Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a beautiful tale that explores the beauty of human emotions and the overlap of time. The anime is currently in its second season, and its third episode finally saw Stark make a direct romantic move towards Fern!
Fern and Stark have long been hinted at as a future couple. Despite being close friends, one of them has been quietly expecting things while the other is too dense to realize it. So why are they suddenly going on a date in the upcoming episode of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End?
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Fern and Stark's Slow-Burn Romance
How They Met
The two first met back in Episode 5. While looking to defeat a Solar Dragon, Frieren and Fern came across Stark, who was "protecting" a village from the dragon. Initially, Fern saw Stark as a coward, but when she saw his resolve, she decided to put her faith in him. They worked together and defeated the Solar Dragon, and Stark began traveling with them. Later in Season 2, Episode 1, Wirbel tried to persuade Stark to join his party. But Stark declined and later told Fern that he genuinely enjoys traveling with them. He also added that when they first met, Fern's words especially encouraged him to make that choice.
Companions to Romantic Interest
By the time Frieren and others reach Graf Granat's Domain, Stark and Fern already show really good teamwork. In Episodes 8 and 9, while Frieren heads to take down Aura the Guillotine, they work as a team to defeat the demons named Lugner and Linie. But at this point, they only seem like good companions who trust each other.
In Episode 12, when looking for Stark on his birthday, Fern hears about his whereabouts from various people whom he helped. This leaves a lasting impression on her. This is also the point where the show first acknowledges Fern's growing feelings for Stark. But this appreciation is suddenly stopped when she spots Stark making childish jokes about the shape of clouds. On their way back, Stark shares his past, which helps him accept it better. He also receives a bracelet from Fern as a birthday gift.
Shortly after, in Episode 14, Fern gets mad at Stark because he forgot to get her something for her birthday. She continues to be harsh to him before he can even explain himself, which upsets him and results in a quarrel. Later, they manage to reconcile, and Stark expresses that he hasn't gotten her a gift yet because he wanted to go buy it together. He chooses a mirrored lotus bracelet without realizing that it signifies eternal love.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Fern and Stark's Opposing Reactions
Even when seen from a distance, Fern and Stark's differences in personalities are clear as day. Fern is mature and reads the situation around her, but fails to actively express how she truly feels. Stark is childish and speaks his heart out, but is also too dense to understand the people around him. Fern's growing attention towards Stark is noticeable throughout. In Episode 14, when Stark finds out about the meaning of the gifted bracelet, he freaks out. He claims not to have known the true meaning and even suggests getting it replaced. Fern gets mad, not because of the hidden romantic meaning of the bracelet, but because he suggested replacing something he put time and effort into.
I didn't think you knew what you were doing. That design is of a mirrored lotus. In the language of flowers, it means "eternal love". In this area, people give them to their lovers. — Sein, Episode 14
In episode 15, Stark briefly holds her hand, but after he leaves, Fern continues to stare at the hand that he just held. Again, signifying that she has started to see Stark differently. They even dance beautifully together later that episode.
Events Leading to Their Date
With the arrival of Season 2, the show has started to directly address the upcoming romance between the two. In the first episode itself, Stark confesses that, unlike Frieren's belief, he was not forced to join their party. He instead joined because he was persuaded by Fern's belief in him, which also allowed him to slay the Solar Dragon. In the same episode, Fern recalls the time when they were running away from a large monster in the Magic-Nullifying Crystal Den. As they raced away from the monster, she held on tightly to the bracelet that Stark gifted her. At night, before going to bed, she continued to look at the bracelet with a smile on her face, signifying its importance to her.
Stark Asks Out Fern, But It was Not Intentional
In the third episode of Season 2, Stark and Fern find themselves staying in Heiß for multiple days while Frieren indulges herself in the long-awaited hot spring. While discussing what to do next, Stark decides to visit a weapons shop. But Fern objects and says, "Pay attention to me." Stark fails to understand once again and suggests going on a date, merely to tease her. But to his surprise, Fern accepts immediately.
When Fern leaves the room swiftly out of embarrassment, he mistakes it for her being angry. He asks Frieren for advice. The two stroll around the town, discovering things that Fern might like. She starts by suggesting Stark to get her something to eat at the market, as she is likely to get irritated when she's hungry. She follows by trying to visit display shops with pretty items and ending the date at a quiet plaza. Stark applauds Frieren for understanding Fern, but she declines because she merely remembered what Heiter taught her.
Later, Fern tries to get advice from Frieren, too. But once she realizes how poor her master's knowledge about dating is, she gives up. The episode ends as a sleepless Fern stares at the moon. This probably signifies her restless waiting for the next day, but could also signify the romantic message that the moon holds.
The next episode of Frieren will finally see two of its primary characters go on a date. Will it go well and further advance their relationship, or will it end poorly?
The latest season of Frieren is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.