=== Alear & Vander === --- C --- [Alear] Phew, I've hit my limit for training today. [Vander] Excellent work, Divine One. [Vander] I brought a hot towel for your face. I think you will find it most refreshing. [Alear] Thank you, Vander. That's very kind of you. [Vander] I have also prepared a fresh change of clothes for you. [Vander] When you change, deposit your dirty clothes into the basket, and I will wash them for you. [Alear] I appreciate your generosity, Vander, but I'd prefer to take care of my own laundry. [Alear] Certainly you have other tasks to keep you busy. [Vander] My only obligation is to you, Divine One. Feel no hesitation in asking me for anything. [Alear] But... [Vander] It has been my duty to wait on you since long before you awakened. [Vander] Were you to assume my duties for yourself, my position would cease to exist. [Vander] So please, leave these trivialities to me─where they belong─and trouble yourself no further. [Alear] Again, I appreciate your willingness to help me, but I do feel a bit bad about all this. [Vander] There is nothing in all of Elyos to feel bad about, Divine One. [Vander] Now I must insist you change out of your damp clothes before you catch yourself a cold. --- B --- [Vander] Divine One, I have finished repairing and polishing your weapons. [Alear] Thank you, Vander. [Vander] I have also prepared all of the materials you will require for the war council tomorrow. [Vander] Please do take a moment to review them sometime today. [Alear] ... [Alear] I'm sorry, but I can't do this. [Vander] Do what, precisely? [Alear] Vander, do you think I'm unreliable? [Vander] What? Goodness, no! [Vander] We are mortals, and you are the Divine One─ our magnificent leader, if you take my meaning. [Vander] For you to perform lowly tasks that are mine to execute is most gracious, but uncalled for. [Alear] I'm sorry, but I don't feel comfortable having a servant. That's not who I am. [Vander] Ah. Before I was your attendant, I was similarly engaged in caring for Queen Lumera. [Vander] Your mother, perfect in mind and beauty, never lodged a complaint regarding my services. [Vander] In time, Divine One, I hope that you will grow accustomed to my work as your caretaker. [Alear] I respect my mother, and thank you for your service to her. But...I'm not my mother. [Alear] I'm my own person. I'm capable. I can take care of myself. [Vander] I see... [Vander] My apologies, Divine One. I have pushed myself on you. An old servant's habit, I suppose. [Vander] I will honor your request and take more care in considering your needs, moving forward. [Alear] Thank you, Vander. And, please, let me know before you do anything on my behalf? [Alear] There are many times I will need your help. But I'd like to ask for that help. --- A --- [Vander] Shall I attend to your weapons and armor, Divine One? [Alear] No need. I've got time, so I'll take care of it myself. [Vander] Understood. Then I shall turn my attention to other tasks, by your leave. [Alear] Thank you for being so diligent. [Vander] Of course, Divine One. It is nothing. Nothing at all... [Alear] Is something troubling you? [Vander] May I have but a moment of your time? [Alear] You may. What is it? [Vander] Some time back, Divine One, you spoke of how you and Queen Lumera are different people. [Vander] Having served humbly beneath you both, I have observed quite a few similarities. [Vander] In fact, I observed some of your similarities just now. [Alear] How so? [Vander] You are thoughtful and kind to everyone─in turn you are well loved by all you meet. [Vander] If there is any difference between you, I think it is only that you are still growing. [Vander] You have a bright, limitless future ahead. It is my desire to support you in that future. [Alear] Vander, I... [Vander] I hope that I have not offended you. I wanted only to speak from the heart. [Alear] No, I'm happy you opened up to me like this. It's as you say, I've still got a lot to learn. [Alear] If I grow enough, hopefully I'll become more like my mother─someone people can count on. [Vander] I am certain that you can and you will, Divine One. That is why I am here, serving you. [Alear] As long as you're with me─guiding me─I can also feel certain that things will work out. [Alear] Please continue to lend me your strength. Someday, when I'm stronger, I'll lend you mine. [Vander] Of course, Divine One. --- S --- [Vander] Divine One. I must admit to you a grave confession. [Alear] Oh? Go on... [Vander] As I wish to continue serving you, I feel it is prudent to tell you everything. [Vander] When first I was dispatched to the Somniel to serve you, I was unhappy at the prospect. [Alear] You were? [Vander] Indeed. Prior to serving you, all I wanted was to serve Queen Lumera until the very end. [Vander] Despite my many protestations, Queen Lumera insisted I watch over you in your slumber. [Vander] I felt I was cast aside─useless as her servant. I arrived at the Somniel under a dark cloud... [Alear] I see... So what caused such a change of heart? [Vander] Initially, I was simply carrying out Queen Lumera's orders. [Vander] But now I serve you because I believe in who you are─your heart and your will, Divine One. [Alear] Vander... [Vander] It wasn't until Queen Lumera passed that I realized she knew her time was short. [Vander] That is why she appointed me as your caretaker and directed me to assist you. [Vander] To be entrusted with Queen Lumera's child is the highest honor for any steward. [Vander] In my own foolishness, I failed to see it then. But I see it now. For this, I must apologize. [Alear] There is nothing to apologize for. Thank you for speaking so honestly with me, Vander. [Vander] Divine One, would you grant me the honor to swear my allegiance to you once more? [Alear] Of course. [Vander] Divine One, I hereby pledge to you my undying loyalty. [Alear] Vander, I recognize you as my steadfast knight. [Alear] To honor that, I would like to give you this. [Vander] The Pact Ring? Such a precious thing cannot possibly be given to me! [Alear] Of course it can. I want you to have it. [Alear] This ring is handed down among Divine Dragons, representing a special bond with them. [Alear] So there is no one more fitting than you, who has served both me and my mother tirelessly. [Vander] To think...that I might one day be granted such an honor. [Alear] Hah, I recall you saying something similar when I first awoke. You've been with me ever since. [Alear] Now I ask that you stand with me until the very end. [Vander] It is my honor! Divine One, I will follow you, even unto the ends of the world. [Vander] To be truly worthy of this ring, I will never again allow any harm to befall you. [Vander] I, Vander, swear to protect you. I will be your sword and shield, even should it cost me my life.