Shom/Supports

## Emilia

### C Support

> **Emilia**Excuse me. Shom, is it?**Shom**It is. What's the matter?**Emilia**It's about your spellcasting. It's sloppy, unrefined. Like you're barely trying.**Shom**I've been doing well enough so far. Anyway, how is it any of your business?**Emilia**As a scholar of magic it offends me to see someone put so little effort in their craft. Magic is knowledge and discipline given form, just relying on the basics and your bloodline... It's just a tremendous waste of potential.**Shom**Discipline... I admit, I'm not much for that. But it doesn't matter anyway, who cares if my spells could be a little more efficient?**Emilia**Homing your craft can be its own reward. It's not merely about the end result. I am not an expert on anima magic, but I am familiar with a few basic exercises. Just getting into the habit of consciously improving your technique would be start.**Shom**Slow down, I haven't agreed to anything yet! Look, I'll think about it and get back to you.**Emilia**Wonderful, here's a primer on magical theory and some exercises to get you started. Once you've mastered them, we can move on to more advanced theories and concepts.**Shom**Deep breaths Shom, deep breaths... Not everybody is a good listener. And what is this? This time is way too big and heavy to just be a basic "primer". I can always just ignore her and toss those out. Would be a bit of a waste though...

### B Support

> **Shom**Alright Emilia, I worked through that entire time and did your exercises, what's next?**Emilia**Well done, as for what's next? Hm, I think it would be best, if you decided for yourself. What would you like to learn or improve on the most?**Shom**I never really thought about that after I stopped my lessons. Never really had the motivation to do my own research either. How did you decide on your first projects and what were they?**Emilia**I always been fascinated with terrors, my first independent studies were about them. Dark magic is a subject I dabbled in our of necessity, fieldwork can be dangerous. In the process I developed some techniques like an Aura to make foes more vulnerable.**Shom**That aura has come in handy quite a few times already, how did you develop it?**Emilia**The theory behind it is surprisingly simple! Getting the execution right was difficult. I am merely applying some Dark magic to manipulate the lifeforce of the targets. Initially I had difficulties targeting exactly who I wanted, there were... minor losses. I can lend you my thesis to get you started if you want to adapt it to your own needs.**Shom**Disturbing comments aside, that seems like a start, but will I understand your notes?**Emilia**Oh, I am sure you'll manage. It was a rather simple project. This is the short version.**Shom**Oof, this is another tome! If this is "simple" I don't even want to imagine "complex"!**Emilia**Just remember the differences between Anima and Dark magic and you should be fine. I predict only minor risks to your health and sanity, but it's all in the name of science!**Shom**...... Not that I care much about either, but she still seems a bit nonchalant... Anyway, how hard can this possibly be?

### A Support

> **Shom**Hey Emilia, good news. I think I did it. By applying your theories, I was able to enhance my magical projectiles.**Emilia**Well done. I must say, I'm quite impressed. Especially how quickly you managed it. Despite calling it "simple", the process still took me a few months to perfect.**Shom**Well, your notes helped me out a lot. My method works on similar principles. Instead of opening up vulnerabilities, my spells now seek them out.**Emilia**Aha, I expected it would work that way, I hope you recorded your findings. Research needs to be shared, reviewed and tested to be validated after all.**Shom**Yeah.. about that... I wrote down what I did, but it's only a few pages and drawings. I really don't understand how you scholars manage to fill tomes about a single subject.**Emilia**We'll have to work a bit on your writing style, and you really ought to give me more credit. And you were a little light on the methodology, ideally a novice should understand your work.**Shom**Wait, so you're not happy with it?**Emilia**Oh no, personally I'm very happy with it. It's just not something you could publish. More importantly, how did conducting your own research make you feel? Satisfied?**Shom**It was nice to just solve a tangible problem for once. It was rewarding to figure out. I really don't think academia is for me, but I enjoyed this diversion. Thank you, Emilia.**Emilia**Oh, that is a shame, but I can't blame you. Academic restrictions can be so stifling. Speaking of solving more tangible problems, should we engage in a bit of field testing?**Shom**That sounds just fine to me. I wanted to try it on targets affected by your aura.**Emilia**Ah, a lovely hypothesis. Let's test it out.

## Angelus

### C Support

> **Angelus**Lalalaaa!**Angelus**Lalalalalaaaa!**Angelus**Lalalalalaaaaa!**Angelus**LA LA LAAAAA!**Angelus**Trallalaaa!**Angelus**La la la la laaaaaaa!**Shom**When I find out who put me together with the bard... I'm going to launch a magic icicle up their behind.**Angelus**And one more time! Trallala!!!

### B Support

> **Angelus**Ahh, my good Shom. It looks like it is the two of us together again on the battlefield.**Shom**.......**Angelus**In honor of our glorious friendship I have decided to compose a song. About my favorite person, you!**Shom**Angelus, don't even think ab...**Angelus**\*Ahem\* Gloomy and dour! Despite being young! Depressed and sour, in his youth, stung!**Shom**If he bard keeps on singing I will cut out his tongue...**Angelus**Oh! That is actually really good.**Shom**.......**Angelus**Uhm, I think I will go and compose the rest of the song over there.[Angelus leaves.]

### A Support

> **Shom**Hey Angelus. What do the bardic songs say about my House?**Angelus**About House Windlance? Well, there are many songs. Flight of the Falcon Knight. The Howling of the Winds. The Tale of the Ice Lance. The Saga of..**Shom**Yeah yeah, I did not ask for a goddamn compilation of all the songs. Are there any ballads about my father?**Angelus**About Lord Wester Windlance? Hmm, I do not think so, no.**Shom**Want to compose one together?**Angelus**Oh, I would be absolutely delighted to do that!**Shom**Great. How do we start?**Angelus**Well, you can begin telling me some personal stories of his heroic deeds. I will use those stories to create a heroic hymn worthy of his name.**Shom**Alright. How about that one time he asked me to go jump of the balcony? Because I was such a pathetic son, and not worthy of inheriting his name.**Angelus**Uhm... That... Eh...**Shom**Or how about the time he came in to my bedroom with a knife in his hand. He said I could use it to end myself.**Angelus**Shom... I do not think that is... Appropriate... for a song...**Shom**What, not awful enough for you? I got other stories, way worse.**Angelus**Please Shom, you cannot possibly ask me to compose such a song. House Windlance is one of the oldest and most respected Houses.**Shom**That is exactly why I want to ruin their reputation.**Angelus**....... Alright, let's do it...**Shom**Wait, are you serious?**Angelus**Music is not merely a tool to elevate others. It can also be used to bring people down.**Shom**You know what Angelus? You're not so bad after all.**Angelus**That is not what people will say once they hear the song we will make!**Shom**Guess I'll need to learn to play an instrument so I can sing it.**Angelus**And I would be happy to teach you!

## Runa

### C Support

> **Runa**Uh, hello?**Shom**.......**Runa**Excuse me? Can you hear me?**Shom**What do you want?**Runa**Uhm, I was just wondering, if... eh...**Shom**If "eh" what?**Runa**You are a mage, are you not?**Shom**What gave it away, the robes? Or the magic book I'm holding?**Runa**I uhm...**Shom**Speak up then. You clearly have a question for me.**Runa**My father was a great sage.**Shom**And my father was a great jerk. What about it?**Runa**I am s-sorry to hear that.**Shom**Don't be, I'm not. He certainly isn't.**Runa**Anyway... I have never met my father. I am not sure what to expect.**Shom**Expect nothing, and you will never be let down.**Runa**You are a very strange person. Are all mages like you?**Shom**No, I'm a special case. What. Worried your father is going to be a jerk like me?**Runa**A little bit.**Shom**Well, I can't fault your honesty. So when did you last see him?**Runa**He left the village when I was a little baby girl. I don't even remember what he looked like. My mother didn't want to talk about him.**Shom**Then I would not get my hopes up.**Runa**Why not?**Shom**If he abandoned you, chances are he is not a good father. Clearly, he had other priorities than you in his own life. If he loved you, he would have returned at least a few times.**Runa**.......**Shom**Well, either that or he's dead.**Runa**....... This conversation is not making me feel very good.**Shom**Reality hurts, kid.

### B Support

> **Shom**Oh, hello Shom. How are you toda...[Shom approaches Runa]**Runa**Uhm...**Shom**Hold this.[Shom gives a tome to Runa.]**Runa**Uh, okay?**Shom**Now repeat after me. Lacunae Stiriaque Impexis.**Runa**Lacunae stri... what?**Shom**Lacunae Stiriaque Impexis! Say it like you mean it.**Runa**Lacunae Stiriaque Impexis!**Runa**Wow, look there! The symbols on the book are glowing!**Shom**Hmm, just as I thought.**Runa**How did you make the book do that?**Shom**I didn't. You did.**Runa**What? Me? How?**Shom**You're gifted with magic. I sensed it when I first saw you, but now I am sure. Few people can make this tome respond right away.**Runa**What does that mean?**Shom**I means you picked up the wrong weapon, you idiot. Why the hell are you running around with a damned bow?**Runa**I've always hunted outside the village. So it only felt natural to me.**Shom**Well, I am no expert in archery, but I have been watching you fight. It is clear to me that you are not particularly talented in this field.**Runa**I was the best archer in my entire village!**Shom**You know what they say. Big fish in a small pond.**Runa**So you are telling me I should become a mage?**Shom**I'm not telling you a damn thing. It's your life, do what you want.**Runa**.......**Shom**But talent for magic is a rare thing. If you are good at something, might as well take advantage of it, right?**Runa**Will you teach me Shom? Can I become your student?**Shom**Absolutely not! I got better things to do than babysit you. Use the tome to train yourself if you must.[Shom leaves.]**Runa**..... I think he is starting to like me.

### A Support

> **Runa**Hello Master Shom!**Shom**.....What?**Runa**What are we going to do today, master?**Shom**I am NOT your freaking master.**Runa**If my master commands it.**Shom**You are a little pest. Anyone tell you that?**Runa**My mother did. Often and loudly.**Shom**Maybe you should have listened more to her.**Runa**Maybe. Now I listen only to master!**Shom**What have I gotten myself into...**Shom**Alright, your master commands you to sodd off, and never bother him again.**Runa**Sorry master, can't do that. I'll follow you around until you teach me everything you know!**Shom**What on earth happened to you? At first you could hardly speak. Now you won't leave me alone. What did I do to deserve this?**Runa**You showed me that I had talent for magic. That gave me courage!**Shom**\*Sigh\* This is the last time I ever help anyone.**Runa**So when are we going to practice spells today?**Shom**Alright, screw it. You want to learn? Fine. We will go through the hardest exercises every night in camp. However, if you even cry, whine or complain once, the lessons are over.**Runa**You got it master!**Shom**Here, I got you something, a magic bow. It should help you focus your talents.**Runa**A gift from Master Shom!**Shom**If you break it, you have to buy a new one yourself.

## Shay

### C Support

> **Shay**Big brother, big brother!**Shom**What is it, Shay?**Shay**I brought you something.**Shom**Wait, are those... pastries? How on earth did you get those?**Shay**While we were travelling, I saw a vendor and decided to buy some. See? I even bought your favourites. So eat them while they're fresh.**Shom**And why exactly did you buy them?**Shay**Because you love them! What other reason would there be?**Shom**I know you, Shay. If you are giving me something, you want something back.**Shay**After what you said about Jacob, I felt awful, I didn't want you to be sad, Shom.**Shom**So you really think that some food will help me get better, Shay?!**Shay**I know it won't, brother! I just want to help you through this.**Shom**... I can't eat these, Shay.**Shay**But why not?**Shom**It reminds me too much of home. And stuffing my face won't bring him back. It wouldn't be fair that I get to enjoy food. Not when I'm the cause he ended up dead.**Shay**Brother...**Shom**Leave me alone, it's not enough that we're in a battle, I have to deal with this crap? It's a nice way to get me killed, if that is what you really want.**Shay**No, brother... I'm sorry... I'll leave you alone.

### B Support

> **Shay**Big brother, how are you feeling?**Shom**What do you want, Shay? You here to make me reminisce of Jacob again?**Shay**Actually... I do... I wanted to ask you about Jacob some more, Shom...**Shom**Uh... what?**Shay**It's what Sir Baudimon told me when we talked some time... So it stuck with me. He said that you would want to confide about Jacob, even if it hurt you a lot...**Shom**Baud, you big oaf...**Shom**Fine, you win. What do you want to know?**Shay**Thank you, big brother!**Shay**I... know father ordered Jacob to be executed because he slept with you. And I know you two were very close. But how did he convice you to do it?**Shom**What makes you so certain it was him?**Shay**Well... father told me he tried to kill you... but since I know it wasn't that; I thought maybe he was the one to make the first move, you know?**Shom**That vile piece of shit told everyone that. But no, it was me. I talked him into it... He was hesitant, too... but I insisted. I told Jacob I wanted to marry him, that we would be kings and be happy. That night was the best I've ever had. The morning after was the worst one.**Shay**Shom...**Shom**Crying will save no one, Shay. I learned that the hard way...**Shay**... You are right. Instead... I want to ask you a favor.**Shom**What do you need?**Shay**Remember when you wanted me to learn magic with you? But instead I wanted to be a pegasus knight... so I didn't.**Shom**Huh? Did I really want that?**Shay**How mean! Yeah you did, I remember it vividly too! Anyway, I take it back. I want to learn to use magic again, big brother Shom. I will never forgive father for what he has done, to you and Jacob both.**Shom**A pretty thought, but it's not that easy you know?**Shay**You are really underestimating our Windlance blood! If I just try more; I know that I can do it, I came here to join and protect you, brother.**Shom**Fine... hold my hand.**Shay**B-Big brother?**Shom**Now, repeat with me. Magnas Ventus! Say it!**Shay**M-Magnas Ventus!**Shom**Stronger! Put your spirit into it!**Shay**Magnas Ventus!!**Shom**Not bad. Actually, you're a natural, as expected.**Shay**D-Did I really do it?!**Shom**I gave you some of my magic as catalyst, to make it easy. But there's no doubt, you will be able to do it on your own.**Shay**Oh thank you so much, brother! I will protect you with my life, I swear it!**Shom**Focus on yours first, Shay.

### A Support

> **Shom**Hey.**Shay**Oh big brother! How can I help?**Shom**What will you do after this war is over, Shay?**Shay**I think I'll go back to House Windlance. And I'll... uh... get a husband, maybe? Frankly, I guess I never gave it much thought. I only wanted to see you.**Shom**You're such an airhead.**Shay**Hey! But why ask me this now, brother?**Shom**I wanted to ask you a favor, Shay.**Shay**What is it? I'll do anything for you, big brother Shom.**Shom**I want you to kill me.**Shay**W-WHAT?!**Shom**After all this conflict is finished. Put a spear throught my heart.**Shay**Br-Brother... that's insane!**Shom**That way I can finally be with Jacob.**Shay**That's... No! I would never do such a thing! Never! Stupid brother! Stupid! Please stop saying things that makes no sense!**Shom**...**Shay**Please, think about everyone else that cares about you! Think about me!**Shom**Thank you, Shay... I wanted you to say that, I really did.**Shay**Huh?...**Shom**I just wanted to hear you say that... Ever since what happened, I never stopped thinking about Jacob. I had nightmares every night, I was unable to get sleep, for years. But yesterday, a thought sprouted into my head.**Shom**"At least I have Shay."**Shay**Oh, brother...[Shay hugs Shom.]**Shom**You make life not so painful...**Shay**Then, I'll always be by your side. So promise you won't leave mine.**Shom**Not like there's anyone better to stick around with, I suppose.**Shay**You're so mean! I'll work even harder, big brother Shom. Maybe that pain will never leave you. But I will try my all to help you with it. Together, as the unstoppable siblings!**Shom**Too cheesy...**Shay**Ouch, I thought it would sound cool.**Shom**It was just right, Shay. Thank you.**Shay**I truly mean it.

## Madeline

### C Support

> **Madeline**Shom, please don't take any stupid risks. Get behind me, I'll protect you, got it?**Shom**Sigh. I can already tell this is going to be bothersome.**Madeline**Well get used to it, I'm your retainer and I won't let anything happen to you.**Shom**I've got a baby sitter now... that's just wonderful...**Madeline**Be quiet and get behind me!**Shom**Sigh. Fine Madeline. Whatever you wish.**Madeline**And after this battle we're going to get you some food. You look famished!**Shom**You will not feed me, Madeline. There are lines we do not cross.

### B Support

> **Madeline**Shom, I've noticed you haven't slept a lot. It's important that you get your rest.**Shom**You watch me sleep?**Madeline**Only because I care. Last night you only slept around 3-4 hours. That's not enough.**Shom**That's more than a little creepy...**Madeline**As your retainer I need to make sure you're in good health. From now on you will go to bed earlier and try to sleep longer.**Shom**Madeline... Please stop. You're not my mother.**Madeline**But I can't protect you out here if you're sleep deprived!**Shom**You're supposed to keep me safe from swords and arrows. You can't save me from myself.**Madeline**I can bloody well try!!

### A Support

> **Shom**Madeline, can I ask you something?**Madeline**Of course, anything.**Shom**What was Jacob like before I met him?**Madeline**He was an absolute mess.**Shom**What? Truly?**Madeline**He was lazy, unmotivated. Father always yelled at him.**Shom**That's not the Jacob I remember at all...**Madeline**After he became your retainer he really shaped up. He began practicing with the sword every single day.**Shom**His sword skills were unlike anything I'd ever seen.**Madeline**Jacob was a natural, he could master things much faster than I. IF he could be bothered to train. Which was a big if....**Shom**So, his job as my retainer is what turned his life around?**Madeline**You gave him life, Shom. Truly you did...**Shom**And then I took it away...**Madeline**You did not, your father did.**Shom**That doesn't make it less painful.**Madeline**Know that you gave his life purpose. That means a lot to me.**Shom**Madeline, I miss training with Jacob. Would you... train with me instead? Teach me the sword, like he did.**Madeline**I would love to, Shom.**Shom**Thanks...

## Thea

### C Support

> **Shom**Hmm...**Thea**Why are you staring at me, Shom? Knock it off, it's creepy.**Shom**Don't flatter yourself. You are not my type.**Thea**A lot of guys say that.**Shom**I am not like most guys.**Thea**A lot of guys say that too.**Shom**Do you meet a lot of guys?**Thea**Maybe I do. Why do you care?**Shom**I don't really.**Thea**So why the ogling?**Shom**I was just observing your fighting style. It's safe to say you're going to die soon. But I think you already know that.[Shom leaves.]**Thea**Hey! What did you mean by that? Come back here!

### B Support

> **Thea**Hey Shom, what did you mean the other day about my fighting style? You think I'm going to die?**Shom**Your fighting style is similar to Colter. Except you are stupid, and he is not.**Thea**I don't follow. Colter's a thief. He sneaks up on people.**Shom**Exactly. That's my point. He sneaks up on people. You charge them head on like a stupid moron.**Thea**I'm a swordfighter, I don't see the point in cheap shots.**Shom**There it is, that stupid sense of honor so many swordsmen have. That's what's gonna kill you.**Thea**And how do you know that?**Shom**Because you rely on nothing but skill and speed to survive. One mistake and it's all over. You could wear some armor.**Thea**Armor slows me down.**Shom**It also keeps you from dying.**Thea**Why are you so invested in my survival anyway?**Shom**I'm not, really. We haven't known each other for long. I wouldn't call you a friend, but others do care for you. My best friend was very skilled at wielding a sword. He had that same stupid sense of honor too...**Thea**I take it he died?**Shom**He did. And if he wasn't so damn honorable, he might not have.[Shom leaves.]**Thea**I can't tell if he's worried about me, or just in a foul mood.

### A Support

> **Thea**Shom, may I ask you a question?**Shom**Does it matter if I say no?**Thea**That man you told me about. His name was Jacob, right?**Shom**I don't ever recall telling you that.**Thea**Well, I overheard a few things in camp. You really cared for him, didn't you?**Shom**I don't see how that's any of your damn business.**Thea**It's not, but it explains why you seem so passionate about the topic of survival. You've lost some people you care about. Maybe even someone you used to love.**Shom**Again, I fail to see where you are going with this.**Thea**I just wanted to let you know I plan on being more careful moving forward.**Shom**Yay. That really makes my day.**Thea**Really?**Shom**No.**Thea**You are such a jackass, Shom.**Shom**I know. I know. Anyway... It's good to hear you don't plan on dying soon. I am sure there is someone in this army who will appreciate that. Now go bother someone else.[Shom leaves.]**Thea**I think he's starting to like me.

## Baudimon

### C Support

> **Baudimon**Shom, come here.**Shom**Hmm? You want something? I'm busy killing stuff.**Baudimon**By the divines, will you slow down? You're incredibly reckless today. You trying to get yourself killed?**Shom**Death in battle doesn't sound like a bad way to go.**Baudimon**Look, you can't just go and get yourself killed on my watch. I've lost enough friends already.**Shom**You say that like you are the only one who has lost people you care about.**Baudimon**I know I'm not, but I know your pain too. I am aware of what you're going through.**Shom**I find that very hard to believe.**Baudimon**I don't have time to argue with you out on the battlefield, Shom. Be less reckless, that's an order.**Shom**Whatever you say, boss.

### B Support

> **Shom**Baud, I would like to apologize to you. I was unreasonable the other day.**Baudimon**You're always unreasonable Shom.**Shom**Way to kick a guy when he's down.**Baudimon**Sorry, I guess I'm a little grumpy today as well.**Shom**I just wanted to let you know I'll be more careful from now on.**Baudimon**That's good, Shom. I know that's what Jacob would have wanted.**Shom**Yeah, I suppose. Thanks for always putting up with my antics.**Baudimon**That's what friends are for.