Supports: Chapter 19

How is our army handling the frigid winters of Daein? Let's have a word.

Today's Supports:

• Marcia/Tanith C 
• Nephenee/Devdan C
• Tormod/Reyson C
• Sothe/Tormod C
• Lethe/Muarim C
• Zihark/Muarim C
• Rolf/Shinon C
• Gatrie/Shinon C
• Ike/Lethe B
• Boyd/Mist B 
• Titania/Boyd B
• Brom/Nephenee B
• Boyd/Brom B
• Mist/Mordecai A
• Rhys/Rolf A
• Oscar/Kieran A 
  

C Supports

Marcia/Tanith C

Marcia: …Oh!
Tanith: Marcia. It’s been a while.
Marcia: Oh, chestnuts! D-Deputy Commander Tanith!? What… are you doing here?
Tanith: I was just about to ask you the same thing. As deputy commander of the Holy Guard, I took this position on imperial orders. I never would have thought I’d run into one of my former subordinates so soon…
Marcia: W-we’ve been together since we crossed into Daein?! Oh, I had no idea! Talk about strange luck! Heh…
Tanith: It certainly is. I’m so glad I’ve come across my… special subordinate. I’ve been looking for you for a long time, you know…
Marcia: D-Deputy Commander, your eyes… why are you squinting at me like that? Are you… angry?
Tanith: Oh, I’m angry. I am very angry. Very angry indeed. Right now I’m weighing my options… Which penalty should I inflict on you for deserting the Begnion Holy Guard?
Marcia: I’m… I’m no deserter! Didn’t you read the letter of resignation I wrote?
Tanith: Did you think you could cast off your sworn duty by scribbling on a piece of paper? You should know the weight of being a soldier in the service of the Begnion Holy Guard.
Marcia: I’m… I’m sorry! But I was in such a hurry…
Tanith: …Commander Sigrun is a charitable person. She says she is willing to overlook your desertion.
Marcia: Phew…
Tanith: However! I put an end to that nonsense! I told her that I would bring you back at any cost and deliver the appropriate penalty. I hope you’re ready!
Marcia: Oh! I just remembered I have to be somewhere! Somewhere really far away… Excuse me, ma’am! Yaaaaa!
Tanith: Stop right there! You’re not going to get away this time!

This is basically Tanith on a normal Tuesday. The Holy Guard are terrified of her.

Nephenee/Devdan C

Devdan: Yoo-hoo! Hey there, little one! Devdan has something to tell you.
Nephenee: What… is it?
Devdan: Devdan thinks that you look angry. Why are you always scowling? Small children will start to cry!
Nephenee: You… think so?
Devdan: It’s frightening to look at you! You had better start to smile more… or else! Being too serious is a bad business. Keep it up and your life will end much sooner than you like!
Nephenee: Um… you’re scaring me.
Devdan: Is that right? Hmm… What’s your name?
Nephenee: Nephenee…
Devdan: Well then, Devdan will now teach Nephenee how to laugh. Don’t be shy! It will be fun!
Nephenee: All… right… Please don’t hurt me.

Yeah, uh... welcome to Devdan/Nephenee, the support that is Nephenee being told to smile more by the creepiest character in the cast and Nephenee being appropriately terrified to high hell. If it wasn't for what Astrid/Makalov did to Radiant Dawn, this would be without a doubt the worst Support in the entire game, possibly the entire series (I'm nowhere near qualified enough to make that judgement). I'm told this might be more palatable in JP? 

Tormod/Reyson C

Tormod: Mighty prince of the heron clan!
Reyson: Yes, I am Reyson. Who are you?
Tormod: I’m Tormod. I was hoping to ask you something.
Reyson: I apologize– you caught me off guard. What do you require?
Tormod: That song of yours… does it work on everything?
Reyson: You mean the chant?
Tormod: Yes, whatever it was that made that drab forest bloom with color.
Reyson: You speak of the galdr, the seid magic. What of it?
Tormod: Would you please sing it for all of us?
Reyson: All of you?
Tormod: Yes… For my laguz friends back in Grann Desert.
Reyson: So you’re the leader of the laguz liberation force. But you’re… not much older than a child.
Tormod: Do you have a problem with that?
Reyson: No problem at all. It’s just… ever since I heard whispers of a beorc fighting to free the Begnion slaves, I wondered what manner of man he was. You’re… different than I had envisioned.
Tormod: So I’m young? So what! It doesn’t make what I’m doing any less important. So… are you going to help us or not?
Reyson: I’ll gladly lend whatever support I can give you, but… What would you have me do?
Tormod: I knew you’d come through! Hmm, let’s see… Oh, wait…
Reyson: What is it?
Tormod: I’m not quite ready, yet. The time isn’t right. I’d like to talk to you about it more in detail, so please allow me to come back later when I have more time! See you later!
Reyson: Beorc children are so restless.

Tormod and Reyson have a nice little talk about Tormod's plans for his people. Tormod is just as dedicated to his people as Sanaki is to hers, and although he doesn't have her knack for organising himself, he's as dependable as you could hope for.

Sothe/Tormod C

Tormod: Hey, you! You were with us during the attack the other day, right?
Sothe: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Tormod: No, I remember you! I saw you shanking enemy soldiers with that tiny little blade of yours. You were amazing! By the way, did you know we’re almost the same age? Oh, sorry… I’m Tormod. I may not look like it, but I’m pretty much the most dangerous mage around.
Sothe: …
Tormod: And you are?
Sothe: Sothe.
Tormod: It’s nice to meet you, Sothe! By the way, why are you working as a mercenary with this army?
Sothe: You don’t need to know that.
Tormod: Hey! What’s with you?! No need to be rude!

On the other hand, Tormod's mouth moves faster than his head, which puts him in great contrast with Sothe, who tries his hardest at being curt and formal. Sothe is at least pretty successful at it. All in all, though, Radiant Dawn is very lucky this chain exists.

Lethe/Muarim C

Lethe: Muarim.
Muarim: Hello, Lethe…
Lethe: How are you holding up? I take it you’ve never fought in an army like this before.
Muarim: Yes, that’s right. Sometimes I get confused. I’m not used to this way of fighting.
Lethe: Ask me if you have any questions. I know a lot about battle… I commanded a unit back in Gallia.
Muarim: You must be a fierce fighter and great leader. Is it common for females to command armies?
Lethe: In Gallia, it doesn’t matter what your sex is. You just have to be the best.
Muarim: That sounds fair to me.
Lethe: Your life may not be so fair. You said you used to be a slave in Begnion.
Muarim: You will never know the horror. You’ve lived with laguz pride in your heart, under the protection of the great King Gallia. You do not know…
Lethe: …

It can be surprising to think about in this way, but Lethe is very fortunate in her position in Gallia. A female troop commander? Some societies would call that ridiculous!

Zihark/Muarim C

Zihark: That’s strange. I could swear I had it just a second ago. Where did I put…
Muarim: Something wrong?
Zihark: Oh, Muarim. No, not really. I just… I seem to have lost my sword powder.
Muarim: Sword powder?
Zihark: It’s used to maintain swords. Swords rust quickly if you don’t take care of them. A little powder, a little oil, and a little scrubbing does the trick.
Muarim: Does it come in a small bag attached to a stick?
Zihark: Yeah, that’s it! Did you pick it up?
Muarim: No, but… I have seen it before. I did not know that was its name.
Zihark: Hm. Well, it doesn’t look like I dropped it anywhere around here. Maybe I lost it when we were marching… Ah, well. Maybe Commander Ike will have some he can share.
Muarim: Being a beorc has its troubles, does it not?
Zihark: You said it. You know, it’s times like these I really envy you laguz. You’ve always got your weapons, and they’re always at the ready.
Muarim: …

Ooh, that "..." at the end. Zihark/Muarim is a really good one, and the C Rank gives you chills if you know what's coming in the B.

Shinon/Rolf C

Rolf: Uncle Shinon! Wait, Uncle Shinon!
Shinon: What do you want, Rolf?
Rolf: Tee hee hee! Look at this!
Shinon: Why are you showing me this? It’s just a piece of bent wood.
Rolf: No, Shinon. It’s a bow! You gave me my first bow, and I wanted to return the favor! I’m making it one whittle at a time. I know it’s not exactly the best-looking weapon out there, but… I hope you’ll use it!
Shinon: Meh. Maybe if I overhauled it… I may be able to… call it a… bow. This thing is going to break the first time I fire it! You want me to be unarmed on the battlefield? Is that it?
Rolf: I… I don’t–
Shinon: Look, to begin with, you used the wrong kind of wood. This is much too hard and inflexible. Remember the bow I made for you? It didn’t look like this, did it?
Rolf: B-but… I worked so hard! It should be just like yours!
Shinon: Not even close.
Rolf: N-not… not even… Wh… Whaaaaaaa! Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Shinon: Ah, crud. Don’t start bawling! Look, let me give you a quick lesson.
Rolf: Whaaaaa… Really!? Promise? Oh, I’m so happy! Yay! Yay! I love you, Unkie Shinon!
Shinon: Yeah, yeah, it’s a promise. Now quit clinging to me like a lost dog. Hey, seriously! Rolf…!

Yes, Shinon/Rolf C doesn't require the pair to have fought together at all. Rolf has formed quite the attachment to Shinon, what with the whole 'teaching him how to shoot' thing. Perhaps Shinon started a little early, though...

Shinon/Gatrie C

Gatrie: …Huff… …Puff… Maybe I should… Oh! Or then again, I could… Hmm… No, I won’t do that…
Shinon: Hey.
Gatrie: Hm? Oh, hey, Shinon!
Shinon: What in the heck are you doing? It’s really annoying.
Gatrie: Shhh! It’s a secret!
Shinon: Whatever. See you around.
Gatrie: W-wait! I’m just joking! Stop being so mean and listen for a second!
Shinon: I will if you buy dinner tonight.
Gatrie: Mmmm… Oh, all right. But you better give me good advice!
Shinon: Of course, of course. So, what’s on your mind?
Gatrie: I’m thinking about the reward that we’re going to get. I’m not sure what to do with it.
Shinon: Up to you. Spend it however you please.
Gatrie: But every time I spend money, you give me a hard time!
Shinon: I do? How?
Gatrie: What about the other day, when I bought the Ultimate Shield?!
Shinon: Gatrie, that was a castle gate. Hey, did you ever give that back? That guard thought you were a thief.
Gatrie: And remember the SpeedBring 4000? That secret elixir that boosts speed just by sprinkling it over your body–
Shinon: You mean that putrid snake oil? You dumped the whole bottle on your head without smelling it first.
Gatrie: But that wonderful little potion worked! I DID move faster!
Shinon: You moved faster because thirty stray dogs were chasing you.
Gatrie: See! You’re giving me a hard time again!
Shinon: Oh, did I hurt your feelings? Wow, it sure is fun to tell you the truth and have you grumble at me in return.
Gatrie: No, no! I didn’t mean to… Er… Sorry…
Shinon: Hmm… You’re too honest sometimes…
Gatrie: Hee hee! You’re embarrassing me!
Shinon: All right, let’s go eat! Now that’s spending wisely!
Gatrie: Yeah, let’s… Wait a minute, Shinon! You didn’t help me at all! This isn’t part of the deal!

Is it just me, or did Gatrie not ask for advice before demanding Shinon give him some? Perhaps Shinon came off the better man in this after all. The habitual jerk paired with the unaware jerk, I don't know who I want to win, but I have a good idea of who will.

B Supports

Ike/Lethe B

Lethe: Hey.
Ike: Lethe. What’s up?
Lethe: You fought pretty well the other day. Better than I expected.
Ike: What? Me?
Lethe: You see anyone else?
Ike: No, but… I didn’t expect that from you. You laguz have such awesome natural power, I figure beorc look weak in comparison.
Lethe: Totally different styles of fighting. You don’t have the reactions or control that we do, but you’re actually kind of graceful. It must be tough to use a weapon that’s not actually connected to your body. No wonder you train so much.
Ike: Without teeth or claws, we need our weapons to move like they’re a part of us. So, yeah, that takes a lot of work.
Lethe: Mmm… I see. I may have to train more. Which reminds me… Do you remember our bargain?
Ike: Of course! Will you do it?
Lethe: I should ask you. Laguz training is hard. You’re going to hurt. And bleed. Are you ready?
Ike: Let’s do it!

Compliment from Lethe. Ike's moving up in the world. Perhaps he'll be a match for his father yet... Ah, who am I kidding, not on this file.

Boyd/Mist B

Mist: Ike! Brother! Where did he go?
Boyd: Ike? Hey, Ike! IIIKKKEEEE!! Man alive, where did that guy get to?
Mist: Oh… Hi, Boyd.
Boyd: Hey, Mist. Um… do you know where Ike is?
Mist: Nope. I was looking for him, too.
Boyd: Huh. Well, he’s been pretty busy lately. Maybe I should just give up and find someone else…
Mist: You need a training partner?
Boyd: Yeah. I’m just not motivated unless I’m sparring with someone.
Mist: Can I… Can I be your partner?
Boyd: What, you? Seriously? Why would you want to do that?
Mist: Because I want to prove that you’re no match for me! Um… Actually… I need to toughen up, or I might not survive these next battles. That’s why.
Boyd: That’s a good reason. Maybe you can be my partner, after all.
Mist: Really?
Boyd: Well, it’s better than hitting a scarecrow with a stick.
Mist: That’s terrible! After all, I am Greil’s–
Boyd: Yeah, yeah, you’re Greil’s daughter. I know. You won’t let me forget it!
Mist: …
Boyd: Hey, listen… I’m sorry about the other day. I was too harsh on you.
Mist: No, it’s fine. You were right. I was naive. You just opened my eyes a little… I’m grateful to you, Boyd.
Boyd: Don’t… Don’t thank me for insulting you! Sheesh!
Mist: But it was a good thing! You’re making me strong! You’re so good to me… Huh? Why are you blushing?
Boyd: Quiet! I’m not blushing! Uh… I gotta go!
Mist: Boyd! Wait! Where are you going? Aren’t we going to train?

I know, mentally, these two characters are close together in age, but the game does not sell them as such, and the fact this is a fairly standard romance conversation (well, on Boyd's end, Mist doesn't seem to care) just falls flat. Also, Mist and Boyd would be terrible training partners, Mist is far too dodgy for Boyd and has WTA to boot.

Titania/Boyd B

Titania: Hello, Boyd.
Boyd: T-Titania!? I’m not slacking! I’ve done my training! Look, I’ll do more! Hiiiyaaa! Kiyaaaaa! Whaaaaaa!
Titania: Boyd, I haven’t said a word.
Boyd: Oh, yeah, I guess not. I’m so used to all our conversations starting that way…
Titania: I didn’t come here to chew you out. You don’t need that anymore. We’re fighting intense battles now, and you can’t let your guard down. But you know that, right?
Boyd: I guess so.
Titania: Your training has become instinct. That’s all you need to survive. You’ve learned that lesson, Boyd. You’ll be all right.
Boyd: Shoot!
Titania: W-what? Did I say something wrong?
Boyd: This doesn’t sound right, Titania. I feel like… like you’re praising me.
Titania: Well, I am. You’re a true warrior now. One of our best.
Boyd: Oh, man, this is making my head spin… It’s like a bad omen or something. I think it’s scarier than being chewed out.
Titania: I see… So you want me to chew you out, huh? Great. I can do that.
Boyd: Aaah! No, that’s not what I meant, Titania!

Oh dear Boyd. If you've brought him this far, he should have turned out, and this a nice meta way of acknowledging that. But still, that instinct that Titania Lecture = Bad has been drilled hard into him.

Brom/Nephenee B

Brom: Where are those barracks anyway?
Nephenee: Hmm… I’m not sure.
Brom: How do these guys know where to go without getting lost? Moving from one camp to the next every day, never resting, bad food… Oh, it’s got me all worked up!
Nephenee: It’s a war. There ain’t nothin’ you can do. We just have to get used to it.
Brom: I guess you’re right. You and I were strangers to war before.
Nephenee: I know. That’s why I don’t quite understand what passes for normal around here.
Brom: I tell ya, it sure was tough when I first volunteered! For one thing, we militiamen are nothing but a bunch of farmers and villagers. We had courage and determination to spare, but we sure lacked talent!
Nephenee: I know what ya mean, Brom! There weren’t even enough gear for us! They gave me a bow and told me to share it with another gal. But neither one of us knew how to use it, anyhow.
Brom: Yup! I hear you well! The war broke out so suddenly, the only decent training we got was how to stand for roll call! Every time we marched, people got lost or strayed or fled. We were losing soldiers before we even saw the enemy. That’s why I don’t feel bad about being taken prisoner… But this army is real good compared to my last one!
Nephenee: Well, what did you expect? We’re in a real army now. Horsefeathers! Where are those barracks?
Brom: Oh, enough walking! My feet hurt! And my back is sore. Let’s just ask someone.
Nephenee: A-ask someone? Um… Fine. You do it!
Brom: What? What’s wrong?
Nephenee: I… I’m not used to talkin’ with city folk.
Brom: What are you afraid of? Just talk like you always do.
Nephenee: Oh no! I-I’m a country girl! They’ll all set to laughin’…

Yeah, Crimea was no match for Daein. Even with a proper warning, I don't imagine these generals could've trained their militia for proper service in time. But still, though, those other people they were working with- the ones that stuck around the battlefield long enough to actually get cut down by Daein... those guys could have been just as interesting as these two. It's important to keep that perspective in mind when talking about casualties.

Boyd/Brom B

Brom: Huff… huff… huff… Phew! Hey, Boyd… I’m sorry… for being… phew! …being such a drag!
Boyd: You can’t help being a slow walker. Don’t worry! You’re doing fine.
Brom: You really think so? Aw, thanks, Boyd! You know, I may not be in the best shape, but I’ve got more tenacity than anyone. A farmer’s work lasts all year ’round, after all. You’ve got to have patience.
Boyd: All year, huh? Tell me, pops. Do you enjoy working in the fields?
Brom: You bet! Sure, I’ve got my share of worries, like bugs and animals and bad weather… But it’s all worth it come harvest time!
Boyd: Hmm…
Brom: What’s wrong?
Boyd: Oh, I was just thinking… The farming life is the complete opposite of what we mercenaries do. I mean, a farmer gets to bring life to the world, and his work keeps everyone going. But mercenaries? We kill people, and we break things, and… Well, we bring death, not life.
Brom: Aw, don’t talk it down like that! You get to fight for what’s right and protect people!
Boyd: Hey, don’t get me wrong. The Greil Mercenaries are my family, and I do my job because I like it. But… you know what?
Brom: What?
Boyd: Break time’s over! Up and at ’em, pops!! Back to the training!
Brom: W-what? Wait, it’s only been a… H-hold on! Aw, shucks! Phew… Huff… Puff…

Boyd and Brom have a nice chat about the differences between mercenaries and farmers. You ever get the feeling that maybe Boyd kinda regrets this path? He got brought to the Greil Mercenaries mostly because he ran out of places to turn, and he stays because he's attached to the place... but what about if he could've had a different life?

A Supports

Mist/Mordecai A

Mist: Oh, Mordecai. Is something wrong?
Mordecai: Have you seen your brother, Mist?
Mist: Oh, he’s with Titania and others. But I think he’ll be here soon.
Mordecai: Ah. Do you… and your brother get along well?
Mist: I think so… I mean, just about as well as any brother and sister do, you know?
Mordecai: Ike is a good beorc. He was kind to me, even though we had just met. He is a beorc, but I feel for him as though he is a brother laguz.
Mist: Ha ha ha. Yeah, he always has been a little weird, hasn’t he?
Mordecai: Is that so? It does not matter. I am fond of Ike. Mist… I do not want you to laugh, but I would like to tell you something.
Mist: What’s that?
Mordecai: When I returned your scarf, my hand was shaking with fear.
Mist: You? Were scared?
Mordecai: Yes. I was afraid that I made you afraid. I was afraid that you would run. I… was afraid.
Mist: Wow… I didn’t know that. Tee hee. It IS kind of funny. You and I have a lot in common, don’t you think?
Mordecai: Yes. We share much between us.

Mist and Mordecai make the best friends. Point them at each other and you get even more adorable. Mordecai will make a great bridge between beorc and laguz still.

And yeah, Ike is pretty laguz.

Rhys/Rolf A

Rolf: Rhys?
Rhys: Rolf? What’s up?
Rolf: You’re feeling better today, huh? I’m glad. You were so sick last time…
Rhys: All I ever do is cause you to worry… Maybe I should just leave the mercenaries. I don’t want to be a burd–
Rolf: No! You’re wrong! That’s not what I meant at all!
Rhys: I know, Rolf. But… It’s hard for me. The fighting is difficult enough, but to cause everyone grief on top of it… And it’s not just you, either. I cause Ike and Titania trouble, too. Maybe I’ll just pack my things–
Rolf: N-no! I don’t want you to go! If you leave, I’ll cry! I wasn’t blaming you, you know? You can’t help being barfy all the time.
Rhys: Rolf…
Rolf: Oh, that’s not what I meant. Listen, just count on me, all right? I’ll help you.
Rhys: What did you say?
Rolf: Fighting our enemies is really scary! In fact, once I almost wet my… Anyway! I don’t want anyone to die. Before, all I could do was wait and pray, but now I can fight and defend everyone! That makes it easier to focus.
Rhys: I understand.
Rolf: That’s why I want to defend you, Rhys! If I know that I always have to defend you, it will make me less scared. And the more I do it, the stronger I get! So don’t you dare leave us!
Rhys: Rolf… You… You’ve really grown up. All right, it’s a deal! I won’t hide anything from now on. And I’ll count on you, too! You can be my very own knight in leather armor!
Rolf: Yeah, that’ll be great! …Um, hey, Rhys? Don’t tell anyone that I almost… All right?

A fairly standard A Support, all things considered. I kinda liked how Rhys/Rolf C and B tied in to the Mist Support, but this doesn't really add too much to either character. Probably for the best, since getting Rolf/Mist A will cut you off from seeing this.

Oscar/Kieran A

Kieran: Oscar!!
Oscar: Hello, Kieran. Are you going to ask me to return to the Crimean knights again?
Kieran: You guessed it! I’m a Crimean knight… and I’m very proud of that fact! No better friend! No worse enemy! A knight distinguishes himself in battle, returning in triumph to hear adulation from the people and praise from his lord! When you make your name as a knight, everyone knows you! The world is laid at your feet! And above all else, you can defend our beloved Crimea and her people with your own two hands!!
Oscar: That certainly sounds nice.
Kieran: It’s better than the life of a mercenary, cavorting with outlaws and entering battles from which you never return! Why, Oscar? Why!? I just don’t get it!
Oscar: …
Kieran: You’re my archrival! That’s an honor! I know your true skills better than anyone. If you say you will come back, I’ll do everything I can to recommend your honorable return to the knights!
Oscar: Heh. Thanks, Kieran. But I’m not returning. After joining the mercenaries, I had a chance to see the world. I saw grief with my own eyes. People subjugated by the powerful, losing everything and dying alone… Countries can’t save people like that. It’s up to men like us– men who are in the thick of the action– to aid those who cannot aid themselves. Besides, I have no use for honor. As long as I can defend the family called the Greil Mercenaries, I’m happy.
Kieran: Bla… Blast! You’ve outdone me again! How can this be? I don’t know why or how, but… I feel you beat me yet again!
Oscar: You didn’t lose. There are many things that a brave knight like yourself can do that we mercenaries cannot. So let’s both do our best. We may stand on different sides of the field, but we aspire to the same ideal.
Kieran: I see… Then I will ask you no more!! Watch me! When Crimea is fully restored, my distinguished services will resonate throughout the ages! You’ll hear about it wherever you are! I’ll make sure of it!
Oscar: …Yes, I’m sure you will. And when I hear your brave tales, I’ll toast your success!

Kieran has, sorta, figured out what makes Oscar tick, and is all the better for it. I can't help but wonder why the Crimean Knights can't do the work the Greil Mercenaries do, though. What makes whatever it is Kieran does so important that Oscar has to pick up his slack in making sure the Crimean people aren't being terrorised by bandits?