=== Alear & Merrin === --- C --- [Merrin] Divine One, I have something to discuss with you, if it's not too much trouble. [Alear] Oh? No, it's no trouble at all. [Alear] But first, you can loosen up a little. I don't bite, I promise. [Merrin] Aha, of course! Forgive me. [Merrin] I've been working up the courage to ask you about this. [Merrin] See, I love rare critters, and I especially love dragons. [Alear] So, you think of me as a...rare critter? [Merrin] Well, you're rare at least. You're the world's only Divine Dragon. [Merrin] So I was hoping you'd help me understand your species a little better. [Alear] Um... Wow. [Merrin] What's wrong? [Alear] Nothing, nothing. Please, go ahead. [Merrin] All right, I'll cut to the chase, then. Tell me, what is a typical day like for you? [Alear] Let's see... Someone wakes me up in the morning. I eat breakfast. I train until noon. [Alear] I live like a normal person, to be honest. Is that helpful? [Merrin] Very! Basic activity is much like that of an average human... [Alear] Wait... Are you writing all this down? [Merrin] Of course. This is excellent material for the book I'm working on about you. [Alear] Book?! You don't think that's a little much? [Merrin] What do you mean? Future generations deserve to know all about the Divine Dragon. [Alear] I, uh... I guess so. --- B --- [Merrin] Hmm... [Alear] ... [Alear] Merrin... It's difficult to train with you staring at me like that. [Merrin] Don't mind me. I'm not even here. [Merrin] I'm simply observing your behaviors to gather material for my book. [Alear] And how long do you plan to do that, exactly? [Merrin] As long as it takes. [Merrin] Don't you worry. I'm not going to stop until I've captured every last detail! [Alear] Oh, please, cut it out! [Merrin] What? I was just... [Alear] You were just nothing! I'm not one of your critters, OK? [Alear] Yes, I am a dragon. I live longer than humans and have certain unique abilities. [Alear] But I also have feelings. I don't appreciate being gawked at like an animal. [Merrin] Divine One, I'm so sorry! [Merrin] It's just that...to me, you are more than human. [Merrin] You're a truly divine being. I wanted to make sure future generations understood that. [Merrin] In hopes that they would protect you, the one and only Divine Dragon. [Merrin] But I never meant for you to feel like some kind of research specimen. [Alear] I know you didn't. It's all right. [Merrin] No, it's not! Because that's exactly how I made you feel, isn't it? [Merrin] Forget about the book. I'll stop writing it. I'm sorry, Divine One. [Alear] Merrin, please! It's really OK! --- A --- [Alear] Merrin, listen. I'm sorry for blowing up at you the other day. [Merrin] "Blowing up" is a bit strong... [Alear] I didn't understand that you were observing me so closely because you genuinely care. [Merrin] No... I was in the wrong, not you. [Merrin] I was completely oblivious to how my actions made you feel. [Alear] You know...now that we understand each other better, I'd be happy to help you. [Alear] There aren't many books about Divine Dragons, and nobody's asked me about my life before. [Alear] You want to fill that gap─help people learn about me. I can see the value in that. [Alear] What I'm trying to say is...please, observe to your heart's content. [Merrin] Really?! You mean it?! [Alear] I mean it. [Merrin] Thank you, Divine One! I really appreciate that. [Merrin] When I'm observing you, I forget about all the stress and worry. Everything bad slips away. [Merrin] I just feel...joyful! And I want to share that joy with others, you know? [Alear] Haha! You're truly one of a kind, Merrin. Maybe I should write a book about you. [Merrin] You flatter me, Divine One. [Alear] I do have a request. Stop thinking of me as "more than human," all right? [Alear] I may be the only Divine Dragon, but hey. You're one of a kind too. [Merrin] Hehe, you make a good point! I guess we're both rare critters, aren't we? [Alear] Exactly. [Alear] Oh, and also? I want to be the first to read this book of yours. [Merrin] Of course! I can't think of anyone better to fact-check it. --- S --- [Merrin] Divine One! I've finished a draft of my book! Would you mind giving it a read? [Alear] I'd be happy to. Let me take a look... [Alear] "The Divine Dragon awoke in a floating castle after 1,000 years of slumber... [Alear] "Humble and kind, the Divine Dragon fought with a courageous heart to protect the people." [Alear] I think I'm starting to blush... [Merrin] It is the truth. [Alear] "The Divine Dragon can live thousands of years and possesses powers that humans do not. [Alear] "However, this dragon's habitat and behaviors are no different than those of a typical human. [Alear] "And let it be noted, the Divine Dragon is the most precious being in the world to the author." [Alear] Merrin, this is... [Merrin] I'm sorry. I had to write it. Don't worry, I'll cut it from the final copy. It's just... [Merrin] Divine One, I need you to know how important you are to me. [Merrin] And I want people to always remember there was a human who cared very deeply for you. [Alear] ... [Alear] I want you to leave it in. [Merrin] I don't... [Alear] And please add this: "The author of the book was equally as precious to the Divine Dragon. [Alear] "So much so, the Divine Dragon gave Merrin the Pact Ring and vowed to be with her always." [Merrin] D-Divine One! You cannot give me something so precious! [Alear] If you care so very deeply for me, you have to accept it. [Alear] Your book must tell the truth─that the Divine Dragon adored a human named Merrin. [Merrin] If that's how you feel. Thank you, Divine One. [Alear] When this incredible book is done, I hope people will see that I'm not so different from them. [Merrin] Yes, there's just one problem. I can't finish it yet. [Alear] Why not? [Merrin] I have to write about our life together─about how a human and dragon cared for one another. [Alear] You make a good point, Merrin. And I can't wait to write that part of the story with you. [Merrin] Yes! [Merrin] I adore you, Divine One. The stories we write together will be told for thousands of years.