Supports: Chapter 28

Time to prepare to rescue Leanne from Ashnard's clutches. We can afford to lag a little and gather Supports, can't we?

Today's Supports:

• Geoffrey/Elincia B
• Makalov/Bastian B
• Ike/Titania A
• Ilyana/Lucia A
• Mia/Largo A
• Soren/Stefan A
• Muarim/Largo A
• Tauroneo/Largo A
• Jill/Haar A
• Geoffrey/Elincia A
  
• Calill/Geoffrey A
• Janaff/Lucia A
• Rhys/Ulki A
• Devdan/Largo A
  

B Supports

Geoffrey/Elincia B

Geoffrey: Your Highness… Please, I beg you to reconsider.
Elincia: …
Geoffrey: I am aware that you took offense to my disobeying your order… But… You cannot ask me to leave you alone and undefended! I am a royal knight. It is my duty and honor to ride by your side and defend you on the field of battle.
Elincia: …
Geoffrey: Your Highness, please! On bended knee, I beg this of you.
Elincia: Would you stop defending me if I stripped you of your title?
Geoffrey: …T-take away my knighthood?
Elincia: …
Geoffrey: I see. I had no idea you wanted to avoid me this badly.
Elincia: No, Geoffrey. That’s not–
Geoffrey: I may have spoken out of turn, but all I wanted was to honor my oath and shield you from harm. I’m sorry…
Elincia: Wait… Geoffrey! Geoffrey!

Daein might be the place that's going mad with toxic chivalry, but I don't think Geoffrey is a million miles away from needing to reassess his life choices.

Makalov/Bastian B

Makalov: Count Bastian, you’d consider us close now, right?
Bastian: You, sir, are as the dearest of my friends. We drink and sup until the morning light!
Makalov: All right then, why don’t we play a little game? You may not know it. It’s a favorite game of the common folk. But once it charms you, it never lets go!
Bastian: A game played by the commoners, you say? What fun! We must this enterprise engage! Pray tell the rules of your wondrous lark.
Makalov: It’s simple. You make a wager, and then you guess the pattern on these face-down wooden blocks right here. If you guess right, you win money! If you guess wrong, you lose… Simple, really!
Bastian: Ah ha! You do not fool me, my good sir! This lark is played in all the gaming dens, where fool and coin are ever parting ways.
Makalov: Gulp! W-what? You mean… y-you’ve been to a gambling parlor before?
Bastian: I know of such, but haven’t in one stepped. But I will say… my interest has been piqued.
Makalov: Then let’s go to the local gambling hall! Come on, you can just get a taste for it. I’ll show you the way. Don’t worry about being new to the game. Someone as rich as you can play all night and still come home with a fat wallet.
Bastian: I shall not play. I must content myself with watching.
Makalov: Whaaat!? Why would you just want to watch?
Bastian: My homeland of long years is in dire peril. I cannot play while sweet Crimea burns. Oh look, the moon has risen o’er the hills! I must retire now to sleep’s cold grip. Take care to not empty your purse! Ta ta!
Makalov: Aaah! Nooo! He’s gone… There goes my loot! Waaaait! Come baaaack!

At least Makalov is listening to Bastian and understanding what he is saying now. Although I think Bastian might be having a conversation on another level entirely still.

A Supports

Ike/Titania A

Ike: Titania? I wish to thank you.
Titania: W-what? What’s with all the formality?
Ike: There’s no guarantee that any of us will see tomorrow, and I want to tell you this while it’s still in my head. Will you listen?
Titania: Um… All right, but… what’s with you? And what have I done to deserve your thanks?
Ike: You have done much. You helped my father build this company. He had lost his wife and had two young children to care for… I wish to thank you for that.
Titania: …Oh, Ike…
Ike: I’ve taken everything in my life for granted, and it was all possible because of you. My thanks is far too late in coming.
Titania: It’s not necessary, Ike. What I did, I did because–
Ike: You loved him. Didn’t you?
Titania: …!!! …Um…
Ike: Perhaps I’m wrong. Regardless… I stand here alive today because of you. And I still want to thank you for it. Had you not lent a helping hand, I would most likely be dead. And my father’s life cut short as well. You helped to keep him alive until the Black Knight brought him down… You made his final years happy. Thank you.
Titania: Oh, Ike… …I don’t… …Sniff… …Sniff… …Sniff…
Ike: Unlike my father, I lack both experience and strength, but… I’m learning. Please, keep aiding and supporting me. Please…
Titania: …Sniff… Of course… Of course I will, Ike.

Ike thanks Titania for all her hard work. That needs to be framed, honestly.

Also, Titania's latent feelings for Greil both help and severely confuse the parallels she has with Leonie from Three Houses. Yes, you heard right. Titania and Leonie would get along just fine.

Ilyana/Lucia A

Lucia: Where’s Ilyana? I told her to wait right here! Where did she run off to?
Ilyana: Lu… Lucia…
Lucia: Ilyana!? Did something happen?
Ilyana: No… Just so… Hungry… So hungry…
Lucia: Hungry? Haven’t you been eating?
Ilyana: No… Not enough… I just had five helpings…
Lucia: What?! Five helpings?!
Ilyana: Yes… Oh, and I took Soren’s lamb shank when he wasn’t looking.
Lucia: How much do you usually eat?
Ilyana: When I cook, I usually make… six or seven helpings…
Lucia: Er… You’re not a laguz, are you?
Ilyana: No…
Lucia: Listen, Ilyana. I’ve put you through some hard training over the last few days, and it got me thinking… There is something seriously wrong with you!! But I can’t leave you like this. You’ve made it this far, and we’ll get through whatever it is together.
Ilyana: Yes… That makes me happy. You make me delicious meals… You’re so beautiful and strong… I want to be with you, Lucia…
Lucia: Oh, fine. We might as well go get some food!
Ilyana: Your cooking… I can almost taste it…
Lucia: You’re always so hungry… All right, I’ll make you whatever you want. But you had better train hard!
Ilyana: Yes! Oh, I’m so happy!

I know we saw Ilyana try to dress up for Zihark, but is she... actually trying to flirt with Lucia? I know Lucia is more gay than the average "kinda sapphic" character, but seeing Ilyana actively attempt to flirt is just... weird.

Also, please do not steal food from Soren. That kid will gladly keep going on an empty tank of gas.

Mia/Largo A

Mia: You fought… hard… that time! Who do you think won?
Largo: It was close, but I think you beat me again.
Mia: Are you sure?
Largo: Yep. I’m bushed.
Mia: You didn’t go easy on me because I’m a woman, did you?
Largo: Not at all. It’s just that I’m no match for that sword arm of yours.
Mia: …Ooooh, boy… I’m beat! I think I’ll go grab some sleep.
Largo: Wait… I know you’re tired, but can I ask you one question?
Mia: Sure.
Largo: Why push yourself so hard?
Mia: Because I’ve been told too many times that a sword doesn’t belong in the hands of a woman. I’ve got something to prove.
Largo: Oh… I get it.
Mia: I understand if I lose to someone with better technique. When that happens, I can always hone my skills and work on getting more combat experience. If I lose, it’s not because I’m a woman. It’s because someone trained harder than me. And if that happens, I’ll hone my skills and come back to beat them.
Largo: Ahhh… Now I understand how you clobbered me so badly! But I can’t just lick my wounds. I’ll have to take your advice, get back to practice, and challenge you again one day.
Mia: When?
Largo: Huh?
Mia: You said you wanted a rematch. When do you want to do it? You want a chance to redeem yourself, right?
Largo: Bwaaa ha haaaa! I’m impressed, kid! I’ll just have to keep fighting you until I win!
Mia: I’ll take you on anytime, Largo!

This. This is what makes Mia to me. Mia grew up in some sexist pocket of the world (I feel like Crimea having Elincia and Lucia running around makes it difficult to call the country as a whole sexist, but on the other hand, the plot started because of some strange succession crisis and Lucia is not an unchallenged member of the court) and is actively attempting to prove herself as an able swordsmaster. And while she's fallen behind in Path of Radiance because of Transfers, I hope her Radiant Dawn self will live up to that.

To tie this back to Mia/Rhys and Mia's fortune of a white-clad rival, I have the sneaking suspicion the fortune teller intended it in a very "Disney Prince romance" kind of way, and Mia being so desperate to force Rhys to be a combat unit is her way of rebelling against that sort of feminine box and proving that she is as much a fighter as she is a woman.

Soren/Stefan A

Stefan: This war will be over soon enough. Why are you still pretending to be something you aren’t?
Soren: Why do you keep bringing this up? I don’t know what you’re talking about!
Stefan: You’re Branded– there’s no doubt about it. I can tell. I’m just like you.
Soren: …
Stefan: You’ve grown quite good at hiding it. But, it’s merely a matter of time before your heritage becomes… evident.
Soren: …Evident?
Stefan: You may have already started to notice. We age differently than the beorc. Of course, the specifics of it depend on the type of laguz blood that flows in your veins.
Soren: I thought I was aging normally… Well, until about three years ago.
Stefan: You won’t be able to remain in the same place. Beorc aren’t very observant, but even they will soon catch on.
Soren: That may be true… But I will not leave Ike’s side.
Stefan: …When the time comes– and you will know when– ride to Grann Desert. You have friends there.
Soren: …

This is just... knowing now that Soren only found out about his Branded heritage during the plot of this game, I can only imagine how much he's worried that Ike will cast him out when it becomes clear he's a Branded. Ike would never, of course, but this is Soren/Stefan A. The five Support limit means Ike hasn't assured him of that yet. And even if we ignore that... will Ike still be singing the same tune in three years time?

Muarim/Largo A

Largo: Hey, Muarim! That lifting competition we had the other day was epic!
Muarim: Yes. It was a good time.
Largo: People got interested when we were seeing who could lift the most cured hams! That crowd was huge!
Muarim: Mmm… It got a bit out of hand when we started lifting people.
Largo: Bwa ha ha! We were neck and neck right until the end. The last thing I stacked on my back was that big smoked ham, but then you picked up that girl! What was her name again?
Muarim: Mist.
Largo: Yeah, that’s her. We could have settled the competition if we had known which was heavier. Huh! I still think it was the ham…
Muarim: You were quite amazing.
Largo: Amazing? Me? Naw, not Largo! You were the incredible one!
Muarim: I’m not talking about how many hams you lifted. You were able to draw everyone together. It gave them a laugh, despite the stress of battle. Everyone had a chance to relax and blow off some steam.
Largo: Well, everybody deserves a good belly laugh! Bwaaaaa haa haa haaaaaa!!
Muarim: You also treat me and everyone else the same. You are a good beorc.
Largo: Bwa ha ha! I just call it like I see it! I don’t deserve any credit for that. For now, let’s call our match a tie. How about some arm wrestling next time? There’s no way you can beat me at that!
Muarim: Hah! We shall see!

And that's what makes Largo such a good match for Muarim. Even if you're deeply and directly affected by the cruelty of the world, you still deserve the chance for fun and relaxation without the strings attached from your past.

Also, that's the second time Mist's weight (or lack thereof) has been used as a punchline. Whether Mist or the ham was heavier depends on whether the horse joined too.

Tauroneo/Largo A

Largo: Hmmm… That’s not it. That’s no good, either…
Tauroneo: Are you thinking about your pub again?
Largo: Hey, Tauroneo! Can you dish me up some more of your good advice?
Tauroneo: Glad to.
Largo: I’m trying to come up with a name for my pub.
Tauroneo: What do you have so far?
Largo: How about “Savory Pies And Stuff”?
Tauroneo: Hmmm. It’s a bit… odd.
Largo: Maybe you’re right. Let me think… I want this to be a pub where both beorc and laguz can walk on in, get a meat pie and a frosty beverage, and be happy. So how about we name it the “All You Beorc And Laguz Come On Down And Get Yourself A Meat Pie Pub”!
Tauroneo: That’s a little long.
Largo: No good, eh? Nuts. What am I gonna do? I’m no good at thinking up stuff like this.
Tauroneo: Maybe you’re trying too hard. How about naming it after something you think is important?
Largo: Hey, yeah! I’ll call it “Calill.” She’s always been my favorite.
Tauroneo: Naming it after an old flame, eh? I say go with that. I’ll be sure to drop in for a pie and a brew when you open your place.
Largo: You better! I’ll have your favorite drink waiting for you! Your favorite drink is… Wait, I know this… I wrote it down somewhere… Oh, here it is… Strong!
Tauroneo: Yep.
Largo: Bwaaa ha ha haaaa!!! Leave it to me!

There's more name suggestions in the epilogue for PoR, but I don't think we ever actually find out what they settled on. I'm going to assume "Calill" was out of the question when Calill became part of the staff.

Jill/Haar A

Jill: Mr. Haar?
Haar: Yes?
Jill: That’s strange. I didn’t have to call for you a hundred times before you answered!
Haar: Well, I figured this way I don’t have to listen to your whining.
Jill: Oh, so that’s how it is? Well, whatever…
Haar: What are you going to do when this war is over, Jill?
Jill: Hopefully go back to Daein. I want to be near my father’s grave.
Haar: I see.
Jill: What about you?
Haar: If I survive sparring with Ashnard… I don’t know what I’ll do. I’ve already thought about guarding Lord Shiharam’s grave.
Jill: Does that mean you’re not happy being with me?
Haar: That’s not it. I was just thinking you probably don’t like being with me.
Jill: Why would I not like that?
Haar: Then if we both survive this war, let’s start a wyvern courier service. We’ll make a lot of loot.
Jill: Sure… If we survive.

Haar randomly but correctly stating how he's going to turn up in Radiant Dawn. Haar seems to like being a cargo deliveryman, I hope that pans out with him being lazy and all.

...I'm also moderately concerned both of you want to be in Daein to be with Shiharam's grave. Sure, he's important to both of you, but that's kind of morbid.

Elincia/Geoffrey A

Elincia: I’ve listened to all that you’ve had to say, Geoffrey. Now it’s time for you to hear me out.
Geoffrey: By your command.
Elincia: You fight too hard and take too many risks to protect me in combat.
Geoffrey: Is that not what a knight is sworn to do?
Elincia: But you put yourself at grave risk!
Geoffrey: It is true. I have felt the bite of steel several times while protecting you… But I would do so again without a thought!
Elincia: You promised me long ago that you wouldn’t needlessly jeopardize your life for my sake. I guess you don’t value your life after all.
Geoffrey: Your Highness…
Elincia: I know you think I should stay at camp and rest on silken pillows without suiting up for battle. But… There’s no way I could stand… Stand seeing someone so dear to me die just beyond my grasp. So… now you know why I asked this of you.
Geoffrey: I don’t know if you realize all that you’ve done for the soldiers. Do you see how you have raised the spirits of the Crimean soldiers since you began fighting alongside them? Their princess herself leads the charge! She doesn’t ask the soldiers to risk their lives without risking her own. They adore you. And that is why we win our battles. They fight with a ferocity no other force could possibly match.They will win at any cost.
Elincia: …
Geoffrey: I admit I have been fighting recklessly. …I did so knowing you were near me. I knew you’d be by my side if I were gravely wounded.
Elincia: Yet… You feel me a burden.
Geoffrey: I can’t imagine fighting without you anymore. If you do hold my life dear, please keep fighting. Lead us to victory!
Elincia: Oh, Geoffrey. I’m so sorry I brought you so much torment. I misunderstood you. I am… so immature.
Geoffrey: I disobeyed your direct orders. That’s no badge of honor, either.
Elincia: I’m sure I’ll keep causing you troubles… but please… never leave my side, Geoffrey.
Geoffrey: Princess Elincia… My life and blade are yours.

Elincia and Geoffrey are a possible romantic ship in Radiant Dawn, which is weird considering they're milk siblings. I ship Elincia/Lucia, I suppose I can't argue. I do feel that this conversation and the B do work well together being available in the same mission.

Also, both Elincia and Mist have the same fear of their loved ones dying while they're in some other place. I wonder if those are entirely independently developed.

Calill/Geoffrey A

Calill: Ah! I see!
Geoffrey: So that’s why her existence was never made public. Instead, she was taken to the royal villa and raised in secret.
Calill: It’s a rather complicated story for a… commoner like me to understand. To grow up like that… Hidden from the eyes of the world.
Geoffrey: I don’t think the princess minded. She grew up with the love of her parents and Lord Renning. She didn’t have to inherit the throne. She lived happy and free, like a country aristocrat.
Calill: She would probably still be happy if it weren’t for that Daein attack!
Geoffrey: …
Calill: Oh, I’m sorry, Sir Geoffrey. I was careless with my words.
Geoffrey: No, you speak the truth.
Calill: I think your earlier story was even more fascinating, though! I can’t believe that you are the son of Elincia’s foster mother and have known Her Highness since childhood.
Geoffrey: Those early days were the best of my life. Crimea was at peace, and the whole land was filled with such beauty. The princess was especially beautiful… I remember chasing her and my sister, Lucia, around the villa… But alas! She is above my station! I can never have her, and yet… I cannot forget the past!
Calill: Shush! You can’t wallow in your own memories like that! You have to live in the here and now! It’s true that times are hard. We spend every day fighting, covered in sweat and blood… But there is always hope! You must find what… pleasures you can whenever possible.
Geoffrey: Calill. You are right. I must not lose hope. I regret my outburst.
Calill: Oh, that’s all right. Actually, I prefer a man who’s a couple links short of a full chain. Makes him more interesting.
Geoffrey: Thank you. For now, I will devote myself to rebuilding Crimea. Though I think fondly on the princess, I know that our time together will never be as it once was. To serve her for life and watch her happiness from a distance… I can live with that.
Calill: Or you could just elope! Kidding! I’m kidding. Besides, you’re too straightlaced for that. I know you. It’s a shame. The two of you would make a nice couple.
Geoffrey: …You’re a good person, Miss Calill.
Calill: Oh, I know it! You can’t just find a smart, attractive woman like this on every corner, you know?
Geoffrey: You are indeed a gem among stones.
Calill: Oh, no! Don’t try to sweet talk me now! It’s far too late for such flattery! I know how you feel about the princess. I wouldn’t want to compete.
Geoffrey: Mmm… That’s unfortunate.
Calill: Ha ha ha! Well, at least we became good friends. Expose your heart to me without fear, brave Sir Geoffrey! I’ll stand by you to the end.

...OK, this is a far healthier end to this conversation than anything Gatrie comes out with, but I'm completely confused by Calill's position here. I also wonder if Geoffrey is genuinely considering trying to have a relationship with Calill and being rebuffed, or he's just saying something polite and flowery because he's Geoffrey and he can't do anything but.

Janaff/Lucia A

Lucia: In Crimea, we dream of peace for all people. Friendship that transcends nation, creed, and race. Beorc and laguz, living in harmony.
Janaff: Transcending race, huh? Crimea is an odd country. I heard you even let laguz live within your borders!
Lucia: Yes, due to our bond with King Caineghis. And now, Princess Elincia hopes to establish such alliances with other laguz nations.
Janaff: It’s a pretty thought. But do you think that a friendship which transcends nation, creed, and race will come so easily?
Lucia: It will not be easy, but it can be–
Janaff: For example. You know that Phoenicis and Begnion used to be bitter enemies, right?
Lucia: Yes, I know.
Janaff: The apostle finally recognized the Serenes massacre, but who knows how long it’ll take that news to spread over the country? Before that happens, there could be more fighting. War might erupt anew. If so, whose side will you choose?
Lucia: I would–
Janaff: It’ll be Begnion. Come on! Am I wrong? And in the eyes of Phoenicis, Crimea is nothing more than a Begnion colony. Which means I’ll fight against you.
Lucia: Princess Elincia would do everything in her power to avoid such a war. However, I am her loyal vassal. In the event of conflict, my path is clear.
Janaff: Same here. The king’s ally is my ally. And the king’s enemy… But if I can help it, I’d rather not fight a good-looking woman like you! Dinner would be much more enjoyable.
Lucia: I agree, Janaff. When this war is over and Crimea rebuilt… let’s meet again. Not as enemies, but as friends.
Janaff: I hope you’ll be old enough to go out without a chaperon by then!
Lucia: I hope so as well.

The idea of Phoenicis and Begnion going to war over the Serenes Massacre is incredibly close to the plot of Radiant Dawn. I do happen to notice that Lucia does not mention which side Elincia would choose if pressed.

...Also, "I hope I'll be old enough to go without a chaperon when the war is over"? I think Lucia is still trying to let Janaff down gently here, despite the positive sentence.

Rhys/Ulki A

Rhys: Ulki! Oh, my dear friend Ulki! I’m so looking forward to the next battle! I mean, fighting is terrifying and I’d like to avoid it and all that… But I’m going to be so useful!
Ulki: I’m glad to hear–
Rhys: But I have to hang on to your back! No matter what… Oh, may I practice with you just one more time? Please? Pleeeeease?
Ulki: Er… No. I can’t use up any more energy before battle…
Rhys: Oh, I see… I apologize… Yes, very sorry… Um… Say… Does shifting tire you?
Ulki: Yes.
Rhys: What!? Oh no! But… You let me practice with you! For days! Yesterday we flew for nine hours!
Ulki: Well… It was my fault for not saying anything. You looked so happy that… I didn’t have a chance to bring it up.
Rhys: You know what? I think you’re pale… And your eyes are all bloodshot… … I’m sorry… Let’s just forget it…
Ulki: Perhaps we should. It might be dangerous for me to go into battle like this.
Rhys: I agree…
Ulki: But… if we ever have some free time, I will take you on a ride.
Rhys: Whooo-hoooo! Yes, thank you! That would be great, Ulki!!

...Wait, you two were actually working on this strategy? Shame about the exhaustion. Also, the position of flying staff unit has been filled.

Devdan/Largo A

Largo: Um… Devdan? Do you have a moment?
Devdan: Devdan always has time for you.
Largo: Look… I’m… sorry that I got scared and ran off the other day. I’ve been agonizing over how to make it up to you, but I can’t think of anything that’ll make it right. So I’ll just… apologize. Sorry, Devdan. Sorry, Nadved.
Devdan: You worried that much for us? Poor Largo! Nadved is fine!
Largo: R-really!?
Devdan: I am Nadved’s friend. And friends are always close by! I just have to draw a picture like so… Hum de dum… See! It’s Nadved!!
???: Laaaaaaargoooooo! I miiiiiised yooooooou! Whooooooooooooo!
Largo: Oh! It’s you! I’m so sorry, Nadved! I put you through pain just because I lost my temper.
???: Thaaaaat’s all riiiiiiight, Laaaaaargoooooooooo!
Devdan: Nadved is right, Largo. We are all friends. Friends forgive each other!
Largo: Whew! I’m so glad. Thanks, you two! You’re both good people! The best! Bwaaah ha ha ha haaaa!
Devdan: No, no. You’re the best, Largo. Let’s stay friends! But first… come closer… Nadved wants to tell you something…
Largo: Um… yeah, all right. Let me just take a step closer here, and… YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!

...OK, last time I said it was Mia that got Largo out of commission for Radiant Dawn? I'm starting to think it might've been one of these two jokers.