Man it was a long time before I got to this. At the same, time I'm glad that I'm done with this finally. It has been a hectic ride, and I probably could have done better, but I'm happy to finally complete it either way. –ArcanaHermit

Epilogue: A New Future

As Corrin was looking at himself, almost wondering about the man he saw in the mirror. It was him, of course, with his face slightly scarred from the war, but it looked…different. More certain and wise, as if these past few months gave him years worth of maturity.

The attire probably contributed much to the feeling. It was an elegant garb, with white and black fabric seamlessly flowed into one another, like to opposing rivers forming into one. He touched it and couldn't help but notice how light it was, almost like a cloud, though the responsibilities behind donning his new royal robe was anything but light.

He sat back in his chair and closed his eyes, thinking to himself. The war was over, the dragon Anankos defeated, and soon Hoshido and Nohr will be at peace, the restoration of Valla marking the the triumvirate of kingdoms being whole once again, with him the new king of a reborn kingdom.

Sometimes, he wondered if his heart could bear the weight of what is to come. He recalled Garon, who he once called father. He was a good man once, a good father before his death and unholy rebirth, and yet he was still considered a tyrant, who let his court and kingdom into decadence, war and debauchery. Would he face a similar fate? Where does the line between a good man and a good king begin and end? He asked himself, to no certain answer.

His mind began to wander to the war, and all those months of fighting and nearly dying. The new companions he made, and the bond he reconciled with his family of blood and his family of the past, and through him also reconciled the two sides, making them work hand in hand. Though all the sacrifices, pain, and heartache, that alone was worth it in the end. That…and another. One singular person.

She should be in her own room right now, being tended to by newly appointed servants to help her dress in her queen's attire. He smiled, she would make a great queen, he assured himself. After all, had she not been with him in the beginning? For all his faults through all the suffering and sorrow, did she not stay by his side, help him grow out of his flaws, and help him grieve through loss. How could one such as her not be a fitting queen?

Jakob opened the door, bowing before him. "My liege, it is almost time. You best be going."

Corrin nodded and opened his eyes, and walked out of his chambers, his doubts not entirely soothed. As he walked down the hallway of the castle, his mind pondered once more to what was to come: politics, backstabbing, appeasement and sacrifice, all in the name of the kingdom and its people. Would he be able to uphold his ideals of peace, or will he ruin his kingdom through either zeal or decadence. He didn't know, and not knowing was the worst part.

Even more worrying for him was her. Would she be able to handle it, one would think so after so many experiences on the battlefield. But politics and war are two different things. Would she be able to handle such strain, or will she crack under the pressure? Perhaps that possibility was even more horrendous than anything that could befall himself.

As he closed in on his new throne room, he could hear the cheering of people and sound of music being played. That comforted him somewhat. If nothing else, he would have a better start as ruler than most.

As he finally entered the lavish throne room, he spotted his siblings standing on the podium looking at him and cheering him one. He was Takumi clasping his hand on Leo's shoulder, and he smiled. How far have they come since being bitter enemies. The rest of the room was filled with other nobles, generals, and his friends that survived the war, all cheering him on as he took a step forward.

He looked to his side, to another entrance and saw that she was there, waiting for him, flashing that smile that he has come to know so well, full of warmth and love. But there was another, more powerful emotion there. Reassurance. A silent promise that she would be with him till the end, and beyond that.

Suddenly, it was as if all his problems were melting away like know. He smiled for the first time for what seemed like a long time.

They held each other hand in hand as they made their way down the room, resting themselves on the thrones before them, the crowd, especially the future citizens of Valla, cheered even louder for their king and queen.

"We are now here today to witness the rebirth of a kingdom, and the rise of a new royal family." The speaker began to say. "May they guide us to a new tomorrow, one that ensures peace and prosperity to not only this kingdom, but to kingdoms beyond. Now, a few words from our new king."

Corrin stood up, looking at the audience with a solemn gaze. These are his people now, and he will lead them. He must.

"Everyone, I admit that I know not of what it takes to be king, nor the intricacies of politics. I can admit many things that I do not know, that I may never know."

The crowd grew silent, though whether in praise of his humbleness or scrutiny at his weakness, he did not know.

"But I do know this: A king and kingdom is built for its people, and its people follow its king and kingdom. Through my experiences in this war, I know that a king that does not lead for the sake of his kingdom, for its people, is no true king."

There was muttering now. His brothers silently nodded in approval.

"I vow to you all, everything I do, everything I will ever do, I do for Valla, and for its people. I may not be able to carry the burden by myself, but I have allies and family who are willing to carry the burden with me and for their sake and yours, I cannot…no, I will not fail."

The audience erupted in cheers and screams, some shouting his name in adulation. As he sat back down, a little stunned at the reaction, he felt her hand squeeze his, and turned to look at her. She was smiling that smiled again, and suddenly the weight of a kingdom didn't feel so light anymore.

An official now pulled out two crowns, and after some proclamations, placed it on the king and queen's heads. Corrin felt the weight of the crown, a reminder of promise he made, of the ideals he had to uphold. But despite that daunting task, he smiled again.

A new future has begun, and he will ensure that it will be a bright one. For his people, his subjects, his siblings and friends.

And most importantly, for her.

And done. I'll admit, I didn't like how this ended. I should have finished this long ago, but life and bad habits keep getting in the way. I'll try to practice more in writing my fanfiction, because I honestly don't want to let my followers down.

Speaking of writing, my next project is actually a split decision. One is a character-of-the-week focused Heroes fic, another is an Echoes story following Alm's route, particularly focused on two of them. Both are going to be longer than any of the previous fics I've done (both per chapter and overall), and I think trying them both at once is a bit unfeasible at the moment, so I'm still undecided as of now. I might consider having some proofreaders, co-writers, etc, since the project is going to be relatively big to what I'm used to.

Anyways, this Author's Notes when on a bit long, but I hope you enjoy reading Peaceful Moments, I thank all of you who viewed, reviewed and favorite it, everyone one of those means the world to me. Till next time –ArcanaHermit