C Rank

Mark: Ah, my lady Lyndis. Do you have a spell?

Lyn: Mark, good to see you. What is it you need?

Mark: Just checking up on you, our last battle at Caelin; things got intense. Are you alright?

Lyn: There's no need to worry, I admit that we were pushed hard to earn that victory, but I had faith. I knew that your plan would work.

Mark: I only wish we could have gotten there sooner, I would have prevented their attack on Caelin had I known their intentions.

Lyn: I know, you mustn't blame yourself for such a thing. What is important is that when we needed your help the most you came. Thank you, Mark.

Mark: The pleasure was all mine, my lady. It's a true shame that we haven't had the time to catch up since our reunion. I'd love to hear about everything that has happened within the last year.

Lyn: I think I'd enjoy the same, we'll make time. I promise.

Mark: Thank you, my lady. Now then, I believe I need to think about our next step.

Lyn: And I need to think about seeing those steps taken, until next time, Mark.

Mark: I look forward to it, my lady.

Lyn: Oh, one last thing…

Mark: Yes?

Lyn: You are one of my oldest and closest friends; I believe we can drop the formalities. Please, call me Lyn.

B Rank

Lyn: I think that's all there is too it. This last year has been very peaceful for Caelin.

Mark: You sound almost disappointed. Is something wrong?

Lyn: Not wrong, no. Just disquiet.

Mark: How so?

Lyn: I love my Grandfather, but those whom he keeps at court have since come close to ruining that which I have fought to protect.

Mark: How serious? Should I be concerned?

Lyn: No, I don't believe there is any reason to be. In fact it seems so trivial in the wake of everything happening now. The worst these offenders have done is spread fowl rumours and made life in the castle more difficult than it should be. Nothing I cannot handle.

Mark: I'm more than glad to hear it.

Lyn: Though I must admit, I could do without entertaining the noble dignitaries.

Mark: Ha! I'll bet. You're far more suited for a life in the field, but I know that you have to help your grandfather wherever you can. I'm proud of you.

Lyn: Thank you Mark. But now I want to hear everything about what you've done this past year. Where have you travelled? And how badly did you get into trouble.

Mark: Well travelling and getting into trouble are what I'm best at. I didn't know where I was going when I left you in Caelin, part of me wanted to stay with you or else ask you to come with me, but by the time I settled on a destination I knew you would be settled in to your commitments with your family. So I made my way back to Sacae on my own.

Lyn: You went back to the plains?

Mark: Back to the very place you found me, yes.

Lyn: Why?

Mark: First and foremost, well, I wanted to try and remember something.

Lyn: You mean? Your memory?

Mark: That's right, it hasn't returned. I thought that if I could remember how I came to be collapsed in Sacae then I could begin to retrace my steps. Maybe even find a long lost home that is just beyond my reach.

Lyn: Did you find anything?

Mark: No, I'm afraid I didn't.

Lyn: …I'm sorry

Mark: It's nothing to be sorry about, actually; I don't think I ever told you how grateful I am to you.

Lyn: I just did what I thought I should

Mark: No, it's not just taking me in. I don't have a past like everyone else does, I don't know if I ever will. But there was nothing before you. Every time I try to recollect it always brings me back to the day I opened my eyes and saw you for the first time. You are my first memory. So I want to thank you, for making my first memory one I'll cherish forever.

Lyn: Oh, Mark…

Mark: Besides, my first year brought on so many new memories. I went to Ilia and brought down a black magic wielding serial killer, I prevented the assassination of an Etrurian Count, and I was briefly the prisoner of a Bernese mercenary company when I crossed the border illegally. Hey, is something wrong?

Lyn: Of course not Mark, I'm just happy you're here.

A Rank

Lyn: Mark?

Mark: Yes, Lyn?

Lyn: I have a question, if you'll indulge me.

Mark: Of course, what's on your mind?

Lyn: You talk about searching for your past, I understand this, but what comes to mind when you think about your future?

Mark: My future? Sometimes I don't have the luxury of deciding what my future is. Does anyone?

Lyn: Maybe not to the full extent that we'd like, but we all deserve the right to decide where we want to go.

Mark: Of course, I agree. Where I want to go… the list is endless.

Lyn: And what's at the top of the list?

Mark: You're saying that if I had the choice to go anywhere… hmm… before I answer your question may I ask you the same thing?

Lyn: I suppose. That's an underhand way of sidestepping the question.

Mark: I promise I will give you an answer, but please humour me.

Lyn: …I believe, given the chance, I would return home.

Mark: Truly? You see; I made up my mind about where I was going a long time ago. Lyn, I like to think I'm a simple man, my goals are not complicated and I've never asked for too much. But I've known for a long time where it is I'll be, where I hope to always be.

Lyn: Where might that be?

Mark: …

Lyn: Mark? Where is it that you're going?

Mark: …It's …wherever you are, Lyn.

Lyn: Wha?—what?

Mark: You asked about my future, well I've decided that its going to be by your side. You are my future, Lyn.

Lyn: I… my, oh my, you continue to amaze me, oh wondrous tactician.

Mark: And you forever confound me in how graceful and powerful you are, oh beautiful lady.

Lyn: … there is too much at stake now, I have so much to fight for, but if there is any future after this, then it is one I would gladly spend with you.

Ending

When her grandfather died, Lyn became the first Lady Marquees of Caelin. With her trusted best friend and husband, Mark, the two would become the cornerstones of prosperity for the people of Caelin.