Epilogue Part 2
"Still, Nils? Didn't think would come with you all..." Ike voiced out with surprise evident in his voice.
"I was surprised too..." Lyn remarked as she looked at the ice dragon having the time of his life. "He was curious about your world... and how you might change it..." Ike raised an eyebrow at her last statement.
The couple both turned their attention to Nils as he happily played his flute. The crowds around him cheered for the bard while the Davros sang their sea shanties with the rest of Port Talma in the tavern.
After explaining the whole misunderstanding and properly compensating the town with gold and merriment, the entire inhabitants quickly got used to freebooters. They were at least better than most pirates running amok.
"By the way..." Ike looked at his surroundings as he spoke to make sure no one was listening. "Is he still able to transform here? In Tellius?"
He knew the power of Nils and Ninian's stone diminished since the Dragon's Gate. After repeated uses during battle, he wondered if there was a limit to their stones.
Lyn pondered for a moment before nodding at Ike. "He told us the air here is better than Elibe. Probably as good as before the Scouring," Ike was visibly surprised by the revelation. "He says he barely needs his Dragonstone to transform but he'll probably store some power in it for emergencies."
Ike nodded in understanding. At the very least, Nils would be able to protect himself. Should anything happen, he might be able to find refuge with Goldoans or be tolerated if they accepted Fae and the other dragons from Elibe. Having someone who is a dragon (albeit, half-human) as a companion may be the best way to convince the country to admit them. He'll have to ask a huge favor from Nils (something the bard would have done anyway) in the coming months.
His father said it would take time to prepare a meeting with the Goldoans. One that would take a lot of intermediaries to achieve. But Ike would have to abide by the rules to get anywhere in the Laguz nations. That, and to remind himself to ask Anna for anything that can prevent Fae or Idunn from suddenly warping back to their original locations.
"He also wanted me to give this to you," Lyn brought out a bag as she spoke. Ike looked inside to see the content being filled with promotional items. "Hector wanted them to be delivered to you. Nils took it when he left Pherae and wanted me to hand it over."
"Hahaha... He might get a mouthful from Oswin..." Ike mused as he chuckled.
He appreciated the gift, and he would give the promotional items to the company whenever they needed it. He wondered who would likely be ready to receive them within the company...
Just as Ike continued to ponder, he was approached by the Reed brothers, Nino, Jaffar, and Legault. He smiled at the family of former Black Fang before him.
"How's Tellius for you all?" Ike queried the group.
"Well, we got a warm welcome, at least," Linus remarked to which his brother nodded.
"We'll be busy working for Anna (mainly bodyguard work) for the coming months in Melior, but we can always take side offers as mercenaries..." Lloyd added as Ike nodded at the eldest Reed brother.
"I'll be studying with Uncle Canas there!" Nino spoke with excitement in her tone.
He could always ask his father to direct them to some jobs near the capital. They were skilled enough to probably hold their own against a nation's general. They will likely be able to defend against any ruffians.
Melior, the capital of Crimea. Erk, Canas, Nino, and probably Sophia will go there to the royal library. Erk and Canas would peruse the royal library to learn more about Tellius (while Fiora would act as a guard for Erk) and advanced magic theories. Nino would continue studying under Canas for her literacy. Sophia mentioned she would study Tellius before meeting the Goldoans. At any rate, Ike had to consider how to proceed with their integration.
Ike looked at the two other assassins, Legault and Jaffar. The former just gave a playful smile while the latter still held a blank expression.
"I'll start my work as a bit of an informant for Anna. Jaffar would be helping Igor and Jan with ensuring her supplies and wares are intact." Legault announced while Jaffar nodded with the senior member.
Ike nodded approvingly at the pair, knowing they would do a good job for the merchant. Jaffar would scare off anyone who dared to threaten his fellow workers and dared to take Anna's supplies or wares.
Unbeknownst to them, Igor and Jan shuddered when they knew they would work with Jaffar. Their fears lingered against the former Angel of Death. At any rate, it would take a while for Jaffar to warm up to many people, including his colleagues.
Ike looked over the rest of the tavern with a smile as the Greil Mercenaries were catching up with one another...
"So... Where did Ikey-boy find you in this... Elibe?" Shinon asked curiously in a brash tone with Gatrie beside him. Across from him was Lucius and Raven, with Gatrie giving appreciative glances to the former (much to Lucius's chagrin).
They sat at a table where Raven, Shinon, and Gatrie drank (Lucius abstained from drinking) to discuss. Although, Shinon's way of inquiring seemed more like an interrogation rather than an introduction. They already knew the physical description of the people described in the letter from months ago matched everyone present aside from some extra people. Raven shrugged at Shinon's suspicion and decided to go along with his line of questioning.
"Found me in an arena, joined up with him after he did a favor for me. Been with him ever since," Raven answered truthfully.
Raven knew Shinon had it out against his commander, but held the utmost respect for Greil, Ike's father. Likely out of envy or considering Ike to be a product of nepotism or something along those lines. The only way to prove otherwise is to show that his commander isn't weak and is fit to lead like he did back in Elibe.
"I assisted in helping our bard there," Lucius added as he gestured over to Nils who was still playing the flute, entertaining the rest of his audience. "Ike and I helped find his sister. And I ended up assisting him in his current mission at the time. Ike helped me find my missing family (Raven) and I chose to work under him as a mercenary."
Shinon raised an eyebrow but shrugged to himself. He then looked over to the pegasus knights, and they were all sisters. "And those pegasus knights, they aren't from Begnion's Holy Guards?" To which Raven and Lucius shook their heads.
"The youngest is best friend to Lyn, Ike's girlfriend and betrothed as you know..." Raven glanced at Gatrie, who seemed to be depressed upon his mention of the fact. "They're part of a country of pegasus knights that work as mercenaries. By the way, they're used to the flirting from guys like you... One knight is almost like you in mannerisms..."
"Oh, another man of culture? Tell me more..." Gatrie queried the pair to which they expected such a reaction. Shinon dreaded having another Gatrie in the world.
"Well, he certainly flirts with every woman he can..." Lucius sweatdropped at the mention of Sain. "He even thought to woo me..."
"Can you blame him?" Gatrie remarked as he eagerly looked up and down at Lucius's figure. "You're like a lovely saint! Perfection to behold!"
Raven looked the other way as he snickered to the side. Lucius sighed with a patient expression. He expected as much... should have cleared the air upon the first meeting.
"Gatrie..." Shinon called out to his partner, who looked back at his sniper friend. "You're flirting with a man..."
Gatrie immediately froze as Lucius nodded in confirmation. At least Shinon's keen eye picked up on the protrusion of the throat of males. So he knew out of everyone in the company that witnessed the rest of the group that Ike welcomed at the port that this acolyte was male. No wonder the kid mentioned in the letter was so confused about the blonde person being the prettiest...
Once again, Gatrie looked vacant as if his soul left his body. He had been fantasizing and flirting with a beautiful man...? Shinon ignored him and his attention went to the other people with similar clothing styles as Ike's fiance.
"And what about the other two with funny clothing like Ikey-boy's wife?" Shinon asked another question looking over Rath conversing with Boyd. Priscilla was also next to Guy, with both of them speaking with Titania. Gatrie seemed to once again regain his vigor upon seeing the other maidens.
"The one with braids talking with your sub-commander is my little sister's betrothed... the one sitting next to him..." Raven glanced over to Gatrie who immediately choked upon hearing Priscilla already being taken. "Rath's part of the same tribe as him. They're all nomads of their country, made up of various tribes that live on the plains of a place called Sacae. Ike found the former after he found him starving while the latter was hired after he experienced a bad employer..."
'Tribes?' Shinon didn't think they were Laguz based on their appearance. They're no Gallians or any other non-human tribes that he didn't like.
Raven then glanced back at Shinon with a bored expression. "You could always ask for more about them yourself... No need to rely on me."
"Indeed," Lucius agreed with Raven. "They won't mind if you ask them... Our group is relatively open to telling you about ourselves."
Shinon clicked his tongue and scoffed in response.
Based on Shinon's expression, he was still suspicious of whatever they were. And a country? He pondered on whether Ike may have hired mummers to act a role or they're really from a country that might be beyond the Desert of Death. Based on context, they're all foreigners and even less likely to be from a different continent. There are no lands beyond Tellius after the flood and no one knows what lies beyond the perilous desert. Moreover, how did Ike get here without them? He didn't buy much of the story relayed by Raven and remained cautious against the new members.
All the while Gatrie recovered from his shock and immediately, his eyes went to other women. Upon his eyes wandering to Nino (who was still too young for his tastes), he felt a chill up his spine upon feeling a gaze towards him. As if a reaper and several vicious dogs were staring at him...
He'd avoid looking at green-haired lasses for the time being...
"... And that's how I swore my oath on paper!" Guy recalled to Titania how he met Ike while showing the contract/oath.
His journey involved leaving his tribe and eventually finding Ike's group at the time and sticking with them after they fed him. From there, he became a powerful and helpful swordsman under the group led by Ike.
Titania also learned how this young man would attempt to be the best swordsman in the world. He would have to surpass Greil in his prime, a feat that would be near-impossible for most. However, Ike had improved tremendously since the company last saw him, so he proved he was a contender to become the best in the land. She would certainly cheer for both Guy and Ike to become the greatest sword masters in the land.
"I see," Titania nodded with a smile. She then turned to Priscilla with a curious gaze. "And how did Ike meet you?"
Based on Priscilla's appearance and mannerisms, she wondered why such a girl became a mercenary. Then again, that message that came to Greil from a little girl was mostly accurate (albeit a wyvern knight was missing).
"Well, I was originally escorted by Erk over there," Priscilla pointed to Erk who was currently discussing plans with Canas and Sophia at a table. She then gestured to her brother who was currently with Lucius speaking with Shinon and Gatrie. "I was planning to reunite with my lord brother after we separated due to circumstances. We knew he was working under Ike but we came across some... hindrances... on our way to him. Ike and my brother came to our aid and we've worked together ever since."
'Lord brother?' Titania repeated in her mind. 'Perhaps they are nobles...?'
Titania pondered on their origins for a moment before shaking away such thoughts. It didn't matter if they were blue blood. After all, she and Oscar were both former knights (albeit, not nobility). So long as they were dedicated to Ike and the company, everything was fine.
Giving a welcoming smile to the pair, she declared: "Welcome to the Greil Mercenaries. All of you."
The two nodded and reciprocated Titania's smile with their own. They would prove to the company that they would be helpful.
"So you met a bad noble who hired you? And that's how you met Ike?" Boyd asked the taciturn Sacaen who nodded.
Rath had just finished relaying his tale of meeting with Ike to Boyd. As well as general information about what Ike had undergone.
Strangely enough, the badly given message of Ike's whereabouts and the group's description were accurate for the most part. And that the "green-haired pretty noble" was the one who was the target of an inheritance issue. Not only that, she fell in love with Ike. But that didn't explain why other nobles were present with Ike in some desert.
"Yes..." Rath gave a smile to his commander happily conversing with Lyn and the former Black Fang. "He defended our culture and I chose to remain with him ever since..."
Boyd mulled over the events that occurred. To think Ike got involved with all sorts of people and got a pretty girlfriend in the process... But that led to another question related to the message...
"But what were you all doing in some desert looking for an old man? How did he get involved with those pirates currently partying away along with other nobles?" Boyd asked curiously while staring at Dart chugging ale with Geitz as if it were a contest.
Rath snorted but gave a slight smile. "It's a long tale... Best to save it for another time..."
Boyd scratched his head but shrugged to himself. So long as the rest of the tale was going to be revealed.
"Well, welcome to the Greil Mercenaries. I'll be there to show you how things work around the company as a senior member and professional..." Boyd boastfully pointed at himself with a grin. "Just ask for me or my older brother for anything. Even my little pipsqueak brother will tell you all about our company."
Rath gave a slight smile and nod to Boyd. He was exactly what Ike described. A little bit overconfident but good-hearted like the rest of his family. Speaking of Boyd's other siblings, Rath spotted the eldest with Fiora...
"You must be Oscar, Ike told everyone much about you," Fiora spoke to the cavalier in a friendly tone. "I am Fiora, 5th wing commander of Ilia's Pegasus Knights."
Oscar seemed to raise a curious brow with his squinted eyes. Ike mentioned him? Also, the mention of the unfamiliar name of the place did not fall in line with his general knowledge of Begnion and their pegasus knights. It was unlikely for them to be part of Tellius's known countries.
"Nice to meet you, Fiora. I'm glad that Ike mentioned me," Oscar replied with a friendly greeting.
He remembered that the little girl who met Ike was introduced to a light blue-haired pegasus knight in Ike's group. This must have been her.
"Indeed, he mentioned you are a responsible elder brother and a great cook..." Oscar raised a surprised brow at the mention of his skills at cooking. "He says you could make a meal that is just as good as Sir Lowen or Merlinus's food. He truly missed your cooking since arriving suddenly in our homeland."
Oscar was pleasantly surprised. Then again, he did prepare a feast for Ike's return, in which he received a compliment.
"Well, I don't know about your acquaintances or their culinary skills... but I will be happy to prepare for another feast as a welcoming party for you all," Oscar replied with a smile.
Fiora nodded and smiled at the gesture. "I look forward to it. Although I'm currently contracted to protect my employer's son while he is committed to his magical studies," As Fiora explained, she gestured to Erk who was currently speaking with Rhys and Canas. She then turned back to Oscar and continued: "But I am open to working with all of you in the future."
Oscar raised an eyebrow at the mention of the mage who had this woman as a bodyguard. Was he a noble? His curiosity grew as he wondered how Ike met all these various people during his disappearance.
"Oh, let me introduce you to my youngest sister who will be your... Florina!?" Fiora raised her voice and covered her mouth in shock, slightly alerting Oscar. His attention went to the direction where the source of Fiora's shock was apparent.
"One little pegasus flies over the fence~, and their lovely little wings flap away~"
What Florina was currently doing was sitting in a cross-legged position with a flushed face and happily singing the Pegasus Counting Song. Everyone saw this adorable scene with laughter and cheer for the young girl. This was the same incident as the festival that was held in Ilia...
Farina can be seen laughing away at her younger sister's repeat of the embarrassing incident from years ago. It certainly surprised the current members of the Greil Mercenaries in the tavern with various reactions to the girl's odd actions (Shinon snickering, Gatrie appearing curious at the display, and Lyn dumbfounded by her best friend). Fiora could be seen panicking at her sister's possibly drunken state while Oscar remained calm.
"Oh dear... She might have accidentally drunk something wrong again..." Fiora muttered while worried about her sister.
Oscar turned to her with a reassuring smile. "I believe a Restore staff or certain medicine may help her..."
Fiora nodded at Oscar with a grateful gaze and looked around to spot Anna who was amused at the scene. "Anna! Do you have a Restore staff!?"
Fiora quickly went to the merchant while Oscar smiled at her worried gesture. At the very least, they could relate to having younger siblings and caring for them...
"That should do it..." Canas voiced out while putting away the Restore staff. The girl in question who received treatment was happily dozing off to the side while Fiora held a relieved expression.
He was slightly experienced as a stave user as he used it whenever given the chance alongside Anima magic. Lucius, Priscilla, and Erk were on standby while Canas tested the use of his staff. They were alerted by Florina being drunk and were quick to assist her.
"I do wish I held as much skill as all of you in terms of healing..." Rhys voiced out in a slightly depressed tone while holding a freshly made batch of medicine in his hands. He was not experienced enough to use a Restore staff yet (AN: Still a D rank).
Canas shook his head and replied: "You hold more knowledge of medicines than any of us. It would help in the aftermath. Besides, one gains magical experience the more one practices."
Rhys felt reassured by the scholarly man's words. He and the young mage with matching hair color mentioned they would be committed to their studies while open to assisting the Greil Mercenaries whenever possible.
They all mentioned having met Ike and traveled with him under different circumstances and were enticed to learn more about Tellius and its magical knowledge. While he pondered on the matter, two other figures approached the group with an amused look on their faces at Florina.
"Didn't think yer' sister had it in her," Dart remarked whimsically. Fargus can be seen cackling away with the rest of the Davros after Florina's boisterous side had been brought out by liquid courage.
"I know, right!" Farina confirmed which earned her a nudge from her eldest sister.
Rhys looked puzzled by the pirate and other sisters of the girl who was currently undergoing treatment. Ike was mentioned to have been traveling with various people but to this extent...
"Glad to have our stave users," Ike remarked while approaching the rest of the group. They all greeted Ike with a warm smile. Ike then surveyed his surroundings and frowned. "Hm, where's Renault?"
Out of all the magic users that came, Renault was nowhere to be seen. It was then that Lucius stepped forward with a slight smile on his face. "He said he would leave to start his pilgrimage."
"Ha!" Fargus bellowed out with a hearty laugh and grin. "Already the adventurous type to go on ahead, eh? Dart, Geitz, we'll sail to wherever we can on the morrow!"
While Ike looked visibly worried at Fargus's announcement, a single bishop looked back at the tavern with a smile and went his way. While walking, he noticed a group of four approaching the tavern, three young ones and a man he noticed with considerable experience and strength based on how he carried himself. Even in his heyday, it would take considerable effort to defeat such a man.
It didn't matter, for he would go to lands unknown to him. His journey begins anew.
"Is it really OK for the Davros to sail to who knows where?" Ike queried the merchant who held her usual pose.
He didn't believe he would be escorted by the Davros to reach Goldoa, but for them to roam around Tellius...
"You know how it is with these pirates... I'm sure they'll be fine," Anna remarked without a care in the world. "Jake will still be with me to set up shop here in Tellius while I set up a network. We'll keep track of the Davros whenever we can."
Ike couldn't force them to stay put. After all, there was nothing added to their deal to stay put in Crimea or Port Talma. At least there will be some level of supervision for the crew as they aren't like most pirates.
Dart and Geitz looked visibly excited while Farina shrugged to herself and sighed. While the rest of the crew were going to drink the night away, Sophia who had been standing to the side looked alerted while Nils's eyes flickered. They looked to the door of the tavern as if expecting someone.
Ike took notice of this and asked: "Something wrong?"
Nils came over to Ike and whispered, "Someone of our kind... Dragonkind..." Ike's eyes widened in surprise.
Finally, the door opened and revealed Greil, Mist, Rolf, and Soren. The music and clamoring of the tavern were silenced slightly upon their arrival. The two of draconic origin understood instinctively the young mage staff officer of the Greil Mercenaries as they stared at him. Ike stood surprised by Soren but wondered if he really was of dragon Laguz origins. He would have to make sure by seeing if Nils and Sophia could sense other Laguz species and Branded the same way as Soren. Meanwhile, Soren seemed to frown at Sophia for a moment before returning his attention to Ike. He barely paid mind to Nils despite the latter being of draconic and human origins like Sophia.
The current company of Tellius gave a serious and respectful greeting to their leader, Greil. But Greil was more focused on his son.
"Ike, I heard word that a group of pirates came and you recognized them," Greil called out to his son while Fargus raised his mug at the man in a jovial mood. The newest guests to the tavern looked curiously at the new faces who were in celebration.
"Yes, they're the group I got acquainted with in their homeland," Lyn came to the side of her beloved with a welcoming smile as Ike spoke. The others followed suit almost all of the new members approached their commander standing before Ike's father. "They all helped me while I was working as a mercenary. And they decided to follow me here."
"My name is Lyn, I'm engaged to your son," She announced while giving a bow to her future in-laws. Mist's mouth gaped open while Greil blinked repeatedly. Rolf was also shocked while Soren's eyes widened considerably at the news.
Just as Greil was about to inquire further, his daughter spoke up first and exclaimed: "She's so beautiful!"
Lyn giggled while Ike scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. The Davros once again roared in good cheer.
"Indeed she is, lass!" Fargus bellowed out. He raised his mug once more and announced: "Cheers for the couple before us!"
"""Aye Captain!"""
They raised their ale and drank with some of the townsfolk even joining in. The jovial mood of the pirates permeated the atmosphere of the tavern.
Greil quickly recovered from his stupor and slowly smiled at his son finding a new lover. This must have been the group that was mentioned in the letter sent by the child in Goldoa.
"Well, Ike. We have lots of catching up to do..." Greil said to his son.
"Yeah! You gotta tell us everything!" Mist added excitedly while Rolf quickly nodded his head with Mist.
"I want to know, too!" Rolf then looked to his older brothers who were present in the tavern. "Oscar, Boyd, who are all these people?"
All the while Soren looked at the rest of the group with slight unease. He would at least inquire more about the group that Ike worked with before making a judgment. Moreover, the strange sense of familiarity he felt from the excessively long-haired girl who was still staring at him...
That night, the Greil Mercenaries exchanged introductions between the newest members and friends. A great family gathering that welcomed new faces and allies to the company.
"Hey, bunny! Wait for Fae!" Fae exclaimed while running after the stray rabbit scurrying away from the girl.
Kurthnaga and Idunn were at the side watching over the young Divine Dragon as she was playing in the plains. Idunn recovered enough to walk freely as she pleased. She chose to accompany Fae whenever she decided to play. A far cry from her lack of emotions. Since then, she has become far more expressive and independent in expressing her desire to watch over her fellow dragon.
"I'm almost... uwah!"
Her attempt to reach the rabbit was met with a trip as she fell on her knee. The others immediately became alerted for the girl.
"Fae!" Kurthnaga hurried over with Gareth while Idunn also came over. Their expressions were filled with worry, even Idunn.
"Sniff... that hurts... Waah!" Fae sobbed out in pain. Idunn stroked her head as she cried into the woman's arms.
"Gareth, please prepare some medical supplies!" Kurthnaga requested from his retainer as he took out a handkerchief to help wrap up Fae's injured leg.
"At once!" Gareth saluted and immediately ran off at the request of his liege.
"You'll be all right," Idunn reassured the girl as Fae quickly cheered up. "Don't cry."
"Sniff... Thank you, big sis..." Fae voiced out to which Idunn reciprocated with a smile.
Idunn attained more emotions since spending time with Fae and Kurthnaga. Even after they requested Jahn to mend her lack of emotions, the man admitted that there was nothing he could do. After all, in his words, Idunn already had her soul restored. Nevertheless, the fire dragon was still under house arrest and kept under the watchful eye of the Goldoans.
"Sniff... Fae wishes Sophia could come to play with us..." Fae voiced out in a sullen tone.
So she was lonely... Despite gaining new friends, she yearns to share her joy with her people back in Arcadia. Such innocence was to be treasured.
Idunn silently nodded and replied with a smile: "I would like to meet her, Fae..."
"Of course, I'll make sure she would receive the greatest hospitality," Kurthnaga reassured the Divine Dragon.
Even if he had to beg his father to admit the branded individual, he would ensure that Fae's friend would receive the warmest welcome. He was sure that Fae's people were looking for her as they spoke.
Fae's spirits were raised by the encouragement of her fellow dragons and nodded. With the hope given to her by people who cared for her, she could once again meet her friends again.
Meanwhile, Dheginsea observed the excursion with a warm expression on his otherwise stoic gaze. Reminded of the times his children roamed the plains of their homeland. But something puzzled the Goldoan King...
A couple of months ago, Yune's trace on Fae diminished to the point of non-existence. As if it never existed to begin with. Nevertheless, Fae was still present in their kingdom happily enjoying her stay.
"Yune... Did you send this girl to us...? Was it just a sign of your reawakening?" He muttered with a slightly worried expression.
A dark premonition crept up on the Black Dragon King as he was reminded of Jahn's words. The flames of war may very well erupt one day. And it may involve the survival of their species...
"Should the Goddess reawaken... I will accept her judgment upon that day..." Dheginsea vowed to himself quietly.
It was cruel to even involve the innocent visitors, but he made a pact. He will carry the consequences of his past sins and support Ashera's decision regardless...
"Forgive me, my honored guests... I know not if we will see the day that our world will be suitable to our Goddess's liking within the next two centuries..." Dheginsea muttered with a tinge of remorse in his tone.