#when i think of marth and alear

[phoenixkaptain]

This is how I interpret their relationship.

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

Hello! ^-^

Can I please request Alear, Yunaka, Framme, and Etie hearing that their S/O worships the fell dragon, but when they question them it turns out they're just a massive fan of Robin?

This kind of scenario has been in my head since I started the game hehe.

Have a nice day ^-^ thank you for the stories!

(FE: Engage) Alear, Yunaka, Framme, and Etie's S/O worshipping the "Fell Dragon"

Now that I think about it, if you did worship the fell dragon legit but were still part of the good guys, would you get persecuted?

Alear immediately tenses up when S/O mentions they worshipped the Fell Dragon.

(Alear) "...Are...you truly okay helping us then, S/O? I'm the Divine Dragon after all."

(S/O) "Hm? Why wouldn't I be estatic? I get to fight alongside Robin, it's like a dream come true!"

(Alear) "O-Oh. That's what you mean."

Marth suddenly appeared next to her.

(Marth) "I'm not exactly sure Robin would feel comfortable being called that."

(S/O) "Hm...I suppose that is kinda insensitive."

(Alear) "...In more ways than one."

She simply sighs and shakes her head.

(Alear) "Saying that kinda thing will give people the wrong idea, S/O. Please make sure you choose your words more carefully."

Yunaka's eyes widen at the mention of the Fell Dragon.

(Yunaka) "You what?! But...Why are you even here, and why did you mention it so offhandedly?!"

(S/O) "Huh? What do you mean?"

(Yunaka) "People just don't go around saying "Oh, I worship the god trying to kill us!"

(S/O) "OH! No, I mean Robin!...Do you even know the history of Emblems Robin and Chrom?"

(Yunaka) "Probably enough to know that he'd probably hate being called that! Who the heck would start that as an icebreaker for a conversation!?"

(S/O) "I worship the Fell Dragon."

(Framme) "You

WHAT?!"

Framme screams out, waiting to beat S/O to death with her hands, or the accounting book of the fan club for the Divine Dragon.

(S/O) "Hey, what's wrong with liking Robin?! They're pretty cool!"

(Framme) "...Oh, that's what you mean!"

Framme quickly tossed aside a large rock.

(Framme) "Listen, you can't just casually saying that, considering what's going on out there!"

(S/O) "...Oh yeah, guess that does sound bad."

(Framme) "You think?!"

(Etie) "Oh, neat you worship the Fell Dra-What?"

Etie immediately stops wiping the sweat off herself and turns to S/O with an extremely concerned expression.

(Etie) "Are...you alright?"

(S/O) "Hm? I'm fine, why?"

(Etie) "You just said you worshipped the Fell Dragon, and you don't expect me to be surprised by that?"

(S/O) "But Chloé loves people like Sigurd for being fairy-tale esque. Can I not like Robin for being cool?"

(Etie) "OOOOOH! Okay, you meant RObin! Well, next time just say that instead of the freakin' dragon trying to kill us!"

(S/O) "Oh, yeah that is a good point."

(Etie) "Besides, I don't think you should just casually bring that up. If it were someone other than me, you might have gotten beaten up considering all of us here worship the Divine Dragon."

===

Bonus:

(Robin) "I'd...really appreciate if you didn't call me that."

(Chrom) "Honestly, I'm surprised that even got in the stories told around here."

(Lucina) "But it seems...distasteful, does it not?"

(Robin) "I suppose it makes sense, our past is just a story to them."

(Chrom) "Kind of like how Hoshido and Nohr's war is a story in our world, but current events for Camilla and Corrin."

(S/O) "My bad, I'll make sure not to call you Fell Dragon anymore!"

(Robin) "...Well, at least you're not going around, shouting "I love the Fell Dragon" to everyone you meet."

(S/O) "..."

(Robin) "...Oh my gods.-"

[real-fire-emblem-takes]

Concept for a Smash Bros Alear

Jabs, tilts, and grabs are based on the martial arts they get on promotion

Smashes use their sword (which stays sheathed when not being used for an attack)

Not sure if aerials would be martial arts or swords, maybe there wouldn’t be a hard rule about weapon type here

Specials are all based on engage attacks (Lodestar Rush for neutral, Override for side, Warp Ragnarok for up, Dark Inferno for down), and are performed using an associated engage weapon. The emblems themselves would not appear, because I feel like that would be really distracting and clutter up the screen, and also because I want Alear to be defined as themself and not as an FE multipack

Final Smash is a transformation into Emblem Alear, which gives increased mobility, armor on everything, and replaces all their moves with big particle effect-enhanced sword strikes, and finishes off with Dragon Blast (I consider this the least realistic part of the moveset because Sakurai seems to have developed an allergy to fun final smashes)

I think it would be cool, and I’m certain that annoying people will still call them a Marth clone

.

[goldlightwriting]

Changes I'd Make to Fire Emblem Engage

I've talked about Fire Emblem Engage a fair bit on my channel, so I think it's about time I delved into the alterations I would personally make to the narrative.

-The world of Elyos is themed around the cycle of time: each of the main nations are each based off one of the four seasons.

-Firine is spring, Brodia is fall, Elusia is winter and Solm is summer. In the center of the map is an island divided between Lythos and Gradlon, which are themed around day and night, respectively.

-In ages past, the central island was regarded as the home of the Dawn and Dusk dragons; the former held the power to usher new life into the world and help it grow, while the latter held power of death and guided souls to underworld where they entered eternal rest.

-The Dawn and Dusk dragons were once both revered by humanity, but over time, the people of Elyos came to worship only the Dawn dragons, while the Dusk dragons were feared and reviled.

-Eventually, a group of humans banded together to hunt and slay the Dusk dragons, believing that doing so would eliminate death from their world.

-Sombron was one of the few Dusk dragons who managed to escape slaughter by hiding away in the underworld itself when he was young. For years he remained isolated there among the souls of the departed, his hatred for life growing ever stronger along with his power.

-Centuries later, Sombron returns to Elyos and begins raising the corpses of the deceased as Corrupted. His goal is nothing short of the extermination of all life, as he believes life itself to be devoid of meaning.

-Sombron amasses a following by granting power and a degree of immortality to those loyal to him; effectively, he can halt the decay of mortal flesh, ensuring that his faithful will live until the day he brings about the end of all things, however many ages that may take...

-A fearsome war rages between Sombron and the Dawn Dragons. While Sombron is able to kill a few of them during his initial return, the rest band together and put up a solid defense against him.

-To turn the tides of battle, Sombron begins having half-dragon offspring with some of his followers. He raises and trains them to be effective, efficient warriors and killers, capable of slaying even full-blooded Dawn Dragons.

-Many of Sombron's children fall in battle, but he views these losses as acceptable, considering that they die bringing Dawn Dragons down with them. Eventually, only two of these half-dragon offspring remain: Veyle and Alear.

-Soon, only a single Dawn Dragon remains: Lumera. In desperation to stop Sombron's vile ambitions, she enters the underworld herself and calls out the souls of the departed for aid. Her prayers are answered by the spirits of noble heroes and warriors from realms beyond her own.

-Lumera uses her power to place each of these noble souls into enchanted rings, thus creating the Emblem Rings. The rings have the power to grant the spirits' strength unto those who wear them, allowing Lumera and her followers to turn the tide against Sombron.

-At some point during the war, Lumera encountered Alear, considered the 'runt of the litter' among Sombron's offspring. After failing to meet their father's expectations, Alear was left wounded and abandoned on the border of Gradlon.

-Lumera took pity on Alear, infusing them with Dawn Dragon energy to heal their wounds.

-After witnessing Lumera's kindness firsthand, Alear eventually resolves to fight on her behalf. As Alear was a relatively unremarkable warrior, though, they were given one of the mightiest Emblem Rings of all: The Ring of the Hero-King.

-With Marth's strength and Lumera's forces at their side, Alear eventually fought their way through the legions of the Corrupted to face Sombron. The two dealt each other grievous wounds, forcing Sombron to retreat and Alear to fall into a centuries-long slumber.

-The opening cutscene removes Alfred, Diamant, Ivy and Timerra, since it's basically just a fake out to trick players into believing we're opening in-media-rez.

-Since that day, Veyle has been working alongside Zephia, her human mother and one of Sombron's most devoted followers, to set her father free.

-The roster of Emblems Rings available in the base story now include: Tiki, Robin, Chrom, Hector, Alm, and Azura. (I'm making Robin and Chrom their own separate rings.)

-This may be a touch controversial, but I would personally make it so that the Emblems are permanently bound to their chosen partner. I realize this would heavily alter and even limit gameplay to a fair degree, but the tradeoff would be that Emblem spirits would have deeper bonds/connections to their canon partners.

Below is a list of how I'd rearrange the "canon" Emblem partners. Please note that this list is NOT in any way, shape or form influenced by game balance, mechanics, or meta builds. Skills and abilities could be reworked as needed, but frankly speaking, that's not my area of expertise. I'm just trying to fit the Emblems with arguably more thematic partners. (17 in total)

Alear: Ring of the Hero-King (Marth)

Vander: Ring of the Holy Knight (Sigurd)

Framme/Clanne: Ring of the Azure Twins (Eirika for Framme, Ephraim for Clanne)

Alfred: Ring of the Shepherd Exalt (Chrom)

Celine: Ring of the Caring Queen (Celica)

Diamant: Ring of the Burning Lion (Roy)

Alcryst: Ring of the Saint King (Alm)

Ivy: Ring of the Singing Princess (Azura)

Hortensia: Ring of the Ashen Demon (Byleth)

Timerra: Ring of the Plains' Champion (Lyn)

Fogado: Ring of the Sage Lord (Lief)

Veyle: Ring of the Fated Heir (Corrin)

Mauvier: Ring of the Radiant Hero (Ike)

Anna: Ring of the Princess Exalt (Lucina)

Yunaka: Ring of the Dawn Maiden (Micaiah)

Lindon: Ring of the Master Tactician (Robin)

Saphir: Ring of the Relentless General (Hector)

[overlordofships]

So you guys know Clanne and Framme's support chain, where they hand out pamphlets with interviews about Alear

Obviously the first thought you'd think is "They interviewed Alear themself" but that doesn't make much sense - no one can really say that Alear would LET THEM pass out pamphlets like that, right? Yeah, I can't see that happening (it's possible they didn't know but I feel like Alear would want to know why they wanted the interview in the first place)

So imagine

Imagine if they interviewed Marth about Alear instead

And when Alear finds out later they just

Alear: MARTH?! WHY DID YOU LET THEM DO THIS?! Marth, no hesitation: Because they're right. More people need to love you. Alear: Marth: Also I'm the third president of their club now. Alear: *suffering*

[cinnbar-bun]

Peaceful Rest

Pairing: Marth x Alear/Reader

Rating: G

Words: 1025

Summary: It has been many years since they had fallen asleep. Marth continues to wait for them, hoping to be reunited with them again. He thinks of them and muses on their relationship. The best he can do for them right now is comfort them to the best of his abilities.

Notes: No major spoilers, nothing crazy at all just Marth wanting them to wake up. It's GN, they're not named, and no physical descriptions of their body is written, so feel free to imagine you, Alear, or your OC if you want. Marth for real the true relationship in Engage lmao.

Can be found on my AO3 right here!

Marth doesn’t know how to comfort them as they rest. He thinks of all the things they had gone through and the incredible pain they had suffered. 

Normally, one would complain about being stuck in this situation, but Marth was a gracious man. He did his best to see the good in everyone and everything, regardless of what was going on. 

He knew they would miss many years of their life, and, admittedly, he too lost track of how many years he had been waiting for them to wake up once more. But that was alright. He had grown to care for and enjoy their company from when they were awake. Even now, their bond was still close enough for him to want to make them feel better. 

Here, he was close enough to notice their brows twitching slightly, as well as a small frown on their face. A sign they were troubled in their sleep. While it was unbecoming of someone of his ranking, he cast that notion aside and stretched his hand to lightly caress their head. 

Marth honestly didn’t know if they could even feel him like that, but their face softened considerably. He assumed that even as a spirit, their bond made their connection more physical than what would have previously allowed. 

With all these assumptions and unsure thoughts in his head, he began to speak again to their dreaming form. He called out their name, like one does to a friend. Or, perhaps, something closer? He hadn’t figured that out yet. All he could know was that he yearned for them to wake up and open their eyes. 

“I wonder what you dream about,” he thoughtfully says. “Do you dream of your memories? Do you dream of the future? Why do you look so afraid of what you see?” 

Well, he has an inkling of an idea why that is, but he wants to confirm it only through their words. 

“Am I there, too? I know, it’s selfish of me to ask, but I wonder if you think of me by your side.” 

He sighs and continues to stroke their head. They remain as still as a statue to his questions. 

“It’s a beautiful evening outside. I think you would have loved it. The stars are just coming out and the sky is full of color. It… it reminds me of you.” 

No response. No movement. 

He’s used to it by now. But he won’t give up no matter how long he must wait. 

“Queen Lumera stopped by. She prayed for you to awaken soon and then she introduced the third steward to take care of you. She’s a funny woman but she has an eye for detail. She started arranging flowers for you, saying they’ll ease your worries in your sleep. I think maybe she is right. You look more peaceful than before.” 

He gazes down at their form, that bittersweet emotion rising within him once more. He knows he should let them rest, that he should let them be- but a selfish part of him wants to see them lively again. He would love to train by their side and listen to their voice. 

Gods, how he would give anything to hear them talk again. 

He truly did not understand how he had taken every little thing about them for granted when they were awake. 

Their eyes, their smile, their laugh, the excited lilt in their voice when they saw something sparkly, and the way they would show all their emotions on their face. 

Seeing them so quiet, so unnaturally still, made him realize just how much they had imprinted themself onto his psyche. If there was anyone he wished to defend and fight for again, it would be them. He would single handedly face an army of thousands in order to see their smile one more time. 

He removed his hand from their head and placed it by his own self. He felt so weak in this situation. Here he was, a powerful hero-king who couldn’t even help the one he cared for so dearly. And here he was, a man who had missed the comfort his partner had brought him. 

But he had to steel himself. He couldn’t falter, nor could he give in to despair. He would wait for them as long as he needed to, even if the world would be destroyed by then. He would wait forever and be the first to greet them as a new dawn approached. 

He gently placed his hand over theirs, and recited a quiet prayer that he had heard the other worshippers say when they saw his partner. 

“I hope my words are reaching you. I will always be by your side. I will come running to you the minute you call out my name. Please rely on me again. Because I… I am truly weak without you.” 

A heavy weight was lifted off his shoulders as he continued. 

“I hope your rest is a lovely one. I hope that when you wake up, we can continue to grow even more alongside each other. I hope that I can ease your worries while you are asleep, so you can live the life you truly wanted when you awaken. We made a promise to one another before and I intend to help you achieve all your dreams, if you’ll allow me that chance.” 

He closed his eyes and let out of a quiet breath he didn’t know he was holding. He quietly whispered their name. 

“I will do my best to support you, dear,” he smiled, keeping these intimate feelings brief. There was so much more he wished to say, but he felt it would be wrong to continue when they were unable to respond to him. 

So, just like the many years before, he would wait for them and give them some comfort while they were resting. He would ease their fears and worries, and make way for pleasant dreams for them to think about. He couldn’t wait to hear all about them when they woke up. 

It would be the best day ever, in his eyes.

[rafent]

TOA Anniversary Monday

Celebrating TOA and the people who contribute to make our group what it is. Repost, don't reblog. Only fill in what you feel comfortable sharing! Happy anniversary, TOA! Here's to many more years spent together.

Name: Soji

Pronouns: She/her

Birthday (no year): October 14th

Where are you from? What is your time zone? United States and EST timezone. I was born in California, I lived in Pennsylvania for 15 years, and now I'm living in—(it's a secret)

How long is your roleplay experience? 14 years, phew

How were you introduced to roleplaying as a whole? Wolfquest Online

How were you introduced to TOA? The TOA blog spamming the Fire Emblem RP tags which I can't even blame because it works

Do you have any pets? Soji Man my lovely chinchilla. There's a Bichon Frise puppy in my household right now but I consider him more my mom's dog

What is your favorite time of year and why? Maybe Thanksgiving for the food. Autumn is the best

What is your IRL occupation? I'm a medical scribe in the meanwhile but I'll be going back to school. Occupation...soon to be student :littleantbitch:

Some interests and things you like/enjoy? Sleeping and also curating my pride and joy Fire Emblem shrine

What non-Fire Emblem games do you play? FFXIV, Lethal Company, and Stardew Valley with friends when the mood strikes

Favorite Pokemon type & Pokemon: My favorite Pokemon is Scizor and I like bug type Pokemon

Tell us some fun facts and trivia about yourself! 1) My favorite food is shaved ice with condensed milk. When I last went to Korea that's what I ate every day so I understand Rafal's sweet tooth 2) I have very strong, dexterous toes from years of picking up laundry and throwing it in the bin with my feet

How did you get into Fire Emblem? SSB Brawl and Marth (soft smile)

What Fire Emblem games have you played? FE1, FE3, FE7, FE9, FE11, FE12, Awakening, SOV, 3H, Engage

First & Favorite Fire Emblem games: Awakening was my first game. My favorite games are Shadow Dragon, FE3, and Engage

List your 5 favorite Fire Emblem characters across the series! Marth, Rafal, Rath, Xane, Alear

Who was the first character ever to make you go “ooh I like this one in particular” and why? Can be any context and reason! Marf

Any Fire Emblem crushes? None

If you’ve played (or are familiar with) the following games, who was your first S support? Who would you S support nowadays?

- Awakening: First was Stahl, then Chrom. I'd still S support Stahl now - Fates: Have not played, but Leo or Takumi - Three Houses: Dimitri was my first S support. I'd support Yuri now - Engage: Alfred at first. I would S support Rafal or Gregory now

Favorite Fire Emblem class? Manakete

If you were a Fire Emblem character, what would be your class and stats? Would you be playable? Archer or mage I feel it in my gut. Good skill, okay speed, and okay attack. Shitty defenses. I would be playable

If you were a Three Houses character, what would be your affiliation? Blue lions

If you were an Officers Academy student, what would be your boons, banes and potential budding talent? Boons in archery and faith. Bane in axe. Potential budding talent in sword

If you were an Engage character, which nation would you originate from? Solm, my original bias nation in Engage

How do you pronounce TOA? Toe-uh

Current TOA muses: Rafal

Past TOA muses? Marth and Xane * blows them a kiss *

Who was your first TOA muse? If you no longer have them, can you see yourself picking them up again? Marth! I could see myself writing him again but not for a long, long time. He and I need a break

Do you believe you have a type of character you gravitate towards writing? I joke about it all the time in DMs, but yeah...sighs..."The Little Brother"

Do you have characters or types of characters you don’t think you can handle writing, but wish you could? Soft, girly girl type characters. I've written female muses before but I'm usually very picky. I like my women chaotic and cray cray

What kind of scenes, situations etc do you believe you enjoy writing the most? I like writing scenes with complicated emotions. Feelings are funky, this is true for reality, but I like putting that to words in roleplay as well. I think characters most come to life through these moments and it gives them a 'human' edge so to speak

Do you have any scenario in mind for your muse(s) that gets you thinking “man I hope I get to write this one day”? I don't really have a wish list. I find value in every interaction that Rafal has because he's a bit of a blank slate. The perks of starting over as a new person and turning over a new leaf

Favorite TOA-related memories? The first month of joining when everything was fresh and new

Present or past tense? I can do either, it just depends on the muse for me, but I've definitely written in present tense more

Normal size text, small text, no preference? Small text! I think it looks nicer for myself. No preference for partners though

Got any potential muse delusions to share? Not right now. When I consider possible muses, I am very focused on their potential for longevity because I tend to be extremely loyal to what muses I DO have. Call me an oshi with how I give them 100%

[moe-broey]

It's not a Full Thought but I was a little miffed about the introduction of Emblem Heroes, ESPP after it was established that Alear couldn't call upon them in Askr. Like that was her Entire FB with Alfonse, the fact that she couldn't call upon the Emblems and it made her feel alone (but, hoping she may find a way to reach them again someday -- which, I guess there's that! That's charming and sweet, esp now that it's the case!)

But something that stuck out to me SO much esp the first Engage banner was how it was Heavily implied everything in Engage happens much later in the timeline. How (and I'm just going off of memory here) the Askr library didn't have any information on Emblems and the workings of Elyios (which is why Alfonse was so keen on speaking to Alear -- yes, she needed help settling in, but she also has a wealth of information he had no resources on otherwise and he was deeply interested in it!).

I also think esp for things where Heroes "come from the future" in a way, it's like. A time paradox. Previously Alfonse (guy who can fit SO much information in him) and the Askr library as a whole had No resources on Emblems and the world of Engage. Alear and her buddies end up in Askr, and Alear tells Alfonse all about her world and the Emblems. (Implication?) Alfonse takes notes and this is added to the information the library holds. (Maybe?) Emblems exist now because Alear told him about it and Alfonse recorded it and submitted it to the library (not sure how that works).

But also! I think a similar thing happened with Kris, actually. Where both Krises didn't want to be remembered as heroes, as they're completely in service to Marth. But they end up in Askr anyway. And (this is VERY much going off of memory) there's little to no information about them, but I think it's Kiran who starts compiling information on them. Which established the Krises as Heroes in their own right, when they otherwise would have been lost to time and history.

I think another thing that's established in Kris' FBs is that, the way Heroes Are summoned, they're required to have a record within the world of Askr (and the library) itself. Aahh I know I should be pulling up screenshots lmfao..... but I think it was directly stated at one point, that

I THINK IT WAS KATARINA ACTUALLY!!!!!!! WHO MADE MENTION OF KRIS!!!!!!! BECAUSE KRIS WAS IMPORTANT TO HER!!!!!!!!! And I think it was Sharena who told her, that if they're recorded as A Hero, maybe she would reunite with Kris one day (and Kiran played a role here too I think, as a keeper or recorder of the records).

Like maybe I'll go more in-depth w it I just. I can't get too occupied at the moment cause I got other things to attend to at the moment 🥲

[yanderefairyangel]

I can''t... I just can't... this fandom can't be real... this has to be some ... WHY WHY WHY ?!

why do i bother.

Ok, look. See that one criticsm of Alear's reaction when they ask Veyle to give them back the rings in chapter 10 :

"OOOh why does Alear says that, you can't take my rings, not fair gimme back, acting like an actual child like they are on some playground to they think Veyle will really give it back are they serious ? This game's writing sucks so much uwu"

It's all you need to know about how low the bar is for media analysis these day.

"Alear behaves like a child in this scene. They are so immature". Congrats. Congrats on getting the freaking point this scene tried to establish !!

Yes, Alear behaves like the child they are ! they are 17 year old for God's sake, they are thinking with their amygdalia !! This is what this scene is trying to establlish and by the reaction you all have it did it incredibly well !!!

Alear literaly got stolen from them the 6 rings that they spend all the game collecting. All of them !!!! With the rings he stole, Sombron is at 2 rings of reaching his objective and to destroy Elyos !!!!!! The world is so close to be doomed because of this !! And Alear losing the rings mean losing their emotional supports and the one thing that helped them feel braver. Alear is someone who is 17 year old, they are amnesiac, they just woke from coma, they are weak, unaware of the world, they showed they were scarred by the Corrupted and fear to not being ready to fight them and Sombron yet, Marth's presence is what helped them defeat them, if it weren't for Alfred's arrival they wouldn't have been able to handle the castle's attack, they didn't had the time to prepare when Lumera died, they saw their mother dying right in front of their freaking eyes to protect them and were thrown into a bitter war in that state when they didn't even had the time to properly mourn her, are in a state where they clearly aren't ready and are very dependent of other, notably Marth !! Of course, of freaking course they are acting as their character are !! As a teenager who has been living all of this and got it pushed into them as the successor of their mother when they aren't ready yet, of course they are going to show immaturity !!! That's the freaking point of this scene, showing Alear's flaws !!!

HOW THE HECK DO YOU WANNA KNOW THE FLAWS OF A CHARACTER IF THEY NEVER SHOW THEM ?!

That's the whole point of this freaking scene !! Alear is literaly desesperate to know that they failed to fufill the promise they made Lumera to colllect all the rings and prevent Sombron's faction to collect them before they do !!!! They lost the Emblems whom they consider to be their friends !! Did you see the face of absolute terror they have upon seeing Sombron summoning Marth ?! How do you want them to react exactly ?! To brush it off as if they are some sort of Superman ?! They aren't !! They are just a normal person, a teenager that is pushed into this when they are amnesiac and desoriented !!! This is incredible that this comes from the same people who keep saying that Alear isn't a relatable protag because of their deity status (which is quite ironic considering Engage's message about birth not mattering) when they are literaly reacting like anyone their age would in a situation where they got stolen from them the one thing that might threatened the balance of the world when used with ill intent knowing that they have a whole world weighting on their shoulder when theya re 17 amnesiac and didn't even had the time to mourn their mother who DIED TO PROTECT THEM RIGHT AFTER LEARNING SHE GAVE ALL HER LIFE FORCE SO THAT THEY CAN SURVIVE AND FEELING GUILTY ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ahhhhhhhhh !!!!!!!

Don't get me started on how they also just learned that Veyle whom they considered a friend was on Sombron's side, killed their mother and are incredibly disturbed by how differently she behaved !!! Or the fact that a 1000 years earlier, they were speaking like a child because their trauma got them frozen in their age resulting in them using the alphabet of a 10 year old !!

"Why do you ask her to give you back the rings ? Are you stupid You think she will give it back ?" OF COURSE NOT THEY DON'T !!! This dialogue exist to SHOW Alear is desesparated !!!!!!! It's not based on logic or anything, it's just to convey their freaking emotions of being desesperated !!!

It's absolutely jarring that people keep acting as if the story never showed Alear as evovling or failing at being brave ! There. There it is! Look at the terror on their face and how they are falling to their knees, begging Sombron to stop in a sign of desesperation !! There they are ! Can you really not look at this scene and see that Alear is failing at being brave ?! They are overwhelmed by the situation. This is the most angry you will ever see them in the entire game !!!! Yet "they don't evolve, their so called frail character and fear is just narrative gaslighting "and yadi yada WHY DO I EVEN BOTHER ?!

It took them 10 chapter to realize that they were too imature yet. It took them 10 more chapter to have Alfred comment on how far Alear went and how they finally seemed to have stepped into their role as a leader and deity figure. It took them 25 chapter to show how much they evolved from their mother dying in chapter 3, begging for her to not die and leaving them alone as they REVERT FREAKING BACK TO SPEAK LIKE A CHILD and being so marked by it that Lumera won't stop haunting the narrative, to chapter 25 were they had to take her down while Lumera was still refering to chapter 2, the only moment the two of them spent as family, with them actually accepting what's comming and refusing to cry anymore !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And this, this is the straw

"A 17 year old becoming the head of an army when they are amnesiac is unrealistic". YES CONGRATS ON UNDERSTAND THE WHOLE POINT THAT THE STORY WAS MAKING ON HOW THE EXPECTATIONS PUSHED ON ALEAR ARE UNREALISTIC WHEN THEY ARE A TRAUMATIZED AMNESIAC TEENAGER THAT IS INTO THIS SITUATION TO SUCCESS TO THEIR MOTHER WHEN THEY WEREN'T READY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats on understanding the whole point the story was trying to make to explain why Alear acts the way they do !!!

I swear... I am tired. I can't, I can't with this fandom,...

But writing this reminded me of how good of a character Alear is... I CAN'T, I LOVE THEM SO MUCH THEY ARE SOOOOOO !!!!!!!

[fayesdiary]

I had a hunch that Past Alear was stronger than Present Alear, so I grabbed an average stats calculator, punched in the numbers and sure enough, they are.

These are Past Alear's Normal mode stats (for the sake of this analysis, let's ignore the Revival Stones and Marth's stat boosts):

While these are Present Alear's average stats in Fixed Mode as a Dragon Child of the same level (so arguably with the same experience Past Alear would have):

As you can see, they are completely outclassed in everything but Luck. (Also that six Build difference, gee Alear must have lost a ton of weight during the coma)

They can only match them when promoted to a Divine Dragon of the same level. Same HP, Str and Speed, lower Magic, Res and Build, slightly higher Dex and significantly higher Luck. Which makes sense, at this point in time Alear's life was nothing but misery.

...but that's in Normal Mode. In Maddening, Past Alear once again wipes the floor with their present self, outmatching them in every stat. Poor Present Alear can't compete even at their max level.

So why does this matter?

Besides the ingame explanation of losing most of their power during the coma KH-style (and the fact that as @airlock pointed out in the replies, a boss that would be evenly matched with one of your units would be a total pushover especially for the endgame), I think it also clearly defines who Alear is at these points of time.

Past Alear can only rely on themselves. And they're so strong because they have to be, else their father decides they're better served as food for the Corrupted.

Meanwhile, Present Alear has so many people they can rely on, from their friends and allies to their Emblems. So their unique skills as a Divine Dragon and as an Emblem are all about supporting them, boosting their allies' performance, speeding up the Emblems' Engage recovery and being able to use their power more effectively.

In fact, Alear is an outlier compared to all the other Avatars because they are not a powerhouse. They can definitely fend for themselves, but they are clearly meant to fit a support role.

So what I'm saying is, it's nice seeing their growth reflected even in gameplay!

[onyxedskies]

“I can’t stop thinking about you”

hehe

sorry about the delay i've been tired

also are you proud of me this isn't in a modern au

pairing: marth x m!alear

word count: 441

Marth was staring at him.

Alear was pretending not to notice–if nothing else, after all, he really did have to get through these financial reports at a semi-reasonable hour–but the longer it went on, the harder it was. Alear was tired, and he really just wanted to go into his emblem form and cuddle up with Marth, but Vander said that these needed to get done so he really wanted to at least try.

It wasn't working very well.

Alear was this close to giving up, and then Marth wrapped his arms around him. And, well, Alear was just a mortal. (Probably.)

"I can't stop thinking about you," Marth said, and Alear felt a blush crawl up his neck. "You're working too hard. Come to bed?"

"I have to finish this," Alear said, though the call of sleep was getting stronger by the minute and his protest sounded weak to his own ears.

"It will be there in the morning, darling," Marth said, voice dripping with affection. Alear melted a little bit, relaxing further into Marth's hold.

"You're a bad influence," Alear teased, but he tilted his head so he could press a kiss to Marth's jaw anyway. Marth's smile was so bright it nearly blinded him.

"You love it," Marth said.

"I do," Alear conceded. He then smiled. "Just like I love you."

That got a dusting of pink to crawl up Marth's cheeks, just as Alear had planned. Marth settled with burying his face in Alear's shoulder, and Alear laughed.

"I love your laugh," Marth murmured, still audible despite Alear's shoulder muffling him. Alear felt his blush grow.

He glanced at his work, sighing when the words kept swimming on the page. One look out the window told him it was some early hour of the morning.

The reports could wait one more day, Alear decided.

Wordlessly, Alear shifted into his emblem form. He didn't have to know that Marth was grinning; they could feel each other better, this way, feel the kisses and hugs and warmth generated by whatever plane of existence their bodies seemed to reside in.

Alear floated over to the bed, Marth trailing behind him (still clinging to him, of course). They got settled, facing each other, and Marth began to pepper Alear's face with kisses.

"I love you," he murmured. "My lovely, lovely little dragon. My beautiful darling. My love."

Alear's face burned with the compliments, and he leaned forward to bury his face into Marth's shoulder as he continued to spew them. Marth tightened his grip around him, and Alear smiled, closing his eyes.

Yeah. This was better than financial reports. Much better.

[imustbenuts]

A rando's pondering corner about Alear's story and journey

Spoilers for the entire game under the read more.

I don't think Alear ever gets their memory back by the end of the game. and I don't think it should matter either way after really thinking about it.

From the start I've thought of Alear as this person who was really struggling with the reality that they're a divine dragon or something more than an average person. It's because people around them and a woman claiming to their mother put so much faith and care in to them during their 1000 year sleep that Alear feels maybe obliged to at least try and step up to the title after Lumera's death.

I interpreted Alear taking up the mantle not completely because they are a kindhearted person, but because they are weak-willed as a result of complete amnesia. They need to depend on others.

It's kind of like a chick imprinting onto creatures around them, Alear needed others to be their guide as they journeyed around to get the rings back.

I say this because Alfred is suspiciously always close to Alear in seemingly every step of the way. Alfred is special in the story in that he's the only person who has been there from nearly the very beginning of their waking, who seems to have a stronger desire for friendship than servitude towards Alear. Starting from the first big incident in Alear's waking moment, he's there:

Framme, Clanne, and Vander aren't even close to wanting to be platonic with them, I think. And I think it gets even more suspicious when I dig through Alfred's supports. Alfred understands wanting to hide unpleasant things and needing unconditional unquestioning support. Beginning with his C support I can see that he could be trying to help them up in his subtle, aware and conscious Alfred way:

Alfred: But look, isn’t there anything I can do for you? You’ve been awake a while, but it must be hard. Alfred: There’s bound to be a lot you’re still adjusting to. Tell your friend Alfred all about it! Alear: Let me think… Hmm. No, there’s nothing bothering me at the moment. Alfred: Good. Great. But if there is something, well, I want to be the first to know. Alfred: Before you left Lythos, you asked me as a friend to teach you things─to help you adjust. Alfred: And knowing you wanted to be friends just tickled me. Alear: Our friendship makes me happy too, Alfred.

Needless to say he's given presence and even a few lines in some of the serious cutscenes, like when Alear dies twice in that one chapter. But this platonic relationship ofc extends to a lot of other characters as well, though with Alfred's case it's about a dude and his dragon deity figuring out how to go forwards with a working friendship.

Alfred says to go to Firene, and everything begins from that one thread of connection.

So, that being the most explicit example out of the way, the other problem with Alear is just... their terrible heroic core for nearly half of the game.

And this is intentional. According to the interview with the devs, they actually overdid this aspect of Alear and Nintendo had to tell them to cut it down:

Though they do get better over the course of the game, they don't learn fast enough to avoid succumbing to their hatred and falling into an obvious trap at Destinea Cathedral.

Marth warns them about charging in blindly, Alear says ok and will keep it in mind even before they stepped foot in. But then their rings gets swiped. Obvious trap is obvious. At this, Alear lets out a very childish, "Give... Give them back!"

Then Sombron taunts them, turns their emblem evil one by one, and guess what, Alear. Succumbs. To. Hate. (one of the 3 big nonos in buddhism wooooo!!!)

Vander even tells them to retreat, taking a leaf from Marth's wisdom. But Alear doesn't, and tries to claw them back, putting everyone at risk. They escape of course, but this is how weak in mental strength Alear really is up until chapter 11.

Alear at chapter 11 wasn't ready. Heck, Alear at no point prior to 11 was even capable of filling the shoes of the Divine Dragon. It's clear even in their class. They're a Dragon Child.

In fact, I never thought they were really ready until after chapter... I think 25? Yes, I do mean after reaching Solm, after accepting that Veyle was manipulated, after getting all Emblems back, after dying twice and being revived, after being an Emblem, after traveling to the past and only just after Lumera's second death.

In fact about the time travel thing: I humbly think, and argue, that there was no need to time travel at all if the writers intended to have Alear recover their memory in the first place.

Now, Marth's stance on Alear's memory seems to be 'ignorance is bliss', and it is. When the past is revealed by their past self, it sounds horrible. From the sounds of it, past Alear was messed up from watching countless of their siblings die in many terrible ways, including being fed to the Corrupted, and themself being nothing more than a tool for mass slaughter. So messed up that when past Alear expresses how they really don't want to kill Lumera, they just... break.

Their "Defect. Defect. Defect. Defect." line is very telling that if current Alear regains their memory, the trauma might come back with a vengeance that not even Veyle might be able to help.

Alear doesn't seem too keen in recovering that part of their memory either, and they have gotten enough information out of the people around them who has kept history alive.

In fact, speaking to any units after it's revealed that Alear was originally a Fell Dragon, many of them outright say that they do not care for Alear's past as a Fell Dragon, that only their present self matters. That their current efforts matters more than their past.

Which, if the writers then said Alear regained their memories, this whole segment would really be rendered moot, wouldn't it?

This is also fun in that it's about interdependence if you think about it. Alear has given his former enemies (All Elusians, Mauvier, Veyle Lindon! Lesser extent: Alcryst, Yunaka) forgiveness, and chose to judge them based on their actions after working together. Even support them. Alear's friends... pretty much returns this sentiment in kind!

Amazing! Wow! Beautiful!

(also guess what, interdependence is a big thing in buddhism whoooo)

About Lumera's Second Death

To recap: Veyle attempted to stop Alear from meeting Corrupted Lumera. I mentioned that Alear was not ready for the longest time, even after getting revived as an Emblem, but this was the trial Alear had to face. They cry about it as the fight begins, recognizing that there's no path but forwards with a sword through Corrupted Lumera's chest or something.

Veyle's attempt and failure was there to show how much Alear understood and was willing to face themself in a sense.

They do say hope is defiant and marred with scars and pain and all that. I think it's really at this point that I start to think, ah yes, Alear is now really gritting their teeth and walking forward no matter how much it hurts. Alear is ready.

It's only by finally being mentally strong enough, by finally being heroic enough, that Alear could get the closure they needed with Lumera as she dies a second time, as herself.

And again, this is another reason why I don't think regaining their memory is a service to Alear's character. There just isn't a need from a writing pov, or from a characterization pov at this point.

And so, Alear & co returns to the Somniel, to face Sombron

I rambled this in another post, but Sombron is really the complete opposite of Alear.

Sombron, when I take a step back and think about it, is just about the most pathetic villain I've seen in any video game, and I mean it in terms of his character.

When people attempted to lend a helping hand after he arrived in Elyos, Sombron rejects them and even kills them.

When his followers worshiped him, he actively takes advantage of them if it benefited, and does not seem to care for them. He never helps anyone at all, only ever using everyone as tools. Others may have supported him, but he never supports them back.

In the end, there was only one humanistic aspect about him, which is his longing for the one friend dead in the past. He doesn't move on, and he doesn't even have some egotistical grand ideology like 99% of villains out there worth rallying behind.

Sombron even argues that letting him go off into space would be beneficial to Elyos, because he's actually not interested in ruling. He just wants to find a copy of his long dead idol, who won't even be the same, having not experienced the same thing as his emblem.

And knowing that, Sombron still wants to do it regardless! From the sounds of it, it seems like he didn't even understand or formed a proper connection with that Emblem either. Alear had to highlight the possibility that the Foundation Emblem was protecting him rather than just showing off how strong they were to drive this point home.

And even then... It looks like Sombron learns nothing in the end. Doesn't even bother.

Truly, the most pathetic villain.

And it's... great! Because it mirrors off Alear so well that I have to clap my hands and go 'eee!' at how good the good dragon is.

Sombron craves and strives for true independence, whereas Alear has achieved interdependence.

And I think that is just about the neatest thing from Fire Emblem Engage's simple yet enjoyable storytelling. I really like Alear's hero journey and the whole premise of it, and the performance that their VA in both JP and EN brings in. Also Alfred, who is just good.

Imo, Engage hits everything for me. I think I'll come back to this one a lot in the future. Everyone who worked on this game has my love and appreciation.

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

Can I please request Ivy, Goldmary, and Alear(because I always have to include Pepsi chan in my requests, you write her too well) with a faceless changeling S/O who's love language is turning into the character?

Like they love them so much, they feel the most comfortable as them. I think that'd be neat

(FE: Engage) Ivy, Goldmary, and Alear with a shapeshifting S/O

NGL I'd be freaked tf OUT if I saw that. And thank you for the kind words about Alear! When it comes to Fire Emblem characters, I feel obligated to make sure they're in-character as possible. It'd be an insult to my love for the series to do any less.

Ivy was startled when S/O first changed shapes right in front of her.

Truth be told, she felt she should be a little less surprised, considering what was in this world already. Gods, heroes from another world, magic.

Yet here she was, shocked by the fact there was a shapeshifter.

Ivy didn't mind S/O being a changeling, though she was curious as to what they looked like naturally.

What she did mind was the fact another Ivy was next to her as they were cuddling.

(Ivy) "...S/O."

(Ivy?) "Yes?"

(Ivy) "I...I understand that you're comfortable with me, to the point you are me...Um...How do I put this?"

The fact the other Ivy was tilting their head so curiously, something she would never do was throwing her completely off.

(Ivy) "It's strange. As if I'm staring into a mirror that is not mimicking my own actions."

(Ivy?) "Sorry, I can change if you wa-"

(Ivy) "No, please. I am quite flattered that you even want to turn into me it's...please keep this between us. I do not need Somniel screaming in terror from a second me."

(Ivy?) "Ha, alright."

She didn't mention it, but she also felt quite self conscious.

Was her chest that big...?

(Goldmary) "Why, it's no shock that you decided to transform into perfection!"

The other Goldmary began pouting.

(Goldmary?) "That is not why I changed into you, Goldmary..."

It was honestly a bit jarring for her doppleganger to sound exactly like her, but have their manner of speech to be completely off.

(Goldmary) "Who can blame you? I am quite beautiful!"

Goldmary becomes extremely happy whenever S/O transforms into her. Imitation is the greatest sign of flattery, after all!

And she had no idea she was so comfortable to snuggle into!

And so beautiful when she was smiling too!

Author's note: I can only write Goldmary admiring herself before an ego singularity forms and swallows this post whole, this whole bit goes on for a while, you get the idea.

(Alear) "Huh...that's what I look like?"

(Alear?) "Beautiful? Yes, yes you do look like that!"

Alear giggled sheepishly, her hand covering her mouth.

(Alear) "It's a little weird, hearing my own voice say that. But...thank you. Are you sure you're alright with this though?"

(Alear?) "Of course! I choose who I transform into, and I chose you for a reason!"

The other Alear gave her a peck on the cheek. While the gesture was quite affectionate and made her heart flutter, it was still really weird.

(Alear) "Thanks, it means a lot to me, and to you I'm sure. Someday, I want to see your true form, you know. That's who I love the most, after all."

The other Alear now shared her same blushing smile.

(Alear?) "Hah, you're such a smoothtalker...!"

Marth materialized next to the real Alear, eyeing the situation currently unfolding.

(Marth) "Wow, this is a confusing sight."

(Alear?) "You know who the real one is, right Marth?"

(Marth) "Yes, but it's like I'm seeing Alear speak into the mirror. Thank goodness she isn't actually like this by herself..."

(Alear) "Hah, I couldn't imagine...I am quite dashing though, don't you think me?"

(Alear?) "Why yes, yes you are!"

Marth playfully rolled his eyes as he disappeared, both Alear's laughing at their antics.

(Alear) "Oh! This should go without saying, but don't let Vander, Framme, or Clanne see us like this. I think they'd begin frothing at the mouth if they saw two of me."

(Alear?) "...Oh gods, I didn't even think of that. Where do we even go? People would be confused if they saw two Divine Dragons!"

(Alear) "...Maybe this isn't such a good idea."

[emblematicemblazer]

World building and theories of Engage

Emblem Zero; Part One: What do we know about Emblem Zero?

In Chapter 26; The Final Engage, is where we learn the most about Emblem Zero. Sombron is the one who describes the mysterious Emblem and how it motivated him to forgo all bonds to achieve his goals. This motivation is unique to the Sombron encountered in the main game, the Sombron in the xenologue has different motivations and ambitions. 

What does Sombron tell us about his Emblem?

The Emblem is not from Elyso, but is from the same world as him.

He brought the Emblem across from his world and it has enough power to survive the distortions.

It was known as the Emblem of Foundations.

The Emblem was unable to speak when awoken with Sombron's power.

The invocation to summon the Emblem was ‘Burn us, Emblem of Foundations'. 

Emblem Zero fought without aid. Without allies and with only ambition they became strong, or so legends say.

He believes that Emblem Zero abandoned him once he was found by villagers because the Emblem wanted him to bond with the people of Elyso.

As he dies, he claims to see Emblem Zero, Alear, Marth and Veyle see no one. When shown the scene from his perspective, light, Alear and Veyle are seen. 

The ring disappears with Sombron. Emblem Rings and Bracelets only vanish completely when their purpose is served.

Sombron feels his Emblem in dark and dim places such as the shade of a tree.

I have a few things to note here. How Emblem Zero lived their life was something Sombron learnt from legends. Legends are not always accurate. In some cases they can be exaggerated or the tale altered to fit political or social motivations. The truth can simply be lost with the passage of time. Everyone conceives a story differently and the interpretations differ. In some cases information can be ignored and only the details that fit with the desired interpretation taken. Legends are not a reliable source of information and neither is Sombron's interpretation.

The Emblem could not speak. Sombron's Fell Dragon powers rob an Emblem of their free will. They are forced to fight and serve him. It is possible that Emblem Zero was captive and actually did not want to be with Sombron. The encounter with villagers could have been the only opportunity to escape. Emblem Zero could not communicate with words and had to obey Sombron because of the absence of free will. If this is truly the case then the bond with Emblem Zero was one sided. Sombron imposed his will upon his Emblem, just like everyone else in his life and used them for his own selfish ambitions. It is possible that Sombron is not describing the Emblem but he is describing himself. He has imprinted who he wants to be onto Emblem Zero.

The word ‘foundation’ means a basis upon which something stands or begins. The game does tell us exactly what Emblem Zero is the foundation of. A little word play hints at Emblem Zero being the foundation of Fire Emblem because the invocation is ‘burn us’ and in his final moments he looks towards Alear, who is the Fire Emblem, and believes they are Emblem Zero. Alear is the archetype hero, something that is the hallmark of the series. Another suggestion is that it is someone involved in the creation process, who helped when the series first began. The ‘foundation ‘ could also be something much more abstract, such as imagination. It takes imagination to create games. I will explore the identity of Emblem Zero further. I just think it is important to consider the meaning of ‘foundations’. Could the Emblem be the ‘foundation‘ of Sombron's ambitions? Could Emblem Zero be the very first Emblem ring. The word ‘foundation’ might have been used to symbolise multiple themes. 

Zero means ‘nothing’. Sombron's Emblem is literally nothing. It could be argued that ‘Zero’ refers to the number of bonds or allies the original Emblem had. It could be a reference that no Emblem with the characteristics that Sombron lists exists, therefore the Emblem is his imagination or a hallucination. A little bit of a stretch but I think it is worth mentioning but zero could refer to the shape of a ring. 

The final point I would like to make is that in Sombron's final moments he would have mentally been incapable of clarity. Did he really see Emblem Zero or was he hallucinating? I think both theories are possible. As the only Elyso Emblem with a physical form, Alear might feel similar to Sombron's Emblem or they might be his Emblem.  Alear could have caused him to hallucinate for that reason. Sombron might have hallucinated in desperation. It is also possible that an Alear from another universe is the original hero who Emblem Zero is based on so typically Sombron does see a version of his Emblem in his final moments. 

[elysianstars]

Looking through Emblem bond conversations with the Fell Four, and picking out my favourites because why not?

Marth: You may show bravado, but you’re actually quite kind, aren’t you? Both in and out of battle.

Rafal: What?! That is laughably inaccurate. Though I will admit to making an effort of late.

Love that every time someone calls Rafal kind, his response is 'withdraw those false accusations immediately'.

Celica: Deep down, I know you possess a kind heart. Why do you not show it?

Rafal: What do you mean? My disposition is nothing short of sunny. Surely you agree.

He's figured out a new way to deal with it now.

Edelgard: When all of this is over, what do you plan to do?

Alear: Hmm… I think I’d like to take my time and travel the world. And also read and sleep a lot.

Highly relatable, but YOU HAVE SLEPT ENOUGH.

Celica: It’s no good to eat such acidic food all the time. You should try to round out your nutrition a bit.

Nel: I suppose if someone is going to mother me, it may as well be an ancient and ageless Emblem.

Emblems trying to make dragons stop eating such terrible foods, round one.

Veyle: Roy, look! I’ve never seen food this red before. I bet it’s super spicy and super delicious.

Roy: But, Veyle…the look, the smell, the burning! It does not look like it belongs in anyone’s mouth.

Round two!

Roy: An entire shaker, Nel? I can’t imagine any food needing that much salt.

Nel: It is a pity you will never be able to taste my gift to culinary advancement.

Round three!

Edelgard: I’ll admit, one thing about you does trouble me. The amount of sugar you put in your tea…

Rafal: The sweeter the better, Edelgard. I will brook no disagreement on this point.

Round four! There's a few others too, so I stopped at this point.

Alear: Your battle strategy is always so calm and logical. I should probably try to think that way…

Soren: We each have things we are and are not suited for. Calm rationale may not be yours.

Ouch.

Rafal: Am I cursed to have older sisters eternally fuss over me? Did I not tell you I am no child?

Micaiah: I’m sorry. I heard you were a little brother, and I was thinking you must have been very cute.

Micaiah, the woman who called Rafal cute and lived to tell the tale.

Veyle: Didn’t a Fell Dragon ravage your world? You must hate it when I’m around.

Lucina: Not at all. You look different. You act different. You are your own dragon, Veyle.

Fell Dragons feel awkward around Lucina, part one.

Lucina: Rafal, is it my imagination, or are you avoiding me? I thought we were a team after that battle.

Rafal: Your home was destroyed by a Fell Dragon. I, too, am a destroyer. You should avoid me.

Part two!

Nel: I hear you have a history with Fell Dragons. Do not feel obligated to socialize with me.

Lucina: I don’t feel obligated, Nel. I’d like to get to know you as a person, not just as a Fell Dragon.

Part three!

Lucina: Nel! As a token of our friendship, I’ve designed some clothing for you. Vander’s handiwork!

Nel: A large spicy pepper embroidered on the front. I suppose it does represent my preferences.

The follow-up. Since she mentioned Vander, I'm guessing it's a piece of knitting? Maybe a jumper?

Lyn: You look tired. If there’s something dragging you down, you can tell me. I’m a good listener.

Alear: I still hesitate sometimes in battle because I’m so inexperienced.

Alear: Then I second-guess myself afterward, thinking of all the things I should have done instead.

Lyn: Don’t worry about making mistakes. You have friends─and me─to guide you through them.

*grabs Alear by the shoulders* SWEETIE YOU ARE DOING AMAZING. Even when you're screwing up and getting yourself killed, you're still amazing. He says similar things in other conversations and I just. Can someone corporeal please give him a hug already?

Ike: Well, what do you think? Do I seem strong to you yet?

Rafal: I will admit your aid was helpful. Perhaps, of the two of us, we can say you are second strongest.

This is even funnier in context when you see them standing next to each other.

Rafal: You… You are quite the enigma. You fight so fiercely, yet appear so weak.

Eirika: Should I…take that as a compliment?

I don't think he knows whether it was a compliment either.

Alear: Oh, Professor! Sorry, I know I’m not one of your students. I just wanted to see how it felt.

Byleth: I don’t mind. It’s what most everyone called me, after all.

Alear is being cute and I can't handle it.

Byleth: Whatever you’re eating looks pretty tasty.

Rafal: An ally gave these to me. I was told that they were too sweet, but I find them perfect.

Byleth: Good to hear! Seeing you enjoy those reminds me of an old friend.

Rafal: We are having a conversation here. Reminisce on your own time.

Rafal has now become known as a repository for unwanted sweets. Also...did you not realise Byleth telling you that was part of the conversation. That's what was happening there. Sharpen those social skills, Rafal.

Corrin: I spent most of my youth cooped up in a castle. Everything felt fresh when I got to leave.

Alear: I can relate to that. It sounds like our circumstances aren’t so different.

I mean...if I had to pick the main similarity between you two, it would not be that. I'd probably go for the whole 'amnesia + reunited with my mother and then watched her die + evil dragon dad final boss' chain of events. Maybe that's just me though.

Corrin: I hear you risked your life for the sake of your brother. I did something very similar once.

Nel: Rafal is precious to me. I wanted to protect him. Above all, I wanted him to feel accepted.

I love you Nel.

Edelgard: You charge alone into battle far too frequently. I would urge you to think more of your allies.

Rafal: If you dislike me so intensely, then leave. No one is forcing you to deal with me.

Edelgard: That is not what I said. I am merely imploring you to consider some basic strategy.

Rafal: If my being alone in battle is your concern, then clearly your best course is to accompany me.

Love that Rafal's reaction to being told he's endangering himself is 'okay guess you hate me then'.

Nel: If it is all right with you, Tiki, I would like a hug.

Tiki: Of course! I feel so safe with you. I think the gentle hands had to be yours…

Nel: So you do recall my sending you to slumber. Well, I am glad you are back with us for good.

Wait, Emblems CAN give hugs now?

Tiki: I don’t remember you too much, but I feel like I’m safe with you for some reason!

Rafal: That is the wrong instinct to have. Nevertheless, I will endeavor to be kind to you from now on.

His line delivery is the best part of this. He's so absolutely done. Like, he was the source of the original problem, so he gets no right to complain, but he's still done. AND he'll keep knocking away accusations of kindness, even though he's just owned up to it here.

Veronica: I hear you spent a thousand years looking after your sister. I’m jealous of your relationship.

Rafal: You envy my atonement? My just punishment for crushing my sister’s heart?

Veronica: No, I envy the time you’ve had together. I may never see my brother again.

Rafal: If he left you, it must have been with some goal in mind. Trust in that, or find him and stop him.

Too late, Bruno's dead.

Camilla: You have such lovely hair. If only I was corporeal, I would love to brush it for you.

Alear: Oh, um… That’s very kind of you, but just the thought is enough for me.

Camilla no.

Camilla: You need a confidant, Rafal. Come, rest your head on my shoulder. Tell me everything.

Rafal: Ridiculous. Your shoulder is not even corporeal. Why are you looking at me like that?

Camilla NO.

Camilla: I’ve noticed you keep your friends at arm’s length, no matter how warmly they accept you.

Rafal: I caused my sister’s death. I all but destroyed an entire world. I am irredeemable.

Camilla: That’s not what your friends believe. Don’t you think you owe them a little bit of trust?

Rafal: You…do have a point. Thank you, Camilla. I will try to see the matter from their perspective.

Camilla yes actually, tell him how it is.

General Observations - Veyle asks most of the Emblems if they'll be friends with her, and it's adorable. Nel mentions a few times that she's been speaking too harshly to Alear, despite not meaning to. Rafal and Soren's conversations are a disappointment, the two meanest people in the army and they hardly say anything funny to each other.

[four-loose-screws]

That's cause of the word "partner" that people think some romance was removed. However, in the OG at the end of the paralogue to get the pact ring, Marth has a dialogue where he explain what the pact ring means and that the person who wears it is a partner. Howver, there IS indeed some romantic. For example, Ivy and Nel will explicelty tell Alear "I love you" when Ivy was toned down in localization and Nel was... kept the same.

Ah, I can also see the choice of the word 'partner' raising some questions on the romance possibly being removed / toned down in English.

But as you said, turns out the JP uses the word 'partner' as well. And for those reading this who don't know yet, we mean it - the actual English word partner, written in Japanese katakana syllabary! (Katakana is not called an alphabet, because it represents whole syllables and not individual sounds.)

Further proof I think that the devs were aiming to remain ambiguous of the exact nature of the relationships and bonds between many of the characters in this game. 'Partner' kind of allows you to pick whatever nuance you want. Romance? Friends? Closest ally? Sparring partner? Blood family? Found family? Customize to your liking and have fun! Again, not all the S supports are flexible - many characters do explicitly say 'I love you,' but in a general sense, there's more ambiguity this time around.