So! Given I've not ever done one of these before, welcome to the Mailbag!

It's hard to believe that what started as a random thought I had walking home after missing the bus waaay back in February would turn out like this, huh? (Ignore the two months break I took when I was horrendously ill. That totally didn't happen. Honest.)

What was originally intended to be a twist on the Conquest story turned out very different, but since it's been well received in this form, I won't lament over could-have-beens (although I may do my original idea at some point.).

Guest: Sakura got no dialog, can we see more of it in Darkhearts?

Sakura will be more prominent next time, yes. Most (if not all) of the royals will have a short Arc each. I will not promise that they'll all have an arc, but I've got a solid idea for Ryoma, Xander, Camilla and Hinoka's arcs.

As for why she wasn't there, take it as she was looking after the Capital, as having all the Royals around a dangerous portal is a bad idea.

Guest (No relation to the previous one. Probably.): Will the Raijinto be passed on to a different warrior?

Yes, but it's probably not going to be who you think.

Socail: How long until the purging of Hoshido and Nohr? How long till another fic?

I'm aiming to get the first chapter of Darkhearts out during the first week of October. I'm giving myself a few weeks to clear my head and sort a few things out story-wise. As for the purge, I'm fairly certain any information regarding that counts as spoilers.

The Apocryphal One: I'm sad to see Gunter go. But he went out in an awesome way, and managed to stall long enough to save Caleb (I think).

Not a question, but something I can clear up…sorta. Yes, Gunter did stall Ryoma long enough for Lilith, Shigure and Caleb to be gone, whether this counts as saving him depends on how much power you think Lilith has. Could Lilith have taken Ryoma herself? Did Gunter's sacrifice halt an even greater loss? I'll leave it up to you guys to decide.

So! In order to tide you over until then, here's a short bonus chapter that just had to be written. It didn't really fit in with the Epilogue, but it's too short to be a standalone entry. So here you go.

See you in October, and see you in Darkhearts.

-Remful.

Funeral for a friend:

The following morning, the city of Grandhaven woke to the news that their Highlord had been slain their beloved Princess kidnapped. The Queen had locked herself in her chambers and refused to let anyone in, including the King, who, it was obvious to all, was forcing himself onwards.

So unsurprisingly, the mood was grim.

Corrin had, in the hours since the Hoshidan incursion, organised a funeral for the old warrior (and secretly, tried to send people over to the treacherous kingdom, but the Deeprealm Gate failed, a fact Corrin had withheld from the populace, for now.)Whilst trying to write up a speech, he had read through some of Gunter's journals, and learned the names of his family.

Corrin didn't know Gunter had even been married, let alone a Father. A dull pang of jealousy flooded him for all of a few moments, that those children had the great honour to truly call that man 'Father', something he could only dream of.

So there the Havenites were, standing around a pyre. Gunter's armour had been repaired and cleaned, and the service sword rested on his chest, his hands clasping the hilt.

Corrin walked slowly to the front of the crowd. He calmed himself down with a few deep breaths.

"We mourn today for our Highlord, Gunter." Corrin said, his voice cold and carrying an underlying sorrow. "Born in a foreign village in Nohr, Husband to Beatrix, and father to Samson, Alexa and Lauren. Champion of Nohr, first Highlord of Haven."

"Many of you here fought alongside him during the taking of Valla. Some of you know him from Nohr and Hoshido."

"He died fighting King Ryoma of Hoshido, claiming the King's sword arm. He died with honour, doing his duty to the last. Do not belittle or despise him for failing to slay Ryoma! He was an old soldier, and died the way he would have wanted, in battle. For a worthy cause. He was a hero!"

Dull murmurs rippled around the crowds.

"And we at least will honour our heroes." He remarked. "Let it be known that Highlord Gunter, is hereby granted the title 'Shield of Haven'.

He let out a quiet sigh, and motioned for a torch. One of the mages in attendance hurriedly offered one to him. Sparing his former tutor one last look, Corrin lit the pyre.

"And he the best man I've ever known." He whispered to himself as the fire engulfed the closest thing he'd ever had to a father.

Later, with his sons in tow, he made his way back to the royal chambers. He knocked loudly on the door, and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Just before Corrin walked away, the door opened, and his Queen fell into his arms.

"H-He took our daughter…." Azura sobbed into his shoulder. "M-My precious little g-girl."

"I know." It was all Corrin could think to say. Like her, Cana's kidnap had devastated him, even if he couldn't afford to show it.

"Promise me." The Blunette begged. "Swear you'll b-bring her back!"

"….I swear, even if I must slay the Gods themselves, I will bring our daughter home." He murmured as he held his family close.

"And I will crush anyone that dares challenge this vow."