The following morning, Priscilla checked on Jasmine to ensure that she was alright, as Raven waited outside the tent. After a bit, Priscilla exited the tent and turned to him.

"She'll be fine," she said in a crisp, business-like tone. "She just needs to take it easy, because her body's still adjusting to the loss of blood...so she's going to feel a bit lightheaded for a while."

He nodded. "I understand," he said softly. "Thank you."

She stared at him a moment longer than was necessary, wearing an expression that was a cross between anger and wonder. Then she nodded in return and turned her back to him, stalking off without another word. Raven stared after her.

Jasmine emerged from the tent, looked at Raven, and then turned to see what he was staring at it. "You two still haven't made up?" she questioned, arching an eyebrow at him.

He sighed. "No."

"Why not?" she huffed. "It's been weeks! Raven, you need to go apologize to her!"

He groaned. "But what do I have to apologize for? I've done nothing wrong!"

She gaped at him. "I can't believe you! You said something that hurt her feelings, and quite badly at that!"

"It was the truth," he insisted. "That knight is no good for her!"

"Is anybody ever going to be good enough for her?" she retorted. He raised his eyebrows. "If you keep hovering over her like that, you're just holding her back!" She winced suddenly, putting a hand to her head. Concerned, he a reached a hand out toward her, but she waved him off.

"You need to take it easy, Jasmine," he said softly, in concern. She shot him a look.

"How can I take it easy when you're giving me such a hard time?" He opened his mouth to retort, but she beat him to it. "Sain's not a bad guy. He's a bit careless, sure, and a huge flirt, but he's caring and devoted. If he makes her happy, isn't that the only thing that matters? Don't you want her to be happy?"

He sighed heavily. "...Yes, I do," he admitted.

"Then what are you waiting for? Go apologize to her!"

He paused thoughtfully. "...I will, later," he said. She frowned at him.

"But-!"

He put a hand up to stop her. "I have to speak to somebody else first." Her frown only deepened. "I know what I'm doing," he said firmly to her dubious look.

She sighed and nodded. "Alright, then. Listen, I'm gonna go get breakfast. Would you like to join me, or will you be...?"

"I'll join you later." He paused. "Unless you need any help, that is."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "How old do I look like to you? Five?" she huffed indignantly. "I can get breakfast on my own, thank you very much!"

He raised his eyebrows at her and scowled. "I was just-"

"I know," she smiled. She squeezed his arm affectionately. "And I appreciate it. But I'll be fine."

"...Are you sure?"

"Yes," she laughed softly. "I'm a big girl, y'know. I can take care of myself."

He looked as if he wanted to argue, but instead he leaned in toward her and gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead. When he drew away he was pleased to see the look of shock on her face. He smirked at her before turning on his heels and heading off toward the other direction of camp. She stared after him with a bewildered expression, but soon she just smiled and shook her head. Taking a deep breath, she looked forward and started toward the campfire.

It felt strange to walk again. It felt rather unnatural and awkward. She managed, though, taking it one step at a time. Familiar faces greeted her with smiles and raised eyebrows. She giggled softly as Lowen dropped his bag of apples in surprise.

It was Wallace who was the first to speak when he noticed her. "By the Powers," he boomed, "I knew you were tough, girl!"

"Or perhaps just lucky," she smiled.

"Luck schmuck!" he huffed. "You gotta have real guts to be able to survive after drowning and losing nearly every drop of blood in your body! A weaker person wouldn't have made it through, even if he had all the damned luck in the world!"

"You think so?" she questioned, taking a seat beside him.

"I know so!" he boomed confidently, pounding his chest armor with his fist.

"And you know this from serving that pathetic territory you worship, for, what, a hundred years?" a different female voice sneered. Jasmine looked up to see a tall woman with short blonde hair approach them, with an amused smirk on her lips. Immediately Jasmine noted the jagged scar running across the woman's face, and instinctively her hand flew to her own scar. The woman took notice of the motion, her eyes scanning the long scar across Jasmine's face. She opened her mouth to say something, but Wallace interrupted.

"Pathetic territory?" Wallace shouted indignantly. "A hundred years?!"

"Are you as deaf, teapot? Or are my words too quick for you to properly comprehend what I'm saying?"

"Why, I've never-!"

"Never what?" she sneered. "Been outwitted? I find that rather hard to believe, General, for your wit is as slow as your moves on the battlefield!"

Jasmine's mouth dropped at the audacity of Vaida's comment, and Wallace's face reddened in anger. He looked even more like a teapot, one ready to burst. "WHAT?" he roared. "You dare insult my skills?!"

"Skills? Hah!" She threw back her head and laughed. "With the way you play with your little needle on the battlefield, I'd sooner believe that you've got skills in knitting than in fighting!"

"Not that you would know!" he retorted. "For you've got skills in neither!"

Vaida stopped laughed, and her face darkened considerably. Wallace smirked. "Then let's put it to the test, shall we?" she snapped. "You and me shall spar and see who is victorious!"

"Bah!" He waved her off. "I've no time for such childish games."

"Oh, don't tell me the big bald Caelin General is scared." She smirked at the look he shot her.

"I most certainly am not!" he huffed, puffing out his chest. "A knight of Caelin fears nothing!"

"Prove it!"

He growled lowly, scowling. Then he pointed a finger at her. "Fine. You and I shall battle today!" Her face broke out in a wide grin. "And you will see that, I, General Wallace of Caelin, will have you begging before my knees in mercy!"

"Hah! We shall see about that!" She turned on her heels and stalked off. Wallace seated himself with a smirk upon his lips.

"...Wallace," Jasmine spoke slowly, "who was that?" She felt as if she'd seen the woman before, but certainly not around camp.

"Oh, that cobra? She goes by Vaida. She's a Wyvern General from Bern."

Jasmine's eyebrows shot up. "A Wyvern General, you say?" Her look became contemplative, as if already determining how to use the newcomer in battle.

"Mhm. She's not much, though," he added. "I would be far more useful in battle than her!"

Jasmine giggled. "You certainly are helpful, Sir Wallace, I'll give you that. You take those ballistae on without a fear in the world!"

"Of course!" he said, pounding his chest armor again. "Why, this one time the enemy had hold of the ballistae, I was..." As Wallace trailed off to tell Jasmine of his heroic tale, the three lords emerged from a tent. They all seemed rather awake and alert, Hector most of all.

Lyn squinted at the sunlight. "When shall we take leave?" she questioned, turning to the other lords.

"As soon as possible," Hector replied. "Once we've assembled our finest weapons and alert the others of our leave, we should take off."

"Indeed," Eliwood agreed, fingering the rapier on his hip. "We need to get a head start if we plan on acquiring two legendary weapons in a single day."

Lyn laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "You make it sound as if it's the most normal thing to do."

Eliwood smiled meekly, shrugging helplessly. "In this war, it might as well be."

"Well said, Eliwood, well said," Hector laughed, clapping his friend on the back. Eliwood winced and would've lost his balance if Lyn hadn't been there to catch him.

"Easy there," he grumbled, rubbing his shoulder. "I don't want to get injured before battle." Hector scratched his head sheepishly.

"Heh. Sorry. Must be all that 'rampant energy' stuff Old Graybeard was talking about."

"Save it for the battle, then," Lyn quipped. "Now, come, we should get ready." She began to walk off, and Hector and Eliwood frowned after her.

"Uh, Lyn? Merlinus's tent is in the other direction."

"I know," she replied, looking back at Hector over her shoulder. "I'm just going to check on Jasmine first." She narrowed her eyes at the Ostian lord, expecting him to argue that it was a waste of time. To her great astonishment, however, he simply nodded.

"Alright. Let us know if she seems better."

Lyn felt a bit foolish for being so surprised; he was worried about their tactician too, after all. "Of course." She gave a swift smile before heading toward Jasmine's tent. She did not notice said tactician sitting beside the booming Wallace, and neither of them noticed her, too engrossed in Wallace's tale. When Lyn drew back the opening to Jasmine's tent, her eyes widened and her mouth opened to unleash a shriek.

Wallace was the first to his feet, clanking in his armor as he jumped with a quickness Jasmine never knew he was capable of. "Milady Lyndis!" he said, clanking over her to her side swiftly, as Hector and Eliwood dashed toward her as well. "What's wrong? Are you alright?"

"She's gone!" Lyn squeaked. She looked back and forth, as if expecting the tactician to pop out of the bushes and surprise her. She clenched onto Wallace's plates. "Where is she?" Wallace never had the chance to reply, as Hector cut him off.

"What d'you mean, she's gone'?" Hector demanded as he reached her and Wallace. His eyes widened suddenly. "You-you mean...?"

Lyn shook her head furiously. "No, she's just not in there!" She gestured into the empty tent. Her lips quivered and her eyes widened as she realized what her words meant. "B-but...that means...no! It can't be true! It mustn't!"

"Calm yourself, Lyndis," Eliwood said firmly yet gently, "they probably just have moved her back to the healers' tent. Certainly we would've been alerted if she'd..." He trailed off.

"Actually," Wallace said slowly, "if milords are speaking of the Lady Tactician..." They all leaned in closer. "She's right over there." He jabbed his thumb over his shoulder and stepped out of the way. All three lords turned to look in the direction Wallace was pointing at.

Jasmine smiled sheepishly at them and waved.

"Jasmine!" Lyn cried, running toward the tactician and throwing her arms around her. Jasmine yelped in surprise, stumbling back a few steps. "Oh, thank Mother Earth and Father Sky! I thought I'd lost you!" She squeezed her tighter.

"You will if you don't release me soon," Jasmine gasped. Lyn laughed and released her immediately, smiling down apologetically at her.

"I'm sorry, I just...well...you're alive!" She seemed as if she didn't know what else to say. She was positively beaming.

"Is that how you welcome back your friend?" Eliwood chuckled softly. Lyn shrugged meekly, smiling. Eliwood chuckled again and turned his attention to Jasmine. He smiled kindly at her. "Welcome back, Jasmine. You've been missed greatly - from us, from our comrades. It certainly has been a strange five days without you."

"You could say that again!" Hector said. "We didn't know how hard tactics were until we had to do a bit ourselves!"

Jasmine raised her eyebrows. "Oh? Did you guys have a battle while I was...out?"

"Yeah, and it was a damn mess without your guidance! So don't you ever try getting yourself killed again! You hear me?!"

She smiled up at him. "You have my word, Lord Hector." She shifted her eyes from one lord to the next, maintaining eye contact with each of them. "I shall stick by your sides until the very end." She bowed her head, to their great surprise.

"What's gotten into you?" Hector demanded, clearly uncomfortable at her sudden change in demeanor. "Since when do you treat us like nobles?"

"Since you decided to act like a Lord." The curve of Jasmine's lips were a cross between a smirk and a smile as she raised her eyes to meet his. Hector's eyebrows shot up and Lyn chuckled softly as Eliwood smiled widely.

"Well, don't do it again!" he grumbled, folding his arms across his chest. "You know how I don't like that nonsense."

"Apologies, my lord." She laughed at the glare he sent her. She paused suddenly, scrutinizing him. "There truly is something different about you, though...I can't quite place my finger on it..."

"We'll explain everything to you later, Jasmine, I promise you," Eliwood said. "I'm sorry to cut our reunion short, but the three of us need to get going soon."

There was obvious confusion written across her features - where could they possibly be going, just the three of them, without the rest of the army? - but she nodded nonetheless. "Alright. I wish you the best of luck in your...endeavors."

"Thank you. We won't be long." He offered her one last smile before turning on his heels and heading off toward Merlinus's tent, where the merchant was waiting expectantly for them. Hector grinned and tousled Jasmine's hair, much to her dismay, before heading off after his redheaded friend. Lyn smiled, squeezed Jasmine's hand gently, and quickly dashed after the other Lycian lords.

"Seeing you has given them great strength," a voice came from behind Jasmine. "In times like these, it's hard to have hope, but seeing you alive has proved to them that miracles happen even in the darkest of times."

She turned to see Lord Athos standing before her, wearing a smile behind his long beard. Her eyebrows shot up in shock. "Lord Athos!"

"Greetings, child of Barigan. I knew you would wake up soon."

"...Barigan?" she questioned. "As in...?"

"Yes," he nodded. "The Holy Knight of Ilia, known for his stubbornness and strength."

"Ah...I see," she said quietly. "...How did you know I was going to awake soon?"

"Why, that's simple, child." She frowned in confusion. "You still have a purpose here. You weren't ready to go just yet."

"...A purpose?" she whispered. He smiled and nodded toward the lords. They were now conversing with their most devoted and loyal retainers.

"They need you. Not only as their tactician, but also as their friend. In fact, the entire army depends on you." He paused. "But your purpose goes beyond that. You are still offered a greater, grander reason to live."

Her eyebrows rose and her eyes sparkled in wonder. "What is it?" Her voice was but a whisper.

He smiled, his eyes twinkling. "I cannot tell you the answer to that, child. You'll just have to figure that out yourself." And he walked off without another word, heading toward the lords. Jasmine stared after him, contemplating his words.

You'll just have to figure that out yourself.

She smiled. She was a tactician, after all. She would figure it out sooner or later.

~-x-~~-x-~-~-x-~

While Jasmine had been speaking to Wallace, Raven had made his way toward Lucius's tent.

"Lucius," he said, stepping in, "I need to-" He cut himself short when he saw the scene before him.

Lucius had his back to him as Serra braided his hair, chattering all the while. Serra paused when she heard Raven enter, and frowned up at him.

"Excuse me!" she huffed. "Don't you know your manners? You need to announce yourself before just barging in!" Lucius glanced over his shoulder, and looked surprised when he saw Raven.

Raven raised his eyebrows at the pink-haired Bishop. "But this is my tent."

"So? You still have to remember your manners, especially in the presence of a lady!"

He rolled his eyes and sighed, shaking his head. He would never understand how Lucius put up with this woman.

"Perhaps you should go get breakfast now," Lucius said to Serra. She pouted at him.

"But I'm not done with your hair!"

"You'll have the chance to later, I promise. But for now, I would really appreciate it if you left Raven and I a moment alone."

She sighed and stood. "Alright, Lucius, but only because you asked so kindly. At least you have manners." She gave Raven a pointed glare. He glared right back at her, and she tossed one of her pigtails over her shoulder as she walked past him and out of the tent.

Raven raised an eyebrow at Lucius, eyeing his half-braided hair. "Really?"

Lucius blushed slightly. "What?" he huffed, a bit defensively.

"Never mind." He shook his head. "I have something I need to tell you."

Lucius sobered. "What is it, milord?"

"I told her." The blonde's eyebrows knotted in confusion. "I told her everything, Lucius. I told her everything."

"...You mean, you told Jasmine?" Lucius asked slowly. "But how could that be? Isn't she...?" Suddenly his eyes widened. "Is she awake now?"

A grin crossed Raven's face. He nodded vigorously. "Yes, by God! She's alive!" He laughed. Lucius's mouth dropped, both in surprise at the fact that Jasmine was alive and that his lord was grinning and laughing.

"That's splendid!" Lucius said genuinely, clasping his hands. "Our prayers have been answered!"

"Indeed they have, my friend! It's nothing short of a miracle! I thought for certain that I'd lost her, that I would never see her eyes open again..." He trailed off, suddenly breathing raggedly. Lucius scooted toward him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"But you haven't, milord. She is still on this Earth, with us."

"...Thank you, Lucius," Raven murmured. "For everything - for staying by my side all these years, for never giving up on me. You are a true friend."

Something in Lucius's eye twinkled at him. "Of course, my lord...of course." A moment of silence followed, and Lucius cleared his throat. "So, you said that you told Jasmine everything...? Whatever do you mean by that?"

"I told her everything - from Cornwell's fall, to my thirst for vengeance."

Lucius gasped, a hand flying to his mouth. "M-my lord! I never thought you would...!"

"Neither did I," Raven laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "But I love her, Lucius, by God I love her. She deserved to know everything."

"...How did she react?" he asked slowly.

"Quite well, actually," Raven said thoughtfully. "I mean, of course she was surprised and everything...but she accepted me. She told me she still loved me, no matter what my past is."

"Wait, what?" Lucius shouted, much to the redhead's surprise. "She admitted that she feels the same way about you?!"

"Why is that such a surprise?" Raven frowned. Instantly Lucius gathered his composure.

"My apologies; I never meant to sound so shocked. It just surprised me a bit!" He smiled. "But I'm so happy for you, Lord Raven. Truly, I am."

He smiled in return. "I'm happy, too."

"...So," Lucius said, taking on a tone that alerted Raven that the following conversation would not be pleasant, "Have you told Lady Priscilla?"

Raven shook his head. "Not yet. I mean, I haven't even apologized to her yet, so I don't plan on telling her about Jasmine and I until afterwards."

"You do plan on apologizing to her, then?"

"Yes," Raven sighed, nodding. Lucius brightened. "But I need to have a little chat with somebody else first. I just have to make sure of something beforehand."

"Do what you must," Lucius said, not questioning his Lord, content that he was going to admit his faults. "I'm proud of you, Lord Raven, for how far you have come."

Raven smiled at him. "Me too, Lucius. Me too."

"I-I'm not so sure about this, Serra…"

"Oh, c'mon! I'm sure you look great!"

"…A-are you sure these are the right s-size? I mean, it's all really tight…"

"It's supposed to be like that!" Serra reassured. "So it hugs your curves and all."

"M-m-my curves?" squeaked Florina. Serra nodded, and then realized that she couldn't see it, so she said,

"Yeah. Now come out and let me see!"

She heard a sigh from the other side of the curtain, and after a few moments Florina drew back the curtain. A delighted squeal escaped Serra's lips as she jumped up in glee.

"Oh, Florina," she gushed, "you look stunning!"

Florina flushed red. "R-really?"

"Yeah! I mean, look at you!" She grabbed her hand and pulled her to her side, turning her toward the mirror. Florina's jaw dropped as she saw her reflection.

She could barely even recognize herself. Her top was a daring shade of red, and it fell off one shoulder, revealing her bare skin. It was rather low-cut as well, with thin black pieces of lace keeping the fabric at her chest together. Her black skirt was longer than the skirt she usually wore – it fell right above her knees – but it was skintight, leaving little to the imagination. She was grateful that her boots covered up her legs, at least.

"I look…!" She stopped herself short, not wishing to the say the word aloud and also not wishing to hurt Serra's feelings. She'd taken so much time putting the attire together, and it would've been rude to shoot it down. She looked so excited, too! Her eyes gleamed as she looked, clearly satisfied, at her masterpiece.

"Fabulous?" offered Serra, mussing a bit of Florina's hair so that it gave an even greater suggestive appeal. "My gosh, Florina, the next man who sees you will have a heart attack!"

Florina flushed even redder. She was grateful that they were the only two of the army in the shop. If Fiora was there, Florina was certain that she would've had a heart attack!

"T-then I guess I s-should hurry up and change so nobody would get hurt…" She started back toward the changing room.

"Wait!" Serra huffed, "I'm not done yet! You still need proper accessories so that you look absolutely perfect on your date!"

"S-Serra!" cried Florina, "I told you, I can't go on a d-d-date!"

"Yes you are," Serra said sternly, "after all this effort I put into putting that outfit together, you have to go on that date! Besides, you know you really want to, deep, deep down!"

Florina shook her head vigorously. "I appreciate everything you've d-done for me, truly, but I-I d-don't think I can—"

"Serra!" a familiar, gruff male voice called out. "We been lookin' all over fer ye and Florina! Ye've 'ad enough time playin' dress-up, it's about time—"

He cut himself short as he caught sight of Florina. His eyes widened and his jaw slackened. She looked away from him, her face a bright red. Serra smirked widely, looking back and forth at the two.

"Doesn't she look gorgeous?" she chirped, unable to take the silence any longer. Dart straightened up suddenly as he realized that he'd been gaping, and tugged uncomfortably at the collar of his shirt. He stopped his eyes from roving over Florina and focused them upon her red face.

He gulped, scratching the back of his head. "Y-you look…different, Florina." A light shade of pink sprinkled across his cheeks.

Florina didn't respond, only ducking her head shyly in response.

Serra spoke for her eagerly. "I know, right? Doesn't she look fantastic?!"

Dart didn't reply immediately. "I…suppose," he said slowly.

Serra frowned. "What do you mean, you 'suppose'? She's stunning! Every man that sees her is going to ask for her hand in marriage!"

"S-Serra," Florina mumbled, embarrassed.

"What? It's true!"

"I don't think she'll be attracting the right kind of guys," Dart grumbled, eyeing her bare shoulder.

Serra flared instantly as Florina's face fell. "Excuse me? You can't possibly be implying that Florina looks…?"

"I'm saying that it don't suit her." He paused and then took a hesitant step toward Florina, addressing her now. "…Are you doing all this to impress a man, Florina?"

She looked up at him sheepishly and then back at the floor. She shrugged her shoulders helplessly. He took another step toward her. Then he paused and glanced at Serra.

"Can we…'ave a moment alone?" he asked her, looking a bit uncomfortable asking the question.

"Of course not!" Serra huffed indignantly. Florina looked at her in shock and Dart raised an eyebrow. "I'd like to hear why you don't like…" She caught Florina's eye and cut herself short. "…Actually, maybe I'll go take a look at those dresses over there…" She disappeared into the dozens of racks of clothes, making her way toward the other side of the store. Dart frowned after her, wondering what that was all about that, and then shook his head and sighed. He returned his attention to the lavender-haired girl before him.

"Listen to me, Florina," he said softly. There was a moment of hesitation before she looked up at him. Her blue-grey eyes fastened on his sea blue ones. "You don't need to wear something like that to get a man's attention. You're already beautiful." She flushed red and downcast her eyes. He gently placed his hand against her cheek, and she looked up at him again. "If a man doesn't love you for who you are, then he ain't worth your time."

She was silent for a moment, contemplating his words, before a beautiful smile graced her lips. "Y-you're right, Dart," she said softly. "Th-thank you…"

His cheeks tinged pink. "Yeah, err, no problem," he said gruffly, coughing and scratching the back of his head. "Anyways, Marcus and Oswin will get all cranky if we don't get going. Y'know how we have to be back in the capital before sundown."

"Y-yes, o-of course!" she said quickly, nodding. "I-I'll be right back…" She quickly headed back toward the changing room, drawing the curtain shut behind her. Immediately Dart put his hands to his face and grumbled "No problem? That's the best you can say?" underneath his breath. Sighing, he lowered his hands, and then scanned the store with narrowed eyes. He needed to have a little chat with that cleric about her fashion sense.

~-x-~-~-x-~-~-x-~

"Are you sure you can't give me a discount?" Sain frowned. The merchant before him firmly shook his head.

"Knight or not, you're still paying full price."

"Fine, then," Sain huffed, lifting his chin. "I suppose I'll just have to find myself another vendor."

The man shrugged. "Suit yourself." He turned his attention to the customer behind Sain. The knight frowned and walked off sadly, pocketing his gold pieces. The army was beginning to become low on funds, so he was going to save all his gold pieces for something that was absolutely necessary. An elixir could always be bought another time.

"Hey! You, knight!"

Sain stopped and turned around, wondering if perhaps the merchant had changed his mind after all. But walking toward him was not the chubby seller, but a redheaded Hero. Sain's eyes widened as he watched Raven toss him something, and he caught it deftly. He stared down in his hands to see that he had caught an elixir.

"...What's this?" Sain asked slowly, narrowing his eyes at the redhead. Perhaps it was actually poison.

"An Elixir, what d'you think?" Raven rolled his eyes. "I saw that you didn't have enough gold pieces for it, so I got it for you."

"Actually, I could afford it," Sain corrected, "I just chose to save my money for something else."

"Well, considering all the injuries you're prone to in battle" - Sain scowled - "I thought you might need that. I had some extra gold left over from my last fight in the Arena, so I could spend some extra gold," he added, explaining himself.

"...But why?" Sain asked, frowning. Raven rolled his eyes, looking annoyed.

"I just told you-"

"No," Sain interrupted, "why?"

Raven was silent for a moment before he replied. "I figured it would make up for the black eye I gave you."

"You didn't give me a black eye," Sain grumbled, "you just broke my nose."

Raven shrugged. "Whatever. Either way, that's compensation for your injury." He paused, and then sighed. "Listen, knight, I've recently...come to my senses. What I said to Priscilla was wrong, and what I did to you wasn't right either. So I'm sorry for losing control of myself and releasing my anger on you."

There was no hiding the shock in Sain's expression. "It's...quite alright."

"I just...I suppose you could call me a little overprotective." He sighed again, sticking his hands in his pocket. "Listen, I'm not good at this kinda 'apologizing' stuff, so let me just get straight to the point. I want to see Priscilla happy. That's all. I want her to be safe and happy. And even though you and I have had our differences, if you make her happy, that's all that matters to me. But I don't want you to make her fall in love with you, only for you to leave her. That is what I fear. That is why I've always been so protective of her around other men.

"But she is my sister, and all I want is for her to be happy. I've been holding her back from her happiness - from you. If you love her, knight, and if you vow to cherish and love her forever, then I will no longer stand in the way."

"I do love her," Sain replied solidly, straightening his back. "I love her with every ounce of my being. I promise to you and to her that I will keep her happy, and that I will stay by her side for the rest of our lives."

Raven scrutinized him. He was radiating with sincerity and pride, his eyes gleaming with a certain kind of honesty. And in that moment Raven knew - he knew that Sain loved Priscilla with an undying, unyielding passion. Raven smiled slightly and nodded. "Very well." He took a step forth, extending his hand. "Let us forget the past and look to the future…Sain."

Sain grinned and clasped his hand, shaking his hand firmly. "I'd love to…brother."

The smile fell off his face and his eyes narrowed. "Don't push it."

Sain laughed nervously and put his hands up in a motion of peace. "My apologies. You know how I tend to get carried away."

"That's an understatement," Raven grumbled underneath his breath. "Now, don't forget to use that Elixir when the time comes." He pointed at it. "I spent good money on it, so I expect to see you using it."

"Of course! The next time I'm injured I'll use it and think of you!"

Raven rolled his eyes. "I'm honored." Sain merely grinned at the sarcastic comment. Shaking his head, Raven began to stalk off. "Come," he said, pausing and glancing at Sain over his shoulder. "We need to meet back with the others soon."

"Ah! Hold on! I need to get Misty!"

Instantly Raven twirled back to fully face the knight. "After all you just promised me you're just going to get another woman?!"

Sain blinked at him. "Misty is my steed."

Raven blinked back. "Oh."

Sain frowned. "Do you think so lowly of me that I would leave Priscilla for another woman? I told you, I love her, truly I do!" He folded his arms across his chest. "You're going to have to learn how to trust me, Raven, if we're going to get along!"

Raven sighed heavily, nodding. "Apologies, Sain. I just...well...I told you I was a bit overprotective, didn't I? I suppose I'm just a bit jumpy..."

"It's alright," Sain smiled. "I understand. I know it'll probably take you some time to adjust, but before you know it we'll be acting like the closest of brothers!"

"We're not brothers," Raven snapped, annoyed. "Stop calling us so!"

"We're not brothers yet," Sain corrected with a grin. "Soon we will be! Then Jasmine will be my sister! Exciting, isn't it?!"

"WHAT?" Raven's eyes bulged. "Wha-how-who-?"

Sain snickered and winked. "Word travels fast, my friend. Now, come, we must return to the others!"

"One last thing," Raven said as Sain went over to his horse. Sain paused, glancing over his shoulder at Raven, and felt his face pale at the malicious, purely evil smirk Raven was giving him. "If you ever make her cry, I'll find you."

And with that he turned on his heels and began to march off. Sain soon began to grin, mounting his horse. "I'll keep that in mind...brother."

Isadora silently stared up at the night sky. A lone tear rolled down her cheek.

The sound of a twig cracking alerted her that someone was near, and she hastily wiped her cheek. She dared a glance over her shoulder, hoping that the person wouldn't notice her red and watery eyes. To her utter surprise, the man was not the blonde she'd been anticipating, but rather a lavender-haired man. She realized that he must've wanted his presence known (he would never make such noise) so she could have a moment to collect herself.

"Master Legault," she said, clearing her throat and hoping her voice didn't sound too croaky, "What brings you here so late at night?"

Legault was silent for a moment. His eyes rested on hers, and it bothered her that she couldn't read them. He took a few silent steps toward her, moving on the grass as if gliding. "I could ask you the same, Dame Knight."

She looked away as he neared. "Just enjoying the night sky," she lied.

"And you were so moved by it that you started crying?" She quickly looked back at him, and cursed herself for doing so. She didn't reply, turning her head away again. The assassin bent down beside her, his hands resting on his knees. A brief moment of silence passed before Legault spoke again. "Do you love him?"

The question shocked her so much that she whipped her head back toward him. Her mouth dropped. "I beg your pardon?"

"Do you love him?"

She bristled and flustered. "That is-you cannot just-it's a personal-I don't know what you're talking about!" she concluded with a huff, trying to regain her composure and the little dignity she had left. She straightened her posture and lifted her chin.

He contemplated her a moment, his eyes trailing all over her face. They rested upon her lips a moment longer, and then he lifted his eyes to hers. "You're a smart woman. I think you very well know what I'm talking about, Isadora." Her eyes went to his at her name. He had never called her without her title.

"…It's still none of your business," she retorted, still defensive.

"It's just a question," he replied innocently. She glared at him.

"Well, then, I refuse to answer it." She let out a little huff as she stood up. She stared down at him, trying her best to appear calm. His face was a mask. "Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go wait for the lords with the others."

She turned on her heels and began to quickly walk off. Knowing him, though, he would have one more thing to say…

"Isadora." She stopped. When he didn't speak immediately, she glanced over her shoulder at him. His back was still to her, his long hair whipping in the wind. "Just remember: no man is worth your tears."

She stalked off without another word.

So, I had a case of writer's block for the last few weeks. Heck, my original draft is completely different from this final version of the chapter. I made QUITE a few adjustments to this chapter in the past 2 days so that it flows much better and makes a heck of a lot more sense. So there's my lame excuse for the nearly 2 month wait for the update.

On the plus side, I think this chapter's pretty good! :P I'm so happy I was able to incorporate a little bit of Vaida and Wallace - those two are just hilarious! Their support conversation is my favorite out of the entire game! Lucius and Serra come in a close second. I did finally shift the focus from solely Raven and Jasmine to other members of the army/other couples, since we'd had a huge dose of just Jasmine and Raven lately.

By the way, this is Chapter 30 in the game/storyline, when Hector is going to retrieve Armads and Eliwood is going to get Dundral. Hence Athos is there. Just to clear that up, in case anybody was confused. So Chapter 29 (Shrine of Seals) was fought without Jasmine ordering the army because she was unconscious.

Hope you enjoyed! Thanks for reading!