[Epilogue]

The next day, the Gallian Army moved into the city of Walencourt following the recent Imperial retreat. After weeks of hard fighting and enduring the cold and snow, many of the Gallians, including the Nameless were all too happy to be quartered in the citadel along with some of the other abandoned houses and buildings. Despite the higher spirits of the squad, Kurt's own mood had been tempered with the loss of his classmate and fellow officer, Bernard Fontaine. Even on that morning, Kurt kept replaying his last exchange with him while holding the rose lapel pin that he had been entrusted in his pocket. He would eventually have to write Giuliana and mail her the parcel along with the bad news, but he didn't know where to start.

Despite being familiar with battlefield deaths around him in every battle, he hadn't actually had to write any bereavement letters to the family or friends of any squadmates. He hoped that it would stay that way. He figured it was probably best to just think it over a little more and let his mind settle before he'd even attempt writing such a letter. In particular, he had enough to worry about right now. He had been called to meet with Colonel Kassen at the new temporary HQ in the citadel tower. Although the details had been vague, Kurt guessed that Kassen wanted to speak with him about the actions from the battle yesterday. Whether it was to congratulate him, or to chew him out for just acting without orders, he couldn't be sure. Maybe both?

Upon arriving at the citadel, Kurt was led up the tower of the central keep by an adjutant before making his way to a large wooden door. Kurt gave a few knocks and waited before he heard Kassen bid him enter and the adjutant closed the door behind him. Kurt entered the simple spacious room and found Col. Kassen sitting behind a desk with paperwork. He was likely filling out reports and issuing other dispatches to the officers. A fireplace had been lit in a corner and it crackled with warm fire giving off a warm glow and the comforting smell of pine wood. Kassen looked up when Kurt entered and waved him over, "Lieutenant Irving. Come in. I have some things to discuss with you."

Kurt stopped and saluted but Kassen waved it off and walked over to a chest where he procured a liquor bottle, "At ease Lieutenant. Would you care for one too?"

Kurt shook his head as Kassen poured a little in a glass for himself, "No thank you sir. I'm fine."

Kassen paced toward the window and took a thoughtful sip of his glass, "I suppose I should be toasting you for the breakthrough yesterday. You were one of the squads that took initiative and prevented a total rout of our center."

"I acted and deployed my squad without notifying HQ," Kurt said solemnly, "I should have done things the right way and followed the chain of command."

"I think we can make an exception this time and overlook that detail," Kassen said with a small wolfish smile, "Had you done so, we might not be here in Walencourt enjoying the warmth of housing here."

Kurt nodded, "So you're not going to discipline me?"

"No," Kassen sighed as he shook his head, "As much as I hate to admit it, you'll be punished in another way. By our military code of justice, I cannot give you any credit or awards for the victory yesterday."

"That's okay sir. I'm happy if Captain Fontaine is to be credited for the action," Kurt said with a subdued expression.

Kassen nodded, "Yes. About that... it's unfortunate he was killed in the battle. I'm sure that wasn't easy for you?"

"No sir," Kurt admitted, "But I'll deal with it. I'm sure Bernard would not have wanted me to dwell on it too much. He'd want us to keep moving forward and attacking."

Kassen chuckled, "Yes. I suppose you're right. Now that the fighting here has slowed down here, you will be moving on. I plan to send a report of your actions to your superior Colonel Crowe. Once I hear back from him, I'll give you your next orders. Until then, it's best that you rest and recover."

"Thank you sir."

"How are your troops Lieutenant?" Kassen asked.

Kurt remained stoic, "Tired, sir. I have a few who were injured, but they should be on the mend soon. Otherwise, their morale is good."

"And yours?"

Kurt thought it over for a moment, "I... have been worse."

"I understand," Kassen nodded as he walked back over to sit behind his desk and get back to work, "In the mean time, see to your people and your personal affairs here. It will do you good son. Trust me."

Kurt blinked in confusion before giving a nod and saluting, "Yes Colonel. Thank you, sir."

Once Kurt exited and left the citadel grounds, he stood on the snowy front lawn wondering what he would do next. He touched his breast pocket where he had tucked away Bernard's pin and decided he would make a little visit to Walencourt's hospital where the wounded soldiers were now being treated. As he made his way over there, he decided he would take a little detour toward his squad's housing building. He hoped it could find Giulio and see if he had prepared anything good to eat.

Some time later that day, Riela Marcellis sat in her bed within the hospital paging through a book with her good arm. The doctors had been surprised she had begun to heal remarkably quickly, but they insisted that she stay just one more day before being let back to her squad... something about making sure there would be no infections from her shoulder wound. As she continued to relax, she heard a knock at the door and turned to see Kurt enter. She looked up and gave a surprised smile at his appearance. "Kurt? Hi. What are you doing here?"

"Hey Riela... I uh, just came to visit and look in on you," Kurt said sheepishly, "I also brought you something."

He produced a thermos and sealed container, "I might have stopped to see Giulio on the way and have him whip up something good to eat. He made you some soup and some herb chicken."

"Oh? This is a surprise... and very sweet of you," she said as he came over to sit down at her bedside, "Thank you."

Kurt nodded, "I'm afraid I didn't get a chance to visit the other day when things came up..."

"I heard about the battle," Riela said a little more solemnly, "And about Captain Fontaine. Kurt... I'm sorry about your friend."

He gave a faint wistful smile and nodded quietly, "Thanks. Me too. But I guess there is one good thing that came out of all of it."

"Oh?"

"Bernard helped put some things into perspective for me and he gave me a lot of things to think about."

Riela raised an eyebrow curiously, "Really? Like what?"

"Well... for one thing, not forgetting about some of the things that matter in this war," he said pensively, "As for the rest... maybe I'll tell you one day."

Riela nodded and reached over to give his hand a squeeze, "Well, in the mean time if there's anything else you need to talk about you can always tell me."

"I will," Kurt said handing her the lunch he brought, "I didn't have anything else planned for today so I thought we could start by just sitting and talking for a while."

Riela looked to him and gave a quiet smile as they settled in, "Thanks. I'd like that."

Fin