Author's note: With the epic final battle against Lundgren completed, I feel like I can finally relax a bit this chapter. It's nice to have another Maria aside after missing out on them for two chapters. I got used to a routine where Will's past became irrevocably tied to Lyn's present. I always planned it that way, but I feel like I only managed to truly accomplish it this time.

Chapter 26: The Aftermath

"Hey Will?" Maria asked, as her legs swung idly over the water. They were on a boat, returning to the Dread isle after a completed mission. Thankfully, they hadn't had to kill anyone. "Do you know about love?"

"Love?" Will asked. "That's a little out of the blue, coming from you."

"It's my specialty!" Maria declared proudly. "Hit 'em where they least expect it!"

The look she gave him told him she had asked him honestly, and he crossed his arms thoughtfully. "I can't say I know love… sometimes I think I do, then others not so much."

"So then, what does it mean to you?" Maria asked.

"Maybe… wanting to spend more time with that person? More than any other person, I mean." Will said. "Though I've read stories that claim you'll know you're soul mate the moment your eyes meet."

"Really? Maria asked. She stared into Will's eyes for a long moment. "I don't think it's working."

"Well it's not like you love me." Will said. "We're partners in crime, or something like that."

"I guess that's true." Maria said, laughing. A moment later she fell silent. "Hey, Will?"

"What is it?" Will asked.

"If you don't love me, then who do you love?" He heard her voice ask.

"Didn't we just finish saying how I don't know?" Will asked, turning to her. All that met him was darkness.

"You know, Will…" Maria's voice filled the void, "I want you to find happiness. Because I couldn't."

"What does that even mean?" Will begged the void. "Maria, there's too much I don't know!"

"It's okay Will." Her voice replied. "Sometimes you can't know what's going to happen. But don't be afraid."

"You guys, I think he's waking up!" A tired sounding voice proclaimed. He could swear it was Serra's voice, but it sounded far too mellow for that to be the case.

He could feel his eyes fluttering open. Through the bleariness he could see the outline of stone walls, and a torch directly opposite himself. Over him he also saw the worried faces of several Legion members. At the moment, he could only see Lyn's tear stained face as she hugged him tightly.

"You're awake!" She choked out happily. "You've been asleep for days!"

Will felt the strangest feeling of déjà vu. It hit him that this was reminiscent of the first time he and Lyn had met. A crazy stunt, near death, and being pulled from its jaws thanks to a friendly hand. "Hey there Lyn." He managed, his voice hoarse from days of sleep.

"I'm just so glad you're alive." Lyn said, wiping her tears away. "I gave you the antidote as soon as I retrieved it, but I wasn't sure what else to do. If it hadn't been for Serra…"

Will smiled. He could now see Serra, sitting next to his beside. She looked completely ragged, but pleased at his recovery. "I owe you one."

"Of course you do." She said, flipping her frazzled hair from her face. "I've never had to work so hard in all my life before. You owe me at least a back massage or something. Once you're better."

"We won though… right?" Will asked. The last thing he could remember was Sain and Lyn facing Lundgren and beginning to fight, before his consciousness had eluded him.

"Yes." Came Rath's calm voice from the bed next to him.

"Rath!" Will exclaimed. "Are you okay?"

"He's got a broken leg." Came the bored sounding voice of a thief he recognized. "And I went and broke an ankle like a rank amateur. Sorry for causing you more problems."

"Matthew!" Will said happily. He had never been so glad to hear the man's voice. "What about Huey? And Lucius? Is Florina okay?"

"Slow down." Lyn said. "I've got a lot to tell you about, and we have plenty of time."

Serra, having reached her limit, said a bleary goodbye before staggering to the doorway. Erk thankfully showed up just in time and took her by the arm. Will could only think she deserved a good rest as Erk led her away.

"Serra really was amazing. After the battle she kept us all going." Lyn said with a small smile.

"Really? I always knew she was special like she claimed, I just wasn't sure how…" Will mused.

"Without her things would have turned out a lot worse. We got you, Matthew, and Rath here to the healing chambers. Meanwhile Serra sent everyone else to collect the injured from the battlefield. She said that now that the battle was over there were no longer enemies or allies, only patients." Lyn giggled. "I'm grateful though. She helped us save a lot of lives. Most of them were only working for Lundgren out of fear for their lives or their family's safety. Kent and Sain are planning a mass funeral for the lives that were lost in the battle, including some who died before the battle like general Eagler and his forces."

"I see. That should help ease the sorrow. Do you think they resent us?" Will asked.

"I do not know. Lundgren was a tyrant through and through, that much cannot be denied. Still, their family was taken from them. I would not be surprised if they despised us for it." Lyn sighed. "The fact that we suffered not a single casualty is a testament to your skill."

"And all of yours." Will said. "Tactics only work when the unit can follow them. I also had to trust greatly in your individual fighting abilities to carry the day. Be proud Lyn. This victory was earned."

Lyn but a hand to her bosom and smiled. "You're right of course. Still, thank you."

Will felt a warm feeling he hadn't felt that often before. It reminded him of when he had pleased his parents long ago. It felt nice. "What of your grandfather, Lyn?"

Lyn nodded. "I'll tell you."

As the group carrying the wounded reached the inside halls, a rather nervous looking man with an impressive moustache approached them. He wrung his hands nervously as he spoke to the group and more specifically, Lyndis herself. "You are the lady Lyndis, correct?"

"Who are you?" She answered, ignoring her random thoughts about official moustaches and how ridiculous Will would look with one. Actually the image was a rather amusing one, she just didn't think it fit him.

"My name is Reissman." The Mustached man responded. "I am the chancellor of Caelin's royal family. I received word from Kent and Sain when you all first met, but Lundgren saw it and kept me under his thumb. It is a pleasure to welcome you home."

Lyn nodded politely, though she felt this was the furthest thing from home to her. "Thank you. Can I see my grandfather?"

The moustache drooped as the man frowned. Lyn continued to push the thoughts of a now droopy moustache Will from her head. "Of course. But you must not be shocked by what you see. Lundgren has been poisoning him for quite some time. His body is ravaged, and he has been bedridden for nigh on five months."

She realized that would be shortly after her journey with will had started and Kent and Sain had headed out. Had a mere six months passed since then? It felt like so much longer. As she entered the chamber, she could see a tired, crumpled old man in a bed. To her surprise, her pity seemed to be at an all-time low. It felt like everything in the room was dragging him down, and she refused to be caught in it herself.

The old man coughed before speaking, hearing the creak of the door as it closed. "Who is there? No visitors I said! Not one! What are you doing? Leave this old man to die in peace!" His eyes had not even opened properly, which made him sound even more defeated. Lyn didn't like it.

She took a tentative step towards the person who was her grandfather. "Excuse me, but-" The old man's ears perked, and she could see his eyes beginning to struggle open. It was likely he had only heard Lundgren's poisonous words for months, so the new voice in and of itself surprised him. She supposed the next statement would surprise him even more. "I'm Lyndis."

The old man's frame stiffened and his head rose an inch from its place upon the pillow. "Lyndis…?" He spoke the name as though it was foreign to him, and yet like the name of an old friend at the same time.

Lyn took a breath, and another step forward towards his bed. She spoke in a calm, clear voice that surprised herself. "My father was Hassar, chief of the Lorca. My mother was Madelyn. I was raised on the plains."

The old man's head raised a bit more from its resting place and turned ever so slightly to take in the sight of the young woman who now stood before him. "Could it be? Come… come here, child. Let me… see your face." Lyn leaned over the bed, letting the old man place his hands softly around Lyn's face. His eyes studied her features, a strange spark she felt she recognized laying deep within them. "Yes… there is no doubt. You are… truly Madelyn's child." He said after a moment.

Lyn felt tears stinging her eyes, but wanted as best she could to keep her composure. To keep herself from crying outright, she threw her arms around him, hugging to old man tightly. "Grandfather!" She choked.

The Marquis smiled as he hugged the young woman back. It was a hug full of warmth and love she recalled from her days with her parents. "Lundgren… told me my daughter had died. My heir… and you as well. He told me you had died." A single tear fell from his half open eyes. "Thank you for living." He let go, and Lyn lowered him back onto the bed. The Marquis coughed again. "I am truly blessed…."

Lyn let her tears go. She remembered the day she had met Will, and had been unable to face her fears and cried to a complete stranger. This felt much the same, but still, she had grown. Her tears were more subdued, and she was able to tell him again in a clear voice what she needed to say. "Mother and father were slain over a year ago by bandits. I was the only survivor. I lived on by myself, but…"

Lord Hausen shook his head slowly, putting a stop to Lyn's story. "Lyndis… forgive a prideful old man. If only I had accepted their love… There would have been no bandits. We could have all lived here together in perfect peace."

Lyn shook her head as well. She didn't want to make him feel guilty. "My parents, and my tribe, our life was one full of love and peace. The end was tragic, I'll admit but until the attack happened, we truly were happy." She said with a tearful smile.

Lord Hausen's features relaxed a little more as he let himself sink back into the bed. "Madelyn truly had a life of happiness? Knowing that gives me such… immeasurable joy. Thank you so much, for now… now I may die in peace."

Lyn jerked to attention at that. Somehow, the voice going through her head was Will's. The one that had come up with that insane plan only two hours prior to help her see her grandfather. She couldn't let things end like this. "No! You mustn't say things like that!"

The Marquis gave a soft, weak chuckle. "It cannot be avoided, my child. I have taken far too much poison for far too long…"

Lyn didn't falter. Instead, her resolve doubled. "Be brave grandfather, and you shall recover!" She stated with absolute confidence. "On the plains, it is said that illness fails in the face of a strong heart!" Now she looked down at her grandfather, the one they had been traveling to see since meeting Kent and Sain in Bulgar. The one Florina, Matthew, Wil and Will had fought so hard to let her see. Dorcas, Rath and Wallace had supported her with their kindness. Lucius himself had fought next to her in the final battle, and she knew Nils and Ninian had done everything they could. Even now Serra and Erk lead the team in saving as many lives as they could. "I am here now! Don't give up! We still have so much to talk about and to do together! Walks to take, music to listen to. There is so much I want to do; we have so much lost time to make up for!"

Lord Hausen seemed to hang on Lyn's every word, and she could tell that part of him was affected. "That does sound… nice." He said, raising slightly off the pillows.

Lyn crouched near his bedside, and took his hand. "And once you are well, I'll take you there. I'll take you to the plains, to show you the endless sky and oceans of grass that my mother loved so much!"

Lord Hausen's hand squeezed hers. "Yes… The lands that Madelyn loved… It seems I still have much living to do. Lyndis…" The two embraced again, and Lyn could already feel the old man's strength returning. "Welcome home."

"Amazing." Will said with a laugh. "You always surpass my expectations, Lyn."

Lyn blushed. "He's been recovering well since then. Serra said at this rate he may even be up in a few weeks and walking about again."

"That sounds great." Will said. "I can't wait to see it."

"We have a different problem though." Lyn said, sadly. "I don't mean to worry you, but I'm sure you've already realized it yourself."

"Mark wasn't anywhere to be found." Will said. "Yes, that's been weighing on my mind as well. To be honest, I did think he might leave Lundgren to his fate. The problem is I'm not sure where exactly."

"About that." Matthew said, fluttering a piece of paper for Lyn to take. She grabbed it and read, before handing it to Will. "It seems Ostia has been keeping an eye on Mark himself for quite some time. He did kill one of our own, after all."

"You mean Maria." Will said.

"The very same." Matthew said with a wry smile.

"Maria? You've mentioned her before, haven't you?" Lyn asked in confusion.

"Right, I still haven't told you or Florina. I missed my chance before the battle." Will muttered to himself.

"What do you mean?" Lyn asked.

"Well, first let's see if Serra will let me get out of this bed. If so, I'd like to talk to you and Florina. You're the only ones who don't know. I promised myself after the battle I'd be sure to tell you." Will said.

"Serra's already asleep." Erk said, appearing at the door. "Just go. As long as you don't do any running or fighting, you won't aggravate your condition. Just take it slow."

"Right. Thanks Erk." Will said. "Lyn, will you help me?"

"Of course." She said. It was odd to see Will in such a helpless state. Even while he was poisoned he had mostly refused help whenever he could. Now it was like some sort of barrier had vanished as he took her arm gratefully, allowing her to lead him slowly through the halls.

"Big place." Will said with an attempt at a whistle which failed miserably. He blushed. "That's funny, I was so sure I knew how to do that…"

Lyn glanced at Will with a small bit of concern. Serra had warned there would possibly be side effects. Though she supposed losing the ability to whistle was not all that bad in comparison to other possibilities. She only hoped that was the extent of things. "It is big." She said. "Almost too big. I find myself already missing the tents and open plains."

"Yeah, I'm not too sure I can get used to the castle atmosphere myself." Will said with a chuckle.

They found Florina in the stables, tending to the horses and pegasi. Wesley and Harry were both happily munching away on oats, and it seemed Hailey had returned. Her attitude was much more sheepish than before, but Florina was consoling her softly. Huey himself brightened and whinnied happily at the sight of Lyn and Will entering, and Florina spun around to greet them. "Will! Lady Lyndis!" She ran over to them. "Are you okay now?"

Will tried not to stare too much. It had felt like quite some time since he had seen Florina. Her hair now barely reached her shoulders, where before it had rested midway down her back with ease. "I'm getting there. What about you Florina?"

"Oh yeah, this." Florina said, touching her hair. "Well it's not my favorite style. Fiora and Farina always wore short hair much better than I do. Other than that I got off lucky. Huey saved me when we were falling, and any bruising I had Serra healed." She blushed. "I'm just sorry I caused you more trouble."

"It's no trouble, Florina." Will said. "Besides, you look better than you think with short hair. It's just off putting for me since I've been out of it and all."

Florina blushed, and Lyn jabbed Will in the ribs. "We came to get you Florina." Lyn said for Will, who was now clutching his side.

"Me? For what?" Florina asked curiously.

"Right, I needed to talk to you and Lyn. Before the final battle, I wanted to tell you both something. I didn't get a chance to, but I promised myself that once the battle was over I would be sure to tell you. You will listen, won't you?" Will asked.

"Of course." Florina said. "Let me finish taking care of the animals and then we'll go talk."

"By the way, why is she calling you Lady Lyndis now?" Will asked Lyn and Florina hurried about.

"The previous pegasus knight commander, that red haired girl? Her name was Anna, I think. Well, she was set free from service. Lundgren had threatened her just like everyone else. While I don't like that she was responsible for almost getting our friends killed…" Lyn trailed off.

"You don't want to be like Lundgren and punish everyone who gets in your way." Will finished. "It's not the easiest path to take, Lyn. I knew that's why you would choose it."

Lyn smiled. "Anyway, with her gone we needed a new pegasus knight commander. They decided to recruit Florina after seeing her skills in the battle against that Wyvern commander. Since she now technically serves under me, she decided she was going to call me Lady Lyndis. I tried to stop her, but she got that look on her face when you're trying to get something by her…"

"And you found it difficult to continue and gave in." Will said with a chuckle. "You're too kind to her, Lyn."

"As are you, when it doesn't involve a battle." Lyn pouted.

"What about Kent and Sain?" Will asked.

"They've been knighted properly under Lord Hausen. It was good to see Sain in a good mood again. Even Kent looked a little pleased with himself." She giggled.

"That's good." Will said with a smile.

"Most surprising of all is that Wil joined! He's already been made a commander of our archer troops, but he's been doing a lot to help. Florina's even going to teach a joint class about avoiding hitting your allies in combat." Lyn said.

"Wow, she's really been improving over time with her fear of men, huh?" Will marveled. "And to think, she could barely say hello."

"I think I know why that is." Lyn said, gazing at Florina fondly. It was the same reason she had found the strength to keep moving forward even when all seemed lost.

"Why then?" Will asked. Lyn giggled.

"I'm not telling." She said playfully. Will sighed, knowing she wasn't going to give him the answer even if he begged.

"Okay, I'm done!" Florina shouted, running over to them. The animals were all either eating or preparing to rest happily now.

"Then let's change the location." Will said. "What I'm about to say is going to take quite a while."

Lyn and Florina sat there, a little amazed at the story they had just heard. As he had with Wallace, the first one to break his walls with a simple prodding, he had decided it was best to tell Lyn and Florina everything he could remember. He started from the time he met Lyn, when both of them were very small and neither had really known the other.

"That little boy was you?" Lyn gasped. "I had my suspicions, but I didn't really think the pieces would fall so conveniently into place."

"I thought you might." Will said. "I'm sorry for not telling you earlier."

Lyn shook her head. "I'm just glad you're telling me now. I remember asking my father about the young boy I always played with. He just said you'd gone away and I probably wouldn't see you ever again. It made me sad."

"So what happened then?" Florina asked.

Will continued on. He told them a few things he could remember while traveling. His mother teaching him about living things and the ways magic flowed through the world, and his father trying his best to teach him fighting so he could at least defend himself. The only thing Will ever picked up on quickly was tactics. Formations, positioning, and the numbers in a battle all fit inside his head easier than he imagined. "My father said despite my lack of sill in fighting, I always understood people well." Will mused. "I'm still not sure what he means."

"I think I can understand." Lyn said. "The way you planned out that last part of the battle around Lundgren's personality, and you took advantage of his flaws to help us win…"

Florina giggled. "I heard he accused you of knowing the future."

"I certainly can't see the future. If I had, I never would have gotten on that boat." Will said, which lead into the rougher parts of the story. Lyn and Florina's face grew horrified as he told them of the sinking ship, the screams, the struggle for air as he clung to a piece of driftwood, and the small amount of relief at reaching land, only to realize he was all alone.

When neither one of them seemed able to say anything, Will continued. "I managed to forage and hunt small animals for a while. Traps were really effective when I could make them properly." He gave a smile to Lyn. "Lorca traps are some of the best, in case you were wondering. Shortly after that, I met Mark."

"The same Mark we've been fighting." Florina asked.

"Exactly him. He gave me a choice: Die now, or join the Fang. I didn't want to die, and I knew this man could kill me without batting an eye. So I joined the Fang." He continued with his meeting of the leader of the Fang. He still couldn't bring himself to say the man's name, not just yet, but he did tell Florina and Lyn about meeting Lloyd, Linus, Nino and Jaffar.

"A child forced to work in a group like that? How horrible." Lyn said, while Florina nodded.

"I'm not entirely sure what they want from Nino. I know she's Sonia's child, and Sonia was the leader's new wife if I remember correctly…" Will gripped his head for a moment. "I'm sorry, that part's a little fuzzy."

"No it's okay, please don't force yourself." Lyn said. She was worried about Will straining himself more than anything, even as she listened intently to his story.

"Around the time I was promoted to Nergal's special strike time, called 'Angels,' a new recruit arrived. Her name was Maria." Will said. He found himself recounting talking to the strange girl, the missions they had gone on, and his strange attraction to the lifestyle she lead for herself. In spite of her dangerous work, the way she lived was more fascinating than anything. He then told the tale of her offer to escape.

"Nils and Ninian were prisoners?" Florina asked in surprise. "But why?"

"I never asked myself. Besides, does it matter? We know they're good people." Will said. Lyn giggled.

As his story continued, he recounted the strange acceptance he had gotten from Jaffar, the sadness he felt at leaving little Nino behind, and then the escape itself. How their plan had almost gone off without a hitch. If it hadn't been for Mark.

"Him again." Lyn growled. She had disliked the man the first time she had met him, and will's story only reaffirmed her newfound hatred for the man.

"Yes, he was the man behind the Taliver. The Taliver themselves are a group that essentially act as the Black Fang's puppets. I suspect Lundgren paid The Fang to attack the Lorca when he heard of Lord Hausen's desire to see his Daughter again." Will said sadly.

"There's no proof, but I doubt your assumption is wrong." Lyn said. "Their attack back then was too coordinated, too single minded for it not to have been some sort of set-up."

"He caught up to us. Maria told us to stay hidden while she checked the docks, but he was already there waiting. I wish I had followed her sooner, but by the time I got there, their battle had already come to an end. She died in my arms." Will said. Florina covered her mouth in horror. "I managed to get to the ship with Nils and Ninian and we got away."

He let out a sigh. "After we reached port, we split up. I didn't know how much of a lead we had on the Fang, but I felt Nils and Ninian would be safer without me. I began to travel. I thought maybe if I reached the plains, the fang would give me up since they are so vast and difficult to traverse, but…"

"They found you." Lyn said. "And that's when I found you, laying in the grass covered in blood."

"Yes." Will said, as his story came to an end.

"Can I ask something?" Florina squeaked through small tears that she tried desperately to wipe away.

"What is it?" Will asked.

"Did you… love her? Maria?" Florina asked.

Will cocked his head. It was a strange question, but he had been asked it before. Now that he thought back on it, he denied it so easily back then. He wasn't so sure about it now. "I've been… wondering about that myself." He said, finally. "I don't really… understand love very well. Familial love is different from romantic love, from what I can tell. I just don't know if what we had was that special bond or not."

"I… see…" Florina said pensively. In spite of his ambiguous answer, the pegasus knight seemed to cheer up. He really didn't understand her sometimes.

"Then," Lyn said impressively, "There's only one thing left to do."

Will nodded. "Figure out how we take care of Mark and the Taliver before they become more of a problem. Thanks to Matthew, I may have just the idea to do it."

Lyn smiled. That was her tactician. "Then let's get to it."

To The Lords and Ladies of Lycia,

My name is William. I write on behalf of Lady Lyndis and Lord Hausen. I am the one who lead Lyndis back to her homeland, and I am the one that lead them to victory in the battle for Caelin. I write you know for three reasons.

One: to reestablish the rightful rule of Lord Hausen. Though Lady Lyndis could take the throne, she does not wish this. She only wished to save her grandfather's life. It is only right he retake his throne and lead his people once more.

Two: Though Lundgren was defeated, his tactician and funder, Mark of The Taliver, was not. We have received a report courtesy of Lord Uther of Ostia in regards to this matter. Mark escaped before the battle even began, perhaps allowing us our swift victory over Lundgren and his forces. However, this man is not one to be left unchecked. He is responsible for several important political assassinations over the past few years. I can attest to this fact, being a former member of the Black Fang myself. If you require proof of this fact, I will happily show it to you.

Three: To propose a coalition between the Lycian nations to end the Taliver threat. The Taliver not only threaten the lives of Caelin citizens, but the citizens of any Lycian nation they choose to enter. This is not even accounting for the atrocities of their leader mentioned above. Most notably, they killed the Lorca tribe of Sacae, of which Lady Lyndis is the sole survivor. We also propose this coalition in the hopes of repairing Caelin's relations with the other nations of Lycia, which were damaged by Lundgren's unstable and tyrannical rule.

We ask that you respond to our request with all haste, as it is likely the Taliver will no longer be found in their current hideout for more than a month or two more.

Sir William, Tactician to the Lady Lyndis.

"Whew." Will breathed, placing down the quill pen he had used to write the same letter several times over. "With this, our hopes now lay with the lords of Lycia."

"I see. Not only can we fight the Taliver head on with a coalition, but it also repairs our relations with the other nations." Lord Hausen said. "You've found yourself an intelligent man, granddaughter."

Lyn blushed furiously. "Oh no grandfather, we're not like that. Will agreed to help me because we were traveling together, you see. I mean, it's true that I offered to sleep in the same tent, but I never realized the implications at that time! The Sacaen plains are so much more open than everywhere else, but at the time I assumed…"

"Lyn, he's asleep." Will said with a chuckle. Lyn gasped for air as she noticed her grandfather had indeed fallen back into slumber, a peaceful smile on his face. "You really didn't know?"

Lyn blushed. "It's embarrassing to admit now, but yes." She sighed. "Do you think they'll answer our call though? I admit your letter is very professional and looks nice, but it's basically asking them to trust the unknown entity right?"

"That's why we'll have to place our bets on Eliwood." Will said, scratching his head.

"Eliwood?" Lyn asked in surprise. "You think he'll influence the other nations?"

"I certainly hope he'll influence Pharae." Will said. "If Pharae joins, Ostia is almost sure to follow. Matthew told me Lord Hector is a good friend of Eliwood's. If Ostia joins in, none of the other will want to miss out."

"I see. I certainly hope you're right." Lyn said.

"In the meantime, we rest and heal." Will said. "We're going to need it to finish this fight once and for all."