Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem or any of its characters! All rights go to Intelligent Systems and Nintendo!

-ONE SHOT-

It was no great secret to anyone in the party that the Divine Dragon and princess Timerra's royal retainer harbored deep feelings for one another. It was evident in the way the spoke and how they looked at each other whenever they were together. That's why it didn't come as too much of a surprise when Alear gifted Panette the Pact Ring, a special item meant to strengthen only the most meaningful bond.

While she was initially reluctant to accept it because of her past, the Divine One's words managed to convince her to take a leap of faith. "That was your past, Panette. You have a whole future ahead of you. Everyone has their ups and downs. You and I too - good times and otherwise. But you have the agility of a raptor, and now so do I. We can evade anything together."

He was just so earnest; how could she not accept. Over and over again he continued to astonish her. It was clear as day she imparted upon him the importance of agility and as he said the rest of the brawler's arts had nothing to do with them. She gladly accepted the ring after hearing that. He was her partner, and she was his. "I can think of no one else I would rather fight beside. You are the one that I truly adore."

The two of them shared their very first kiss soon after. It was a bit awkward as the two of them had never shared an intimate kiss with anyone before, but they had all the time in the world to improve. A fact that made their collective cheeks burn.

Before they returned to the rest of party however, Panette felt as if she had to give the Divine One something of her own. It wouldn't be as valuable as the Pact Ring, nothing anyone owned would be, but it would come from the heart. She reached up and removed the hair ornament she wore. It was the most refined one she owned and her favorite, decorated with an orange and red flower. She gifted it to the Divine Dragon as a symbol of the steadfast feelings they shared, and he happily accepted.

Life on the Somniel resumed as normal with the exception of the more open air between both Alear and Panette. Seeing the two of them so happy together was enough to put a smile on anyone's face really. Even Rafal could be seen sporting a very faint smile if someone were to look closely.

Then came the morning when it was the redhead's turn to rouse the Divine One from his slumber. "It is with the utmost anticipation that I have been awaiting this wake-up visit. The Divine Dragon has honored me with the Pact Ring. Surely I must make myself more dignified than I already am. Though, is that truly what you want when it's just us two? No. I think perhaps not. You are tenderhearted and kind... and, my Divine One, I know you accept me however I am."

It was nice to speak openly while her love rested. He just looked so calm and peaceful, and that made him even easier to talk to than he already was. She meant every word as well. Alear was tenderhearted and kind, and she knew for certain that he accepted her however she was, noble facade or not.

It was then he began to finally awaken, and she greeted him warmly before taking a seat on his bed. Even though he was resting she knew he could hear her, and she just wanted to say one more thing. "I'll tell you a little secret... The happier I feel, the stronger I am."

That proved to be the case in battle whenever they were together as she cleaved through wave after wave of corrupted with her axe. It was like watching the most elegant raging bull. One minute she would take down a foe with style and grace, and the next she was shouting curses and swinging wildly. Elegant raging bull felt very apropos.

Eventually the final battle came against the Fell Dragon himself, Lord Sombron. It was without question the most difficult and pulse pounding contest anyone in the party had ever experienced. He was a darkness unlike any other and it was only through the strength of mind, body, will, and love that the monster finally fell. Lord Sombron would trouble anyone no further; the Divine Dragon had won. Peace would once again be restored.

Alear became the new Divine Dragon Monarch. His bonds with the rulers of each nation resulted in lasting peace. He and Panette eventually were married at the old church her parents used to run that her elder brother Pandreo took over. The Divine One dressed his best in all white while his bride was dressed to impress in all black. It would've honestly been jarring to see her in a traditional white wedding dress.

The Priest officially married the two and they shared their most important and refined kiss. There were cries and cheers all around and the happy faces of their friends and family were beyond infectious. It was a moment in time they would never forget.

Years passed and the two were still very much in love. Ladylike as ever Panette lived in harmony with the Divine Dragon despite her initial fears and wore the Pact Ring at all times. Their love was further cemented when the twins were born. They were the most perfect little angels and Pandreo enjoyed having a little niece and nephew to dote on. The same was true of Lady Veyle.

Times changed, but Alear and Panette's feelings didn't. There were just as wildly happy as they had always been whenever they were together, and her greatest fear had been proven unfounded. As the millennia passed historians learned that the Divine Dragon and his wife were a loving couple, and it was even said by those who were closest to them that they never argued even once.

(THE END!)