Chapter 9

Author's Note:

Yes, this will be the last chapter in the series. I can't promise that there will be another to take place afterwards, as I am just about out of ideas, at this point, for more writing. Not a single one of the characters I've introduced have been promoted, and only the ones I've used from the series actually start off that way. It's my hope that the characters that I and others have thought of have at least brought me much closer to working on Fire Emblem fanfiction as a whole, and that those who have read these chapters leave with a small attachment to one or more of them. Perhaps I will continue this again. I personally like the characters I created, though I must say that I rather doubt I got any of the FE 7 original characters' personalities down at all.

I do plan on starting work on a one shot or two of fanfics based off of certain characters from FE 7. I believe I'll start with Guy- and I'll warn ya now, I don't do any slash or yaoi fics, so don't expect that sorta thing. Guy's the kind of character I can relate to: ensure of himself, always looking for his way among anything else he does. He's a good guy (no pun intended), but can be led astray. Honest and trustworthy. I'm thinking that after him, I might try Erk. His particular dour mood reminds me of my own moods when I'm half asleep, so I can probably get his personality down even easier.

If you guys, those who read and review, care for me to continue with this series, let me know. I am still looking for constructive criticism, as always, though I must say that I haven't received much from this go with my fanfiction. Am I actually doing good at this? I have been told before by the old groups of reviewers I've had (check out my Searching series- 33 reviews!) that I was a decent writer... two years ago. I don't really know about that, to tell the truth, but any reviews can be helpful.

Anyway... before my previous Muse arrives, on with the final chapter!

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It was a hectic night this night. Laughter and merry making was taking place in the courtyard of Caelin's old castle. New friends and old conversed and danced as the bards played, dancers on the stage taking their beat to provide entertainment. The bride and groom, finished with the first dance, now sat at the main table with their familes, just in front of the stage. The courtyard was filled with pairs of people who were dancing, and a few who at least attempted. All were having fun, save for a select few.

Sain was one of these, and was at the moment sweating enough to possibly fill a small moat. Everywhere he looked, there was a woman he wished to dance with. Yet, time and time again, he has been rejected. Long dresses and low cut sections of them caused his face to redden. The young man had been told by his mother that she would not stand for any of his attempts to woo a woman on this night. He combed his fingers through his hair, relaxing against the wall of the castle as he watched the others. Young he was, but not so young that he could not enjoy the sight of such comely lasses as they danced the night away.

A sigh escaped him- ah, such sweet beauties, frolicking with the lords and gents as the guards were stuck to watching the shadows and lands about the castle, to deny any who might wish to attack the guests inside any entry. But this night, there were none to be found, not even a stray thief attempting to take his or her fill of silver from the castle kitchen. He looked to the sky, knowing that if he left his post he could very well get into trouble. "Elimine, why do you torture me so?" he whispered, a hand reaching to the moon so far above.

It was at about this time that he felt a smack upside the head and the soldier spun, hand on his lance as he came to face with the one who had struck him. It was a woman, but as he gazed at her, his eyes went wide in surprise for a few seconds. He shuddered a little, though not in honest attraction. How could he not have noticed this woman's arrival? Purple hair that led to her shoulders before being cut short. A strict haircut, one that would not impede sight nor sound. A cloak of dark purple about her shoulders, lined with golden threads. A sage that the young man knew, and knew all too well, for it was...

"Well, Sain? What are you mumbling about this time? Escort your mother in, be a dear." she ordered him, and Sain nodded, his lance at his side held in place easily and close. His mother! Dear Elimine, what business had she here? She had not told him that she was to be part of the festivities at all. Indeed, he would otherwise have had the evening off if not for this wedding. But his mother? Surely they did not need the Lady Alira's mentor here, right? With a shrug of his shoulders, barely perceptible, he took his mother's hand with his free hand and led her into the crowds, towards the main table where her newly married student could be found.

However, they ran right into an older couple before even reaching halfway through the crowds. An older woman and man, both seeming in their late thirties, perhaps early forties, seemed to be dragging poor lord Loedan through the crowd as well. The older woman and man looked at Sain and blinked in unison before looking to each other. They stopped in midstride, and thene Loedan noticed who it was who they were looking at. "Mother Earth and Father Sky! The resemblance is remarkable!" the older woman exclaimed, taking a good look at the young soldier who held an older woman's hand in his.

"By Elimine, you are right, my dear... he looks exactly like our old friend Sain!" the man said, and Sain blinked in surprise. How would these two have known his father? His mother gave a soft laugh and smiled sweetly- oh, how unlike how she really was most of the time, Sain knew. She was about to say something that the young man would likely regret later on. Perhaps he could at least swear Loedan to secrecy? He was a nice enough sort, if perhaps a bit too underwhelming in both appearance and demeanor. How he could garner attention from the ladies, the young soldier may never realize.

"Ah, I see that you both must have known my late husband." came the mother of Sain's voice, and then the reaction to be seen from the two whom she had spoken to was a sight to behold. The old man grasped his heart, seeming to be feeling pain from the look on his face and the way he stepped back a little. Loedan moved to him, putting his arm around the old man's back to try and comfort him. The lady, rather attractive for her age, stepped back as well as she gasped. Sain's mother simply laughed harder now before grinning. "Yes, you must have known my husband from one time or another. Most who did reacted much the same as you both do now."

"Milady... We do not wish to be rude, but... Sain? Please tell me, milady, that our ears heard you right? You married the lout of Caelin?" came the woman's voice, and Sain's face became quite red. That was a nickname that the current Sain was beginning to earn on his own, but to hear it said of his own father? Well, his mother hadn't hidden that name from him, and had in fact awarded it to her son the first time it had been said. It was almost like a badge of honor that had become their family's tradition. Still, for his father, now gone from this world, to be called such...

"Yes, milady." came Sain's voice, steadier than one might think for one whose face remained rather red. "My father's name was Sain, as is my own. It is a pleasure to meet a friend of my father's." he replied, bowing deeply to the three before them. His mother looked to him, a rare look of pride in her eyes and face as she watched her son and then looked to the three whom they had intersected with.

"Friends, yes... Comrades, more." came the old man's voice as he regained his composure. He came forward and bowed to the two. "It is more the honor to meet the woman who managed to tame the Lout of Caelin's heart and their son. My name is Mark. This is milady Lyndis, and this is our grandson Loedan." the old man said, and Loedan's face was rather red this time. Lyn smiled softly and bowed to the pair as Mark had done, her forest green hair moving along her gown slowly. Neither wore strictly fancy garb- they wore what was functional and nothing more. It was obvious that years of training had finished off any sort of thoughts as to excess.

Sain's mind simply melted as he heard the old man's words. His jaw fell lower, mouth hanging open as a result of shock that rather knocked his head for a loop. His mother was almost in as much awe- but, as the woman who had, as Mark had said, 'tamed the Lout of Caelin,' she managed to stay mostly under control of herself. It had been quite the shock, however, and it took her a moment to respond. "It is an honor and a privilege, milord and lady, to meet such honorable persons as yourselves."

The awe was evident in his mother's voice. Sain could not blame her- never before, even when meeting with Commander Keith or Sir Kent, had either met such powerful people in the course of history. The Lady Lyndis, one of the three who had fought the dragon under the leadership of the one man who now stood beside her! It was difficult to take it all in at once, but Sain accepted it as truth- his father had nothing but admiration for the people of Sacae. Beyond possessing extreme beauty in land and women, they were the most honest people to be found in the world today. No person of Sacae tells a lie, nor would they tolerate one told to another or by another they were with.

"Pardon me, Sain? Perhaps you could tell me where we might find Rook and Kiri?" Loedan asked, speaking up finally. He glanced to the younger man's mother and smiled politely, and she caught his eyes and smiled back gently. Then the young aspiring tactician looked back to Sain, who nodded slightly. It was as if he knew where every woman on the grounds were- and that was quite likely true, if he kept as much an eye on the ladies as his father once had.

"Of course! The lady Rook and Kiri are with Mahri, last I saw them. They should be near the tables, I believe... I have not yet seen any of them dancing, but with their beauty, it can only be a matter of time. Perhaps I should go over and see if... ack!" he cried, having moved slowly away from his mother. The young soldier had been about to make a run for it, but a sudden pinch in a tender spot caught his attention. And it was more severe than that, actually. His ear was pulled with that pinch, and his cry of pain caught him short, keeping him from going further than he already had. "Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!"

Lyndis and Mark laughed openly, seeing now much more reason as to how this woman must have been able to catch the one man whose very attempts to woo women caused them to escape as quickly as possible. Save for Serra... but that one cleric was a story in and of herself, of course. She seemed to have preferred it that way from the beginning, after all. "Well, we must be going, milady. It was a pleasure to meet you and your son." Lyndis said, and the three bowed to them again as Sain clutched at his ear, tears threatening to escape his eyes. His mother was worse than any instructor he had faced in battle! Surely, not even the fabled Wallace could match her strength when it came to pressure points such as this! The three walked on, Loedan glancing back to Sain apologetically before he had to lead his grandparents to where the new Lout of Caelin had said that his friends would likely be.

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Kent remained at his post, near the wine kegs. Indeed, it was a troubling position, but one that was required by the lord Reissman. Too often had their guards and officers lately slacked off and allowed the younger members of the court to partake of the wine. None could think of a better guard than the paladin who had staved off Sain, the original Lout of Caelin, for longer than any could remember. Of course, he had been a little late to the post, having had to take care of a few things with the guards first...

He did not notice that his granddaughter, Lady Kiri, and young Lady Rook each had a small glass of a suspiciously colored liquid with them as he passed by to the keg. The three sat down at a table and began to gossip, sipping from the glasses ever so slightly after a few moments. The unusual taste forced Rook to very nearly spit the stuff up- Mahri and Kiri, on the other hand, simply hid their faces behind their hands when they coughed lightly. Rook shivered, feeling a little warmth travel through her as she looked to the stuff she had gotten from the keg of refreshments. This was rather peculiar; she thought to herself, before dumping the rest of it onto the ground under the table and set the glass, now empty, upon the table.

She was bored now- where was Loedan? Whenever he was around, she felt more at ease. It was strange, really, how she had come to rely on the young man so quickly. Kiri and Mahri were talking, speaking to one another about the men that they had seen during the wedding and now were now dancing on the lawn. Rook smiled a little- the music she could hear over the din of those who were speaking was wonderful, though a little odd. She was used to much different music, such as that which the Kutolah tribe was known for on nights of celebration. Only those who felt unwell or were elderly did not join in the dancing then, and she was feeling left out as she listened to the music, sighing softly. None here danced alone, unlike on the plains.

It was a tap on her shoulder that got her attention, and Rook turned to face the one who had tapped her shoulder lightly. A smile escaped and she jumped up, blue and tan dress that was almost dangerously low cut pressed against the young man who had got her attention. "Loedan! I was beginning to wonder if you were even to show!" she said, eyes closed for a moment as she felt her boredom leave her. She felt his hands on her hips and she blushed a little, though was a little disappointed when he slipped from her grasp a little. It was then that she opened her eyes and saw the two people who were standing behind him. The one on the right she knew, the one on the left, she did not. And it was the smiling woman on the right that she gasped at and moved around the young tactician to hug the older woman tightly.

Kiri and Mahri had stopped talking as they looked over to see the three who had arrived, and both were wide-eyed. Mahri knew the woman too well. A portrait of her likeness hung in the castle beside that of old Lord Hausen. There was no mistaking her hair, her eyes, and the air about her that was much like a dangerous beauty. The man she knew not of. Kiri, however, knew him as Loedan knew him. "M, m, mi, milord... Mark." she stammered, finally managing to say the words she meant to. Loedan and Mark nodded at the same time, Mark smiling a little and Loedan blushing slightly.

"That is right, Kiri. It has been many years since I saw you last. You and my grandson have certainly grown!" he said, and winked at the girl who had been smitten with him when last they had seen one another. Of course, she had spent so much time with his grandson that she was like a granddaughter to him as well. The knight beside Kiri blinked, looking to Mark, and then put two and two together. The likeness between the old man and his grandson was quite remarkable, to tell the truth.

"L... Loedan?" Mahri asked, and then Rook smiled a little as she came back to the seats, pulling one out at the table even as Loedan smiled to Mahri softly, face still a bit red as he pulled out another chair. Together, both Mark and Lyndis sat beside each other in the chairs, and turned to face the only one that they did not know. Mahri looked to them nervously, and then to Loedan, her face very much red. "I..."

"This is my granddaughter, milord and lady. I present to you my granddaughter Mahri." came the voice of their old friend, and both Mark and Lyndis smiled as Kent made himself known, coming to stand behind the young woman. She looked down now at the table, face red as a tomato, feeling about a foot tall (if that!) as she could tell that all eyes were upon her now. Her grandfather's gentle grasp, though reassuring, was not helping all that much at the moment. Her eyes glanced upwards and found Loedan's... and then she looked to the table again. Unbeknownst to her, Loedan looked to the table as well.

"I believe I knew from the beginning that we would all meet once more as we certainly have now, Lady Lyndis, Lord Mark. From the beginning of our times together, indeed." the old paladin said. Under the table, both tactician and blade lord held hands, and Mark squeezed her hand gently. Both smiled warmly as they listened to the paladin speak. "I knew from the beginning of your family, Lady Lyndis. I regret only that I could not protect them in the hour they needed me most." he said softly, voice trailing off.

"It is no fault of yours, Kent. Always, you have strived to protect me and my family. Our daughter and her husband might now be gone, but Rook still lives. And we do love you Rook. I am sorry for the hardships that you have had to endure during our absence from you, but you would have been in far more danger had we been at your side." Lyn said to her, quietly. Rook nodded a little, her happy mood dampened quite a bit by her grandmother's words. She was her only family now. Mother and father, gone. Her unborn sibling as well was gone, as her mother had been with another child for a month or so before the attack came.

"But, though we must leave again shortly, young one, we do not leave you without hope nor family." Mark told the young girl, whose head tilted back up to look at the tactician of fame. She had no idea what he meant- if her grandmother was to leave, then what family here was there? She knew no one, and the one man who might have claimed kinship with her, Lundgren's now dead son, was no longer among the living. She knew of no others of her family, either. The Tactician was well aware of the confusion that could be seen in her eyes, and he smiled softly, though obvious with some pain.

Kiri and Mahri listened intently as they spoke with the plains girl. To Mahri, this was of critical importance- that Rook was of Lyndis' lineage was obvious, but there was another person, another member of her family? To Kiri, this was beginning to unfold in an easy-to-see manner, and a smile was slowly making its way to the fore. Loedan sat in his chair, arms crossed under the table as he preferred to inspect the clean tabletop for any miniscule amount of dirt or crumbs.

"Mahri... this is Mark. My husband. Your grandfather." Lyn said, smiling softly as she spoke to her granddaughter the truth that Sacaens only told. "As well you know, Mark has a family. We had two children, my lovely granddaughter... our mother, and her brother. She was an archer, as you know, but her brother became a mercenary and went to live in Mark's old home in Ilia." she told the young girl, who was now visibly trembling. Loedan saw this and slipped from his own chair, walking over to his cousin, who was soon to have that news broken to her. "Our son still lives in Ilia, though he rarely ever is there. That is where Loedan came from, and of course, that means that Loedan is our grandson... your cousin."

Rook couldn't take anymore, and she stood, about to run out- but she hadn't noticed her cousin's approach. Her mind had practically shut in on itself. How could they have never told her before? How come she had never met her own grandfather? How could Loedan be her cousin? The answers, she knew, but she rejected each one, even as her eyes closed and she cried to herself. A pair of arms went around her, holding her against the person who held her, and she took enough time to sniffle, wiping the tears from her eyes and cheeks before opening them to see the one who held her. It was her cousin, and he smiled softly to her.

Time seemed to stand still for the pair. She held him tightly and he embraced her, family reformed thanks to their grandparents. Mark and Lyndis smiled to each other while they watched this heartwarming scene. Indeed, they knew that their days in the sun had reached their climax long ago, and now others would be able to bask in it. Tactician and Lord had done what they came to do- for they had watched from a land far to the west of this place, where only peace remained and no war or prejudice could touch. Mahri and Kiri smiled softly- both knights now knowing the full truth about their friends. Kent smiled as well, watching the two finally united by blood and family.

It was a tender moment that could never last forever, though in that one moment all time was still for them. Slowly, the separated, and both smiled to one another before Rook took her seat again. It was obvious she was still getting over it- unfortunately, now Loedan's green tunic was rather moist from his cousin's tears. Words could not describe that particular moment, though now the young tactician was thinking that he wouldn't be able to do a thing about drying off now.

With a giggle that startled those who were still in a somber mood, Mahri quickly got up and moved over to Loedan before he could sit down in his chair. "Come now, let us dance!" she told him, and Loedan's eyes widened at her sudden command. Kent was surprised as well, but grinned after a moment- the girl knew how to take advantage of such a perfect situation, it seemed. Commander Heath had begun walking over, and was forced to step out of the way as his protege pulled the young Loedan out to the courtyard with her quickly. Soon, the two were lost from sight, and those left at the table just laughed. Heath was grinning as he neared the table, a hand combing his fingers through the long green hair he had, a bit of a long white streak within it. Rook took one glance at him and then to Kent, and made a sound as if she was thinking.

Unfortunately, she was beat to the line as Kiri got up and grinned mischievously. "Commander Heath, shall we dance?" she asked, curtsying to the commander. As Mahri had done with the only man their age at the table, she immediately walked forward and grabbed Heath's hand before he could respond, and eagerly, playfully, pulled the older man to the lawn as well. Lyn and Mark laughing loudly now, but neither would believe it as Kent came up to Rook and winked to her.

"Lady Rook, might I have the honor of this dance?" he asked her, looking into his young charge's eyes. She grinned and winked back before getting to her feet and curtsying, much as Kiri had done (the dress was so stiff! It scratched at her back somewhat). Then she took the paladin's outstretched hand in his, and was led to the 'dance floor'. Left to their own devices, Lyn looked to Mark and smiled slyly.

"I do believe that everything shall turn out fine, my love." she said to him. Her smile was sly, but her eyes shone with love and admiration. Their children's children had turned out well after all, despite the hardships that they had had to face so far. Mark nodded to his wife, and they shared a slow yet chaste kiss before he smiled in return.

"I believe you are right, milady Lyndis." he says, winking to her playfully. All he received in return was a light punch on his shoulder as a result of that little tease.

"You know I do not like you calling me that, Mark." She scolded him, even though she was smiling at the same time. Mark just smiled back in the same way, something that they had learned to do early on in their courtship.

"Yes, I know, Lyn. My love, oh light of the sun and beauty of the moon..." he replied, winking to the blade lord. Oh, he knew how to sweet talk this lovely vision from Sacae, and her cheeks flushed a shade of red that he had expected to emerge. Oh, how well he knew this woman; how much he loved her, more than anything in this world or another.

"You had better return us home now, my love, or else we shall need to find a private place to continue this conversation." was the coy response from Lyn. Love was obviously in abundant supply, and soon they were both gone from the courtyard, and then gone from Caelin. They had done what had needed to be done, after all, and now had something else that was needed to be finished as well.

In times of peace, those who once were held in high regard during war are neglected and forgotten. However, they never really leave the minds of those they had made an impact on. And so the night wore on, dancing and music playing in the background as the stars above twinkled and shone brightly. The moon watched as it danced its own pattern in the sky, slow as if to watch every bit of this peaceful outing. One knows not what the morrow brings...

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Loedan, Tactician in training Level 6 B- 11 W- 4 L- 2

The young tactician agreed to Marquess Reissman's terms and between himself and Rook, began training in earnest to become lords that could take over for the aging Marquess. The two often take the time to train with the knights of Caelin as well as learn their duties as members of the House of Hausen. He still cannot dance well.

Kiri, Knight of Ilia Level 8 B- 16 W- 10 L- 0

The mercenary knight remained in Caelin for a short while before a summons from Ilia took her back home. She keeps in touch with her friends in Caelin by carrier pigeon, and writes as often as she can. She has since been rumored to be traveling with a squadron of pegasus knights in Ostia.

Rook, Swordfighter of the plains Level 7 B- 10 W- 7 L- 0

The young woman from the plains learns quickly to become a noblewoman of standing. However, she cannot stand formalities, and is often the first to skip away from the instructors in preference to training in the outdoors with her blade. Her cousin assists her in all things, save dancing.

Mahri, Wyvern Rider of Caelin Level 6 B- 12 W- 5 L- 1

The unusual wyvern rider outside of Bern continues to train with Commander Heath. She spends much of her time training with the cousins within the castle, and has become fast friends with both. She tries to be with Loedan more often these days, but cannot bring herself to speak with him long. She still cannot manage to teach the young tactician to dance.

Kent, Paladin of the Crag of Caelin Level- ?
B- ?? W- ?? L- ??

The aged paladin lives still, though is retired from active duty. His new role is as an instructor, bringing back into use the Manual of Knightly Prowess that had been retired since his own instructer, Wallace, had died years ago. The newest knights of the kingdom now fear this manual as much as Kent and Sain did, long ago.

Heath, Wyvern General of Caelin Level- ?
B- ?? W- ?? L- ??

The Wyvern General remains in service to castle Caelin. His honor and friendships with those of the house have led him to many skirmishes with bandits, and he is feared by many bandit clans that have attempted to operate in the territory. He often thinks of his home in Bern, and would one day wish to return before his days run out.

Mark, the Tactician of Legend Level- ?
B- Too many. W- All of them. L- Never.

Mark, the tactician from the days of the battles with Nergal, lives now in Nabata in the ancient and protected city of Arcadia with his love, the Lady Lyn of both Sacae and Caelin. Together, they live in harmony with those of the city, and strive for the day when the lands could be at peace at last for everyone.

Lyn, the Swordswoman of the sun Level- ?
B- Far too many. W- All of them. L- Never

The Lady Lyn, or Lyndis, met Mark when he was collapsed on the plains of Sacae. From then, their love for one another steadily grew until it bloomed after the defeat of Nergal. To defend their children from those who would wish revenge, they left their families almost ten years ago. They live together happily, though both wish to be a larger part of their grandchildren's lives.

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Author's Note:

Yeah, a very short chapter, especially for what I've been doing recently. Still, it does convey what I wanted to write. Plus, I suck at endings! hehe. Anyway, so ends my NTS series. Reviews are most welcome, and I hope that you who have taken the time to read this entire fic have enjoyed what I have written. I just wish I could have given Sain jr. here a bigger role. Of course, if i write a sequel to this series... well, what can I say? I probably will, and if I do, I'll be sure to expand on him a lot more, okay? I still have more characters that I completed for this particular series, and if I make a sequel, I'm pretty sure they'll make an appearance. And to the mage fans out there, I'm sorry, I know I didn't have much of any magic in this one. Perhaps another time. hehe

I'm rather proud that I managed to finish this. It's not often that I manage to fully complete a series, so I am very happy that I have managed to do so. And in a total of 10 chapters, no less! Just like Lyn's story. Anyway, please review, if you feel like doing so. I'll probably take a day or two off from writing much of anything else, so suggestions are welcome: E-mail them to me if you have any, please. Anyway, I'm done. Thank you for reading!

Fin -----

Tron Bonne: Hey! What the heck do ya think you're doin?

MacrossGreen: Oh great... I thought I got rid of you?

Tron: Yeah right... you can't get rid of a Bonne that easily!

MacrossGreen: Wanna bet? You already missed the end of the fic, Tron. You'd better go and have fun with Trigger some more or something. I'm goin' to bed, and I ain't about to finish Battle for Terra yet. Too tired.

Tron: (pissed beyond words) ... Dammit! walks away

MacrossGreen: Hehe. So much for the muse, eh? This one's for you, CP! Cheers!