#alflear

Alfred always has a great love for life. He's surrounded by people who support and cherish him, he makes new friends easily, he wants to grow into a better king and guide Firene through many years of peace and happiness. He's glowing with enthusiasm, full of dedication. He really wants to be here! He's still got do much to do!

The problem, as we all know, is the physical affliction which has plagued him since childhood. The problem that all his exercise and training is striving to keep at bay, while he puts on a brave face and insists he's fine. Without help, his body will eventually give up on him, and all the human willpower in the world can't keep it going.

As recently mentioned, my belief is that the Pact Ring acts as a conduit, for what becomes a type of life-support magic. It's said in his paired ending, that his long life is a direct blessing from the Divine Dragon. Alear lets him experience the bright future he always hoped to see.

Through Alear's love, all things are possible, so note that down.

Rafal, however? His physical state isn't in question. He's one of the most powerful beings in Elyos. A royal dragon who crushes enemies with ease, and should have millennia still ahead of him. Reviving Nel may have drained some of his magic, but evidently he's in far better shape than Lumera was after reviving Alear.

The problem with Rafal, is mental health. He was a 'miserable and lonely child'. He spent a thousand years under a curse which turned him against the only person who loved him. He asked her to kill him, and smiled in relief when he thought she was going to! He spent a thousand years in solitary confinement, with no reprieve from self-loathing. He sees himself as irredeemable and undeserving of kindness. I strongly suspect that his solo battle, against whatever eventually killed him, was a deliberate choice to bring his life to an end.

The Pact Ring is significant for him, because of the feelings behind it. A partner who chooses him above everyone else, and swears to never leave his side (and won't be taken by time either, since they're both dragons). Alear helps inspire the will to live, and persuades Rafal that he is actually worthy of love and happiness.

@fefanevents Day of Devotion 3: Romantic love

Except when he visits the graves of his friends. He calms down, but still remains jovial, telling Celine and a few of the others all that's happened in the peace they won.

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