This is the end you guys. It's been a wild journey, but to help you along this last chapter and to bring you down memory lane, I present you with the 8tracks playlist of the music that helped inspire this piece and helped me write it! Listen to it while reading this chapter-or reread the whole fic with it! That'd be awesome too. (Just take the spaces out) Roundabout spoilers for Revelations and it's DLC near the end if you haven't finished the game, by the way. Also the title this time around is lovingly stolen from '100 Years' by Fighting for Five.

8tracks konaookami/a-language-that-is-felt-instead-of-heard

"Are you sure about this, Father?"

"Of course. Robin…" Chrom choked a bit on the name before shaking his head, "Your mother wouldn't have wanted what happened to get in the way of your happiness."

Lucina gave a weak smile to her father, riding beside him as they headed home from the final battle. It would be a longer trek than the ride to the battle-with injuries and a sense of sadness tinging the caravan line. They would be making several stops before they made it back to Ylisse and Ylisstol. Lucina knew her father would need the time to compose himself before facing his people without his beloved queen by his side.

Chrom spared a glance backwards to Inigo and the man's face twisted in a small grin, "I have to say though...of all the young men...I would have suspected Gerome before Inigo."

Lucina bit back a laugh, before shaking her head, "No. Gerome is a dear friend-but between the two of us...I believe Cynthia once said we had enough frowns for the whole country. No I…" She trailed off, thinking of Inigo's easy smile, the lazy way grins crossed his face when he was relaxed. She found her smile growing. "I think I need a man who smiles to even it out."

"He makes you happy." It was a statement rather than a question, and Chrom's face softened as he looked at his daughter. "Gods but you look like your mother…" He murmured, "She smiles-smiled like that whenever I…" He trailed off again, before squeezing his eyes shut. Lucina felt a sharp pang of pain at her father's words. It was still so fresh, so startling.

"I'm sorry, Father."

"Ah, I'm spoiling the moment. I'm sorry, Lucina." Chrom reached over to grip Lucina's shoulder. "All this to answer a simple question! Of course I give my blessing. I have the feeling your mother already gave her's."

Happiness bubbled up in Lucina's stomach and had she not been mounted on a horse she would have thrown her arms about her father. As it were she gave him her biggest smile and squeezed the hand on her shoulder.

"Thank you."

Their marriage is not as elaborate as a princess's should be. But that suited Lucina just fine. She'd never been comfortable with the pomp her role in the court required. She was certain her shy groom felt the same.

It was a small church that they married each other in. In one of the towns they stopped in on their way home. Somehow she'd managed to find a clean set of clothing, and Severa had snipped at her as she fixed her makeup and hair for the small occasion.

"You should be married in front of the whole court," Chrom muttered as he took her arm in his, "You deserve more than just a simple wedding out in the field."

"Father…" Lucina gave the man a small smile, "We can't have the Halidom wondering why the princess is suddenly an adult and getting married, can we?" She watched as Chrom chuckled, "It suits us better anyways. We're just a couple of soldiers getting married at the end of a war. Like the stories you used to tell me before I slept."

Chrom's smile grew a bit wobbly, his eyes shining with unshed tears. Lucina knew he wished he could have been there for her-had the memories that she treasured so much. He wanted to share them. And even if this man was not truly her father (Missing the telltale limp in the right leg from Emmeryn's assassination, and the laugh lines around the eyes. The short beard he kept close to his strong jaw.) he loved her all the same.

"If you insist." He pressed a kiss against her forehead, and squeezed her hand, "Are you ready?"

"Yes. I am."

"We're married." Inigo whispered to her late in the evening the first night they return to Ylisstol. The bed they share is wide enough to have four people in it, but they huddled close together in the center, entwined. Inigo's voice rumbled in Lucina's ears and she pushed her nose against his neck.

"We are. We've been married for more than two weeks, Inigo." She reminded him, her fingers seeking for more blankets to wrap around them. Inigo's hands bat hers from the covers, bringing her closer to his body instead.

"I just...Are you sure this isn't a dream?" Inigo murmured, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head, "I just can't believe...We're here. Alive and...and…"

"Married?" Lucina supplied when she realized Inigo wouldn't be finishing his sentence.

"Yes. And we're home at last! I never thought I'd ever be so happy to see the barracks." His chuckle vibrated in his chest, "How do you feel?"

Lucina pondered the thought. Her first thought was exhausted. A little sore in her core muscles and below her waist. Whether that was from the riding or the...other activities she and Inigo had indulged in at last now that they weren't in the field...she couldn't be sure. But under all those feelings came a pool of calm and warmth, right in her chest.

"I'm happy. And content."

"Good." Inigo ducked his head to press a kiss to Lucina's lips, sending a thrill from the tip of her head to her toes. His hands roamed more eagerly against her back, and he smiled into the kiss.

"I don't think I've ever been so happy in my life." he admitted before rising on his elbows to roll the two of them over.

"What do you think?"

"That I'm going to miss running my fingers through it…" Inigo mused, passing his fingers through the short strands of hair at Lucina's neck, "And that Severa is going to have a fit when she realizes you've cut it all off."

Lucina laughed at that, before pushing his hands away to continue saddling up her horse. It had been a long time coming-cutting her hair. It had always been the 'Princess' Lucina's hair and she wasn't that girl anymore. She was Marth again. Nothing more than a warrior with a legendary blade. She'd asked Lissa to cut it the morning before they set off to find her mother.

"I match Morgan and Father now. Short hair." And Mother, she added silently in her head. When she'd first seen herself in the looking glass she was struck by how similar she looked to her mother in with her locks cut to her jaw line. It was a sad feeling, but a good one too.

"And me. Naga forbid I ever let it get longer than this-it will be unmanageable." Inigo ran a hand through his own rebellious hair before grinning at his partner. "Shall he head off then?"

Lucina smiled, mounting her horse.

"Yes. Let's."

Lucina couldn't quantify the way her life was lived as she searched for her mother with Inigo. Not with only one word, at least. It was heartening to know that Risen were nearly a thing of the past, and that her attention could focus on defending Ylisse from human problems. It was relaxing to ride along the countryside without feeling the need to ride hard to meet some far off goal.

It was the best thing in the world to watch her husband dance in the many taverns they went through, bringing laughter and smiles into the healing world. His confidence grew with each coin dropped in his purse at the end of the night, and his smiles were contagious. Lucina couldn't remember the last time she felt so at home.

Innkeepers are always open for a young couple of mercenaries. Particularly ones with Shepherd pedigrees. They were never at a want for charity. And secretly Lucina thrilled over being fussed over for being a young married couple more than being a member of the royal family.

Six months into the search Lucina realized that her birthday had come and gone without any fanfare. She woke to a small smattering of flowers on the pillow next to her, and it had taken her a moment to remember what the occasion was. Inigo had already left to get them breakfast by the time she woke up to see the gift.

When he returned with the food, including a fruit pastry just for her, she smiled at him.

"I had forgotten the date."

"I haven't. Hard to forget the day the most important person in your life was born." Inigo quipped, "It also helps that your father made a proclamation for the Princess Lucina's 4th birthday. As well as an announcement that the Shepherds would be celebrating the birthday of a dear friend before returning to the field to search for the Queen. I wonder who that could be... "

Lucina giggled at that, biting into her pastry, relishing the berry flavor that coated her tongue. She shook her head, "I have no idea. Though I imagine that's the version of the proclamation that Frederick edited, Father likely came right out to wish his time traveling daughter a happy birthday in the original."

Inigo laughed at that, doubling over before settling to the bed to eat his own breakfast. "I'm afraid I don't have a lot of money to buy you a fancy gift but...if there anything you want today, I'll do my best to get it for you."

Lucina pondered the offer as she ate. The back of her mind threw out for Robin to be found, but she quickly dismissed the request. Falchion was sharp as ever, so there was no need to get a new sword. All of her equipment was in fine shape. She looked at the young man smiling at her, and down at the pastry.

"Maybe another one of these for the road and some chocolates."

Inigo's laughter was surprised and happy.

"As you wish, my lady."

They rode harder than they ought to have the night that news was sent that the Queen has been found safe at last. Inigo hadn't even questioned her when she made her way back to the stables in a rush. He'd only followed behind with their saddlebags and cloaks with an indulgent smile.

Their horses thundered up through the castle courtyard, startling the guards into attention. Already Frederick was in the courtyard to meet them and take their horses, a smile on his face. Lucina spared a glance behind her to see Inigo holding the reins for their horses. He nodded to her, a wide smile on his face.

"Go on ahead, love."

She sent him a grateful glance before breaking into a run towards the Royal Family's private quarters. The hallways were lined with Shepherds, all welcoming Lucina back with surprised exclamations. She hardly heard them, her focus only on the grand door at the end of the tall staircase.

She burst through it-holding her breath as she searched the room-

"Oh, Lucina."

Lucina felt her heart clench at the sound of that tired voice, and her eyes began to overfill with tears, blurring the figure of her mother. She felt herself stumble into her mother's arms and allowed herself to be cradled there.

"Mother I-" Lucina couldn't make her throat work right, and only a sob came out after the attempt to communicate just how much she had missed her. She felt her mother's hand reach back and stroke the back of her head and the other rub circles around her back.

"Sorry it took so long to come back, sweetheart." Robin whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of Lucina's head, "I'm home now."

"I still can't believe you cut your hair," Robin mused as the two of them sat together in the castle garden. Her smile was wry as she took a few strands in her fingers, "You were always so proud of it."

Lucina shrugged, running her own fingers through her hair. "It was time for a change. After everything that happened…" she paused and looked out at Inigo, who was being chased by her younger self. She smiled. "I wanted to start over. Like I did when I came to this world."

Robin laughed, and shook her head. "Of course. I had almost forgotten your first hairstyle. When you were Marth."

"Well, I'm Marth here. I'm Marth to her." Lucina gestured to her younger self, who had finally overtaken Inigo and tackled him to the ground. He laid there indulgently as she stepped over his back and crowed out her victory. She had to stifle her laughter at the sight. Robin had no qualms about laughing though, her laughter rang through the garden freely.

"You'll always be Lucina to me and the rest of this family. Maybe someday, when she's older, we can explain that her big sister is actually herself." Robin heaved a sigh, leaning back in her chair, "But I'd rather she enjoy her childhood without worries."

"So would I." Lucina agreed, watching and Inigo tossed the small girl in the air and caught her again. Her heart clenched at the sight-at how easily he was able to captivate the small girl. How effortless he fell into being a caretaker.

"Oh Lucina, I wish we could have given you this." Robin whispered, her voice strained, "I wanted the world for you and I...I'm still sorry."

"Don't be. I grew up surrounded by love." Lucina shook her head, "I had no shortage of people who cared for me. I found comfort from my friends. From our comrades," Her eyes trailed over Inigo, a small smile on her lips, "From Inigo."

Robin looked like she wanted to protest, but Lucina shook her head.

"I fought for this future, Mother. I want the Lucina of this world to be happy and carefree." She looked down at her mother's stomach, the beginning curves of a new life there, "And for Morgan, when he comes along."

A surprised bubble of laughter erupted from Robin's mouth at that. "It figures that you would have an interest in Morgan. Naga knows he's been giddy with glee from the moment we let him know."

"He makes a fine big brother to little Lucina," Lucina agreed, "I'm sure he's going to smother his younger self in more affection than he can stand."

"What's this about too much affection?" Both nobles turned towards Inigo, who was ambling over with the young princess being held by her feet over his shoulders. The young girl was squealing with glee, and her captor had a wide grin on his face. "So far as I know there's no such thing."

Robin tilted her head at the young man and hummed, "I thought that you were watching my little girl, Inigo. But I don't see her anywhere. You haven't misplaced her, have you?"

Lucina had to smother her laughter again at Inigo's false shock.

"What? I've not lost the princess! She's right behind me!" He exclaimed, turning on his heel, sending the young girl turning in an arc out from his back. "What?! She's gone! But she was right there!" He turned back on his heels again and gulped, "I'm afraid I may have really lost her, Your Majesty."

The little Lucina's giggles could be heard by all of them, though they all feigned ignorance.

"I must say I'm very disappointed in you," Robin answered, in a mock arch voice, "You understand you'll lose your knighthood, Sir Inigo."

Inigo gasped theatrically, "Milady-please reconsider!"

"Mama! I'm back here! I'm back here! Please don't hurt Inigo!"

Inigo gasped again, this time hauling the small princess up on his shoulders in a smooth motion. "There you are, Your Highness! We were worried sick!"

Lucina rose to help her smaller self off Inigo's shoulders, resting the young girl on her hip easily. "Now where had you gone off to, mm?" she questioned.

"Inigo was letting me ride him!" Lucina turned towards Robin now, eyes pleading, "Can he stay here with me, Mama?"

Inigo chuckled, ruffling the young girl's hair, "I'm afraid I cannot, Your Highness. I've been called away for an important mission." He sent Lucina a sly grin, "But you aren't the first in your family to beg for me to stay by their side."

Lucina rolled her eyes and she handed herself off to her mother, who settled the young girl on her knees expertly. "Don't listen to him, Lucina. He's being foolish."

"But he's so nice! Marth, how come he gets to go with you?" The little girl pouted and Lucina heard Inigo snicker behind her.

"Because I married him. So he has to stay by my side."

"That's not fair! You got to him first!"

"Now now, Marth and Inigo have been through a lot, little miss," Robin scolded lightly, placing Lucina back to the ground and standing, "And it's time for your lessons. Say goodbye and thank you."

"Thank you Inigo for playing with me! Bye bye!" Lucina called as she was lightly pulling back into the castle. It was a couple of moments before Inigo burst out laughing.

"You're so pushy! I had forgotten how stubborn you were as a kid." He laughed, doubled over. He rose and pecked a kiss to Lucina's cheek, "It's cute how jealous you are of yourself."

"She's four. You're a pretty face who is willing to play with her. Of course she's interested in you. I wanted to marry Stahl when I was four because he was willing to play with me."

"Fair. But you must see the humor in it." Inigo conceded, taking her hand and giving it a light squeeze. "It's been so long since we've been here. Six months since the last visit yes? When your mother came back."

Lucina nodded, starting to stroll through the garden. "We stayed a month and then headed out again. And now this summons...are you sure?" Lucina frowned, "This Anankos man...he waited for us to come to propose his plans and then left us with only a map and directions. I'm not sure how credible he sounds."

"Says the time traveling princess." Inigo countered. He tilted his head in acknowledgement though, "I will admit it is a little far fetched. But if he needs our help saving his country. His world? It would be hypocritical of us to say no, wouldn't it?"

"It would. But I don't like the idea of you, Owain, and Severa going alone. I want to come along."

"It's too risky and you know it. We already went over this with your mother," Inigo shook his head, "You need to stay here for the Shepherds. Frederick needs to train a second, and I know you want to do it." Inigo's shoulders slumped a little, "I don't like the idea of being away from you for so long but…"

"Duty of the Shepherds calls. I know." Lucina finished his thought, squeezing his hand tightly, "I just wish...it didn't have to be right now. When we could finally do what we wished. In peace."

Inigo pulled her into a hug, "I promise I'll speed us along as quickly as possible. No long monologues for Owain, or shopping trips for Severa."

"I know. Just-be safe. I don't want to lose you somewhere I can't go save you." Lucina muttered bitterly into his chest, pulling him ever closer. "I love you too much to say goodbye forever."

"Not goodbye. Just until we meet again." Inigo corrected, pulling again to drop a kiss to Lucina's lips, "I love you. I promise I'll return as soon as the wind gets me back to you."

The Princess Lucina's seventh birthday party was full of all the pomp and circumstances it was due. It was also full of shrieking children running about the garden in glee. The young princess herself had already gotten grass stains on her white sun dress, and kicked her shoes far away. It was only a matter of time before her hair tangled from all the activity. But was was having fun, and that was all that mattered in the end.

Her older self and her parents stood off to the side with some of the other parents. Lucina glanced at her mother and father and saw the same content smiles on their faces as they watched the children play. Peace was a wonderful thing. Her father turned to her, and his smile widened to a grin.

"Glad you could make it to your own party, Lucina." His arms were around his in an instant, crushing her in a hug.

"Father please," Lucina muttered, her face flushing red, "People will suppose."

"That it is just as likely that the Shepherd Marth has the same birthday as Lucina?" Robin mused, placing a hand on Chrom's shoulder, a message to loosen his hold.

"I-It's not proper that's all. Not with half the court here today." Lucina whispered, her eyes darting to the group of nobles in the shade who all bore the air of never having been in battle before. They wouldn't understand it. Not at all.

Robin rolled her eyes, frowning, "What's not proper is you not being able to celebrate your birthday. I know you're an adult but isn't it alright for your parents to spoil you every now and again?" She questioned, crossing her arms over her chest.

Lucina felt the flush on her cheeks grow, and she averted her eyes. As usual she was left without a response. She never expected so much from her parents. It was always so overwhelming. "I...I suppose it isn't bad."

"No. It's quite good in fact. Particularly since you've just returned from such a long mission." Robin motioned for her daughter to sit next to her on the steps that led inside, and tilted her head to encourage Chrom to join the children elsewhere. "There's no sign of them in Plegia?"

Lucina's heart sank at the thought of her futile search with Cynthia and Gerome for her missing friends. Her hand instantly went to the ring kept on her left hand, twisting it. She heaved a sigh.

"None at all. No one has seen them in years. There trail leaves off somewhere near Naga's tree." She frowned, furrowing her brow, "It makes no sense. Someone should have seen where they went. Or heard of this Anankos man. But it's as if they were never even here."

Lucina's heart clenched at the thought of never seeing Inigo again. She brought his gentle smile to mind as he bid her goodbye, kissing her softly before riding off with Owain and Severa. How a mission that shouldn't have taken more than a few months stretched on to be two and a half years of worry and no answers.

"It's possible they've entered a Outrealm," Robin mused, her brow also furrowing, "Or a Deeprealm. I've heard of such places that a day passes in the time it takes us to experience a year-or vise versa. But the books on those subjects are very vague."

"If only Anna hadn't taken off so quickly. We could ask her siblings for help." Lucina grumbled bitterly.

"Things take time. Wars are long. There could be any number of reasons they are delayed. But I understand your frustration. I hated waiting for your father to return from missions when I was stuck here. It happened when I was carrying you, and when I was carrying Morgan." Robin reached out and laid a hand against Lucina's back, rubbing comforting circles there.

Almost as if their name had summoned them, the older Morgan came charging in with the younger girl Morgan riding triumphantly on his shoulders.

"It's still amusing to think that some things like this can change. Morgan was heartbroken to realise he was only going to have female siblings." Lucina offered, a small smile creeping to her face a she watched her siblings run around.

Robin laughed, "Not a disappointed as Chrom, who had already commissioned a small blade for him. Well, it all works out. It's shaping up that Morgan is going to be a fighter this time around, and you are more of a bookworm than I imagined. I've found her and Morgan asleep on each other in the library more times than I can count."

Lucina looked out at her younger self, leading a group of her fellows in a clump to knock over her father. The changes between them weren't too great that she felt like she didn't know the little girl, but they were good. She had learned the sword at her father's knee because war was all around her and it was the only way she and her father could bond during the war times. She'd honed her skills to protect her family after everything went to hell.

She was glad to hear that she had no need of those skills anymore.

"I've also gotten word from Olivia and Henry that their two year old daughter is doing well," Robin remarked her lips quirking up in a wry smile, "Olivia sends her love to you, and was wondering if you would want to meet your sister-in-law any time soon."

Lucina hummed, thinking of how she knew that Inigo would have been thrilled to hear about his little sister's birth, and excited to spend time with her. She smiled, her eyes cast towards the flagstone, "I'm not sure how well I'd take it. I wouldn't want to let Olivia down by letting her know I still haven't found Inigo."

"You can't put all that weight on yourself Lucina, trust me. It only leads to pain." Robin pulled her daughter closer, placing a hand under her chin to lock eyes with her daughter. "You could go on forever with the what ifs. And you know for a fact that's the last thing that he would want you to do."

Lucina felt her chin wobble a little as her eyes blinked rapidly to clear the tears forming there. She took in a weak breath and dropped her gaze again. Her words were nearly silent.

"I miss him."

"I know, Lucina. I know." Robin soothed, her fingers carding in Lucina's hair to smooth it out. "I wish I could help. I wish-"

"Milady! One of the perimeter spells was set off! Someone entered the castle with a spell!"

Lucina and Robin stood in an instant, the tender moment having vanished in the face of business. Lucina's hand went to Falchion's hilt at her side instinctually.

"Where?"

"Near the old Shepherd barracks! There's nothing there anymore though-I don't understand why-"

Lucina didn't bother to listen to any more, already bolting off towards her old haunt. With the wars over and Risen taken care of, the Shepherds experienced a boon of many young knights and volunteers to train and protect the innocent. They outgrew their barracks in the first year after the Queen was found and they had to be moved further off on the castle's grounds. Only the old Shepherds still went to the small rooms to store their gear and chat about the war.

To enter from there meant that they knew that it wouldn't be occupied. They knew it was a weak point.

Lucina drew Falchion as she rounded the corner and sprinted the final distance towards the barrack's small training yard. There were four figures huddled there in dark cloaks, around what looked to be a blast radius from a spell. She steadied her sword in front of herself, adopting a wide stance. She narrowed her eyes and laid in wait behind the wall of one of the buildings.

"Father, I sense mystic energies at work here in the ether! Your homeland is incredible!" One of the figures spoke, her voice high as a flute, and excited. The other three figures grunted as they stood.

"So it worked? We're home?" Another female voice questioned, and Lucina's eyes widened. It'd changed a little, a bit more mature, and a little lower but it was definitely-

"Laslow-I don't think we're alone." Came another, this one booming in it's mock purpose, "Someone has sensed our presence and-"

"Can it, Odin! Let me see," The last figure spoke and Lucina's heart lurched in her chest. She nearly dropped her sword. Her feet numbly brought her around the corner and all four figures turned towards her. Hoods went down in an instant and Lucina was greeted to the faces of three of her oldest friends, and one new young girl.

Her eyes focused on Inigo though, his hair a shade darker than she remembered, and longer to boot. His face held a few more years-as she was sure hers did-but it didn't matter. He was back. He was alive.

"Inigo?"

She barely trusted her voice.

"Lucina." Inigo's voice was nearly a whisper, his eyes wide as they soaked up every bit of her they could. His face broke into the brightest smile she'd seen in years and he surged forward with a holler of joy.

Lucina couldn't contain the sobbing laughter as Inigo literally swept her off her feet in a strong hug. His arms squeezed her tightly enough to hurt, but she didn't care. The pressure was an ever present reminder that he was there. He was alive. He was home.

He placed her down and in an instant his hands were at her cheeks-his fingers rough with sword calluses and new scars. His eyes searched her face with such intensity she shivered. She watched as he gulped, his eyes tearing up as his smile broke with a watery laugh. He ducked his head, his fingers shaking slightly against her face. She reached up and covered them with her own hands, squeezing them gently.

"You're real. Gods. It's been so long-you have no idea how long it's been Lucina-Gods."

Inigo's voice was weak, struggling to work through the tears streaming down his face. Lucina sniffed, pulling him back into a fierce hug, her heart healing in bits and pieces as he cried against her.

"I was so worried you were never coming back. You just vanished-I thought the worst-I…" Lucina trailed off, and shook her head, "I'm so happy you're alive."

Inigo gave a short bark of laughter, pulling back from Lucina's embrace just enough to kiss her.

"You took the words right out of my mouth." His grin was infectious and Lucina found herself grinning as she pulled him down for another kiss-this one far harder.

"Ugh, could you two get a room?"

Inigo was the first to pull back at the sound of Severa's groan of displeasure. He shot her a dirty look, and frowned.

"Well I'm sorry it's the first time I've seen my wife in almost 10 years! Unlike you, who got to get remarried, some of us haven't been so fortunate." Inigo groused, meeting Severa's unamused gaze head on.

Lucina blinked wildly at the numbers. They certainly didn't look 10 years older. To her eyes, Inigo had only aged the almost three years he'd been gone. His eyes were tired though. A quick glance at her childhood friends placed them in the same age range. The fourth stranger looking to be barely a teenager though, and she had been blinking owlishly at Lucina ever since she had appeared.

"10 years? You've only been gone for 2 and a half years, Inigo."

"Time moves differently in the Deeprealms," Severa explained, "The world we were in…We've been there 10 years. Guess Anankos kept his promise after all-We're back in as close an amount of time as we could get." She stepped forward, flicking her twin tails behind her, "Could have chosen a better landing spot though. I've got dirt all over my new boots-These were a parting gift from Lady Camilla!"

Lucina pulled away from Inigo's arms and smiled at her old friend. "It's good to have you back Severa. And you too, Owain. Aunt Lissa and Cordelia are going to be thrilled to hear you're back."

Owain puffed in happiness, his grin broad as he came forward to hug Lucina. "It is wonderful to reunite with you as well, Exalted cousin! It has been far too long."

"It's been forever since I've heard our names. I'd almost forgotten they were still ours." Inigo muttered, putting a hand on the stranger's shoulder, "I imagine Ophelia is a little lost, aren't you?" he asked.

"Father always said he had come from an incredible place-He and mother always seemed to heroic to be of Nohr." The girl answered, nodding, "But these names…Sir Laslow, who is this? And why does she refer to you as Inigo?"

Owain let Lucina go to stand next to the young girl and gestured to the young girl with a flourish. "Dearest cousin, I would like to present the next chosen hero in our line, the one and only Ophelia Dusk!"

Severa rolled her eyes at her husband and pushed him aside, "Ugh. Ignore that. Ophelia, this is Lucina, one of our comrades from this world. She's fought many battles at our side. She's also your father's cousin. Lucina, this is mine and Owain's daughter, Ophelia."

Lucina felt her throat go dry as she looked at the redheaded child. She gulped. "Your…daughter?"

"Deeprealms love, they're the strangest things," Inigo brushed off, "Odi-Owain, Severa, Ophelia, you guys go on ahead and tell the Exalt and the Queen that we've returned. I'll catch up soon enough."

Lucina watched as Severa, Owain and Inigo shared a long look before the couple ushered their daughter away. Inigo watched them go before his shoulders slumped in relief. He turned back to face Lucina fully and his smile was weak as he took Lucina's hands in his own.

"I was hoping you'd hadn't left me behind while I was gone," he whispered, his voice strained, "10 years is a long time to pretend that you don't have a wife you miss more than life itself." He shook his head, "It was a long time to let myself doubt whether you were going to be there when I got back."

Lucina's gut churned as Inigo spoke, and she knocked her forehead against Inigo's collarbone, breathing in his scent deeply. It was different than it used to be. Muskier and wetter than it had been-as if he'd spent a great deal of time in the rain. Underneath that was the familiar scent of steel and leather she knew so well. She felt his breath hitch in his chest.

"You're the sword at my side, Inigo. You never really left."

She could feel the tears coming before they fell, as his hands came to rest at her hips. She rose her head to look at his tear stained face, and stood on her toes to close the distance and press her lips to his. He hungrily returned the kiss, pulling her closer to him. Lucina poured every bit of love she could into the kiss, and her heart soared as Inigo matched it and seemed to overcome her in emotion.

When they finally broke apart it was so Lucina could step back and take one of Inigo's hands in her own and place her other on his shoulder. She gave him a small smile, and watched as comprehension dawned on his face. She tilted her head and her smile grew a little.

"Dance with me?"

Inigo chuckled, blinking to clear his tears away. When he looked at Lucina again, with his lazy and crooked smile she felt like she had come home.

"As my lady wishes it."

This has been an adventure. It's taken a lot longer than I wanted, but you can blame FE:Fates for that! I had to change how the story would end for this fic thanks to it. But the changes ended up working in my favor. It was a bit of a pain to have to go through ALL of the DLC explaining where the Awakening Trio had gone and the way that particular magic worked.

It was unclear how long they spent in Nohr-but one of Selena's lines was her complaining about how she had been watching over Corrin since she was a kid and that they didn't recognize her. So It had to be a while. So 10 years it became. But since their sprites don't change I'm assuming that Anankos' magic is keeping them young enough to go back to Ylisse and only look like they've aged a couple of years.

I wasn't sure how to approach the hair color problem of the kids though. With Inigo it wasn't a problem because his hair only changed a couple of shades-but my Severa and Owain had brown and black hair respectively. Whoops. But that's issue for another fic entirely. (Sort of like the Inigo/Laslow piece I'm writing to go into how he felt while he was stuck in Nohr. But that will only be on Ao# so check out my account there!)

In any case, thank you so much for sticking with this fic, even through the dry spells and inconsistent updates. You guys are great. (And so are comments but yeah)