Five years after the war—
Their wedding was a canvas painted in spring; of greens, purples, and blues. Sea breeze brought the scent of salt, mixing with the garden of flowers that had been specially planted for the occasion. Overlooking the ocean on the cliff, it was a beautiful day for Ignatz to capture.
Though time had passed, it was as if just yesterday they were fighting for their lives. Every single person they called family made it to the ceremony. Events such as these were the sole times they were ever reunited completely, but such was the nature of their diverging paths. Though winter winds scatter, so do verdant winds gather.
Smiles were abound in their audience, Ferdinand openly bawling at seeing his friends finally wed. Shamir would make fun of him later, but if you looked closely you'd see a tear in her eye too. When pressed by Catherine, she fervently denied it.
Marianne smiled, taking a long ribbon from her hand. She stood at the front of those in attendance, performing the ceremony. She glanced at both of them. "And now, the vows. Claude?"
The once Sovereign Duke of Leicester, now parliament member of Unified Fódlan, held out his hands. Marianne began to slowly wrap the ribbon around them.
"Byleth," Claude said, voice carrying throughout the crowd. Like any good speaker, his words were just a touch too soft, making those who listened lean forward in attention. "Byleth," he repeated. "Words can't capture you, nor how I feel about you. But I will try my best to." He wore Almyran formal attire, a robe sewn from silk and the brightest dyes; two stories in colors. One of Leicester, its golds and yellows a brilliant pride of lions. One of Almyran, muted greens and browns a serene meadow.
"I could speak to how you're radiant like the stars, but all here can see it. I could speak to how you've taught us so much, but all here know it. I could speak to how you've saved so many lives, but most of them are in attendance." He smiled more, somehow. "So instead, I'll speak to how you're the best friend I could have ever had. Falling in love with you was the easiest thing I've ever done, and marrying you will be the highlight of my life. I vow here, in front of all, to be there for you as you have always been there for me. To be your shoulder to cry on, to be at your side, and to fight your battles with you. Your dreams are mine, and mine are yours. There is no one I'd rather walk this path with than you. I love you as the sun loves the moon, in this life and the next."
Marianne smiled and finished wrapping his hands in ribbons. She turned to Byleth, a silent cue for her. Clad in white as women of Fódlan customarily wore on their wedding, she too was a marriage of Leicester and Almyra. Though the dress was white, threads and designs of golds and deep greens blended together on the blanket of alabaster with glimmering sequins catching the light. She was as radiant as Claude said, trying her best to hold back her tears. Holding her hands up next to his, Marianne began to wrap hers in ribbons.
"I'm no orator, but I'll try my best," she said, drawing a few laughs from the crowd. "Claude, you've always been there for me. When I looked, I found you. When I hurt, you found me. When I needed to smile, I found you. When I needed help, you found me. These past years have been the best of my life, with you by my side. I can't wait to spend the rest of our days together. Your dreams are mine, and mine are yours. I love you as the moon loves the sun. I vow to walk by your side."
Marianne threaded the ribbon around, looping their hands together. "Let this ribbon be a symbol of your lives. Separate at their beginnings, but now intertwined." She held up the end of the ribbon. "What comes next is for you two to approach in unison. For now, you two are partners in all things; two souls bonded for the rest of eternity." Her lips quirked into a light grin. "You may seal with bond with a kiss."
The words were scarcely out of her mouth before the two were kissing, and those in attendance cheered.
Their wedding was a blend of both their traditions. Décor blending Fódlan flowers with Almyran ones, other decorations following suit.
"Ah, so your walk begins," Tiana said, lounging in her chair at the head table. "I'll admit, I don't miss much of Fódlan weddings, but that was always a sweet tradition." She spoke of how the married pair would go and see each of the guests they invited, to thank them for their attendance.
Next to the scarred woman, sat a much less exuberant man. Javad Nojumyan Mirza, leader of Almyra. His beard far dwarfed Nader's, though his hair was a near splitting image of Claude's. And next to him, a small girl of similar complexion to Claude. Judith, his sister.
Her sister, Byleth realized. She smiled at the girl, who shyly looked away. Javad noticed, and laughed. "Give her time. Children are always skittish at that age." His voice was low, smooth, and very pleasant to listen to.
As Claude spoke with his mother, Byleth spoke to his father. "Thank you for coming, I know it was a long trip. And you're busy—"
He held up a hand. "I would not miss it for the world. When my son first brought you to meet us, I had always hoped he would wed you." She blushed. "Ah, but I forget. The gold."
As she'd learned was customary of Almyran weddings, Javad stood up and put a weighty golden necklace around her neck. Gifts of gold for the couple from those who attended. He took a step back, smiling. "You look beautiful, daughter."
Unexpected emotion hit her, as the last person to say such things to her had been gone from the world for nearly a decade. Javad seemed to sense what brought it on, and bowed his head. "I'm sorry your father could not be with us for this day. I imagine he would be very happy to see you here."
"He would be," she breathed, mustering a smile. Because it was true. Jeralt would have been ecstatic.
"I would ask a favor of you, if you're willing," Javad said. "By bonds of matrimony, your father is now my brother. Though no longer with us, brother I shall still call him. Someday, would you tell me about him? I'd like to know him."
Byleth's tears could not be held back. She nodded, hugging Javad. He held her closely, smiling.
"Yes," she said, nodding again. "I would love to."
"Miss Byleth?"
She broke apart from her father-in-law, looking down at Judith. The little girl looked up with wide eyes and held out her hand. Byleth knelt down and smiled. "Have something for me, sister?" Byleth held out her hand.
A small golden ring dropped into Byleth's hand from Judith's, who immediately scurried away behind her father. "Thank you," Byleth said, putting it on. Judith looked pleased with herself.
"Everything good?" Claude asked, kissing her cheek as she stood up. A new golden earing hung from his ear. Tiana nodded at him, approving, very satisfied at having played a role in orchestrating their relationship.
"Let's go see everyone," Byleth said.
"Ah, the happy couple!" Ashe said, holding up a glass. He grinned, a little tipsy. "Such a sweet ceremony."
"Thank you," Byleth giggled. "Most of it was Claude's idea."
"The flowers were yours," he said, giving credit where it was due.
"Oh, right!" he said, slapping his pockets, looking for something. He extracted a small golden bracelet, gesturing to Claude. "Your wrist?" He held it out while Ashe put it on him.
Ashe Lonato; Voice of the People
"You shouldn't shut pain away." (CH76)
After the war, Ashe went back to his home. Though the system of nobility soon dissolved, he continued to serve as a pillar of the community, making sure that the wounds from the war began to heal. It helped to have close friends within the new government, relationships he called on for help multiple times. Commonly, Ashe acted as a mediator between the new government and the citizens of Faerghus, a role he had great pride in. Ashe never married, instead spending most of his time with his family. People close to him always remarked on how much he smiled.
"There," he said, nodding.
"You're hogging the couple, Ashe," Ingrid said, her tone teasing. She held a bracelet as well, gesturing to Byleth. "But like he said, it was a great ceremony. And one you deserved."
"Thank you, Ingrid," Byleth said as she looped the bracelet around her wrist.
Ingrid Brandl Galatea; Lady of the North
"He's my friend, Ashe." (CH78)
In the light of the war ending, Ingrid took up the position of commanding the Republic of Faerghus' army. Working in tandem with Augustus, they began to leverage the military's resources to help with the reconstruction of Faerghus. It took a decade to breathe life back into the nation, at which point Ingrid stepped down from her position. She returned to Galatea, taking up her father's seat in the House of Lords. Though she'd stopped looking for it, nevertheless would she find love in Augustus, much to many people's surprise. History would call them the reason Faerghus recovered so well after the war.
"Perfect fit. Hilda's certainly got a good sense for these things," Ingrid said, shaking her head with some surprise.
"Thank you, both of you," Claude said.
"Manuela apologizes for not making it," Felix said, scowling as attention switched to him. "For some reason she chose me to be her errand boy."
"Because you do such a good job at it," Sylvain teased. Where Felix still looked more or less the same, Sylvain was the one who had really turned into the picture of the leader of Faerghus in appearance and disposition. Not that he'd let you make the comparison, though, insisting that he was just one of many. "She wishes you all the best, and demands you visit her in Haven when you have the time."
"Now you're stealing my job?" Felix grunted.
"First you begrudge it, then you begrudge me helping you?" Sylvain complained, not at all bothered. "It doesn't matter." He and Felix each held out a ring, one for each couple.
Felix Hugo Gautier; Faerghus' Finest
"Don't you give a damn about your people?" (CH58)
Once his husband became Lord Speaker, Felix began to help with the reconstruction of his country. As years went by, he found himself drawn to Haven where he'd help the mayor and her people establish their city. He found it rewarding, and it would serve as where he and Sylvain would spend their twilight years together. But no matter where he was in Fódlan, Felix always took a trip towards the end of summer to Rowe. He never said anything at Dimitri's grave, but the silence spoke all he needed to say to his old friend.
Sylvain Jose Gautier; The New Liberation King
"Plus, there's no way I'd let someone take away from me a dance with the man I want." (CH24)
No sooner had he ceded his crown had the people elected him as their Lord Speaker. There was no rest for the weary, but it did not stop Sylvain from being a leading voice in politics in the years to come. His crowning achievement, joining the new Republic to the Kingdom of Leicester to create Unified Fódlan. He and Claude worked for years for a better world. When asked after he stepped down from his seat what his greatest accomplishment was, he answered, "Marrying my husband."
"I'm so glad to have met all of you," Claude said, looking at the Lions.
They all exchanged warm glances, before launching into conversation.
"Me first!" Flayn said, frantically fumbling for where ever she had tucked her gift away in her dress.
Anna raised an eyebrow in amusement while Seteth laughed. He did that a lot more, these days. "It's so good to see everyone. I'm glad we've plenty of weddings to attend, these days."
Claude laughed. "Enjoying your days free of leadership?"
Seteth nodded. "I haven't rested like this in a long time. It's nice. And I have good company."
"Charmer," Anna groaned, elbowing him.
"Here!" Flayn said, pulling out a small pin. She reached up to Byleth and pinned the golden Crest of Flames to one of the straps of her dress.
Flayn; Last of the Nabateans
"I might be a little tired, but I would like to help! Everyone needs to do their part to help the world." (CH61)
Flayn found her place in the Church after the war. Though the power of the institution was severely diminished, Flayn helped keep the faith on the right track. In time, she'd be appointed as part of the Church's leadership where she'd continue to help people in her father's image. She visited her father and mother often.
"It's beautiful," Byleth murmured. She hugged Flayn.
"And for you," Seteth said, wrapping a thick bracelet on Claude's arm, a weighty and expensive thing. "From Anna and I."
Seteth; Living Saint
"I consider myself a peaceful man, but I will not abide that. No, we will not abide that!" (CH41)
Soon after the war, he and Anna married. Like Aubin before him, he renounced his Nabatean heritage, allowing time to take its course with him as he lived out his days with Anna. Stepping away from the seat of Archbishop led him to becoming her assistant as a merchant, an odd path for life to take him. But he relished the change. Though he forsook his bloodline, the children's stories he'd author would carry his legacy.
Anna; Revolutionary Merchant
"Your secret's safe with me." (CH73)
Anna returned to Hrym to help with the reconstruction after the war. Though the people tried to press her into leadership, she fervently opposed it, opting instead to continue her days as a humble merchant. Her life was full of joy as she spent days with her husband and Flayn, their daughter. The life of a humble merchant continued to bring her great pleasure. Though if you believe rumors, they'll tell you that any organization in Unified Fódlan who fought for the good of its people would have received mysterious aid from a merchant.
"You shouldn't have," Claude said, feeling the weight of the bracelet.
"Please, you brought us together," Anna said, linking her arm with Seteth's. "This is paltry repayment."
Seteth took her hand, while Flayn looked on with such happiness. "We can't thank you enough."
"My wolves!" Byleth cried, embracing them all in rapid succession. "Thank you so much for coming."
"As if we'd miss it," Yuri grinned. "We hardly ever see each other these days. Stop being so busy, you hear us?"
Claude shook his head. "You're one to talk."
"Fair, fair," Yuri laughed. They rolled their fingers, producing two matching rings. "I know you opted not to use rings in the ceremony, but I think any couple needs something like this." They put them on each of their hands, next to the finger that each held their betrothal rings.
Yuri Leclerc; Hero in the Shadows
"We'll stop this. You won't lose any more friends, Bernadetta. I swear it." (CH73)
When the war came to a close, Yuri went back to working for Fódlan's future from the shadows. He went back to Abyss, continuing to cultivate a place where those who needed a place free from judgement could go. They were joined by Bernadetta, whom they would eventually wed. Yuri lived a long life, watching Abyss grow from a secret city into a literal and metaphorical center to Unified Fódlan.
"I liked the ribbons," Bernadetta said, looking at the ribbons that were still tied around their arms. They were not joined, but it was customary to wear them for the duration of the day.
"Me too," Byleth said. "We liked their meaning." She kissed Claude on the cheek.
Bernadetta reached over to Claude's lapel and pinned a brooch on him, a golden deer.
Bernadetta Leclerc; Commoner Count
"What if I could have made a difference?" (CH85)
No sooner had the war ended did Bernadetta relinquish her title and leave the former Empire. Going with the wolves back to Abyss, she found solace in the place that didn't judge such an anxious woman. Though it took time, she reconnected with the former Eagles and began to feel at home in the family that the war had created for all of them.
"Should we be expecting invitations soon?" Claude teased, looking at the two of them holding hands.
Bernadetta yelped and let go of Yuri's hand in embarrassment. Her partner rolled their eyes.
"Good one," Hapi said, clapping Claude on the back. "Been saying that for ages."
"Give them time," Constance chided, though mirth was in her eyes as well. "Besides, it brings more occasions such as this, no? I for one do not mind if we have to wait for Yuri to get off their ass and propose."
"Hey!"
"For you," Hapi said, producing a circlet. Byleth's eyes widened as Hapi put it on her with a smile. "For the best sister I could ask for."
Hapi; She-who-loves-fiercely
"You foolish woman. Ready to kill this bitch?" (CH93)
Hapi had no plans after the war, and followed the winds that were her Coco. They returned to Faerghus, where Hapi found herself in service to Sylvain. She took up the old position of Cornelia's, resolving to right the wrongs that had been perpetuated by the woman. Hapi would find joy in teaching in her later years, passing her wisdom to the next generation. Though unconventional, she was very effective.
"It seems my wife has showed me up." Constance lifted a pendant and beckoned Claude to lower his neck.
"I always do," Hapi sang.
"Oh, hush, you."
Constance von Nuvelle; Mistress of Tempests
"Focus on the present, not the past." (CH59)
Much to everyone's surprise, Constance gave up her pursuit of restoring House Nuvelle. Instead, she returned to the School of Sorcery that held so many fond memories there. She began to teach her skill there, and in time would be appointed headmistress of the school. Though she faced hardship at times, Cleo was always at her side to offer encouragement. She and Hapi adopted several children, all of whom they doted on endlessly.
"Glad we finally got you hitched, By," Hapi said, grinning.
"Who's we?" Byleth asked, rolling her eyes.
"Hilda and me. Always knew we were gonna get you two together. We take complete credit."
"So humble," Constance murmured, drawing laughter form Yuri and Bernadetta.
"Congratulations!" shouted Maya and Raphael in unison.
"We're so glad you could make it, you two!" Byleth said, delighted. "I know Tiana's keeping you busy."
Raphael laughed in that booming way of his. "That mother of yours is quite demanding. But she's kind to us."
"She better be," Claude teased. "Or else I'll need to have words with her."
Raphael reached into his pocket and pulled a pair of earrings. "One for each of you. Hilda helped me make them, since I wanted to make something. Maya helped with the design too." His sister grinned, proudly.
Raphael Kirsten; Everyone's Big Brother
"It all comes down as a question, really. Would you be happier with who you are now, or who you were then?" (CH61)
Raphael journeyed to Almyra after the war to reunite with his sister. And it was fortunate he came when he did, as Maya was struggling under the weight of her position as Trademaster. Together, they worked as family like their parents had always taught them. Though they rarely had time to rest when Almyra joined Unified Fódlan, they both refused to lighten their burdens. Raphael would eventually be appointed Trademaster by Tiana when Maya was appointed to a higher position, much to his surprise. The economy of Unified Fódlan flourished under the Kirstens' stewardship.
"Ah, Raphael, fine craftsmanship," Ferdinand complimented, leaning over his shoulder. Lorenz had an arm around him, nodding along.
"You think so? Thanks!" Raphael said proudly. "Hilda helped a lot, but I'm happy with it."
Byleth reached up to her ear and deftly replaced the earring she wore with one of Raphael's. "How do I look?"
"Stunning as always," Ferdinand said with a great big smile.
"Claude," Lorenz said, turning to him. His smile, while not as big as his husband's, was equally warm. "For you, from us." He pressed a ring into his hand.
Claude looked at it, a ring mounted with the Crest of Riegan carved from emerald. On the inside of the band, the words: 'For my brother.'
Lorenz von Riegan; Duke of Leicester
"I assure you that those who prey upon the weak will have no place in the Alliance." (CH22)
In the immediate wake of the war, as Claude ascended as King of both Leicester and Adrestia, the position of Sovereign Duke was vacant. Lorenz finally got his wish and became Duke Riegan, if it wasn't entirely the way he expected it all those years ago. As Claude passed sweeping reforms in the wake of the war, Lorenz was always at his side, his husband and daughter his constant support. And when Fódlan unified, Lorenz remained at Claude's side in the parliament every step of the way. Together, the brothers forged a lasting legacy of the nation they always dreamed of.
Ferdinand von Riegan; Son of Leicester
"I am a son of the Alliance! Lorenz, let's beat these fools back and show them how men of Leicester fight!" (CH64)
Shortly after the war, Ferdinand stepped down from his position as Claude's guard, taking up a post at his soon-to-be-husband's side instead. They made up for all the time spent apart, and in time began a family, adopting a girl orphaned in the war. Ferdinand would relinquish his position to Murphy when she completed her time at Garreg Mach, and instead spent his time with their daughter.
"Our brother," Ferdinand said, fondly. "And our sister. I couldn't think of a better match for the two of you."
Claude was crying, holding the ring to his heart. "Thank you," he whispered.
Lorenz put a hand on his shoulder, then hugged him. "Always," he whispered back.
"I was wondering where you were, when I didn't see you with the rest of them," Byleth said through a giggle. "Should have figured you'd be here, with her."
Balthus scratched his head. "Yeah, well, guess I'm a predictable man."
Leonie laughed. "An understatement, dear." Their hands were locked, his dwarfing hers. The way he looked at her, so full of love, spoke volumes more than he could ever say.
"Here," Balthus said. "It's not much…"
Byleth shook her head, refusing to have any of it. Claude mimicked her in unison.
Leonie pulled out a ring from her pocket. "Seteth helped me with it. And Hilda, of course." In her hand, a golden recreation of the ring Jeralt had given to Sitri.
Balthus von Albrecht; Undisputed King of Healing
"One star's just a star, but a group arranged into a picture? Now that's a story." (CH69)
Once the war ended, Balthus set down his gauntlets and never picked them up again. Following Leonie to the refugee camp, he worked alongside her to establish what would be the city of Haven. Though he had little knowledge of such things, he turned his attention to healing, becoming one of Haven's resident healers. Between serving the people and his growing relationship with Leonie, Balthus spent time getting to know his brother, Trevor, again. It took a long time, but the day where Trevor called him brother again came.
Leonie Pinelli; Peacemaking Mayor
"I'm not much of anything anymore. Broken. Beaten. Battered. Can't fight, can barely function on my own. But for some reason, none of them care. They still love me. And I will do anything for them." (CH56)
As the political landscape drastically shifted in the wake of the war, Leonie turned her attention to the refugees she cared so deeply for. Together, a city was formed named Haven, with Leonie elected its first mayor. She rose to the occasion, setting a standard that would have Haven known for a place that accepted anyone. That reputation persisted for centuries to come. She would eventually wed Balthus, surprising everyone when she was the one to ask him. They adopted six children, each growing to love the city as much as they did.
"Leonie, I…I don't know what to say," Byleth said, trying to fight off the emotion that hit her.
Leonie just shook her head. "You were his daughter. You deserve it."
Byleth hugged Leonie, and Balthus pulled Claude in to make it a group hug.
"Ah, if it isn't our delegation form Brigid," Claude teased the five of them.
Ignatz laughed. "Once an ambassador, always one."
Petra smiled. "Indeed. You made a lovely choice of a ceremony by the sea."
"Reminded me of home," Shamir said, with a light smile. "Catherine?"
As cued, Catherine pulled out two necklaces. One a moon, the other a sun. "Here we thought we were being so clever with our gifts, yet then you go and make the comparison in your vows. Everyone's gonna think we copied you." She hung the moon around Byleth, the sun around Claude, adding to the weight of gold on them.
Catherine Rubens Charon; Brigid's Thunderstorm
"I think I found a new person to fight for." (CH68)
With little left in Fódlan for her, Catherine and Shamir went to Brigid. Though the war had ended, imperials still plagued the island nation. Catherine found a new place amongst the people, helping them win their freedom from the yoke of their oppressors. Once her people free, Petra would ask Catherine to be one of her generals. Some say Catherine was reluctant, but those that were there at her appointment ceremony recalled her beaming with pride, eclipsed only by her wife's happiness.
Shamir Nevrand; Brigid's Tsunami
"I love you, you insufferable woman." (CH30)
Though she intended to make her way as a mercenary again, fate saw Shamir helping her surrogate daughter reclaim her homeland. And once they had done so, Shamir and Catherine found they liked the islands. So stayed they did. Shamir taught Brigid's people about how Dagdans fought, giving them the tools they needed to repel attackers. Though she did follow her wanderlust at times, she and Catherine always returned home.
"I'll make sure to tell everyone that you copied them," Lysithea said, her smile almost making everyone believe she wasn't being sarcastic.
"How dare you," Catherine replied in mock anger.
Shaking her head, she stepped up to Byleth. "I trapped a flame spell in gold," Lysithea said, removing a necklace from her pouch. "It'll always burn as bright as you, teacher."
Lysithea von Ordelia; Brigid's Mind
"He was my friend!" (CH56)
Not knowing what to do after losing those she cared about, Lysithea spent her days helping her late wife's sister find purpose. Petra extended them both welcome, which they accepted. With Lorelei as her assistant, Lysithea formed the National Brigid Research Institute. Together, they helped Brigid become a forefront of innovation in the world. At the top of every paper Lysithea published, you can read the words: 'For my friends, Linhardt and Hanneman.'
"Goddess," breathed Byleth, holding the necklace in her hand. She looked at Lysithea and the two had an unspoken conversation, which ended in a tight embrace.
"Claude," Petra said. In her hand, a bangle inscribed with Brigid runes. "For you, from Brigid's queen and king." Ignatz, behind her, smiled.
Ignatz Macneary; Brigid's Heart
"You don't need to do anything to deserve kindness or happiness. You exist, you are alive. Isn't that enough?" (CH94)
Ignatz followed Petra to fight for her homeland. Finding that they still harbored feelings for one another, neither strayed far from the other. Years after Brigid was freed, Petra would wed him. He took up painting again, setting down the ways of war, the most famous of his works those of his wife. Together, they had three children, all as fierce as their parents. Ignatz never picked up a weapon again, aside from teaching his children to use a bow.
Petra Macneary; Brigid's Pride
"How could I hate something I understand?" (CH87)
With the war in Fódlan resolved, Petra returned to her homeland to fight for its liberation, aided by the support of the Alliance. The fighting was brief, the imperials buckling under the force that was Brigid's queen returned to the islands. And once peace was restored, Petra at long last took up her rightful throne. She would lead Brigid to a golden age of prosperity, helped by her family close to her. Though she was kept busy, she always made time for her husband and children.
"Brigid couldn't have better people working for its future," Claude said warmly.
"I'm proud of how far the five of you have come," Byleth said, eyes lingering on Lysithea.
Ignatz grinned, full of teeth, "We had a good role model."
"I am so happy for you," Mercedes whispered to Byleth as they hugged. "So happy you found what you were looking for."
"Me too," she said back, equally soft. "Thank you, for everything."
Mercedes pulled back and said, "I couldn't be prouder of the woman you've become."
"We," Dorothea said. "We couldn't be prouder."
Byleth tried to speak through the onslaught of tears, but failed. Claude wrapped an arm around her in comfort, smiling.
"Our gifts are a little against tradition," Dorothea explained, holding out a locket to each of them. "We couldn't afford anything more, but Ignatz was willing to help."
Claude took them, opening each. In one, a picture of him. The other, a picture of his wife.
Dorothea Arnault; Battle Songstress
"If I could live in a moment for eternity, I'd have a lot to choose from since I joined the Deer." (CH18)
Dorothea and Mercedes traveled back to Faerghus after the war to spend time with Diana. Though far from the grand operas of the south, Dorothea fell in with a performance troupe in Fhirdiad. With her popularity, she helped them rise to fame. And like Manuela before her, she took several students under her wing as time went on, including her own daughter. Though she never had the wealth she'd known before, it was said Dorothea was a very happy woman in the north with her wife.
Mercedes Arnault; Mother to All
"But I think time just gives perspective." (CH60)
After returning to Faerghus, Mercedes took over the orphanage she'd helped at for many years. She was kept incredibly busy, the war leaving many orphans behind. But she endeavored to give them all the comfort a mother could provide. In time, she and Dorothea would adopt an infant girl they named Annette, who would go on to follow in Dorothea's footsteps. When asked, Mercedes would tell you she wouldn't change a thing about her life.
"Thank you," Claude said. "We'll treasure them, always."
"You two," Byleth finally managed. "Thank you. Thank you for being our friends. My friends."
Mercedes and Dorothea smiled.
"Dear fucking goddess, it's about time this happened."
The newlyweds laughed at Hilda's antics. The woman grinned, wrapping arms around Claude, then Byleth.
"Seriously, I was beginning to think you two were gonna take an eternity to tie the knot," Hilda said.
"Just had to give you time to help make everyone's gifts they gave," Claude said, raising a teasing eyebrow.
"It's good for business," Hilda shrugged. "Now, your gift. After seeing what everyone else was doing, I wanted to stand out."
"You don't need any help doing that," Claude said.
"Ass," she said. "Anyway, here." Hilda handed him a bangle, designed with Leicester deer and Almyran wyverns. "To help remind you when times get tough, that you're beautiful for being from two places."
Claude hugged her, weeping. She hugged him back.
Hilda Valentine Goneril; Gem of Unified Fódlan
"Where you go, I go." (CH41)
Still reeling from her injuries from the war, Hilda settled down in Derdriu with her wife, where she opened her own jewelry boutique, Hilda's. It was difficult, as she never fully recovered from them, but when betting between an unstoppable force and a task, one bets on Hilda. Her work would become known throughout the land, literal lines of the wealthy lining up for the forefront of fashion. Even long after her time, her stores would continue, 'Hilda's' turning synonymous with looking incredible. None more than her wife, who it is said always received Hilda's best pieces.
"I'll never tire of their friendship," Marianne murmured, watching her wife and Claude.
"It's something special," Byleth replied.
"As is what the two of you have," Marianne said, facing Byleth. "We learned from the best of us."
"You sure about that?" Byleth asked. "Because I learned from you."
Marianne blushed. "W-well, thank you. Um, here." She pulled out a necklace to join the rest of the ones Byleth had been given. "I'm not Hilda, so it's nothing special. Just something to remember your herd by." The necklace was a stag pendant; tall, strong, and brilliant.
Marianne von Edmund; Unbowed
"I've made the hardest decision in my life already. I made it and beat it." (CH42)
Much to her own surprise, Marianne took to politics after the war. She began by spending her time to heal the wrongs of who had come before her, which turned into a position with parliament. The burdens scared her, but she never forgot how far she had come. And when she stumbled, her wife was right there to help her up. And though busy she was, Marianne always took time to be Hilda's model for her work. Private individuals as they were, nevertheless did the phrase 'Marianne and Hilda' become a descriptor for a couple very much in love.
Byleth hugged the historically most fragile member of her herd. Marianne's returned it, holding Byleth strongly.
"What a party," Claude breathed, looking at the empty hall.
Byleth nodded. They'd stayed behind for some quiet, after everyone left. No doubt the morrow would be full of seeing them all again, but this moment was theirs. She leaned over and kissed her husband. Husband!
Claude certainly didn't complain. "By," he whispered. "I can't wait to live the rest of my life with you."
"Likewise," she said, truly happy. "I love you, Claude."
"I love you, Byleth," he said, taking her hand. "We should go on an adventure."
She laughed. "Anything specific in mind?"
He batted his eyelashes at her. "With you, dear, everything is perfect."
"Stop it," she groaned, but couldn't fight the flush on her face. He grinned in triumph.
"There's a field of flowers near where I grew up. I never got to show you them," Claude said. "Want to go?"
"I'll go anywhere with you," she said, squeezing his hand.
"And I you."
Claude von Riegan; Unified Fódlan's Sun
"People should be judged by their hearts, by who they are. Fódlan…I want to bring it together with the rest of the world. I want to soothe wounds, not inflict them." (CH26)
Byleth Eisner; Risen from Ashes
"I won't leave you again. Not you, not the Deer." (CH50)
The legacy these two left in their wake was one to be remembered. One fathered an entire nation, the other cultivated an unbreakable family. With such accomplishments, most would expect them to put their feet up and rest. But those that strive for a better world seldom rest. Claude would continue to work in the new parliament, helping smooth over the tumultuous beginnings of any new nation. Byleth would return to Garreg Mach, taking up teaching again for a new class of Golden Deer, and in time the inclusion of the Green Dragons, Almyra's house. Each had their hands full, and relished it. They worked for a better future, for their dreams. In time, Claude would retire from the political scene and return to Garreg Mach to teach alongside his wife.
But their deeds speak not of their love. Their love for each other, and for their family. Whenever they had time, the pair were visiting every corner of Unified Fódlan and beyond to see those they cared for. There was always time for them to take adventures, to see the world beyond the nation they built. They were travelers at heart, each other their company on the road. To see the lush rainforests of Brigid, the highest peaks in Faerghus, the deepest ravines in Adrestia, the expansive fields of Almyra, they saw it all. Their life was one full, be it adventure, companionship, family, or love.
If you ever met one of them and asked about their partner, they'd talk for hours, never dropping their smile.
Love fiercely.
Fin
Author Notes: This is probably the last update I'll do on FFnet. If you enjoy my writing, I'll be over on AO3 as May_Arboreal. This site doesn't let me do what I want with formatting, and I'm dissatisfied with the lack of support it continues to get. I'll still answer PMs here, but everything I do will go on AO3 now.
This includes the author notes wrap up chapter, which includes deleted scenes and other cut things from the story. It's up on AO3 now as Chapter 98 because this site doesn't allow me to format things like I want. Check it out if that interests you.
And with that out of the way, that's the end.
This story has garnered far more attention than I ever expected, and for that, thank you. This story has helped this little girl feel a lot more like herself, and your encouragement helped me keep going through the times I was really struggling, which has been a lot. That's helped me so much. If you've ever commented, reviewed, left kudos, or whatever, you've helped me out. So again, thank you to you. Stories that are primarily femslash don't generally have strong traction and I was anticipating no one giving a shit about this project. But here we are, and it still astounds me.
Remember that all writers here pay attention to comments, even if they don't all respond like I do. Your encouragement really does wonders, and I want to be transparent that all the support you all showed me really did help my confidence in writing and life. I was able to write crazy four-part finale because you were amazing people who helped me get to this point. Never forget you're incredible. Go do something nice for yourself today, and then do it every day because you deserve it. Be good to yourselves, or I'm gonna getcha.
As always, have to give a shout out to my longest supporters, COOKIECHEESEMAN and The Erudite. We've all gotten so busy in time, but it's still rewarding to me that y'all read my stuff about a decade later. I'm lucky to have you both.
And finally, a special shout out to JBB28 who singlehandedly made this fic far better than it was meant to be. So many moments are thanks to the discussions we'd have about the chapters. You can thank JB for being the reason we had an entire Faerghus Arc. This fic would not have been possible without JB. Thanks for being an incredible sounding board for ideas, and more importantly, a friend.
That's all from me. Gonna be starting another major project on AO3 after this story. I'd love to see you there.
