The plaza was packed. It was a big place, but with the many members of the army, it seemed to be much smaller. At least it was much cooler in here than it was outside, in the damned heat. Much, much cooler.

Legault was leaned against a wall, one foot propped against it. He twirled a dagger around in his hand absentmindedly. He glanced around at the chattering people around him.

"I see you," he stated to what appeared to be thin air. "And I see you trying to get away, too."

Matthew sighed as he turned around and glided toward the other thief. "All right, you caught me. Now what?"

Legault paused. "Nice cloak," he commented, eying the red cloak around Matthew's neck. He pulled at his shredded black one. "Mine's getting kind of old..."

Matthew sighed and made a move to take off his cloak when Legault started to laugh. "I'm just kidding! Geez, kids these days. Can't tell if a man's joking or not. You crack me up."

Matthew glared at Legault, removing his fingers from the collar of his cloak. "Jokes are supposed to be funny. I didn't laugh."

"That's only because you"—he tapped Matthew in the chest—"don't have a sense of humor."

"Oh yes he does," Guy said darkly as he passed them. "A very crude sense of humor."

Matthew pursed his lips and chased after Guy, shouting something about "not understanding" and "funny!"

Legault chuckled and shook his head. He paused when he saw the blonde giant (Hawkfoot, was it?) leading away the tactician. He tilted his head curiously and noticed the redheaded boyfriend and that feminine-looking monk. The redhead was scowling and muttering something as he watched the tactician leave. The monk laughed and said something that made the redhead twirl and shout something. Legault assumed he shouted 'what?'

Legault wished he had some corn to chomp on as he watched everybody's conversations. It really was quite fun to watch others' interactions. There were the two Ilian sisters talking—oh! There went the lavender-haired one, bumping into that nomad behind her—the elder of the sisters started to apologize, perhaps, but the nomad simply nodded.

The knight with the mop top (why didn't he just get a haircut?) and the stern Caelin knight were talking to one another vigorously. It was a bit unusual that the redheaded knight wasn't shouting at his brunette companion. Hmm…maybe he was off wooing some ladies? Probably. There were only two things Legault ever saw the green knight, aside from fighting, do: get yelled at and flirt. Not a bad life, Legault had to admit. Not bad at all.

"Dame Knight," Legault greeted the head of blue that had emerged beside him. She frowned slightly, tilting her head.

"How did you see me? You didn't even turn your head."

Legault smirked, and this time he faced her. "What can I say? I'm a master of these…arts, if you please."

"Exactly why I refer to you as Master Legault, yes?"

Legault laughed his bark-like laugh. "The lady has a sense of humor!"

Isadora smiled, pushing her curtain of blue hair out of her face. "If you consider that humor, I suppose I do."

"I do consider it funny," Legault smirked, "so you do have a sense of humor. Pretty face, daring moves, and now a sense of humor? What's next? Don't tell me you can juggle daggers too."

Isadora giggled, covering her mouth with a hand. "Master Legault!" she giggled. "Don't tease me so!" The way she giggled made her feel like a little girl. The only other person who could make her giggle like that was…Harken. Isadora's smile froze and faltered at the thought.

"I'm not teasing you," Legault said. She raised an eyebrow. "Okay, so maybe a little."

She couldn't suppress another laugh. Being around Legault always made her laugh and smile.

"Can you juggle daggers?"

Legault smirked mischievously. "What do you think?"

She tapped a finger against her chin. "Hmm…well, I'm guessing you can. Can you show me?"

He laughed. "Show you? Now? I'm not a performing clown, Dame Knight. Then again…for a pretty face like yours, I'd do anything." He gave her a flashy grin.

"Then perhaps you could show me some other time," Isadora smiled. "That is, if you don't mind, of course."

"Like I said, I would do anything to please a lady such as yourself."

"You flatter me much."

"I flatter you as much as a man ought to flatter a beauty like you. It would be discourteous of me, wouldn't it? Damn, I'm starting to sound like that green knight."

Isadora giggled. "Only a little."

"Ah, well, our strategies are quite different, though," he grinned. "My scars are quite charming, are they not?"

She giggled, putting both hands over her mouth. "Master Legault!" She paused in her laughter, looking at something up ahead. "The Lords are back!"

Legault turned to see that, indeed, the three lords had returned. Along with them came an ancient man, with a long, gray beard; the blonde man who, amazingly, towered over Lord Hector; a beautiful blonde woman; and, by the woman's side, the silver-haired man the army had rescued from the bandits. Oh, and the tactician. She'd just peeped out from behind the blonde giant, looking fairly uncomfortable. She scooted over to Lyn.

"Eliwood," the gray-bearded man spoke, his voice rumbling through the now silent plaza, "Your territory is closest to Bern, is it not?"

"Yes, it is," Eliwood said. "The border lies in the mountains."

"Good. Now, envision a nice, wide place in Pherae…Next, think of the name of a person you might meet there."

Eliwood looked confused, but nonetheless closed his blue eyes. "As you say…" he murmured, eyebrows furrowing slightly in concentration. There was a silent moment.

Then the floor beneath their feet shook. People yelped, clutching onto walls that shook, and each other. Shouts of fear and worry erupted throughout the plaza.

"What's going on?" Isadora shouted at Legault, concern etched across her face. Legault grabbed onto her outstretched hand and pulled her close, swishing his cloak over her. They themselves were starting to shake.

"What's happening?" Hector shouted at Athos as he wrapped an arm around Lyn protectively. She clenched at the fabric of his shirt.

Athos simply smiled, raising his arms. "Now, children of Roland, it is time to say farewell. You must reach the Shrine of Seals. There, your destinies' doors will open wide before you."

The shouts disappeared just as quickly as the entire army disappeared. Athos stood standing, staring at the empty plaza. His eyebrows were furrowed deep in thought as he strode back to his chambers.

It was up to them now. The fate of Elibe was in their hands.

"Are we dead?" were the first words spoken in the silent air. There was a moment of silence before Bartre roared with laughter. He was soon joined in by others.

"Nay, lass, we ain't dead!" Dart shouted. Everybody opened their eyes to take a look at their surroundings. They appeared to be in a large castle, the floors spotless, a chandelier dangling from the ceiling.

"But where are—" Heath started.

"Pherae!" Marcus cried, followed by Lowen and Isadora. The three looked ecstatic, glancing around their castle.

"Mother!" Eliwood cried, stepping out toward a purple-haired woman wearing a stunning white dress.

"Eliwood?" she whispered, reaching a hand out toward him. "Is that you?"

"Yes, Mother it's me!" he said, embracing her tightly. "I've come home!"

"Oh my…Eliwood! It's so nice to see you safe and sound!" She embraced him back, and when they separated, she gently placed a hand on his cheek. She gave him a smile, her eyebrows crinkling.

"How did we manage to get here?" Hector grumbled, glancing around. Lyn released her grip on him, taking a few steps forth to take a look at the castle.

"Magic?" she offered. He shrugged.

"Maybe. I knew that old coop was a little strange in the head."

"Hector!" Lyn reprimanded. "He's one of the Eight Legends; you ought to pay some respect."

Hector scowled. "He could've at least explained what the hell he was doing to us."

"You would've believed him?" Lyn raised an eyebrow.

He hesitated. "No."

"Exactly."

Eliwood made his way back to them. He looked exhausted yet happy. "Mother wishes for us to stay here tonight," he told them.

"Great," Hector said. "We could all use a good night's rest."

"I had a feeling you'd say that," Eleanora murmured from behind. She smiled brilliantly at Hector. "See, Eliwood? I told you they wouldn't mind."

"Of course not," Lyn smiled. "As long as it's fine with you, Lady Eleanora, we'd greatly appreciate staying for a night. We're all exhausted."

"Please, make yourself at home."

"Thank you. I'm Lyn." She extended her hand for a handshake. Eleanora smiled and grasped onto Lyn's hand, pulling her into a small hug, her cheek touching Lyn's. She smiled and released her, greeting Hector in a similar fashion.

"Thank you," she murmured. "For taking care of my Eliwood."

"Mother..." Eliwood mumbled sheepishly. Hector and Lyn smiled.

"You all look tired," she said, clapping her hands. "There are plenty of empty rooms. Please, do rest."

"Thank you, Mother," Eliwood murmured. She smiled and ruffled his red hair.

"Anything for my dear son," she said quietly. Eliwood gave her a small smile.

"C'mon," Hector murmured to Lyn, placing a hand on her shoulder. They walked off to their comrades, all of whom appeared to be half-dead. Serra's eyes were closed, her head bobbing up and down toward Lucius's shoulder. It was a surprise she wasn't on the floor already.

"Lady Eleanora is allowing us to sleep in her castle for a night. C'mon, let's all get some sleep."

A couple of Pheraen knights came in to help putting the Pegasi, Wyvern, and horses into the stables, as a few others helped the army to their rooms. Marcus was chatting jubilantly to a number of knights, apparently wide-awake now that he was back in Pherae. He was the only one who was so jovial, however.

Lucius had an arm around the half-sleeping Serra to stop her from falling, Dorcas carried the sleeping Nils as Ninian looked at her brother through half-lidded eyes, Lyn and Hector were too tired to strike an argument, Canas's book slipped out his fingers multiple times, Rebecca yawned, Sain didn't bother to woo anyone, Priscilla almost stumbled to the ground if it weren't for Raven, and Florina was sleeping on Dart's back with Fiora's permission.

So, yes, the army was very tired.

They threw themselves into open rooms, not caring who was with who, which gender was with which. They just needed to sleep.

So, somehow, Hector, Jasmine, Raven, Oswin, and Priscilla all ended up in a room together. It was, admittedly, a bit cramped, but nobody took much note to it: Raven jumped into bed, Priscilla curled up on the couch, Oswin fell down to the floor, leaving Hector and Jasmine. There was room for one more person on the bed, a chair, and, of course, the floor.

"Hey, Jas?" Hector said, eying the tactician. "You're not sleeping, are you?"

"I'm standing, aren't I?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. She yawned.

"Birds sleep standing."

"I'm not a bird. So, is that it? You just wanted to ask me if I was a bird or not?" She headed toward the lamp, ready to turn it off.

"No, that's not it. It's just that, making it this far, it's got me thinking…and I realized that I owe you an apology." She raised an eyebrow. "You remember. When we first met… I doubted your ability and said some things… I was wrong. You know all that we each are capable of doing, and you direct our hands based on that knowledge. It's because of you that we've won our battles so far. Jas, you're an imposing tactician."

She stared at him as if he'd lost her mind. She pinched herself a few times. "Wait…I'm not dreaming?"

Hector scowled immediately. "What's that supposed to mean?" he demanded. "Did I say something strange? Why does everyone think I've got nothing nice to say? Anyway, I'm counting on you again, Jasmine!"

Jasmine smiled sleepily, making her way toward the bed. "Of course," she murmured as she slipped beneath the covers, eyes closing. "Right after you hand me my paycheck…"

"Hey! I'm being serious!" He paused when she spoke no more. Letting out a wordless growl, he turned off the lamp, dropped into the large chair, and fell asleep.

Raven opened his eyes, which widened instantly when they saw that he was nose-to-nose with Jasmine. Nearly falling out of bed from surprise, he sat up and supported himself.

He hadn't expected to awake to that. He simply sat there for a moment, allowing the moment to process, to realize that it was the morning and that he was in the Pheraen castle. He glanced around. Everybody around him was sleeping. Priscilla slept like an angel compared to that brute lord, who was snoring, his head against the headrest of the chair, his mouth open slightly. Oswin was lying quite straight. Both he and Hector were still wearing their armor.

So Raven was the only one awake. He looked out the window streaming in light. It was still fairly early. He returned his attention to Jasmine. The only times he ever interacted with her was when he argued with her, so it was strange to see her like this. He leaned in toward her curiously. She looked so peaceful, her forehead free of worry lines, her eyes closed, not in the usual glare in which she typically looked at him.

And she would stay like this for, probably, hours. Always the late and deep sleeper. Raven tilted his head. Slowly he extended a hand, paused, before continuing.

He gently brushed a curl of hair out of her face. She didn't stir, though she did shift slightly. Why couldn't she be so peaceful when she was awake? It would make his life much easier. There was an innocence to her now that she was asleep, the sweet innocence of a child, that he had never seen.

"Lord Brother?"

Raven turned to see Priscilla look at him sleepily. She half-sat up and rubbed her eyes.

"You can sleep more, Priscilla," he said softly. She shook her head, her eyes widening slightly in an effort to wake.

"No," she mumbled, "I don't want to."

He sighed as he shifted on the bed to fully face her. "You need your rest. We had a long day yesterday…a very long day." It really had been. Treading through a sandstorm, battling in some unknown fortress below the sand, meeting the 'Living Legend' after hours of fighting, and finally making it to Pherae hadn't been how he'd expected the day to be.

"You need more sleep than me," she countered. "I've done nothing but heal others. You, on the other hand, have actually fought hours and hours."

"Don't worry about me. I'm fine."

"…Please, just rest your eyes for a few extra moments. I'm sure we have a long day ahead of us today as well."

"We're most likely just marching," he said. "I don't consider that very difficult."

Priscilla sighed and nodded. "All right, then," she murmured. "If you say you're fine, you must be fine." She sounded unconvinced.

"Quit worrying about me. I'm a grown man; I can take care of myself."

"Yes," she said quietly, her eyes sparkling. "You are a grown man." They stared at each other briefly, a brother-sister moment.

Raven looked toward the door. "I'm hungry. I think I'll go get some breakfast."

"Is anyone else awake? Maybe I'll come with you." Priscilla half-rose from the couch.

"Stay here, Priscilla," he said, outstretching a hand to signal her to stop. She pursed her lips.

"We're in a castle, Lord Brother. I doubt there are any dangers here."

"Perhaps that's the kind of thinking that brought us to where we are now."

There was a long silence between the two. Hector's snores and Jasmine's shifting was the only thing that made noise.

"I'm going," Raven said abruptly, standing up. Priscilla said nothing. She looked down at her bare feet as Raven exited the room quietly.

He sighed as he glanced around the empty hall. He had no idea where the kitchen was. He decided to take a right and walk down the hallway. He looked out the large windows. The sun was shining brightly in the white sky.

He paused and curiously made his way to the window. So this was Pherae. The villages laid out in front of the castle gates. Dots of people made their way to and fro their houses, guiding mules and horses, carrying sacks on their shoulders. They had a certain grace about them. Raven wasn't sure what it was. They way that old man took water from the well—what was graceful about that? Nothing, really. Perhaps it was the strength he held in his back, the willingness to work.

Pheraens were proud. Proud to serve their distraught city, to service a Marquess-less territory.

"Oh, thank goodness!" Raven turned to a relieved Guy. "I was lost," he explained at the redhead's raised eyebrow. "I was on my way back from the bathroom…when, well, I didn't know my way back."

"I'm headed for the kitchens," Raven said. "Is anybody else awake?"

"Not as far as I know. Hey, maybe we should go to the kitchens together! I'm pretty hungry too…" He rubbed his stomach. Raven's growled.

"Whatever gets me closer to that food," he said as he headed toward the stairs he noticed to his left.

"We're going down the stairs? Okay, guess we are," Guy said as he followed Raven.

"You don't have to follow me if you don't want to."

"I don't want to get lost again, so I think I'll stick with you."

"Suite yourself."

They made it to the bottom of the spiraling staircase. And there were three different halls they could go through. Great.

"I say we go straight," Guy said.

Raven raised an eyebrow. "If I recall correctly, you're always getting lost. I don't plan on using directions from somebody who's always getting lost." So he took a right, quickly followed by a pouting Guy.

"I guess you have a point," he grumbled, "but you didn't have to say it like that. …Say, Raven?"

"What?"

He hesitated. "You…you're close with Priscilla, aren't you?"

Raven slowed down his pace and looked directly at Guy. "What of it?"

"Well…I, I was wondering if you knew whether or not she fan—"

"What are you two doing out here?" A Pheraen knight was striding toward them.

"We're hungry," Raven stated.

"So that gives you a right to walk about the castle at such a time?"

"You have a problem with it?"

The knight's eyebrows furrowed. "Yes, I do. You ought to be more respectful when staying in another's castle."

"Sorry," Guy said, "but we couldn't wait for everybody to get up. We're starving. We haven't eaten since…since yesterday morning!" The realization made Guy feel even hungrier.

"I don't care whether or not you're starving. As a guest, you should've—"

"That's enough," a soft voice came from behind. The Pheraen knight straightened and twirled on his heels, saluting his Lady as she gracefully walked toward them. "Good morning, boys," Lady Eleanora smiled at the two. Guy bowed his head, and it was hard to tell whether it was of embarrassment or respect. Raven simply nodded to her.

"Lady Eleanora," the knight said and bowed deeply. Once he straightened up he said, "I found these two roaming about the castle. Shall I take them back to their rooms?"

"That's unnecessary. Surely these two would rather have breakfast first?" She looked at them questioningly.

"That's exactly what he wasn't allowing us to do," Raven said. The Pheraen knight twitched.

Eleanora frowned. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry."

"I should be the one apologizing," the knight said immediately. "I apologize for my rudeness, milady." He bowed again, hands straight at his side.

"It's alright. You didn't know better. Now, come along boys, I already have breakfast set up."

She gestured for them to follow her.

"I told you I was going the right way," Raven said to Guy as they walked. Guy pouted. Eleanora giggled.

"Oh, it's nice to have some company." Her smile had a hint of sadness in it.

Raven didn't respond. It was Guy who said, "And it's a great honor to be in your company, Lady Elanora."

She chuckled. "That's very sweet you. So, how has the army had your toll on you?" she asked conversationally.

"It's tough," Guy admitted, "but I'm always ready for a fight. I want to become the greatest swordsman of Elibe!" he exclaimed, then paused, slightly embarrassed at his outburst. Eleanora only smiled encouragingly.

"I'm sure you could it."

"Thank you," Guy beamed.

"And what about you, dear?" she asked Raven. His eyebrow twitched at the 'dear'.

"It's okay." Then it suddenly hit him. He was talking to Lady Eleanora of Pherae. The dead Marquess's wife. She was around when Cornwell had been destroyed. On impulse, he asked, "Do you know anything of House Cornwell?"

Damn. It'd just slipped out of his mouth. Perhaps he'd spent one too many days with that damned tactician.

Eleanora looked surprised. Nonetheless she answered with a, "Yes. What would you like to know?"

Guy looked confused. "What's House Cornwell?"

"A House of Lycia that was destroyed," she explained. "Though I must admit, it is a bit…odd of you to ask."

"I'm into the history of Lycia," Raven lied quickly. "So I always wondered what had happened between Cornwell and the rest of the Lycian League…I've never been able to get very good details. I want to know what actually happened."

"Oh, I see. Well, Lord Uther ordered Cornwell be destroyed because of its corruption. We'd caught—Lord Hausen caught, to be exact—Cornwell's Marquess stealing funds from the League. We all confronted Marquess Cornwell, but he continually denied the accusations. Eventually, Uther and most of the League decided upon ridding Cornwell." She paused. "It was a bit sad, though, I must admit. The Marquess had a few children. Such a shame…" She shook her head.

Raven didn't say anything. After a moment, he said, "Are they dead?"

"The children? We're not sure. I heard they fleed before the House was destroyed. I do hope they're still out there…"

You're looking at one of them. "I see…well, thank you for the information." Like he had told Lucius, Raven planned on uncovering the story behind Cornwell. All of it. Now that he wasn't blinded by hate and revenge (okay, so he still hated Hector) he could properly work the entire story out.

"Not a problem." She paused. "Has my Eliwood been faring well?"

"He's doing great," Guy reassured immediately. "He has amazing skills with swords. I'm happy that he's guiding our army."

She smiled genuinely. "I'm glad to hear that." She stopped as they entered the huge dining room. One long table covered most of the area. It was filled with piles and piles of food. "We're here!" She clapped her hands. "Luckily for you two, you get a head start. Dig in!"

Raven and Guy looked at each other briefly before diving into the food.