After the War
Maian opened her eyes and leaned back.
"What have you seen?", Lehran inquired.
She smiled at him. "The war is over. Crimea has won."
"Oh! What a pleasant surprise."
"Did you doubt them?"
"No. But I was not sure whether they would be able to defeat Ashnard. I shall go and inform Sanaki and ask for her permission to travel to Crimea. One of us should at least be at Elincia's coronation. Would you like to come with me? You have never been abroad before, after all. And Melior in spring is just beautiful."
Maian gave this some thought.
"Thank you, but I must decline. There are too many laguz in Melior for my taste..."
"I see. You fear that they might notice something."
"Nasir already knows. He promised to keep it a secret, but what about the others? Would they be as understanding as he is? And I am especially nervous when I think about meeting the herons. They may not be able to read my mind, but they might notice similarities..."
"Is that the true reason you did not join the search for Reyson?"
"It was one reason, yes. A strong one."
"I see. Well, another time, then."
Caineghis had sent a lot of workers and warriors who helped the Crimeans rebuild their country. Many of those who had travelled with them had stayed to help as well or because they wanted to see Elincia's coronation. Sothe, Tauroneo, Jill, Haar and Zihark had already left for Daein, they wanted to help rebuilding their country. And Tanith had left for Begnion.
Leanne and Reyson would go to Gallia for a change of scenery and Tibarn had invited Ike to visit him in Phoenecis. Ike remembered what Naesala had said on that topic.
"You don't have to come to Kilvas – unless you pay enough money. I mean it – I have a reputation to lose."
Ike and Mist had retreated to one of the more secluded rooms of Melior Castle. Mist let out a sigh.
"Peace is all right, but we sure have a lot of work to do."
"That's how it's like. But we don't have to complain – Elincia is a lot busier than we are."
"That's right... She's always surrounded by courtiers and works from dawn until dusk... She doesn't have any time for herself. But today's the coronation! At last Crimea will be a sovereign nation again."
"Yes, we worked hard to achieve this."
"Ah! Oh no, we never found out who Altina was!"
"Altina?"
"Yes! I was supposed to give the melody to her..."
"Oh."
"Are you talking about Altina?", a voice coming from the door asked.
The siblings turned to see a man with long black hair standing in the door. He was no longer wearing monk's clothes, but Ike recognized him instantly.
"Sephiran! You made it."
"Yes. As soon as I heard of your victory, I started preparing my journey."
"Do you know Altina?", Mist asked.
"Of course. She was one of the Three Heroes who defeated the Dark God and she founded my homeland, Begnion."
Mist's expression sobered. "Oh no, that's too bad! I can't give a song to someone who died 700 years ago!"
"What do you mean?"
"Well..."
They quickly told him about Lillia, their parents and the medallion.
"I see. But there is still someone who shares both the blood and the name of Altina."
"Really?"
"Yes. Sanaki Kirsch Altina."
"The apostle is Altina... Is this known to everyone in Begnion?", Ike asked.
"No. I believe that only a few nobles are aware of the fact, although it is not a secret. Would you sing the melody to me? I could take it to the apostle."
"Of course!", Mist said, relieved.
That moment, Titania entered the room.
"Commander, the nobles said that Princess – oops – Queen Elincia should go out onto the balcony to greet the people. And they want you to go with her."
"What? Not again... No way!"
Sephiran chuckled. "The people want to see their hero, even if the hero is reluctant."
"I'll go talk to Elincia."
Ike left the room and headed for the throne room. Elincia was sitting on the throne, looking very forlorn.
"What's wrong? Everyone's waiting to see you."
"I'm nervous. I spent my whole life in hiding – it's just no-one ever taught me how to rule a kingdom."
Ike walked forward and stopped in front of her.
"What's the matter with you?"
"Ike, stop it! How could I - "
"Did anyone teach you how to hire mercenaries?"
"No, but that's not the same - "
"How to win back lost allies? How to win back your lost kingdom?"
"That's different!"
"No, it's not."
He dropped onto one knee.
"You've done such an amazing job. And I think you – always will."
"I see."
Ike nodded and stood up, then he extended a hand.
"Come on. We'll do this – together."
Elincia reached out and pulled his hand closer.
"Thank you, mylord Ike. I am – I am so blessed to have met you."
Ike smiled briefly, then he helped her stand up. Side by side they went out onto the balcony to greet the people of Crimea.
"You had me worried for a second, general", Lehran said.
After the coronation, he had returned to Begnion and met with Zelgius.
"It appears that a few things did not go as expected."
"My apologies."
"Will you tell me about it?"
"No, master. This is a private matter."
"I understand. Well, it is not over yet. I believe we will have another chance. But we will have to wait..."
