Part 77: Artur - Tethys, Cormag, Joshua

Hard mode bonuses always struck me as a tad unfair to the units who start out as allies. Folks like Rutger and Gonzales were fairly good before the bonuses, and afterwards...Yeah.

Anyway, I promised you guys a couple of supports today, and here's the first.

Supports - Artur

Tethys

Affinity: Fire

Starting Points: 10
Points per Turn: +2
Turns to A Rank: 115

Attack: +0.5
Defense: +0.5
Accuracy: +5
Avoid: +5
Critical: +2.5
Critical Evade: +2.5

C Support

: Child, come here a moment.

: Child...? Are you talking to me?

: Yes, that's right. Come here for a moment. I won't bite.

: How may I help you, my lady?

: Would you spin yourself around right there?

: ...What? Spin around? Like... Like this?

: Hm... Not bad. Not bad at all. You have a graceful form. And you're quite beautiful. It'd be a waste to let you stay a simple clergyman.

: Beautiful? Me? Do you really think so?

: Yes, you have a lovely face. Say... Would you like to dance with me? I think you have the potential. I could use a partner. When this war ends, I think it should be you.

: I...don't know about that. Dancing probably isn't my thing.

: You never know until you try. Anyway, from what I can see, I think you've got what it takes. Trust me. There's no future in this church business. Be a dancer.

: I'm afraid I have to disagree. I feel this is my calling, you see. Er... If that's all you wanted, would you excuse me?

: Oh, oh. Yes, fine. Only... What's your name, child?

: I'm A-Artur.

: I'm Tethys. I'm a dancer. Don't forget.

: Hm? T-Tethys?

: That's right. I'll see you later, child. Think about what I told you about becoming a dancer, won't you?

: I really don't think it's for me...





B Support

: Do you remember the dance steps I showed you the other day, child? No? I'll show them to you again. Pay attention, as you'll be going next.

: Tethys, we're in the middle of a battle. Can't this wait until later?

: My, aren't we confident! No, we can't have that. We have to practice. I refuse to have a partner who's too lazy to practice daily.

: No, you're not following me. I'm not your partner. I don't want to-- Would you please stop calling me "child" in front of everyone!

: What's wrong with looking young? After all, you have such lovely skin. May I...touch your cheeks?

: Oh... Ah, normally, people wait for an answer before they start...er... well, touching me. Um... Would you please stop?

: Amazing! It's like velvet to the touch! You have such smooth skin!

: Er... Excuse me... Ah... I really must protest... P-please... S-stop...

: Tell me... What's your secret?

: I... I don't have any secrets! Oh... You meant my skin. Well, I just rub manon leaves on after I wash.

: Manon leaves? Those scratchy things? I always thought they would just leave a rash. Hm. Maybe I should try... I'll see you later, child. I'll be checking up on your progress, so be sure to practice those steps.

: ...Huh? But... But I don't want to be a dancer... I... Sigh...




A Support

: Well, look who's come to see me! I'm glad to see you showing some initiative. You must be practicing a lot, hm? Well, show me what you've got!

: Please! I have a name! I am not a child! My name is Artur! And...I really must protest about becoming a dancer. I have no interest in learning how to dance, do you understand?

: I'm glad you're here, because I have something I wanted to tell you.

: Y-you do?

: I scrubbed my face with manon leaves, just like you said, but look... I got a rash, just like I thought I would. Look here, on my cheek.

: Uh... Maybe you scrubbed too hard?

: Well, here... Take a look.

: I'm not sure this is the right time. We're in the middle of a battle.

: We'll be fine. It'll only take a second. We'll be done in a flash.

: Fine, fine... But let's be quick.

: Come on, you're not looking right. Get closer. Closer... More. Look right around here... See? It's red, isn't it?

: ...A little, but...it's not that bad. Whoa!! I-if you turn your head so suddenly like that...your face is... It's so close to my...

: Hm mm mm. You're blushing. Are you all right, child?

: I-I'm fine, but... Every time you're around, my heart...

: Starts thumping?

: Y-yes...

: To tell you the truth, you look just like my first love.

: Is... Is that so?

: But he moved, and I never saw him again. Oh, it brings back such memories... He and I couldn't have been much older than, say, ten.

: ...Are you telling me I look like a ten-year-old child?

: Yep. Those sparkling eyes are totally him.

: ... I see... I know someone who looks like you, too.

: Oh, really? Who would that be?

: ...My mother. She called me "child" when I was little, just like you do now. I used to like that then, but now that I'm older...

: ...Oh... A bit of a mama's boy, are you, Artur?

: Excuse me? Mama's boy?

: Tee-hee... Very well. I shall mother you. Call me "mom," child.

: ... Er... I... I'm not sure about this. Besides, I used to call her "mother," not "mom," so...

: I'm only kidding. I just love teasing you. However, I am serious about you becoming a dancer. Your good looks and graceful movement tell me you have the talent... You would make a fine partner. Just think about it, will you?

: Oh, I forgot--that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I don't want to-- ...Er, excuse me. Tethys, would you wait up for me!?

(Hearkening back to FE7's Lucius, here we have another case of monks being considered startlingly attractive. Such is the lot in life of the men who wear pretty white dresses robes.)


Cormag

Affinity: Fire

Starting Points: 5
Points per Turn: +2
Turns to A Rank: 118

Attack: +0.5
Defense: +0.5
Accuracy: +5
Avoid: +5
Critical: +2.5
Critical Evade: +2.5

C Support

: So this is a wyvern...

: Hey, what's going on here? Don't get too close now. It may look calm now, but it's got a dangerous side. Like me.

: S-sorry! Oh, the name is Artur.

: I'm Cormag. Nice to meet you.

: You, too, Sir Cormag. It's a pleasure.

: So... Interested in wyverns, are you?

: It's not so much interest as it is, well, fascination, if you will. The way how they fly in the sky at will... and their powerful limbs. I've seen them from a distance before, but I've never seen one up close... Do you think it would mind if I were to touch it?

: Nah, go right ahead. But wyverns can be proud. They won't warm up to anyone they think unworthy. Took me three years before this one would let me ride on his back. Oh, he hated me at first. Always snarling and snatching at me... I don't know how many times he threw me when I tried to ride him.

: R-really? Maybe I should keep my distance then.

: No, he seems to like you.

: How do you know?

: He hasn't tried to eat your face yet, for one thing. Maybe he can sense your, what'd you call it, fascination? Yeah, maybe it won't take too long for you two to be friends.

: Hm. Well then, it's very nice to meet you, Sir Cormag's Wyvern?

: His name's Genarog. Next time you're around, come say hi.

: Thanks. I will!





B Support

: Sir Cormag!

: If it isn't Artur. What's the rush?

: I've been thinking about how to become friends with Genarog. I was thinking perhaps he might like it if I gave him something.

: You want to give Genarog a gift?

: Yes. It's an amulet made of a star stone. According to legend, those who carry star stones are blessed from above. It's customary to wear them as amulets in Renais, and I thought...

: I see... But that's your amulet, isn't it?

: No need to worry for me, Sir Cormag. I pray every morning and every night.

: Well, if that's the case, then we'll take it. Look at that, Genarog! All right, Artur, I want you to place it in his saddlebag.

: I'm a little scared, but I'll give it a try! All right... The saddlebag... This one right here? There you go... Sir Cormag, look! Genarog licked my hand!

: Whoa, not bad... Not bad at all, Artur. I've never once seen him lick anyone's hand but mine.

: Really?

: Yeah, and it took him two years before he'd even do that! You and he seem to be getting along famously, as they say.

: That makes me happy, Sir Cormag. I'm glad he likes the amulet.

: I think he likes you more than he likes that amulet, honestly.

: Really, Sir Cormag? May I talk to him again?

: Sure, anytime. We're looking forward to it. Both of us.





A Support

: I should apologize to you, Artur.

: What's wrong, Sir Cormag? Did something happen?

: The star-stone amulet that you so generously gave Genarog... It got shattered when an archer attacked us. It's not all bad, though. That stone stopped the arrow cold. Saved both me AND Genarog, it did. Had that amulet been not there, we wouldn't be here right now.

: That's unfortunate, but I'm glad the amulet worked! I'll have to make a prayer of thanks for the stone's protection.

: Well, we owe you, Artur. And it's not exactly a perfect trade, but... Here.

: What's this? This... This looks like a wyvern stone!

: A wyvern stone? Are they rare?

: Yes, very! Where on earth did you...

: Genarog had it. I didn't have any idea what it was. I figured maybe you'd know something about it. And it looks like I was right, wasn't I? You know what it's worth? Well, like I said, it's yours. Keep it.

: A-are you sure!?

: Sure. You don't mind, now, do you, Genarog?

: Th-thank you... I mean it... Sir Cormag, Genarog... Wyvern stones are like dragonstones, only far more rare. Mages covet them. Having one focuses your powers, refines your magical control. But nobody knows where they come from or how to craft them. There are no more than a handful of wyvern stones in the world today. I never thought I'd even see one, much less hold one in my hands.

: So it's a big deal, eh?

: It most certainly is, Sir Cormag. Genarog... I can't thank you enough. You've made one of my dreams come true.

: I'm glad we were able to help you, Artur.

: I'll cherish this wyvern stone always. ...By the way, Sir Cormag, do you have a dream?

: ...My dream. Hmph... My only dream right now is to undo the damage Grado has done. I want Grado to be a peaceful nation again, ruled by a gentle man.

: I'm sure you'll see your own dream realized, Sir Cormag. After all, we're all fighting to make that dream come true. You and Genarog have made my own dream a reality. And you know that I'll do what I can to make yours real, too.

: Genarog was right. You are a good lad, Artur. Tell you what. If we do restore peace, you must visit my homeland. And when you do, I think Genarog would like to take you flying.

: I'd love to, Sir Cormag. I look forward to visiting Grado in better times.

(Note: carrying a rare magical artifact does not boost Artur's powers in any fashion. Knowing him, he probably had it enshrined in some reliquary, just because it's so rare.)


Joshua

Affinity: Wind

Starting Points: 5
Points per Turn: +2
Turns to A Rank: 118

Attack: +0.5
Defense: +0.5
Accuracy: +5
Avoid: +2.5
Critical: +2.5
Critical Evade: +5

C Support

: Hey, you there.

: Yes?

: You a monk or something?

: Yes. I came from Renais. My name is Artur.

: I'm Joshua. So, uh... You want to make me a bet?

: A bet?

: Sure! Call it in the air: heads or tails?

: ...?

: What's the matter? All you have to do is say heads or tails. So what's your call?

: I have no idea what this is about, but I'll say heads for now.

: Right, so I get tails. Here, we'll flip now. Annnnnnd... Right! Tails. I win.

: You win. Um... What do you win?

: Well, now, you have to do whatever I tell you.

: What? Why do you say that?

: You lost, right? Since you lost, you've got to do what I tell you. So when this battle's over, I want you to train with me.

: Train? What are you talking about? Look, I only said heads because you pressed me to! I don't remember you saying anything about what we were betting on.

: You shouldn't worry so much about the tiny details! You'll waste your life, worrying so much! Now, about that training. I always have a tough time fighting against people who use magic. I think it's got something to do with getting the timing right... I don't really need to polish my technique too much. However, I've noticed that these battles just keep getting harder. So, I figured I should train with someone who can use a little magic!

: I commend your attitude, but I really can't help you... My evenings are pretty full as it is, so...

: Hey, now! A deal's a deal. I'll be waiting, so don't be late!

: Fine... But just for a little while!





B Support

: Hey, Artur. I wanted to thank you for training. I learned a lot from it. I hope you're not too exhausted for today's training session.

: Well, actually... Could we not do this today?

: Hey, now. Show a little enthusiasm, why don't you? An attitude like that ain't gonna win you any battles!

: You may be right, but I just can't keep up with you. If you keep exhausting me in training, I'll be no good when the real fighting begins. I'm trying not to let it show, but I'm really worn out today.

: Then let's make a bet. If I win, you do what I tell you.

: Joshua, I'm quite drained, and we still have much fighting to do. You should just rest tonight.

: Don't worry about me, Artur. So, heads or tails?

: Fine... Heads.

: Great! You're heads, and I'm tails. Here we go! Incredible! Tails! I win again!

: ... Could I see that coin?

: What for? Are you suggesting that I would actually cheat?

: ...No. Sorry.

: So it's a deal. I'll be waiting for you tonight. Don't forget!

: Fine...

: ...You're hopeless. Don't look so tired. It gets me all worried, and I can't go back to the front being all worried. Listen, just take a day off. Get some rest, all right?

: But I lost the bet.

: The deal was, if I win, you do what I tell you. And what I'm telling you to do is take it easy.

: Joshua... I appreciate it. I've never done much fighting. I think I'm just worn out. It's exhausting, having to keep your guard up all the time. But your kindness has rejuvenated my frazzled nerves a little.

: Well, we're still fighting, so don't let your guard down. Stick close to me today, and I'll watch over you. But don't skip tomorrow's training!

: I'll be there.





A Support

: Hey, Artur! You're looking pretty pleased with yourself today. Care to make a bet? If I win, we'll hit the training again tonight.

: No need for bets, Joshua. I'll be happy to train with you.

: You're volunteering? Are you feeling all right? Did you take a blow to the head?

: No, no. I'm fine. I'm just offering to help you out. It's easier than losing another bet to you.

: What do you mean? You've got even odds of winning.

: You must be joking! Out of the past 21 coin flips, I've won two, and you've won 19! Those are impossible odds to beat, so there's only one answer. You must have some divine betting power or something. If I can help you train, I will, but I don't want to lose anymore.

: Hmph... But that's no fun! All right, you don't have to train with me if you don't want to bet.

: ...Excuse me?

: I don't have any divine power. You've won 11 out of 21 coin tosses so far. We're about even. I was...cheating. Just a little, though.

: You cheated? I felt so guilty when I accused you earlier. I guess I just trusted--

: Yep. That's your problem. I know trust and faith are important to you monkly types. However, on the battlefield, you can never trust your foe. If we were gambling for your life, and not for training, you'd be dead 19 times over. Well, I mean, you can only die once, but you get my drift.

: ... I'm speechless...

: Ha ha ha. Good thing I'm a reasonably fair man, huh? No harm done, and you even learned a little something, didn't you?

: I suppose.

: So here's the deal. I want you to keep being my partner. But this time, I'll be teaching you a little bit about wagers.

: What's more important to you, Joshua? Gambling or training? I guess I don't even have to ask you that, huh? But no more cheating!