=== Alcryst & Ivy === --- C --- [Ivy] ... [Alcryst] ... [Ivy] Did you need something from me, Prince Alcryst? [Alcryst] Hm. [Ivy] I see. You are pretending to ignore me. [Alcryst] I still refuse to forgive you. You know why. [Alcryst] How else should I behave in the presence of someone who helped to murder my father? [Ivy] ... [Ivy] I apologize for my part in your father's death. [Alcryst] Y-you do?! [Ivy] I know an apology can't heal your wounds, or... really achieve much at all. [Ivy] But we are now allies. [Ivy] I think it's important we find what common ground we can and meet each other halfway. [Alcryst] Uh... [Ivy] That is why I'm taking this crucial first step. [Ivy] I am truly sorry about your father. [Alcryst] Princess Ivy, I... [Alcryst] I used to fear your family and your country. I never dreamed we'd end up on the same side. [Alcryst] Life is so unpredictable... [Alcryst] It pushes us forward, ready or not. Holding on to past prejudices will only trip us up. [Alcryst] From now on, I promise to do my best to find that common ground you mentioned. [Ivy] Thank you. But you should know that staring is rude. [Alcryst] Ah! You're right! I apologize for being so careless. I won't let it happen again. [Alcryst] [Ivy] At least we're looking in the same direction. Perhaps better times lie ahead... --- B --- [Alcryst] ... [Ivy] ... [Alcryst] Princess Ivy? Are you...glaring at me? [Ivy] No, Prince Alcryst. At least not intentionally. [Ivy] But I can't take my eyes off of your armor. [Ivy] In Elusia we are taught from an early age to keep watch for Brodian armor. [Alcryst] Ooh. I think I understand... [Alcryst] Brodia has invaded Elusia more times than I can count. My country has a lot to answer for. [Alcryst] For what it's worth...I am sorry. [Ivy] Oh? And what do you mean by that, exactly? [Alcryst] Huh? I, uh, wha─ [Ivy] Did you just issue a formal apology from the kingdom of Brodia for its invasions of our land? [Ivy] Are you admitting fault on behalf of your people and swearing to adopt peaceful foreign policy? [Ivy] Reconciliation between nations is a serious matter, not to be taken lightly. [Alcryst] Th-that's not what I─ [Alcryst] What I meant to say was, uh, if Brodia is at fault then we absolutely should apologize. [Alcryst] But that apology is not mine to give! The king and nobility would have to convene and agree... [Alcryst] So when I said I was sorry, it came from me as an individual, not as a representative of...uh... [Ivy] Heh heh, I know that. I'm sorry─you are a little too easy to toy with. [Alcryst] Oh, Princess Ivy... I was so nervous. [Ivy] My ill feelings toward Brodia are in the past, but I could not resist teasing you a little. [Ivy] Look on the bright side─we are comfortable enough now to joke with one another. Right? [Alcryst] Y-yes, of course! I did think my heart was going to stop, but I suppose it was...funny... --- A --- [Alcryst] Pardon me, Princess Ivy? [Alcryst] In our last conversation, you made it clear that you still harbor resentment toward Brodia. [Ivy] Yes. I did. [Alcryst] Well, at the risk of overstepping my boundaries, I hope you'll allow me to say one thing. [Alcryst] The relationship between Brodia and Elusia has never been civil─certainly not in my lifetime. [Alcryst] But as you've mentioned, we are now allies... We work together. [Ivy] That's true. [Alcryst] This alliance was as unpredictable as it is wonderful. [Alcryst] I will work hard to ensure that our countries become allies when this conflict is over. [Alcryst] I may not be able to do as much as my brother, the crown prince, but... [Alcryst] Well, I thought I owed you a clear statement of my own intentions at the very least. [Ivy] ... [Ivy] My first impression of you was that you were weak-willed and uncharismatic. [Ivy] I feel differently now. [Alcryst] You do? [Ivy] When it matters, you speak your mind. And what you say is kind and thoughtful. [Ivy] These are qualities I consider princely. [Alcryst] Oh, no, please don't think too highly of me. You're much more regal and capable than─ [Ivy] Are you suggesting that I, crown princess of my kingdom, am not a good judge of character? [Alcryst] N-not at all! I would never, ever... [Alcryst] Ah. Another joke? [Ivy] Very good. You're catching on. [Alcryst] Haha, I take it as a sign that our relationship is improving. [Ivy] Agreed. I hope our friendship continues to grow. [Ivy] In honor of our fathers...and for the future of our kingdoms. [Alcryst] Yes. Here's to a better future! --- S ---