Mark sat by the fire, applying finishing touches to his painting of Erk and Serra from many nights ago. Erk sat next to him, looking at the painting in discomfort.

"The fact that we fell asleep like that will haunt me for a long time." Erk said in disgust, looking at his painted form asleep on Serra's shoulder. Serra had an arm looped around his and a light smile on her lips as she also slept away. Meanwhile, the real Serra was excitedly looking over Erk, her elbows resting on Erk's shoulders and her hands holding up her face.

"Oh come now Erk, it looks lovely!" She said, giggling as Mark worked. "I didn't know your friend was such a painter! Although, now that I know he's the son of the previous Mage General, I suppose it isn't a surprise. He must have grown up surrounded by paints!"

Mark laughed and cracked a smile. "You're not entirely wrong. I remember many trips with my family to see my father's works on display in various galleries near our home city. I used to play in his art studio when I was around seven." He smudged some of the paint, and took a rag to mix it into the painting. "Once my father's Mage General duties piled up though, he stopped making art. I wasn't heartbroken per sae, but it did affect me to be sure. It made me pick up a paintbrush myself." Mark concluded.

Lucius sat on the opposite side of Mark. "I suppose it isn't a surprise that you are following in your father's footsteps in this regard." Nils was happily sitting on a log next to Lucius, careening his neck to see the painting.

"I've never seen someone paint so well!" Nils said happily. "Art where I'm from is… well different to say the least." Nils laughed awkwardly and scratched his head.

"Oh Nils, I've been meaning to ask." Mark said, not taking his eyes off his painting. "How does your music work?"

"How does music work?" Nils said, confused. "It's music. It just works. It inspires us to go further, to stand up and keep fighting right? It's like asking how your paintings work."

"Paintings don't make me ignore a kick to the throat Nils." Mark said flatly. He shifted his eyes to see Nils's reaction, but Nils was looking away, apparently done with the conversation. Mark smiled and laughed lightly to himself. Seems like there's more to this child than one might initially perceive. Mark thought, slipping into his accent in his mind. Still, the conversation reminded him of Lyn, who suffered a similar fate of boot-to-the-neck. He leaned back from his just about finished painting and surveyed the camp. Sain was jogging along the perimeter of the camp, simultaneously keep watch and getting used to moving on his reattached leg. Florina was talking to Ninian and Eliwood, looking between the two of them and trying to get a word in, unable to amidst Eliwood trying to break Ninian out of her shell. Matthew was sitting with Wil, teaching him how to throw a knife. Kent stood, his hands behind his back, at the edge of the camp, which was on a hill. He looked down at a massive manor, illuminated in the night. Lyn was sitting on the other side of the fire, bandaged all over and holding a flask of water. She stared at the fire, clearly in deep thought.

Mark plotted his course. Once he settled on a route, he stood up. Erk grabbed his sleeve. "Hey, Mark." He looked at him seriously. "Can I burn this painting? I really makes me angry."

Mark smiled. "Sorry Erk but no. I'm planning on starting a gallery series, this will be the first piece." Mark lied, winking at Serra, and moving towards his first conversation. Florina brightened a little bit when he walked up.

"Busy?" Mark asked her. She shook her head and stood up, walking to his side. They walked around the edge of the camp side by side.

"What is it?" She asked him.

"Well…" Mark scratched his neck. "I feel very guilty about Sain and Lyn. It's entirely my fault. I'm glad they're alive and relatively unharmed in the grand scheme of things, but I'm not sure how to bring the subject up to them. Plus, it also makes me feel like I'm going to get someone killed before this is through." Mark said sadly. He needed to cheer up a little before he confronted his 'victims'. Hence, Florina was the best person to start with. Florina giggled. "What is it?" Mark asked.

Florina jumped a little. "Sorry, sorry, I don't mean to laugh at you, really, it's just… well you still seem to think for some reason that we don't trust you. I-I saw you ask everyone around camp if they trust you. They said they did right?"

"Well mostly." Mark said, eyeing Kent.

"Then they probably still do. It's only been a day. Besides, it's war, none of us are expecting to be unharmed at the end of the day." Florina said, smiling. Mark looked down at her, surprised but not showing it on his face. He agreed, but he never pinned her as one who would say something like that so brazenly. He laughed a little and sighed.

"I suppose you've got a point there." Mark said.

"Good, so stop doubting every little thing." She scorned. Now he was really surprised. He stared at her. She blushed. "Was that too forward? O-oh gosh, that was way too forward wasn't it? I-I'm sorry I didn't mean you disrespect I just think you worry too much sometimes and I care about you almost as much as Lyn so I just want to see you-" She cut herself off in embarrassment and buried her face in her hands. Mark laughed loudly and pulled her into a deep hug.

"See? I knew it was a good idea to come see you first. Thanks Florina. You give me strength." Florina peeked up from her hands on the brink of tears.

"I-I do?" She asked.

"Of course. Don't go to bed yet, by the end of the night I want to present tomorrow's strategy to the group." Mark said. He placed a hand on her shoulder and walked away. Kent didn't even acknowledge him as he walked up. "Does that manor mean something to you Kent?" Mark asked.

Kent didn't look at him. "It is the manor of the Knight Commander of Caelin. He's my mentor and a dear friend. I'm certain he will meet us on the battlefield tomorrow. I am simply preparing myself. He is a very important man to me."

Mark nodded. "I see. What is his name?"

Kent sighed. "Eagler. His dedication to country is unshakable, and it is likely Lundgren has some kind of leverage on him. He is a cornered man."

"And cornered men fight their hardest." Mark finished. Kent nodded.

"Exactly. I lament to say it, but we will need to kill him to press on. You should know, he received a knight's crest when I had just begun my training. He has it's power behind him, and he was already a formidable Paladin beforehand. I figured you should know that taking him down will be no simple task."

"This whole journey is no simple task. If we need to get past him, we'll do it. I will see to it." Mark said. "I wished to speak with you, however."

Kent eyed him. "Because I struck you?"

Mark nodded. "Partly. I know it is my fault Lyn and Sain ended up they way they did. I'm sorry."

Kent was silent. "Is that it?"

Mark bit his lip. "That's all I can say. It was my fault. I am acknowledging my faults and apologizing that it brought our friends harm."

Kent sighed. "I wish I could trust you more Mark. See us to Caelin with Lady Lyndis intact, and I will take back everything. You have my word."

Mark raised an eyebrow. "What about Sain?" He asked.

"He is a knight, not the future ruler of our land. Factually speaking, he is expendable. He knows this. He would be cross with me if I said otherwise. I feel similarly of course. This is war, none of us are expecting to come out unscathed. It just doesn't make it any easier when we must confront it." Kent turned to Mark, facing him frontly. "I thought I was going to lose everything tonight. The future of my country, my best friend, my pride… But, that is in the past, and the world is as it should be. For that I thank you Mark. But the fact does still stand you put Lady Lyndis in harm's way. I insist you put her on the back lines, at the very least."

"I cannot do that Kent. Her prowess on the battlefield is irreplaceable. Besides, she would never let me do it in the first place." Mark said.

Kent looked back towards the manor. "Then please allow me to accompany her at all times. Sain can more than make up for me in other areas you would send me to."

That's not true. Mark thought. "I'll see what I can do. I'll try my best, but you must know that perhaps that won't be the best strategy. I'll do it when I can, but if I must send you elsewhere I ask that you don't complain." Mark said seriously. Frankly put, Kent's combat style of fighting on a horse did not mix at all with Lyn's quick swordplay. While it would be hard for them to coordinate anything, it would be a deadly combo if they could get the hang of it. The problem Mark was facing was that he had never really put them alone together to fight before this, and wasn't confident it would actually work out like Kent was hoping.

Kent sighed and looked back to the manor below. "I know you're right, but I still don't like it. Let me know if you need something else." He finished, ending the conversation.

Mark smiled, happy that Kent wasn't still completely angry at him. Next on the list was Sain. Mark waited by a tree he had seen Sain pass several times on his jog. As Sain bounded to Mark, he raised a hand for a high five. Mark took it and smiled guiltily. "Is your leg working right?" Mark asked.

Sain stopped and panted lightly. "Well it's working… I'm just trying to forget it ever got chopped in the first place you know?"

Mark nodded. "I guess that makes sense. Anyway, I wanted to say-"

"You didn't notice the enemies weapon and you apologize right?" Sain interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. My leg's back on, no ones dead. People make mistakes."

"Well, I guess, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't apologize. I'm the one that put you there. It's proper manners don't you think?" Mark countered.

Sain rolled his eyes. "Right right right, sure, whatever you say man. I'm starting to get why it might be fun to punch you. Listen, I'm fine alright? Focus on Lady Lyndis, she seems hurt for completely different reasons, don't you think?" He said, pointing to Lyn's still unmoving form by the fire. Mark paused before smiling a cocky smile.

"Of course Sain." He said sarcastically. "Like I said, this apology is merely something I'm supposed to do. I didn't want to be caught up here longer than that anyway."

"Oh, my mistake your majesty." Sain said, curtseying with a smug look on his face. "By all means, leave. I have matters to attend to with a certain lass named Florina anyways. I'll see you around." He said. After punching Mark in the arm, Sain continued his run. Mark took a moment to compose himself and headed over to Lyn. He quietly sat down next to her.

"Hello Lyn." Mark said casually, although a tad quiet. "I thought I should check in. How are your injuries?"

Lyn wasted no time snapping to attention once Mark sat down, and her unease slowly faded from her face. "Ah, Mark, just the person I wanted to see!" She said, nudging him. "I have been meaning to tell you I'm sorry that you had to save me. I should've been able to defeat that man, despite his weapon. I've failed you."

"Not as much as I failed you." Mark said definitely. "In fact, if you find yourself in that kind of situation again, I'd appreciate it if you'd just run. For my sake." Mark said, glancing at Kent.

Lyn laughed. "Is Kent still giving you a hard time?"

Mark shrugged. "Of course he is. He has every right to and I don't blame him."

Lyn sighed. "If you insist Mark. I just want you all to get along." She shifted gears. "But hey, wait, what do you mean run away if I'm in that position again? That's cowardly!"

"That's tactically sound." Mark corrected her. "Running away is a completely viable strategy, and in fact opens up a lot of options. They don't chase you? Good, rest up before fighting again. They chase you? Find some allies and surprise them. Those two variations have infinite differences in how they can each turn out. It opens up options, which are essential!" Mark finished his lecture and leaned back.

Lyn leaned back next to him. "Mark I know you're a tactical genius and all, but you can't just ignore the bond of one on one combat. There's a pride to be considered don't you think?"

"Running is not cowardly!" Mark insisted again. "If you must run, then you should. Dying with honor just leaves you… well dead." Mark finished awkwardly. "Honor doesn't matter if you're not alive to uphold your honor."

"I disagree." Lyn said simply. "Maybe you haven't experienced it, but in close fights like that one it's an unspoken rule."

"Close fights?" Mark said, raising an eyebrow.

"...Alright bad example." Lyn said with a hint of sadness, lightly brushing the bandage on her forehead. "Anyway, I'm eager to hear your plan for the manor tomorrow. I'm also very exhausted. Can we rally everyone now?" She asked, yawning.

Mark sat up and patted her on the back. "Of course." Mark stood up and clapped his hands. "Alright everyone, gather around the fire!" He shouted, bringing everyone's attention to him. He pulled out his map of the area, locating their position as everyone drew near. Once everyone was around the fire, Mark cast a simple light spell at the end of his finger and pointed to the map.

"Alright, so!" He began. "He are on top of an unmapped hill right around here… Essentially we have three routes." Mark traced the routes as he described them. "The first option is an immediate dash down this hill in an attempt to take Eagler and his men by surprise. The second option is to descend the hill a little ways away, and charge over this flatland here. Personally, I think this is our best bet. The third decision is to go down the path of the second route, but continue forward instead of cutting towards the mansion. This will take a fair amount of time, but approaching the enemy from behind would be a great boon. Thoughts?" He asked. No one said anything.

"Whatever you think is best Mark!" Wil shouted, eliciting a few less than grandiose cheers from the legion. Mark looked back at the map.

"Well, like I said, I think option two would be our best bet. There's even a village nearby for Eliwood and Ninian to hide at. I must say, it's risky though. I realized something today, as we fought on that bridge. Kent, Sain, Lyn, you're all remarkable fighters but our front line just isn't enforced enough for this sort of plan." Mark nervously looked at Kent, who nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "So, I say again, charging along the flatland is our best bet but… well it's still not great odds. Frankly." Mark said awkwardly. "I would bolster the front line with myself, but I feel I should be playing a sort of middle position, in case anything happens at our backline. Does anyone have any ideas, or would like to volunteer to join the front?" To this no one said anything. Mark grimaced slightly but tried not to show it. No one else was really suited for the front, and could likely be taken down with a few cuts. Mark racked his brain. "Alright, then we should go around behind. First thing in the morning, we'll…" Mark stopped and held up a hand. He looked to his side. A distant clanking, he thought. He shook his head. "A-anyway, I was saying, first thing, we go down in the morning and pass by this mountain here. Hopefully, they won't anticipate an attack from the back, considering we are supposed to be marching toward Caelin, so…" He stopped again and listened. The clanking was getting closer.

"...Alright, great, get some sleep everyone!" Matthew hopped in, clearly hearing the sound as well, and coraling everyone to their sleeping spaces. "Mark's had a long day let's just wrap this up. I'm sure he's got to go and think on it, no need to keep him up!" Matthew continued, quickly making eye contact with Mark and theln looking towards the sound. Mark nodded softly and yawned.

"He's right, I'm tired. I'll go plot out the course and we'll discuss it further in the morning. Get good sleep everyone!" Mark said happily. He shambled towards the sound. After he was out of sight from the camp, he hid behind a tree and waited. Soon, the hulking figure of a man in grey armor, covered in runes, was slowly moving through the pushes. A massive lance was held in one hand, a massive axe in the other, as the giant among men slowly pushed through the foliage. Both of his weapons were tied around his wrists with chains. Mark stepped out. The man slowly turned.

"...Are you one of the members of Lyndis's little crusade?" The man said, not raising his weapons.

"...Yes." Mark said, figuring there was no point in lying. There was a long and haunting pause.

Slowly, a low rumble came from within the armor, Mark lit a hand on fire in preparation. Suddenly, the man dropped his weapons into the earth and took off his helmet. Now that Mark had some light, he saw the glowing power of a Knight's Crest embedded into the man's chestplate. His grey armor was weathered, he was obviously a man of war. The man himself had sharp and dangerous eyes, a bald head, and a nose that was practically the size of Nils's fist. The man laughed, bellowed even, and stuck out a heavy hand. "PERFECT!" The man shouted, making Mark jump from his sheer volume. "The name's WALLACE!" The man said, full of pride. "I'm supposed to kill you guys! How funny is that?" He yelled.

Mark was shocked enough it took his a while to work up the nerve to say something. "Uhm… Not… that funny?" he said, nervous. He really didn't want to fight this man.

"Well it's funny to me!" The man said leaning against a tree and spitting onto the floor. "Lundgren actually thinks I'm willing to pick up the lance again to defend him? HAH!" The man picked up his lance and twirled it like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Jokes on him! He's been such a pompous ass of a rule I figured I'd just help the poor girl along. ANYONE is better than that prick." He said.

Mark blinked, shocked at his fortune. "Well… I was just talking to the others about our front line…"

A/N: Sup yall. I'm taking forever to write this. It's not that I don't want to, it's just hard to bring myself to. Will the super mega chapter of one year anniversary goodness (™) be ready by the actual one year anniversary? No. Not even close. I know what I'm gonna do but I haven't started writing it out yet. HOWEVER, will it be here at some point this summer? Absolutely. Probably another two chapters, maybe even just one before it comes out. I'm thinking mid-late July. Thanks as always for your continued support and reading, and I hope you guys liked the chapter. :D Pce. -Matt