The late afternoon sun cast down upon the castle gate. The long shadows cast by the great stone walls flooded the courtyard where the citizens of Caelin were still recuperating from the previous night's events. Lucius had helped heal many of them but much of his time had been spent healing the young archer, Wil. The spell had drained much of his will to live and distorted much of his body's inner workings. But, thanks to Lucius' staff and the grace of the goddess, Wil was is a stable condition.
It had been Kent who had really saved Wil's life, carrying him back through the woodland and taking him, and Lucius, back to the castle on the back of his horse. The speed and efficiency of the knight had given Wil extra time. In typical fashion, Kent's humble nature downplayed his role, though all knew otherwise.
Lucius had also attended another of Lyndis' close friends during the night; the young pegasus knight, Florina. The girl had been much easier to heal than Wil had, her wounds all being physical scarring rather than magical. The medical man of the castle had already healed most of her wounds, Lucius had merely helped speed up the process.
He tightened the rope that sealed his food satchel and continued out of the gate. The night's events weighed upon his mind. He had aided Lyndis in her battles against her ambitious uncle many months ago, however the last battle had been much more involved than anything he had experienced before. He didn't like the madness that drove the men he fought. Lokus hadn't even cared for his own life. Lucius couldn't fathom what could drive a man to such desperation.
"So, you think they were Black Fang?" Lyndis was perched upon one of the stone turrets that walled the bridge leading into the castle. Lucius stopped and gave her a weak nod. She was still so calloused and raw. In the bright sun and mild shadows of the afternoon, he could see Lyndis of the Plains rather than the Lady of Caelin. She didn't wear the dresses she was meant to, she didn't stay indoors as she was meant to. He had once overheard Wil suggest that Lucius and Lyndis ought to switch roles.
"I should have told you I was leaving," Lucius conceded. He knew he was being rude but he couldn't summon the words to say. He wanted to explain that he had other matters elsewhere. His old friend, Raven, would be waiting for him. The duty of a priest was never done. Travelling was a way of life for him. Yet, in truth, he could stay. He could remain at Castle Caelin with the remnants of 'Lyndis' Legion'. Only his troubled mind stopped him. "I'm sorry."
"Well, you have to do what you have to do. Everyone has their own path, Lucius. I can understand you not wanting to be couped up here. I wish I could leave sometimes too!" Lyndis hopped off of the turret and strode towards the white-clad priest. He flinched a little when she reached him. Her arms encompassed him. "Be careful out there."
"Th-thank you Lyndis," he replied and, with much hesitation and uncertainty, returned the embrace. "You too. Try not to let them change you, Lyn."
She laughed, "Do you honestly think they could?"
"You have me there," Lucius agreed and accompanied her laughter. The joke was short-lived and uncomfortable smiles came between them. "Well then. I hope we meet again. One day..."
Lyndis nodded and stepped aside. He saw the sadness behind her beaming face and felt the guilt within his stomach threaten to rip out. He held his tongue. With a small wave, that he hoped was casual and cheery, Lucius left Castle Caelin and Lady Lyndis behind. With each step he felt the world become much more simple and the weight on his mind soften. He knew it was fleeting. Raven would be more than a handful when they met, but he could enjoy the simplicity of life for now at least.
The End.
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Author Note: Sorry that the final chapter was so much shorter than the rest. The whole story was rather shambolic and cobbled-together to begin with. I hope it entertained, at least, a little though and gave people some ideas as to what might have happened in-between Lyndis' Tale and Elliwood's. All comments are appreciated, thanks to everyone that has already read the story. I hope you like it in some small way, at least. Keep an eye out for any future stories, please! :)