Today's Supports:
- Marisa/Tana C
- Eirika/Innes C
- Ephraim/Duessel C
- Joshua/Marisa C
- Cormag/Tana C
- Gerik/Marisa C
- Ross/Gerik C
- Artur/Tethys C
- Vanessa/Forde C
- Ephraim/Kyle B
- Neimi/Artur B
- Neimi/Garcia A
- Neimi/Gilliam A
Marisa/Tana C
Tana: Oh! You’re one of Gerik’s mercenaries, aren’t you?
Marisa: Frelia’s princess…
Tana: Yes, that’s right. I’m Tana. What’s your name?
Marisa: Marisa.
Tana: Nice to meet you, Marisa! I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you all. Mercenaries, I mean. It’s because of you that we’re doing so well.
Marisa: It’s my job, and I’m doing it. No need to thank me.
Tana: But I’d always heard mercenaries were renegades, cutthroats, and oath breakers. You’re nothing like that, though. So that’s why I wanted to thank you- for fighting so hard for us.
Marisa: It’s not out of loyalty to you or to any kingdom. I’m happy as long as I have a chance to swing my sword.
Tana: Oh… Is that so… But it doesn’t matter to me! You’re helping us now, and I know you’d never betray us.
Marisa: I don’t care what you think.
Tana: But-but… Oh, wait! Well… She doesn’t talk much, does she…
Do they tell Tana anything? Poor girl has no idea what to make of the mercenaries, but she's trying her hardest to change that. Meanwhile, Marisa makes that incredibly difficult, with her desire to leave every conversation she enters as fast as she can.
Eirika/Innes C
Innes: Eirika. I know this might seem sudden, but… I’ve decided I must protect you for a while.
Eirika: What? What do you mean by that?
Innes: I was in a difficult situation at Carcino. I…must admit that I owe you much for your help that day.
Eirika: I… I see.
Innes: So now, I’ve decided to protect you in battle. I don’t know how to say this, but… It is unacceptable that I remain indebted to you.
Eirika: Oh, you and your fool pride–
Innes: Regardless, you can count on me. No arrow can reach all enemies, but I guarantee your safety. Will you accept my oath?
Eirika: Er… Sure. I accept. Thank you, Prince Innes.
Innes: Follow me, then.
Eirika: Uh, wait a moment, Innes. You’re an archer… Wouldn’t it make more sense if you stayed behind me?
Innes: ……
This is building up to the most epic zing in the B Support, but Innes's insistence on being Eirika's valiant shield is kinda held back by their respective classes being useless if you use them in this formation. Chauvinism and practicality make poor bedfellows.
Ephraim/Duessel C
Ephraim: Duessel, can we speak?
Duessel: Oh, Prince Ephraim. Of course, my friend.
Ephraim: I feel I should apologize for making you side against Grado in this.
Duessel: Bah. What nonsense! Please, use me however you would to end this war.
Ephraim: I want you to know how honored I am to fight at your side again. Show me a little of your skill with the spear, like when you taught me.
Duessel: Hmm… Ephraim, your skills have grown significantly since then. Why, the first time I met you, you could hardly hold a spear! I couldn’t even bring myself to lie and say you weren’t THAT bad!
Ephraim: …There’s no need to be cruel! I realize how helpless I was then.
Duessel: Let me finish! Even then, your strong will was most impressive. On your first day wielding a spear, you chose to challenge ME! I remember how enthusiastic your attack was. You were determined to win. But… you were destined to lose that day. Still, I was quite shocked. You weren’t trying to learn my skill. You were trying to steal it from me! And I thought an apprentice was supposed to be obedient to his master.
Ephraim: When you fight, you must respect your opponent, not obey him. …Besides, you knocked me out so quickly, I hardly touched you.
Duessel: I never dreamed of testing my skills against a prince of Renais. After that match, though… Oh, I changed my mind. I knew it would be interesting to teach my skills to someone like you.
Ephraim: Now, you’re the one speaking nonsense! Ah, I know… Let’s duel again after this battle! I’m older now, better trained. I’m sure I can beat you this time.
Duessel: Hmmm… Yes, fine. I’d like to see if you’ve been keeping up with your training.
I was kinda hoping for something about the "making Duessel fight Grado" bit, but it seems Duessel is a lot like Ephraim in that you can't keep him from battle long. Duessel is most biased towards the axe, so he's probably got the upper hand, but it's likely he's skilled in the whole triangle.
Joshua/Marisa C
Joshua: Hey, I hear you’re good with a sword…
Marisa: Who are you?
Joshua: I’m Joshua. And you?
Marisa: Marisa.
Joshua: It’s a pleasure. By the way, you ever hear this?
Marisa: Hear what?
Joshua: Well, I guess it was popular for a while, way back when. But when two swordsmen met on the battlefield- even allied swordsmen- they would duel it out to test one another’s worth with the blade. So what do you say? Don’t you think it’s time to revive this tradition?
Marisa: …You want me to kill you?
Joshua: No, no, no. I’m not saying we have to fight to the death! It’s just a simple test of skill.
Marisa: …Fine. As long as I get a chance to whet my blade’s appetite.
Joshua: Er… Great! Now, what say we make this more interesting? If I win, you owe me, and if you win, then I owe you.
Marisa: Owe me what?
Joshua: …I’m not quite sure yet. How about… Ah, yes. How about you owe me a favor.
Marisa: I’m not following you.
Joshua: No?
Marisa: But it doesn’t matter. I’m not going to lose to you.
Joshua: Now you’re talking.
Marisa: Then let’s get started.
Joshua: Whoa! Hold your horses! Where’s the hurry? Let’s do this another day. After all, I like to savor the anticipation a little bit.
Marisa: I don’t get it, but fine.
Joshua: Great! We’re all set then. Next time we meet, we cross swords. Deal?
Marisa: …There’s nothing to anticipate. You’re simply going to lose.
Joshua: Well, I don’t know about that. See you later. I’m looking forward to it.
Marisa: Same here.
Neither of them have any idea what they're getting into. Poor Marisa.
Joshua made his bed.
Cormag/Tana C
Tana: Hello, Sir Cormag.
Cormag: Princess Tana! That still sounds so odd to me. You know, I had no idea you were a princess at first. But please, just call me Cormag. There’s no need for honorifics with me.
Tana: Cormag it is, then. I had a favor to ask of you.
Cormag: What would you have me do, Princess?
Tana: I’m prone to attacks from archers when I’m on the battlefield…
Cormag: That makes two of us. It’s a common problem for airborne soldiers.
Tana: I thought perhaps we could keep watch for archers and warn one another.
Cormag: Hm. Yes, you’ve got a good idea there. A “buddy system” of sorts. But if you saw an ally in danger, you’d warn him regardless, wouldn’t you?
Tana: Well, of course! But we’re so high up that I was worried… If I saw an archer, I didn’t think my voice would carry to you in time. Perhaps the neighing of a pegasus or the cries of a wyvern could carry far enough to warn the others.
Cormag: Oh! I see… Yes, we might not be able to hear each other in the heat of battle. But our steeds can be louder than either of us could. And trust me, my wyvern’s shriek can pierce your ear from two leagues away. A brilliant idea, Your Highness.
Tana: Really? Thank you.
Cormag: Right, so if we see anything out there, we’ll have our mounts call out, right?
Tana: Yes, and thank you, Cormag.
This is an ingenious solution to the problem, but it really sells the threat of archers to suggest it necessary. I suppose the reason it hasn't reached full implementation is that, in a formation of sky knights, the alarms would become more cacophonous than helpful.
Gerik/Marisa C
Gerik: Hello, Marisa.
Marisa: Chief.
Gerik: How’re you doing? Your sword still sharp?
Marisa: Same as always.
Gerik: You’re not seriously injured or ill, are you?
Marisa: No.
Gerik: I see. So you can continue on?
Marisa: Yes. Why all the questions?
Gerik: Oh. I’m the commander, you know? I’m supposed to check on you now and then. Well, see you later.
Marisa: Wait.
Gerik: Hm?
Marisa: I’d like you to keep talking. I don’t mind talking to you.
Gerik: You know, we’ve known each other for a long time, so I understand you… But listen, Marisa, it wouldn’t hurt you to be a bit more sociable. Not for me, mind you, but some of the others have a hard time working with you.
Marisa: …
Gerik: Speaking of which, when I first met you, you were always working alone. I remember thinking how odd that was. I figured a woman as beautiful and talented as you would have men all around her.
Marisa: Don’t need ’em.
Gerik: You see, that’s what I’m talking about! Your beauty belies your words.
Marisa: Chief?
Gerik: Hm?
Marisa: Do you like sociable women?
Gerik: Um…sure, I guess. I mean, doesn’t everyone? If you go to an inn, aren’t the sociable gals the most popular?
Marisa: I understand. OK. I’ll be more sociable. This better?
Gerik: Huh?!
Unfortunately, Gerik's kinda putting his foot in his mouth here. I get his concern, but I feel like perhaps he could've phrased the criticism a little differently, both to be more helpful to Marisa and to sound less like an asshole telling girls to smile more.
Not that he was guaranteed to get out of the latter.
Ross/Gerik C
Ross: Um… Ahem. Are you Sir Gerik by any chance?
Gerik: What do you want, boy?
Ross: Oh, my name is Ross. I’m the son of warrior Garcia.
Gerik: I see…… So, Ross, are you an axeman?
Ross: Yeah! Don’t be fooled by my appearance. I’m actually pretty good.
Gerik: Ha ha ha! If you say so.
Ross: Well, I think so. But it’s important to keep improving.
Gerik: Why is that so important to you?
Ross: My father is such an amazing warrior. I’ve always wanted to be worthy of the title “son of Garcia.” And I want to be able to go home and rebuild my village. After that, I want to go on a voyage and train in the open ocean. And after that, I’d like to go back home. To do all this, I need to be the best warrior I can be.
Gerik: Those are admirable goals. I’ll help you out sometime.
Ross: How? You’ll give me a lesson? Are you serious? That’s great!
Gerik: I might not be able to beat your father, but I could teach you a thing or two. Why don’t you try landing a hit on me?
Ross: That’d be great! But before we start, let me go practice on those guys first!
Gerik: It’s great that he’s so eager to learn, but he’s really not ready to go solo yet!
It's interesting Gerik recognises Garcia, at least implicitly. Ross, he's self-explanatory, Gerik probably knows more about him from how he carries himself than how he introduces himself. But the way he connects Ross to Garcia makes me feel like Gerik is at least somewhat familiar with the man.
Artur/Tethys C
Tethys: Child, come here a moment.
Artur: Child…? Are you talking to me?
Tethys: Yes, that’s right. Come here for a moment. I won’t bite.
Artur: How may I help you, my lady?
Tethys: Would you spin yourself around right there?
Artur: …What? Spin around? Like… Like this?
Tethys: 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.
Artur: Beautiful? Me? Do you really think so?
Tethys: 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.
Artur: I… don’t know about that. Dancing probably isn’t my thing.
Tethys: 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.
Artur: 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?
Tethys: Oh, oh. Yes, fine. Only… What’s your name, child?
Artur: I’m A-Artur.
Tethys: I’m Tethys. I’m a dancer. Don’t forget.
Artur: Hm? T-Tethys?
Tethys: That’s right. I’ll see you later, child. Think about what I told you about becoming a dancer, won’t you?
Artur: I really don’t think it’s for me…
Being friends with Lute means you get into situations because your friend isn't sociable enough. Being friends with Tethys means you get into situations because your friend is too sociable. Poor Artur needs a friend in the middle somewhere.
Vanessa/Forde C
Vanessa: What’s that down there?! Whoa, Titania! Whoa, girl! Let’s stop here! Are you hurt?! Are you all right?!
Forde: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…
Vanessa: Huh?
Forde: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…
Vanessa: You have GOT to be kidding me! Sleeping while a war is waging? Bold warrior, it’s time to wake up! Hey! Lazybones! Get up!
Forde: Snargleblagh…hmph? Zzzzzzzzz…
Vanessa: Oh, boy… Let’s go, Titania. It’s clear that Mr. Slug here needs his beauty rest.
Forde: Zzzzz… Huh? Did someone say something?
Considering you're probably grinding Supports by mashing End Turn, I think Forde is the one with the better plan for how to spend those turns.
Ephraim/Kyle B
Kyle: Do you remember what we agreed to last time we talked, Prince Ephraim?
Ephraim: Sigh. High command must remain behind the vanguard and let the soldiers fight. And if he tries to take the van, any unit, regardless of rank, may stop him.
Kyle: Yes, exactly. So you do remember it.
Ephraim: And now, every time I try to lead the charge, my own men stop me! They waste themselves worrying about my safety when their own is at risk. Look, I agreed to your plan at the time, but this is just ridiculous. I’m going to revoke the order.
Kyle: No, Prince! I know I’ve told you this before… But you have to remember, you’re the future of Renais–
Ephraim: And if we fail because I do not join the battle, we have no future! I do know I bear much responsibility, but I simply must revoke the command.
Kyle: I’m sorry, Prince Ephraim, but I can’t allow you to do that. I’m going back to the fight. Make sure you hang back, sire. Go on.
Ephraim: …Sigh… That blasted Kyle. I know that he’s simply concerned about me. Come to think of it, he’s always been like that. I can’t recall a moment when he HASN’T been overly worried about me. But that order really needs to go.
Kyle has the right idea when it comes to keeping Ephraim safe, but yeah, soldiers dropping what they're doing to go complete this order in the most precarious parts of the battlefield is probably the worst idea you could have in practice.
Neimi/Artur B
Artur: Neimi, it’s an honor to speak with you again so soon!
Neimi: Oh! Artur! Yes, I’m happy to see you.
Artur: That’s an impressive bow. Am I to understand that you’re an archer? I’ve heard the others speak highly of your skills.
Neimi: Thank you. And I was watching you use your magic. It was pretty incredible!
Artur: Oh, it was nothing. I’m just a novice. Oh! Neimi, I see you’ve put your mirror away, have you?
Neimi: Hm…? Huh…? I don’t… think… I did…
Artur: What? What does that mean?
Neimi: Oh, no! I’ve lost it! What am I going to do?
Artur: Lost!? How could that happen!? That mirror is a precious artifact, not to mention an important keepsake!
Neimi: The leather strap… It’s torn… Ohhhh… Sniff… Waaaaaaah!
Artur: Oh, don’t– Please don’t cry. Don’t worry. We’ll look for it together.
Neimi: Sniff…
Artur: Any idea when you lost it?
Neimi: I think I… sniff… had it with me when the battle started. It was… right there on my belt… Sniff…
Artur: Then it must be around here somewhere, right? I’ll go look over here. You check the ground back there.
Neimi: All… All right…
Artur: ……
Neimi: ……
Artur: I couldn’t find it here… Any luck there?
Neimi: …Sob… Sniff… I can’t…find it…
Artur: Don’t worry. It has to be around somewhere. Just keep looking. I’ll ask the others, too.
Neimi: All right… I’ll just go look over here…
Artur: Oh, Neimi… Sigh… How am I ever going to find it in the middle of a battlefield? I suppose I simply must have faith. Yes, that’s it. Faith will guide me to her mother’s mirror.
Considering how far across the continent you could probably get between B and A Supports, that mirror could be anywhere in Magvel. I imagine they at least thought of that.
...Interesting that Neimi keeps her mirror somewhere where Artur can see it, or at least notice its absence.
Neimi/Garcia A
Garcia: Neimi, I’m sorry if I startled you yesterday.
Neimi: Huh? Oh, you mean when you were preparing yourself for the battle? No… I was just surprised by your… enthusiasm for this war.
Garcia: I used to be like this all the time. I was always preoccupied with battles, to the point of neglecting my family. And now, here I am, back on the battlefield. I’m sure my wife is somewhere sighing.
Neimi: Oh, no, Sir Garcia. I’m sure your wife understood how you felt.
Garcia: I think it’s hard to understand when you are not a soldier.
Neimi: In times like this, you have to fight to stay alive.
Garcia: You’ve lost family too, didn’t you?
Neimi: Yes. But, I can’t keep crying. I have to be strong and keep going.
Garcia: Neimi…
Neimi: You quit the army and lived in a mountain village with Ross because Renais was not at war, didn’t you?
Garcia: Yes.
Neimi: You don’t seem to be the type of person who enjoys fighting for its own sake. I think you know the emptiness and pain of war more than anyone else. I can see that just by looking at you! Em… I’m sorry if I’m being presumptuous.
Garcia: No, Neimi. Thank you. You are very perceptive. You’ll make some lucky guy very happy someday.
Neimi: Oh… Um… This is kind of embarrassing.
Garcia: Don’t be embarrassed! Oh, by the way, please take this.
Neimi: What is it? Oh, this haircomb is lovely!
Garcia: I bought this for my wife when I was still in the Renais army. But…I never had the chance to give it to her.
Neimi: Sir Garcia…
Garcia: I buried her with some of the things I’d brought back. I don’t know why, but I couldn’t bring myself to bury this, though. I don’t need it. What would I do with it? You’d make better use of it. It will give you a reason to keep using that mirror of yours, too.
Neimi: Sir Garcia! This is too much! Thank you! I will take good care of it!
Neimi seems to be of the mind that Garcia ultimately doesn't like to fight for fighting's sake, which is an opinion that, despite Garcia's comments, is the minority in regards to Garcia's fighting spirit. I kinda think the game wants us to believe the opposite about him, but we'll see more of that when Seth gets his A.
Neimi/Gilliam A
Gilliam: Neimi, I wanted to ask about your vision-training regimen.
Neimi: Ah, where I stare into the distance and concentrate?
Gilliam: Yes. I’ve been trying it out myself, but… I’ve had some problems.
Neimi: Problems? What do you mean?
Gilliam: Whenever I’m training, people start to avoid me. It’s not just that. Even animals run away from me when I’m at it.
Neimi: And you’re just… You’re just staring into the distance?
Gilliam: Yes. Standing perfectly still, staring into the distance.
Neimi: Maybe it’s… because you look scary… I used to get that a lot. Cormag said I was frightening him. He thought I was angry at him.
Gilliam: I look… scary? Hm… I have refined my stare to intimidate my foes in battle. You may have a point. No wonder people get scared when they see me glowering into the distance. You know, I might almost consider it a compliment of my knightly prowess!
Neimi: I have an idea… Perhaps if you smile, it might not be so scary.
Gilliam: …Like this?
Neimi: …
Gilliam: It’s still scary, isn’t it?
Neimi: Uh… Maybe it’s because you’re crossing your arms. How about… holding some flowers instead? That might help.
Gilliam: You want me to stare into the distance… smiling… and holding flowers?
Neimi: I think that would look good…
Gilliam: You’re just being nice, Neimi. Your keen vision is a gift, and your training may improve it… But I know I can never imitate it. It’s yours and yours alone. I place much faith in your sharp eyes and your steady hand.
Neimi: Th-thank you, Gilliam! I won’t let you down!
I fully understand where Gilliam is coming from. As a Knight, he probably wouldn't get much benefit out of vision training anyway.
Neimi mentions "Cormag" in the middle of the conversation, which might come off as a potential continuity error if you get this Support too early. This is actually a translation error: Neimi's comment is about "Coma", or Colm. Although considering the personalities involved, I think Cormag getting cowed is funnier.
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