Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End often delves into human relationships, including not just the bond between Frieren and the hero Himmel, Frieren and her master, but also the interplay between Fern and Stark. These two characters often bicker with one another, which entertains Frieren, not to mention the many fans who want to see their relationship blossom into something more romantic.
Over time, Fern and Stark’s relationship has changed, owing to the battles they win and the challenges they face together. What begins as a chaotic relationship full of misunderstandings and insults gradually evolves into one of trust, camaraderie, and companionship. As the story progresses in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Fern and Stark’s unique relationship also develops, which could lead to more than simply friendship.
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How Did Fern and Stark Meet
Fern’s First Impression of Stark
During Fern and Frieren’s journey into the Central Countries, particularly in the Riegel Canyon, they come across a Solar Dragon capable of devouring any and every adventurer it finds. Fern attacks the Solar Dragon, but it is too tough for her to handle, resulting in Frieren’s decision to recruit a vanguard by the name of Stark. According to Eisen, Stark is his disciple and Frieren should recruit him as they enter the Northern Countries.
Eventually, Fern meets Stark, who has no fighting experience but is mistakenly revered in the village as a brave and outstanding hero. Contrary to Fern’s expectations, Stark is a hopeless warrior with an aversion to fighting monsters. She initially deemed Stark a helpless coward, but after hearing his unfortunate story, she changed her mind. Fern then realized Stark has a genuine resolve to protect the village and become a worthy warrior who could live up to his master’s expectations.
“Anything is fine. You can choose, Mr. Stark.”—Fern to Stark
Thus, Stark joins Fern and Frieren in their incredible journey, where he encounters extraordinary monsters and humans alike. Along the way, Fern and Stark struggle to understand each other since their personalities collide whenever they try to resolve their differences. Fortunately, someone like Sein, sometimes even Frieren, tries to reason with the two children about their trivial arguments, leading to some enlightenment.
Fern and Stark’s Relationship Over Time
Fern and Stark’s relationship gradually improved as they continued their journey with Frieren. It wasn’t easy, because Fern often gets irritated at Stark for the smallest things, even going so far as to look down on Stark’s cowardice and label him as someone with perverse intentions. Stark, on the other hand, doesn’t know how to deal with Fern’s sharp tongue and no-nonsense attitude, as this is the first time he has ever encountered someone as intimidating and blunt as Fern.
Because of this, Eisen mediated between the two teenagers and made them realize that they needed to communicate well if they wanted to be comfortable and at peace with one another. After all, Eisen believes that Fern and Stark are at the stage when they are having difficulty understanding the opposite gender. From here on, Fern and Stark made significant efforts to improve their relationship, as shown in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End episode 14, “The Privilege of Youth,” in which Stark gave Fern a mirrored lotus flower bracelet, which, according to floriography, symbolizes eternal love.
“I can stay up late as I want and Fern isn’t around to get mad at me.”—Stark
Moreover, Fern began to acknowledge Stark’s strength and his contributions to their party. She begins to see herself in Stark, as his traits and even his personal trauma remind her of her own past. Meanwhile, Stark begins to understand Fern’s strong personality and realizes that she’s only strict because she cares about him, much like how Fern often scolds Frieren for her poor and deplorable habits.
Is There Potential for Romance?
Fern and Stark can have a romantic relationship since the series seems to give the pair some small but meaningful moments that could lead to an actual romantic development. In fact, in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End chapter 67, “Tranquil Moment,” Fern and Stark even went on an intimate date in which Fern dressed up as an actual girl on a date and Stark found her cute for the first time.
Even Frieren who is usually oblivious to human emotions, notices the romantic potential between Fern and Stark. Some even refer to Stark and Fern as “lovebirds,” as they are always together even though they fight a lot. While the two have yet to confess, let alone understand their feelings, it’s obvious that there’s romantic tension between the two characters. For now, Fern and Stark don’t hate each other, but they don’t necessarily like each other either.
