Part 13: A Home

For a long while, silence fell between Jerec and Melanie, the former lost in his own thoughts and the latter waiting with loving patience for him to sort them out. And indeed, Jerec had a great deal on his mind. He hadn't expected to enjoy his visit to Daein, let alone to discover cause to return again in the future. But, much like how he'd discovered cause to reconsider his views about Ike and the laguz, the unexpected and unlikely had happened anyway. And, not just meeting his old friends Tauroneo and Colton again, nor even meeting his sister and her mother.

Queen Micaiah wanted him to serve as Daein's ambassador to Crimea, and possibly Gallia as well, reasoning that her efforts to mend her kingdom might be helped if the request for aid came from someone already trusted by the people whose help she needed.

She'd even given Jerec his father's Reginleif, the ceremonial lance of the Four Riders, purely to sweeten the deal.

The notion was certainly tempting. Jerec had come to believe that the bigotry many Daeins held towards the laguz was wrong and, unsurprisingly, this had made him rather unpopular in Daein. But, now that Daein had been battered by war, occupation, rebellion, and more war, they were in dire need of help…help that their former enemies were, unsurprisingly, reluctant to give.

Up until recently, that hadn't been Jerec's problem. After all, he'd left Daein years ago and hadn't had a reason to go back or to want to help the same people who'd practically run him off. But, then he'd reconnected with some old friends and met family he hadn't known he'd had until recently. And then, he'd realized Daein's problems were very much his problems.

There were still people there that he cared for, and who cared for him, and their futures might very well depend on whether or not Queen Micaiah succeeded in reaching out to other nations for help.

A part of Jerec, a big part, wanted to help make that happen. Part of it was to help those he cared for, another part of it was because he did want to change Daein. But more than that, it was because he couldn't help but think that, if his father were still alive, it was what he would've wanted.

A small gasp from Melanie shook him back to attention and he looked up to see her watching a herd of caribou bounding across the fields. This reminded Jerec that, whatever decision he made, it wasn't his alone anymore. Not since he had asked Melanie to marry him and she'd accepted. Undoubtedly, despite watching the caribou, Melanie was also lost in thought for obvious reasons. They had so many things to think about that it wasn't easy to decide what to prioritize. For the most part, anyway. There was one thing Jerec did want to discuss right away and he decided now was a good time to break the silence.

"Well, Mel, I guess now is a good a time as any to ask you about this. We have to figure out where we're going to stay once we see your parents again," he said. "I think I want to leave it up to you. It's the least I could do after…well, after everything I've put you through lately. Whether it's Daein, or Crimea, or heck, even Altarais. I won't force you to stay anywhere you don't want to."

"Oh, Jerec," Melanie replied with a smile. "I appreciate that. Though I don't want you to be miserable where we live either. I do wish we could stay in my hometown or at least close to it so I'm not far away from my parents or Raphael though…"

Jerec was a bit leery about seeing Melanie's parents again, or even Raphael despite his having gotten some sense knocked into him. None of them had taken it well once Jerec had been exposed as a Daein, and he'd been run out of Rivertown just as the place had begun to feel like home. Though he knew he'd have to face Melanie's parents sooner or later, and he truly wanted their approval to marry their daughter, he knew it'd be a hard sell.

"That's understandable," he admitted, taking care not to let his conflict seep into his tone. "Rivertown is the only life you've known."

"Yeah. At the same time though, you'd benefit from being close to Rose and Amanda and I really have enjoyed seeing new places during our…vacation."

"That is true…"

"Well, right now, let's just focus on one thing at a time," Melanie suggested. "For now, we just need a place to stay for a night or three until we can figure out some permanent residency, right?"

"Hm, yeah, technically," Jerec replied.

"We'll stay with friends for a little while then, if I can't convince my parents to put us up until we're married. We can ask Raphael if he's well again, and you're friends with the Greil Mercenaries!"

"Yeah, and I also know another mercenary group fairly well," Jerec remembered,. "They're called the Whitefire Mercenaries. They're slightly smaller than the Greil Mercenaries, but they're a good bunch. They've also worked with the Greil Mercenaries once or twice before. Although, I'd prefer to make those guys a last resort. With the state Crimea's in, they've got their hands full supporting themselves."

"That is fair, yeah. I understand."

"Although… I could also take up the Greil Mercenaries' offer to join them. I didn't before because I believed my history would be a liability to them, and I still think it could be. There's no way of knowing who else knows about me after I was exposed in Rivertown. But I might not have a better choice right now, at least not unless I take up Queen Micaiah's offer. So I think I'll do that for us, at least temporarily."

"Sounds great then! I can help them too, because I'm a healer. And from what you've told me, they only have one healer right now anyway and she's not the most experienced."

"Oh yeah, Mist. You're right. That's a very good point. It's settled then!"

"Great!" Melanie replied excitedly. "Although… Jerec, does this mean you're not going take Tauroneo's suggestion to rejoin the Daein army?"

"Yes," Jerec replied as he himself realized it too. "But I also have to consider Queen Micaiah's proposition that I become Daein's ambassador to Crimea and Gallia. To be honest, I am…very interested in the idea."

"Can't say I blame you. Queen Micaiah strikes me as a very persuasive woman."

"Yeah, believe me, she sure got into my head," here, Jerec paused and eyed the Reginleif. "Anyway, let's suppose that I decide to become her ambassador, and I'd certainly like to keep that door open. For that to work well enough, I'd need to build a positive standing among the Crimean nobility and the Gallians, as well as those in Daein. Granted, the work I've done in the irregulars during the war and as a mercenary was a good start, but I'll need to do more. Basically, I have to be certain I'm on King Renning's good side, possibly King Skrimir's, if I can pull it off. And that requires me to do good work in Crimea and Gallia. That'll mean a lot of work, and traveling, both before and after I actually get the job. If I get the job. Once I do, we'll likely be traveling between each country and staying for weeks or months at a time."

Here, Jerec paused as his own words sank in.

"I know that's a lot more than whatever you bargained for when you decided to follow me when I left Rivertown," he admitted. "If that's too much to ask—"

"It isn't," Melanie interrupted. "Frankly, I do believe helping Daein is the right thing to do. And I have faith that you can accomplish all that."

"That…that means quite a lot. And I bet Ike and Elincia, and my father if he were still here, would like me doing this too."

"I agree, and I bet Tauroneo would too!"

"Yeah, definitely."

Melanie then gave her fiancé a loving smile and rested her head upon his shoulder. Jerec, his own smile threatening to split open his face, gently wrapped his arm around her and held her close. The conversation gradually turned to more pleasant topics such as what they might see in Altarais and possible plans for their wedding. The former fired the imagination nearly as much as the latter. After all, generations upon generations in Tellius had believed that all the other lands in the world had been drowned in the Dark God's Great Flood…which, Jerec realized, was also a different story than had long been handed down. Regardless, learning that there was another land out there, and that it had either withstood the flood or long since recovered from it (there was some disagreement on that point) had caused jaws to drop all across the continent. All manner of questions was being asked about this mysterious land and its unknown people.

Did they withstand the Great Flood or recover from it? And, either way, how?

Were there beorc, laguz, and branded there, or other peoples entirely?

If there were laguz, then were they cat, tiger, lion, wolf, hawk, raven, heron, and dragon like in Tellius or were there rabbit laguz as well?

…okay, so only Jerec was interested in that last one, but he still wanted to know.

All Jerec really knew was that some sort of the conflict was going on in Tellius's southwestern neighbor. Not long before Jerec had received Tauroneo's fateful message, King Renning had revealed that he'd been made aware of the conflict and had warned all citizens that anyone who traveled to Altarais did so at their own risk. As for information regarding the war, there wasn't much to go on. Just that it was primarily between the nations of Talgria and Melora, both of which had reportedly gathered allies to their respective causes. And according to certain sources, Ike and Elincia had chosen to side with Talgria. Jerec had known Ike as a man who wouldn't hesitate to help people in need, but he did wonder what made Talgria the better choice. Ike wouldn't sell his sword to someone he didn't think was trustworthy, but people still wondered what influenced his decision. Reports had apparently claimed Melora was the antagonist in this, but without the full story, no one could really know for sure if they didn't actually have reasonable motives for their actions. Realizing this was quite a lot of food for thought, Jerec and Melanie knew they had to get the rest of Jerec's other newfound family to fill in more of the blanks, even if it was just out of curiosity.

When the couple changed the conversation to their potential wedding, Melanie quickly posited a number of ideas, which were likely very well thought out.

Not that Jerec was listening. At some point during his fiancée's monologue, he'd begun picturing Melanie in a gorgeous gown and veil, much like one he'd seen in a prosperous looking shop in Melior when the owner had asked him to…discourage a gang of young ruffians who were forcing him to pay "protection money." Jerec was no expert, but he was certain that the gown that he'd noticed was one of the most beautiful he'd ever seen and, as he let his imagination continue to wander, it wasn't long before he stopped paying attention to his fiancée. She had to snap him out of it, and when he explained why he zoned out, Melanie could only giggle. She admitted she also had already imagined Jerec in a fine suit as well, recalling her parents' wedding portrait and how her father had cut quite an impressive figure back then. Though that brought a smile to Jerec's face, it also caused him to realize that was something he would definitely need to put away gold for, once he found a way to earn a living.

Right now, he could barely afford a simple outfit. And, unless that dress shop owner was keen to extend store credit for his prior service, that dress was about as close to Jerec's price range as the stars were to his grasp.

"Don't worry too much about it, Jerec," Melanie advised with a smile. "I know a tailor in Rivertown who's very good, and he can make you the best suit for less than what you'd pay for readymade one."

"Huh… That's good to know," Jerec replied. "Though that's provided we even get married in your hometown. The locals didn't seem fond of having a Daein in their midst."

"True… But still, I'd like us to try. My family is there, my friends are there. I know that some of them will find us hard to swallow, and maybe some of them won't be able to, but I'd like to at least try to reach out to them, even if they won't reach back."

"I understand. And, I'd like that too. Before things went wrong, the people in Rivertown grew on me. A few years spent living on the road, alone more often than not, I'd almost forgotten how much I missed something as simple as a few good neighbors."

"I can believe it. I am wondering about your family, though. Mist is in Crimea, yes, but Ike and Elincia are in Altarais, and Rose and Amanda are in Daein. I doubt anyone from the bride's side would be willing to go to Daein just yet, but maybe yours would be up for coming Crimea?"

"That is possible. I think I'd prefer getting married in Crimea myself. The climate would likely be more suitable and while it's certainly a possibility that we'll live in Daein at least some of the time, I can't say I missed the weather over there."

"That makes sense. Oh, Jerec, it'll be so great to have all our friends and family at the wedding!" Melanie continued. "You can invite the Greil Mercenaries and anyone else you're real friendly with. It's also the least I could do to thank them for protecting Rivertown anyway. And we'll have a fantastic reception party and everything!"

"A reception party?" Jerec wondered.

"Yeah, a lot of weddings have those after the ceremony to celebrate."

"Oh, I see. I've never attended any parties before… Now I'm a little nervous that I'm going to feel lost and confused at ours."

"Don't worry, I can help. And Raphael can too. I suppose it was just to keep up appearances, but he did quite a good job planning ours while he and I were engaged."

"Well, that's a relief…if he's willing to talk about it. He's probably still feeling down about…well, you know."

"True. But I believe he'll come around. If he really was just going along with it because he felt trapped, he might actually like the idea of you taking me off his hands."

"…That honestly sounds kind of weird. But, if he is happy with what happened, great."

This train of thought reminded Jerec, more than a bit uncomfortably, that he was going to see Melanie's parents at least one more time when the couple arrived in Rivertown. Of course, the last time he'd seen them, it had been when they'd found that he was from the place they hated most, that he might've had a hand in the deaths of the friends and loved ones they'd lost in the Mad King's War. Though Jerec knew such a meeting was inevitable, he still wasn't sure if he'd be ready to face them again when the time came. What would they say now, after learning that their only daughter had run away from home to practically elope with him? Would they disown Melanie and never want to see or speak to her again? She was obviously set on staying with him, just as he was intent on staying with her, so her parents could not force them to break off the engagement. But that hardly meant that they'd accept it. Jerec couldn't bear the thought that they would throw her out simply because of the man she chose to be her husband. He doubted that he could put into words the guilt he'd feel, that simply asking her to be his wife would tear her away from a life where she had family, good food, and a roof over her head.

"Hey, Mel…" he said. "I feel I have to say something."

"Yeah? What's that?" Melanie wondered.

"Well, if…when we see your parents again and they…well, don't accept us," Jerec began, the words threatening to catch in his throat. "I'm really sorry… I don't want them to kick you out because of me, but… They might do that. And I would feel terrible. You'd lose your family and your home. I'm so sorry…"

"Oh, Jerec," Melanie replied, smiling gamely, though Jerec could tell she was mustering her nerve to speak. "I understand. And you're right, it is possible. But if that happens, I'll learn to live with it. If my parents do that to me, well… It just means that they're too closed-minded and not willing to accept that people can change. And like you've said, our lives will be more than complicated without adding that in. If they don't like me marrying a Daein man, that's their problem. I've made my choice, just like Amanda did when she decided to raise Rose instead of giving her up. Regardless, I finally found the courage to follow my heart, take control of my life, and not let the expectations of others dictate how I will live that life."

"Really? Well… If your mind is made up. I'd still regret that that happened, but at the end of the day, I want you to be happy."

"Aw, thank you. I want you to be happy too, Jerec. Don't worry too much, okay?"

"Heh, I'll try. But wow, this really is a far cry from the Melanie I first met."

"Yes. That scared girl did some growing up the last few days," Melanie confirmed, her blithe tone belying just how harrowing those days had been. "And I have you to thank for it. That's why I fell in love with you! Also helps that you're handsome."

"Heh… Thanks," Jerec replied, his face going red. "I must admit, I've changed too. Before we met, I was deeply reluctant to talk about my past. Whenever people would ask, even if they were people I could consider friends, I'd bluff my way through the conversation. And when their questions got too specific or too frequent, I'd pack up and leave. But now, for the first time since I don't know when, I don't feel that reluctance as much as I did before. I still know that my secret getting out can complicate things, but I'm not as afraid of it as I used to be. That's because of you too. At first, I was telling myself that I couldn't, or shouldn't, love you, that you were already spoken for and that dragging you into my life would hurt both of us. I tried to resist those feelings to protect us both and that's why I ran off. Well, that and the angry mob."

Here, Jerec paused, recalling how terrified he'd been when he'd found Melanie had followed him. He could recall a thousand reasons why that had been a terrible idea, and half of those were still valid, but her courage and faithfulness did much to muffle that voice. It would always be there, but now he shared his determination to make the pending marriage work anyway.

"But now, I could never deny it," he affirmed. "Hell, if I had to, I'd shout to the world that I love you! Mel, you're just…beautiful and amazing, both inside and out. And I can see why you were so well liked in Rivertown, even by that lunatic Raphael. If they can't see that? Well, that's not closed-mindedness, that's terminal stupidity."

"Hee hee… Oh, Jerec! Thank you. We've both changed because of one another, that's for sure," Melanie agreed with a big smile. "And we can keep seeing where life takes us together!"

"Indeed!"

The two then drew together and shared a short, though passionate kiss while Melanie leaned into her fiancé, relishing the feel of his broad, toned form. Where they could go from here, and how remained very much in question, but what did it matter? Whatever they faced in the future, they knew they would face it together.

Since they were not on foot this time, Jerec and Melanie's journey back to the border didn't last nearly as long as trudging through the snow from there to Nevassa. They did spend one night in an inn halfway through the journey. Thankfully, it was a nicer one than the Raven and Rat Inn they'd had to make do with in the rundown trading post just beyond Riven Bridge. They'd been able to do so thanks to Tauroneo's generosity, as the old general had insisted on loaning them some money to get by on, and the couple was grateful to be able to stay in such a nice place for once. Jerec hadn't had a bed so comfortable since the one he'd rested in at Melanie's house. And that had been the first nice bed he'd had in who knows how long.

Granted, a night on Rose and Amanda's couch wasn't that bad, but he was still sore, in more ways than one, about their little wakeup call.

As for Melanie, although she was certainly a tough young woman, she obviously wasn't as used to the lifestyle of a vagabond as Jerec was. On top of that, it took no small amount of willpower for the two to not go further in bed than some affectionate cuddles and kisses.

Nonetheless, they decided to enjoy their time there as best they could, as they had no idea when they'd next enjoy such fine living conditions. Jerec, who was now shirtless, still felt a little uneasy about the sleeping arrangements, Apparently, the inn had somehow managed to become full except for one room…which had only one bed.

And, the rather cheeky fellow at the front desk must've noticed Jerec's expression at this news, for he could barely stop snickering as he handed them the key.

Despite having to repeatedly tell himself not to punch the innkeeper on his way out, Jerec felt mostly content as Melanie, who was clad in a somewhat thin night dress, had slid her arm across his bare chest.

Just like last time, Jerec had insisted that she sleep beneath the comforter and he beneath the blanket, so there'd be a layer between them.

It may have been the best he could manage under the circumstances, but he wasn't entirely confident it'd fend off…temptation.

"You know, as glad as I am to have a roof over our heads…" Jerec began, the warmth of his fiancée's hand doing much to calm his nerves. "Well… Heh, your parents would probably murder me if they saw this."

He let out a light chuckle as he spoke his last sentence.

"Yeah, they might," Melanie admitted, nuzzling her head against Jerec's shoulder. "But they'd get over it. Not like much is really happening anyway. We're just making sure we're comfortable, after all. Nothing more."

"True. Despite any…possible temptations."

"Indeed. Mmm…"

Melanie lightly moaned as she continued snuggling against her fiancé.

Man, now I know how Ike and Elincia must've felt when they were sharing a tent back in Gallia during the hunt for Ettard, Jerec realized. And they had to put off going any further like that for over three years! They probably still haven't yet either, what with that conflict in Altarais going on. I have to admire their patience and willpower here, that's for sure…

"I still think there were other rooms available, and that innkeeper was just getting his kicks sticking us in here, though," Jerec spoke up again. "Still, if we can't get a permanent home anytime soon, I'll make sure we can stay in a place like this as often as possible. I'm sure I can earn enough to make that happen once in a while, especially if I can secure a post as Queen Micaiah's ambassador and she starts paying me a regular salary."

"Oh yes, that sounds like a plan," Melanie agreed. "Remember, I'm going to help provide for us as well. After all, who couldn't use a nurse in times like these?"

"Right, yeah. Still getting used to that idea," Jerec admitted. "Don't get me wrong; just because I'm worried about what your decision might mean doesn't mean I think you can't handle it. It's just a force of habit, talking like I'm the only one earning the bread."

"I figured. You'd been on your own for a long time. It's understandable that it'd take a while for it to sink in that that's changed."

"Yeah… Some days, I still can't believe it."

"You won't be alone anymore though, Jerec. I love you so much… I could never leave your side for anything."

"Heh… Indeed. I love you too."

As Jerec had admitted though, he was also still getting used to that truth too. That he really was no longer alone. For the longest time, after he'd believed he'd find no lasting welcome in either Daein or Crimea, he thought constantly being on the road and living one small job to the next, and always in secrecy would be his life. He never imagined that things could, or would change for the better, and certainly not so drastically as him finding people that cared for him and someone to spend his life with. Yet, as seemed to happen in Tellius these past few years, the impossible happened anyway.

The next day, the coachman, who had found his own room at the supposedly overbooked inn, informed Jerec and Melanie that he could only take them as far as the Crimea-Daein border and that they'd be on their own after that. They understood this, and deciding that the innkeeper's prank was harmless enough, departed once more. It wasn't much of a problem for the couple to continue on foot after reaching the border, as they knew the way from there. Rivertown wasn't far from the border, and having a river to follow upstream meant they weren't likely to miss it. However, it would certainly be dark by the time they actually crossed the border, so Jerec and Melanie also decided they would find another place to stay the night once they got there, if possible. Though where exactly that was, they weren't sure. More to the point, they didn't have enough money to get a room in an inn again. The two agreed there was little point in fretting about it, they'd figure it out when they got there.

The coach dropped them off right by Riven Bridge, as the sun was dipping below the horizon. Jerec and Melanie didn't hestitate to begin crossing, as they wanted to spend as little time traveling in the dark as possible.

"So, Jerec, we still have to figure out where to sleep tonight…" Melanie spoke up. "I do wish we had some camping gear."

"Yeah, I'll admit we don't have a lot of options," Jerec replied. "We still have the camping gear we were given in Daein, but most of that stuff is meant for winter weather. Over here, it'd be a tad hot. I've slept outside before with no tent, just my cloak for a blanket, and we could just do that if it'd be more comfortable…by comparison. But you deserve way better than that."

"Aw, Jerec. I understand, but as long as I'm with you, I'm fine," Melanie assured with a smile and lovingly taking her fiancé's arm. "Although, let's at least see what we have to work with. Even if we can't afford a room at an inn, there might be shelter nearby."

"Well, if you say so," Jerec said, buoyed by her faith in him. "And yeah, I'm sure we can find some place comfortable enough. …Oh! I just remembered. There's a guard house on the other side of the bridge this way. It was empty when I crossed the bridge before, maybe it still is."

"Oh yeah, I did notice that when I came by here too. It didn't look like there was anyone there back then either."

"Yeah, I can't say leaving your border unguarded struck me as a bright idea, even if you're trying to reach out to your neighbors. But then again, all of Crimea's problems are on the inside these days, and there're plenty of them. If there's nothing valuable in there, it might not even be locked. And we won't get surprised by rain."

"True. I just hope it's not in terrible condition. I don't want to be surprised by bugs either. Roaches especially. They're so gross!"

Melanie then shuddered at the idea of any sort of creepy crawly suddenly bursting her awake while she slept.

"I wouldn't worry too much. It is a guard house after all, which means it's operated by the Crimean army," Jerec explained. "Renning may be king now, but he was commander of the Royal Knights before that, and I can't picture him tolerating sloppiness from his men. Besides, it's likely meant to be pretty sturdy. Some bugs can still nest in it, but that's what bug repellent is for."

"Oh, you have some of that? Great! I just hope it isn't—"

Before Melanie could finish her sentence, however, Jerec had taken out a small pouch and opened it to reveal a few small vials of an all too familiar yellow powder.

"Stinkweed powder," Melanie finished with a groan and holding her nose. "Ugh."

"Well, it helps the most to have the best repellent!" Jerec pointed out with a chuckle. "I agree it does smell awful though. And I'm surprised you know about it. I didn't until Ike and his mercenaries and I ended up traipsing through the Sea of Trees in Gallia a few years back."

"Oh, yeah, my parents forced Raphael and I to use it all the time when we'd go hunt or take a walk in the woods near town," Melanie explained. "They're a little overprotective sometimes, I swear."

"I see. That figures. Well, let's go see that guard house."

"Right."

With that, the pair made their way across the bridge and to the aforementioned building. It was indeed still abandoned, as there was no sign that anyone was in or around the building and vines climbed up and down the exterior. Contrary to Jerec's expectations, the door wasn't easy to open, as rust had set on the handle and hinges. Luckily, after jokingly asking if he ought to send a complaint to Melanie's lord, Jerec was able to yank it open, thankfully without pulling it right off. When the two stepped inside, they immediately began coughing.

"Oh great, it's dusty as hell," Jerec opined, covering his mouth. "Forget 'strongly worded,' I'm just going to let that lord have it."

"Can't say I disagree, but it's better than sleeping on the ground at least, even if there are bugs," Melanie replied, waving away choking clouds. "Hey, there are some cots over there! I guess sometimes, the guards that used to be here had to spend a night or two."

"Yeah," Jerec agreed. "Assuming this place operated like the outposts along the Daein border, soldiers could be stationed here for weeks at a time. So, it'd make sense to put in some amenities. But given what I've seen of the place, they might be too dirty to use. And they might have bugs. Still, I suppose we can check."

Melanie agreed, and with that, the two overturned two of the cots and examined them thoroughly. Much to their relief, neither had anything that looked like bugs or a bug nest, and with a little dusting, they could prove serviceable.

"I just see dust, no bugs," Melanie reported. "Thank the goddess. We can just wipe these off and rest up."

"Yeah, good thing," Jerec seconded. "Let me know if you get cold. I'll give you my cloak."

"You're so sweet," Melanie commented with a smile. "I think one of the blankets in our gear will do fine though. There's one for you too, right?"

"So there is. I guess I just never thought about it since I had my cloak and…well, I typically don't have trouble sleeping."

"Heh, that's for sure! Well, we should eat while we're here too, we haven't had a meal since the last town we were in."

"Good idea. I am getting hungry too. We should leave first thing in the morning though. Don't want to take longer than we need to get back to Rivertown and your parents. So let's not stay up much longer after eating."

"Right. I don't want to dawdle either."

Although Rose and Amanda had certainly enjoyed the boar and trout Jerec and Melanie had caught, the older woman must've sensed that the young couple would soon be living under tight conditions again, for she'd insisted that the leftovers be smoked so that they'd keep, and given to the pair. The simple fare needed little preparation and, luckily, there were a few windows to let in enough light to see by.

When they went to bed, they found that even for Jerec, it wasn't all that easy to fall asleep in such a dusty old place. Aside from how an army outpost being allowed to go to seed like this molested his martial sensibilities, it was possible breathing in the dust might make them sick or the cots might collapse beneath them due to age and/or neglect. Though he knew he wouldn't forgive himself if Melanie were to fall seriously ill from having to rough it like this, Jerec was well aware that he just had to hope for the best.

The next day, the two were up and ready to go as quickly as possible and resumed their return journey to Rivertown. Luckily, Jerec determined that they would be able to arrive by nightfall and not have to worry as much about finding another place to stay. Assuming they were let into town. The two followed the river, retracing the course Jerec had used to flee the town as best as they could while making good time, only leaving their chosen route when absolutely necessary.

As they drew nearer and nearer to Rivertown, however, Jerec began to feel his stomach twist a little again. Melanie had said he shouldn't worry much about what Marv and Fayna would say once they saw them again. Granted, between Raphael and Melanie's letter, they should know by now that she was alright, but Jerec still wasn't sure what he would say or do that wouldn't just end up making things worse. He took a gulp when the buildings of Rivertown came into view hours later, and a smile dawning on Melanie's face as they paused for a moment to savor the view as well as the sunset.

"Home…at last," Melanie said. "I'm not used to traveling the way I just did with you, Jerec, so it feels like an eternity since I was last here…"

"I can understand," Jerec replied. "I kind of felt that way about Daein. I hadn't been there in literally years. Only, I wasn't too thrilled about going back…at first."

"Yeah… Well, let's keep going. My parents and Raphael shouldn't wait any longer than they have to. I owe them that much."

"Right, yeah."

Jerec had forgotten about Raphael in his concern over Marv and Fayna. He did hope the man was doing well and not dwelling too much on having lost Melanie. Granted, the man had admitted he had been pushed into his engagement with Melanie as much as she had been, but Jerec still wasn't sure if his next meeting with him would be peaceable. Whether it turned out well or not, Jerec could only hope that Melanie wouldn't get hurt either way. She did still consider him to be like family, after all.

The couple hurried the rest of the way to Melanie's home as quickly as they could. The sun was now setting and the growing darkness made it hard to see. Thankfully, the two could still pick out the correct house even as night fell and they approached the door. Melanie gently knocked, thinking it best not to tell the whole town she. Before Melanie lowered her hand, the door practically flew open. It was Fayna, who'd likely haunted her own foyer in hopes she would see her daughter come home safe. She nearly fell over, as much from exhaustion as relief, when she noticed that wish had come true.

"…Melanie…!" she gasped, her words nearly choked away. "Oh, Melanie!"

"Mother," Melanie greeted with a smile as her desperate and relieved mother wrapped her arms tightly around her.

"I thought I might never see you again…" Fayna very nearly sobbed. "Marv! She came home! She finally came home!"

"What?!" Marv's deep, disbelieving voice boomed from another room. He quickly rushed in and swept his daughter into a rib-cracking bear hug himself.

"Melanie! I'm so happy you're safe!" Marv continued.

"Glad to hear it, Father," Melanie replied, her words becoming a gasp and squeak midsentence. "You're hugging me a little tight…"

"Oh, sorry! Heh. We have to talk more later, young lady, but right now, your mother and I are just happy to have you home safe."

"Yes," Fayna agreed, not letting go of her daughter yet. "Oh, goddess yes! We were so afraid, and so worried! We could barely sleep at night after you disappeared."

"I…I'm sorry about that," Melanie admitted. "I really am."

"And then we heard Raphael vanished too," Marv continued. "We figured he'd gone looking for you."

"And he had," Melanie confirmed. "Where is he now?"

"He should be coming over soon, actually," Fayna replied. "He's been checking on us a lot."

"That's good of him."

"I couldn't believe he went all the way to that…that horrid country, and with barely any supplies! I still can't believe he made it back alive with the dreadful weather over there, not to mention the locals!"

At this, Jerec's brow furrowed. Not in anger, but in perplexity. If Raphael had made it back, wouldn't he have told them that "the locals" were the only reasons he hadn't come back sporting a peg leg or two? And even if something had stopped him from relaying this, Melanie's letter surely had reached them. A sudden stiffening of Melanie's posture suggested she was puzzling over those same questions.

"Yeah," she gasped out, sounding uncomfortable from more than just the too tight embrace. "Uh…I know you're happy to see me, but you can let go now," Melanie said. "I'm happy to see you both too."

"Oh, sorry, dear," Fayna replied, breathless from emotion and released her daughter. "Don't want to overdo it, heh."

"Right, yeah," Marv agreed and did the same. He then turned to Jerec who'd been standing silently, but nervously behind his fiancée.

"And YOU!" Marv suddenly exploded, grabbing Jerec by his cloak and yanking him off his feet. He then slammed Jerec against a wall, eliciting a gasp from both Melanie and Fayna.

"AGH! What the hell—?!" Jerec uttered.

"Daein dog! How dare you take my daughter away and put her in danger!" Marv yelled, almost spitting in Jerec's face. "Hell, it wouldn't matter if you were from under the damn ocean, you almost LET HER GET KILLED!"

"Well, I—!"

"FATHER!" Melanie shouted, angry and horrified. "Stop it! He didn't kidnap me, I left on my own! Raphael should've told you this! He said he was going to explain everything! Besides, didn't you get the letter I sent? It should have arrived here at least a day ago!"

"He did," Marv admitted, though there was no sign of him calming down. "And we got your letter. But you might as well have been taken hostage anyway! You wouldn't have left if it wasn't for this piece of Daein trash! And Raphael nearly died too!"

Before Melanie could respond, there was another, urgent knock at the front door, which Fayna answered. In the doorframe was Raphael himself, garbed in a fresh set of clothes, though unsurprisingly, he left out the cravat this time and was wearing something a bit more casual. He also somehow looked even better than he had when Jerec and Melanie had last seen him, though he was still in a chair with casters and his unshod feet remained bandaged.

Still, that was a good sign. Jerec had seen more than enough cases of frostbite to know that if Raphael's feet were beyond healing, they wouldn't still be attached.

"What was all that racket? I—" Raphael began, obvious worry in his tone, and then saw Marv and Jerec. "What in…? What in Tellius is going on here?"

"Raphael!" Melanie greeted. "I'm glad you're here. I could use a little help…"

"…Oh," as Raphael eyed Marv and Jerec again, he realized just what he blundered into. "I should've known this was going to happen. I heard Marv yelling all the way down the street, which should have been a hint. Good to see you made it back safely though."

"Yeah…" Melanie agreed. "But anyway, Father. I only left because Jerec left. But did you ever consider that if he had stayed, if you and the others had let him stay, then I would've stayed too? I tried to convince him not to leave. Even knowing that this would probably happen, I didn't truly want to leave any of you. But when Raphael had chased Jerec off, I just…acted."

Jerec, though still in Marv's less-than-gentle grasp, could sense the big man's grip was slackening, bit by bit, in surprise at this impassioned confession. Jerec had to admit, he was impressed too, but he found himself wondering just how much of an impact it'd make.

Marv had lost much of his family to Daein, and Jerec knew all too well just how poisonous that sort of grief could be.

"Whether it was a wise decision or not, it was still my choice in the end," Melanie continued. "Not Jerec's. He wanted desperately for me to stay here where it was safe. Even after I confessed that I was in love with him, he insisted it couldn't work…"

"And you still followed him right into danger!" Fayna protested. "You keep saying that you knew what you were getting into, but you still followed him?! You and Raphael both!"

"How could you be bewitched by someone cut from the same filth as the people who—" Marv began, but he became choked up in mid-sentence. Or Melanie cut him off, it was rather hard for Jerec to tell while partially in a chokehold.

"Who killed my uncles, aunts, and cousins?" Melanie finished. "Everyone who was involved in that is either dead or rotting in a cell. Do I still miss them? Of course I do, but I've moved on with my life. It's time you did the same!"

It soon became clear which side Melanie had inherited her fire from, for Marv, his expression contorted in rage, unceremoniously dropped Jerec and slapped Melanie so hard it was a wonder she kept her feet.

In an instant, Marv's moment of rage passed and his livid expression became one of horror, as did Fayna's.

"MARV!" she thundered at her husband. "How could you do that?!"

"Oh, goddess, what have I done?!" he spluttered, his words choked with despair.

Raphael, somehow, managed to wheel himself into the middle of the fracas, shoving apart the...actually, Jerec wasn't sure how to describe himself, Melanie, and her parents, but he had a bad feeling that calling the lot of them a "family" was now rather unlikely.

"Okay, let's all please calm down!" Raphael demanded. "Look, there's plenty of blame to go around. I almost got myself killed chasing after these two. Then I almost got all three of us killed when I shot my mouth off at the worst possible time. But frankly, Marv and Fayna? You, and my parents, contributed plenty to this situation."

"What are you talking about?!" Marv shot back. "We were happy until this weasel crawled into our lives!"

"Maybe you and Fayna were," Raphael replied. "My parents probably were too. But Melanie…and to a degree, myself as well, were not. Jerec merely brought the growing issues to the surface. And…despite my earlier behavior…I'm glad he did."

"Wait, what?!"

"You didn't tell them?" Melanie inquired, turning to Raphael.

"I figured it would be better if it came from both of us," he replied.

"Well, maybe that's true." Here, Melanie drew in a calming breath before she continued. "Mother, Father, Raphael and I don't want to get married. We only agreed to the betrothal because we felt pressured to."

"While we were in Daein, just before I was sent back here, we called off the engagement," Raphael affirmed. "Don't get me wrong, I still love your daughter. Just maybe not in quite the way I once thought I did."

Had Ike himself smashed his way through the house's rear wall, Marv and Fayna would've looked less astonished.

"Wha…?!" Marv blurted, stunned.

"Melanie…" Fayna uttered, her eyes widened at this revelation, not to mention her daughter's newfound aggressiveness with her emotions and beliefs. "What has gotten into you?"

"Well, technically Jerec did, in a manner of speaking," Melanie confirmed, prompting Marv to give her an awkward, but even angrier look. "NO, Father! Not like that! Oh my goddess…"

Melanie then brought a hand to her face in a resounding slap.

"He better not have," Fayna said, though it was more akin to a growl.

"Or I'd kill him right here and now!" Marv added, his anger back up.

"You seriously think I would—!" Jerec tried to interject, only for Marv to snatch him by the collar and shove him against the wall again.

"Shut up!"

"Will you stop it already?!" Melanie cut in again. "Let him go!"

"Look…" Jerec uttered again. "You're right that trouble seems to follow me, mainly because of my heritage. But that's not all. Why do you think I've lived in Crimea practically since the Mad King's War ended? I'm no more welcome in Daein than I am here."

Maybe Marv hadn't expected that, as the big man flinched, though his grip remained tight.

"You know why?" Jerec asked. "Oh, yes, I probably was exactly what you'd expect of a Daein way back when. "Was" being the operative word. I've changed. Why else would I have fought for this country when Begnion, and Daein, invaded? Why would I have fought alongside the Greil Mercenaries, let alone the Laguz Alliance?"

The anger had largely drained for Marv's face, leaving only slack jawed stupefaction. He turned to Melanie and Raphael, both of whom nodded in confirmation.

"It eats me up that this caused Melanie to be hurt so badly," Jerec continued. "That's why I didn't want her to be with me even after I knew that I'd lost my heart to her. I thought I had nothing to offer her but pain. Yet, she made her choice and I've made mine as well. I can't say no to her wanting to stay with me, and she wouldn't listen to me even if I did. And no matter what danger could still follow us, I'm going to protect her with my life. Regardless of your opinion."

"And he did do what he could to protect her," Raphael admitted. "He faced down a squad of armed soldiers single-handed, who probably wouldn't have recognized any of us if I'd head my head mortared on straight. We were all badly injured, but got out of it alive mainly because of Jerec and Lieutenant Colton, an old friend of his. He arranged for us to be nursed back to health, and my transportation home."

Marv and Fayna exchanged glances, each as flabbergasted as the other. Sensing her opening, Melanie moved in and placed a hand on their shoulders.

"Listen, I can understand, and appreciate, why you're reluctant to trust Jerec," she said. "I remember Uncle Gabriel and how he'd keep me up all night telling me scary stories, and how Aunt Grace made everyone laugh when she ribbed him. I remember Uncle Graham and how everyone was impressed by how clever he was. I remember how Aunt Valenice was probably the most beautiful and refined woman in the town. I remember Uncle Marco and those parlor tricks he was always coming up with and how Aunt Zanthia knew more about fashion than anyone I'd ever even heard of. I remember how much fun I always had with my cousins, especially when Alexander would pilfer ingredients for spells and use them for pranks and how Rosella could always find spooky places for us to explore and always ruined her clothes doing it."

It seemed Marv remembered as well, for his eyes turned glassier as she continued talking about his dead brothers and their families.

"I remember, and I'll never forget," Melanie continued. "But I have buried my ghosts and I've moved on. It's…pretty clear you haven't, and I know that part of it was because you were keeping up a brave face since times have been so hard lately. But I think we all know what it's done to you. You didn't want to believe me when I said there were probably good people in Daein, despite the monsters that hurt us being from there too. And I found proof that I'm right, not just Jerec, but others I met there too. And Raphael knows it too."

"I was astonished at first, but yes, it's true," Raphael confirmed.

"But as Raphael also said before, there's plenty of blame to go around. I admit, I should've told you how I felt all this time. I'm really sorry I didn't."

"And there's plenty to discuss, with both of you on that score," Marv said, finally releasing Jerec. "All these years, you had us believe you were happy being betrothed to Raphael and all of a sudden you're running off with a Daein. And not just any Daein, one whose father was at least partly responsible for our family's pain!"

Jerec barely stayed on his feet after this, the words catching him so off guard.

"It may be true that I misled you," Melanie continued. "But we don't know how much involvement Jerec or General Bryce had in those attacks. Or if they were involved at all."

"What do you mean?" Fayna wondered. "We'd heard he was right in that battle that Sir Ike and his army fought in Castle Crimea to end the war once and for all. So he was in this country!"

"My dad was, yes," Jerec admitted. "And Ike himself slew him. But there really is no way to know if he or I ever crossed paths with your family or friends. I didn't know any of my opponents, I can tell you that."

After a moment's pause, Jerec continued.

"That doesn't make you feel better, I take it? Well, it wasn't supposed to. I have no idea who was responsible for the deaths of your brothers and their families, Marv. And even if I did, Mel's probably right that whoever was is likely dead or imprisoned."

"Let me guess, that wasn't supposed to make me feel better either?" Marv replied, with palpable bitterness.

"No," Jerec said simply. "But Melanie did have the right idea, for both of us. Before I met her, I was stuck in the past too. Not quite in the same way, because I'd made peace with the death of my father, and even with Ike himself, but I wasn't whole. I fought in the wars, yes, but I didn't come back out as the same man who went in. I had come to respect the laguz, and even Ike after fighting alongside them against Arius and the renegade wolf laguz, but it quickly became apparent that my…change of heart made me downright unpopular in Daein. So, I left, since I figured I couldn't move forward there."

Jerec heaved a sigh as he recalled those harsh days, and the even harsher words of his peers.

"But I wasn't moving forward, I was just treading water. Kinda like you, Marv. It took meeting Mel, and returning to Daein, to get me to see that. And it took going back to Daein to remind me that people can change. And believe me, things were a lot different in Daein than either of us would've expected. Maybe word of it hasn't gotten around here yet, or maybe you don't believe it, in which case I can't blame you, but Queen Micaiah wants to reach out to Crimea and the laguz. And she wants me to be a part of that…as her ambassador."

Marv and Fayna's jaws dropped. Jerec might've heard Raphael offer a soft congratulations, but he couldn't be sure.

"Am I still sore about those same people deriding me way back when? Yeah, but I've put it behind me, and I might even accept the post. That'll mean a lot of work and traveling, not just once I have the job but also to build up the good will with here and with the laguz to actually do the job. And that'll probably mean some lean years for Mel and I, but I swear to both of you that your daughter will not starve!"

"Well…" Fayna uttered, surprised, while Marv seemed stunned speechless.

"And even if it still stings that Mel never really loved me in that way," Raphael added. "I still choose to support her and Jerec. And…because of them, I could muster the courage to speak to my parents about how meeting their expectations just wasn't what I wanted to do with my life."

"What…what do you mean?" Fayna asked, startled.

"The truth is, I don't want to be some magistrate or officer of the court or whatever. Once I'm well enough to walk, I'm heading off to join a traveling theater troupe that offered to take me on as an actor and playwright. The theater is my passion; it always has been, even when I was pretending not to be bothered about being practically marched at sword point to a career I didn't want."

"How did they take it?" Jerec wondered, though he suspected the answer.

"Well, let me put it this way," Raphael paused to point at his bandaged feet. "Once I'm walking again, they'll likely tell me to walk out the door and never come back."

"What?!" Melanie blurted, aghast. "Oh, I'm so sorry!"

"Don't be. They're impossible to please. Mason, my brother, is probably the best legal counsel, on either side of the Riven Bridge, but all they can do is complain that he didn't run for mayor instead. Still, I've made my decision, just like how Melanie has chosen a life with Jerec."

"Yes," Melanie confirmed, taking Jerec's arm. "He's asked me to marry him too. And we intend to have a wedding. I'll let you decide whether or not you want to come. And don't tell me that Jerec doesn't have much to offer just because he doesn't have his own home or a lot of money. That will change soon. And even if it doesn't, his love is all I need…"

At this, Marv was still somewhat gaping in shock and Fayna seemed at a loss for words.

"Well, Jerec, we should probably go now," Melanie added, her tone solemn. "We need to find a place to spend the night."

"Indeed. I don't think we can stay here either. I'm sorry," Jerec said, well aware of just how small the words were, and how little comfort they offered.

"It's fine. We'll figure something out. I'll come back for the rest of my things later."

With that, the two departed the house, leaving behind Marv and Fayna who watched in stunned silence. After a moment's hesitation, Raphael decided to follow them wheeling his chair about and hastening after.

"Hey, uh…" Raphael spoke up. "I don't know if it'd make up for what I did, but I'll help you guys find an inn or wherever. I'd ask my parents if they'd be willing to put you up for a night or two, but they don't even really want me around right now…"

"That's kind of you, Raphael," Melanie replied. "I'm sorry to hear about you and your parents too."

"Yeah, I figured they'd be upset, but this is just awful," Jerec agreed. "Disowning you because your dreams don't line up with what they had in mind? That's despicable."

"Well, I can take care of myself," Raphael replied. "Besides, my showing in Daein notwithstanding, I'm no dolt. I had a feeling they'd take it badly, so stopped by the counting house and had my money, and my trust fund, transferred to a new account."

"There enough in there to last?"

"With a little frugality, yes. It still angers me that that's how it turned out, but it is what it is and I can live with it. I'll be happy enough traveling around writing plays and entertaining people on the stage! And maybe one day my parents will come around and be proud. Of me and Mason, even if we chose differently than they wanted. Who knows?"

"That's good to hear," Melanie commented with a smile. "And you're right!"

"Sounds like your parents have some good sons," Jerec added. "I hope one of these days, they pull their heads out of their asses long enough to realize that."

With that, the trio made their way into town to see what options they had for lodging. Raphael had offered to pay, though the group had reached an unspoken agreement not to spend more than absolutely necessary, but whether any inn would allow Jerec under their roof remained to be seen. Melanie and Jerec laced their fingers with one another's, silently affirming that they would make do, regardless of who said what about their relationship. It was almost completely dark at this point, with several stars visible in the night sky. Thankfully, there was still enough visibility to see the signs and entrances for various businesses. However, the trio didn't get far before a group of people appeared from another street.

Jerec had a bad feeling about this encounter, and it got worse when he was that some of them were holding torches whose firelight glinted off of what might've been knives or daggers as well.

"Oh no…" Jerec uttered.

"What do these guys want?" Raphael wondered in irritation.

"Hey, it's true! The Daein man really did come back!" one of the people said.

"Yeah! But…what do we do with him? He fooled us all!" another wondered.

"What do you mean what do we do with him?!" a third person put in. "Do you want to risk him going after us?!"

"Hey, with all of us together, we can run him out of here!"

"But who's that with him? Say…isn't that Marv's daughter?! Why the hell is she holding hands with him? I thought she was engaged to the magistrate's son! And…wait, isn't that him in the wheelchair?"

"Come to think of it, has anybody seen Marv's daughter in the last few days? I haven't seen her around at all for over a week. Maybe longer."

"Yeah, me neither! But what does it matter? This guy still played us for fools and it's probably too dangerous to let him to run loose around here!"

"Are you sure? He did help the Greil Mercenaries save Rivertown, remember? He attacked those bandits, not sided with them. Hell, they nearly killed him."

"He probably only did that to make himself look good and fetch some coin! Those foul-smelling barbarian Daeins don't care about us!"

"I guess that is possible… Maybe we should make him leave! I don't know how the girl plays into this, but we can settle that later!"

"Yeah!" they all chanted together.

Jerec had been in quite a few fights in his life, most of which were hardly fair, but this was the first fight that caused him genuine sadness. Aside from being where he met the love of his life, Rivertown was also where, after years of living like a vagabond, he had rediscovered the simple joy of community.

Having a home to return to after a hard day's work.

Having neighbors who breathed life into that community.

Seeing and hearing other people spending time with their families.

Having someone to talk to.

Having the small comfort of knowing he wasn't alone in the world.

Much like part of him hoped – vainly, he suspected – that he'd gain Marv and Fayna's approval to marry their daughter, he'd also hoped to find acceptance in this town that reminded him what it was like to have a home.

But, it seemed that, even in a world where generations of hatred between beorc and laguz might very well be overturned, some things simply weren't meant to be.

"STOP THIS AT ONCE!" another, somewhat older man's voice rang out. The

sudden, and overpowering, shout caused the burgeoning confrontation to fall silent as all gazes darted in the speaker's direction. Jerec's eyes widened when he realized the voice was one that he'd heard before. Through the crowd came none other than Heime, the older man Jerec had last seen at the café he and Melanie had lunch at before Jerec had left Rivertown. He recalled him because Heime had insisted on paying for the meal.

Jerec gaped a little when Heime stood between the trio and the townspeople. The older man turned to face the townspeople, fire in his eyes.

"Listen here, and listen well! You will leave these fine young folks alone and any who molest them will answer to my fists!" Heime began, only to get gasps and wide eyes from the other people in return. "Look, I won't deny it, I was as astonished as the rest of you to learn that Jerec is from Daein. But despite our history with them…the view I'd made of this particular Daein hasn't changed. I've decided it's time to look beyond the past."

"And what does that mean?" someone else inquired.

"One of you said it yourself!" Heime continued. "He helped save our fair town! He saved me and my family! I'd told him myself, we owe him our lives. And "he only did it to fool us?" Utter rubbish! He risked his life and wouldn't even be alive right now if it wasn't for the young lady at his side. Why would he have put himself in that much danger if he was only looking to take advantage of people's trust?"

Though Jerec didn't have much hope that his audience would listen, Heime did have a point. Jerec only risked so much because he truly cared and wanted to help. And now it seemed the townsfolk might be seeing the merits of Heime's claims. It was indeed difficult to picture someone risking being killed just to take advantage of a few people. For a long moment, confused murmurings were all that could be heard.

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you," Heime continued, clapping a hand on Jerec's shoulder. "But I trust this man and consider him welcome around here anytime. Besides, maybe you saw it, maybe you didn't, but I also spotted how happy he and this young lady are together."

"You mean with a homewrecker who broke up a happy engagement?" one of the townsfolk asked hotly.

"Was it? What say you, Master Raphael?"

Raphael wheeled himself close enough to the crowd to be recognized and spoke.

"I'm guessing the rest of you were fooled too?" he asked simply. "Well, let me spell it out. Melanie never wanted to marry me. And while I thought I wanted to marry her, I changed my mind."

That provoked a babble of shocked shouting which took several minutes to peter out.

"But…but…," someone in the mob blurted. "But you two always looked like such a happy couple."

"It's called "acting", maybe you've heard of it?" Raphael answered. "But I'm done keeping up appearances. Mel and I have already broken off the engagement."

"Heime, did you know this?"

"I suspected," Heime admitted. "And, we all know Melanie is likely the best of us. If she is truly happy with Jerec, then who are we to interfere? Jerec, my boy, if you need a new place to call home and belong, you should be allowed to do that within our fair Rivertown. It's the least we can do to thank you for what you've done. The Greil Mercenaries are welcome as well, of course."

At this, Jerec was left speechless for long moments, astonished at the older man's kindness. The other townsfolk seemed stunned as well, and began to talk confusedly among themselves again.

"I… Wow. Thank you," Jerec finally said. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this."

"Think nothing of it," Heime said with a wink. "You deserve it. Although, it may still take a little time for the entire town to get on the same page as us."

"I can understand that," Jerec replied. "Many of the people have never even spoken to me. Still, being accepted by even a few is more than enough reason for me to be happy. We might not be staying long, but a night with a roof over our heads would be much appreciated."

"Again, think nothing of it. Shall we?"

Before the small group could depart, however, a familiar female voice called out to them. Jerec, Melanie, Raphael, and Heime all turned to see Fayna approaching them, followed by a subdued looking Marv.

"Huh? Father? Mother?" Melanie spoke up, astonished.

"Yeah," Marv replied. "Jerec…"

"Yes?" Jerec inquired. "I won't lie, I'm surprised you both followed us out here."

"…I guess that is fair," Marv replied. "You left us with…a lot to think about."

"Indeed. And I convinced my husband to come apologize for his behavior," Fayna admitted. "We thought about what you'd said earlier. We also overheard a lot of what that man said just now. Jerec… even though I was angry at first, about as angry as Marv, even… I realized that in the end, my daughter was right about one thing. We had allowed our grief to blind us to…to so much, really. To how the world had changed, to how our daughter was being forced into a marriage she didn't want. And when you, a Daein, came to our defense, it never even occurred to us to take you at your word."

"It took nearly losing our daughter, twice, for us to see how prejudiced we'd become," Marv added. "Still, our daughter's wellbeing means everything to us, and we understand that better now than we ever did before. Also, I lost my temper back there and I shouldn't have. Trying to rough you up like that makes me little better than the monsters that attacked Crimea."

"I see," Jerec replied. "And I understand. Heck, I ca even sympathize a little. There was a time where I didn't consider the other side of the story either. Didn't think I had a reason to, not until a bunch of good reasons came barreling right into my face. Meeting Ike and his friends, along with a few laguz, changed me. And, hard though it was, I believe it was for the best."

"Yes!" Melanie agreed with a smile. "And Father, Mother, I'm the last person that would want to downplay what happened to Crimea, but we learned that there were a number of innocent Daeins that suffered as well. Daeins that wanted no part of Ashnard's horrible plans. Daeins that had also lost family and friends in the battles and skirmishes with Crimea. Not to mention how the whole country is still picking up the pieces."

"That is sad to hear," Marv admitted. "War is a cruel thing, even when it's fought for the right reasons."

"Indeed," Fayna agreed. "We are lucky that we have people like Sir Ike and you, Jerec, to make others realize things like this."

"That's certainly true," Jerec agreed. "Though I don't think many are going to match Ike's influence. If any do at all. Still, he's not here anymore. Maybe he'll return, maybe he won't. But either way, those of us who are left will need to step up and finish what he started."

"So… Melanie," Marv continued. "I'm so sorry for slapping you. I don't know what made me lose my mind like that. And you were right. I never did let myself grieve for the deaths of your uncles, aunts, and cousins. I could make any number of excuses, but none of them would be good enough. Your mother and I also are sorry that you felt you were being forced into the engagement with Raphael. We do still wish you'd said something, but we also blame ourselves for making you afraid to do so. And for being too stubborn to listen when you did speak. We love you, you know? We only want what's best for you, and I think Jerec might very well feel the same."

"Exactly," Fayna seconded. "And I told your father he had no business striking you at all. We will need to square a few things, especially since you yourself admitted that your lives will likely be hard. But, if Jerec can make good on his promise, then perhaps, one day, we will be glad he came into your life."

"I can picture that," Raphael stepped in after having remained silent for so long. "I also wanted the best for you, Mel. I wish you'd told me too, that I'd made such a mess of things, but I understand that you didn't want to hurt me. And when the truth came out, all I did at first was act like a complete jerk because I was blinded by my own feelings. I don't think I'll ever completely forgive myself, especially for hitting you. And sorry for being quiet, I just didn't have anything to add until now."

Oh, Raphael, we already talked about this," Melanie said with a smile. "I'm definitely aware, and we've made amends. You don't have to worry about a thing. And Mother, Father… I… Thank you! Thank you so much. I'm so happy you both understand."

"We are too," Fayna replied with a smile.

"Now…" Marv said. "How about you two come home? Yes, Jerec, you too. You're part of the family if you're going to be marrying my daughter. So our home is yours. At least until you two can get one of your own. Besides, how are you going to be taken seriously as Daein's future ambassador to Crimea and the laguz if you sleep in a stable?"

"Oh… Father!" Melanie said excitedly.

"Wow… I…I don't know what to say," Jerec said, blinking in astonishment. "Thanks so much."

"Of course!" Fayna replied. She then wrapped her arms around the couple in an appreciative hug. Marv, though slightly reluctantly, followed suit a moment later. Melanie happily returned the gesture and Jerec did so as best he could as well. Though Jerec knew he'd likely be coming and going, for the first time in a long time, he felt like he had come home.

Near them, the mod still whispered amongst themselves, stunned and bewildered at what they had seen and heard. Still, Jerec could, however distantly, sense that the tone of their whisperings had shifted.

Maybe they were thinking over what they had seen, and how it flew against their expectations?

They likely wouldn't change their minds right away, nor maybe even in the near-future, but he sensed that, given time, some indeed would.

And after all, where did change start if not with second-guessing what one thought before?

For a long moment, Jerec had to bend all his willpower to not allowing any tears to form in his eyes. Not so long ago, he had no family, nor place to call home and could only live day to day while moving from place to place, hiding who he was all the while. Now, he had three families in Ike and Mist, Melanie and her folks, and Amanda and Rosemary. He had two homes, one in Rivertown and one in Daein where, given time, he might find ample welcome. And he had a small, but growing group of people that trusted and respected him regardless of where he'd come from. At last…Jerec did not have to feel or be alone, and he never would again. He could almost feel his parents smiling down upon him from the heavens, proud of who he'd become and what he'd accomplished.

"One thing though, Jerec," Marv uttered, snapping the Daein out of his trance. "You be good to my daughter. Or we're going to have…problems again."

"Heh, duly noted," Jerec agreed. "Hey, so… I hate to bring this up right now, but there's a little more Mel and I need to talk to you guys about."

"That's fine, but let's save it for later and enjoy everyone being home," Fayna suggested. "And besides, I'd wager you all need rest after such a long journey."

"Yeah, you're right. That we can do!"

A moment later, the new family let go of one another. Jerec and Melanie turned to face each other, brand new smiles upon their faces. They shared one more kiss before, at long last, going home.