Scenario:Milleore and Sahli Lao - Twin Arrows

Twin Arrows

The crew has picked up two Harvin archers, Milleore and Sahli Lao, who, it turns out, were once very close. Lyria asks if they are romantically involved, only to be told that Sahli Lao is in fact a woman, and that the two archers are merely old army comrades. The crew retains some skepticism on that point, seeing as Lao seems able to thaw Milleore's perfectly cool facade.

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At one time there were two Harvin archers in (Captain)'s crew.

The crew has quickly come to depend on the unparalleled skill born of their natural agility.

They came to the crew independently, but upon meeting each other, it became clear that they had a history.

Sahli Lao: Milly? What are you doing here?

Milleore: Good to see you, Lao. How long has it been?

Sahli Lao: Ever since you left without so much as a goodbye. To find you on this airship, of all places...

Vyrn: Oh, do you two know each other?

Sahli Lao: Yes, we used to be very close. Milly, maybe now you can tell me—why did you leave the army?

Milleore: Soldierly camaraderie just wasn't my speed.

Milleore: More to the point, what are you doing here? What about the army?

Sahli Lao: Well... I took a break from the army. I'm on a journey of self-improvement, to rid myself of all my weaknesses.

Milleore: But you were doing so well in the army. And you're so sociable. Why would you decide to strike out on your own?

Sahli Lao: Um... Well...

Sahli Lao fills Milleore in on what has happened since Milleore left the army.

It turns out Sahli Lao cracked under pressure and failed the officer's exam, losing a chance for promotion.

Milleore: I see. That is a shame indeed.

Sahli Lao: And that's why I took the time off, to rid myself of this stage fright... But I'll cut this short. I know how much you hate long stories.

Milleore: I don't mind, at least this once. Anyway, it's nearly time to eat. Lao, what would you like?

Sahli Lao: Hehe, it's been a long time since you've asked me that. It really takes me back.

Milleore: I'm just trying to be efficient.

Milleore: A mercenary's life is a busy one. If you're going to spend the time listening to a long story, you might as well eat while you do.

Milleore: Speaking of which, I've heard of a place nearby that does excellent seafood. You like prawns, don't you?

Sahli Lao: Haha, you haven't changed a bit.

The two leave. Once installed on the terrace at the restaurant with their prawn platter, they lose themselves in conversation.

Sahli Lao: And that's how your quick decision saved the whole unit. I was so impressed.

Milleore: Hee hee, I'd almost forgotten about that.

Milleore breaks into a rare smile. Watching the pair from the shadows, the rest of the crew starts to speculate.

Vyrn: Hmm! I smell a romance brewing!

Lyria: You really think so?

Katalina: Hmm, I agree. Milleore doesn't smile like that at just anyone...

Vyrn: Ohh? I didn't think you were interested in love stories, Katalina.

Katalina: I merely thought we should be considerate of them, if that truly is the nature of their relationship.

(Captain) and the others are unable to come to a conclusion regarding their two crewmates' relationship. That night, Lyria decides to take the direct approach.

Lyria: Um, excuse me, Sahli Lao? Are you... um... Are you Milleore's boyfriend?

Milleore: Excuse me?

Sahli Lao: Wait... What?

Lyria: It's just, well... you parted ways so long ago, and found each other again on this airship...

Lyria: Hee hee. It's just so romantic!

Milleore: I think you've misunderstood. You do know that Lao is a woman, don't you?

Katalina: Oh... Oh! My apologies. We meant no offense.

Vyrn: Hey, don't you think you coulda told us earlier? It would've made things a lot less awkward now.

Sahli Lao: Well... It happens all the time, so I gave up correcting people after a while.

Sahli Lao: And you know, there are benefits to being mistaken for a man.

Milleore: Yes, I imagine that helps avoid quite a few hassles. Especially on the battlefield.

Milleore: But I think it would wear on me, personally. Doesn't it bother you to be thought of as a man?

Sahli Lao: Hmm... Lots of people have asked me that, but it's never bothered me at all.

Milleore: Good grief... You really haven't changed a bit.

Sahli Lao: Haha. That makes two of us.

Vyrn: So, wait. If you're not a couple, what's going on between you?

Milleore: We were born and raised on the same island. Nothing more.

Sahli Lao: Haha. We met in boot camp, and often trained together.

Sahli Lao: The whole time we were in the army, we worked well together and supported each other.

Sahli Lao: She did have a tendency to run off on her own and make me worry, but still, there's no one I'd rather have guarding my back.

Milleore: Please, you're making me blush.

Katalina: I never knew you had such a well-suited partner, Milleore.

Sahli Lao: We were inseparable and unbeatable. Milly would pin down the target with covering fire, and I'd pick them off.

Sahli Lao: Haha, no one could take out an enemy encampment like us. We were renowned in the army.

Vyrn: Uh-huh... You're both pretty tough on your own, but I guess three bows are better than one—or two!

Milleore: There just wasn't anyone else around strong enough to put my trust in, that's all.

Vyrn: So does that mean you guys are gonna join forces again?

Sahli Lao: What a good idea! I'd kinda hit a wall training on my own. Maybe this is what I've been missing!

Milleore: Agreed. I've been coming up against tougher and tougher monsters of late. I could use you by my side again.

Milleore: There's no one else I'd trust to be my partner. Glad to have you back, Lao.

Sahli Lao: Right back at you, Milly. I'm sure glad we bumped into each other like this.

With a firm handshake, Milleore and Sahli Lao renew their old partnership.

One person, however, seems to have lingering doubts.

Lyria: Errr...

Vyrn: What's wrong, Lyria?

Lyria: Well, um... You said you smelled a romance brewing, but Lao turned out to be a woman...

Lyria: So... Can she still be Milleore's boyfriend? I think I'm missing something...

Milleore: Lyria, weren't you listening? I said earlier that there was nothing romantic between us.

Lyria: Oh! That's right, you did! I guess I just... sort of wanted there to be.

Katalina: Agreed. If there's something more going on, you needn't hide it. You're among friends.

Milleore: Katalina, surely you of all people can see that we're just comrades in arms, nothing more?

Vyrn: Hm? Did you say something, Milleore?

Milleore: I said, Lao's nothing but my comrade in arms.

Vyrn: What? I didn't quite catch that.

Sahli Lao: Haha, Milly's always had a problem talking about mushy stuff like relationships—even soldierly ones. Look, she's blushing!

Milleore: Grrr...

Katalina: I see...

Milleore: Lao, do you want me to tell them more about your little "stage fright" problem?

Sahli Lao: What! N-no, there's no need to bring up ancient history like that!

Vyrn: Now I want to know what happened! Spill, spill!

Vyrn: I like this new, chatty Milleore!

They spend some time trying to silence each other's dirt-dishing, but eventually they move the conversation to a tavern, and later head back to their rooms on the Grandcypher side by side.

Though their differing personalities once separated them, this reunion gives the two archers a chance to reforge their bond even stronger than before.