As its name would suggest, Love & War is often about love, so expect quite a few of these. Spoilers are unmarked as per policy.
Act I
- Though Ryan is a little embarrassed by her demonstrativeness, it's hard not to sympathize with Sheila Eramond's pride at the fine young man her son has become.
- Ryan's joy at hearing that Henrik has made it into King's College definitely counts, especially when the two realize that they will truly miss each other once he's gone. Of course, by the end of the story, Ryan feels betrayed by Henrik's actions during their final battle with Kodenai, and they haven't made it up as of Act II.
- Lavie's teddy bear, which she treasures because Ryan won it in a shooting contest when they were kids, and gave it to her.
- During Lavie and Ryan's quest at Glendale, after the boss battle, Lavie is badly shaken and on the verge of hysteria. Ryan then has the chance to either be gentle with her, or to take a "motivational speaker" approach and snap her out of it. Both of these are quite a refreshing change from Ryan's generally dismissive manner towards Lavie, especially the former:Ryan: "You know I'd never let anything happen to my one and only deputy, right?"(Cue artwork of a beaming and blushing Lavie.)
- The entire encounter between Lavie and her grandmother, especially the gift Lavie receives - her late grandfather's cufflinks, a prized family heirloom - from her just at the end.Anne Lancaster: "When the time comes, Lavie... give them to the man you're going to marry."Lavie: (blushing) "..Thank you."
- Though we only learn of it from Anne Lancaster's memories, the romance between Lavie's grandparents is equally heartwarming, in an old-fashioned way.Anne Lancaster: "He's still with me, watching over me and protecting me."
Act II (old demo)
- Though it's just a small and optional scene, Ryan's kind advice to a fellow passenger whose girlfriend did not accompany him on the trip - even though his own heart is broken - certainly counts.
- Carranya's nineteenth birthday. She's run away from home on a mission of peace, is feeling lost away from the Palace for the first time in her life, but Ryan can still make it a memorable day for her, especially when he chooses the right gift to give her.
- Prince Derren and Lady Penelope's romance, in the play that Ryan, Carranya and Rinoa act in on board ship.Prince Derren: (dying) "Penelope.... I love you."
- Ryan advising Carranya on how to deal with her father, King Arlbert of Galvenia, whom she feels is neglecting her:Ryan: "When you get home from your mission of peace, give your father a hug. Tell him you understand the strain he's under, and ask to spend more time with him. He's your father, after all. You're fortunate to have one."
- Ryan's inspirational talk to a depressed Carranya, who wishes she'd never been born as a princess. Though he's respectful, he makes it clear to her that she isn't fated to be anything she doesn't want to, and can always take her life into her own hands.Ryan: "Did any of that make sense?"Carranya: (smiling) "I guess it did."
- This becomes even better when Ryan follows it up with this:Ryan: "And for what it's worth, I think you make a great Princess. I'd be proud to be your subject when you become Queen."
