SS Chapter 15 Supports

Today's Supports:

• Natasha/Knoll C
• Duessel/Knoll C
• Lute/Knoll C
• Tethys/Rennac C
  
• Cormag/Tana B
  
• Marisa/Tana B
• Innes/Tana B
• Ephraim/L'Arachel B
• Joshua/L'Arachel B
  
• Artur/Cormag B
  
• Gerik/Tethys B
• Gerik/Marisa B
• Innes/Gerik B
  
• Ross/Amelia B
• Ross/Ewan B
  
• Natasha/Cormag B
• Garcia/Dozla B
• L'Arachel/Rennac B
  
• Gerik/Saleh B
  
• Artur/Joshua A
• Gilliam/Moulder A
  

Natasha/Knoll C

Natasha: Master Knoll…
Knoll: I know you… You’re Natasha, from the temple.
Natasha: Yes. I remember seeing you many times back in Grado. But this is the first time we’ve ever actually spoken.
Knoll: I don’t know what it is, but clerics and mages seem to be like oil and water. And we mages can be an enigmatic bunch at times. Shadowy and sinister… Or at least, that’s how I’ve always imagined you clerics saw us.
Natasha: Oh, no! I never- Well, no. You’re right. We had few dealings with the mages. But that’s in the past. I have a question for you, Master Knoll.
Knoll: I think I can guess. It’s about the Sacred Stones and Prince Lyon, is it?
Natasha: It is. My mentor died… trying to warn us about the threat our Sacred Stone posed. I want to know the truth. What is Emperor Vigarde up to? What is Prince Lyon’s role in this?
Knoll: There are as many truths out there as there are people to tell them. Perhaps it’s best simply to choose the truth with which you are most comfortable.
Natasha: ……
Knoll: In the eyes of your mentor, I would imagine we must have seemed quite evil. He imagined our magical studies using the Sacred Stone were sacrilege. I suspect he quite loathed the ancient magics he called “dark.”
Natasha: You’re wrong… My mentor wasn’t like that at all! And isn’t this war the direct result of all your dark magic research?
Knoll: ……
Natasha: ……
Knoll: Hm… Well, I suppose you are right about that. Your magic stems from faith in the unknowable, the divine presence. In contrast, dark magic stems from knowledge, from understanding. We distrust what we do not understand, and we strive to know the unknowable. Perhaps our disciplines truly are incompatible.
Natasha: ……

Natasha and Knoll get a nice, rounded chat about the nature of Lyon's experiments and the structure of Grado and magic as a whole. Knoll's spent enough time staring into the abyss to start doubting his conclusions about right and wrong, and would rather Natasha not do the same.

In FE7, Canas says that "dark" magic is a pejorative term, and that the preferred term by its students is "elder" magic. Knoll seems to suggest the same aversion to "dark" magic, but doesn't use the "elder" term. I imagine Magvel dark magic doesn't end in the same place Elibe's does, which helps somewhat.

Duessel/Knoll C

Duessel: Don’t tell me you’ve joined up here as well, have you?
Knoll: …General Duessel. Prince Lyon no longer holds the capital. My reason for remaining is gone…
Duessel: Knoll, I have something I would ask you. What exactly happened to His Majesty and Prince Lyon?
Knoll: …… Do you have the courage to hear that answer? I think perhaps that it will not be an answer you want to hear.
Duessel: What does that mean?
Knoll: Are you familiar with a certain foreign anecdote of comedic nature? It involves two starving men and a single loaf of bread. If they break the loaf in two, both men will die of starvation…
Duessel: Knoll, I’m not asking for a riddle. Let’s not waste any more time here. I’m ready to hear the truth. Nothing you tell me could surprise me.
Knoll: If that is your wish, General Duessel… I will speak frankly. This is something that Prince Ephraim does not know. Something that no one should know.

We, of course, will remain in the dark until B Support. Arbitrary Support divides, there's a reason Fodlan is doing it's best to minimise the impact of those.

I'm not familiar with the story of the two men and their loaf of bread. I wonder if Knoll made it up to try and ramble about something for long enough for Duessel to get bored.

Lute/Knoll C

Lute: ……
Knoll: Er…
Lute: ……
Knoll: Er, excuse me… If at all possible, uh… would you mind not stalking me like that?
Lute: You noticed, huh?
Knoll: What did you expect? You’ve been at my back for days. I can’t help but notice! What do you want from me?
Lute: Aaagh!
Knoll: Hey! What was that for?
Lute: You dodged, huh? I knew your presence would be dangerous to me.
Knoll: Hm? What do you mean by…
Lute: Gah!
Knoll: Stop! P-please! Stop!
Lute: You did it again. Hm. This isn’t good. Nobody else has dodged me twice.
Knoll: Wh-what are you saying–
Lute: You’re quick at escaping, too. You’re dangerous. I’m afraid I can’t let you threaten my natural superiority.

What have I made possible? Lute has WTD on Knoll, which is probably how he survived this. Someone needs to stop Lute before we lose our lore recruit!

Tethys/Rennac C

Rennac: Are you Tethys, the dancer who captivates all audiences?
Tethys: Who are you?
Rennac: Oh, you don’t know me? That’s so disappointing. I am Rennac of Carcino. I beg your indulgence…
Tethys: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Rennac. However, I’m a bit busy at the moment. Perhaps we could talk another time.
Rennac: Is that so? Very well then. Another day.
Tethys: Yes.
Rennac: And perhaps I could have you dance for me and me alone.
Tethys: Hm? I will of course dance if you ask, but… For you and you alone? Are you perhaps attempting to woo me? If that’s the case, you should stop. I’ve…
Rennac: No, no, that’s not what I was intending at all. Yet many women who say they’re not interested end up in my arms all the same.
Tethys: Well, if that’s the case, maybe I’ll keep my eye on you. If you turn out to be such a catch, I may rethink my stance.
Rennac: It’s a deal then. I ask that you observe my conduct closely. Good day.
Tethys: Oh, dear… I think he took me seriously. I hope he doesn’t get his hopes up too high.

This conversation is going in all sorts of exciting ways, but for a whole different set of reasons. It should be noted that Tethys/Rennac is one of the worst Supports to acquire in Sacred Stones: While all other Supports gain 2, 3 or 4 Support points a turn, Rennac/Tethys is the only Support that gains Support points at 1 point a turn. This makes it take literally twice as long as the next-slowest, and FE6/7's long Support grinds are in part because +1 Support speeds are far more common in those games (the majority, in FE6). Part of Supports getting more prominent in the series was making them easier to get.

Cormag/Tana B

Tana: Cormag, thanks for warning me about that archer the other day. Your wyvern startled me, but I think you may have saved my life!
Cormag: Well, you should thank him, then. I can’t take credit for it. I mean, he started shrieking out to you before I even saw that bowman.
Tana: Really? That’s amazing… In that case… Thank you.
Cormag: The bond between a wyvern and rider is close, and this guy’s a smart one. I’m sure you and your pegasus are the same, wouldn’t you say?
Tana: Oh, yes. It’s the same with every knight and her pegasus. It’s so sad to see how war has changed the way we relate to our animal allies. It’s taking such a tremendous toll on these beautiful creatures.
Cormag: I agree. This whole war is ludicrous. War itself is madness, even more so if it’s for greed or the fantasy of power.
Tana: I hope our efforts end this war quickly. I don’t want to see anyone else die.
Cormag: Nor do I. But you cannot race headlong into battle. We’ll need you to help rebuild our shattered nations, after all. We soldiers are expendable, but you regal types aren’t.
Tana: Cormag, don’t say that!
Cormag: But it’s true.
Tana: No! No life is expendable!
Cormag: Your Highness…
Tana: Don’t throw your life away. Promise me, will you?
Cormag: … As you wish, Princess. I’ll be careful.
Tana: I have your promise, Cormag.

While the contest between Eirika and Ephraim for which one would make a finer ruler is a clean sweep in Eirika's favour, the contest between Innes and Tana is tougher to pick out. No one will question Innes has the shrewdness, but I feel Tana's kindness and earnest nature puts up a good fight. Between her and Joshua, they may just be able to figure out how to transition from the monarchy to something where commoners have a bit more say. This isn't one of those kinds of stories (L'Arachel would be a far less sympathetic character if it were), but something to think about.

Marisa/Tana B

Tana: Oh, Marisa.
Marisa: ……
Tana: What is it? What’s the matter? Oh! Have you never seen a pegasus?
Marisa: …Magnificent.
Tana: Is this your first time ever seeing a pegasus up close?
Marisa: Yes. I’ve fought beside pegasus knights, but I’ve never been this close before.
Tana: Well? What do you think?
Marisa: … I thought they would have more delicate legs, because they fly so much.
Tana: Oh, they can gallop quite quickly. They don’t always have to fly.
Marisa: Interesting. … It is truly magnificent. Powerful and beautiful.
Tana: Would you like to touch him? Pet his head. Achaeus likes that.
Marisa: Touch… him?
Tana: Of course. Be my guest. Unless you’re… scared?
Marisa: I’m not scared. …Very well. ……
Tana: That’s it… …… See? He is happy.
Marisa: Your pegasus is named… Achaeus… That is a good name. A strong name.
Tana: Thanks. Syrene named him. She’s a pegasus knight. She’s sort of my mentor. Someday, I want to be as graceful and strong as Syrene. And then, like Syrene, I’ll pass my experiences on to the next generation.
Marisa: I see. I have no goal but to master my swordsmanship.
Tana: Oh, but that’s a fine dream! Then let’s keep working, shall we?
Marisa: …Yes.

We'll meet Syrene later, but it's neat we get to hear her name early. Tana's not actually the only character who talks about her, but unless my memory fails me, Tana is the only one who does so by name.

Also, as Vanessa/Lute mentions, pegasi fly using their legs, so no wonder Achaeus's legs are toned.

Innes/Tana B

Tana: Did you see me out on the battlefield, Innes?
Innes: ……
Tana: I knew I made the right decision, coming out here. I feel like our strategy is becoming much better, as is our fighting. You do agree, don’t you, Innes?
Innes: I grant you some small credit for your achievements on the field of war. However, I still insist that you return to Frelia.
Tana: Why!?
Innes: It’s true that you’ve gained some experience out on the battlefield. But your ignorance of the world around you is simply appalling. It must be tough for a pampered castle brat like you to interact with soldiers.
Tana: If you can say something like that to your own sister, I’m more worried about you. Even when you’re right- and your judgment is good, I know- you’re so blunt that I don’t think many people will want to listen to you.
Innes: Never mind about me. This is about you, Tana. If you keep traveling with us, someone might take advantage of your naivete? More than anything, I can’t allow that Ephraim to-
Tana: What are you saying? Do you really think Ephraim and I-
Innes: No. Even if you’re not interested in him in the slightest, I… I simply do not want to see you get hurt.
Tana: Innes, what are you suggesting? If that’s the way you’re going to be, I just won’t talk to you anymore!
Innes: Tana, wait. I’m not finished! Blast…

Yeah, see, this is why Innes's curt tongue and lack of social tact costs him points on the political scale. His argument is solid on the face of it, but he fails to consider things like the benefits of having Tana gain experience from this campaign. And also his single-minded determination to hate Ephraim is clearly more of the problem here- even if Ephraim and Tana's relationship was an issue, it would be Tana who crosses boundaries first.

Ephraim/L'Arachel B

L’Arachel: Ephraim, wait a minute.
Ephraim: Yes?
L’Arachel: I’ve heard such interesting things about you from so many people. I thought it best to ask directly: You are a reckless man, are you not? It seems an attitude unbefitting a commander, wouldn’t you say?
Ephraim: Don’t speak to me that way. If I can save a life by taking a risk myself, I’ll do it. This is war, and war is risky. I have no problem with that.
L’Arachel: …Oh, dear. I’ll bet your body is just covered with scars under that armor, isn’t it? I can heal them all for you. Let me see them.
Ephraim: Thanks. Let’s see…
L’Arachel: Oh! Oh… Oh my! Wh-what are you doing?
Ephraim: I have to take my armor off if I’m going to show you the scar on my shoulder-
L’Arachel: Cad! Beast! Pervert! Devil! I simply will NOT allow you to take advantage of me in my confused state!
Ephraim: Conf- What!? Wait, L’Arachel! What about my scars…?

This one's a popular one, although I'm not really a fan. It does show L'Arachel as a woman who has probably had a lot of education on the dangers of men and sexual encounters, but not a lot of education on why she should have these concerns, leading to her drawing her own conclusions about the act itself and comedy ensues. No wonder she wound up gay: she has no preconceived notions about how she should and should not act around Eirika, while she approaches the men in her life more cautiously.

Joshua/L'Arachel B

Joshua: Hi, there.
L’Arachel: Hello, Joshua.
Joshua: Do you have a few minutes to spare? I wanted to win back my money. You were doing pretty well the other day. I was overconfident. But today, I’m feeling lucky.
L’Arachel: I accept your proposal. But remember, I think that gambling is an immoral, inexcusable pastime. You can tell it is wicked, because of how good you feel when you win.
Joshua: Can’t disagree with you there. Last time, I went easy on you because you were an amateur. Don’t think I’m gonna throw away my money like that today.
L’Arachel: I would never ask you to go easy on me, Joshua. After all, I have righteousness at my side, and I need no favors.
Joshua: Righteousness? Is that what you’ve got? And to think, you were the one telling me gambling was wrong!
L’Arachel: Oh, but it is wrong. I meant to teach you a lesson, and your lesson continues. When done for a just cause, surely gambling could not possibly be wrong.
Joshua: Now, let’s see the color of your money!

Well, except Joshua, of course. L'Arachel has a similar issue with him, though: She treats gambling as a sin, but doesn't seem to actually be doing anything about it other than calling it sinful. Someone in the pipeline here failed to teach her a few crucial lessons.

Artur/Cormag B

Artur: Sir Cormag!
Cormag: If it isn’t Artur. What’s the rush?
Artur: I’ve been thinking about how to become friends with Genarog. I was thinking perhaps he might like it if I gave him something.
Cormag: You want to give Genarog a gift?
Artur: 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…
Cormag: I see… But that’s your amulet, isn’t it?
Artur: No need to worry for me, Sir Cormag. I pray every morning and every night.
Cormag: 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.
Artur: 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!
Cormag: Whoa, not bad… Not bad at all, Artur. I’ve never once seen him lick anyone’s hand but mine.
Artur: Really?
Cormag: 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.
Artur: That makes me happy, Sir Cormag. I’m glad he likes the amulet.
Cormag: I think he likes you more than he likes that amulet, honestly.
Artur: Really, Sir Cormag? May I talk to him again?
Cormag: Sure, anytime. We’re looking forward to it. Both of us.

Artur has a friend! Genarog is a good boy. Don't really know why Cormag thinks Artur is sacrificing his own star stone for Genarog, though.

Gerik/Tethys B

Tethys: Chief. The truth is, Ewan and I? We were abandoned by our parents.
Gerik: …Oh, I see…
Tethys: Um… I wandered about with little Ewan in tow. He had no idea what was happening. I was a child myself with no job. We went to bed hungry every night, and our clothes were rags…
Gerik: …
Tethys: Then one day I said to myself, “We cannot go on like this!” I watched a dancer on a street corner and memorized all of her moves. I wasn’t a very coordinated child and it was so difficult. I didn’t have real shoes, so my feet were a mess of blisters, and I fell so many times I was covered in cuts and bruises. It was painful. And miserable. And very, very difficult. But I never cried. Because if were to cry, he would cry. And I loved seeing Ewan’s smiling face. I wanted him to smile all the time, so I worked hard so he could.
Gerik: Tethys…
Tethys: Tee hee hee. What a sad and miserable tale. I’m sorry. I was reminded of it all just recently, and I was overcome with emotion… But that’s how I earned the dancing skills and physique I have now! All of the hard work I did back then has made me the woman I am today. What do you say to that?
Gerik: I’m not sure what to say. So before you met up with us, the two of you had a rough time of it, did you?
Tethys: OK, that’s enough. The past is the past! You mustn’t tell anyone about this. I don’t share this story with others. I only told you because you’re the chief. A story of toil and hardship doesn’t quite fit my mysterious image, does it? You know what I’d like? For you to tell me more about you.
Gerik: Sure. Another time, though, OK?
Tethys: All right. Let’s see this thing through to the end. If we do our best, good things will come of it. And then better things after that. Right, Chief?
Gerik: Right, Tethys. You be careful.
Tethys: Of course! And you too, Chief!

"Hi, boss, here's my emotionally scarring backstory right upfront." And she thinks Marisa is the one with poor social skills. Tethys gets one hell of a bad start, though- Dorothea at least got a sponsored dancing education, Tethys is entirely self-taught.

And then Ewan went and disappeared into the mountains to learn magic.

Gerik/Marisa B

Gerik: Say, Marisa.
Marisa: Hello.
Gerik: Listen, you’ve been acting a bit odd lately. You don’t talk to me as much as you used to.
Marisa: … I’m practicing.
Gerik: Practicing? Practicing what?
Marisa: Being sociable.
Gerik: Oh… Because it’s you I’m going to assume that you’re serious. You know what I said before? I wasn’t really serious, so don’t worry about it.
Marisa: But. I’ve practiced. I’m a bit more sociable.
Gerik: In what way? You don’t appear to have changed at all.
Marisa: You’re wrong. Let me show you.
Gerik: What? You’re going to be sociable? This I’ve got to see. Well, go ahead.
Marisa: You won’t laugh, will you?
Gerik: No, I won’t laugh.
Marisa: Truly?
Gerik: Yes, I promise.
Marisa: Here goes… Hello, Gerik! Wonderful day for a battle, isn’t it!
Gerik: ……
Marisa: Why are you looking away?
Gerik: N-n-no… reason… Mmha… Bwa ha ha ha ha!
Marisa: Oh!

To be fair, Marisa isn't exactly much better when it comes to sociability. Entirely to impress Gerik, admittedly, and that's gone pear-shaped for her.

Innes/Gerik B

Innes: Nice work, Gerik… I see the Desert Tiger is still as fierce as ever.
Gerik: I can’t believe my skill with the blade is known in circles as high as yours. Let me tell you, I didn’t get into this line of work because I like fighting. It was a twist of fate that started me on this path…
Innes: Really? But I’ve heard of your fame from no less a person than my father. He tells me your name was once known from shore to shore on this continent.
Gerik: The past is the past. I was just doing what I had to. If I hadn’t, I never would have survived. But there’s something about combat that just doesn’t agree with my nature.
Innes: If that’s the case, why are you with these mercenaries?
Gerik: Ahh… The answer is so simple, you’ll probably laugh. Back when I was a kid, a friend from my village said he wanted to be a mercenary. He said he was going to be famous, the greatest warrior in all the land. No matter how many times I told him to give it up, he wouldn’t listen to me. Well, one day, he left for Jehanna. I didn’t know what else to do, so I went with him and joined the guild, too. Stupid reason, isn’t it? Anyway… I didn’t particularly like fighting, and while I wasn’t opposed to the money, I certainly wasn’t in it for fame… I just couldn’t let my friend go off and get killed.
Innes: And where is this friend now?
Gerik: He went off and got killed.
Innes: I see…
Gerik: So there was no reason for me to continue being a mercenary… But then there were other men who I considered to be my friends. I couldn’t bring myself to abandon them… And so the years passed and here I am. The thing is I can’t stand to see my friends die. But if you’re in this business long enough, people around you get killed. It happens. The only thing you can do is keep moving forward and try not to think about it. So… Yes, I’d have a problem if you got yourself killed. I’ve got no place else to go, and I’m tired of trying to forget.
Innes: Hmph… Do you really think I’d lose so easily? It won’t do for you to underestimate me.
Gerik: Oh, uh… Right.

What a bad lot for Gerik. I love the casual "he went off and got killed" bit in there, too. Get this man a retirement, however that happens.

Ross/Amelia B

Ross: Hey!
Amelia: Oh, hi, um…
Ross: I guess I haven’t told you my name, huh. I’m Ross, the son of the warrior Garcia.
Amelia: I’m Amelia. Nice to meet you, Ross.
Ross: Likewise. By the way, it looks like you’re getting better at battle.
Amelia: Yes. It’s mostly because you and others are helping me out. I’m also getting the hang of my spear.
Ross: I see. I was once a rookie too. Everyone has to start somewhere. We’re young, and we start at the bottom of the chain, you know? But we’ll get stronger, both of us. So let’s work hard, all right?
Amelia: Yes!
Ross: Good, good. Oh, by the way…
Amelia: Yes?
Ross: I have something for you. Now, where did I put it? Hmm… Ah, here it is.
Amelia: Thanks… Um, what is it?
Ross: Isn’t it obvious? It’s a necklace.
Amelia: I can see that, but… Why?
Ross: I bought it. I mean, I bought it a long time go. There was a kid selling this on the street, and he just wouldn’t leave me alone. I didn’t need it, but he seemed really hungry, so…
Amelia: That’s very kind of you, Ross.
Ross: Oh, it’s not a big deal. A-anyway, it’s yours now.
Amelia: What?! I couldn’t!
Ross: No, it’s yours.
Amelia: But…
Ross: Don’t you like it?
Amelia: It’s not that. It’s very pretty! It’s just…
Ross: Then keep it.
Amelia: Thank you. It’s so lovely.
Ross: You should have just accepted in the first place. Why are you acting so reluctant?
Amelia: Well, I’ve always lived very… modestly.
Ross: Huh? What’s that got to do with it?
Amelia: I could never afford something like this… So to me, everything is so very precious… And I couldn’t take something that was precious to you…
Ross: I see. Please just take it and enjoy it.
Amelia: If you’re sure… Thank you.
Ross: Of course! Besides, I’ve always looked better in earrings than necklaces. Just kidding! OK, let’s go, Amelia.
Amelia: Ha ha ha! Sure.

Ross: Going from finally remembering to introduce himself to a girl to giving her an expensive present. Can't say the kid doesn't have guts. Amelia's modest upbringing seems to be more a product of Grado than it is any personal circumstances, as far as I've gathered.

Ross/Ewan B

Ross: Hey, you!
Ewan: Oh, hi, Ross.
Ross: I have an answer for your brainteaser!
Ewan: You got it, huh? That’s amazing!
Ross: Y-yeah. The answer is…
Ewan: Yes, yes?
Ross: Four times!
Ewan: You must have worked really hard to figure that out!
Ross: See! See! I told you I’d get it! Fighting’s not the only thing I’m good at.
Ewan: However, that’s not the correct answer.
Ross: What do you mean? I can’t believe it! Ugh! If that’s not the right answer, then what is?
Ewan: You were close. The right answer is three times.
Ross: Only three times? How? Tell me!
Ewan: The key is how many pebbles you put on the scales at first. First, put eight rocks each on either side of the scale. The side with the lighter rock will be higher than the other, right? Or, if the sides are balanced, it means that the lighter rock is in the rest of the pile. So that was one turn on the balance. The rest is pretty easy to figure out. Let’s assume that the lighter rock was in the remaining pile of nine rocks… Then you’d put three rocks on each side of the scale. So that’s the second turn. If either side of the scale tips, then the rock is in one of those two piles. If the scale is balanced, then the rock is one of the remaining three rocks. So, now you’ve figured out which group of three pebbles has the lighter one. What you do now is put one rock from this pile on each side of the scale. Like before, if the scale tips to one side, the lighter pebble is on the scale. If the scale is balanced, then the remaining pebble is the lighter one. And that was the last turn on the scale. Did you get all that?
Ross: Huh? Well, I think I got it…
Ewan: What?! I just explained it all very clearly. You still don’t get it? That’s really…
Ross: Really what?!
Ewan: Um, nothing. Forget it. A ha ha ha ha!
Ross: “A ha ha ha” what? What do you mean “forget it”?
Ewan: Anyway, it’s been fun hanging out. Let’s get together again sometime, OK?
Ross: It wasn’t fun for me at all! Hey!

Seems Ewan just wanted to lord his intelligence over somebody. Can't blame him, he doesn't get a lot of people to lord over, being a rambunctious little tyke that doesn't sit still long enough to be spoonfed knowledge.

Natasha/Cormag B

Cormag: Hey, it’s Natasha, right?
Natasha: Yes, that’s right. How is the kitty doing?
Cormag: I took him back to his mother. I figured he belonged back with his mom.
Natasha: I agree.
Cormag: How about you? Where are your parents in all this?
Natasha: I haven’t seen them since I joined the clerical order. We would write, but it’s been a while since I heard from them. I wonder how they are. I’ve been worried about them.
Cormag: Are you from Grado, Natasha?
Natasha: Yes, I am.
Cormag: I thought so! You know what? That’s where I’m from, too! Where were you born? I’m from the south myself.
Natasha: I was born in a village near the Renais border.
Cormag: Ah, well, you’ve got nothing to worry about then. When I joined the army, I was stationed near the border. Worst thing you’ve got to worry about there is bandits.
Natasha: Really? That’s so good to hear. Thank you for telling me that. I get so worried.
Cormag: Ah, there. That’s a nice smile you’ve got there. Cheers me up just looking at it, it does. Don’t worry too much about your parents, Natasha.
Natasha: I won’t, Cormag. And thank you. I mean it.

Eh, bandits are still pretty damn scary, especially in these troubled times where the village guard is scarce.

...Come to think of it, what is the south side fighting that's scarier than bandits?

Garcia/Dozla B

Dozla: Garcia!
Garcia: Hello there, Dozla!
Dozla: I had a great time last time!
Garcia: Yes, indeed.
Dozla: I just love sparring! It’s like having a conversation, except with weapons!
Garcia: You DO know that you’re not supposed to swing the bow like an axe, right? Ha ha!
Dozla: I was only clowning around! I’m recalling that a certain someone loaded the arrow in the wrong direction and nearly impaled his shoulder. Hmmm. Now, who could that have been?
Garcia: That was a defect in the arrow!
Dozla: Ha ha ha ha ha! I’m sure!
Garcia: Maybe you just can’t teach old dogs new tricks.
Dozla: I don’t believe that’s true at all. You’re magnificent with an axe. How hard can it be to learn something new?
Garcia: No, you’re the great one. You’re a menace to the enemy!
Dozla: Where did you learn to fight like that?
Garcia: Well, I used to lead troops in Renais. I learned the basics there… Once I retired, I was living on a mountain. My daily chores involved swinging an axe, although just for splitting firewood.
Dozla: See? You learned how to apply your skills to different fields. Maybe archery just isn’t our thing. We should try something else.
Garcia: What do you suggest?
Dozla: How about magic?
Garcia: Hmmm…
Dozla: It can’t be that difficult to learn. As far as I can tell, it’s just a bunch of arm waving and shouting gibberish.
Garcia: You do have a point.
Dozla: Let’s practice sometime soon.
Garcia: I’m looking forward to it… Mage!
Dozla: Ha ha ha ha! Yes, indeed!

As mentioned last time, the Garcia/Dozla chain got a dramatic overhaul in content to write around the existence of alcohol, and one of the biggest victims of this conversation is poor Garcia- at this point in the game, he could have promoted into Warrior and be using Bows on the battlefield, but the comedy routine the localisers wrote for him depends on them not being good archers. It's worth noting, however, that the writers did squeeze in mention of the original JP conversation in the end: Talking about using axes for splitting firewood instead of skulls. In JP, Dozla brings up his own experience doing such before becoming L'Arachel's babysitter, and also drunk Garcia spent a lot of time rambling about how much he loved his wife. (We don't actually see drunk Garcia and Dozla, they just recount their time inebriated after the fact.)

L'Arachel/Rennac B

L’Arachel: So… Rennac. We finally meet again. Do you remember our agreement?
Rennac: Princess L’Arachel! Well, of course I remember, but… Surely, this isn’t the place for a, er, dance off, is it?
L’Arachel: Stop your complaining! You will make yourself available at MY leisure, sir. Now then, shall we dance?
Rennac: Are you serious?! In THIS place? It’s preposterous! It’s ridiculous…
L’Arachel: Very well, let us begin.
Rennac: Yes, yes, I know what happens next. Oh, bother…
L’Arachel: 1… 2… 3… Slow…slow… Quick, quick, slow… Ah! Y-you… Not bad… No, good… Very good actually… You CAN dance! You’re much better than I imagined you’d be.
Rennac: Thank you. My father was a merchant. We found ourselves invited to many balls. It was my job to dance with the wives and daughters of his associates. I found that I had a taste for it, and with practice, I improved my skill.
L’Arachel: Is that so? I see… It’s not fair you kept that secret. Your dance skills were quite adequate. Your treatment of ladies, however, is still sorely lacking. Next…
Rennac: Uh-oh. I really have no time to chat. I must be going. Farewell.
L’Arachel: W-wait a minute, Rennac! Ooh! …… I don’t know why, but… I’m quite vexed…

You can get some amazing places to dance with Rennac depending on when you build this Support. The desert was amazing enough, but Chapter 18 is another amazing one. Something kinda interesting about Rennac's life here is that his father doesn't seem to have given him any more agency than L'Arachel does now. I have to wonder what Rennac's life is going to be like if he somehow manages to get out of L'Arachel's grasp.

Gerik/Saleh B

Gerik: Tell me, Saleh, how fares the elder?
Saleh: She hasn’t changed a bit.
Gerik: Is that so? You know I was so surprised the first time I visited Caer Pelyn. The elder’s eyes… they were not the eyes of your average person. They were filled with a lifetime’s wisdom and seemed to look right through you. Deep… and sharp. And they were so clear. I’ve looked into the eyes of many people, but no one had eyes like hers. But the thing about the elder is that her eyes weren’t harsh, or judgmental. That’s what I like about her. Actually, when I first met her, she intimidated me. But she treated me with such kindness. She’s why I grew to enjoy Caer Pelyn, even if it doesn’t have any nightlife! I want you to take good care of the elder, Saleh.
Saleh: Yes, I intend to.
Gerik: You say the right words, Saleh, but are you being sincerely considerate?
Saleh: Considerate? When I’m home, I look after her personal belongings. I also take care of her meals and watch over her health…
Gerik: That’s only natural. You have no idea what I’m talking about, do you? That’s just like you, though.
Saleh: Is there… something else I should be doing?
Gerik: Next time you go home, make sure you take her a gift. Bring her some jewelry or something that’s popular in town.
Saleh: But… I don’t know what she likes…
Gerik: Oh, please, Saleh. That’s not the issue. Simply receiving that sort of present from her grandson will make her happy.
Saleh: Oh… is that so?
Gerik: That’s what I’m trying to tell you.
Saleh: I understand. I’ll take it into consideration.
Gerik: When we next pass through a city, I’ll help you pick something out.
Saleh: That would be helpful.
Gerik: Studying magic is all well and good, but you should pay attention to these things, too. And in your case, you need to work on understanding women’s hearts.
Saleh: …… I’ll look into it.
Gerik: Ha ha ha. I’ll help you out in that area, too.

Says the man whose relationships to his own female comrades are currently on the rocks. That said, he's got a good eye picking out Saleh's business-like approach failing him.

Artur/Joshua A

Joshua: 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.
Artur: No need for bets, Joshua. I’ll be happy to train with you.
Joshua: You’re volunteering? Are you feeling all right? Did you take a blow to the head?
Artur: No, no. I’m fine. I’m just offering to help you out. It’s easier than losing another bet to you.
Joshua: What do you mean? You’ve got even odds of winning.
Artur: 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.
Joshua: Hmph… But that’s no fun! All right, you don’t have to train with me if you don’t want to bet.
Artur: …Excuse me?
Joshua: 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.
Artur: You cheated? I felt so guilty when I accused you earlier. I guess I just trusted-
Joshua: 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.
Artur: … I’m speechless…
Joshua: 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?
Artur: I suppose.
Joshua: 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.
Artur: 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!

Joshua always manages to have actual philosophy driving his gambling coin. When people as crafty as Caellach stand on the opposite side, taking chances is a fast way to find your own headstone. I'm not entirely sure how Joshua cheated such that he knows how often Artur would win if he was playing fair, though- I don't think he plays tricks like declaring the toss's outcome without showing his opponent the coin. Not that we ever see the flip ourselves.

Gilliam/Moulder A

Gilliam: How are your ears today, Moulder? Can you still hear that melody?
Moulder: No, I haven’t heard it for a while. I guess it was a hallucination after all.
Gilliam: Regardless of the cause, I’m glad that you don’t hear it anymore.
Moulder: I’m relieved, too, but… I also miss it somewhat. The melody was haunting me, and I finally remember what it was.
Gilliam: And? What was the song?
Moulder: That was the music played at King Hayden’s coronation.
Gilliam: Frelia’s coronation hymn. Ah, I remember it well… It is a strong song, and Frelia’s knightly choir performed it well.
Moulder: I was the one who carried the crown to the throne. I was so nervous that I might drop it!
Gilliam: I remember that you were the one to bear that regal burden. I was a mere recruit, stuck in the back with the other whelps. You know, I remember now… Your hands shook like you were frozen!
Moulder: Yes, and then someone shouted, in a loud voice, “Get ahold of yourself, man!” The crown slipped, and I fumbled to catch it! I was so embarrassed.
Gilliam: I’m so sorry. I was young. You know, I felt so bad that I have spent years making it up to you. I acted before I thought. I’m sorry for all the embarrassment I caused.
Moulder: That’s right! I believe I met you the very next day. Aha! I’ve figured it out!
Gilliam: Figured what out?
Moulder: That melody- I could only hear it when I was with you. That means…
Gilliam: Yes?
Moulder: It was a sign. A sign from above that we must both return to the basics.
Gilliam: Return to the basics? What does- Ah. Of course.
Moulder: Yes. We must remember who we were and what drove us to join this cause.
Gilliam: I believe you are right…

I cannot imagine Gilliam doing that. I also can't imagine him as a fresh-faced rookie- neither can I imagine Moulder without his moustache, although young Moulder probably still had that. I don't feel like either of them really had issues of faith that this reminder is really encouraging, though- they're not really written deep enough for anything like that. Then again, it's not like there's really an explanation for the music at all, narrative purpose or otherwise.