coming back from the void to show off the ashe/ignatz fan support i wrote!!! please enjoy some soft boys (who are pretty much in love)
Ignatz: There really is so much to read in this library⦠I wonder what I should read this time? Perhaps something on travelā¦
Ashe: Is that Ignatz? Iāve seen him in here quite often. I should go and talk to him and see what he likes to read - maybe we have something in common!
Ashe: Hello, Ignatz! Whatās that book in your hand?Ā
Ignatz: Oh, hello there, Ashe. I was thinking about reading something about the most scenic locations within the Alliance. Thereās plenty of beautiful places I havenāt seen yet.
Ashe: That sounds wonderful! I assume you like to travel, then?Ā
Ignatz: Well, Iāve never really had the chance, unfortunately. But reading about these places is the next best thing. I can imagine all of these beautiful landscapes so clearly! The authors of these journals truly have a way with words.
Ashe: Books really are quite wonderful, arenāt they? Whenever I read tales of knights from ages past, I can vividly imagine all the battles theyāve been through. Why, itās almost like Iām there myself!
Ignatz: I know exactly what you mean! I really do love to imagine Iām there myself.Ā
Ashe: I have an idea. How about we exchange some of our favorite books? Iāve never read anything on travel before, and Iām sure I would enjoy that! If you donāt mind the idea, that is.
Ignatz: That sounds wonderful, Ashe. If you donāt mind me asking, what draws you to books about knights?Ā
Ashe: I want nothing more than to be a gallant and brave knight, just like Lord Lonato. The first book I read was Loog and the Maiden of Wind, and I couldnāt help but fall in love with it.Ā
Ignatz: If you treasure it so, Iām sure I will enjoy reading it. In return, Iāll lend you a book about the art and history of one of the most beautiful locations in the Alliance.Ā
Ashe: That sounds wonderful! Iāll be sure to read it right away, and hopefully we can discuss it afterward.
Ignatz: I look forward to it.
(Ashe and Ignatz have attained support level C.)
Ashe: Iām so glad you enjoyed the book, Ignatz! I have to say, I would love to read more travel journals in the future. Iāve never seen the world outside of Gaspard before I came to the monastery.
Ignatz: It really was incredible. I was able to feel everything Loog did, until the very end. No wonder you treasure this book so.Ā
Ashe: And like you said, I could easily envision some of these locations! The Alliance really does sound beautiful.Ā
Ignatz: Weāll have to do this again sometime, wonāt we? It seems we have a lot to learn from each other.Ā
Ashe: Of course! I would be happy to. Say, before we leave the library, letās pick out something else for each other.Ā
Ignatz: Oh, sure! I would enjoy nothing more.Ā
Ashe: Goodness! We were in there so long, I didnāt even realize how late it had gotten.
Ignatz: I didnāt mean to keep you so late. Would you like me to walk you back to the dorms?
Ashe: Would you? ...N-Not that I think the monastery has ghosts or anything! I would just, ah, appreciate the company!
Ignatz: I wouldnāt mind at all. ...Though, were there any ghosts, Iād be pretty useless against them.
Ashe: Why would you say that? Iāve seen your skills with a bow, Ignatz. Youāre able to pull off some impressive techniques!
Ignatz: Oh, no⦠I really wouldnāt say that. Can you even imagine someone like me being a knight, Ashe?Ā
Ashe: Of course I can. I think anyone is fit to be a knight, as long as thatās the path they want to follow.
Ashe: Do you not want to be a knight?
Ignatz: No. I love art and painting, but thatās just a hobby. My parents sent me here to become a knight, and I couldnāt go against them.
Ashe: If you love to paint, why not just become an artist instead? Youād be happier that way.
Ignatz: ...And you wouldnāt hate me for that? You value knighthood so much. I wouldnāt want you to think of me differently for such a thing.
Ashe: Why would I ever do such a thing? Weāre friends, arenāt we? Just because I want to be a knight doesnāt mean you want the same thing. You should do what makes you happy. I could never hate you, Ignatz!Ā
Ignatz: A-Ashe⦠thank you. Iāll keep that in mind.
(Ashe and Ignatz have attained support level B.)
Ignatz: Ashe, do you have a moment? Thereās something I wish to speak to you about.
Ashe: Of course. Whatās on your mind?
Ignatz: Recently, I thought of our conversation we had five years ago. How I feared that you would hate me, all for not wanting to become a knight. I realize how silly it was⦠and I just wanted to apologize.
Ashe: You have nothing to apologize for. Iām just sorry you thought of yourself in that way. I value our friendship, Ignatz, really! Knight or artist - it doesnāt matter who you end up being.
Ignatz: Iām still to become a knight after the war, to support my family. I do plan on continuing to paint on the side, though. Itās a hobby I donāt want to give up just yet.
Ashe: But you should become an artist! Whenever you talk about it, you look the happiest Iāve ever seen you. Iām sure your family would listen to you if spoke to them.Ā
Ignatz: I donāt know⦠itās not like my art is anything special, really.
Ashe: Iām sure thatās not true. Actually, may I ask you something?
Ashe: What caused you to start painting in the first place?
Ignatz: Oh, that? It was years ago. I gave this sketch to this little grew I drew, and it made her so happy. I still remember the smile on her face to this day. Ever since then, Iāve hoped my art would make someone else happy like that.
Ashe: And that is why you should become an artist, Ignatz. Just how I want to become a knight to leave this world a better place than I found it, you want to see others smile with the art you create.Ā
Ignatz: You truly believe I can accomplish such a feat?Ā
Ashe: Absolutely! Think of all the people your art would make happy. Actually, I have an idea for you.
Ashe: If itās not too selfish of a request, paint your ideal knight and show it to me one day. Not only would I love to see it, it could be a symbol of our friendship. A future knight and a future artist!
Ignatz: The ideal knight, huhā¦
Ashe: Iāve certainly lent you enough books on the topic, havenāt I? Iām sure youāll think of something!
Ignatz: Youāre right, Ashe. In fact, I do have someone in mind. Iāll be sure to show it to you when I finish, then.
Ashe: Great! I canāt wait to see it.
(Ashe and Ignatz attained support level A.)
Ignatz: Alright, Ignatz⦠you can do this. You canāt let this painting to to waste. Heās going to want to see it no matter what. Donāt back out nowā¦Ā
Ignatz: I just have to go find him. Here goes nothing.
Ashe: Ignatz, there you are! Iāve been looking all over for you. I wanted to give you one last book to read, if you havenāt already started painting.Ā
Ignatz: I have, actually. I was trying to find you as well so I could talk to you about it.
Ashe: Oh! Do you need my input on something? Iāve never painted before, but I could possibly offer a few insights. I did suggest the idea, after all.Ā
Ignatz: As a matter of fact, I finished it. And before I show it to you, there is something Iād like to say.
Ashe: Go right ahead, Ignatz. Iām listening.
Ignatz: When you told me to paint my ideal knight, no matter what, my mind kept going back to one person. And this knightās tales arenāt even recorded in books. Not yet, anyway. ...Thereās no other way to say it, Ashe. I painted you.Ā
Ashe: I-Iām sorry, you⦠you painted me?Ā
Ignatz: I did. You are the best example of knighthood I know, just in character alone. I hope you donāt mind.
Ashe: Iām not even a knight yet, though, am I? I havenāt even reached the levels of the ones Iāve read countless tales of. Are you sure Iām worthy of this?Ā
Ignatz: Even so, I donāt know them the way I know you, Ashe. Thatās why I chose to paint you. To me, you are beyond worthy.
Ashe: Itās beautiful, Ignatz. Iām kind of speechless, actually--I donāt know what to say.
Ignatz: Iām glad you like it. I did my best to capture you. Iāve never worked this hard on a painting before. This wasnāt too much, right?
Ashe: Not at all! Iām just⦠haha, youāre making me blush! I never thought Iād receive such an incredible gift. Thank you!
Ignatz: After the war is over, perhaps Iāll talk to my father like you said. If I do become an artist, I can travel to all the places we once read about in the library.
Ashe: You said you wish to travel one day, don't you? Well, if you ever come to Faerghus, do visit me in Gaspard. I'd love to show you around.
Ignatz: I would like that very much, Ashe. I would be more than happy to see where you grew up. Perhaps I'll have to paint you again, once you've been knighted.
Ashe: If you do, I'll gladly display it in Gaspard's walls. ...I look forward to seeing you in the future, Ignatz.
Ignatz: And I look forward to it as well.
(Ashe and Ignatz have attained support level A+.)
Paired Ending: After the war, Ashe returned to Faerghus and was knighted after becoming the lord of Gaspard. He and Ignatz met again when the artist's travels brought him to Faerghus. Instead of continuing his journey across Fodlan, Ignatz decided to stay in Gaspard alongside Ashe, offering his paintings to the Kingdom. The two of them grew closer, and it was said they lived out their days by each other's side. Ignatz's paintings of Gaspard's finest knight always hung proudly on the castle walls. It was said Ashe considered them the finest treasures Faerghus had to offer.