Part 50: Epilogue - Ephraim
Epilogue - EphraimOne of the disadvantages of showing an ending twice is that a lot of material is going to repeat itself. For instance, all the characters talking to one another.
: I am still princess of Rausten, after all. There is much to which I must attend. Renais and Rausten are far apart, but that distance can be managed somehow. If you and I were to be betrothed, that is... I wonder if I appear too forward... No, how silly of me!
L'Arachel and Ephraim didn't talk much, really, certainly not as much as she did with EIrika.
Haven't seen this place in a while. If I'd done Ephraim's version first, this would have taken a bit of explaining.
: With my father gone, much responsibility falls on my shoulders. Yet I would ask... May I come and visit you from time to time?
You may have also noticed Gerik's Mercenaries standing in the background. Every character gets an entourage appropriate to where they live.
: If you have need of our assistance, you can come to me at any time. And another thing... It...wasn't such a bad thing, fighting on the same side as you. That's all. The day will come, though. One day, we will see who is the better.
I'm surprised that Tana doesn't say anything, considering how important she seemed to be to Ephraim's story. Come to think of it, there isn't a Grado representative either. I feel so cheated with all these loose ends.
Oh well, let's finish this.
: We've endured so much to get home, and now...
: I'm sorry, Eirika. I must journey to Grado. I just received word from Seth. In the south, within the empire, there has been an enormous landslide.
: A landslide?
: Yes. Word is it was so great that whole cities were destroyed. They say the damage is so severe, the empire itself is in danger...
: That's...
: That's why I must go to Grado. The people are saying this is Grado's divine punishment... But these are the same citizens Lyon wanted nothing more than to protect. I cannot ignore their plight.
: Yes, of course not. I will ride with you.
: Our country is recovering, but we cannot rest easy. Someone must stay to protect the realm.
: Ephraim... I understand. I will take your place until you return. I will wait for you in Renais, Brother.
: I can always depend on you, Eirika.
: The type of king we often spoke of... Strong and kind in measure: an ideal king. The people of Renais and Grado are under my protection, and I won't fail them. Watch and see...
Yeah, good luck with that, chief. Recall that the people of Grado most likely had no idea about the whole demonic possession thing. All they saw was that their king went crazy and sparked a worldwide invasion, prompting the nations of the world to simultaneously gang up on and decimate Grado's military, thus leaving the Empire leaderless and without any means of defending itself. If the game wasn't being so cheerfully optimistic about all this, we'd be looking at Fire Emblem 10 all over again.
...Go team, I guess.
But I'm thinking about this too hard. Let's just go to the ending credits.
Ephraim's version of events is largely unchanged from Eirika's, except the scene with Queen Ismaire is replaced instead with this one of Lyon.
Playing through this game so extensively has given me quite the understanding about the series in general. I haven't gone so in-depth with any game, and it's been a unique experience, to be sure.
But you don't want to hear me chatter on about my experiences LPing a game. It's time for epilogues! In recruitment order:
Eirika, Restoration Queen
Eirika returned to Renais and began the reconstruction effort with her brother, Ephraim. Seeing peace return to the lives of her people filled her with happiness. Her smile became a symbol of her people's joy.
Seth, the Silver Knight
Seth returned to Renais with Ephraim and his fellow knights. His dedicated service made him the most trusted of the new king and queen's guardsmen, as well as the most famous of knights in all of Renais.
Eirika and Seth
Upon their return to Renais, Eirika and Seth were wed, with the blessings of Ephraim and all of the Knights of Renais. The tale of the love that grew between a princess and her loyal knight became a beloved romance in Renais.
Silent Gilliam
Gilliam returned to his home of Frelia, where he continued to serve the crown as a faithful knight. His imposing countenance was said to strike fear in the hearts of even the most arrogant and brash of Frelia's new recruits.
Franz the Faithful
He continued to serve Renais with the same devotion that he had during the War of the Stones. His generous nature and easy smile made him a favorite among the people.
Moulder, Wise Counselor
After the War of the Stones, Moulder continued to serve the royal family of Frelia. His wisdom served to guide King Innes as it had served King Hayden before him.
Vanessa, Dutiful Rider
She remained on active duty as an airborne knight in Frelia's army. Her beauty and determination became the standard to which her fellow knights aspired.
Ross, His Father's Son
He returned to Ide, village of his youth, and helped rebuild it after the bandit attack that brought it to ruin. Years later, he set out on his own to perfect his fighting skill and hone both body and spirit.
Garcia, the Warrior Reborn
He returned to Ide to help with its reconstruction after the bandit attack. Afterward, he reenlisted in the army, serving Renais as a troop leader. His strength, valor, and experience inspired many.
Garcia and Ross
Father and son returned to Ide, where they toiled together to rebuild their village. Ross grew to become a greater warrior than even his father. When he himself had a son, that child continued his family's legacy.
Neimi, the Tearful Archer
She returned to her village and passed her days in peace and quiet. Years later, she traveled to the capital of Renais as an archery instructor for their military. She never could resist a good cry.
Colm, Good-Natured Thief
He politely refused an invitation to become a spy for Renais, returning instead to his hometown. He spent the rest of his days as a chivalrous rogue helping those in need from the shadows.
Neimi and Colm
The childhood friends became lovers first, then husband and wife. Worried for Neimi's well-being, Colm gave up his adventurer's ways. Neimi passed on her grandfather's skill in archery to her own son and daughter.
Artur, Saint of Light
Artur moved to Renais to help rebuild the shattered country. He worked without rest to ease the pain and grief of those who suffered during the war. His self-sacrifice made him into a folk hero among the peasantry.
Lute, Prodigy
After the War of the Stones, Lute returned to Renais to continue her arcane studies. She spent far less time locked in her library, preferring now to explore the outside world. She grew into a great and well-traveled sage.
Artur and Lute
Artur and Lute were married upon their return. Artur handled the housework, but otherwise, their lives were unchanged. When they had a son, Lute's interests shifted from studying Artur to studying her son's baffling habits.
Natasha, Sacred Healer
Once the war was over, Natasha returned to Grado to help rebuild the empire. She dedicated herself to easing the grief of those families that lost soldiers during the war.
(And the horrible landslide, of course. Can't forget that.)
Joshua, the Tempest King
Joshua returned to Jehanna and ruled over it as king. His skills as a leader had grown great, and Jehanna flourished as never before. He never outgrew his love of travel and games of chance.
Natasha and Joshua
When Joshua returned to Jehanna, he took Natasha as his bride and claimed the throne as its rightful heir. Natasha was the perfect companion, and together, they carried the mighty desert nation to great glory.
Ephraim, Restoration King
Busy days awaited him upon his return to Renais. He oversaw the rebuilding not only of his own country but also of the entire continent of Magvel. His work was difficult, but his success made him a legend.
Eirika and Ephraim
Busy days awaited Eirika and Ephraim as they struggled to rebuild Renais. Their work gave new hope to those ravaged by the war, and with Eirika's constant help, Ephraim grew to be a trusted and honorable king.
Forde, the Wild Knight
Upon Forde's return to Renais, his secret hobby of painting was discovered. He was commissioned as a court artist. His work grew popular, and his days became so busy that he often regretted his career change.
Eirika and Forde
After the war, Eirika and Forde returned to Renais. Eirika spent her days toiling in the reconstruction of Renais, and he was her faithful supporter. His portrait of Eirika captured the smile he had thought lost forever.
Vanessa and Forde
Forde's love for Vanessa grew after the war, and although she loved him as well, she placed her duty to Frelia first. Undeterred, Forde moved to Frelia himself. Over time, the two were wed.
Kyle, Ardent Knight
His service to the royal family of Renais continued without change. He became a battalion commander and gained much trust and responsibility for training new recruits.
Forde and Kyle
Sometimes, the greatest friends also differ greatly in personality. When Kyle and Forde returned home, they were celebrated in song and story. They lived their days in happiness, as dearest friends and toughest rivals.
Lute and Kyle
After the war, Kyle and Lute were married in Renais. Kyle's friends were disturbed by his choice of brides, but they could not deny his happiness. Before long, they had a son, and Kyle dedicated himself to his upbringing.
Tana, Winged Queen
Tana lived happily in the prosperous post-war Frelia. She flew to Renais often to visit her dear friend Eirika.
(Yes. Eirika. That's exactly who she went to visit.)
Eirika and Tana
Following the war, Tana and Eirika remained the best of friends. They visited one another when time permitted, and as they grew older, their children shared a bond of friendship as close as Eirika and Tana themselves did.
Ephraim and Tana
Once Renais was stable again, Ephraim and Tana were wed. Innes protested vocally, but when he saw how happy Tana was, he gave the marriage his blessings. Renais and Frelia are now bound by blood as well as friendship.
Amelia, Rose of the War
Following the war, she returned to Grado to assist in her country's reconstruction. She surrounded herself with new friends and used the strength she found on the battlefield to live her life in happiness.
Franz and Amelia
Franz brought Amelia home with him to Renais. Amelia spent a short time in Renais's army, but once she and Franz were married, she retired her commission. The two had a daughter who grew to be a great knight herself.
Ross and Amelia
Amelia traveled to Ross's hometown, where she decided to remain. Over time, the two fell in love and were wed. Years later they had a son who grew into a warrior. As he grew in skill and strength, he surpassed even his father.
Duessel, Obsidian General
Following the war, Duessel returned to Grado, where he was instrumental in its rebuilding. He spent his remaining years watching over Grado and sharing his wisdom with other nations as an expert combat instructor.
Amelia and Duessel
Upon their return to Grado, Duessel reunited Amelia with her mother. The two wept with joy, giving thanks to Duessel. Afterward, Amelia became the most trusted companion of the man once known as Obsidian.
Cormag, Aloof Lanceman
Cormag returned to Grado to assist in the reconstruction of his country. Shortly after, he left to wander on his own. When he reappeared, he rejoined the army not as a knight but as a common soldier.
Tana and Cormag
Cormag returned to Grado to assist in the reconstruction of his country. Shortly after, he left to wander on his own. Tana spent years looking for him. In time, she found him and knighted him in Frelia's service.
L'Arachel, Queen of Light
She succeeded her uncle as ruler of the Rausten Theocracy several years after the war ended. She never lost her...unique perspective on life. She spent much of her rule visiting the neighboring countries.
Ephraim and L'Arachel
Ephraim and L'Arachel each returned home after the war, but L'Arachel visited Renais often. Over time, the two were wed. Their marriage threw Rausten into turmoil, but L'Arachel's self-centeredness carried the day.
Dozla of the Steady Axe
As L'Arachel rose to become queen, he remained by her side. Watching L'Arachel grow to become the queen she was destined to be was Dozla's greatest joy in life.
L'Arachel and Dozla
L'Arachel was, in time, made queen of Rausten, with Dozla at her side, as always. Later, Dozla wept like a baby when L'Arachel was wed. His emotional outburst is remembered as much as, if not more than, the ceremony itself.
Ewan, Enthusiastic Student
Ewan continued his studies, modeling his life after the teachings of Saleh. Eventually, his education branched off into different paths. His insatiable curiosity led him on a trip to explore the world.
Amelia and Ewan
After the war, Ewan and Amelia set out, as promised, on a trip around the world. Their deeds along the way made small legends in the regions they visited. In time, Amelia gave birth to a daughter, and they settled down.
Marisa, the Crimson Flash
Marisa became battalion leader for an elite mercenary force. Many men sought to challenge her to a duel, and none of them stood up to her blade.
Joshua and Marisa
Joshua returned to Jehanna with Marisa, where she pledged service to the crown and became the top swordfighter in the land. Joshua still loved games of chance, but when it came to Marisa, she was ever the winner.
(That's a good one, game. Had me going there.)
Gerik, the Desert Tiger
Gerik continued as a mercenary. Over the years, his reputation grew so great that he had more job offers than he could handle. One day, without warning, he left, never to return.
Joshua and Gerik
After the war, Joshua challenged Gerik to a duel in hopes of pressing him to move to Jehanna. The match ended in a tie, but Gerik was impressed by Joshua's swagger. From that day forward, Gerik never left Joshua's side.
Marisa and Gerik
Gerik remained a mercenary, and Marisa became his company's fencing instructor. Gerik returned the affection she gave him, although he was troubled to learn she was clumsy at everything but fighting.
Tethys, Beloved Dancer
She danced from city to city, and the entire continent became her stage. Her fame grew and grew, and large crowds gathered wherever she performed.
Gerik and Tethys
Gerik and Tethys remained bound to no nation and beholden to no authority. They bought themselves a leisurely retirement. Gerik taught fencing to city youths, and Tethys found many stages on which to dance.
Rennac, Rich Merchant"
L'Arachel summoned Rennac back to Rausten, and he was forced to return. He was never able to escape his service to the self-centered princess who became queen. Admittedly, he didn't try very hard.
Knoll, Watcher of Darkness
Knoll returned to Grado, where he dedicated himself to rebuilding it and fulfilling Lyon's vision. When the country was restored to its former glory, he disappeared without a trace, never to be seen again.
(Was that before or after half the nation got obliterated?)
Innes, King and Strategician
As time went on, he succeeded his father, Hayden, as king of Frelia. His resourcefulness and tactical prowess helped him build a court of loyal vassals that served to lead the country to greater prosperity.
Eirika and Innes
After the reconstruction of Renais, Innes challenged Ephraim to a duel. The match ended in a tie. After the fight, Eirika acknowledged her love for Innes, and the two were wed with Ephraim's blessings.
Vanessa and Innes
At Innes's request, Vanessa moved into Castle Frelia where she continued her duties as a knight of the realm. Thereafter, they had a child and lived happily with the blessing of all around them.
Saleh, the Well of Wisdom
Saleh returned to Caer Pelyn, where he remained a faithful servant of the Manakete. His days were not spent in isolation, though. Many of the friends he met during the War of the Stones came to visit his village.
Eirika and Saleh
After the war, Eirika and Saleh returned to their respective homes. Eirika visited Caer Pelyn when she could. Eventually, she left Renais in the care of her brother and wed Saleh. Their daughter resembles the legendary Nada Kuya.
(If you have no idea who that is, I'll explain in a couple supports. I am so far behind right now...)
Ewan and Saleh
Master and student returned to Caer Pelyn to study in peace. Ewan worked hard, and in time, his power grew to rival Saleh's. As equals, the two continued their studies together and expanded their knowledge ever more.
Myrrh, the Great Dragon
After bidding her farewells to Ephraim, she returned to Darkling Woods. She lived a long and full life, served by the people of Caer Pelyn and comforted by the memories of her dear friends.
Ephraim and Myrrh
After the war, Ephraim returned to Renais and Myrrh to Darkling Woods. They both turned their attention to their respective duties but never forgot one another. Though Myrrh never again left Darkling Woods, Ephraim often visited her.
Saleh and Myrrh
Myrrh returned to Darkling Woods, but at Saleh's request, she eventually moved to Caer Pelyn. In time, the townsfolk learned to treat her not as the Great Dragon but rather as a normal girl, and she was happy.
Graceful Syrene
Syrene continued as commander of Frelia's pegasus knights. Her grace and beauty in flight were the subject of many songs and paintings, and her popularity soared.
Gilliam and Syrene
Gilliam and Syrene returned to Frelia, where they were married. All agreed they were a perfect match, and their union was blessed by the crown and the order of knights. The two continued their unwavering service together.
Vanessa and Syrene
Sisters Syrene and Vanessa returned to Frelia after the war for a long-overdue talk. They talked of love and war, of friends now gone. Together, they renewed their bond as siblings and vowed never to let that bond fail.
Kyle and Syrene
After the war, Kyle visited Frelia, where he was greeted with a warm reception by Syrene. After the two retired, they were wed. They raised a daughter whose skill in martial arts and etiquette excelled.
And that's the end. I'm glad to have come this far, but we've still got a bit more to go. There are two dungeons to show off, new characters, new classes, and a stage on the world map that is only available in monster battles. Plus, I want to show you guys the weapons and items that were cut from the game, some of which are quite interesting in concept. So I'll see you guys again...
Next Time: We take on the Tower of Valni.
Final Reset Count: 51