Stark/Relationships

## Relationships

### Eisen

In his years of retirement, it was revealed that he adopted an apprentice under the influence of the deceased hero Himmel, that being Stark. The relationship between these two was noted to be rather rocky, with Eisen often shaming Stark due to his cowardice which would eventually lead to their falling out. However once Frieren came to ask for help looking for a Vanguard, Eisen recommended Stark commenting how he fostered everything into him believing he would become an incredible warrior. He also revealed to Frieren the real reason he hit Stark, which is not out of disappointment, but simply his body moved on its own because he was afraid of Stark's strength.

### Fern

Originally Fern viewed Stark as a lazy, hopeless coward, but once Stark joined the party after defeating the Solar Dragon, their relationship starts to gradually improve. Initially, they often bicker and fight, with Fern doubting Stark's intentions or lamenting his cowardice and Stark claiming that Fern is too harsh on him on the other hand. However, with Sein's guidance and as the mediating adult, they both make efforts to better communicate with each other. Stark attributes his decision to join Frieren's Party in large part to Fern, having taken her encouragement to heart. Over time, they begin to grow romantically interested in each other, and they go on a date in the Fortified City of Heiß.

### Frieren

Frieren is a mentor like figure towards Stark, encouraging him at times whilst also teasing him. Despite her inability to sometimes express her emotions, she is seen to genuinely care about Stark. She, however, dislikes Stark calling her old and gives him three strikes but if he does well, she revokes one of the strikes.

### Sein

Stark first Met Sein when he was bitten by a Venomous Snake, Sein instantly healed Stark saving his life with his holy magic. Afterwards, Frieren proposed that Sein become their Party's Priest as Stark and Fern strongly suggested it. Stark found Sein in the bar below the inn and asked the latter to join their Party. Sein declined but Stark Insisted. Sein offered that if he beats him at a game, he will join Frieren in her adventure albeit temporarily. Sadly, both lost all their belongings. Sein eventually joined them. Stark likes having Sein around as he feels outnumbered by Fern and Frieren.

### Stoltz

Stark had a good relationship with his brother. He admired his brother and his skill. Stoltz would train Stark and help him perfect his stance and posture because unlike his father who viewed Stark as a failure, Stoltz believed in Stark's strength. Stoltz would always cook Stark a Hamburg steak for his birthday every year and would tell him not to tell their father, a gesture that is later revealed to Stark to be a present for a warrior that has worked hard. When their home was attacked, Stark wanted to fight alongside the other warriors of the village, but Stoltz placed his hand lovingly on Starks cheek and told him to flee as he wanted his brother to survive. Though his brother was the one who told him to flee, Stark sees his own actions as cowardly, and to this day admonishes himself for running and leaving Stoltz behind.