=== Alear & Panette === --- C --- [Panette] HYAAA! [Alear] That was incredible! [Panette] Yes. Learn to strike with that much force and you are sure to trounce all comers. [Panette] In truth, I was rather surprised when you asked me for lessons in brawling. [Panette] I take it you wish to give someone a forceful talking-to. A debtor, perhaps? [Alear] What? No, nothing like that. [Alear] I figure that I could lose my weapon when I'm in battle or get ambushed when I'm not. [Alear] Just in case, it's best I learn how to hold my own in physical combat. [Panette] I see. That is quite shrewd, Divine One. [Panette] Very well. I shall instruct you in the ancient art of the fisticuffs. [Panette] How to hone an indomitable spirit. How to repel foes with a mere scowl. [Panette] There is much I can teach you. [Alear] I see. Well, I'm ready to learn! [Panette] Good. I will make you into the most fearsome of scrappers. Let us begin! --- B --- [Panette] In a brawl, the most crucial blow is the first. Victory oft rests on attacking before your foe. [Panette] Thus, you must be agile─agile enough to strike with a raptor's swiftness! [Alear] Be agile. Got it. [Panette] That way, even if your enemies do attack first, you will be able to evade their fists. [Alear] Makes sense... [Panette] Is something the matter, Divine One? [Alear] I'm just surprised that a noblewoman like you knows so much about brawling. [Panette] I suppose there is no need to obscure the truth. The woman standing before you is not a noble. [Panette] Why, in time past, she was quite wild indeed. [Alear] Really?! [Panette] Yes. My parents were awful─gallivanting about with nary a thought for their children. [Panette] So I fled. Before the princess appointed me, I lived a roaming, solitary life. [Panette] It was then that I learned how to fistfight. [Alear] I'm sorry you had to endure all of that. [Panette] Sorry? If not for running away from that wretched home, I would hardly be who I am. [Alear] I see. Well... Would you like to tell me more about your past? [Alear] I think it might help me to hear about your life before you met Princess Timerra. [Panette] Why, of course. [Panette] If my stories of woe can help you, I would be all too happy to share them. --- A --- [Panette] Aw, damn. I guess it won't be so easy to find them after all. [Alear] Panette? You're up late. [Panette] Ah! Good evening, Divine One! [Alear] What's that letter you're reading? [Panette] I employed a Solmic investigator to find my parents. This is her report. [Panette] Alas, it seems the search has come up empty. [Alear] Huh. I thought you said your parents were horrible people. [Panette] Yes, well... Our conversation made me realize I have some feelings in need of resolution. [Panette] I thought perhaps now, with the benefits of time, I could speak to them with a cooler head. [Panette] Thus my desire to track them down...assuming they are still alive, of course. [Alear] I'm impressed. It's brave of you to try facing them after all these years. [Alear] Panette, how about I help find your parents? [Panette] No, no... I would not dream of such an imposition! [Alear] It's the least I can do to repay you for your training. [Alear] Besides, we've seen our share of dangerous battles together. [Alear] You, me, the others─we have a connection. We help each other. Let me help you, please. [Panette] Very well, then. I will gratefully accept your aid. [Panette] Truth be told, even if we do not find my parents, I have already found my family. [Panette] What more do I truly need? --- S --- [Alear] No word on your missing parents today, I take it? Don't lose hope yet. We'll keep looking. [Panette] Divine One... I have come to the conclusion that it is time to abandon the search for my parents. [Alear] But...why? [Panette] It is regrettable, but we have searched high and low. There is nothing more to be done. [Panette] That said, I thank you, sincerely. You have been a steadfast companion throughout. [Panette] Searching for my parents with you has been... enjoyable. I hope we can continue on together. [Alear] If that's what you want, Panette, then yes, I would like to continue on with you. Always. [Panette] I─ I don't understand... [Alear] I told you before we had a connection, but it's more than that. I mean, I want us to be more. [Alear] Please, take this. [Panette] That's...the Pact Ring. [Alear] You're supposed to give it to someone you care for deeply. For me, that's you. [Panette] Divine One...I─ I cannot. [Panette] My parents were once wildly happy with one another. But in time, their relationship soured. [Panette] People's feelings change. I cannot bear the thought of that happening to us. [Alear] That was your past, Panette. You have a whole future ahead of you. [Alear] Everyone has their ups and downs. You and I too─good times and otherwise. [Alear] But you have the agility of a raptor, and now so do I. We can evade anything together. [Panette] Haha! Over and over again, you astonish me, Divine One. [Panette] I see I've impressed upon you the importance of agility. But what of the rest of the brawler's art? [Alear] Nothing to do with us. So, what do you think? Will you accept this ring? [Panette] Yes. I will, gladly. [Panette] Stay with me, from now until forever, . [Alear] Of course. I am your partner and you are mine. [Panette] I like the sound of that. [Panette] I can think of no one I'd rather fight beside. You are the one I truly adore.