Great two chap's making my hangover less antagonizing ;D Looking forward to the conclusion ^^
FanFiction - The Hero of Ferelden (Complete Story)
Débuté par
Sisimka
, janv. 20 2010 05:57
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#302
Posté 20 février 2010 - 05:18
Sandtigress
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Sisimka wrote...
Sandtigress wrote...
Absolutely fabulous chapter, and a good way to wake up in the morning!
You write Morrigan very well. I could almost hear her saying "Not before you'd managed to hit every ledge and outcropping along the way. You always have been very....thorough."
The end of this chapter was terrific - very poignant. Can't wait for the next installment!
Thanks Sandi. I may have to change that line, I like the addition of 'You have always been very...thorough.'!
And yes, the ending, I'm glad you liked that part. As you may have noticed, the chapter was called 'Reflection' as I had already conceived that scene. I then had to figure out how to drive the whole chapter towards it. I'm glad you found it poignant.
Oh change it, do! Its sooooo Morrigan. I have a hard time imaginging character voices in my head when I'm trying to picture what they'd say, so I 'm a bit jealous of those of you who can do it well! I only get little pieces like that.
SurelyForth has an absolutely hilarious little banter from Zevran about looting in the "Conversations your companions should have" thread, and that's what brought it to mind, as well as Zev's little comment when you reject his earring for the first time about how you picked up every little bauble from the battlefield. I can just see everyone's disgust and impatience as you're combing through every corpse on the battlefield and skinning every wolf and werewolf you come across! 
#303
Posté 20 février 2010 - 05:26
Sisimka
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I like that line from Zev too! And yes, sometimes the looting does feel rather morbid. I always have a hard time looting that werewolf you kill, Arthas' wife, but the sparkles are there and I...must...click!
Line changed, credit: Sandi.
Line changed, credit: Sandi.
Modifié par Sisimka, 20 février 2010 - 05:28 .
#304
Posté 20 février 2010 - 05:31
Jaredor
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I vote that this thread be stickied so no one misses out on this brilliant story, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up better than what Bioware comes up with in future DA games. Well done!
#305
Guest_Oomagh_*
Posté 20 février 2010 - 05:36
Guest_Oomagh_*
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Jaredor wrote...
I vote that this thread be stickied so no one misses out on this brilliant story, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up better than what Bioware comes up with in future DA games. Well done!
I second that
#306
Posté 20 février 2010 - 05:50
Sandtigress
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Sisimka wrote...
I like that line from Zev too! And yes, sometimes the looting does feel rather morbid. I always have a hard time looting that werewolf you kill, Arthas' wife, but the sparkles are there and I...must...click!
Line changed, credit: Sandi.
Yay! I helped!
#307
Posté 20 février 2010 - 05:53
Maximus741000
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Oomagh wrote...
Jaredor wrote...
I vote that this thread be stickied so no one misses out on this brilliant story, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up better than what Bioware comes up with in future DA games. Well done!
I second that
I third that.
#308
Posté 20 février 2010 - 06:18
Palentor
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Excellent new chapters, and just wonderful how the story unfolds.
I am always intrigued how it will play out, but now also with a sense of it drawing near to the enivitable end.
And let me throw in my vote for making this stickied.
"You are a true storyteller, worthy of respect, Kadan"
I am always intrigued how it will play out, but now also with a sense of it drawing near to the enivitable end.
And let me throw in my vote for making this stickied.
"You are a true storyteller, worthy of respect, Kadan"
#309
Posté 20 février 2010 - 07:24
Sisimka
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I am just overwhelmed and humbled by all your praise. Thank you all so much!
#310
Posté 21 février 2010 - 12:03
ParalyzedHero
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Maximus741000 wrote...
Oomagh wrote...
Jaredor wrote...
I vote that this thread be stickied so no one misses out on this brilliant story, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up better than what Bioware comes up with in future DA games. Well done!
I second that
I third that.
i fourth that! this story is awsome!
#311
Posté 21 février 2010 - 06:23
valen_morrow
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Indeed it really is awesome, I will be sad that it will be ending :"(
#312
Posté 21 février 2010 - 08:09
Sisimka
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The title of this chapter was inspired by the song I imagined Leli singing as they crossed the lake. Teardrop by Massive Attack. I'm sure it's not an exact fit, but it evoked a certain mood and it's a beautiful song.
Teardrops
Morning found Leliana outside the Chantry again, gazing into the valley below. Alistair stepped to her side and leaned forward on the old wooden fence to take in the view. According to Leliana Aedan was down there and not in the forest above. It was a mystery to the wardens how he might have entered the valley as he’d last been seen near this building and beyond the Chantry there was only miles of forest that ran along this same cliff before leading up to the mountain and the temple where Andraste’s Ashes remained.
Alistair trusted the amulet, however, and as they gazed out over the misted valley, he began to plot exactly how they would get down there. Just because Aedan was alive, didn’t mean he was well – a thought that had surely occurred to Leliana as well, though neither of them had voiced it. He turned to look at Leliana. She seemed peaceful even though she must feel anything but.
“Come in and eat,” he urged her. “We’ll want to head out as soon as the others awaken.”
She nodded and followed him back inside the Chantry where they found most of the wardens up and about, sorting their packs and donning their armour. Oghren would be staying in Haven to keep an eye the Orlesian wardens and in case Aedan made it back on his own. Alistair, Leliana and Zevran would join the rest of Ferelden’s wardens in the search.
Alistair moved to Philippe’s side and gazed at the map again. His eyes caught the lake that lay below the village and he said to Philippe, “Do you know if there is a way around the lake? Or perhaps a boat? We could enter the valley from that direction.”
Philippe glanced at that point of the map and scratched his chin thoughtfully. He answered, “We’ll check before heading into the forest again.” He turned to the assembled wardens, “Is everyone ready?”
The bodies in the village were starting to give off a disgusting odor as the tainted flesh liquefied. They held their breath as one by one they edged past them and down to the dock. Oghren and his men would also start the monumental task of dealing with the carnage while they were away, allowing all the wardens to look for Aedan, Damien, and Morrigan. It was only assumed they were together. Alistair could only hope that finding one would hold the key to finding them all.
There was a small boat at the dock, perhaps large enough for three. Leliana shaded her eyes against the rising sun and gazed across the lake. It was wide and the boat was the only way to reach the other side. She turned back to look at Alistair, a pleading expression in her eyes and he nodded to her.
Alistair turned to Philippe and said, “I will take Zevran and Leliana with me across the lake.”
“As you wish, Alistair” Philippe answered. He glanced back at the other wardens a moment, and then returned his gaze to the lake. He said, “I will take the rest of the wardens back into the forest as planned. We will follow the cliff, if we can, and see if there is not another way into the valley.”
“A sound plan,” Alistair agreed and clapped Philippe on the shoulder. “Maker watch over you.”
Philippe nodded and tendered the familiar response as all bowed their heads a moment. Everyone was fully armoured and carried their packs. They would not be returning to Haven until answers were had, no matter how many days it took.
Alistair handed Leliana down into the boat, stepped in himself and turned to assist Zevran. Of course he needn’t have bothered. The nimble elf stepped lightly past him and into the boat, sat next to Leliana and grinned as he said, “Have at those oars, Alistair!”
Alistair gave a mock grumble though he was grateful to Zevran for lightening the mood and set himself between the oars. As he relaxed into the rhythm of pull and draw Alistair couldn’t help but think that under other circumstances this outing would have been pleasant. The sun had crept over the mountains finally and the lake sparkled beneath it. Though it was early summer, the day was cool and there was a light breeze. It was peaceful in the middle of the lake and Haven looked just a sleepy village from afar, not the derelict backdrop of bloodshed it had become.
Leliana finally broke the silence with a soft song. She had been holding her pendant between her clasped hands and her eyes had barely moved from the distant shore. When she began to sing quietly, Alistair felt a shiver raise the fine hairs along his arms. Zevran closed his amber eyes and leaned back and Alistair let the oars trail a while as he listened to her sing. As always, her voice was mellifluous, and though her song spoke of being reunited with a loved one, the tone was bittersweet. It gave Alistair the feeling she was singing of meeting her love beyond the veil of death. An outcome he hoped against. As her voice trailed away the companions remained silent until they made the far shore.
Alistair turned back to look across the lake. Haven was no longer visible behind the towering cliffs, but he could see a plume of smoke rising beyond the trees that clustered along the high ridge.
Zevran spoke quietly beside him, “Let us hope that is Oghren’s way of cleaning up…”
Alistair nodded his agreement, he had felt no taint all morning. He could not decide if this was a blessing or a curse. Did Morrigan’s absence account for the lack of darkspawn, or were more simply on their way, yet to arrive?
They turned and set off into the valley. The land this side of the lake was meadow and flat and stretched toward a line of distant trees that converged with the cliffs. The walking was easy and they reached the forest before stopping for lunch.
As they sat a moment to rest and eat, Alistair enquired, “Leliana, do you have any sense of us moving toward Aedan?”
She nodded quietly, the pedant had barely left her fingers all morning. A hopeful smile hovered at the corners of her mouth as she handed the amulet to him. Alistair felt for Aedan and his heart lifted. They were much closer.
The way was harder after lunch, the forest thickened and there appeared to be no clear path. Eventually the trees fell away from the solid wall of rock and a corridor opened up, wide enough for the three of them to walk abreast. In the distance they could just make out the glint of a waterfall and Alistair thought it would make a good spot to make camp. They would easily reach it before the sun set.
As they closed the distance, he heard an exclamation behind him and turned.
Zevran was shading his eyes and looking toward the waterfall and he said, “Maker’s breath, is that smoke?”
Leliana broke into a run.
--=0=--
The sun was high in the sky when Aedan finally awoke. Though he was stiff and all of his bones seemed to ache, he felt whole. He pushed himself up into a sitting position and glanced around the camp. The fire was out but with the warmth of the day he hadn’t missed it.
His armour was piled not far from the fire and Aedan couldn’t help the shudder that rippled through his shoulders and down his back as he looked at it. Besides the crust of dried blood and gore it was bent, buckled and torn. He moved toward it and started pulling pieces out of the pile one by one, some of them almost unrecognizable. He doubted he would ever be able to wear it again. This saddened him inexplicably and he tossed aside the gauntlet he was holding and turned away from the wreckage.
His weapons seemed to have fared little better, but they were resting against a small sack and he quickly pushed them aside as he fumbled in the sack for food. He was starving. He had lost count of the days it had been since he’d had a proper meal and his body cried out for nourishment. Morrigan had left him well supplied and as he stuffed bread into his mouth he thanked the Maker she was accomplished at providing for herself so far from civilization.
With his hunger temporarily sated, Aedan turned his attention upon his weapons. He had been carrying the same sword he’d taken into the siege of Denerim, Asturian’s Might, and once he had wiped it down with the linen strips he tore from his legs, he saw that despite the nicks and scars along the blade it was sound. The blade of his dagger was bent.
As he removed the rest of his bandages, Aedan couldn’t help the soft, “Holy Maker…” that slipped from between his lips. He had never seen so many bruises in all his life. How was he even alive? He poked gingerly at his ribs and drew a sharp breath as he touched on a few that were not yet set. His legs were mottled and his arms bore deep gouges where armour plates had ground against his skin. The sight was enough to make him lightheaded.
Morrigan had left his clothing folded neatly to one side of the sack and as he pulled on his shirt and pants he couldn’t help smiling at her practical nature. The clothing was mended! But she’d had no means to deal with the stains and when Aedan looked down at himself again, the smile turned into a laugh. He could imagine Alistair’s reaction to this particular outfit. The king was always teasing him about his wrinkled and threadbare attire, but this ensemble was something even Aedan recognised as…bad. It would have to serve until he got back to Haven.
Aedan glanced around the wide clearing then and wondered which route she had taken. He touched his fingers to his chest for a moment, to where Reflection would have lain had he been wearing it, and he closed his eyes. He sent a prayer after the mage. He knew Morrigan held no belief in the Maker, but that did not mean he could not ask for her safety.
He looked off in the direction where Damien laid buried beneath a cairn of rock and briefly pondered the Orlesian warden. After a moment’s hesitation he sent a prayer in that direction also.
With a final glance at his ruined armour, Aedan secured his weapons to his belt, shouldered the small sack and started towards the cliffs. He would not make Haven today, he had slept too late. But he intended to walk until fatigued and try again the following day.
He was not surprised to find he tired quickly. He reached the trees and slipped past them into the gap along the towering rock wall of the cliff. The way was relatively easy and keeping his eyes down he was able to pick his way amongst the loose gravel and smooth stone. He missed his boots. His armoured boots were ruined and his leather boots lay beside his pack somewhere in Haven he supposed.
After stubbing his toe for what might have been the seventh time, Aedan looked up and caught the glint of water ahead. There was a narrow waterfall cascading over the cliff and it formed into a deep pool at the base. A creek ran away from the pool into the trees. This was where he would make camp, he decided, and quickened his pace.
Aedan dropped his pack and knelt before the pool to wash his face and was momentarily stunned by his reflection. He touched his fingers to his cheeks, feeling the long scratches and the one deep furrow across his forehead. His black hair was longer than he was used to, falling across his brow and tufted out over his ears. If not for the clear pale blue of his eyes, he might not have recognised himself. He thrust his hands into the water, stirring away the reflection and splashed his face, working his fingers over the dried blood and wincing as the water cleaned his cuts and scrapes.
Despite the chill of the late afternoon he shed his clothes and plunged into the pool, scrubbing at himself, then at the clothes with an obsessive fervor. He opened many of his wounds again, but the crisp coolness of the water felt wonderful and he simply floated on his back for a while afterwards.
He lit a fire and shrugged into his damp clothing and sat as close to the flames as he dared, staring into the yellow flicker and just letting his mind wander. He knew that Ferelden’s problems were far from solved, the darkspawn threat still loomed, but he couldn’t help the sense of peace he felt. He was alive, he was whole and he had a purpose.
A flash caught his eyes and he looked up. Three figures were running toward him from across the stream and one of them was wearing…golden armour! Aedan stood up and squinted into the setting sun. The last rays glanced off the approaching group, casting their faces into shadow, but he could make out the reddish gold of Alistair’s hair above his distinctive armour. His companions were both of a more slight build and one had yellow hair, the other red.
With a wordless cry and pounding heart Aedan ran to the stream and waded through, heedless of the stones that caught his bare feet and toes. He tripped and splashed down to his hands and knees before gaining the opposite bank and then drew himself upright again. She was standing there right before him. He felt his chest would explode with the joy of it and his head spun crazily. He did not care if this was the Fade, or a trick of his imagination, or if he was about to sweep into his arms someone other than his love.
“Leli,” it didn’t sound like his voice as he leaned forward and wrapped his arms about her, drawing her close. He whispered her name over and again into her hair, his breath catching when his broken ribs made their presence felt. He didn’t let go even then.
She lifted her face towards him, his name on her lips, and as he kissed her the world ceased to exist around them. He could taste the salt of their tears and the sweetness that he knew only as Leliana. If this was indeed a dream, then here he was content to stay.
Eventually the world intruded once again. His legs ached and trembled and someone was clearing their throat. His ribs complained and the chill of early evening seeped through his wet clothes. He drew back and just gazed into her eyes, and then hugged her all over again. He did not want to let her go…ever.
Over the top of her head he saw Alistair and Zevran standing a polite distance behind them. His eyes met Alistair’s and though he did not think it was possible to feel more complete than he did at that moment, he did. His dearest friend was standing here in the middle of nowhere and had delivered to him a gift beyond measure.
Leliana stepped back then and after dropping another kiss to her cheek he stepped toward Alistair. He stopped in front of him and dropped his head. He didn’t know what to say. ‘Thank you’ felt inadequate and ‘Sorry’ would never make up for the manner in which they had parted. Alistair took the matter out of his hands by stepping forward, arms raised, and pulling him into a hug. Aedan said his words then and he felt Alistair nod mutely.
After he was released he turned toward Zevran and swept him into a hug also. He whispered more thanks and Zevran laughed and clasped him fondly, patting his back before disentangling himself and making a show of brushing off his leathers.
Aedan turned back to Leliana and drew her against himself again, feeling the need to make sure she was real and still there and alive. He kissed her over and over, touching his lips to her brow, her cheeks and her mouth and then simply the top of her head as she rested her cheek to his chest. Finally he took Leliana’s hand and led them back across the stream, finding the dry stones to cross this time. The companions all set down their packs around his fire and loosened their armour and weapons.
It was Zevran who finally asked, “So tell us, Aedan, how is it you are in this valley?”
Aedan winced as he answered, “Well, Zev, there’s a long answer to that and a short answer.”
Zevran raised a brow and Aedan tried the short version, “I fell off a cliff?”
Leliana and Alistair gasped, but Zevran shared a chuckle with him before answering, “So that is why you look as if you have been dragged through a bush backwards.”
Aedan looked down at his clothes which his washing and subsequent ‘swim’ had done little to improve. At the mournful expression on his face the others laughed.
He felt Leliana’s fingers exploring the myriad cuts and scratches over his face and turned to look at her, saying softly, “I’ve seen better days haven’t I?”
"You were always more than just a pretty face, my love," she said as she smiled and kissed his forehead and cheek and was moving toward his mouth when Alistair said clearly behind them, “Before you two move on to the mushy bits, perhaps we could hear the long version?”
Over a welcome meal Aedan filled them in on his chase through the forest and his plunge over the cliff with Damien. They were all seated about the fire and the warmth and a full belly were combining with his recent healing to make him sleepy. But he wanted to finish his story. He wanted to tell them about Morrigan. He wanted no more secrets between himself and those he held dear.
They all looked properly disturbed when he described Morrigan’s fear of a darkspawn that talked to her in the Fade, and he thought perhaps there was a tinge of regret in Alistair’s eyes as he described how he’d let Morrigan walk away for a second time. A glance at Leliana showed she clearly understood his motivations, however, and he tightened his arm about her shoulders and pulled her close.
Zevran commented, “It seems that this is but another chapter in our adventures then, my friends.”
All of them nodded their agreement and one by one they drifted apart from the fire to seek their beds. The night was clear and the stars were bright overhead and none of them had felt the need for tents. All were content to sleep beneath the open sky. Alistair and Zevran had decided to split the watch between them, allowing Aedan the chance to catch up with Leliana.
“See if you can get some sleep you two,” said Alistair with a smile as he bid them goodnight and moved away to sit his watch.
Aedan slipped into Leliana’s bedroll with her and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her tenderly and though his hands caressed her, his body refused to cooperate with his desire. His bones ached, his ribs hurt and his collection of bruises and scrapes were making themselves felt. He settled his hand across her abdomen instead, feeling the slight swell of their child, and she interlaced her fingers with his. They both gazed down at their entwined fingers and he whispered, “I love you, Leliana.”
He wanted to say more, but such contentment cannot be expressed in words. Instead he said, “Tell me a story, Leli.”
Leliana replied softly, “Of course, my love. I’ve been working on a new one for our child. It’s called ‘The Hero of Ferelden’.”
But he heard only the first few minutes as the sweet and familiar sound of her voice lulled him into a deep and dreamless sleep.
The End.
Picture credit: MiliaT. Thank you so much!
I do have an epilogue and a couple of short stories planned using these characters, but decided to end the main story here. It felt right. I hope that after I play Awakenings I’ll be inspired to write another adventure featuring Aedan and his companions.
Thanks to everyone who made it this far and I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Teardrops
Morning found Leliana outside the Chantry again, gazing into the valley below. Alistair stepped to her side and leaned forward on the old wooden fence to take in the view. According to Leliana Aedan was down there and not in the forest above. It was a mystery to the wardens how he might have entered the valley as he’d last been seen near this building and beyond the Chantry there was only miles of forest that ran along this same cliff before leading up to the mountain and the temple where Andraste’s Ashes remained.
Alistair trusted the amulet, however, and as they gazed out over the misted valley, he began to plot exactly how they would get down there. Just because Aedan was alive, didn’t mean he was well – a thought that had surely occurred to Leliana as well, though neither of them had voiced it. He turned to look at Leliana. She seemed peaceful even though she must feel anything but.
“Come in and eat,” he urged her. “We’ll want to head out as soon as the others awaken.”
She nodded and followed him back inside the Chantry where they found most of the wardens up and about, sorting their packs and donning their armour. Oghren would be staying in Haven to keep an eye the Orlesian wardens and in case Aedan made it back on his own. Alistair, Leliana and Zevran would join the rest of Ferelden’s wardens in the search.
Alistair moved to Philippe’s side and gazed at the map again. His eyes caught the lake that lay below the village and he said to Philippe, “Do you know if there is a way around the lake? Or perhaps a boat? We could enter the valley from that direction.”
Philippe glanced at that point of the map and scratched his chin thoughtfully. He answered, “We’ll check before heading into the forest again.” He turned to the assembled wardens, “Is everyone ready?”
The bodies in the village were starting to give off a disgusting odor as the tainted flesh liquefied. They held their breath as one by one they edged past them and down to the dock. Oghren and his men would also start the monumental task of dealing with the carnage while they were away, allowing all the wardens to look for Aedan, Damien, and Morrigan. It was only assumed they were together. Alistair could only hope that finding one would hold the key to finding them all.
There was a small boat at the dock, perhaps large enough for three. Leliana shaded her eyes against the rising sun and gazed across the lake. It was wide and the boat was the only way to reach the other side. She turned back to look at Alistair, a pleading expression in her eyes and he nodded to her.
Alistair turned to Philippe and said, “I will take Zevran and Leliana with me across the lake.”
“As you wish, Alistair” Philippe answered. He glanced back at the other wardens a moment, and then returned his gaze to the lake. He said, “I will take the rest of the wardens back into the forest as planned. We will follow the cliff, if we can, and see if there is not another way into the valley.”
“A sound plan,” Alistair agreed and clapped Philippe on the shoulder. “Maker watch over you.”
Philippe nodded and tendered the familiar response as all bowed their heads a moment. Everyone was fully armoured and carried their packs. They would not be returning to Haven until answers were had, no matter how many days it took.
Alistair handed Leliana down into the boat, stepped in himself and turned to assist Zevran. Of course he needn’t have bothered. The nimble elf stepped lightly past him and into the boat, sat next to Leliana and grinned as he said, “Have at those oars, Alistair!”
Alistair gave a mock grumble though he was grateful to Zevran for lightening the mood and set himself between the oars. As he relaxed into the rhythm of pull and draw Alistair couldn’t help but think that under other circumstances this outing would have been pleasant. The sun had crept over the mountains finally and the lake sparkled beneath it. Though it was early summer, the day was cool and there was a light breeze. It was peaceful in the middle of the lake and Haven looked just a sleepy village from afar, not the derelict backdrop of bloodshed it had become.
Leliana finally broke the silence with a soft song. She had been holding her pendant between her clasped hands and her eyes had barely moved from the distant shore. When she began to sing quietly, Alistair felt a shiver raise the fine hairs along his arms. Zevran closed his amber eyes and leaned back and Alistair let the oars trail a while as he listened to her sing. As always, her voice was mellifluous, and though her song spoke of being reunited with a loved one, the tone was bittersweet. It gave Alistair the feeling she was singing of meeting her love beyond the veil of death. An outcome he hoped against. As her voice trailed away the companions remained silent until they made the far shore.
Alistair turned back to look across the lake. Haven was no longer visible behind the towering cliffs, but he could see a plume of smoke rising beyond the trees that clustered along the high ridge.
Zevran spoke quietly beside him, “Let us hope that is Oghren’s way of cleaning up…”
Alistair nodded his agreement, he had felt no taint all morning. He could not decide if this was a blessing or a curse. Did Morrigan’s absence account for the lack of darkspawn, or were more simply on their way, yet to arrive?
They turned and set off into the valley. The land this side of the lake was meadow and flat and stretched toward a line of distant trees that converged with the cliffs. The walking was easy and they reached the forest before stopping for lunch.
As they sat a moment to rest and eat, Alistair enquired, “Leliana, do you have any sense of us moving toward Aedan?”
She nodded quietly, the pedant had barely left her fingers all morning. A hopeful smile hovered at the corners of her mouth as she handed the amulet to him. Alistair felt for Aedan and his heart lifted. They were much closer.
The way was harder after lunch, the forest thickened and there appeared to be no clear path. Eventually the trees fell away from the solid wall of rock and a corridor opened up, wide enough for the three of them to walk abreast. In the distance they could just make out the glint of a waterfall and Alistair thought it would make a good spot to make camp. They would easily reach it before the sun set.
As they closed the distance, he heard an exclamation behind him and turned.
Zevran was shading his eyes and looking toward the waterfall and he said, “Maker’s breath, is that smoke?”
Leliana broke into a run.
--=0=--
The sun was high in the sky when Aedan finally awoke. Though he was stiff and all of his bones seemed to ache, he felt whole. He pushed himself up into a sitting position and glanced around the camp. The fire was out but with the warmth of the day he hadn’t missed it.
His armour was piled not far from the fire and Aedan couldn’t help the shudder that rippled through his shoulders and down his back as he looked at it. Besides the crust of dried blood and gore it was bent, buckled and torn. He moved toward it and started pulling pieces out of the pile one by one, some of them almost unrecognizable. He doubted he would ever be able to wear it again. This saddened him inexplicably and he tossed aside the gauntlet he was holding and turned away from the wreckage.
His weapons seemed to have fared little better, but they were resting against a small sack and he quickly pushed them aside as he fumbled in the sack for food. He was starving. He had lost count of the days it had been since he’d had a proper meal and his body cried out for nourishment. Morrigan had left him well supplied and as he stuffed bread into his mouth he thanked the Maker she was accomplished at providing for herself so far from civilization.
With his hunger temporarily sated, Aedan turned his attention upon his weapons. He had been carrying the same sword he’d taken into the siege of Denerim, Asturian’s Might, and once he had wiped it down with the linen strips he tore from his legs, he saw that despite the nicks and scars along the blade it was sound. The blade of his dagger was bent.
As he removed the rest of his bandages, Aedan couldn’t help the soft, “Holy Maker…” that slipped from between his lips. He had never seen so many bruises in all his life. How was he even alive? He poked gingerly at his ribs and drew a sharp breath as he touched on a few that were not yet set. His legs were mottled and his arms bore deep gouges where armour plates had ground against his skin. The sight was enough to make him lightheaded.
Morrigan had left his clothing folded neatly to one side of the sack and as he pulled on his shirt and pants he couldn’t help smiling at her practical nature. The clothing was mended! But she’d had no means to deal with the stains and when Aedan looked down at himself again, the smile turned into a laugh. He could imagine Alistair’s reaction to this particular outfit. The king was always teasing him about his wrinkled and threadbare attire, but this ensemble was something even Aedan recognised as…bad. It would have to serve until he got back to Haven.
Aedan glanced around the wide clearing then and wondered which route she had taken. He touched his fingers to his chest for a moment, to where Reflection would have lain had he been wearing it, and he closed his eyes. He sent a prayer after the mage. He knew Morrigan held no belief in the Maker, but that did not mean he could not ask for her safety.
He looked off in the direction where Damien laid buried beneath a cairn of rock and briefly pondered the Orlesian warden. After a moment’s hesitation he sent a prayer in that direction also.
With a final glance at his ruined armour, Aedan secured his weapons to his belt, shouldered the small sack and started towards the cliffs. He would not make Haven today, he had slept too late. But he intended to walk until fatigued and try again the following day.
He was not surprised to find he tired quickly. He reached the trees and slipped past them into the gap along the towering rock wall of the cliff. The way was relatively easy and keeping his eyes down he was able to pick his way amongst the loose gravel and smooth stone. He missed his boots. His armoured boots were ruined and his leather boots lay beside his pack somewhere in Haven he supposed.
After stubbing his toe for what might have been the seventh time, Aedan looked up and caught the glint of water ahead. There was a narrow waterfall cascading over the cliff and it formed into a deep pool at the base. A creek ran away from the pool into the trees. This was where he would make camp, he decided, and quickened his pace.
Aedan dropped his pack and knelt before the pool to wash his face and was momentarily stunned by his reflection. He touched his fingers to his cheeks, feeling the long scratches and the one deep furrow across his forehead. His black hair was longer than he was used to, falling across his brow and tufted out over his ears. If not for the clear pale blue of his eyes, he might not have recognised himself. He thrust his hands into the water, stirring away the reflection and splashed his face, working his fingers over the dried blood and wincing as the water cleaned his cuts and scrapes.
Despite the chill of the late afternoon he shed his clothes and plunged into the pool, scrubbing at himself, then at the clothes with an obsessive fervor. He opened many of his wounds again, but the crisp coolness of the water felt wonderful and he simply floated on his back for a while afterwards.
He lit a fire and shrugged into his damp clothing and sat as close to the flames as he dared, staring into the yellow flicker and just letting his mind wander. He knew that Ferelden’s problems were far from solved, the darkspawn threat still loomed, but he couldn’t help the sense of peace he felt. He was alive, he was whole and he had a purpose.
A flash caught his eyes and he looked up. Three figures were running toward him from across the stream and one of them was wearing…golden armour! Aedan stood up and squinted into the setting sun. The last rays glanced off the approaching group, casting their faces into shadow, but he could make out the reddish gold of Alistair’s hair above his distinctive armour. His companions were both of a more slight build and one had yellow hair, the other red.
With a wordless cry and pounding heart Aedan ran to the stream and waded through, heedless of the stones that caught his bare feet and toes. He tripped and splashed down to his hands and knees before gaining the opposite bank and then drew himself upright again. She was standing there right before him. He felt his chest would explode with the joy of it and his head spun crazily. He did not care if this was the Fade, or a trick of his imagination, or if he was about to sweep into his arms someone other than his love.
“Leli,” it didn’t sound like his voice as he leaned forward and wrapped his arms about her, drawing her close. He whispered her name over and again into her hair, his breath catching when his broken ribs made their presence felt. He didn’t let go even then.
She lifted her face towards him, his name on her lips, and as he kissed her the world ceased to exist around them. He could taste the salt of their tears and the sweetness that he knew only as Leliana. If this was indeed a dream, then here he was content to stay.
Eventually the world intruded once again. His legs ached and trembled and someone was clearing their throat. His ribs complained and the chill of early evening seeped through his wet clothes. He drew back and just gazed into her eyes, and then hugged her all over again. He did not want to let her go…ever.
Over the top of her head he saw Alistair and Zevran standing a polite distance behind them. His eyes met Alistair’s and though he did not think it was possible to feel more complete than he did at that moment, he did. His dearest friend was standing here in the middle of nowhere and had delivered to him a gift beyond measure.
Leliana stepped back then and after dropping another kiss to her cheek he stepped toward Alistair. He stopped in front of him and dropped his head. He didn’t know what to say. ‘Thank you’ felt inadequate and ‘Sorry’ would never make up for the manner in which they had parted. Alistair took the matter out of his hands by stepping forward, arms raised, and pulling him into a hug. Aedan said his words then and he felt Alistair nod mutely.
After he was released he turned toward Zevran and swept him into a hug also. He whispered more thanks and Zevran laughed and clasped him fondly, patting his back before disentangling himself and making a show of brushing off his leathers.
Aedan turned back to Leliana and drew her against himself again, feeling the need to make sure she was real and still there and alive. He kissed her over and over, touching his lips to her brow, her cheeks and her mouth and then simply the top of her head as she rested her cheek to his chest. Finally he took Leliana’s hand and led them back across the stream, finding the dry stones to cross this time. The companions all set down their packs around his fire and loosened their armour and weapons.
It was Zevran who finally asked, “So tell us, Aedan, how is it you are in this valley?”
Aedan winced as he answered, “Well, Zev, there’s a long answer to that and a short answer.”
Zevran raised a brow and Aedan tried the short version, “I fell off a cliff?”
Leliana and Alistair gasped, but Zevran shared a chuckle with him before answering, “So that is why you look as if you have been dragged through a bush backwards.”
Aedan looked down at his clothes which his washing and subsequent ‘swim’ had done little to improve. At the mournful expression on his face the others laughed.
He felt Leliana’s fingers exploring the myriad cuts and scratches over his face and turned to look at her, saying softly, “I’ve seen better days haven’t I?”
"You were always more than just a pretty face, my love," she said as she smiled and kissed his forehead and cheek and was moving toward his mouth when Alistair said clearly behind them, “Before you two move on to the mushy bits, perhaps we could hear the long version?”
Over a welcome meal Aedan filled them in on his chase through the forest and his plunge over the cliff with Damien. They were all seated about the fire and the warmth and a full belly were combining with his recent healing to make him sleepy. But he wanted to finish his story. He wanted to tell them about Morrigan. He wanted no more secrets between himself and those he held dear.
They all looked properly disturbed when he described Morrigan’s fear of a darkspawn that talked to her in the Fade, and he thought perhaps there was a tinge of regret in Alistair’s eyes as he described how he’d let Morrigan walk away for a second time. A glance at Leliana showed she clearly understood his motivations, however, and he tightened his arm about her shoulders and pulled her close.
Zevran commented, “It seems that this is but another chapter in our adventures then, my friends.”
All of them nodded their agreement and one by one they drifted apart from the fire to seek their beds. The night was clear and the stars were bright overhead and none of them had felt the need for tents. All were content to sleep beneath the open sky. Alistair and Zevran had decided to split the watch between them, allowing Aedan the chance to catch up with Leliana.
“See if you can get some sleep you two,” said Alistair with a smile as he bid them goodnight and moved away to sit his watch.
Aedan slipped into Leliana’s bedroll with her and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her tenderly and though his hands caressed her, his body refused to cooperate with his desire. His bones ached, his ribs hurt and his collection of bruises and scrapes were making themselves felt. He settled his hand across her abdomen instead, feeling the slight swell of their child, and she interlaced her fingers with his. They both gazed down at their entwined fingers and he whispered, “I love you, Leliana.”
He wanted to say more, but such contentment cannot be expressed in words. Instead he said, “Tell me a story, Leli.”
Leliana replied softly, “Of course, my love. I’ve been working on a new one for our child. It’s called ‘The Hero of Ferelden’.”
But he heard only the first few minutes as the sweet and familiar sound of her voice lulled him into a deep and dreamless sleep.
The End.
Picture credit: MiliaT. Thank you so much!
I do have an epilogue and a couple of short stories planned using these characters, but decided to end the main story here. It felt right. I hope that after I play Awakenings I’ll be inspired to write another adventure featuring Aedan and his companions.
Thanks to everyone who made it this far and I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Modifié par Sisimka, 17 mars 2010 - 10:18 .
#313
Posté 21 février 2010 - 08:30
Freckles04
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This was a wonderful ending to a fantastic story. Congratulations on pulling it all together and providing a very satisfying read.
#314
Posté 21 février 2010 - 08:56
Maximus741000
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When I read the second half of the chapter, I happened to have been listening to the Dragon Age soundtrack song, I Am The One, it moved me to tears. The beautiful melody complementing the reunion of Aedan and Leliana, I can honestly say, there's no fanfic that's quite as marvelous, it has even succeded in touching my heart, thank you. While I am sad to see it end, it does feel satisfying that there is a happy ending for the Hero of Ferelden, his valiant king and brother, his elven and dwarven pals, and his beautiful love.
#315
Posté 21 février 2010 - 09:20
bl00dsh0t
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Epic ending, got a bit teary eyed there A fitting end to the story, i'm looking forward to the short stories and the epilogue!
A fitting end to the story, i'm looking forward to the short stories and the epilogue!
#316
Posté 21 février 2010 - 10:12
MsSouthpaw
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Thank you, thank you, Sisi! This was an amazing read, and I looked forward to each new chapter. It was excellent. Great job!!
#317
Posté 21 février 2010 - 10:23
Kulkodar
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*applaud* I thoroughly enjoyed this tale, beginning to end! You have a gift for bring stories to life. I could hear their voices in my head! Thank you for sharing this.
#318
Posté 21 février 2010 - 11:00
Sisimka
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Thank you all for your kind comments.
Kulkodar, I'm glad you're still with me. I feared I may have lost you when things got dark, and it was hard not to PM you and say, "It will all work out in the end!"
Kulkodar, I'm glad you're still with me. I feared I may have lost you when things got dark, and it was hard not to PM you and say, "It will all work out in the end!"
#319
Posté 21 février 2010 - 11:31
Palentor
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The final chapter of this most wonderful tale, just confirms what I said earlier.
You have a way with words, that makes the story come alive. Therefore, as much as it saddens me that it finally came to an end, I actually felt happy for the characters for the way it did.
Thank you for the tale you told. <bow>
You have a way with words, that makes the story come alive. Therefore, as much as it saddens me that it finally came to an end, I actually felt happy for the characters for the way it did.
Thank you for the tale you told. <bow>
#320
Guest_Oomagh_*
Posté 21 février 2010 - 11:53
Guest_Oomagh_*
Guest_Oomagh_*
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... amazing story and a fitting end...
you know, we will be sad if you do not pick up the pen again once you find new inspiration ..
so sad it's over but glad for the good ending,
thank you so much!
you know, we will be sad if you do not pick up the pen again once you find new inspiration ..
so sad it's over but glad for the good ending,
thank you so much!
#321
Posté 22 février 2010 - 01:38
Fumbles88
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Fantastic! Absolutly Fantastic! I cannot begin to say how much I have loved every single chapter of this story and it has always kept me coming back for more and more day after day!
Well done and I will be reading this for months to come!
Well done and I will be reading this for months to come!
#322
Posté 22 février 2010 - 03:42
Sandtigress
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Beautiful ending. I'm sad its over, but you're right, it fit to end it there, and the way that you did. You will definitely have to write more after Awakening!!
#323
Posté 23 février 2010 - 01:17
Sialater
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Wow, wonderful story! Thank you so much for sharing Aedan with us!
#324
Posté 23 février 2010 - 04:20
bloodtallow
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Congratulations, Sisimka, on bringing such a vibrant and wonderful story to completion! This tale was enthralling, and did double duty by making me not only thoroughly engrossed in your story and characters, but also by making me like Leliana - a feat in and of itself!
I was especially impressed by your Aedan-Morrigan dream sequences, and by the artful way you split your narrative between Aedan's own thoughts and perceptions, and those of Alistair.
Bravo! Encore! And kudos!
I was especially impressed by your Aedan-Morrigan dream sequences, and by the artful way you split your narrative between Aedan's own thoughts and perceptions, and those of Alistair.
Bravo! Encore! And kudos!
#325
Posté 23 février 2010 - 11:12
Sisimka
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Thanks again to everyone for saying such nice things about my story! Although I had this eventual conclusion in mind when I started writing it, I had little idea of how I would get there. All of your encouragement and wonderful comments helped keep me going until the story itself caught me up and I couldn't have stopped writing it if I tried!
I am working on my little Epilogue, but I...um...neglected my work a little over the past week while I was wrapped up in Aedan's quest. Might get it out tomorrow!
To those who commented that my story made them like Leliana, I'm so glad. I found her the most difficult companion to get to know and it wasn't until I created Aedan that I finally cracked her shell. Now I think she's as much a treasure as Aedan does and I'm glad to have shared that with you!
I am working on my little Epilogue, but I...um...neglected my work a little over the past week while I was wrapped up in Aedan's quest. Might get it out tomorrow!
To those who commented that my story made them like Leliana, I'm so glad. I found her the most difficult companion to get to know and it wasn't until I created Aedan that I finally cracked her shell. Now I think she's as much a treasure as Aedan does and I'm glad to have shared that with you!
