=== Alear & Pandreo === --- C --- [Pandreo] Ah, Divine One! Just the dragon I was hoping to see. I could use a favor. [Alear] Oh? What kind of favor? [Pandreo] I'm hosting a party soon, and I'd like for you to be there. [Pandreo] At our church, you're the center of our everything─our deity! [Pandreo] I think your attendance would really raise everyone's spirits. [Alear] Hmm. Tell me more about this party. What is it going to be like? [Pandreo] Oh, nothing formal. Just an occasion to sing, dance, and have a good time. [Pandreo] You can blow off some steam and lend an ear to the other guests. Hear their stories. [Alear] That sounds fun, but... What does my listening to people have to do with anything? [Pandreo] Don't you see? It would be incredibly encouraging to everyone! [Pandreo] The first time I saw you with my own eyes was like...like seeing the light! [Alear] Haha, you're coming on a little strong. [Pandreo] Excuse me. Got a little intense there, didn't I! [Pandreo] Anyway...it's short notice, so there's no need to let me know right away. [Pandreo] But I'll tell you, I don't throw so-so parties. If I'm hosting it, you know it'll be a blowout. [Alear] OK. I'll keep that in mind. [Pandreo] Thank you, Divine One. --- B --- [Alear] Pandreo...I'm sorry, but after thinking about it, I'm going to pass on the party invitation. [Pandreo] Ah, your schedule's full? That's too bad. Maybe next time. [Alear] No, it's not about my schedule. [Pandreo] Oh. Then can I ask why? [Alear] From a distance, people may see me as a... a god. But up close, I'm nothing special. [Alear] Why disappoint everyone by letting them find out that the Divine Dragon is just...a person? [Pandreo] That's what you're worried about? I must have given you the wrong impression. [Pandreo] Listen. When I was a boy, you saved my life. [Alear] What? How? I was asleep. [Pandreo] Well, my parents were...scummy, frankly. They left my sister and me when we were little. [Pandreo] But a priest at the church turned my life around with a little-known prophecy... [Pandreo] "When the dragon child rises from their slumber on the dais, saved the world will be." [Alear] ... [Pandreo] Screwed up as the world got, it would be saved. That gave me the hope I needed to keep going. [Pandreo] And I'm not alone. The faithful have always believed that you would awaken. [Pandreo] So no, you won't disappoint them. You're living proof that their hopes are coming to pass. [Alear] I understand now. [Alear] All right, Pandreo. You've convinced me. I'll come to that party of yours. [Pandreo] Thank you, thank you! Everyone will be thrilled to see you there. --- A --- [Pandreo] Pinch me. I mean, did that really happen? [Pandreo] Did I just go to a party with the actual Divine Dragon? [Alear] I was glad to see everyone having a good time. [Pandreo] You gave them a reason to hold on to hope. I can't thank you enough for that. [Alear] I should be thanking you. All the music and merriment really did lift my spirits. [Alear] I'm feeling more hopeful myself. [Pandreo] And what did I tell you? Not one disappointed face in the house. [Alear] True. I almost feel embarrassed that I passed on your invitation at first. [Alear] I owe it to those people to stay strong. [Pandreo] One day you'll bring peace to the world. [Pandreo] And I'll help in whatever small way I can. Together, we'll lead everyone to a better future. [Alear] Oh, I almost forgot. I have to ask you about something. [Pandreo] Of course. What is it? [Alear] At one point, everyone started...howling. What was that all about? [Pandreo] Oooh, uh... Em... That...um... [Pandreo] That's just a way members of my congregation express their fervor. A little crass, I know. [Pandreo] Please erase it from your memory. [Alear] Sure thing! AROOO! [Pandreo] Divine One, please! [Alear] Hahah! Ooh, that was fun! Now I get the appeal! --- S --- [Alear] AROOO! Hey there, Pandreo. [Pandreo] Divine One! I wish you wouldn't do the whole howling thing. It's so beneath you. [Alear] OK, OK, if you say so. [Alear] Anyway, what's going on? [Pandreo] Well, there's something I'd like to talk to you about. [Pandreo] ... [Pandreo] I guess I'll just say it... I have feelings for you, . [Alear] What?! Where did this come from all of a sudden? [Pandreo] There's nothing sudden about it. I've felt like this for a long time. [Pandreo] I know it must be sacrilegious─a cleric caring this much for someone as holy as you... [Pandreo] But as a man of the cloth, I don't feel right hiding this secret. [Pandreo] And it's OK, Divine One. I know you can't commit yourself to a humble cleric like me. [Pandreo] I just appreciate you hearing what I had to say, self-indulgent as it was. I should go now. [Alear] Please, wait. [Pandreo] Huh? [Alear] Who says a Divine Dragon and a cleric can't commit themselves to each other? Tell me. [Pandreo] That would be...um... [Alear] Please, Pandreo. You helped me understand something important... [Alear] You helped me understand what I mean to people and what my role in all of this truly is. [Alear] You made me feel connected. [Alear] You are so precious to me. And yet, you say I'm not allowed to feel like this? [Pandreo] Divine One... [Pandreo] No. No one can tell you how to feel or how not to feel. No one. [Alear] Then please, take this. It's the Pact Ring. I want you to wear it. I want you to be by my side. [Pandreo] ... [Pandreo] If that's what you want from me... [Alear] Yes, Pandreo. That's what I want. [Pandreo] Did you feel that? Everything got just a bit brighter. [Alear] Maybe that's my mother. Maybe she's letting us know how happy this makes her. [Pandreo] Queen Lumera? I hope so. [Alear] When two people have feelings for each other like we do, that can't be forbidden or denied. [Alear] You and I will walk hand-in-hand together from now on. [Pandreo] Yes. [Pandreo] Divine One, I adore you. And no matter what lies ahead, I will never let go of your hand.