Wow time flies when you're having fun or when life throws you lemons. I can't believe it took this long to post this little thing. It was surprisingly hard to write and these past few months have sucked. Last few months of my summer job were hell and then when I finally get back to school my friend and his wife convince me to buy Diablo 3, I got sucked into Borderlands then Resident Evil 5 after, then started watching a few movies on top of my school club activities. And that's not including all my University work which comes with its own can of worms. Sigh…there's just not enough time in a day…..
Well anyway the epilogue is finally posted and I can now delve into Eliwood's story where things will really start to pick up! It's going to be really hard keeping track of everything and I hope I'm up to the task!
First things first though, READER RESPONSE!
Ahem:
To Lazruth: I'm glad the "headshot" part made you laugh, I had a chuckle with it as well. The Link pairing is sooo hard! I mean I write and then this stuff just kind of pops up and then I'm all "Oh crap here's another candidate…." And I totally agree with you, I see Link being able to have a viable relationship with just about every female hero as well so if that makes you a bad person then that makes me a bad person as well.
To Obiki Doragon: Well thanks! I appreciate the compliment and the loyalty! As for the weapon durability mechanic I'm pretty much scrapping it. I mean yeah weapons are going to break and stuff but I think magical weapons should last a tiny bit longer than normal weapons. I think I explained why Tomes burn out and Staves work pretty much the same way. To keep things simple let's just say that that most magic weapons are unbreakable unless broken by a stronger magical weapon.
To BlazinHothead: And here we have a LinkxNinian supporter. I honestly don't know how this is going to play out since this stuff seems to write itself so we'll just have to see. I hope you continue to read and find out.
To calming-seas88: I am so glad you enjoyed this chapter! I had a lot of fun writing it especially since it took sooo long to get to this point. I try to develop everyone in the game a little bit to make it more enjoyable. I've read too many fics that cram way too much stuff in the first two chapters without any good reason or explanation just so they can get to what they want to write. Makes for horrible reading in my opinion and I try to write in a way that I myself would enjoy reading. As for my update speed I'm sorry but I go through sporadic bursts of writing mania followed by periods of great distraction and business so that's hard to say. I doubt this story is gonna end anytime soon though.
To Jimbobob5536: Yeah Badass Link = win. Nuff said. Really glad you liked it! Hope you continue to read.
To KaizerDragoon: Glad you liked it! As for Link passing out for overdoing it, I'm just going to say that just like everyone else he does have limits. However in terms of physical ability and endurance it's going to take a LOT for him to reach those limits. Unfortunately I have yet to play Skyward Sword since my roommate abandoned me when he got married and took his Wii with him so I actually know nothing about the game yet. That will soon change but as of yet Skyward Sword content is not planned on being mentioned.
To Galdr: Wow, thank you for the praise! It does a writer good to have his ego stroked a bit and I love it! Yeah character development makes for some epic writing material down the road. And yes Caelin will have a few stories about Link passed around…heheheh. As for Guy…..I foresee a friendlycoughhumblingcoughsp ar in his future. Thank you for the point about cluttered writing, I'll try to minimize that from now on. Hope you continue to read and enjoy!
To Wraith54: Wow loyalty like yours is so great to see! I really appreciate it and you're right, I have no intention of quitting!
To Shadow0888: Yeah unfortunately Zanpaktou is going a bit overboard into a whole other crossover dimension so no. As for the Sol Katti…it may be a long way off but why do you think Lyn is training to use two swords? Hahaha!
To Bloodwolf432: Hahaha! Yeah as if the balance of power wasn't tipped enough with Link involved, I must also through in a group of ridiculously OP'ed OCs to stomp all into the ground. As fun as that would be I'm going to have to say no. I've never been a really big fan of OC's especially when people try to make them solve-all-problems-capable-when-no-one-else-in-that-world-can. I know that sounds kind of hypocritical with Link but he has a background that people understand and recognize and he's not from the same world. That's just me though.
To Guest: Well that could be one of his titles hahaha!
To WildfireDreams: HAHAHA! Thanks! Link's journey will probably be mentioned in detail in side stories but I might decide differently. As for cameos….(shrug) heheheh
To chm01: Thank you! You know what…I actually never thought about the Twilight Princess techniques…maybe that's something I should develop.
To Ranma Uzumaki: You know it! Nergal beware!
To DarkAeroSage: Hahaha hi there! I'm sneaky like that so don't worry about it. In fact I could be right behind you at the very moment you read this! Muahaha! Wow long review! LOVES IT! Ok, response…let's see here…Well I'm very glad that my fic caught your eye and drew you in especially from my earlier chapters since I look at them now and kinda wince a little. That being said I agree with you about people quitting good stories too soon. It's depressing and I don't plan on doing that with this one. I'm very happy to see you like my version of Link! It's honestly how I see him and it seems to work for other people as well. As I've told other people, character interaction is important to me since it makes for an interesting and believable story and also provides great material for writing further down the road. It's tricky at times but I believe it pays off and I am very very happy you like it and I lavish in the praise! Hahaha I'm glad you enjoyed the epicness of this last chapter, praytell – what music were you listening to during the Link and Lyn fights? Now then as for future chapter content…I'm not sure entirely. I definitely will be having a few Gaiden chapters if not all of them, although they might not be chapters to themselves, and I will probably delve a bit into Hector's story but not fully. Have to see how things go when I get there I guess, including the split between Karel and Jerme. The pairing thing IS still going on but I'm finding I have less control over it than I thought since lately things have been kind of writing themselves and I'm not sure exactly where it's going. Any input is appreciated and will be considered though. Whew that was a long reply…well thank you very much for your words and input! Your kinds of reviews are my favourite kind! I hope you continue to read and enjoy!
To Animajunki1230: Being content is a great feeling isn't it? I highly recommend it. Now as for the other stuff…yes we'll just have to see now won't we?
To NaviCrash: Hahaha Thanks Crash! Really appreciate it!
Linkfan680: Oh wow that's pretty awesome! I brought someone into the fold of fanfiction! YAY! And I totally agree with you: Link = ultimate BA. Period. So glad you like my portrayal of him! And chalk one more up for Link and Florina! Hope to see you around some more!
To drake202: Ooh Ooh! The glorious sound of applause! (Bows) Thank you! I appreciate it! Yeah the ending will be kind of sad or at least I hope that's what people will say although Link isn't just going to disappear. I hope you enjoy it!
To 21stGeneration: Wow that's a whole lotta awesome in one paragraph…but you can never have too much awesome right? I think so at least. I hope to keep this story awesome so that more people like you will proclaim its awesomeness and I can solidify my title as the awesome Captain Awesome!
To Blacklink20: Oh my, such words of praise…I love it. I can tell you appreciate the depth that I try to explore in my writing and that makes your words pure gold to me. Thank you very much! I hope I continue to live up to your standards.
To Linkolas: Thanks! I'll try!
To Echo Corona: Ok thanks for the advice, I appreciate it. Honestly I was planning on introducing some internal conflict with Link this chapter, I just sort of had him go with the flow for now as he tries to figure where he is and then be more concerned with everyone else that he doesn't have time for his own problems. I'll try to fix the big text block problem as well. Hope you continue to read and enjoy!
To JamesBCrazy: Ooooh a lurker, I'm impressed you can remember that far back…wait a friend of your introduced you to my story? That's awesome! Who's your friend? You should thank him/her for me! Well I'm impressed and deeply appreciative that you've survived this long and I hope you live to see the completion of this fic (hope I do too for that matter).
To jlink: Yeah took a while didn't it? Still gotta long way to go too…but Eliwood's story should be fun!
To Kenegi: Haha ok well I'll just answer all your reviews at once. Poll not closed thanks for your vote. Yes this is OoT link but it's after Majora's Mask and he's grown up legitimately this time. Zelda showing up probably won't happen so don't worry too much. Link's songs do have powers but the teleporting ones don't work since he's in a different world. Glad you liked my character development! Hope you continue to read and enjoy!
To SneakyDorcas: Holy Sweet St. Elimine! You sir just made me laugh for a long time! Wow, can't say I ever thought of it like that but now that you mention it I better not give up on this then for my own health and safety. You're words of praise are akin to nectar of heaven! Now then I have something planned for Link and Jaffar and have been itching to write it for a long time, I hope I get there soon! Don't worry the other characters will get their pairs as well but Link is still going to have a close relationship with just about everyone. Now then Link will stay as he is. But before you rage over his invincibility let me say this: I have PLANNED for this. A plan that has been set in stone since I first conceived this fic! I refuse to give away spoilers but I will say that I, in your own words, I am evil! Now I best get back to truckin so that you don't kill me.
To AreiaCananaid: Oh my…I'm sorry! Please still be alive! I'll try to pump out chapters more often!
To FoxwolfJackson: Thank you! I'm delighted that you like it! Other people have mentioned the blocks of text so I'll try to fix that. And I absolutely love Rebecca! She kicked so much trash in-game when I played with her it was ridiculous! Now just imagine how much awesome she's gonna be after Link teaches her a bit!
To Lilneo: Wow, in one day? Nice! Glad you liked it so much! Stay tuned for more of Link's awesomeness!
To ZaeonDragneel: Totally agree! Absolutely love Legend of Zelda (in fact I recently dropped a University night class so I could go see Symphony of the Goddesses because I had a pass/fail exam the same day). I'm trying to fix the grammar issues but it's hard to catch them in your own work all the time. Guess that's what editors are for…Anyway I'm ecstatic that you like my story so much and I hope you continue to read!
To Linkblade1: Yeah Link is awesome. Nuff said. Guy survived everything that a man with the power of a God could throw at him and then beat his ultimate form into submission WITHOUT the Master Sword. The man is a beast, tank, god stomper in my opinion. Haha! Thank you for your praise and I hope you continue to read and enjoy!
To Jahm: Heh another list of short reviews from the same person, nice. Really appreciate your thoughts! Well I'll answer your reviews all at once. I doubt Lyn may have said such deep things so soon as well but keep in mind that she's been by herself for a several months now so suddenly having company can make you want to talk just to get things off your chest. I highly recommend you play this FE though. It's one of the better ones. I'm glad you like the dialogue. Some of it I'm taking directly from the game but most of it I'm making up as I go. The pairing polls are not closed so I appreciate your vote! Thanks for the constructive criticism; I'm trying to fix all my problems as I go! Yes Link does still have his masks, I'm just waiting for a good time to incorporate them. Glad you liked my latest chapters! Sorry it took so long to update for how short this is but I hope you continue to enjoy my work!
1dmp2: Thanks!
To swordmaster7175: Glad you liked it! Don't worry I'm not about to give it up any time soon!
Whew…wow that's a long list of responses…heheh just means I have great reviewers! Well then, now that that's out of the way I could continue on another tirade of stuff that's not this fic but I think you've waited long enough, time for some closure! So without further ado I present:
Whom She Found
Chapter 17
Epilogue:
Saying Goodbye
It was over.
The struggles, the deceit, the desperation, all of it.
The battle for Caelin's inheritance had finally come to an end.
Word of Lundgen's defeat spread like wildfire throughout Caelin. Villagers and townsfolk everywhere celebrated the fall of the tyrant and the return of the true heir to Caelin's throne. Despite the heavy tolls on Caelin's armed forces and the death of many good men it was hard to find anyone who wasn't cheering to the success of Caelin's long lost daughter and the recovery of Lord Hausen's health. Tales of the heroic exploits of Lyndis's Legion passed from the lips of many a bar hand and traveler.
The celebrated heir however had yet to take part in the festivities. In the days that followed her victory over her uncle she never left her grandfather's side. Lord Hausen himself looked like a new man; the antidote having nullified the poison and his revived will to live brought a newfound strength to his frame that shocked the castle physicians. Nevertheless he had been bedridden for days as his body recovered from the prolonged damage of the toxins. During that time Lyn had refused to leave him and nobody had the heart to try and separate them. It didn't help that everyone was busy dealing with post-conflict clean up.
True to his word, upon reuniting with his daughter, General Eagler formally retired from Caelin's military service leaving the title of Knight Commander officially to Wallace. The old general in turn announced that he would pass the mantle on to Kent after he spent some time whipping the soldiers back into shape. Sain guffawed at the stunned expression on his friend's face at the news, both pitying him for the burden of responsibility and thinking about all the fun he could have without Kent constantly looking over his shoulder. His mirth came to an abrupt halt however when Wallace replied rather nonchalantly that Kent wasn't experienced enough to handle the job on his own and that Sain would be named the Sub-Commander to assist him. This time it was Kent's turn to laugh since he knew that one of the few things that the green knight openly feared was responsibility.
Serra soaked in the attention that was lauded upon her as a member of the legion and readily regaled all that would listen with uniquely embellished versions of their experiences. Her escort, Erk, gave a heavy sigh of relief with the distraction and used the first opportunity he could to take a much needed break on one of the inviting beds provided them.
As for his fellow magic user Lucius; the monk spent much of his time helping the townsfolk and injured soldiers. Unfortunately with his weak constitution he spent almost as much time being tended too as he did tending. Even so everyone appreciated his efforts and ability to soothe anyone. Nils helped the monk as often as he could with his magical music while dividing his time with Ninian who found her niche in entertaining the various children that seemed to flock to the caring young girl. Alongside her dancing skills Ninian also possessed an angelic voice that the children loved and she would sing and tell stories much to their delight. Florina also spent much time with her and the children since without Lyn around Ninian was the one she felt most comfortable with. Their time together sowed the seeds for a strong friendship.
Wil, on the other hand, quickly found the archery range where he spent hours training until Sain and Matthew literally dragged him off to get a drink. The resulting inebriation and exploits of a drunk Sain provided a much needed release of tension for the Pheraean archer and it wasn't long before the three of them were the center of a merry party. Even more surprising was when both Dorcas and Rath joined in a drinking-contest-turned-arm wrestling competition with all of them. Everyone was in high spirits but there was one other person besides Lyn that did not celebrate with the others.
Link, the Hero of Time, had quietly separated himself from everyone else and returned to the sight of the final battle. There he had forsaken food and sleep to remove the bodies of the fallen soldiers and bury them properly.
It didn't matter which side they had chosen to fight on; to him they were loyal soldiers following a bad leader and he treated them equally. He took special care to look at the faces of the soldiers he had slain personally. They had been neither bandits nor assassins but men who fought not for themselves but for their country. Link had no doubts that some of them had truly believed that Lyn was an imposter and fought as loyal defenders of Caelin and so he treated them all with that respect. Link may have been an almost invincible warrior with a visage of cold indifference on the battlefield, but off of it he had his own personal emotions to deal with. Felling monsters and other evils barely caused him to bat an eye but he never enjoyed taking a human life especially those who he may have fought alongside under different circumstances. It was true that he enjoyed fighting, it was what he was good at; how he lived. He could never defy the euphoria that came when his battle instincts roared to life. Overcoming impossible odds with seemingly super human feats was a high unlike any other but when the dust settled and the battles were over the negative emotions were prone to catching up to him.
Did he regret it? No. he was a warrior through and through and endless battles had hardened him to the deep emotions of such gruesome acts. However, even if he was hardened, he was not immune and he did not wish to become so. Once he was finished with his work he wouldn't lose any sleep over it but for now he would take the time to bury the bodies along with any guilt.
xxx
When Marquess Hausen had finally recovered the strength to leave his room and the announcement of the return of his heir made official, a mighty feast in the grand hall was prepared to celebrate. The entire castle populace was in attendance as well as villagers and townsfolk nearby. All the members of the Legion were recognized for their efforts and named heroes to the land. It was an overwhelming experience after so much hardship but the joy was unmistakable. People danced and sang the night away amidst laughter and wild tales.
Link and Nils joined together with their respective instruments and played several saucy tunes to much applause until Ninian stood, having finally recovered from her injuries, and performed a dance of such beauty and grace that the entire audience stood captured with rapt attention. Anyone who would have doubted her ability to affect the tide of a battle through her movements before would never question such a claim again. Her movements were fluid, hypnotic, and full of emotion whilst maintaining perfect balance and control. Even the music from Link's ocarina faded out as he stared hypnotized by her performance. Nils carried on with the tune as if they had never been playing in the first place. Alone the two siblings' respective arts were incredible to behold but together...the effect was overwhelming. Joy, sorrow, hope, loss, peace, helplessness, love... every emotion seemed to be woven into Ninian's performance as masterfully as the silk of her scarf. It was truly captivating.
Almost too soon the music faded and Ninian knelt in a finishing pose. A moment of silence followed as the magic seemed to slowly dissipate from the air before glorious applause rang throughout the room. Ninian smiled graciously and stood up to bow to her audience before moving off to the side to open the dance floor. Link's eyes narrowed as he saw MANY young men move to follow her and he quickly moved to head them off. Being surrounded by pompous nobles and merry soldiers was PRECISLEY what the quiet girl needed to be subjected to and he arrived just as the first wave of admirers approached.
"Can I offer you a drink, Ninian?" He smiled to her, cutting off someone from asking the same thing. Said man turned to glare at the intruder but shrunk back almost instantly from a far harder gaze than anything he could ever produce.
"Oh, Sir Link," Ninian returned his smile, missing the quick interaction of manliness. "That would be nice, thank you."
Link led her away to acquire said beverage leaving her would be flirters behind. He cast another glare over his shoulder at the group watching them and smirked when they all cringed and turned away. With that taken care of he led the beautiful dancer to a small table away from the crowd, acquiring a pair of goblets and a full jug from a servant along the way. He offered Ninian a chair and sat down across from her before filling a goblet and handing it to her.
"Thank you," Ninian smiled graciously as she brought the cup to her lips.
"No problem," Link replied before he poured his own drink and downed half of it in one go.
"That was quite the performance," He sighed as he placed the cup on the table.
"Thank you," Ninian bowed her head humbly. "It felt good to finally be able to dance again."
"Was that the "sacred dance" your brother was talking about?"
"No," Ninian shook her head. "That dance is...different than what I just did. Tonight I danced to honor Lyn, the Legion, and their struggles. I...I wanted to portray everything that I felt since you took my brother and I under your care. I am truly grateful for that and I regret not being able to help more than I did. I...I wanted to make some form of amends for that."
Link chuckled at her response. "You have nothing to apologize for but if it makes you feel better, I think you did an amazing job in "making amends" with your performance tonight."
"Really?" Ninian clasped her hands in front of her face, smiling. "I am so glad to hear that!"
The Hylian nodded. "Honestly, that was the most beautiful thing I've seen in a long time."
Ninian blushed at the comment but before she could say anything a certain knight decided to interrupt their conversation.
"Oh my dear sweet Ninian!" Sain proclaimed materializing by their table with a wide grin. "I swear by the light of St. Elimine I have never witnessed such a wondrous performance before in all my life! I must insist that-"
He never got to finish. His words cut off when Link stood up and drug the philanderous knight away in a headlock.
"Oi, that's enough outta you, you sorry loud-mouthed excuse for a ChuChu!"
"Nooo!" Sain whined piteously as his hills scraped along the floor. "Fear not my fair lady! I shall return!"
Ninian, despite feeling disappointment at having their conversation cut short, couldn't help but giggle at the poor knight's predicament. She watched Link drag Sain over to where Kent was discussing something with Wallace and sighed when he didn't immediately return. She then chastised herself quietly remembering her previous discussion with Nils. The closer she got to Link the harder it was going to be to not ask for his help. She knew he was strong, perhaps the strongest man she had ever met; however, Nergal was no ordinary man. His dark power seemed limitless and he was still trying to gain more. Ninian truly believed that no single person was capable of facing him and she refused to put Link in that position even though she knew that if she asked him he would do so without question and throw everything he had into it. She couldn't do it. Not after everything he had done for them already.
Ninian gingerly picked up the cup he had drank out of and stared at the remaining liquid. She thought back to when she had first spoken alone with the Hylian, when everyone else had fought to return her ring. They never questioned why the Black Fang were pursuing them, a pair of simple performers, so desperately. The guilt of their deceit tore at her heart every time she saw the kind smiles and heard the assurances of protection.
Maybe it was the comfortable feeling of his presence that weakened her, she couldn't honestly say, but she felt the guiltiest about deceiving him. Lyn may have been the heart and soul of the Legion but Link had become its backbone. Everyone looked to him for guidance, support, and strength; the indomitable pillar that held them all up. While Ninian would be forever grateful to Lyn and the others it was Link who truly made the Legion a sanctuary. Not for the first time she thought about telling him the truth. He was a person from another world, different from everyone else in the Legion; perhaps he would understand her and her brother. She quickly quashed the idea knowing that if any of them knew her secret it would put them in danger even if they accepted her afterwards. She couldn't do that. Not to any of them; even Link. Her thoughts turned to the inevitable departure from Caelin and the fact that once he left she would probably never see him again. A lone tear slowly slid down her cheek and dripped into the cup.
xxx
Sometime during the course of the celebration Matthew had gotten a message to Lyn to speak with her in private. He now waited for her in silence on one of the castle balconies. He leaned back against the railing and watched her approach, staring at her in silence for a moment before standing up straight.
"You wanted to speak with me?" Lyn asked.
Matthew nodded and reached into his cloak and withdrew a small book.
"I found this hidden in Lundgren's desk," He tossed the book to her. "It's a ledger with notes on his more...underhanded...dealings. Bribes, extortions, blackmail, illegal transactions, assassinations, you name it."
"Why are you showing me this?" Lyn asked warily.
"Turn to the page I've marked."
Lyn blinked and opened the book, flipping to the page he mentioned. She stared at it for a second before her eyes went wide and she clenched the book tightly.
"Is this...Is this true?" She demanded.
"I'm afraid it is," Matthew nodded sombrely. "Lundgren paid the Taliver Bandits to attack your tribe."
Lyn stared at the book in her hands in shock. Her mind reeled with the knowledge that all of her true struggles in life could be laid at the feet of her now dead uncle. So many questions ran through her head that she couldn't give voice to them, luckily Matthew seemed to sense this and continued speaking.
"When you're mother was still here she was the rightful heir and Lundgren would have no claim to power. He probably resigned himself to that fate until your mother left with your father. With her gone the throne would be left vacant upon Lord Haussen's death and the door to Lundgren's ascension became open. Your grandfather being older than his brother and having basically disowned your mother would have died before Lundgren without any heir. Lundgren probably decided to be patient knowing that he could gain what he wanted without having to dirty his hands unnecessarily. But that plan would have changed when the Marquess received your mother's letter and welcomed the knowledge of your existence with joy. Lundgren probably felt threatened knowing any claim you made would have outweighed his if you ever decided to return so he retaliated in a way that no fingers could be pointed back at him. After all, who can predict when bandits will raid?"
Silence fell between them as Matthew finished his explanation, giving Lyn time to process the new information. Without knowing it, she had partially avenged her parents and tribe. Although she would never forgive the Taliver Bandits and still planned on one day hunting them down, she now realized that they were not fully to blame for the massacre. Despite this new knowledge, however, she felt strangely unsatisfied. It was as if what she learned didn't really matter since her uncle was already dead. She wondered how she would have felt if she had faced him with this knowledge rather than without. Would she have been more satisfied after killing him? Or would things have changed at all?
These questions and many others filled her mind as the seconds ticked by. She honestly did not know how to feel about this new information. Even so she was grateful for the enigmatic thief for telling her.
"Who else knows about this?" She asked him.
"Right now, just you and Link." He replied.
"Link knows?"
Matthew nodded. "I understand that you probably want to keep this to yourself and I will respect that if you wish but Link knew before what I planned on doing and wanted me to report to him. I doubt I'd be able to hide something like this from him if he really wanted to know so I didn't try. I'm sorry."
"No, I understand," Lyn nodded. "I probably would have told him anyway. Thank you for this, Matthew. Although I'm not entirely sure how to take this I'm glad you told me. It...gives me some answers."
"Glad to help, milady," Matthew bowed. "Now if you'll excuse me…"
The Ostian spy silently disappeared back inside leaving Lyn alone with her thoughts.
xxx
After the celebrations were over with, a sense of calm fell over the people of Caelin. The heroic members of the Legion were rewarded accordingly for their efforts and life began to move on. Matthew and Rath both quietly disappeared soon after the party, no one knowing exactly when they left or even what day. Dorcas soon followed to return to his wife and with the insistence of Lyn carried more than enough gold to pay for her treatment. Erk was eager to fulfill his contract with Serra and managed, with some difficulty, to convince her to move on as well though not before they learned some more about magic from Link. Lucius would stay in Caelin for a time to study but would soon leave as well. Kent and Sain both trained to best fill their upcoming posts as Knight Commander and Sub-Commander respectively. Once their training would be complete General Wallace, having his warrior spirit rekindled, planned to seek out adventure elsewhere. Wil was given a high ranking position among Caelin's archery division and the weeks to come would see the return of his happy-go-lucky demeanor although the hard lessons he learned were forever burned into his memory. Florina happily accepted a position as a lady-in-waiting and bodyguard to Lyn, despite the latter's reluctance otherwise, and trained rigorously each day to become more suited for the task. Ninian and Nils would quietly bid farewell to the remaining members of the Legion a few days after a certain Hylian continued on his journey to find his way back home; a day which came much too soon for the newly recognized heir of Caelin.
Said Hylian could be found one cool morning saddling his beloved horse in preparation to depart. He didn't want to leave yet but he knew the longer he waited the harder it would be to do so. Besides now that the battles were over he really was no longer needed. He had never been one for the workings of the court. Sure he knew how to handle himself in such situations thanks to Zelda but he always felt out of place. Now it was time for him to continue on.
The fluttering of wings caught his attention and he looked up to see Shakkar just as he settled down on the empty saddle. Link chuckled to himself and continued securing the latigo.
"Come to see me off?" Link asked the hawk who simply twittered in response. "Well do me a favor would ya? Take care of Lyn while I'm gone. She's going through a big change in her life and she's going to need someone to look out for her. You were named after her own Sacaean spirit and I'm counting on you to remind her of that whenever she needs it."
The hawk crooned a bit and began preening a wing. Link laughed again and stroked the bird's neck.
"Nice to know I can count on you." He grinned and returned his attention to his saddlebags.
"Link...You're leaving aren't you?" A soft voice behind him spoke. Link turned to find Lyn with a solemn expression on her face.
Link nodded but before he could reply Lyn shook her head. "No, I'm not asking you to stay...It's just ..." She paused as if not wanting to say the next words. "I'll miss you." She sighed and stepped closer to him. "When I found you unconscious on the plains...I had no idea we would be together for so long. You've helped us so much and never asked for anything in return. I don't think I can ever thank you for all that you've done."
"You don't have to thank me, Lyn." Link replied with a smile. "You're a friend and that's all the reason I need."
Lyn laughed lightly. "Even so, I owe you much. I would not have made it this far without your help. You've guided, trained, and supported me through everything and I thank you for that." Lyn bowed low to him before standing up straight. She hesitated a moment before taking a deep breath. "There is one more thing I would like you to do for me."
Link raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What is that?"
"Fight me," Lyn stated.
Link blinked but shrugged. "Sure."
"Not a spar," Lyn shook her head. "I want to fight you for real with real weapons. I know I can't beat you, but want to see how far I really have to go. You've taken it easy on me during every spar we've had. I want to see you at your best. I want to see the warrior you truly are."
Link stared at her in silence for a moment. Normally he would have hesitated at such a request but he couldn't really deny her since it was an honest appeal and he had done the same thing to Eliwood before. It was not a request he could refuse.
"Very well," Link nodded slowly.
"Thank you," Lyn smiled and followed him to a more open area and stood several meters apart. She rested a hand on the Mani Katti. "My other sword broke so I won't be able to test my skill with both so I will face you with this. When next we meet I'll be ready to do so."
"I look forward to it."
No more words were said as both warriors readied themselves. Link cracked his neck before closing his eyes and focusing his mind. Just as with Eliwood he mentally blocked all thoughts of friendship and restraint; becoming the cold, deadly, unstoppable warrior he was. Link slowly revealed his eyes and stared at Lyn, his face devoid of emotion and settled into a loose stance holding sword and shield at the ready. Lyn had to fight to keep herself from flinching at his gaze. This was what she had asked for…and the very thing she wished to never experience.
"So this is what Eliwood felt," She thought as the pressure of his presence washed over her. She swallowed hard before closing her own eyes and mentally preparing herself. Try as she might she could not erase her fear of him, but she knew she had to face him and fight with everything that she had. She would use that fear… Her survival depended on it. Link was by far the greatest fighter she had ever seen and she had set him as her goal. Someday she would be able to face him as an equal even if that day was not this day. The heir of Caelin took a deep breath to harden her resolve and settled into her own battojutsu stance.
They stared at each other in silence neither twitching a muscle as the gentle morning breeze wrapped around them. With a silent, unseen signal both fighters launched forward in a blur of speed. Lyn planted her feet and whipped the Mani Katti from its sheath. The sacred blade felt so right in her hands and the power that coursed through her when she faced Lundgren returned in full force. Her form was perfect, her speed blinding, and her blade a shining blur of precision. A resounding clang of metal rang over the grassy hills as Link's sword stopped hers cold. Lyn strained against his blade trying to push through but to no avail. She broke away before he could counter and lunged forward again. This time Link defended with his shield knocking her blade aside and countering with a brutal stab. Lyn barely twisted away in time although the tip of Link's sword cut the side of her tunic. She recovered just in time to block a jarring strike that numbed her hands but she held firm.
Gritting her teeth she parried Link's sword and lashed out with a spinning side kick that was solidly blocked with Link's shield. Knocking her foot aside the Hylian hero slashed again but Lyn dropped into an impressive split to allow the sword to pass overhead. She quickly twisted up on her hands and tried to sweep out his legs in the process only for him to deftly hop backwards. Lyn immediately sprung to her feet and lunged forwards again. Another loud clang and Lyn's blade spun freely through the air, sinking into the ground behind her. Lyn herself stood with one of Link's arms wrapped tightly around her waist, the other held the Master Sword to her throat.
The two stood in silence for a few moments as Lyn tried to absorb the finality of the match. She could almost feel Link's power radiate through her due to their close proximity. His breath felt warm on her neck and his steel coiled grip left no delusions of escape. She sighed heavily and leaned back against him, still mindful of the razor edge at her throat.
"I still have much to learn," She spoke softly but with firm resolve.
"Yes," Link replied evenly. "But you are much stronger than when we first met. Your level of growth is astonishing."
Lyn reached down and touched the cut in her clothing. "Could you have killed me here?"
Link chuckled lightly remembering his spar with Eliwood. "No," He replied. "You dodged that all on your own."
The Sacaean Heir smiled to herself at that victory as Link released his hold and she turned around to embrace him.
"Thank you," She said. "I was worried you would refuse to face me. Now I know what I need to do."
Link returned the embrace. "I look forward to when next we meet. I'm going to miss you, Lyn."
"And I will miss you," She gently released him and smiled affectionately. "Take care, Link. I will never forget all that you've done and I pray that you will find your way home."
"Good bye, Lyn." Link nodded once he mounted Epona. "I will see you again someday."
"I know that I will," Lyn replied sadly and watched him ride away. She stared at his back as his form grew smaller and smaller in the distance. Only when he was out of sight did she turn away and allow the tears to fall freely.
xxx
A/N: And there you have it. Lyn's story has finally come to a close! Huzzah! Only took me about 7 years to get here...Yeah that's pathetic. Well hopefully I can pick things up and finish this fic completely in much less time. Thank you to everyone that stuck with me until this point! Your support and praise has made this a truly enjoyable experience! I hope that you all have enjoyed it thus far and will continue to enjoy what I have yet to write!