Epilogue - Closure


The Campaign is over, at long last. Fiona and Wuotan took Idenn back to Arcadia, not wanting to overwhelm her with so many strange people and noises when she wakes up. We see them off with a smile, and then return to Castle Bern where the rest of our army waited.

It doesn't quite seem real. But it is. We won. We actually won.


"You really have pretty hair, Guinevere," I commented as I brushed it. We were in her room, at her vanity in fact, waiting for her coronation to begin, and I was fussing with her hair because of a lack of things to do. "You should grow it out again."

"I think I will," she murmured. She sighed, though, posture drooping. "There is going to be so much to do."

"Yeah, the stories always stop at 'happily ever after', with no mention of the work." But it was easy to see why. While this work would be needed, it was also… boring. It wasn't something to make tales over, at least. "Did you see Roy accidentally talk himself in and out of a hole earlier?"

"With Lilina?" She brightened and laughed, as I knew she would. "Calling me one of the loveliest he had ever seen, and when Lilina asked about herself, he commented that she was even lovelier?"

"Yes, exactly!" I giggled, grinning at the mental image. The two had gone so red. "They're so ridiculous. We'll have to tease them about it."

"Indeed." She laughed a little more, and then smiled at me, via her reflection. "You'll be heading to Hanover after, yes?"

"Yeah, I've got something to return, and I'll stay for Mildain's coronation." I focused on a particularly stubborn knot in her hair. "From there, I'll leave with you. Then we'll figure out from there what to do."

"And Klein's okay with this?"

"Klein's going to be busy anyway. We're both workaholics, if you haven't noticed." I grinned and she laughed again. "So…" A knock on the door made both of us look up. "Come in?"

"I'm sorry to bother." The door opened to reveal Galle, dressed in his ceremonial armor. He had finally been cleared to walk around by the healers. "The coronation is about to start," he explained, smiling reassuringly. "Miredy thought you might want to come ahead, but she's busy with security detail."

"There's no need to explain why you're here, Galle," Guinevere chided. "I'm happy to see you." She stood up slowly, and I hopped to my feet with her. "...Here I go."

"I'm right here," I whispered reassuringly. She smiled at it. "Let's go. You can do this."

"...Right." She nodded, eyes determined. "Gale, escort us there. It's time I live up to my words."

We all knew she would, and before long, all of Bern would too. I had faith.


"I can see why Fiona insisted we come by here," Roy breathed. He and I walked through the beautiful grove near the Shrine of Seals, marveling at its wonder. Aunt Lyn had led us to it, and now, those who wanted to visit could, in pairs of two. He and I were the last pair to come in. "Wow…"

"The graves of the Heroes, including the ones lost to legend," I murmured, crouching by one. 'Genevieve' was on it, and I knew the name as Roland's wife, Hartmut's younger sister. I studied the dates on the grave, and noticed there were two sets of dates on it. One… had to be using the calendar used before the Scouring. I'd never thought of that before. But using that, I could quickly deduce how old they were, during the Scouring. "I can see why they would rest here. This has to be very close to Mother Earth's meadows, to have such beauty."

"They were our age." Roy studied another grave. 'Amir' and 'Sacae' were written on the stone. "I never thought of that. They were only a little older than me. It makes them…"

"I feel like I understand them even more now." Most of the stories were likely based on their older selves, the ones who had gone through war and survived. "They were like us. But they took steps to try and help us."

"As did the generations that followed, directly or indirectly." Roy walked to another grave, and ran his fingers over the lettering, reading.

I hunted for two in particular, and found them easily: Hilda's and Hartmut's. I studied the dates and noticed, surprisingly, that they only died 150 years ago. They'd lived in the peace they created for 850 years. I wondered why they died before Fiona. Was it because they'd been half-dragons who couldn't transform? Was Fiona doing something to extend her life? Was it simply luck? Were the Divine Weapons to blame?

The wind blew slightly at that last thought, and I wondered if that was it. The Divine Weapons which poisoned their creator, which warped reality to trigger the Ending Winter and made Elibe dangerous to dragons… perhaps they had shortened their lifespans too. Then again, perhaps the dead were simply telling me to not fret over it. It happened, and I had enough to worry about already.

I sat down among the flowers and began to sing as many songs as I could think of, happy and cheerful songs. Roy smiled as he listened, and the wind swirled around us, telling me that the heroes liked them too, from the Meadows.


I went my own way after the Shrine of Seals, riding to Bulgar to check the initial stages of reconstructing. I had to solve a few disputes, mostly born from tensions and some culture clashes, before riding on to my next destination. Sin had given me as detailed locations as he could remember, and Christopher had sent me a letter giving directions from Etruria. From there, it didn't take me long to find my parents' graves, once I neared the border by Araphan.

There was a large tree on the border, on the small hills that marked the boundary between the Plains and Lycia, where you had a lovely view of Araphan. I knew the tree well. Mom, Dad, Sue, and I had often stopped here for a picnic lunch, before continuing on through Lycia. Sin had recognized the tree from our stories, and so, he had picked that spot on the border to bury Dad, since Dad's will had only asked that he be buried near Araphan. Since Mom's will was never discovered, Uncle Mark had decided to do as the Etrurians do, bury her next to her husband.

When I reached the tree, I dismounted, and walked to the graves. There were fresh flowers planted near the markers, and the dirt was moist, freshly packed. The markers themselves were stone, carved with their names, epithets, and the like. I smiled bitterly at how… impersonal they were. Like Uncle Hector's, they told only the barest minimum about them. It only said what they were, not who.

I wondered if I should write it down. I wondered if I should have Mom's logbook published. That way, those who looked could discover 'who' we all were too.

Crunching grass made me jerk up, one hand falling to my quiver, while the other went for Rienfleche, hooked on my back. But I paused when I realized who had come: Wuotan. "I'm sorry," I whispered, slowly relaxing. I felt better seeing how startled he was, and how his hand had fallen to the sword he wore. "I didn't think anyone else would come here today."

"I must say, I thought the same," Wuotan replied, laughing softly. He relaxed as well, smiling. "I would've thought you were still in Bern."

"I've business in Etruria, and there's Mildain's coronation to prepare for."

"You're going to be very busy for the rest of your life."

"Well, some things never change." I shrugged, glancing at the graves. That was why I had wanted to come here. I had no idea when I would have the time again. At first, I had planned to tell them everything that had happened, but that was silly. They already knew, thanks to Mother Earth. So, instead I… I could finally give my goodbyes. At last, I could give them a proper goodbye. "What brings you here?"

"I wanted to pay my respects to the fallen, so I was going on one final trip to do that."

"Is that so?" I frowned at a certain word. "What do you mean by 'final'?"

"Well, I suppose it's 'second to last', but it'll be my final journey through Elibe." His smile became tired, and relieved. "I will go through the Dragon's Gate, soon. I grow very weary, and I have kept my promises. I know the fate of Idenn, and I have seen the answer given. Fiona will not last longer, and Alberich has no need of me. It's time I move on, and leave Elibe to the future."

"...Is that so?" My instinct was to protest, but I bit the impulse down and really looked at him. He had always seemed old and tired, but now, it really did look as if the last of his energy had drained away. "That's a shame. You know so much…"

"Most of my books are really easily to find in the Bernese Archives, and in Arcadia, and I've actually copied quite a few of my notes." His smile grew, slightly. "I gave some to Lugh, and to Nimue when she kept badgering me. What I forgot can be simply looked up. What isn't written down..." He shrugged. "There are some memories I wish to keep to myself. Not many, of course. I wrote a lot, to make sure I did remember. But some are simply… mine."

"I can understand." I thought a bit about those records he mentioned, though. I reminded me of what I'd just thought of. "I'm thinking of writing about the Campaign and this war. It's more work, but maybe if there was more information, people can remember who we were, instead of the legends."

"That's a worthy endeavor." His smile became proud. "I believe… Hilda left some memoirs and notes from the Scouring, if you'd like to include that. They should be in Arcadia."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, and there might be some testimonies in the Ostian libraries that'll catch your eye, though that pertains more to the Campaign of Fire, I believe." His smile widened. I'll make sure to make copies for you, to make it easier. I'll have to figure out where to leave them, though…"

"You could… bring them to Ostia?" I smiled hesitantly. "You're going through the Gate, right? That's what you just said?"

"Yes, it's easy enough for me to open, and just as easy for me to close it on the other side." He frowned a little in thought. "Why?"

"Well, Uncle Nils went through. I never met him, but that doesn't mean he's not family. I think others, like Aunt Lyn and Uncle Eliwood, would love to write him too." I gave him my best pleading look. "So…?"

"...Well, I'll have to pass through Lycia anyway to reach Valor." He sighed, smiling slightly. "Lilina's coronation. I'll give them to you then, and take whatever letters you all might have for Nils." He shook his head. "But, regardless…"

"You want to pay your respects." I stepped to the side, and fussed over my mare as Wuotan stepped to the graves and knelt down, bowing his head slightly. I thought he whispered something, but I couldn't tell what the words were. I thought it might be an old prayer, a draconic prayer.

When we was done, he straightened, gave me a smile and a nod, and began walking away. As he did, I found myself wondering why he'd take the time to pay respects to my parents. He said he was going to pay his respects to all the dead, but why start here, with my parents? Was it because they were mine? Was there something else? I thought so. It was just a feeling, but I thought so.

...Wuotan was a dragon. The Lady Hildegarde had been...

"...Hey, Wuotan?" I called, before I lost the thought. He paused and turned, looking at me curiously. As he did, I noticed something I hadn't quite caught before. His eyes… were the same color as the Lady Hildegarde's. They were the same vibrant blue. "You're… her father, aren't you?" I didn't clarify who the 'her' was. I didn't have to.

"Yes, I am," he replied. After all, he knew exactly what I was asking anyway. "I spent a long time, spoiling her, spoiling her child, watching over her descendants from a distance. I grew fond of Nicholas, though sadly, I never got to meet your mother." He smiled softly, proudly. "But, I did get to meet you. And if you are the last, I have no regrets. It has been a delight, Irene. I can think of no worthy inheritor of their legacies."

"...Thank you." I smiled back, the best smile I could give. "I appreciate it, everything really, a lot. So thank you. I'll see you again, but I'll just repeat the sentiment then."

"Until then, Irene." He turned and walked off, humming Sun's Fire as he did. The sound echoed through the grass, and the wind danced to the tune.

Mom and Dad liked the song. I wondered if he knew that.


"There's a vault in the crypts?" I asked, still incredulous even after Uncle Mark led me through the twisting path. "Why have I never heard of this before?"

"It's really only something the head of the house knows, because there's nothing really here," Uncle Mark answered. He had a smug smile, though, pleased to startle me. "I don't think even Katri knew of them, despite using these things to cheat at hide and seek when we were little."

"How is this different from the normal vault?"

"We keep house treasures here, things the Lady Hildegarde wanted hidden away." We reached the end of the path, and he unlocked the half-hidden door there, pushing it open with a high-pitched creak that made my skin crawl. "Her armor from the Scouring is here, for one. Supposedly, her main weapon had been here as well, but she took it with her when she left to travel."

"That's the Chakram, right? Uncle Matthew has it."

"Yeah, we'll just let him keep it. I'm sure Aunt Amanda would've liked it to be kept around there, since she considered that her home and she was the one who found it."

"It was found in the desert, for some reason?"

"I suppose the Lady Hildegarde just wanted it gone, after a certain point, or perhaps it was stolen from her grave and lost to the sands." He waved me inside the room, and I looked around skeptically as I noticed… how freaking bare it was. "I warned you. "It's just the things she wanted to hide."

"I'm surprised there's so little." There were only three things in here, three pedestals. One was more of an armor stand, showcasing an odd set of armor, towards the right. Towards the left, there was an open, empty box. The middle had a strange purple gem, strangely dark even accounting for the lack of light. "So…"

"So, I take the necklace from you." Uncle Mark held out his hand and I placed the necklace he'd given me there. "And I officially relieve you of your ceremonial position as Hanover's representative in this war."

"I'm thrilled." I kept my voice as dry as possible, and he laughed, setting the necklace in the empty box and gently closing it. "I'm glad everyone is recovering."

"Yeah, thankfully." Uncle Mark smiled, and it was a bit tired. He wasn't fully recovered yet, and it was starting to show. "Let's head back up."

"Okay." However, my eyes fell again on the strange purple gem, and I crept over to it, far too curious. I watched it swirl with muted purples and blacks, and brought up my hand to touch it. I quickly retracted it, though, feeling the power radiating off of it.

As I studied it, I thought of the stone Idenn had tried to use, and the color it had been before it revealed it's true light. The power that stone held had been weaker than this, but it seemed similar enough. That gave me a guess as to what this really was, and I wondered if this was the real reason behind the vault, and it's secrecy.

This was Idenn's dragonstone. This was the Demon Dragon's dragonstone, which Zephiel had tried to steal, and failed because he hadn't realized there was a ruse. This was the dragons' most powerful weapon, tucked away in an underground vault that even the guardians barely remembered.

What a brilliant, if unconventional, trap. It was no wonder the Lady Hildegarde had been the tactician during the Scouring.

"Irene?" Uncle Mark called, dragging me from my musings. He looked at me worriedly from the doorway. "Everything all right?"

"Everything is just fine, Uncle Mark," I replied. I turned from the dragonstone and skipped to his side, smiling. "So, come on!" I hooked my arm around his and dragged him out the door, only letting him pause long enough to lock it behind us. "Aren't you supposed to be throwing me a party or something because I'm with Klein?"

"That is all Maria's planning, and I'm going to be damage control." He laughed, perfectly cheerful. "So, I'll show you what she and Anastasia have plotted, and you can tell me what you don't like…"

"That'll be perfect!" I smiled, and let myself relax. I was no longer the tactician of an army. I had many other duties, but that was fine. I had my path. "Please tell me that there's no red, though? I've told them a hundred times that so much red is for mourning, but they never remember!" I had my life. I'd find my happiness.

I could live with this, easily. I could be proud of this, easily. This was where I made my own legacy, and Father Sky, I was going to make it.


Fates of… people I actually know the names of... after the War with Bern:

Roy, Young Lion, and Lilina, Duchess of Light - After the war, Lilina was officially coronated as the Duchess of Ostia. During her first few months, she worked tirelessly to rebuild and unite the Lycian Alliance, and she took a second coronation, this time as Lycia's queen. Roy stood by her every step of the way, using his influence among the other countries to gather much needed supplies, and building on those friendships to force strong alliances for Lycia. A few months after Lilina became queen, the two were officially betrothed, and the entire country celebrated the union. Aunt Lyn and Uncle Eliwood laughed until they cried at the news, and they both mentioned something about a dream Uncle Hector had. They refuse to tell more, so we write it off as the adults being weird.

Fae, Dragon Princess - Fae returned to her home of Arcadia. However, Igrene reassures us that she will visit before long, and we'll work out a thing where she spends half her time in Arcadia, and half with us. Fae, of course, is ecstatic about the idea, almost as enthusiastic about it as she is about helping with Idenn's recovery.

Marcus, Loyal Paladin - Marcus finally retired after the war, to the surprised relief of everyone. Harken took up his old role as leader of the knights, and Marcus himself became a tutor to knights in training, helping them firm their resolve and path as they struggled to find their direction in life.

Allen, Ferocious Knight, and Tate, Blessed Knight - At first after the war, Allen returned to Pherae to help it rebuild, and Tate became my bodyguard on an 'extended contract' with Ilia. However, within a few months, Allen was at Reglay, assisting there, telling Tate that he felt uneasy when she wasn't around. Tate had promptly turned as red as his hair, and yelled a bit before admitting she had been worried as well. The two hesitantly began dating, and though my duties drag Tate away often, their relationship steadily blooms, much like flowers in spring.

Bors, Impregnable Knight - Bors returned to Ostia, where he assisted in helping the city recover. His kind nature helped people regain their trust in the Ostian Knights, and the people always look forward to his patrols through the city.

Wolt, Dutiful Archer - Wolt remained a knight at Roy's side, rarely far away, though he spent as much time in the kitchens as he did on the practice range. His cooking had become quite famous thanks to serving such a large army, and he had many clamoring to be his student. He took it all in stride, smiling and laughing all the while.

Lance, Tranquil Knight - Lance returned to Pherae, staying close to Roy in order to help advise. His cool head helps him look at problems logically, and his experience in leadership and in making plans with the War Council allowed him to assist greatly in rebuilding Lycia.

Elen, Saint of Bern, and Zeiss, Crimson Lightning - Zeis and Elen work together to help rebuild Bern, focusing on patching up broken buildings and healing injuries. They both suffer criticism at first for 'betraying Bern', but their loyalty, determination, and kindness wins the people over, and news spread quickly of the lovers who tend to even the smallest of scrapes. At first the two were embarrassed by the rumors, but they have since embraced it, even officially dating now.

Shanna, Cheerful Knight - After the war, Shanna was officially knighted and became a full-fledged pegasus knight, quickly becoming the captain of her own Wing. Her cheer soothed many a weary soul as she helped Ilia rebuild, and she happily flew all over the continent, just to say 'hi' to old friends.

Deke, Wounded Tiger - After the war, Deke broke up his mercenary band to accept a more permanent job: being Klein's bodyguard. Though he feels the burn of Armads in his blood even now, he retains his cool demeanor, and intimidating presence. He also retains his love of teasing his 'Little Master Klein'.

Ward, Confident Axefighter - Ward returned to the Western Isles, working alongside Ekhidna to cultivate the wilds, and slowly restore the ravages lands. He sketches designs for fortified cities, and quite a few builders look forward to attempting to build them.

Lott, Silent Axefighter - After the war, Lott actually married his childhood sweetheart, and attempted to lead a quiet life. Ekhidna and Ward, however, wouldn't let him, and so, he split his time between his new wife and his little sister, and restoring the Western Isles.

Chad, Lycian Lynx - After the war, Chad stopped his thieving ways, taking up healing as a full time job. He travels the continent, and tends to the orphaned and homeless, directing them to where they might receive help. He also gathers information to give to the leaders he knows, never able to quite break the habit of scouting everywhere.

Lugh, Child of Anima - Reunited with his parents, he makes a new life among his parents' new holdings, starting small magic school that caters to the abandoned and orphaned children. He teaches them from Wuotan's old books, learning all the while himself, and frequently asks advice from Uncle Pent, Aunt Priscilla, and Uncle Erk in how to best guide his students. His parents are, unsurprisingly, proud of him.

Clarine, Rebellious Princess, and Rutger, Lone Swordsman - Clarine and Rutger settle in Bulgar, where they begin picking up the pieces and slowly work on rebuilding the proud and beautiful town. Life is sometimes difficult, between the stress of rebuilding, Clarine adapting to the new life, and Rutger dealing with his traumas. But the two remain together throughout it, always working things through to come up with compromises, and many look upon their love as an ideal relationship.

Saul, Priest of Freedom - After the war, the Church offered to make him a high-ranked bishop. But Saul refused, preferring to keep to his modest lifestyle and travel on his own to tend to the healing people. His flirtations continued as always, but none could deny the peace and care he gave to the people.

Dorothy, Gentle Archer - Dorothy continued with her job as Saul's bodyguard, and babysitter, following him everywhere and scolding. Though rumors popped up that they were romantically involved, she always laughed it off.

Sue, Wolf of the Winds, and Sin, Falcon of the Plains - The two returned to the Kutolah, working to help the fractured tribe heal. Grandpa quickly cedes leadership to them, and the two work together to bring the Kutolah to their former glory, and work to help Bulgar rebuild. Sin handles the more internal aspects of rebuilding the tribe and plains, while Sue works on the external, using her background to forge formal alliances between the Sacae and the other nations, and strengthen trade and protections throughout.

Zealot, Knightly Leader, and Juno, Motherly Knight - After the war, the two returned to Ilia to care for their daughter and reunite the fractured land and knights. Juno focused more on uniting the knights, while Zealot focused on the land. Thanks to the increased trade from the countries, and Lilina's proposed 'swap' among their soldiers, Ilia quickly begins to prosper, to the point that many wonder if it should become an 'official' kingdom, with Zealot as its king. Juno and Zealot are startled by the talks, though, as they simply wish to live together, happily caring for their daughter.

Treck, Peaceful Knight - Treck continued as a mercenary, serving in Zealot's group. His habit of sleeping never faded, nor did his skill in battle. His laidback ways even inspired quite a few knights to take things easy, for better or for worse.

Noah, Vagrant Knight, and Fir, Sword Saint - Noah left the Ilian knights, and traveled alongside Fir as she continued her path of the sword. Though many offer them high ranked positions in armies, the two are simply content with traveling with each other, and to take on battles they wish to. Fir still carries the Darkness Blade, and writes often to reassure her friends that it has not taken her mind still.

Astore, Shadow of Ostia, and Igrene, Guardian of Nabata - The two talked after the final battle, and went their separate ways. No one quite knows what they talked of, but many note how, even as Igrene left, the two gave each other longing looks. Lilina plots to get them to talk again, and I certain do not mind assisting.

Gwendolyn (Wendy), Beautiful Knight - Wendy continued her duties as an armored knight of Ostia, become the captain of Lilina's bodyguards. Many other girls soon follow in her footsteps, inspired to don the armor and strength thanks to her impressive demeanor, and gentle smile.

Barth, Knight of Justice - Barth was named the new leader of the Ostia Knights, taking over Oswin's role. Though quiet, and hurting still from the rebellion, he worked tirelessly to lead the knights to surpass their former glory.

Ogier, Little Hero - Ogier stayed on as a mercenary for Ostia a while longer before moving on, traveling the continent and taking jobs to help rebuild the lands. He remains humble about his part in the war, always citing that he wouldn't have made it without his comrades.

Gonzales, Gentle Brigand - Gonzales returned to his home in the Western Isles, greeted with cheers and praise instead of rocks and stones. He works with Ekhidna to heal the Isles, a job he takes on happily.

Geese, Ruler of the Seas - Geese reopened his trading routes, taking advantage of his exclusive access to the royals of the nation, and his profits instantly soared. However, he donated large amounts of his profits away, particularly to the Western Isles, and always cuts a deal with those from the army. He also, however, needs to keep a wary eye out for his brother, as the Davros like robbing his ships to make sure he doesn't get a big ego.

Lalum, Cheerful Duchess - Though Lalum continued to dance, Uncle Douglas abdicated his title of Great General and Duke, leaving Lalum to inherit everything. She devotes herself to helping repair the fractured relationship between the Isles and Etruria, while always keeping the brightest smile on her face.

Ekhidna, Hero of the West - As can be expected, Ekhidna devoted herself to rebuilding and repairing the Western Isles as soon as she returned. She works tirelessly alongside the remnants of the former rebel army to bring it to new glories.

Elphin/Mildan, King of Etruria - Mildain was officially coronated soon after the war ended, and he immediately began reforming the country. His courts protested all the sudden changes, but he held firm, determined to bring Etruria to greater prosperities, and to once again be the country Saint Elimine was proud to rule. He also has to deal with people insisting he marries, but he's ignored most of the suitors for now.

Bartre, Ferocious Warrior - After the war, Bartre returned to his home and, surprisingly, started a tavern. His jolly personality and talent for cooking earns him success, though I believe his stories of the Campaign of Fire and the War with Bern are what ensnare his customers the most.

Ray, Child of Darkness, and Sofia, Prophet of Nabata - Sofia stayed with Ray even after he moved in with his parents in their new holdings, and the two of them began studying dark magic together, scouring through Nimue's old books for secrets, and studying Apocalypse to discover just how they work. Though Sofia does return to Arcadia from time to time, it seems she has chosen to actually live with Ray, something that Ray blushes at, even as he tries to play it off.

Cath, Master Thief - Cath joins Ostia as an official spy, continuing to steal from the rich and give to the poor. She works tirelessly in also ferreting out the secrets of greedy nobles to give to Roy, now fully convinced that he keeps his word, and does the right thing for the people, no matter what.

Miredy, Crimson Knight and Galle, Hawk of Bern - After the war, the two work together to rebuild the army, and to reconnect with each other given their time apart. The distance, however, made their love even stronger, and they wait only for Bern's official mourning to end to be wed. Life is hard for the two Wyvern Generals, but they rise above it with grace and determination.

Perceval, Knight of Knights, and Cecilia, Valkyrie of Valkyries - With Uncle Douglas stepping down, Perceval obtains the title of Great General, among the youngest to ever hold the title, and struggles to balance ruling Caliburn and the army. Thankfully, though, Cecilia is near to remind him to not do everything himself, as she retains her own title as Mage General, and she uses her power to help Perceval, Klein, and Mildain push needed reforms through quickly. To the surprise of no one, within a few months after the war, the two were engaged. Apparently, their soldiers even made bets on when.

Garret, Veteran Berserker - Garret settled in a village not far from Castle Ostia and lived a surprisingly normal life. He worked the fields tirelessly, and refuses to pick up a weapon ever again. Lilina visits him often, though I'm still confused on how she recruited two bandits to help us.

Hugh, Streetwise Mage - Although he was offered many jobs, Hugh refused them all, preferring to go his own path. He actually stays with Aunt Nino in her new castle, to learn more about Anima magic, and to assist Lugh with his school. Aunt Nino is happy to have 'Uncle Canas's son' with her, and Hugh seems to enjoy being doted on, even if he always squeaks when Uncle Jaffar accidentally startles him.

Douglas, Lionhearted General - Uncle Douglas stepped down as Great General, and Duke, after Mildain's coronation, taking the fall for the Western Isles Campaign. Despite this, though, he is often dragged back to court to give advice, and often jokes how retirement isn't as peaceful as he had hoped. Still, he looks on all of us proudly, and it's clear he loves every second of it.

Nimue, Hermit of the Mountain - After obtaining some of Wuotan's records, she retreated back to her home in the mountains to continue studying. Hugh sends letters from time to time, and she sends replies, the only sign we have that she still lives.

Dayan, Silver Wolf - Grandpa laid the groundwork for Sue and Sin before stepping down to be an advisor as they rebuilt the Kutolah and the Sacae. He lent his aid and wisdom to any who asked, and never lost his habit of helping anyone who came to him. He tells me how much he looks forward to my eventual wedding, and Sue's. I think he plans on celebrating for Mom and Dad too.

Yodel, High Bishop - Yodel was quickly named Archbishop of the Church, likely due to his prominent role during the war. He uses the new position and power to exact reforms throughout the Church of Saint Elimine, bringing it closer to Saint Elimine's actual teachings, and to assist Mildain in turning Etruria into a prosperous nation. He never lets the power go to his head, though, thankfully.

Karel, Sword Saint - Karel actually remains with Cinead as they relocate, having no quarrel with living among dragons. He keeps quiet, and tries to live his life peacefully, though he does leave from time to time to check on his brother in law, Bartre, and his niece, Fir.

Fiona, Divine Dragon - Fiona returns to Arcadia, where she and Fae work to heal Idenn. Progress is nonexistent, but the chance alone is more than she could've ever dreamed. Her body is slowly failing her, though, and it's possible she doesn't have many years left. Despite this, she continues to do her best, teaching what she can, and helping Cinead relocate the dragons of his village.

Wuotan, Fire Dragon - As Wuotan said he would, after Lilina's coronation, he left Elibe all together, traveling through the Dragon's Gate. He carried with him numerous letters to Uncle Nils, telling him of how life had passed during the last twenty years. He told me how he plans on recording the War with Bern among the Dragon Histories, to make sure none forget. I had a feeling it was the greatest honor a dragon could give us, nowadays. His proud smile told me that.

Guinevere, Queen of Bern - Guinevere took the throne among whispers, those who couldn't believe she had actually defeated Zephiel for the throne. However, her determination to succeed, and her willingness to listen, gradually wins the people over, and as time passes, they note how Guinevere is nothing like Desmond, as they had feared, and they begin to hesitantly place their hopes in her, as they had with Zephiel. She looks forward to letters from her friends, and my return visits, though she isn't much liking how many suitors she suddenly has.

Klein, Silver Prince, and Irene, Wolf Princess - As he said he would, after the war, Klein stepped down as Archery General to become an administrator for the Court, quickly becoming Mildain's right hand. He works tirelessly to reform Etruria from the ground up, reworking laws through diplomacy and compromises. I do what I can to assist, while also doing my duties as Guinevere's Queen's Own, gathering information and giving her advice as I assist the continent in repairing. We're together as often as we are apart, thanks to how much needs to be done, but we still exchange our silly little notes, and fully enjoy the times we are together. We wait to be wedded until things have calmed slightly, but already, Etruria looks forward to it, to my intense embarrassment.

Finally, the countless soldiers, pages, doctors, and… everyone who fought alongside us… I hope and pray, to Father Sky and Mother Earth, that they live the rest of their lives in peace and happiness. They deserve it, for everything they have given us. If not for their help, there's no way we would have made it. So, I hope they enjoy the peace they fought for. We'll continue our own fights, to make it so.


Author's notes: FE6 doesn't really have 'shared endings' between couples, with the sole exception of Roy and his chosen wife. Epilogues are based a bit on game, but with modifications based on the story, and what Irene would know at 'this' point in her life. Some titles for the characters are also a bit different, to fit in with what Irene knows and how they were characterized.

I'll also be the first to admit that I couldn't remember what names I used for some of the characters (since, at the time, I'd been playing with a translation patch, long before FE heroes localized all the names), so if some mysteriously changed here, I apologize, but I didn't feel like adding that research on top of what I already had to do for this chapter.

Next Chapter - Epilogue 2 (final epilogue)