Epilogue

After the Fire Bringer's return to Budehuc, everyone took a day's time to rest up before deciding as to whether they would leave or stay for the celebration Thomas promised to arrange. The entire affair was an exciting one, and I think more than anything, it was a celebration not so much for victory, but for discovering so much about ourselves and others. All the Zexen Knights, Grasslanders and Harmonias stayed for it, which made things all the better. The music and dancing began sometime around noon the following day, and even though I fell asleep shortly after midnight, Ace claims that those who stayed up didn't quit the party until almost dawn. Given how wild some of the Fire Bringer are, I believe it!

I'll never forget how the front courtyard of Budehuc looked that evening, all lit up with torches and the banners of the Grassland tribes, the Zexen Federation and Harmonia flying in the night breeze. (We honestly were not sure if the Bishop and his people would stay much longer, but as it turned out, they were willing to extend the temporary truce for another few days. And, really, thanks to the trouble caused by Luc, the Harmonian government has a few things to think about and straight out before they even consider going after all the True Runes, again. Such is the way of politics, I suppose.) Tables and chairs were set out, and everyone milled about, talking, drinking and eating while others danced at the center of it all to music provided by our numerous traveling minstrels. Thorne Harper showed up in the middle of it all, even, and made up a ballad on the spot about the heroic exploits of the new Flame, Water and Lightning Champions, as he called them. Lady Chris blushed quite a bit over that, but even more so for every time Sir Percival and Sir Borus hauled her away from a chair to dance with them.

Watching folks dance was quite entertaining. Even though I'll never be able to, myself, just watching some of the intricate movements and even some of the crazier antics of the others managed to make up for it. Hugo danced with Lilly Pendragon a few times, and also with Belle, and when Lilly wasn't with Hugo, she was dancing with Fred. I had no idea that Geddoe was much of a dancer, either, but he went out with Queen once and managed a few impressive steps, himself! I suppose even the reserved old Captain of the Twelfth Unit has his moments. Dios danced with some of the Alma Kinan women, and Bishop Sasarai managed to get Lady Chris to go one round with him. (Although, honestly, I think the only reason she did was to avoid Nash, who kept pestering her. The funny thing is that they obviously have some sort of chemistry going, judging from some of the banter I've heard them exchange, but I don't think she thinks much of his maturity level. Perhaps Lady Chris is probably better off with Sir Percival, anyway. Poor Nash!)

I spent most of the celebration sitting with Salome and Eike, although Landis joined us at one point. He kept trying to get Ayame to dance with him, but she's too much of a wallflower, and I get the feeling she didn't want to chance our winged friend embarrassing her, given Landis' idea of dancing seemed more like an ungainly two left footed waltz! I talked with Wesley a little, but Erin kept insisting he dance with her, so any chance of real conversation was nearly nonexistent. That's alright, though. It's easy to see those two are happy in each other's company. I do wish Roland could have joined us, also, but he ended up speaking with Nei quite a bit, and then even some with Toppo. According to Salome, there's a little bit of a love triangle going on there, but seeing as how the bards planned to leave Budehuc, I guess Toppo thought it was alright to let Roland dance with Nei a few times. I really do hope Roland and Nei can make things work sometime down the road. They really do make a nice pair, and our elven knight really does need someone in his life to help him loosen up a bit, now and again.

Anyway, all that was a couple of days ago. As of today's date, a full five days after the war's end, the Zexen Knights are preparing to return to Brass Castle. Unfortunately, it seems the people of Vinay del Zexay still feel prejudiced against many of the Grassland tribes. Salome mentioned that it's because they didn't feel like the struggle at the ruins was their concern, or at least, that's the message Thorne returned after a ride southwest to the capital and back. I fail to understand the people's reasoning on the matter, since the survival of most of humanity depended on the Fire Bringer's success! The Council is being just as stubborn, refusing to hurry along a finalized treaty between the Federation and the tribes. There are some people in this world I will never understand. At any rate, I'll be going back to Brass Castle with the knights; Erin, Elias and I will continue working as assistants under the supervision of the Six. And as soon I can have my cast removed, I'll go back to wearing my old brace and see if I can teach Elias how to ride. He mentioned some feelings of anxiety to me about riding for the first time in his condition, but he may just need a horse like Jael, who will be sensitive to his needs and raised to cope with his handicap.

I seem to be rambling on and off, here, but it can't be helped. Trying to keep all my thoughts together with all that has happened really isn't that easy when it comes down to it!

Before I forget, I got this journal from Eike as a going away present. He seemed intent on giving me something after the trouble we had in the sublevel of the castle, even though it was he who saved me. I still haven't figured him out, yet, although it's my guess that he's not human. Perhaps he's some sort of spirit haunting Budehuc, or maybe even a vampire, but it doesn't really matter. I may never know, as he may never say, but the important thing is that he is who is as a person. For as long as he remains at Budehuc, I'll have to try and visit him when possible. At least he'll be staying in one place, whereas many of the others will be leaving the Federation completely, either to return to their homes or simply to travel.

I had best bring my rambling to a close and finish packing before going to the stables. The knights will be leaving in a few hours, and with some help, I might be able to ride Jael back to the Brass Castle, hopefully alongside Salome. It's impossible to know whether or not everything between us will work out, but I can always hope. He's a kindhearted soul, and I doubt I will ever meet anyone like him, again. Salome is also very accommodating in a lot of ways, promising that after we get back to Brass Castle, we'll find where my parents have been laid to rest and visit their graves. I still have to say my final farewells to them. I miss them both, but life is still moving forward and I think, ultimately, they would be proud of Elias, Erin and I.

"The future is still unwritten." That's what Lady Chris told Luc during the last battle at the Cyndar Ruins. I think for some, that plain and simple truth is rather daunting, but for others, it's a blessing. It means that we all have a chance to shape destiny and decide who will we be as individuals. It means that through both good times and bad, we can be reborn again and again, growing and changing, just as was written in A Knight's Trials.

Ardeth

Landis shut the leather bound book with a sigh and a smile, still sitting atop the castle roof. Originally, he had gone to see Ardeth for one final time before departing, himself, and found the journal sitting on top of her small stack of belongings on the guest room bed. A bit nosey by nature, the Winghorder had snuck up onto the roof with the diary to see what had already been written in it, and while only one entry existed so far, it had been enough for Landis. He grudgingly admitted to himself that he disliked the idea of returning to his vagabond life after spending so much time at both Brass and Budehuc castles, but it was a way of life for him. Slipping down off the roof, he climbed back into the guest room via the open window and laid the journal down where he'd found it.

Outside, he could hear the knights' horses being brought around, ready for departure. The Lizard and Karayan clans had left the day before, and the Alma Kinan and Harmonian groups the day after the celebration, as they had further to travel. Leaning on the windowsill, arms folded across his chest, the winged warrior watched the preparations with a frown. More than likely, he would never see many of those he had met at Budehuc, again. Ayame would be impossible to find, as she had already left to chase after Watari, who had a head start on her. However, the Winghorder would be twice damned if he failed to see Thomas, Ardeth or Elliot again in the future. They had actual homes, and would easier to locate down the line.

Pulling off one of the leather laces from his long sleeved tunic, the Winghorder tied the ends together so the dark green beads would stay in place. He had little to give, but Ardeth would realize where the little trinkets had come from, and that was enough. After laying the string of beads over the journal on the bed, Landis climbed out the window and took to the air to go his own way. Perhaps it was better that he not extend his farewells to Ardeth or the others in person. He told himself repeatedly that it would not do for any of them to dampen his tunic with tears, even though the very thought seemed egotistical, given how few people actually liked the Winghorder. Then again, maybe he was only avoiding the idea that he might shed a tear or two, himself.

As Brass Castle loomed into view beyond the treetops of the nearby woods, Ardeth glanced around a bit at those accompanying her, fingering the leather string and beads hanging around her neck. A smile graced her features as she considered that her feeling of relief upon being back was not so much because the knights' stronghold was her home, but that it was the people who inhabited the fortress that made it feel like home. Somehow, many of them had managed to come back alive from the Cyndar Ruins, their survival perhaps due to the stakes at hand, driving them to fight their hardest.

Roland and Wesley rode just ahead of Ardeth, talking back and forth about what seemed like philosophy, although more often than not, both kept bringing Erin and Nei into the conversation. Ahead of them, Borus rode alongside Cedric, the latter swearing up and down that at the next celebration for anything they attended, he would surely win out in a drinking contest against his master. Borus could only smirk, while Percival and Tremaine chuckled at the boastful, yet entertaining antics of the squire. Leo and Bradley followed Salome and Ardeth, discussing how good it would be to get a decent night's sleep in the beds of Brass Castle, once more, without a ninja or a Winghorder suddenly dropping by the window for seemingly no reason at all. Elias rode with Erin on a small, single horse cart, the latter chattering on to her brother about how he needed to find someone sooner or later, since her relationship with Wesley had gone so well so far. And at the head of the column, Chris rode upon her white charger, Louis at her side on his little pony. While no conversation was exchanged between the pair, the Silver Maiden would occasionally glance back at the others, a faint smile on her face.

Yes, it really was the people who made home where the heart was, Ardeth thought with a grin. Glancing at Salome, who rode close by on her right, the female felt that for once, her life was well in order. The knight met her gaze for a moment, the gentle smile on his face saying far more than any words ever could.

So much had happened over the last few months; enough so that it felt as though Ardeth had already lived an entire lifetime. Yet, despite it all, she still felt young at heart and eager to simply live. And that was what Luc had told Lady Chris in the end, wasn't it? Given life and will, one had only to live and live with purpose. It was a simple truth that had evaded the rogue Bishop for too long, but in the end, even he had been able to grasp and understand it.

The time ahead of them all was yet another chapter in history, another passage to be explored, remembered and cherished. Reborn from one life into the next, they continued onward, the reins of destiny in hand.

End

The following are end notes and acknowledgements, added here since 's rules forbid adding them as a seperate and final chapter.

Final End Notes and Acknowledgements

Thank you for taking the time to enjoy and review Twice Born, my first and probably only novel length Suikoden III fan fiction. This project was started on April 7, 2003, and completed in the early morning hours of June 3, 2003. Twice Born spans a length of approximately 178 pages in its current format (including regular author's notes and excluding this final section), and makes use of over 85,000 words.

Plot and Character References

Thorne Harper and the Vinay del Zexay Guilds - A playful homage to the Forgotten Realms novels, particularly to Elaine Cunningham's bard/mage character, Danilo Thann, and Waterdeep's bardic guild.

Roland's "arrow striking arrow" trick - Borrowed from Elaine Cunningham's forest elf character, Foxfire, out of the book Silver Shadows.

Percival's "enchanted lance" ballad - Courtesy of Danilo Thann's singing sword, taken from Elaine Cunnigham's FR novel, Elfsong.

Eike the Nightshade and Landis' story of "the nightshade in the nunnery" - An homage to DEL!'s awesome Suiko III fic, Eike's Tale. (Made use of with the author's blessing!)

The Legend of the Water Margin - The first book Eike brings to Ardeth, this is the old Chinese legend that the stories of Suikoden and the 108 Stars of Destiny are actually based upon.

A Knight's Trials - The original title of my incomplete G Gundam fan fiction, Split Decisions, which features the French knight character George de Sand, caught between his love for his princess and serving his nation.

The Fred/Lilly pairing - An homage to Al Kristopher's Suiko III fiction/parody, The Taming of the Shrew.

The "Twice Born Writing Soundtrack" (aka what I listened to while writing!)

The original score from The Rock (particularly the end track/final chase instrumental for the battle at Kaput Forest)

The Coors (Forgiven Not Forgotten album, especially Erin Shore instrumental and Toss the Feathers)

The Genso Suikoden Gaiden OST (all tracks)

The Suikoden III OST (Boss/battle tracks, Searching for a Hero, Pounding Hooves, Castle by the Lake, Eien no Sora, Surpassing Love, etc.)

LotR: Fellowship of the Ring Score

.hack/Sign, .hack/Liminality OSTs

Nightwish (10th Man Down and the Crimson Tide instrumental)

Record of Lodoss War OAV Score

Pat Benetar's Invincible (I swear I'd make a Suikoden III AMV to that song if we actually HAD a Suikoden III anime series or OAV)

Evanescence (The Fallen album)

Vision of Escaflowne OST

Various TM Revolution songs

And several other albums, soundtracks and artists, all of which I can't seem to recall. :)

Special Thanks and Acknowledgements

Hugs, kisses and thanks go to Domon Kasshu, my boyfriend, who has been very tolerant of my fangirlish behavior over Suikoden III, even though he was the one playing it! :)

Many thanks to Kailan (known as Asuka here on ), whose encouragement and support led to the initial posting of this fic in the first place. Without her, Twice Born may never have seen the light of day!

Hugs to DEL!-chan for allowing me to use her ideas on Eike for my story, and for being supportive in both reviews and in our Live Journal conversations. Also much fangirlish giggling for the awesome Ardeth sketch!

Thanks also to Lumina, aka Lamnanti, for her support on IRC, and for her wicked encouragement of Salome's embarrassment over various points throughout the fic. ;

Thankies to Shiri-chan for tolerating my insane babbling and ranting over Dead Journal about plot points and characters from Twice Born. (I can get really annoying, I know. :)

Yet more thanks to ArmaniNinja for her enthusiasm over Twice Born, and her feedback on my various character sketches!

Repeated bowing and thank yous to D'Artagnan for hosting Twice Born on the Budehuc Library site, and for the chapter by chapter reviews. (Roland/Nei always!)

Finally, eternal thanks to all those who will review this story in the future, and to those who stuck with Twice Born, chapter by chapter! DEL!, Kailan, D'Artagnan, General Failure, Uftaki, Sylvarflaeme, link no miko, thundersenshi, Skysong and many others... thank you, thank you, and thank you much! You all really helped me to get through this difficult project from start to finish.

What Now?

If you'd like to read more of my writing, I currently have one other Suikoden III fic in my archive; a one shot entitled Shadowed Past. It's short and sweet, but I enjoyed writing it.

Also, I'm currently working on a science fiction/fantasy novel entitled Ironrealm. A site located at houses several sketches, finished illustrations and writing excerpts from the project. Unfortunately, I cannot post every chapter I write online, or else there would be little to zero chance of publication, but what is there is available for any who would like to check out my other work.

As for other fan fiction, I'm not sure I will ever write another Suikoden related story, but time will only tell for sure. At the moment, I'm feeling a little burned out on the Suiko universe after churning out so many pages, although I still do have a few ideas at the back of my brain for a couple of the characters.

Again, many thanks to all for reading, and I hoped you enjoyed Twice Born. It all began as my excuse to write some romance with Salome, and ended up expanding into something of novel length. This was also my honest attempt to avoid the deadly sin of Mary Sue, which I hopefully managed to pull off. I've actually come to love Ardeth enough that I will be converting her character for use in my Ironrealm original novel project.

All that said, I'll leave you with the quote that gave Twice Born its title:

"We all serve but one lifetime in this world, yet are continually reborn within our lives, trial by trial, day by day. Regret nothing, for even the gravest of mistakes are valuable lessons."