Epilogue

I saw him once more, after the war. I was one of those chosen as Prince Innes's escort when he journeyed to Renais... for Princess Eirika's wedding.

It was quite the scandal back home when the news spread. After all, nearly everyone had expected Prince Innes to be the groom at Princess Eirika's wedding, not a guest...

ooo

'Uneasy' doesn't quite cover what I feel walking through the halls of Castle Renais while servants bustle around us, their faces taut, their eyes wide and slightly anxious. Nothing must go wrong today and it's up to them to see that it's so.

"What a jittery lot," Exter mutters as a man carrying an armload of flowers nearly collides with him and then, with murmured apologies, scuttles away.

"It's an important occasion," Karinia says.

Exter snorts. "Important my a–"

"Remember where we are," Karinia cuts in, "and mind your tongue. We're meant to represent Frelia."

He huffs but doesn't speak again until we're in the castle courtyard, just outside the door to the main hall where we're to wait for the prince and join his escort. "I still don't like it. That princess..." He spat on the cobblestones. "She didn't deserve our prince anyway."

"Oh for once just shut it, Exter," I finally snap at him. His eyes go wide. "We'd all be dead and the continent would have been taken over by the Demon Lord's minions if it weren't for her."

"Yeah but–"

"But nothing. General Seth is a worthy knight. Prince Innes has given them his blessing and so has King Ephraim, so I don't see what you have to gripe about."

"All right, Adelaide. Gods! What bit you in the breeches today?" he grumbles.

I'd make a snide reply of my own as I'm at wit's end with all his complaining, but instead my eye catches on a glint across the courtyard, approaching quickly. Merciful gods... it's him.

Sir Seth is garbed in ceremonial armour for his wedding, the metal worked with elaborate designs. The sword at his hip has a hilt inlaid with ivory and studded with rubies and sapphires that shimmer in the sunlight. The buckle of his belt is chased with gold.

He is more resplendent that I have ever seen him.

He takes long strides across the courtyard but his steps falter as he sees us. Pausing, he looks about to ask a question – what we're doing there, I suppose – but then his brow creases and he appears puzzled. "Adelaide?" he says and my stomach roils while I feel the blood running into my cheeks. "Of the Silver Lance division?"

"Yes, sir. Though we were reformed into the Bronze Spear unit after the final battle of the war."

"I see," he says nodding. And then with a smile, "My offer still stands. If you're ever in need of a place, we'd glad to have you in our ranks."

"Th– Thank you, General Seth. And congratulations on your wedding."

His face changes at the mention of the wedding. He licks his lips and his hands dart to his sword hilt, gripping and ungripping it, apparently without his being aware of the gesture. And for a moment he is no longer the greatest general of Renais, no longer the Silver Knight, but only a man jittery before his wedding.

"Yes, thank you," he manages. "Now if you'll excuse me..." He nods to us and then strides away into the castle. Exter for once displays some good sense for he waits until Sir Seth's footfalls have died away before he bursts out laughing.

Karinia only rolls her eyes but then, pulling me to one side, "He offered you a position in the Renais ranks?"

"Not quite in those terms. He only said that I would always be welcome in Renais and that he would have a post waiting for me if I ever needed one."

"And you turned him down?"

I shrug. "You'd have me come to Renais and... what? Pine over him for the rest of my days?"

Karinia puts an arm around my shoulder and grins. "Good girl! Besides I'm sure we can find you a nice stuffy fellow back home in Frelia."

I chuckle. "That sounds very good to me."

Soon I will watch him be married, and I will do it with a smile. There is peace in letting go, and someday joy as well, I hope. I know her face will be full of bashful joy. They will clasp hands, and stare into one another's eyes with a tenderness obvious to even the most hard-hearted among the guests. They two have overcome obstacles and crossed the vast distance between them. How can I do otherwise but celebrate?

As for me... My joy lies in this world for me to find. And I shall cross any distance to seek it.

THE END

A/N: Well that wraps this one up. Thank you to those who've reviewed already – it's really nice to know someone is reading it and to know what you thought of it – and to those who will review in future as it's fun to get reviews even on a piece that's been up for a while. Thanks, guys!

Also, For those who are interested I will have some other Seth/Eirika pieces coming up, a oneshot sometime soon and a collection loosely-connected short pieces eventually.