Now for the Epilogue, I honestly had fun writing this. I couldn't think of anything original for the chapter title, so I borrowed a bit from the name of Three Houses's Verdant Wind route's final chapter.
Disclaimer: Fire Emblem and Fire Emblem Warriors were made by Nintendo.
Dawn of a New Fodlan
Upon their return to Garreg Mach, Rhea and Seteth had the cooks prepare a feast to celebrate Fodlan's newfound peace. The former Adrestian Nobles were allowed to partake at Edelgard's request and Nadar and Holst joined the fun along with everyone else, Nadar stopped by with a few Almyrians to join in. Nemesis's body was earlier taken away to be burned.
As they all sat in the dining hall, some even ate out in the courtyard. Caspar, Lindhardt and Hubert took the time to fill in their families on what they had learned, regarding Fodlan's history and the fact that the church was not entirely to blame for Fodlan's problems.
"Hard to believe, but if Lady Edelgard believes it, then I suppose I shall take this with a grain of salt" Waldemar commented.
"No kidding, wish I got to help bash Nemesis and the Slitherers in, though" Leopold boasted.
Wakdenar rolled his eyes"Never change, you juggernaut."
Serena looked at Hubert"So how are you?"
"Never better" Hubert murmured as he munched on some soup.
Dimitri, Edelgard, Claude and Ferdinand were discussing business at the table as they ate their share of the food, Petra, Flayn and Seteth sat with them. The former emperor asked"So you're dissolving the Alliance, then?" She asked Claude.
Claude nodded"Yep, gonna head back to Almyra, I figure that Diimitri and Lady Rhea can take care of things from here. I'm taking Hilda with me. But hey, Leicester was originally part of Faerghus, you can think of it as just putting us back together."
"So It happens that I've come to a decision how I might manage the former imperial territories" Dimitri announced"Ferdinand, I would like to appoint you as Consul Governor of the old Adrestian territories, there's still much to rebuild so Faerghus and the church will aid in the restoration of the destroyed villages."
Ferdinand winked"You can count on me, or my name isn't Ferdinand Von Aegir. I'm just a bit saddened that we now no longer have an Adrestian Emperor."
"The Von Hresvelg bloodline still lives on, you know" Edelgard reminded him"It merely has lost all political sway in Fodlan. And I assume that your cousin and Serena will be assisting as well."
"Yes" Dimitri replied"Serena is now head of House Vestra, and I believe that Caspar will take his father's place in their old territory in Gronder." He continued to eat his soup, quietly.
Catherine came over to the table when she was done eating"Well, Dimitri. I made up my mind."
Dimitri looked at the blond knight expectantly"And what have you decided?"
"I've decided that I will take you up on your offer. The other knights, Shamir and Cyril can protect Lady Rhea in my place, I just need to go and let her know" said Catherine in a matter of fact tone.
"I'm happy to hear that" Dimitri smiled,
"Heh, never thought the brat with the silly haircut would try to woo me" The blond knight chuckled.
"You still see me as that?" The king asked.
Catherine smirked"Heh, you know what its true what they say about you, not too selfish but greedy with your sword. I expect that we'll both still be keeping very busy."
Claude glanced around the room"Say, how about your mercenary friend and Byleth? I believe they've decided to take their meal elsewhere. I even told'em a bit about the Goddess Tower, apparently the goddess blesses couples who made a special promise, there."
"They've had quite the history with each other" The king said thoughtfully"So its no surprise to me. Were you suggesting that we go and watch them? I imagine that they wanted privacy."
"Its so romantic of them" Flayn commented.
Claude chuckled"Nah, they're the absolute last Mercs I'd want to mess with. Even so, I'm more than a bit curious" he continued eating his food. Dimitri rolled his eyes, but kept on finishing his meal.
As the feast started coming to an end, Catherine, Seteth and Flayn went to the audience chamber, Rhea had arranged for a meal to be brought to her room where she ate in private. The Archbishop came out of her room and entered the audience chamber"Catherine, Seteth, Flayn, I was about to send for you. I've come to a n important decision."
"What decision is that?" Flayn asked.
Rhea replied"I am going to make some reforms in the church, which naturally includes opening the borders of Fodlan to all who dwell outside the continent, Claude and Dimitri would naturally be of assistance in that area. If anyone wishes to become a member of the church, that, too will be up to them." Just because Sothis was as alive as would be humanely possible, doesn't mean that she would disband the church.
"But what of the hostilities that linger from Alymra and Sreng?" Seteth asked, pointedly"Its going to be very difficult to convince Sreng, but I am aware that Claude is willing to help with Alymra."
"It would take time, yes" Rhea agreed"But as my mother would agree, its the best way to continue to ensure peace throughout Fodlan. I do not expect that Sreng will come quietly, but it will be done. This even includes opening trade and relations with Brigid and Dagda. Perhaps it may result in less friction with the lands outside Fodlan."
"I know Dimitri will help" Catherine agreed"Speaking of which... Dimitri has spoken with me about returning to Fhirdiad with him. Guy's been quite smitten with me, recently. For that, I would need your blessings, though I still intend to be of help to the church."
Seteth nodded understandingly"You are not bound to continue serving Lady Rhea, there are others among the knights who would be willing to take your place as her protector. But If the church should require your services once again, I would ask if you would continue to aid us."
"No problem" Catherine smiled"Lady Rhea, may I have your blessing to return to the Capital?"
Rhea gave her a small smile"While I would be saddened to lose you as our sole Holy Knight, you have done exceedingly well and deserve to follow your own path if that is what you wish. Besides, I can trust you to once again lend us your aid should we require it, correct?"
"Absolutely" The blond knight nodded"And thank you, Lady Rhea."
Atop the Goddess Tower, Shez and Byleth were enjoying the view. The purple-haired Merc gazed at the sky"It really is quite the view. So, what do you think of what Claude told us?"
"Only the goddess knows" Byleth replied, looking at the sky for a bit longer before saying"Well, we'll be working together for a very long time, yet. My father agreed to continue assisting the kingdom in peacetime when I brought up the topic of working full-time for House Blaidyd, the other day. We'd have to travel away from Fodlan to find work elsewhere, the way the kingdom now practically has control over the continent."
"A Merc's work is never done" Shez laughed lightly"Sure it'll be slow going since there's mostly just bandits that we'd need to worry about, but strangely enough, I'm fine with it as long as I have you, Dimitri, Felix, Dedue, Sylvain, Ashe and Ingrid."
"The feeling is mutual" Byleth nodded, looking at the view"So, have you ever had any thoughts on settling down?"
Shez flushed, taking a moment to think before answering"Not really, but I guess it would be nice. What are you saying?"
Byleth turned to look at her"I've been giving some thought on what step our relationship could take if you're willing. There's some options near Fhirdiad or the isolated hamlet in Ordellia territory that we could look at for some permanent housing so we have a place of our own. There's also Remire Village in the old imperial territories. What I am trying to say is that" he awkwardly fell silent for a moment"That I wish to spend the rest of my life with you."
Shez felt taken aback"Huh?"
"I'm actually kind of bad at feelings" The Ashen Demon admitted"But I've had a thing for you since, well, perhaps since after my father and I agreed to join up with Dimitri and the kingdom after you defeated Randolph, effectively ending Jeralt's Mercenaries' contract with the Empire."
Shez was surprised to hear this"Heh... If only Captain Berling, Getz and Lazly could see me now, I can only imagine what they'd say. Truth be told, I started having mixed feelings about you, even though I was still driven to grow stronger and surpass you, back then." She fingered her pocket for her Mercenary Whistle"I've been meaning to give this to you before we set off to take Garreg Mach for the Church and the Kingdom, I only wish I never would've forgotten you, my dearest friend" she took the Merc Whistle out of her pocket and showed it to him.
"That's quite a unique gift, are you giving it to me?" Byleth asked.
The purple haired mercenary nodded"Yeah, honestly I wasn't sure how you'd feel about this, given that we've been rivals for a while after our fateful battle when my old mercenary company was wiped out. But you are special to me."
Byleth blinked"I never really saw you as a rival, but I can't deny that I enjoyed our battles and later our sparring sessions, you've come to be among the few who can match my skill level." He then pulled out the ring his father gave him"So will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Shez blushed, her emotions swirling for a moment"I never imagined we could end up together, but yes, I would be happy to spend the rest of my life with you, my Ashen Demon" she added that last part, teasingly.
Byleth chuckled slightly"Oddly enough, that name no longer bothers me" he gently placed the ring on Shez's finger and respectfully took the Merc Whistle"Together, we'll preserve Fodlan's newfound peace."
Shez nodded, then asked"Would you terribly mind if we lived in the castle town in Fhirdiad? I think there might be a house available."
"Of course, if it makes you happy" Byleth smiled.
The two held hands and started down from the tower. Jeralt, Dimitri, Claude, Sylvain, Leonie and Alois waited for them. Claude smirked"Heh, so the two of you decided to tie the knot?"
"How long have you been there?" Shez asked.
"Just recently" Dimitri replied"Claude sort of roped me into this."
"Hey, now, its not like I had any schemes behind this" The brunette prince chuckled.
Byleth felt really awkward, now"No sense hiding it I suppose. So, King Dimitri, Shez and I discussed buying a home in Fhirdiad."
"You would both be welcome to stay in the castle, especially given Shez's position as leader of House Blaidyd's private militia" Dimitri said"But either way is okay with me."
Jeralt smiled"Congratulations, kid."
"So you went from crossed arms to linked arms, huh?" Alois chuckled"Congrats."
The others tried to ignore the bad pun. Shez smiled"Thanks everyone."
"Thanks" Byleth followed suit.
"So you gonna have kids?" Leonie asked.
Byleth flushed"We're taking this one step at a time, but perhaps we may, yes."
"Well, here's to a beautiful life for the two of you" Jeralt grinned.
"With friends like you and everyone from the Blue Lion house, I feel as though I can handle anything" Shez commented.
Byleth smiled at Shez"Indeed."
"Well, let's make our preparations and go back to Faerghus" Dimitri told Byleth, Shez and Jeralt"And what of you, Leonie?"
"I decided to join the captain's mercenaries" Leonie said"Just temporarily though, gonna start out on my own eventually with my very own mercenary troop. And I hear that Claude has smoothed talked Hilda into becoming his queen after they arrive in Alymra."
Claude flushed"You didn't have to blab about that."
"Oh, good, you're still here" Catherine approached"Well, I'm ready to head out when you are."
Dimitri nodded"Good of you to join us, Catherine."
"Are you going to become Queen of Faerghus, then?" Shez asked the blond knight.
Catherine smirked"Well, if the boy with the silly haircut is serious about it."
Dimitri laughed"Heh, we'll have to see."
Claude went to meet up with Hilda and head off to his father's homeland. Dimitri, Catherine, Leonie, Jeralt, Alois, Byleth and Shez headed out of Garreg Mach and north towards Faerghus with the rest of the former Blue Lions, content with the peace they have fought so hard for. Edelgard and Hubert met up with them at the gates and joined the group on their way home to Fhirdiad.
Claude and Hilda flew to Alymra where Claude laid claim to the throne as his father's heir. When the time came for him to assume the throne, Claude became king and married Hilda, carving a new chapter in the history of Alymra by opening trade and fostering a steady relationship with Fodlan. He even sent in supplies and much needed resources to aid in the restoration of the destroyed villages in Adrestia.
Edelgard and Hubert were granted asylum in the castle of Fhirdiad itself, becoming the leaders of the new Black Eagle unit where they faithfully served the new Fodlan to the best of their ability. When Edelgard's lifespan is eventually restored to normal thanks to Hanneman and the now deceased Zadiria, she married Hubert.
Hannemann worked hard using Zadiria's notes as a reference, creating a special crest-removal device that would be used to restore Edelgard and Lysithea's lifespan. He even started to research and create new magical devices that could be used even without crests to do away with the inequality caused by them.
Manuela had meanwhile returned to work at Garreg Mach Monastery as a professor and physician, eventually falling for Seteth and marrying him.
Seteth continued to serve the church, assisting in its reforms and writing children's novels in his spare time. His daughter, Flayn had taken to studying to become a healer herself, some went so far as to refer to Flayn as the second coming of Saint Cethleann.
Petra returned to Brigid to rule as its queen, working to improve relations with the people of Fodlan, opening trade with the kingdom through the annexed former imperial territories.
Ferdinand was assigned to Enbarr as its Consul Governor, working harder than his father ever had and winning over the love of the people of the former Imperial Capital. He soon wooed and married Dorothea, who had started her career at Enbarr's opera house. The Apothecary, Cassidy would frequently make house calls to check on Ferdinand and Dorothea from time to time, flustering the couple a bit with her mother hen tendencies. Kenderick, Ferdinand's cousin, was offered a job as a captain of the guard, which he eagerly accepted.
Caspar was put in charge of his father's old territory in Gronder. The former Count Bergliez, himself had signed up for the new Black Eagles penal unit with Waldemar. Caspar was very enthusiastic.
Bernadetta and Yuri took charge of the former Count Varley territory, the former often spending most of her time indoors with her childhood friend and eventual husband. Yuri took care of most of the work running the territory while his wife hibernated from time to time.
Lindhardt jointed up with Edelgard and Hubert as a member of the new Black Eagle unit, though he often preferred to take naps from time to time when there was not much work to be done.
Ashe eventually returned to his adoptive father's castle to take over as the lord of Castle Gaspard, working to win back the love and trust of the people.
Holst remained as defender of Fodlan's Throat and became head of House Goneril after fully recovering from his injuries. He and Nadar would sometimes get together on occasion for a friendly drink or a sparring session.
After a while of working in Jeralt's mercenaries, Leonie left to make a name for herself and founded her own mercenary company. She would eventually become known as the second Blade Breaker, even leaving unpaid tavern tabs. Eventually, she fell in love with Felix, who hired her and helped pay down her unpaid tabs.
Rodrigue remained by Dimitri's side as an advisor, supporting the young king to the best of his ability.
Felix returned to his duties as the new Duke Fraldarius, he had eventually heard talk of Leonie's new mercenary company and hired her, having become impressed with the orange-haired Merc. He had eventually married her.
Lysithea had her crests removed and settled down for a normal life, opening a bakery, which had become very popular.
Lorenz resumed his duties as Count Gloucester, joined by Raphael and Ignatz who both became knights in his service. Ignatz still would travel about as an artist in his spare time painting beautiful pictures.
Marianne grew more self confident and had fallen in love with Ignatz, she had since beforehand become a nun.
Constance returned to the former Imperial capital, where she worked hard to restore her house and family's honor.
Balthus and Hapi traveled Fodlan together, sometimes Balthus would run into trouble with bounty hunters, who were driven off by Hapi whenever she sighed and summoned monsters to their defense. Eventually, an annoyed Holst paid off the debts and invited Balthus and Hapi to come work for him.
Sylvain had eventually taken over for his father as head of House Gautier, working to prove that crests and relics were not as necessary as they were believed to be. He even worked hard to eventually establish a truce with Sreng, much to its military commander's chagrin, said commander was undeterred in establishing a friendly rivalry with House Gautier in the process. Ingrid settled down and married Sylvain, eventually.
Dimitri and Catherine were soon engaged and married, the two sometimes would spar together from time to time. Sometimes, when the situation called for it, the pair would offer their aid to the church when there was need.
Rhea stayed as Archbishop, though she planned to retire to Zonado in a few years or so, as she was content with knowing that Sothis still watches over the land and had come to terms with Byleth's individuality.
Cyril continued serving Rhea, eventually attending the Officer's Academy when it reopened, Anette had become a professor there.
Mercedes opened a bakery in a village near the old border between Faerghus and Adrestia, where she made many delicious baked goods.
Alois remained in Jeralt's employ, working with his old friend on many jobs before going home to his family to retire.
Jeralt served House Blaidyd well, eventually passing down command of his mercenaries to his son, but went on to become a combat instructor for the new upcoming knights of Faerghus.
As for Byleth and Shez, the pair went on many missions for King Dimitri, establishing their legacy throughout Fodlan as its proud protectors after their marriage. Shez would sometimes venture to her old hometown in former Ordelia territory to pay her respects to her foster mother and her true parents, accompanied all the time by Byleth for she still had a tendency to struggle with map reading and would have gotten lost a few times due to her lack of direction. The two mercenaries were hailed as heroes by the common people. Sothis, herself was content to continue traveling, observing Fodlan through her friend and vessel's eyes.
Byleth had elected not to join the church after all, for he was happy with his present lifestyle, though his and Shez's firstborn child would grow to join the church and eventually become Seteth's successor as Archbishop of the church. Their second child however would grow to honor his parents legacy as Mercenaries and protectors of Fodlan.
Fin
How's this for a little Epilogue? I tried to do a proper Fire Emblem-styled where are they now? thing that most FE games tended to do. I know I left the gatekeeper out, but its safe to assume he would resume his duties as Garreg Mach Monastery's gatekeeper after the events of Azure Gleam in my opinion.
