help in the village. That is, if you are still willing. [Alear] Let's get to it. [Mauvier] What an odd sensation! My chest feels warm. [Alear] That's happiness. A feeling you deserve, and one you are about to give to others. [Mauvier] With the Divine Dragon by my side, anything is possible. [Mauvier] Thank you. I would never have found my way without you. --- S --- [Mauvier] Thank you for your help today─aiding in the relief of these troubled people. [Alear] Guiding the lost, mediating conflicts... A lot has happened today. [Mauvier] Tiring work, but worth it to see people smile. [Mauvier] I've realized my charitable acts were always penance to alleviate my own pains. No more. [Alear] I do see you smile more than you used to. [Alear] It's a wonderful thing, seeing you heal. [Mauvier] I can trust myself─and others─unlike before. And it is trust that has helped me to find peace. [Mauvier] It is because of you that I have found this truth about myself. [Alear] Oh? [Mauvier] Is my statement so odd? [Alear] Not at all. I was just thinking how nice it is to hear that you are happy. [Alear] I have been considering something... No. Perhaps not. [Mauvier] Did you just hide something? [Alear] No. Not at all. I've not hidden anything. [Alear] Oh no... [Mauvier] Is this...the Pact Ring? Why would you risk having something so valuable here? [Alear] I─ Um... I was... [Mauvier] ... [Mauvier] Divine One...do you mean to... Will you give me this ring? [Alear] Huh?! I... [Alear] This ring marks a bond between myself and someone I consider very dear to me. [Alear] Asking for this ring is saying you wish to be my partner... [Alear] Is that what you want? [Mauvier] Indeed. [Mauvier] You saved me, body and soul. [Mauvier] At first, I was thankful. Then the feeling grew. You became quite special to me. [Mauvier] When I saw the Pact Ring just now, I finally acknowledged those feelings. [Mauvier] I realized I should be the one beside you. [Alear] Mauvier... [Mauvier] However, I fear I am not worthy of this ring. Not in this moment. [Mauvier] But...I will be someday. Will you consider my request? [Alear] ... [Alear] You know...I've almost offered you this ring once or twice before. [Mauvier] ... [Alear] You are brave, fierce, and loving. Your kind heart is why I'm drawn to you. [Alear] Still, I could never work up the courage. I'm so glad you asked. [Alear] I wonder what Veyle would think of this? [Mauvier] Lady Veyle recently mentioned that she cares about us both and our happiness. [Alear] Heh, did she? How very Veyle to see what neither of us would admit. [Alear] Well then, it is time for me to muster my courage after all. [Alear] Mauvier, please accept this ring and become my partner. [Mauvier] I accept, and I am honored. [Alear] I hope you will cherish this ring and our bond forever and always. [Mauvier] I shall, Divine Dragon . [Mauvier] I thought I would never feel happiness. Now I know nothing else. I will always be by your side.