Epilogue) New Beginnings

The air was filled with laughter and music as the victorious soldiers of the Archanean Army, or whatever the official name was, celebrated the end of the war. A few days after the fact, of course. Yes, there had been some tired ones immediately afterwards, but full-swing ones like this? You had to build up the energy for, and you really didn't want to celebrate while next to all the dead. And it was a high death toll. That last battle had been one of the most brutal, thanks to all the dragons. There were many who weren't going to make the trip home. There were many who didn't even have a body to carry home. But those were thoughts for later. Right now? Right now, we were enjoying life. And enjoying the end of the war. Because damn it, we'd earned this.

I lingered on the outskirts, sipping some water, watching the various dancers have fun. I smiled warmly when I saw Camus and Nyna in the middle of it all, with Camus actually teaching Nyna some of the dances since she had never danced anywhere but a ballroom. Both were laughing and smiling, and I hoped they could hold onto that happiness. There was still a lot to be done. The war was over, but rebuilding? Gods, there was a lot to rebuild. Really, this would probably be the last bit of fun everyone would have for months. If not more. So, I hoped everyone could remember this feeling. This feeling of accomplishment and cheer.

My eyes drifted over the crowd, picking out people I knew. Astram and Midia danced and laughed among the crowd, lost in their own little world. Hardin jokingly asking Minerva to dance, and her threatening to bruise his feet before agreeing with a smile. I saw Jeorge dance with tiny Maria, teasing her until she blushed and laughed. I watched Linde and Merric dance about before she shoved him at Elice, so that he danced with her instead.

"There you are." Then Nyna was at my side, bouncing and giggling. "I had wondered where you were," she continued, laughing. I glanced around and saw Camus sharing a drink with Hardin and Minerva. "Why are you so far away from everything?"

"I just wanted to look at everything, Nyna," I explained. I offered her my water, and she took it gladly. "Take it all in." I began looking around again, and noticed that Caeda wasn't among the dancers surprisingly. After a moment, I saw her and Prince Marth talking quietly on the edges of the party, and I frowned when I noticed Caeda being nervous and Prince Marth being oblivious. "Uh oh."

"Hmm? Ah." Nyna frowned too, watching. And then Caeda left abruptly, looking rather heartbroken. "I know she was going to try and confess…"

"Something tells me Prince Marth missed the point." I glanced at her. "Which one?"

"I'll take Marth, actually. Something tells me he could use a good scolding."

"Then I'll cheer up Caeda." I winked and started for Caeda before I lost her. "Have fun!"

"Oh, I will!" Nyna laughed and waved goodbye before heading straight for Marth with an expression of perfect innocence. She really was going to let him have it.

I snickered before catching up with Caeda, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "He's such a dunce sometimes, isn't he?" I said, grinning. Caeda simply smiled faintly. "Even with all this, he's a stupid boy. But Nyna will set him straight. Probably after making him squirm a bit. So, how about you and I have some fun together and make him work for it?"

"Well, I had been wanting to dance," Caeda began slowly. Her smile warmed and she giggled, feeling better already. "You can be my first dance of the night!"

"An honor I shall cherish forever." I took her hand and pulled her into the crowd. "Come on, then!"

The two of us danced for a few songs before Kris showed up to steal her for the next few, mischievous eyes hinting that she was actively keeping Caeda away from Marth. I had laughed and tried to escape the crowd, but Hardin snagged me for a dance or two. Then Camus. Astram, Midia, Minerva, Lena… Even Maria and Tiki, though they made sure to pair up to dance with me. So, it was a while before I could actually leave the crowd, though I couldn't really be mad about it. It was hard to be mad when everyone was having so much fun.

"Oh, hey, perfect!" Kris appeared at my side and tugged me a little further away from the crowd. "Look," she giggled, pointing to where Marth and Caeda were talking again. This time, though, Marth was blushing badly, fumbling through his words. "Ah, the silly prince. Playing keep away was fun."

"Wasn't it?" I giggled, amused. Part of me wanted to get a little closer to eavesdrop, but I decided against it. This was their moment, just for them. No need to potentially ruin the mood. "Perfect payback for him being oblivious."

"Worse, he was being 'dutiful'. I swear Nyna almost bopped him on the head." Kris grinned and stretched her arms out wide, squeaking a little. "Ah, but this mood isn't going to last, is it? There's so much to do still."

"Sadly." The continent had been ravaged. It would probably take decades to rebuild everything. "And Nyna and Prince Marth will be in the middle of things."

"Same for us, though, right? I mean; you're like me." Kris's eyes were serious, even as she kept the grin. "We're both suited to the shadows."

"We are." I ruffled her hair and she made a face. "But, for the night, we're going to have fun just like everyone else. So…" I looked around the crowd to see who was closest and shoved her towards Linde, who instantly dragged her into dancing. "Have fun!" Kris made a funny squawking noise in protest, and I laughed and laughed, watching the chaos.

I wasn't alone for long, though. Someone hugged me from behind and I looked up to see it was Jeorge. "Don't suppose I can have the next dance?" he asked with a grin. I pretended to debate it for a moment before smiling shyly and nodding. "Excellent. Tonight is a night for all of us to have fun."

"It is," I agreed, following him in the crowd. The laughter and cheer was infectious and I held onto the memory. Knowing it would be needed. "It is, indeed."

Tomorrow, we'd actually put in the work to make everything prosper again. Our stories weren't over. They were just getting started, still. And I'd watch it all from the shadows, just like Kris. Because where there was light, there was darkness, and someone had to stand in the dark. That was our choice. And we'd never regret a moment of it. So, tonight, we danced and drank to new beginnings alongside everyone else. The rest of the story could wait for another day.

Fates of people after the partying ended and the reconstruction began:

Marth, Altean King - Marth returned to war-torn Altea, and devoted his energy to restoring his kingdom to its former glory. Three months after the war's end, he was officially coronated. A month after that, he and Caeda announced their courtship to the joy of all his citizens, and Talys's. Though his heart aches for all the dead, he remains determined to see the future will be a much brighter era than the past.

Nyna, Archanean Empress - Nyna returned to broken Archanea and spend her days helping her people heal from their terrible wounds. A month after the war's end, she was officially coronated as empress. Though she makes no secret of it, she and Camus wait to announce their courtship, and engagement, to allow the people to become used to him. It's not uncommon to see them walking the gardens, discussing politics and teasing each other.

Caeda, Talys's Heart - Caeda returned to Talys briefly to assist her father in repairing the various port cities and reestablishing contact with the mainland. Afterwards, though, she flew to Altea to spend her time with Marth, greeting him with a bold kiss to the cheek. Their whispers of love warmed the castle halls, and many songs have been spun of the angelic princess who won the heart of their savior king.

Jagan, Bones of Iron - Once things had quieted after Marth's coronation, Jagan laid down his lance and instead, became one of Marth's advisors. He still helps train the new batch of soldiers and knights, but his focus is on supporting Marth through reconstruction, giving him the advice he knows Cornelius would've wanted to give.

Cain, King's Voice - Cain took over leading the Altean Knights upon Jagan's retirement, taking each and every aspect seriously. He is especially diligent with training the new recruits, and makes sure he holds himself to the same standards. Once a month, he visits the graves of his fallen fellows and tells them about the life he has mad, hoping it would make them feel better that he survived, while they did not.

Abel, Altea's Shield - After Marth's coronation, Abel left the army and opened a small shop in the town, using the connections he made in the army to help bring in wares. He and Est live in a townhouse not far from the castle, and he frequently visits his old friends among the knights and helps them gain supplies to rebuild.

Frey, Brave Knight - Frey regained his memories not long after the war's end and officially returned to active duty, becoming Cain's second in command. He is immeasurably proud of Marth, and is gladdened to see how strong he has become. Once a month, he visits the family who took care of him and shares his stipend with them as quiet thanks.

Gordin, Bow Knight - Determined to become stronger, Gordin squired himself to Jeorge to further his mastery of the bow. He spent many months in Archanea before returning to Altea, much more skilled and confident, though still quite shy. He visits his family weekly, and there's talk that his younger brother will soon join the Knights to follow in his footsteps.

Draug, Gentle Giant - After Marth's coronation, Draug was assigned to an outland garrison, one that needed a great deal of protection as bandits had become far too frequent. After clearing out the bandits, Draug worked diligently in helping the people rebuild, and they soon came to love their kind, but stalwart, protector. He writes to the other knights daily, asking advice and sharing fun gossip to liven up their days.

Norne, the Volunteer - Her stint as a warrior over, Norne returned to her home village to help rebuild. However, she practices constantly with her bow, both as a hunter and because she knows the day might come when Marth needs an extra bow again. If that day ever comes, she'll volunteer once more, because she'll always believe in her king.

Wrys, Kindly Priest - Wrys didn't return to Talys, but instead, rebuilt a monastery on the outskirts of Altea's capital. As soon as building was completed, he turned it into an orphanage and place of refuge, quietly healing the aches in their hearts while Marth rebuilt. Leaders had to focus on the bigger picture, but others could focus on the smaller, ensuring that all the wounds were mended, in time.

Ogma, Loyal Blade - Ogma split his time between Altea and Talys, keeping up his 'contract' for both. Of course, he spends most of his time in Altea with Caeda, guarding her faithfully as he always had. He refuses 'proper' employment as a knight, however. Being a mercenary gives him the option to leave, an option he never had when was little and an option he cannot easily let go of now that he has it.

Barst, the Hatchet - Barst left the mercenary life and briefly served in the Archanean Army. But he quickly left, for reasons unknown. Some people say he left to become a pirate with Darros, but others think he simply decided he was tired of fighting. Since he proves elusive, the actual answer may never be found.

Bord, the Lopper - Bord returned to Talys and his peaceful life as a woodcutter and lumberjack. His craftsmanship was noted to be exemplary, and his woodcuts sold for quite a lot of gold. Still, he promises Caeda that if she should ever need his axe, she need only to ask.

Cord, the Chopper - Cord returned to Talys, and his peaceful life as a lumberjack. He become very well known for his speedy work, and he was quite popular when winter's chill came. However, his loyalty is ever to Caeda, and if she needs his axe, she need only to say the word.

Castor, Loving Son - Castor hurried home after the battles, medicine in hand for his ailing mother. He disappeared, however, after learning his sister had sold herself into slavery to support the family while he was away. Though Caeda tries, there's been no contact from him since.

Darros, Seawalker - Darros returned to the sea, buying his own ship with his pay from the army. Where he is, no one is sure, though most are certain he will not return to piracy.

Julian, Honest Thief - Julian gave up thievery for good and found honest work in Macedon as a tailor. Minerva sometimes calls on his sneakiness to ferret out information, but for the most part, he lives in a village not far from the palace with Lena, helping to raise orphans. Though there's no talk of marriage yet, most people know it's only a matter of time.

Lena, Angel to All - Though offered a spot as the Head Healer for the castle, Lena opted instead to return to the quiet life she enjoyed, focusing on healing the injuries of villagers. She founded a convent in a village not far from Macedon's castle, though she occasionally returns to Grust in order to teach healing magic to some villagers there. For the most part, though, she raises orphans with Julian, and doles out love in equal shares. And blushes when people ask her about when she and Julian will marry.

Navarre, Silent Sword - Navarre vanished into the night not long after the battles concluded. No one knows where he went, though many imposters appear to profit off his name. Ogma is certain that he'll appear again, though, seeking strong warriors and fierce battles again.

Merric, Mirthful Mage - After Marth's coronation, Merric returned to Khadein to finish up his magical studies. He's taking more classes than most in order to finish quickly, as he wishes to help Marth and Elice as soon as possible. Amusingly, when asked about Elice, he blushes and stutters, hinting to a crush, at the very least of things.

Matthias, Dashing Noble - Matthias left the army as quickly as possible to return to a dull, predictable life. Pure bliss for him. However, he seems to be the only one who doesn't see the genuine love his sister has for Julian and continuously tries to ward Julian away from Lena. Thankfully, no one pays him any mind.

Hardin, Coyote - After the war, Hardin returned to Aurelis to assist his brother in aiding their people. Often, he is seen riding through the Lea, enjoying the chance to have a peaceful ride for the first time in years. Though his heart still hurts, he is determined to live his life to the fullest and be as happy as possible. And to watch over his new friends with a smile, so that they might find their greatest happiness too.

Wolf, Aurelian Hero - Wolf, of course, remained a knight of Aurelis, and was always by Hardin's side to assist. In time, he was named captain of an elite force that had an official name, but was more commonly called the Wolfguard. 'Coyoteguard' didn't flow off the tongue quite as well.

Sedgar, Aurelian Star - Like Wolf, he remained a knight of Aurelis, and frequently rode scouting missions to assess the damages to Aurelis. When Wolf was named captain, he was named vice-captain, and became a pillar of support for all who served.

Roshea, Aurelian Hope - Roshea temporarily left the Aurelisi army to explore the rebuilding world, mostly to try and find his place in it. He stayed in Altea for quite some time to assist before returning to Aurelis to retake his knightly vows. He was promptly placed in the Wolfguard and served faithfully, his determination certain.

Vyland, Aurelian Son - Vyland remained a knight of Aurelis, like most of the plainspeople Hardin saved. He became quite known as a nanny and fusspot, always placing the needs of his friends over his own, and always tending to their soldiers worries as closely as possible.

Wendell, Wise Teacher - Wendell returned to Khadein and taught for a time. However, he left after a while for some 'secret mission' entrusted to him by Gotoh. What it is, no one knows, as even when he stays in one place long enough to teach, he says not a word.

Rikard, Big-time Thief - Rikard returned home to supposedly live in peace. Strangely enough, the towns near his home experienced a sudden increase in break-ins and purse-snatchings, but he always insists his innocence. Julian rolls his eyes when he hears, but Lena truly believes it.

Athena, Vun Voman - Athena travels the lands for some time, with a focus on saving children who have been caught up in the conflict. She returns to the people who saved her from time to time, and also visits Altea frequently to help the knights train. She says it is only fair to repay us for all our help, though she always keeps quiet on where exactly she's from.

Bantu, Fire Dragon - Bantu remained behind in Dolhr's countryside, seeking to assist the dragons still living there. How successful he is, we're not sure, but there are no random attacks from Dolhr in the months after the war, so perhaps he has convinced many to wait and hope.

Caesar, Hired Sword - Caesar went right on back to the mercenary life, sometimes doing jobs for Nyna personally. He's careful about his money, mostly because his sister depends on the medicine he buys with said money, and always warns that he will sell his blade to the highest bidder. Nyna accepts the warnings with a smile and a quiet boast of 'I will always be the highest bidder' as a reassurance.

Radd, Lady-Killer - After the war, Radd stops taking up so many jobs, supposedly to woo a woman. It's unknown how well he succeeds, but there's talk that the woman is Caesar's sister, which likely provides no end of amusement.

Roger, Still Single - Roger found his way back to Grust, a little heartbroken, but mostly resigned and amused. Along the way, he reached out to the many people whom the war had touched and focused on helping them rebuild his lives. Regardless of how it happened, he is glad he joined Marth's side of the war.

Jeorge, Perfect Shot - Jeorge returned to Archanea, helping to rebuild the lands both as a general and as the duke of Menedy. Nyna has him keep Parthia as a sign of trust, and he works tirelessly to restructure the archery units. Almost as tirelessly as he works to help Camus acclimate to Archanea, tease Midia and Astram mercilessly, and court Diana. Regardless of his carefreeness, he visits Charles's grave one a month to let him know of everything going on.

Maria, Petite Princes - Maria headed to Khadein for a while, to learn more about magic and healing, before returning to Macedon to assist her people as a cleric. She works closely with Lena and always has a smile on her face. No one knows about Michalis's fate and the part she has played, probably because that story is still unfolding.

Minerva, Crimson Dragoon - Despite her reservations, the people of Macedon clamoured for her to become their queen, and she was officially coronated two months after the end of the war. She puts all her effort into restoring Macedon's glory, and quietly longs for the days where she was only a general. She ignores all whispers of Michalis's possible survival, as the thought just might make her resolve falter and shatter.

Linde, Smiling Mage - Linde splits her time between Khadein and Archanea, learning magic just as her father did, while also becoming one of Nyna's Ladies in Waiting. Though she will also swing by Altea to visit Kris, just for fun. With Gharnef dead and the war over, she's finally healing from her father's death, and she is able to visit his grave without collapsing into tears.

Jake, Anna's Love - Jake returned to his lady love, Anna, and helped rebuild various towns destroyed by the war. He and Anna talk often of visiting distant lands, many of which sound like only fantasy. But they talk of it with sparkling eyes, so no one says a word of dissent.

Midia, Lady Knight - Though Midia thought of retiring to properly rule Deil, she honors Nyna's request to remain a knight at least a little while longer, even becoming their captain. She works hard to discipline all the new soldiers, coordinating with Jeorge and Astram. She also challenges Camus to frequent spars to vent out frustration and, surprisingly, the two begin a strong friendship from it.

Dolph, Spitting Image - Dolph served in the army for a while longer before leaving for 'personal reasons'. Though some say it was a rejection of the emperor-to-be, those who know him think it is simply him being tired of fighting.

Macellan, Dead Ringer - Macellan left the army without a word of explanation, simply an apology to Nyna that he chose to no longer serve. He settled near the border and formed a band of watchmen to guard the nearby towns from bandits, leading most to believe he wished to fight smaller battles and no more wars.

Tomas, Quiet Bow - Tomas left the army after a bad injury, and lived quietly in peace. He sometimes returns to the palace to catch up with old friends, but for the most part, keeps his distance.

Boah, Royal Bishop - Boah resumed his duties as an advisor, determined to help the people get back on their feet. In time, he softens his stance on Nyna and Camus's courtship and supports them completely, though he worries for the struggles they may face in the future. Still, to see Nyna smiling again is enough for him and no matter her choices, he will support her.

Horace, Man of Worth - Officially pardoned after the war, Horace returned to his lands to assist his people. He often returns to the castle to make sure everything is okay, and to make sure Nyna takes the breaks she needs. The two resume their letter exchanges, and often write each other twice a day, just for fun.

Beck, Born Shooter - Beck gained some bit of infamy due to subjugating a group of borderland rebels without a single drop of bloodshed. Supposedly, they all panicked at the sight of a ballista and surrendered, but more likely, it was simply Beck's ability to listen and calm people that led them to lay down their weapons.

Astram, Archanean Hero - Astram was officially made a captain in Archanea's armies, specifically tasked with managing the various mercenaries employed by the crown. He holds onto Mercurious as a sign of trust, and works hard to be worthy of the honor. In his free time, he teases Jeorge about Diana, goes on dates with Midia, and makes sure Camus and Nyna are well. Once a week, he visits Charles's grave to talk about everything and nothing. Often, he talks of how Diana's found her path, and how he's proud in Charles's place.

Palla, Eldest Whitewing - The war gave Palla a horrible case of anxiety, to the point that she had to take a few months leave to recuperate. Not helped, of course, by her unrequited love turning her heart into knots. Still, few things can keep her down, and she returned to duty with her head held high, serving as Minerva's right hand with grace and dignity.

Catria, Middle Whitewing - Catria returned to Macedon with a stoic expression, a defensive mechanism she fell into to deal with the war and with her own unrequited love. She cursed herself for being pathetic and worked twice as hard to push through it, only to end up in the infirmary. On Minerva's orders, she rests and heals from the war and the love, laughing at how silly she can be.

Arran, Free Paladin - Arran wandered the lands a while longer before asking to serve Marth as a knight. Marth accepts the oath with a smile and has Arran assist in rebuilding the knights from the ground up, a high honor for an outsider, but one sorely needed to fix the flaws in the Altean Knights.

Xane, Shape-shifter - After the war, Xane appeared to vanish without a word. There were still some pranks lingering, hinting he had simply shifted into another person briefly, but even those disappeared. No one is sure where he went, but most believe he is ever at Gotoh's side, ready to assist if needed.

Etzel, Spellslinger - Etzel wandered the lands a while longer before settling in Khadein to assist in teaching the younger students. His heart ached for his dead wife, but he does he best to continue living for her sake, some days being easier than others.

Est, Youngest Whitewing - Est served in Macedon's army for a month longer before quitting and flying to Altea to live with Abel. She now delights the town with her bright smile and brighter laugh, and frequently visits the castle to talk about pegasi and flying with Caeda. There are some concerns that her smiles hide trauma from the war, but for the most part, she is happy.

Tiki, Dragon Scion - Tiki lived for a time in Altea, before Gotoh called her away. Tiki cried bitterly at the separation, and Marth asked for Tiki to stay, but Gotoh refused, promising explanations later. When that 'later' will be, no one knows, but sadly, Tiki's whereabouts remain unknown.

Lorenz, People's Man - Not long after the war, King Ludwik died and Prince Jubelo became king. Due to his young age, though, Lorenz was named regent and he worked hard to rebuild the lands so that Jubelo would not be forced to rule a broken land. There's talks of him not seeing eye to eye with Archanea, but most of it is simply Lorenz being a little too blunt for diplomacy.

Camus, Sable General - After the war, he returned to Grust briefly to visit Jubelo and Yuliya and to see if there was word from Sirius. Finding no letters, yet, Camus traveled to Archanea with Nyna to properly court her. He is not entirely keen on being 'emperor', but will suffer it to be with her. Many of his Sable Order follow him to Archanea, bolstering Archanea's ruined forces, though they make it clear they are loyal to Camus and Camus alone.

Ymir, No Monster - The fighting done, Ymir returned to his village, where he was accepted. He was often called to assist in repairs, his size being very useful, and Nyna made sure he was always paid well, so that he could share his wages with his village.

Elice, Life-Giver - Elice returned to Altea with Marth, to the joy of the citizens who had been so worried for her. Her recovery remains a lengthy process, but she heals in stages and works to help the people heal. And, at all times, she stood by Marth as he struggled to become king, smiling in pride as he blossomed into a fine leader.

Gotoh, White Sage - At Nyna's request, Gotoh relocated to Archanea and began teaching again. He was wary of another Gharnef, but his students were eager and he softened quickly at their curious questions. No matter how old and secretive he was, it was obvious he was happiest as a teacher.

Kris, King's Shadow - After Marth's coronation, Kris began the legal process to officially inherit her grandfather's things. Because of how she kept to herself during most of the war and devoted most of her free time to training, most do not know her by sight, and she plans on taking advantage of that to become an Altean Knight through the 'normal' means, instead of simply taking up Marth's offer to become a knight immediately. She wants to earn her place the same way her grandfather did and hopes that by the end of the training, she'll feel comfortable enough to visit his grave. Until then, though, she teases Marth and Caeda mercilessly while working through her own discomforts brought up by the darksphere. In time, she knows, she'll be comfortable in her skin again.

Diana, Empress's Shadow - Diana returned to Archanea with Nyna, and was officially named Nyna's personal bodyguard. To make sure, however, that she and Nyna didn't fall on old habits while being back within familiar walls, she traveled to, Grust, Aurelis, and Macedon to check in on her friends, worrying especially over Jubelo, Yuliya, Hardin and Minerva. When she returned, she was welcomed back with open arms, and spends her days working with Nyna, teasing Camus, reminiscing with Astram, getting advice from Midia, and going on dates with Jeorge. She tentatively reestablishes contact with her birth family, but has not yet visited Charles's grave. She knows she'll heal enough to in time, though.

Author's note: And here's the end of Shadows of the Heirs. The epilogue in game actually changes depending on whether or not Caeda lives. The version here, where Caeda tries to get Marth to confess, Marth misses the point, and then Nyna gives him advice leading to an adorable moment… well, that all happens if Caeda lives (obviously). If she doesn't, there's a much more somber scene where Marth and Nyna talk about his feelings for Caeda, and how it is only by sacrificing one's love that Medeus could be defeated (referencing Artemis's Curse). And that's all that happens, really, with even the character endings being quite short (the ones I have more or less double or even triple what the game has). The game is rather sparse on things, sadly. It's certainly been a unique challenge to try and fill in those gaps. Still, I hope you've enjoyed my take on things, and the changes I've made to the plot.

Now, this game actually has a direct sequel involving most of the same cast, which is a rather unique thing for the Fire Emblem series (it wasn't repeated until the Tellius Games, iirc), which is another reason why things are so short here at the end, why there are some lingering plot threads still (like Kris's romance), and why I didn't add paired endings, like I did in A Tactician's Legacy. There's another game to go through, and we're more or less at the 'midpoint' for most of these characters, meaning that there's much more interactions and development to come. That said, we're not going to jump straight until the eventual FE3/12 novelization (Shadows of the Rulers). Instead, we're going to jump across sea to Valentia for the FE2/15 novelization: Shadows of the Branded.

Regardless, though, this was certainly a treat to write, and I hope you enjoyed reading it. As mentioned, if you want to continue the series, check out Shadows of the Branded. If you want to read more about the Awakening group, check out Shadows of the Shepherds. And if you're curious about my take on the Ylissean-Plegian War, check out Shadows of the Exalt.

Again, I hope you enjoyed reading!