Author's Note: Mark's story is done. The one part I really wanted to write was how Mark ended up in Elibe, with what happened to his Mother as a bonus to that. As you all can tell easily from last chapter, I decided to go with Mark being Robin. I don't know why, but somehow I just wanted to. So I did. I hope you don't hate me for it.

This chapter will address one other thing I've been meaning to get around to from some time, but never had the chance. It'll be nice to wrap up this plot point before moving on.

As always, please review if you can!

Chapter 31: Grave of Flowers

"You did it again, Tactician William." Orun said with a laugh, clapping the cloaked man on the back. "I can't believe it. An entire battle and just over fifty casualties on our side. I must say, you certainly show your mettle!"

"I didn't do anything, Lord Orun. The strength is in your men and ability to lead." Will said.

"Hah! Humble too! I like it. You should come work for me!" Orun said, grinning as the younger man looked away.

"With all due respect, I think I'll decline." Will said.

"I expected as much." Orun said. "Well let me say it's been an honor. I hope to fight alongside you again, tactician."

As Lord Orun left, Will sighed. "If only there would never be another battle." He mused to himself. Without time to rest, he noticed Lyn, Eliwood and Hector heading his way.

"Tactician." Hector said.

"Lord Hector." Will said with a polite bow.

"I want to see the grave." Hector demanded. "Mark's dead now, but until I see where she rests, I haven't finished the job."

"I understand." Will said. "As soon as our group is ready, we'll set out. I'm guessing you're not planning on heading out, Lyn?"

"I'd like to meet her." Lyn said. "Someone so important to you… I feel I owe her a thank you."

"I'd like to come as well." Eliwood said. "If that's alright."

"Of course." Will said.

Hector left without another word. "Don't you want to hear about the battle?" Lyn asked Will.

"Not this time." Will said. "All that matters is that the battle is over. I know there are other things I'll have to do, but defeating Mark was not one of them." He smiled, and Lyn felt like it was one that showed how much he'd released his burden. "I'm glad you're back safe."

Lyn blushed in spite of herself. Those words meant more to her than she knew they should've, but she still smiled nonetheless. "Of course. I am your peerless warrior."

"Thank you." Will said. "Florina brought back Dorcas, but how about the others?"

"Rath is fine. His platoon cleared out their fortress without a single casualty on their team. Rath is planning to leave with them. They will meet with Marquis Araphen before heading out as a mercenary troop." Lyn said.

"I see." Will said. "I'll have to wish him well."

"Lucius and Erk report only one casualty. Kent and Sain are fine. The Cavaliers lost twenty-seven and twenty are injured. The forces of Eliwood and Hector report only eight losses each, though there are some more with injuries. Wil reports three dead among his number, but no injuries. Wallace reports seven dead and many injured. In total that's fifty-two losses. The number of bandits we defeated is estimated to be between three and four hundred in number." Lyn said.

"As Lord Orun said, it truly is lucky." Will said. "How is Serra holding up?"

"Now that the battle is over, she seems to be handling it in stride." Lyn said. "Mostly she's just trying to bandage up the injured so they can head for home after the rest are done gathering the bodies to burn."

"Right." Will said. "And Florina?"

"She's been caring for the animals." Lyn said. "Some were injured in the battle, but we lost very few mounts in comparison to the riders. I'd say the horse casualties were half those of their riders."

"The Bandits must not have targeted the horses much." Will said. "A fault of thinking of what was sellable and trying to keep that alive, I suppose."

"True." Lyn said. "Even among the cavaliers only two of the casualties were women."

"Either way." Will said. "I'm glad everyone seems to be alright." He placed his quill down, having finished his lengthy writing session. He'd have to ask Eliwood to make more copies of this report and send it to the other Lycian Nations, but he doubted Eliwood would refuse. "Shall we visit Rath before he departs?"

"Let's." Lyn said. The two left the tent, crossing the camp which was filled either with the sleeping of those too tired to stand or the merry making of the victors. Outside of the camp, Rath was already mounted on his horse, Hailey making soft neighing gestures as the group of mercenaries talked among themselves. It was as if he had been waiting for them.

"Lyn of the Lorca." He spoke. "It has been an honor to fight alongside you."

"Likewise, Rath of the Kutolah." Lyn said.

"Will." Rath spoke to the tactician this time. "I do not know how you prefer to be called."

"I'll accept whatever you can think of." Will said, a small smirk crossing his face. "Unless your words have failed you."

Rath fell silent for a second, perhaps attempting to think of a way to address Will before giving up. "Will it is then." He said. "It has been an honor to fight alongside you."

"I would be honored if you considered me a friend." Will said. He extended his hand to the nomad, who considered his gesture for a moment before gripping the hand in turn.

"It was never in doubt." He said firmly. The two shook, and as they did so the Mercenary troop seemed to know the time had come.

"May Mother Earth watch your back on this journey." Lyn said.

"And may Father Sky curse any who stand in your way." Will added.

Rath lowered his head to the two once more, before turning to his men. They began to march, Rath leading Hailey at a steady pace, until the group vanished from view.

"Always has to do things at his own pace." Will said. "I suppose I should be honored he waited for us."

Lyn giggled. "I think he wanted to say goodbye. You two seemed to get along pretty well."

Will chuckled. "Perhaps."

He looked once more where the group had faded from sight. He supposed the time would fast be approaching him now that the Taliver were gone. He couldn't allow himself to get to comfortable and forget the other mission that had now been entrusted to him. In a way, Rath's determination to leave in the way he had helped Will make up his mind as well.

The warriors all gathered around the pile of bodies. The fifty-odd Lycians and their mounts had been dragged together, while the bandits had a pile of their own. Rath's group and a few teams that Orun had sent for medical supplies were no longer there, but most were in attendance. Will looked upon the faces of the warriors who had given their lives in combat against the bandits, wishing he could memorize each face forever for their aid. As it was, it was hard for him to keep his eyes open when the burning sensation of tears began to sting them.

They had won the day. They had won with as few casualties as a battle could expect to have. And yet he still felt like he should've done more. Seen more. Made the impossible possible so these soldiers did not have to give their lives.

Marcus stepped forward with Kent, Oswin, Wallace, and a few other knights and cavaliers Will didn't recognize. Marcus began to speak. "Today, we consign our brethren to the arms of St. Elimine. They were brave in combat, fearless in their friendship, and loyal to those who knew them. Let not one of their sacrifices ever be made light of, and let it never be said that they died in vain. This day, Lycia fought for the first time as one. Lycia for the first time struck a foe as one. Lycia, for the first time, mourns this day as one. Let the embrace of St. Elimine be delivered to them as promised for their faithful service, and let it also be comfort to those who lost a friend, a lover, or a caretaker this day. It is all we, as fellow Lycians and warriors, can ever ask for."

A silence fell after this speech, and nothing else was said as Marcus threw the first torch onto the pyre. Oswin, Wallace, and several of the knights followed, While Kent and several other set the pile of bandits aflame. Atop that pile, Will could see the black cloak of the fang, and a hand tattooed with a strange purple insignia he didn't recognize.

Nils stepped forward with Ninian. He placed the flute to his lips, and began to play. Unlike his usual cheery tunes, this was soft. The tune caught the wind of its own accord, creating a strange haunting feeling as Ninian began to dance. The Ribbons tied to her attire also caught the wind, whipping and dancing in the night air as she danced to the tune. It felt almost supernatural, the way the two siblings worked in tune with each other, honoring the dead in a way only they could.

As the fire rose, creating heat in the night air, the two continued their ritual, playing and dancing while the others sat, watched and listened until the end.

With Lord Orun and his troops now heading for home, this left a rather small group heading towards the port town. Add in that Eliwood had sent Marcus and most of his knights back with news, and Hector had asked Oswin to do the same, and Lyndis' Legion was practically all that was left. The gap left by Rath was filled by Hector, Eliwood, Leila and Lowen, who were all much more conversational with the legion now that the battle was done.

Hector was talking to Erk, perhaps over the escorting of Serra and haggling over the fee which Erk no doubt wanted more for. Matthew and Dorcas were resting on Kent and Sain's horses respectively, still recovering from their injuries. Leila remained by Matthew's side, catching him up on all the news he missed out on while out on assignment. Serra was seated on Huey, who was trotting alongside Kent's horse to keep an eye on Dorcas. The man wasn't in bad shape, but he was still suffering from a bad burn on his forearm and she wanted to ensure Dorcas returned to Natalie in full form.

Lucius was speaking with Nils and Ninian. He had done this on occasion whenever he had the time, and seemed to enjoy hearing their tales of wandering and performing for villages while also getting a chance to share tales of his own on his journey. Nils' favorite by far was the tale of Lucius' run in with an angry Wyvern commander in Bern who had only let Lucius go after taking him to a bar, getting drunk herself, passing out, and then laughing the whole event off the next morning and letting him go.

Wallace was teaching Lowen all about the Caelin knights of his time and why he was known as 'The Crag of Caelin' even to this day. Lowen couldn't pretend like he understood all of it, but he was too polite to ask Wallace to go back and explain the parts he wasn't catching.

Eliwood and Lyn were talking about the events they had each gone through. Lyn had been curious to learn how Eliwood had ended up in their vicinity before and why he had decided to help them. Eliwood in turn had wanted to hear the whole tale of Lyn's adventure, though they weren't likely to get very far in one sitting. Will could swear he heard Lyn only now getting to the part where they had met Kent and Sain, which meant Eliwood had a long story section left before he got to what one might consider 'the good stuff.'

This left Will with Wil and Florina. Wil was sharpening arrows while they walked, albeit very slowly, and whistling while he worked. Will was talking to Florina. It was mostly little things. Will had been curious for a while but had forgotten to ask.

"Farina is the oldest." Florina said. "You wouldn't really know it from how she acts, but she's also a really strong Pegasus Knight. I wish she had stayed in the knights like Fiora so my letters would arrive at a decent time. As it is, I just have to send them home and hope Farina finds them."

"She seems like and odd one." Will said.

"She isn't!" Florina defended. "Well, I mean… maybe she is. A little."

Will chuckled, which made Florina puff out her cheeks in anger. It took a good minute for him to get her to simmer down. "Well what about Fiora?"

"She's… a lot like Kent, actually." Florina mused. "If Farina is Sain, then Fiora is Kent."

"I'm not sure I like the comparison." Will said, raising an eyebrow.

"I mean, Farina is the wild card genius one, and Fiora is the by the book effort produces results, you know?" Florina said.

"And you are both so you win?" Wil asked with a grin. He had obviously been listening in.

"I never said that!" Florina said quickly, blushing as she shook her head. "In fact, I guess I wouldn't qualify as a good Pegasus Knight right out of the gate."

"Oh come now, we've done away with that rubbish." Will said, waving a hand. "You're an excellent Pegasus Knight and you know it."

Florina blushed. "But I mean, I didn't even cut my hair short like I was supposed to."

"Pegasus knights are supposed to have short hair?" Wil asked.

"In Ilia, it's an unwritten rule that any Pegasus Knight worth their salt cuts their hair. It minimizes the risk of reduced mobility and visibility in the air." Florina said. "Tactics."

"Well tactics are rarely wrong…" Will said. "But you looked nice with long hair, so I think it's a forgivable offense."

Florina blushed even deeper, fingering her now nearly shoulder-length hair. "You think so?"

"You should look how you want to." Will said. "It's your job to find ways around any problems that come up because of it, but that doesn't mean you don't try."

Florina nodded. "I suppose… that's true."

"Apparently Florina came crashing down right on top of them." They heard Lyn's voice drift over from her conversation with Eliwood.

"Lyn!" Florina shouted, hurrying over, "You don't have to tell him that!"

The port town was small, but busy. People were moving to and fro and a couple small boats were anchored in the harbor up ahead. They would be using this place to bunk once they finished visiting the grave. In the morning, Hector would be setting off for home, as would Eliwood. Will was still debating what he would do, but for now he figured he would still go back to Caelin, if only to wish Lord Hausen well before setting off on the next part of his journey.

"So, which way?" Hector asked.

"This way." Will said, leading Hector to a side street. "If some of us want to head for the inn that's fine."

A good majority of the group did take their leave at this point. Eliwood, Hector, Lyn, Florina, Matthew, Leila, Nils and Ninian all remained. "Lead the way." Hector said.

Will lead them into the side-street, which turned out to lead straight outside the small town. The group found themselves on a small path, lined with stones. How that came to be none of them knew, and Will shrugged his shoulders, explaining it had already been this way when he came here. The small path led up a hill, until the town had become considerably smaller when looked down upon. At the top of this hill, they found a small flower garden. It was a strange garden, full of several different breeds of flower, but what was strangest of all was that all the flowers were in bloom, and didn't seem wanting for water or sunlight. At the edge of this flower garden stood a small grave marker, with words etched into them by a rock.

"Nils and Ninian helped me carve the gravestone." Will explained. "When we got to land, I knew we didn't have a lot of time until they were after us. After burying Maria here, we split up. I headed towards the Sacaen plains, and Nils and Ninian headed towards Ilia."

"I'm ashamed to say we didn't get very far." Ninian said. "Thank you again for rescuing me, Lord Eliwood."

"It's no problem." Eliwood said. He fell silent as Matthew, Leila and Hector approached the gravestone, careful to avoid stepping into the flower garden.

"She always talked about her pet project." Leila said. "I suppose I know now what it is. I'll have to ask around the village and find out who tends to it."

"Sheesh, you'd think she'd be a little more ambitious than getting herself a flower garden." Matthew said. "Always had to be the odd one."

"Maria was a strong girl." Hector said. "She had difficult jobs that are forever sworn to secrecy. I only wish she could get the recognition she deserves. Even on her final mission, she did everything she could." Hector closed his eyes. "I will not dishonor that sacrifice." He turned to look at Will, as though expecting him to say something, but Will shook his head. Hector sighed and walked over to the tactician. "I don't want to forgive you." Hector said, standing in front of him. "Even if I do, a part of me will always blame you that Maria is gone. Can you accept that?"

"Yes." Will said.

Hector nearly smiled. "Then, Will. Allow me to thank you for bringing me here. I know this must not be easy for you."

Will nodded. Florina looked at him in concern, but remained silent. Matthew and Leila remained by the grave, while Lyn and Eliwood bowed their head in respect. "It wasn't." Will responded.

"Live a strong life." Hector said. "Never give me a reason to kick your ass for dishonoring Maria's sacrifice. Got it?"

"Got it." Will said.

"Good." Hector said. He turned back to the grave, walking over to it and crouching down to touch the cool stone.

Lyn was lost in her own thoughts. Maria… I know we never met, but I wanted to thank you. You saving Will, strangely enough, is what lead to saving me. And because he saved me, I was able to save my grandfather. Saving my grandfather saved an entire country from spiraling into war. It's strange how the saving of one life can result in so much good, but you did it. Your selfless actions may continue to save the future as we know it. That may sound weird coming from someone you never met, but somehow, through Will, I feel like I've come to know you. So thank you, Maria.

Unlike Lyn, Leila's thoughts were her own. The woman who had been her sister was gone. She knew the whole story, but knowing wouldn't lessen the pain. No matter what anyone said or did, she would never get the chance to speak to her again. The last words they spoke to each had been when she had gone on that mission. Perhaps small talk about Matthew and how long Leila was going to draw out their flirting, perhaps assuaging her worries about Maria's mission. Perhaps even about Lord Hector and Uther being distant from each other for some reason both had long forgotten. She lowered her head, allowing Matthew to hold her in an embrace as tears rolled down her face. The grave was right in front of her, she had been prepared for it, and yet she could still only cry. She couldn't claim to her sister that she was fine. She couldn't forgive her sister for being selfish. She couldn't even say her name. All she could do was let the tears fall.

Realizing it was time for him to go, Will turned to leave. Florina, Lyn, Nils, Ninian and Eliwood all followed, leaving the Ostia trio alone as they deserved.

That night, the pub was full of merriment. In spite of reaching the place of Maria's grave, the Legion needed a true chance to celebrate their victory. Dorcas and Matthew had finally made a full recovery, which was another cause for celebration. After the afternoon spent with the grave, even Hector was getting into the celebratory mood. Drinks were being passed around, and though Will knew he wasn't a drinker, he found it difficult to turn down the continuous offers so he took one if only so Sain would stop asking.

Kent sat beside him, not taking a drink himself but watching Sain charm his way through the bar. It was amazing how quickly Sain had turned the usual bar goers to his side and brought them into the party, making the bar much livelier than it had likely been in years. In particular right now Sain was leading them in a song, which was being entirely improvised as they went along and the chorus line kept changing every time. Hector surprisingly was joining in on the song and was likely responsible for the constantly changing chorus. Of all the participants, he was the loudest, which seemed to lead them astray more often than any other.

Matthew and Leila sat quietly in a corner, drinking and talking together. Will guessed that it was likely about Maria, but felt it was best he not intrude. It looked like they needed time to themselves, and even though he knew it wasn't the best time, he thought they made a nice couple. Leila was even resting her head on Matthew's shoulder.

Wil and Lowen were playing a card game with a few other patrons, and Lowen was doing surprisingly well. He seemed to always have a smile on his face, and so it was difficult for any of the other players to tell what he had in his hand. Will made a mental note of this to ensure he never played cards with the man. He'd be cleaned out with ease. Wil luckily didn't have that much money on him, so in a few more rounds he'd be out of the game. Small blessings, Will supposed.

Eliwood was sitting with Nils and Ninian, and seemed to be explaining the layout of Lycia to them. Nils didn't seem very interested, but Ninian appeared to be listening closely. None of them were drinking. Will doubted Ninian wanted any alcohol near Nils so she probably didn't drink herself, and Eliwood seemed to either not be a drinker or was avoiding it for Nils' sake.

Wallace was drinking while listening to Dorcas' tale. Dorcas wasn't drinking, perhaps as an extra precaution for his finally healed injury. The two seemed to be getting along quite well and even occasionally joining in with the song, though they kept it to a minimum.

Lucius and Erk were conversing with Serra, though Lucius and Serra were doing most of the talking. Erk seemed satisfied to sit and drink. The smile told Will he had worked out a good fee from Hector for the escort, and putting up with Serra for another night was easy enough with the money he'd received. Lucius was asking Serra about her condition after all the healing she had done during the Caelin battle and the Taliver attack, but Serra seemed to take it as a note of pride. Of course, it would've been much easier with more healers, particularly after her magic reserve ran dry, but she had done a spectacular job in treating those who came to her. Even though she had forcefully enlisted some others to help her.

This left Florina and Lyn to sit with Will and Kent. Perhaps Will should've known this would happen. Of all the people he had associated with, he had gotten closest to Lyn and Florina over their journey. They had talked the most, and Kent was close behind. "It's been a long road." Will finally said.

"It feels like only yesterday we met on the plains." Lyn said. "I hardly believe it myself."

"And yet here we sit nine months later." Kent said. "You have truly accomplished much in this short time."

"Oh come on." Will said. "Can we drop all that?"

Kent's cheeks reddened. "Forgive me, it's not often I relax."

"It's fine." Will said. "You're right, I just hate rehashing events."

"Then you should avoid starting those conversations." Lyn said with a giggle. She put on a fake serious voice, "It's been a long road, but we've made it this far thanks to each other." She said in a deep voice that was an imitation of Will's.

"Oh come on, I did not sound like that." Will said. He turned to Florina, but found her no help as she too was giggling.

At his look of disbelief, Florina couldn't help herself. "Well you did… a little." She said, her giggling intensifying. Even Kent Will found was chuckling behind his glass.

"You guys are mean." Will said. The four fell silent as they listened to the song, which somehow had gone from a bar song to a ballad and was somehow moving into tango. How any of that happened was anyone's guess, but Sain dancing with one of the waitresses may have had something to do with it.

"He's not going to get himself into trouble, is he?" Kent worried.

"I think its fine." Will said. "Sain might be a flirt, but I've never seen him put a hand on a woman that didn't want it."

"That's true." Kent said, his fears fading.

"Will?" Florina asked. Her voice had been quiet, so over the raucous singing and laughter he had almost missed it.

"What is it, Florina?" Will asked.

"I've heard… well, rumors mostly, but people think you'll be leaving…?" She said, her voice falling silent.

To be honest, he had been thinking about the question and how to address it. It should have been easy, but whenever he thought to tell someone it seemed to catch in his throat. "Not yet." Will said.

"So you do plan on leaving at some point." Kent said.

Will looked away before nodding. "There's a lot of baggage left over with the Fang. I can't say for sure whether they'll continue to hunt me, but even the smallest chance means I shouldn't put Caelin at risk."

"We're your friends." Lyn said. "Can't you trust us to help you?"

"It's not that I don't trust you." Will said. "It's more like… how do I put this… Right now I feel the most prudent course of action is to keep traveling. With Mark gone, I can start discrediting the Fang wherever I go, and hopefully spread the word about Nergal's intents. Unlike the issue with the Taliver, I don't think people are just going to believe me if the problem isn't in their face."

"So what, you'll act as some… missionary?" Kent asked.

"I don't know what to call it." Will said. "And I have no guarantee it'll work. But I have to try."

Lyn and Florina fell silent. Kent understood why, but perhaps for the time being it was best he didn't say. These three would face many problems in the coming times, not least of which the issue that stared them all in the face. If Will left for a time, perhaps one or the other would sort it out and be done with it. At least, he hoped so. Two in love with one never ended well in any story he could recall.

"You'll write?" Lyn asked.

"When I can, if you wish." Will said.

"Of course I wish!" Lyn said. "You're my friend!"

"Then I will write." Will said.

"When would you come back?" Florina asked.

"I can't say that for sure. Traveling can take you to places without your knowledge. I would say a year at least." Will said.

"That's a long time." Kent said. "Will you travel alone?"

"I'm not planning on it, no." Will said. "It was only in passing, but there are two that I think I will travel with for a time. If we go our separate ways on the road, then so be it."

"I see." Kent said. "I trust your judgment, so I won't try to stop you."

Both Florina and Lyn fell silent once more. They didn't want to seem like they couldn't trust him. "Thank you." Will said. "But first, we'll return to Caelin. I'd like to wish Lord Hausen well."

The night continued to be merry for a short time after, until everyone began to head for their respective beds. As the stars shone high above, Will closed his eyes and slept deeply for the first time since the ship sank beneath the waves.