My first Fire Emblem fic! Wow, I never knew that I was going to make one of these. Oh well. N E ways, I know that there are a lot of other great ones out there. And I thank you in advance for actually clicking on this story! I had an inspiration to write this for some reason.

To tell you the truth, I haven't played the game in like 6 months or so, but I've played it about 2.5 times around, so I might've forgotten some names and things in the game.

For people who are wondering what the pairs are, there are various pairings in the story, but I'm not focusing on them too much. The pairing that I'm focusing on is: Female TacticianxMatthew. I know, I make the less popular and sometimes unusual pairs in my fanfics.

Time Span? Let's just say that from the start of Eliwood's/Hector's story, it's been about a year and a half. Yeah, that sounds like a good time. Oh well, I won't delay you anymore, here ya go!

OH yeah! Disclaimer: I do not own ANY of the Fire Emblem: Rekka no Ken characters. They belong to Nintendo and Intelligent Systems.

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Chapter I: Aftermath of the War

Finally, it was over. Everything that they have been pursuing: the search of Eliwood's father, finding the legendary weapons, and defeating Nergal, had come to an end. Now that they defeated their foe, and ended the war with the dragons before it started, all they had to do now is go on with the normal lives they had before all of this. Every one was exhausted; of course they would be since they have been traveling for a long time, some more than others.

Eliwood thanked every single soldier on his army for staying with him through this journey. The one who he really was grateful of was the young tactician, who stayed with them from the beginning of it all, which was when they first were rescuing Rebecca's village from a bandit attack, as he remembered.

"I just can't thank you enough for helping us with our battle tactics. I don't think anyone else would have come up with better strategies than you, Caden."

"It was my pleasure, and honor, for serving you, Lord Eliwood. I couldn't be as grateful enough as being your tactician, since you were the one who asked me."

Eliwood was remembering the past: the time when he first met Caden. It was after the battle that they emerged victorious as Caden as their tactician. She said that she was traveling around, and Eliwood made a request to her to become his army's tactician. Now, he couldn't have been more thankful for her answer, as she kept every one alive this whole time, battle after battle.

"Well then, when there are other dangers, I'll be sure to ask you to be my tactician again."

Caden smiled and nodded of approval. Eliwood returned the nod and made his way through the rest of the army.

"I should have thanked Caden more for her hard work," he thought, "I should do something for her once we get back to Pherae."

Pherae, at long last he can come back to the castle, and to his mother. He has been traveling for so long and he couldn't wait to settle down back at his own home; of course, coming back wouldn't be the same though, not without that one person who has been in his life ever since Eliwood was born. He could never forget about his father, or what he did to spare his son. He shook that emotion aside; after all, this is a joyous event.

Lyn walked up to the tactician and thanked her as well.

"Caden, it was faith that brought us back together. I'm happy that I was able to see you again; it was a long time after you left when I first saw my grandfather. I thank you for your help back then, and I thank you for leading us to this victory."

"Thank you, Lady Lyn. It was funny how we would travel again in the same army. I was happy back then when you were finally able to lay eyes on your grandfather, and I am happy now that this whole mess with the dragons will hopefully not become true."

"Haha, yes, you're right. There are so many things that I would like to thank you for, but then, I wouldn't know how to express all of it. To put it all together, I suppose, here's one expression from Lyn, not from 'Lady Lyndis,'" she said walking up to Caden and hugging her. Caden, at first thought, was surprised about Lyn's action, but then she put her arms around her too and said, "You're welcome" in the process.

Now that Caden was thinking of it, this was the first time that Lyn has ever hugged her. There was a time when she first departed that Lyn was looking like she was about to cry, but she didn't look like she felt like hugging her. All she remembers was Lyn waving goodbye and her watching as she went off.

Of course, the last lord to thank Caden was Hector. She really wasn't expecting Hector's gratitude to be as friendly as Lyn's or Eliwood's, but she knew that he has an original way of expressing himself… or not.

"Um…Caden, mind if I talk to you?"

"Sure, Lord Hector. Already it shows that he's not used to saying 'thank you' to other people."

"I want to thank you for being our tactician. I know I've already apologized for underestimating you, but I feel like I need to apologize even more."(1)

"Why, may I ask?"

"Because…even after I apologized, when that battle came up with the dragons, I thought that this war might have been a fiasco for us. But, again, you proved me wrong."

"It's not as mean as I thought it would be. But, I guess it took HIM courage to tell that to me... Hector you lout. Well, you're not really a lout, but it's funny how it's hard for you to do simple things… like saying thank you. I can understand why you would think of me different, but maybe you've learned something, not to label someone before you know them. Thank you for the apology, though."

"Hey, I've learned my lesson already! You don't need to tell me that. But… I… really wanted to thank you for all you did… for staying with us. So… thanks."

She let out a slight chuckle, "You're very welcome, Lord Hector."

Out of all the Lords, she felt like she knew Hector the least. Of course she knew Eliwood almost the same time that she met Hector, but she thought that Eliwood was friendlier, and easier to talk to.

There were more members of the army that walked up to Caden and thanked her for all her hard work, and Caden thanked them back for being such good fighters. She knew that some people weren't that way to thank people, and she didn't take them not showing their gratitude to her as a way that they didn't thank her for her duty.

Later that night, still on the Dread Isle, the army celebrated their victory. Fargus and his crew came along for the celebration as well. After all, they did participate and help his army along the way. Some members of the camp were musicians, and they played their instruments so their music would be heard. Nils was contributing to the band, and Ninian, as timid as she is, went with the rhythm of the music. Everyone was having a great time for now.

Sain, as usual, took this celebration as an opportunity to woo some of the ladies in the camp. Every time he would walk up to one, she would turn him down, which he was very used to by now coming from the ladies in the army. The one who Sain was real fond of, though, was the Pegasus knight, Fiora.

"Ah, lovely Fiora, may I have the pleasure to dance with you this evening? The stars are out and the music is playing; rather romantic, no?"

"I guess accepting his offer won't hurt this time. Sure, Sain. I'll dance with you."

Sain held out a hand and bowed slightly. Fiora took his hand and followed him near the bonfire. Once in her life, Fiora was having a great time. She was used to the strict life she had in Ilia and being a knight, but for right now, she was trying to forget her duties and her rank. Her sisters saw her dancing, and they thought that this was a new Fiora that they were seeing. Fiora was smiling and laughing, which was hard for even them to witness.

Farina nudged her little sister to get her attention, "Hey, Florina, look at those two dancing."

"I know," Florina said smiling, "It seems that Sain has actually relieved her stress."

Nobody cared about each other's ranks today; they just felt like they needed to have a good time.

This adventure, for some people, developed love from one member to another in the army. Some others, however, were melancholy, one being the tactician.

In the beginning of the celebration and the lighting of the bonfire, Caden was there, but when everyone else was socializing, she left the group and sat idle on one of the stumps distant from the rest of them. She expected Karel to be away from the group as well. He seemed like the one who doesn't do any social activities she thought. She observed him for a little while, and she found him training by himself. Caden felt like walking up to him to start a conversation, but she had the fear that he might mistake her as an enemy and cut her down since it's so dark. She stayed where she was sitting watching as the other couples were arising from the group. She also saw that Lyn was sitting next to Rath watching the others dance. Hector… Hector didn't seem much like the person who would dance, but then again, Caden was proven wrong. She thought that Hector was more of the person who would spar and train anytime possible, she couldn't imagine Hector doing anything else but that. She chuckled at her thought.

For the rest of the time, Caden was replaying the battles the army fought and the tactics that she ordered everyone to follow. After all, making battle plans is her job.

"Hey, why aren't you enjoying yourself? This celebration is partly for you too, since you were the one who actually made this celebration happen," said a voice.

Caden looked to her right to see Matthew standing near her with his cheery demeanor.

"You mind if I sit down?"

"Go ahead."

"So, why do you look so glum? You should be happy about this. I know that if I were in your shoes, I would be out there, dancing and having a great time," he asked when he took his seat.

"You're right…I know that I should be like that. But…I'm not really accustomed to such a big group."

"You've been traveling with us since the beginning; that was ages ago. How can you not tell me that you're not used to this group?"

"Before all of this, I was usually by myself, traveling, gathering information, trying to be better than I already am. After battles, I would seclude myself and reflect on the battle. Right now, I'm reflecting on everything that I have done since the beginning, and I think of ways that I might have done things differently. Like if we would have gone here sooner, the first time we came, we could have saved Lord Eliwood's father… and Leila. I-I'm sorry, for bringing her up."

Matthew looked like he was in slight emotional pain, but he tried not to show it.

"No worries, Caden, the past is the past. I know I miss her, but she died for what was right."

"I can't just help that her death was partly my fault, though."

"Hey, don't be too hard on yourself. As I said, the past is the past."

"Hm…I guess you're right. You should enjoy yourself, Matthew. Thank you for the conversation, but I think I'll pass in the celebrating."

"Oh come now, are you saying that because you don't know how to dance?

"I… haven't danced in a long time. I don't think I'm that good. I don't want to embarrass myself."

"Dancing is not a skill… well, for most people it isn't. It's just moving with the rhythm. Any other complaints?"

She chuckled and went on, "I don't really want to dance… and…"

"…And?"

"I… don't have anyone to dance with."

"Well then, that's a problem easily solved," Matthew replied while he was standing up. He let out a palm in front of her, "Would you like to dance with me, Caden?"

Caden felt her face flush red, she was reluctant at first to accept his offer, but she was reconsidering what Matthew had just explained to her. She smiled and took Matthew's hand. Matthew was right, she did have a wonderful time participating. For right now, she tried to procrastinate her duties, which she was not used to doing.

Caden didn't think that she was that close to anybody in the army, with the exception of the lords, although she has been traveling with them for so long. She tried to have a little conversation with at least everybody, but some people were harder to talk to, so she failed that. Right now, she thought that she was starting to get to know Matthew better. She knew Matthew for almost three years, but she didn't get to talk to him most of the time. Now that this war was over, perhaps she'll be able to bond with him. Caden liked that Matthew was always so cheery, and he was very helpful with his dexterity. She was thinking that, during this whole journey, she grew a slight attraction to him. She thought of Matthew being her friend, not just an acquaintance, like most of the people here.

Many hours have passed since the beginning of the celebration, and everyone wanted to go back to their own homes. With the help of Fargus, they sailed through the sea separating the island and their continent, and arrived back at the port. From there, most of the army separated traveling back to their respective nations. Caden was about to break off from the group too, but then Eliwood asked her to come with him back to Lycia.

No big celebration was held for their return, no one minded. The three lords went back to their regions; Caden followed Eliwood back to Pherae.

Hector traveled back to Ostia, along with Oswin, Matthew, and Serra. Hector also lost someone during the journey, but his death wasn't involved with the war. He went back to the throne room again; but he already knew that what he wanted to see wouldn't come true. He didn't want to cry; he didn't want other people to see.

Lyn hurried back to her grandfather. She wanted to see if he was alright since the last time she saw him. She remembered that he ordered Lyn and a small army to escape the castle and leave immediately. She walked up to the stone pathway leading to the entrance of the castle.

"Lady Lyndis, you're back!" cheered one of the soldiers

"It's nice to be back home. Tell me, is my grandfather alright?"

"The steward knows more than we do. It would be best to ask him."

"Very well then."

She walked to her grandfather's bedroom.

"Lady Lyndis, it's nice to see you again," greeted the steward.

"Likewise, is Grandfather doing well?"

"The doctor said that he'll be completely fine. There were only a few cuts, but they weren't anything serious."

"Oh! Thank St. Elimine for this wonderful news!" (or do only Etruian people thank her?)

"His wounds have healed already. The doctor told him not to strain himself too much. It's perfectly fine if you would like to see him right now."

Lyn nodded her head okay and opened the door to her grandfather's bedroom.

"Grandfather?"

"Lyndis? Is that you?"

"Yes, it is Grandfather!" she answered while embracing him, "I'm so happy that you're still alive. I have so much to tell you."

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Once Eliwood arrived in Pherae, Rebecca and Wil went to her village. Everyone else walked up to the castle. There, Eliwood's mother was waiting for him near the entrance.

"I'm back, Mother."

"Eliwood! I'm so glad to see you again," she said embracing her son.

"So am I, Mother. This war is over, and I have avenged Father's death. Everything will be peaceful for the time being."

"I'm just glad that you're alright."

"Yes, I'm fine. It was all thanks to the people who accompanied us. But most of the thanks belong to this tactician, Caden. She kept us alive this whole time."

Eliwood's mother, Eleanora, looked at Caden with an approved smile.

"I thank you, Caden, for keeping my son and everyone else alive."

"It is an honor receiving a 'thank you' from you," she bowed.

The Pheraen soldiers settled themselves back into the castle. Caden followed Eliwood to wherever he was going.

"Lord Eliwood, may I ask you a question?"

"There's no need for formalities, you can just ask me. We're friends, aren't we?"

"Yes, you're right," she smiled, "Um… not to be rude or anything, but… why did you ask me to come back to Pherae with you?"

"I was thinking… that we may hold a celebration for you here, in Pherae."

"L-Lord Eliwood, you don't have to hold a celebration for me. I wouldn't want to be taking advantage of you."

"Nonsense," Eliwood replied, "I am the one who wants to hold it for you. Why are you acting timid all of a sudden?"

"I don't like big celebrations that much, I'm sorry. The celebration that we had on the Dread Isle was good enough for me. I like parties where I know everyone in the room. And um… if you haven't noticed already, Lord Eliwood, I'm shy when it comes to me seeing new people," she persuaded.

"Very well then, I will listen to your request."

"Thank you, Lord Eliwood, for understanding. I am grateful," she said bowing.

"Now, if you will excuse me, I must be catching up on the work I missed during this journey."

"Even when you're in war, a prince still has many tasks to work on, I see."

"Haha, yes you're right. I must be going now. You can go anywhere in the castle. Just enjoy your stay here."

"Thank you. Don't overexert yourself when you're studying," she said to him.

"I thank you for your concern," Eliwood said smiling to her. Caden smiled back and she felt that she was blushing.

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End of Chapter I: Aftermath of the War

What other reason is there for Eliwood asking Caden to stay? Find out in the next chapter.

Yay! Chapter 1 is done! Thank you for reading through! Next chapter will be coming up… I don't know when, but please be patient.

Once again, I'm making my quota of about 3-5 reviews in order to continue… I know I kinda sound selfish… but it's just the way I am… heheh… sorry guys.

I think this is kind of a new writing style for me in a way… and a new mood… I hope you don't mind…

…FYI, the whole plot hasn't started yet… I guess you can call this the prologue or somethin'.

Author's notes (the numbers correspond to the numbers in the story):

1) If you haven't played through Hector's story he kinda apologizes for doubting you.