That was a great chapter, well-written and carried all the heartfelt emotions that you had written in. Of all the Wardens who have been written of in Dragon Age fanfic, yours seems much closer to a real person with depth and true character than so many others. I'm not sure where this will go, if ever; but I am glad that that chapter is at a close. Now it's almost time to finish it.
FanFiction/Art - Final Chapter (Aedan), (12/27) Interludes
Débuté par
Sisimka
, févr. 25 2010 05:06
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#377
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 06:16
MireliA
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They might have been safer in Denerim 
Lovely chapter
Lovely chapter
#378
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 06:28
bl00dsh0t
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Epic chap indeed, well done on the reunion it was refreshingly different with aedan almost collapsing. Almost hard to believe he took down an archdemon, well done showing how much this situation is bearing down on him!
MOAR!!
MOAR!!
#379
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 07:26
valen_morrow
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that shows you to be afraid of leli, if a guy who killed a archdemon is running you better not fall behind lol
MOAR!! yep
MOAR!! yep
#380
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 08:09
Sisimka
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He's not necessarily running from Leli, he's more running from a difficult conversation. The decision to kill the archdemon was a pretty simple one, he's a Grey Warden, that's what he does. Killing children is a tougher call and then having to tell your wife about it, and tell her you have doomed your son to an early grave...
So when the conversation seemed to be spiraling out of control he kinda gave into an impulse that has driven him before, the need to walk it out, or in this case, run it out. Served a dual purpose of visiting that fantasy he'd briefly entertained in Chap 13: Just walking away.
To quote the most popular comment in this thread: Poor Aedan.
So when the conversation seemed to be spiraling out of control he kinda gave into an impulse that has driven him before, the need to walk it out, or in this case, run it out. Served a dual purpose of visiting that fantasy he'd briefly entertained in Chap 13: Just walking away.
To quote the most popular comment in this thread: Poor Aedan.
Modifié par Sisimka, 27 mars 2010 - 12:04 .
#381
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 08:31
TheMadCat
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Good stuff as usual. Feels like you've gotten better as well since I last read your story weeks ago, either that or I forgot. Nice job though, looking forward to more.
#382
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 08:36
Sisimka
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If the writing is better, thank Freckles, my writing coach! She's dragging me backwards through the grammar machine! But thanks for your comment, I'm happy you like my story!
If the story is better, that may be my growing confidence. I have tried a couple new things with this story, such as slowing the pace and showing a lot more of the difficult conversations instead of skipping them.
If the story is better, that may be my growing confidence. I have tried a couple new things with this story, such as slowing the pace and showing a lot more of the difficult conversations instead of skipping them.
Modifié par Sisimka, 27 mars 2010 - 12:06 .
#383
Posté 27 mars 2010 - 12:53
Masticetobbacco
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hooray! no more bawring housewife
moar please
moar please
#384
Posté 28 mars 2010 - 03:29
Sisimka
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I had planned for this to be the last chapter, but then I got all thoughtful and had a couple 'conversations' with my characters. Royal Wedding and Gifts tomorrow, folks!
Chapter Sixteen
The inevitability of this conversation had not escaped him, but now? She wanted to do this now? Alistair growled softly in frustration and pulled Brenna off his lap. Her slight frame weighed little in his hands and he set her beside him on the couch. They were alone, at long last they were alone, and she wanted to know more about the Grey Wardens.
“You never talk much about being a warden, Alistair. I only ask because, well…” She trailed off. She didn’t need to explain. She had seen his reaction to Luke and she had witnessed the news being spread throughout the dining room and the dampening effect it had had on all the wardens present.
“That’s because I am no longer a Warden, I’m a King.” Did his voice sound bitter? He’d tried to keep his tone even.
She caught it. “That’s not true. I see how you look at the wardens and how they accept you as a brother. Do you miss it?”
“Let’s see, living in a keep full of men, patrolling the highways and dodging wily darkspawn. Yes, yes I miss it every day!”
“Why do you always make silly jokes when you don’t want to talk about something?”
Alistair quipped, “Because I don’t want to talk about something?”
Brenna sighed and slipped off the couch. He caught her hand. “Where are you going, love?”
“You don’t want to talk, so I’m going to bed.”
Alistair battled the growing frustration he felt and worked to temper his tone. “No I don’t want to talk. I had something else entirely in mind when I asked Runir to sleep in the sitting room tonight.”
Brenna attempted a smile but it failed to reach her troubled eyes.
Alistair tugged gently on her hand and pulled her toward the couch so that she stood before him, her knees gently touching his. “Alright, Brenna, what do you want to know?”
Her eyes widened slightly before becoming thoughtful. “I want to know why everyone was so upset about Luke. I understand he’s terribly young to have taken on such a vocation, but surely having a son who is a Grey Warden is something to be proud of?”
Alistair felt his shoulders slump though he’d not realised he’d been so tense. Dryness took his throat and it felt as if he couldn’t swallow. “It’s not an easy life, my love.”
“Neither is being king, or a soldier, yet it’s still a noble calling.”
Alistair shivered at her inadvertent choice of words. He couldn’t keep the sarcasm and bitterness out of his voice as he finally replied. “That’s just it, Bren, in addition to all the other lovely things about being a warden, you don’t have to worry about dying of old age. The taint is a death sentence, we get thirty years, give or take.” He added more quietly, “When our time comes, that’s what we call it: the Calling.”
A variety of emotions passed over Brenna’s face and he immediately regretted both his tone and his choice of words. He watched silently as she experienced horror, understanding and finally grief.
“So that means, you are, you have, you will…” She couldn’t get the words out and Alistair reached for her waist and pulled her back into his lap. She leaned into his chest and he wrapped his arms about her back feeling her tremble as cried quietly into his shirt.
When they had been fighting the Blight, thirty years had seemed such a long time. The companions had been thankful for each and every day. But now, holding his love in his arms, thirty years felt like a cruel joke. He likely only had twenty six left, if that. He might not live long enough to see any child they had grow to adulthood.
His shirt clung wetly to his skin when she finally stopped crying and turned to rest her cheek upon his shoulder instead, taking in shaky little breaths. He patted her hair and resisted the urge to say, ‘Thirty years is a long time, I might be run over by a wagon in the morning!’ He knew his humour would not be appreciated right now, but that very thought got him out of bed nearly every day. He refused to dwell upon the future and tried to live each day as if it were his last.
When she spoke her voice held a quiet restraint. “Why doesn’t everyone know this? It’s so tragic!”
Alistair couldn’t help himself. “How many recruits do you think we’d get with a campaign slogan like that?”
She sighed. “I suppose you’re right. There are some noble fools out there, but not nearly enough.”
“Brenna, thirty years is a long time, and I get to spend them with you. I’m the happiest man in Ferelden.”
Her breath caught in a small sob.
“What, what did I say now?”
“Happy tears, Alistair, these are happy tears.”
He kissed her wet cheek and then settling her light weight in his arms he stood and carried her to the bed.
“I thought you had something other than sleep in mind,” Brenna murmured softly against his shoulder.
“Oh, I do, but I thought we might be more comfortable over here.”
--=0=--
Aedan opened his eyes and winced. Leliana always opened the curtains as soon as she awoke; she loved the early morning light. He might not have minded had they not stayed up so late talking. After settling the children for the night he’d found her sitting on the bed with her knees drawn up, her face awash with tears once more. Though he hadn’t expected that she’d be all happy smiles the moment they’d left the roof, he’d not really expected tears again quite so soon.
He sat beside her and put an arm about her shoulders. He didn’t say anything for a moment, the ready apology no longer sufficient or appropriate. She didn’t need to hear how sorry he felt. He kissed her hair and murmured her name instead.
“Aedan you hurt me so much tonight.”
Her words hit him in the gut and he drew in a deep breath. He didn’t really want to talk about it anymore, he wanted to feel the comfort of her arms and hear her sleepy breath next to his. He wanted to escape into his dreams. “Leli, if there had been any other way.”
“I’m not talking about Luke, I’m talking about you. You ran away from me. I never thought you would do that. I always count on you to be the strong one.”
His brief bid for freedom shamed him in retrospect. He let out a gusty sigh and steeled his nerve. He would meet this one head on. “Quite possibly the most cowardly thing I have ever done. I didn’t run from you, specifically, Leli, more from my life as a whole. Who would have thought killing an archdemon would not be the hardest thing I’d ever have to do. This whole thing with Luke has made me question being a Grey Warden and it’s not the first time.”
Leliana looked at him, her eyes filled with understanding. “As I questioned being a bard. You know, no matter how far you run you will still be a Grey Warden.”
Her hurt suddenly made more sense. Leliana had run away and ultimately it had not solved her problems. She had found peace, for a while, but her life had eventually caught up with her.
He wrapped both his arms about her then and hugged her gently. “I didn’t choose to be a Warden, Leli, but you’re right and I understand your point, I can’t run away from it.” He sighed again. “I’m not as strong as you think I am, my love, I keep flailing away at life and making huge mistakes.”
“Such is life; there is no other way to say it. We’re stronger when face it together.” Her voice, normally so clear, so bright took on a slight tremble as she continued. “Promise me you will not run from me, ever. We have exchanged vows and we made a child together. You gave me your heart, Aedan, and you made me feel safe, like I had finally found a home. The thought that you could just leave us behind…”
He kissed her then, stopping her words. He tasted her tears and knew he’d caused them. He would not apologise, she did not need to hear again how sorry he felt. He drew his lips from hers and whispered against her mouth, “I promise.”
A tear drifted down his cheek as he lay there in the early morning light and he didn’t know if it came from the memory of the night before or the brightness of the dawn. He blinked it away and got out of bed. He found a note from Leliana, she had taken the children to breakfast and Luke had gone to the fort. He would go to the fort, he needed exercise – and he’d left his armour there last night, scattered about one of those small sitting rooms.
Many of the wardens were already in the practice yard when he arrived, and he recognised Alistair’s practice armour. The king sparred with Rolf and the bout had become quite the spectacle. As warriors who both favoured a sword and shield they were fairly evenly matched. Luke had his sword in hand and practiced forms with Runir. He caught his son’s attention and his heart lifted at Luke’s sunny smile of greeting.
“Commander?” A nervous young warden stood beside Aedan and his arms where filled with his Warden Commander armor. Another man stood close by with his boots and weapons. Aedan tried to keep his expression neutral, but couldn’t help the slight smile that worked across his face as he wondered what they had thought when they found all of his belongings in that room. He thanked them and set about donning his gear.
He warmed up with Runir and moved through several matches with his men, finding peace and purpose in the exercise. He looked up at a tap on the shoulder and found Alistair standing beside him.
“Care for a match, Commander?”
He grinned at his friend. “Of course, your Majesty.”
He’d not fought against Alistair in some time and as he took his stance he ran through what he remembered of the templar’s style and tricks. As usual, Alistair waited for him to make the first move, and he did, but instead of stepping straight in, he feinted left and struck with his right only to find himself expertly blocked.
“You’ve been practicing with Runir.”
The king nodded. “Yes I have.”
Alistair had always been more than competent, his reputation well deserved, but he had become stronger, more confident and neither of them scored a point for several long minutes as they struck and parried with precision.
Both of them were fatigued from their practice and no doubt from the evening before, however, and after a couple of rounds Alistair called the match and offered Aedan his hand. Aedan grasped his friend’s arm and then pulled him into a loose hug and they thumped each other fondly on the back, their armour clanging noisily. They laughed.
“So, you want to talk about Luke?” Alistair asked as they sat together on a bench.
“Not really.”
Aedan looked at Alistair and saw an expression so familiar he chuckled. The way he could quirk that one left brow never failed to amuse him.
“Alright, what do you want to know?”
Alistair placed a gauntleted hand on his forearm. “I want to know if you are alright. You, Luke and Leliana.”
Aedan considered Alistair’s face, the warmth and concern in the king’s hazel eyes and he nodded firmly. “Yes, Brother, we are.”
Alistair seemed about to say something else when an excited murmur from the entrance had them both turning around. The crowd parted and Oghren swaggered through looking both proud and cocky. The dwarf strutted toward them, stopped, planted his hands on his hips and said, “Yep, I still got it.”
“How fare Felsi and the babe?”
“Perfect, Warden, just perfect! I predict the nug runner will be carryin’ a sword within the year. He’ll do his farther proud!”
Aedan exchanged a glance with Alistair and they both grinned. Oghren’s exuberance was infectious and they found themselves on their feet clapping the dwarf’s shoulders once again in congratulations.
“What will you name this proud warrior of yours, Oghren?” Alistair’s expression bubbled with curiosity.
Oghren’s eyes settled on Aedan and he smiled broadly, “Well, Warden, I thought I might name him after you.”
“You’re going to call him Warden?”
Oghren’s eyes narrowed. “By the stone, why would I do a stupid thing like that? Nah, Aedan is much better!”
Aedan blinked in surprise. “So you do know my name after all.”
Alistair and Oghren looked at him blankly and Aedan chuckled and spread his hands. “Can I ask why?” Though touched by the gesture, he felt a little embarrassed.
“Heh, well, if it weren’t for you, I might never have won Felsi back for a start.” The dwarf’s expression softened a little as he continued more quietly. “And because you’re a good sort, brave and all that. Argh, does there have to be a reason? We’re friends, Warden. You believed in me and trusted me when many wouldn’t. You set me on my feet and brought me here.” He gestured the fort around them.
Aedan nodded slowly. He’d had no idea Oghren regarded him so highly, the dwarf usually spouted jokes and insults, not platitudes.
“Then I am truly honoured, Oghren. Thank you.”
Oghren growled softly, waved a hand and turned his gaze on Alistair. “Don’t you worry, your Majesty, next one’s gonna be named after you!”
Aedan couldn’t suppress the absurd thought of two little dwarves running about called Warden and Majesty and he snorted in amusement.
Alistair commented drily, “Just what Ferelden needs, two more of us.”
As they shared a smile at that Aedan caught sight of a familiar white-blonde head and the smile dropped from his face.
“Come, it wouldn’t be that bad, would it?” Alistair asked and Aedan tapped him on the arm and said, “No, it’s Zevran, he has returned.”
The elf looked like a different man. His eyes lacked their usual warmth and luster and his mouth formed a hard line were usually he held an easy smile. The yard slowly fell silent, voices ceased and the ring of steel stopped as Zevran made his way through the soldiers and wardens to where they stood.
He held a box in his arms. He bowed his head and said formally, “your Majesty.”
Alistair’s brow creased with concern and he stepped forward to lay a hand on Zevran’s shoulder. He looked him up and down. “You are returned and alive, Zevran. Thank the Maker.”
“I see you are alive as well, Alistair.” Zevran glanced over Alistair’s shoulder and exchanged what could only be described as a professional nod with Runir.
Silence fell then, there were too many questions that begged to be asked at once, but everyone’s eyes were on the box. Zevran ignored the direction of their gaze for the moment and asked a question of his own. “The other assassins, were they caught?”
“Yes and one of them turned out to be quite talkative.” Alistair answered.
Zevran nodded quietly, “That would have been Kusin. A mage, yes?”
“Yes.”
“You dealt with them all I trust?” Zevran’s tone made it abundantly clear what he meant by ‘dealt’.
Alistair answered in the affirmative once again.
“Then this business is done with, Alistair.” He handed the king the box. “Perhaps this is not the most appropriate of wedding gifts, but I think it will serve. I wouldn’t share it with your new wife however.”
Zevran turned and started to walk away. Aedan stepped to the elf’s side and laid a hand on his shoulder. “Zev, wait.”
Zevran turned reluctantly and his eyes were clouded with weariness, the sort that could not be cured by simple sleep.
There were still so many questions but Aedan decided they were better suited to another time. “Thank you, Zevran. Ferelden owes you a great debt of gratitude.”
Zevran merely inclined his head and then something, someone caught his eye and for the first time since he’d stepped through the gates warmth touched his expression. Aedan turned. Kayley stood behind him. He gestured her over then turned back toward Zevran.
“It gladdens my heart to see you returned safe, Zev. We’ll talk later?”
The warmth did not fade from Zevran’s eyes as he returned his gaze to Aedan’s face and the elf gripped his arm. “As you wish, Aedan.” Then he offered a tentative smile. “It is good to see you too.”
“Commander?” Kayley stood there nervously clasping her hands.
“I’m assigning you to Zevran for the rest of the day, Warden. I don’t want to see either of you until tomorrow, understand?”
Kayley flushed and grinned. “Yes, Commander.”
He waved them off and returned to find Alistair still holding the box. He had yet to open it. Alistair looked up as he approached. “You know, normally I love presents, but I really don’t want to open this box.”
Aedan shared his apprehension. Oghren took the box from Alistair’s arms and set it on the ground. He plucked a practice sword from the rack behind them and used it to pry open the nails set around the lid. He opened it and swore softly. “By the ancestors.”
Oghren stepped back and Aedan leaned forward and peered into the box. There nestled in straw lay a remarkably well preserved head. Aedan swallowed to keep from gagging and turned away from the sight.
Alistair leaned over and took a look. “Wow, remind me never to get on the wrong side of Zevran.”
The king looked a little pale as he straightened. He looked at Aedan and seemed momentarily lost for words. Finally he spoke. “I don’t think I wanted to believe she would betray Ferelden like that, Aedan. I kept hoping Zevran would find out someone else was responsible.”
Aedan nodded, he’d had a similar thought. “Perhaps exile made her more bitter. I’m sorry I talked you into that decision, Alistair, truly I am.”
“No, at the time your words made sense, Aedan. If anything, Loghain is to blame for this and he has already been punished. Either way, it is done. Anora will trouble us no longer.”
Chapter Sixteen
The inevitability of this conversation had not escaped him, but now? She wanted to do this now? Alistair growled softly in frustration and pulled Brenna off his lap. Her slight frame weighed little in his hands and he set her beside him on the couch. They were alone, at long last they were alone, and she wanted to know more about the Grey Wardens.
“You never talk much about being a warden, Alistair. I only ask because, well…” She trailed off. She didn’t need to explain. She had seen his reaction to Luke and she had witnessed the news being spread throughout the dining room and the dampening effect it had had on all the wardens present.
“That’s because I am no longer a Warden, I’m a King.” Did his voice sound bitter? He’d tried to keep his tone even.
She caught it. “That’s not true. I see how you look at the wardens and how they accept you as a brother. Do you miss it?”
“Let’s see, living in a keep full of men, patrolling the highways and dodging wily darkspawn. Yes, yes I miss it every day!”
“Why do you always make silly jokes when you don’t want to talk about something?”
Alistair quipped, “Because I don’t want to talk about something?”
Brenna sighed and slipped off the couch. He caught her hand. “Where are you going, love?”
“You don’t want to talk, so I’m going to bed.”
Alistair battled the growing frustration he felt and worked to temper his tone. “No I don’t want to talk. I had something else entirely in mind when I asked Runir to sleep in the sitting room tonight.”
Brenna attempted a smile but it failed to reach her troubled eyes.
Alistair tugged gently on her hand and pulled her toward the couch so that she stood before him, her knees gently touching his. “Alright, Brenna, what do you want to know?”
Her eyes widened slightly before becoming thoughtful. “I want to know why everyone was so upset about Luke. I understand he’s terribly young to have taken on such a vocation, but surely having a son who is a Grey Warden is something to be proud of?”
Alistair felt his shoulders slump though he’d not realised he’d been so tense. Dryness took his throat and it felt as if he couldn’t swallow. “It’s not an easy life, my love.”
“Neither is being king, or a soldier, yet it’s still a noble calling.”
Alistair shivered at her inadvertent choice of words. He couldn’t keep the sarcasm and bitterness out of his voice as he finally replied. “That’s just it, Bren, in addition to all the other lovely things about being a warden, you don’t have to worry about dying of old age. The taint is a death sentence, we get thirty years, give or take.” He added more quietly, “When our time comes, that’s what we call it: the Calling.”
A variety of emotions passed over Brenna’s face and he immediately regretted both his tone and his choice of words. He watched silently as she experienced horror, understanding and finally grief.
“So that means, you are, you have, you will…” She couldn’t get the words out and Alistair reached for her waist and pulled her back into his lap. She leaned into his chest and he wrapped his arms about her back feeling her tremble as cried quietly into his shirt.
When they had been fighting the Blight, thirty years had seemed such a long time. The companions had been thankful for each and every day. But now, holding his love in his arms, thirty years felt like a cruel joke. He likely only had twenty six left, if that. He might not live long enough to see any child they had grow to adulthood.
His shirt clung wetly to his skin when she finally stopped crying and turned to rest her cheek upon his shoulder instead, taking in shaky little breaths. He patted her hair and resisted the urge to say, ‘Thirty years is a long time, I might be run over by a wagon in the morning!’ He knew his humour would not be appreciated right now, but that very thought got him out of bed nearly every day. He refused to dwell upon the future and tried to live each day as if it were his last.
When she spoke her voice held a quiet restraint. “Why doesn’t everyone know this? It’s so tragic!”
Alistair couldn’t help himself. “How many recruits do you think we’d get with a campaign slogan like that?”
She sighed. “I suppose you’re right. There are some noble fools out there, but not nearly enough.”
“Brenna, thirty years is a long time, and I get to spend them with you. I’m the happiest man in Ferelden.”
Her breath caught in a small sob.
“What, what did I say now?”
“Happy tears, Alistair, these are happy tears.”
He kissed her wet cheek and then settling her light weight in his arms he stood and carried her to the bed.
“I thought you had something other than sleep in mind,” Brenna murmured softly against his shoulder.
“Oh, I do, but I thought we might be more comfortable over here.”
--=0=--
Aedan opened his eyes and winced. Leliana always opened the curtains as soon as she awoke; she loved the early morning light. He might not have minded had they not stayed up so late talking. After settling the children for the night he’d found her sitting on the bed with her knees drawn up, her face awash with tears once more. Though he hadn’t expected that she’d be all happy smiles the moment they’d left the roof, he’d not really expected tears again quite so soon.
He sat beside her and put an arm about her shoulders. He didn’t say anything for a moment, the ready apology no longer sufficient or appropriate. She didn’t need to hear how sorry he felt. He kissed her hair and murmured her name instead.
“Aedan you hurt me so much tonight.”
Her words hit him in the gut and he drew in a deep breath. He didn’t really want to talk about it anymore, he wanted to feel the comfort of her arms and hear her sleepy breath next to his. He wanted to escape into his dreams. “Leli, if there had been any other way.”
“I’m not talking about Luke, I’m talking about you. You ran away from me. I never thought you would do that. I always count on you to be the strong one.”
His brief bid for freedom shamed him in retrospect. He let out a gusty sigh and steeled his nerve. He would meet this one head on. “Quite possibly the most cowardly thing I have ever done. I didn’t run from you, specifically, Leli, more from my life as a whole. Who would have thought killing an archdemon would not be the hardest thing I’d ever have to do. This whole thing with Luke has made me question being a Grey Warden and it’s not the first time.”
Leliana looked at him, her eyes filled with understanding. “As I questioned being a bard. You know, no matter how far you run you will still be a Grey Warden.”
Her hurt suddenly made more sense. Leliana had run away and ultimately it had not solved her problems. She had found peace, for a while, but her life had eventually caught up with her.
He wrapped both his arms about her then and hugged her gently. “I didn’t choose to be a Warden, Leli, but you’re right and I understand your point, I can’t run away from it.” He sighed again. “I’m not as strong as you think I am, my love, I keep flailing away at life and making huge mistakes.”
“Such is life; there is no other way to say it. We’re stronger when face it together.” Her voice, normally so clear, so bright took on a slight tremble as she continued. “Promise me you will not run from me, ever. We have exchanged vows and we made a child together. You gave me your heart, Aedan, and you made me feel safe, like I had finally found a home. The thought that you could just leave us behind…”
He kissed her then, stopping her words. He tasted her tears and knew he’d caused them. He would not apologise, she did not need to hear again how sorry he felt. He drew his lips from hers and whispered against her mouth, “I promise.”
A tear drifted down his cheek as he lay there in the early morning light and he didn’t know if it came from the memory of the night before or the brightness of the dawn. He blinked it away and got out of bed. He found a note from Leliana, she had taken the children to breakfast and Luke had gone to the fort. He would go to the fort, he needed exercise – and he’d left his armour there last night, scattered about one of those small sitting rooms.
Many of the wardens were already in the practice yard when he arrived, and he recognised Alistair’s practice armour. The king sparred with Rolf and the bout had become quite the spectacle. As warriors who both favoured a sword and shield they were fairly evenly matched. Luke had his sword in hand and practiced forms with Runir. He caught his son’s attention and his heart lifted at Luke’s sunny smile of greeting.
“Commander?” A nervous young warden stood beside Aedan and his arms where filled with his Warden Commander armor. Another man stood close by with his boots and weapons. Aedan tried to keep his expression neutral, but couldn’t help the slight smile that worked across his face as he wondered what they had thought when they found all of his belongings in that room. He thanked them and set about donning his gear.
He warmed up with Runir and moved through several matches with his men, finding peace and purpose in the exercise. He looked up at a tap on the shoulder and found Alistair standing beside him.
“Care for a match, Commander?”
He grinned at his friend. “Of course, your Majesty.”
He’d not fought against Alistair in some time and as he took his stance he ran through what he remembered of the templar’s style and tricks. As usual, Alistair waited for him to make the first move, and he did, but instead of stepping straight in, he feinted left and struck with his right only to find himself expertly blocked.
“You’ve been practicing with Runir.”
The king nodded. “Yes I have.”
Alistair had always been more than competent, his reputation well deserved, but he had become stronger, more confident and neither of them scored a point for several long minutes as they struck and parried with precision.
Both of them were fatigued from their practice and no doubt from the evening before, however, and after a couple of rounds Alistair called the match and offered Aedan his hand. Aedan grasped his friend’s arm and then pulled him into a loose hug and they thumped each other fondly on the back, their armour clanging noisily. They laughed.
“So, you want to talk about Luke?” Alistair asked as they sat together on a bench.
“Not really.”
Aedan looked at Alistair and saw an expression so familiar he chuckled. The way he could quirk that one left brow never failed to amuse him.
“Alright, what do you want to know?”
Alistair placed a gauntleted hand on his forearm. “I want to know if you are alright. You, Luke and Leliana.”
Aedan considered Alistair’s face, the warmth and concern in the king’s hazel eyes and he nodded firmly. “Yes, Brother, we are.”
Alistair seemed about to say something else when an excited murmur from the entrance had them both turning around. The crowd parted and Oghren swaggered through looking both proud and cocky. The dwarf strutted toward them, stopped, planted his hands on his hips and said, “Yep, I still got it.”
“How fare Felsi and the babe?”
“Perfect, Warden, just perfect! I predict the nug runner will be carryin’ a sword within the year. He’ll do his farther proud!”
Aedan exchanged a glance with Alistair and they both grinned. Oghren’s exuberance was infectious and they found themselves on their feet clapping the dwarf’s shoulders once again in congratulations.
“What will you name this proud warrior of yours, Oghren?” Alistair’s expression bubbled with curiosity.
Oghren’s eyes settled on Aedan and he smiled broadly, “Well, Warden, I thought I might name him after you.”
“You’re going to call him Warden?”
Oghren’s eyes narrowed. “By the stone, why would I do a stupid thing like that? Nah, Aedan is much better!”
Aedan blinked in surprise. “So you do know my name after all.”
Alistair and Oghren looked at him blankly and Aedan chuckled and spread his hands. “Can I ask why?” Though touched by the gesture, he felt a little embarrassed.
“Heh, well, if it weren’t for you, I might never have won Felsi back for a start.” The dwarf’s expression softened a little as he continued more quietly. “And because you’re a good sort, brave and all that. Argh, does there have to be a reason? We’re friends, Warden. You believed in me and trusted me when many wouldn’t. You set me on my feet and brought me here.” He gestured the fort around them.
Aedan nodded slowly. He’d had no idea Oghren regarded him so highly, the dwarf usually spouted jokes and insults, not platitudes.
“Then I am truly honoured, Oghren. Thank you.”
Oghren growled softly, waved a hand and turned his gaze on Alistair. “Don’t you worry, your Majesty, next one’s gonna be named after you!”
Aedan couldn’t suppress the absurd thought of two little dwarves running about called Warden and Majesty and he snorted in amusement.
Alistair commented drily, “Just what Ferelden needs, two more of us.”
As they shared a smile at that Aedan caught sight of a familiar white-blonde head and the smile dropped from his face.
“Come, it wouldn’t be that bad, would it?” Alistair asked and Aedan tapped him on the arm and said, “No, it’s Zevran, he has returned.”
The elf looked like a different man. His eyes lacked their usual warmth and luster and his mouth formed a hard line were usually he held an easy smile. The yard slowly fell silent, voices ceased and the ring of steel stopped as Zevran made his way through the soldiers and wardens to where they stood.
He held a box in his arms. He bowed his head and said formally, “your Majesty.”
Alistair’s brow creased with concern and he stepped forward to lay a hand on Zevran’s shoulder. He looked him up and down. “You are returned and alive, Zevran. Thank the Maker.”
“I see you are alive as well, Alistair.” Zevran glanced over Alistair’s shoulder and exchanged what could only be described as a professional nod with Runir.
Silence fell then, there were too many questions that begged to be asked at once, but everyone’s eyes were on the box. Zevran ignored the direction of their gaze for the moment and asked a question of his own. “The other assassins, were they caught?”
“Yes and one of them turned out to be quite talkative.” Alistair answered.
Zevran nodded quietly, “That would have been Kusin. A mage, yes?”
“Yes.”
“You dealt with them all I trust?” Zevran’s tone made it abundantly clear what he meant by ‘dealt’.
Alistair answered in the affirmative once again.
“Then this business is done with, Alistair.” He handed the king the box. “Perhaps this is not the most appropriate of wedding gifts, but I think it will serve. I wouldn’t share it with your new wife however.”
Zevran turned and started to walk away. Aedan stepped to the elf’s side and laid a hand on his shoulder. “Zev, wait.”
Zevran turned reluctantly and his eyes were clouded with weariness, the sort that could not be cured by simple sleep.
There were still so many questions but Aedan decided they were better suited to another time. “Thank you, Zevran. Ferelden owes you a great debt of gratitude.”
Zevran merely inclined his head and then something, someone caught his eye and for the first time since he’d stepped through the gates warmth touched his expression. Aedan turned. Kayley stood behind him. He gestured her over then turned back toward Zevran.
“It gladdens my heart to see you returned safe, Zev. We’ll talk later?”
The warmth did not fade from Zevran’s eyes as he returned his gaze to Aedan’s face and the elf gripped his arm. “As you wish, Aedan.” Then he offered a tentative smile. “It is good to see you too.”
“Commander?” Kayley stood there nervously clasping her hands.
“I’m assigning you to Zevran for the rest of the day, Warden. I don’t want to see either of you until tomorrow, understand?”
Kayley flushed and grinned. “Yes, Commander.”
He waved them off and returned to find Alistair still holding the box. He had yet to open it. Alistair looked up as he approached. “You know, normally I love presents, but I really don’t want to open this box.”
Aedan shared his apprehension. Oghren took the box from Alistair’s arms and set it on the ground. He plucked a practice sword from the rack behind them and used it to pry open the nails set around the lid. He opened it and swore softly. “By the ancestors.”
Oghren stepped back and Aedan leaned forward and peered into the box. There nestled in straw lay a remarkably well preserved head. Aedan swallowed to keep from gagging and turned away from the sight.
Alistair leaned over and took a look. “Wow, remind me never to get on the wrong side of Zevran.”
The king looked a little pale as he straightened. He looked at Aedan and seemed momentarily lost for words. Finally he spoke. “I don’t think I wanted to believe she would betray Ferelden like that, Aedan. I kept hoping Zevran would find out someone else was responsible.”
Aedan nodded, he’d had a similar thought. “Perhaps exile made her more bitter. I’m sorry I talked you into that decision, Alistair, truly I am.”
“No, at the time your words made sense, Aedan. If anything, Loghain is to blame for this and he has already been punished. Either way, it is done. Anora will trouble us no longer.”
Modifié par Sisimka, 28 mars 2010 - 04:08 .
#385
Posté 28 mars 2010 - 03:50
Miliat
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Oh my the head in the box, and though it is a completely different situation I am reminded of the movie Se7en.
Other than that, very touching moments. I'm glad you wrote this chapter.
Other than that, very touching moments. I'm glad you wrote this chapter.
#386
Posté 28 mars 2010 - 04:01
Sandtigress
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Sisi, that's seriously my favorite chapter that you've written. Well, maybe favorite of the serious nature, since you've got a future installment of the fluffy kind that I can't wait for. ;-)
Loved it from beginning to end, and I don't know which conversation was more touching!! They were all just perfect. I'm really really glad you wrote them all in!
Loved it from beginning to end, and I don't know which conversation was more touching!! They were all just perfect. I'm really really glad you wrote them all in!
#387
Posté 28 mars 2010 - 04:05
MireliA
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Miliat wrote...
Oh my the head in the box, and though it is a completely different situation I am reminded of the movie Se7en.
Yup thats what I thought too
.Great chapter and the conversations needed to happen. Brenna had to know
#388
Posté 28 mars 2010 - 04:07
Sisimka
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Aww, thanks! I'm so pleased to hear the three of you say that. I'm glad I wrote it this way then.
#389
Posté 28 mars 2010 - 04:17
Sandtigress
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Oh, and the idea of Oghren naming his kids Warden and Majesty? Priceless, absolutely priceless. :-D
#390
Posté 28 mars 2010 - 04:22
Sisimka
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Sandtigress wrote...
Oh, and the idea of Oghren naming his kids Warden and Majesty? Priceless, absolutely priceless. :-D
Hehe! I know it's just a game mechanic that they all call you 'Warden', but somehow whenever I hear Oghren's voice, that's how he addresses Aedan and so it has stuck throughout my stories.
#391
Posté 28 mars 2010 - 04:23
Freckles04
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Very nice chapter, Sisi. Lots of reveals, lots of emotions, and Anora's head in a box! Awesome.
#392
Posté 28 mars 2010 - 05:24
bl00dsh0t
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Anora's head in a box = win ^^
Great chapter, shame the story is nearing its end
Then again...post awakening... MOAR??
Great chapter, shame the story is nearing its end
Then again...post awakening... MOAR??
Modifié par bl00dsh0t, 28 mars 2010 - 05:25 .
#393
Posté 28 mars 2010 - 07:53
Sisimka
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bl00dsh0t wrote...
Then again...post awakening... MOAR??
I have quite a few more stories for Aedan and Leliana planned thus far. I suppose if y'all keep reading them I'll keep posting them.
- A short(ish) one based on Awakening where Aedan meets a certain someone in the dungeon of Vigil's Keep - because I killed that someone's sister in 'Hero', my story will differ from game events. Haven't even started writing this one.
- Another long one where I plan to split the pov between Aedan and Leli which will be set post-Awakening. Will be another adventure-type story. (Leli's past is going to catch up with her
)I have a couple of Leliana one-shots to post next week when 'Gift' is done and then I hope to start on the companion story to 'Gift' which be Zevran's side of the story.
There are still a couple Origins stories I'd like to do (Like 'Til Death) and possibly I'll do an Awakening story as well (still not sure how I feel about Awakening - there's a lot I'd change significantly in the telling).
Modifié par Sisimka, 28 mars 2010 - 08:09 .
#394
Posté 28 mars 2010 - 08:37
Miri1984
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Great! I love the head in a box - gave me a warm feeling (can you tell I don't like Anora much?).
Can't wait to see the fluffy ending.
Can't wait to see the fluffy ending.
#396
Posté 29 mars 2010 - 07:17
Sisimka
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I have offically named this week - Fluff Week. I'll only be posting three (possibly four) pieces (All FLUFFY) this week as my work schedule is a little tight. To start I have the final chapter of 'Gifts', which is extremely fluffy. Enjoy!
Chapter Seventeen
Brenna’s face held a pensive expression when he glanced at her. Alistair nudged her quietly and whispered, “Smile, love, you’re supposed to look happy today.”
He brushed her cheek with his lips and an appreciative noise rippled through the assembled crowd that stood at the foot of the stairs to the palace.
“You are happy today, right?”
She turned her head quickly, her expression contrite. “Yes, I am, I really am. It’s just all these crowds, Alistair. Aren’t you worried about assassins?”
“No.” He answered firmly. “Nothing is going to spoil my wedding day.”
Alistair took Brenna’s hand and the city of Denerim cheered the royal couple. The Chantry bells had been ringing all morning, a joyous sound that faded beneath the combined voices of the gathered crowd. He gazed out over all the fresh scrubbed faces and felt a tug of pride toward his kingdom. Every stone of the city appeared to have been polished. Windows displayed boxes of flowers and doors had been newly painted. Ribbons and garlands festooned rooflines. He found it hard to believe this was the same city that had suffered such devastation at the end of the Blight. He took an experimental sniff. Though he’d never thought Ferelden smelled like wet dog, he did have to admit the weather did tend towards…damp. But he detected nothing but the tang of mulched leaves, fresh flowers and the scent of his betrothed.
Alistair moved his eyes from the city to his betrothed. There were no words to describe how beautiful she looked in her gown and he to content himself with simply gazing adoringly and admiringly at her. She correctly interpreted the look, thank the Maker. Soon they would be husband and wife and Ferelden would have a new queen. If his heart filled anymore it would burst. While that certainly would make his wedding day memorable, it would be highly inconvenient. Dragging his thoughts from the absurd, he took a deep breath and practiced his templar focus while maintaining his smile.
“Alistair, it’s time.” Leliana’s clear voice, though soft, carried above the clamour rising from below the palace and he turned toward his chancellor. She and Aedan were beaming at him and she had a hand at his elbow, indicating it they should move inside the Landsmeet Chamber for the ceremony.
The chamber looked just as it had the day he’d been crowned king and Alistair felt the memories of that day and the past two years stirring as he led Brenna through the assembled nobles to the dais where the Reverend Mother waited. Isolde stood alone toward the front and Alistair nodded quietly to her, hoping the brief gesture acknowledged not only her presence, but the absence of Eamon.
The ceremony, while lengthy, seemed to pass in a blur and Alistair required a poke from Aedan to find his voice when it came time to exchange vows. He’d been staring at Brenna, lost in her eyes, and had not heard the Reverend Mother clear her throat, twice.
Vows done with, Alistair kissed his new wife and a wave of dizziness made his vision swim briefly. A combination of the ‘moment’ and a skipped breakfast that morning, no doubt.
After the brief formality of confirming Brenna’s appointment as Queen with the Landsmeet, the next ceremony began and the Reverend Mother placed a delicate circlet over Brenna’s dark hair. Alistair swallowed his relief at seeing the circlet had been finished in time. He’d ordered it only two and a half weeks before after ordering Anora’s destroyed. The thought of a traitor’s crown resting on his wife’s head had been too awful to contemplate. Though eyebrows had been raised and eyes had questioned, the work had been done, swiftly and remarkably well. One of the perks of being King.
He took her hand and together they turned to face the Landsmeet. The nobles cheered and a uniform joy shone from every face. Even those who had not been entirely enthusiastic over his coronation seemed to have mellowed. Arl Wulf wiped a tear from his eyes and stepped to his daughter’s side, enclosing her in a tight hug and then grasped Alistair’s arm. Brenna’s mother dipped him a curtsey. A very quiet and shy woman, her looks hinted at what Brenna might look like in thirty years. Arl Wulf took his wife’s arm and escorted her away.
“Are you numb yet?”
Alistair turned toward Aedan and smiled. “Dizzy, hungry,” he tested his fingers and toes, “and yes, I do believe I am starting to feel numb.”
Aedan clasped him in a strong hug. “I’m so happy for you, Brother.”
“Why didn’t you tell me it felt like this?” Alistair started to feel the sting of what Brenna would call happy tears and he sniffed as inconspicuously as possible.
Aedan raised a brow and a mischievous glint entered his eyes. “You never asked?”
Alistair aimed a playful punch at his friend’s arm. “You’ve been waiting a long time to use that line on me, haven’t you?”
“Indeed I have. To answer your question, you and I don’t generally sit around and have mushy conversations. Warriors don’t, as a rule, much to Leliana’s never ending despair.” Aedan glanced at his wife, his love for her clear in his eyes. He continued in a softer tone. “It’s just not something that can be put into words, Alistair, this thing between a husband and a wife. It’s another gift from the Maker and one we are lucky to share.”
Leliana saved them from their very un-warrior-like moment by stepping up to claim her hug from Alistair. Besides Aedan, his chancellor counted as his closest friend. He patted her back fondly before letting her go and she took his hands and shook her head, uncharacteristically lost for words. Then she kissed his cheek and said simply, “Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Leliana.” Alistair knew he’d be saying those words repeatedly over the course of the day and tried to convey the genuine warmth he felt with his smile.
Aedan slipped an arm about his wife’s waist and led her away.
The next hour stretched into an endless parade of greetings, congratulations and gratitude as one by one Ferelden’s nobility stepped forward. Brenna’s face had paled a little and his smile has started to hurt when finally they exchanged a look of relief. He took her hands and they laughed together at their mirrored expressions.
“I wish we could just sneak away. Can you imagine the looks on their faces if we missed the banquet?” His stomach rumbled.
Brenna laughed and stretched up to kiss his cheek. “Come on, let’s feed you before you pass out. This day is for all Ferelden. We’ll have the rest of our lives together, my love.” A brief shadow passed her eyes as she spoke the words only to be quickly replaced by warmth and humour.
The banquet held in honor of his nuptials required the largest dining room in the palace. They had never used this room in the two years he had been king and Alistair gazed about the cavernous space in wonderment. What had they had in mind when they designed such a large space? Even crowded with all of Ferelden’s nobility the room still echoed. It would be the perfect place in which to host ball, he decided, like those Celene had described for Brenna.
Though probably the most lavish occasion Denerim had hosted since the wedding of Cailan and Anora, Alistair found himself relieved that the empress had departed before his wedding. He smiled as he imagined the reaction of the Orlesian nobility to his assembled guests. Nearly a quarter of the long, long table was occupied by Grey Wardens, including a dwarf and three elves. And of course there was Oghren who had obviously indulged before the banquet and now entertained startled nobles with belches and lewd remarks.
Alistair took Brenna’s hand and leaned over to whisper quietly to her. “You know, it’s true we do things a little differently here in Ferelden, but I don’t necessarily think that’s such a bad thing!”
Leliana giggled merrily from her seat beside Aedan and leaned across her husband to whisper, “I heard that, Alistair.”
After their collection of chuckles and snickers Brenna whispered, “I don’t think we’re supposed to be snickering up here, we’re getting odd looks from some of the nobility.”
The meal concluded and Leliana rose from her seat to call for the attention of the assembled guests. Time for speeches and gifts! Alistair looked forward to neither, really, the first would likely drag on and the second would require yet more gratitude and kind words. Not that he didn’t enjoy gifts, or appreciate the time and thought that went into the words of praise, he just wanted to escape this day and spend time with his new wife.
Philippe stood first and two of the wardens disappeared only to return two minutes later, their arms laden with shiny new armour. Grey Warden armour. Alistair took a deep breath, an expression of confusion sweeping across his face. Philippe cleared his throat.
“Though you may never use this armour, Alistair, and Maker pray you never have to, this is our gift to you. It is to remind you that you will always be our Brother.”
“Philippe, thank you hardly seems appropriate, but thank you, this is a most thoughtful and unexpected gift.” Alistair grasped Philippe’s arm and the senior warden clapped him on the shoulder.
Alistair did not miss the few raised eyebrows among the seated nobles as he turned his attention to Oghren who stood next. Aedan laughed as a familiar bottle appeared on the table and Alistair groaned deeply and shook his head. Oghren looked slightly hurt as he regarded the bottle fondly. “Well I can always drink it for ya, you pansy.”
Another round of raised eyebrows from the nobles made Aedan laugh harder and Alistair fought to keep his composure. Yes, it was a good thing Celene had departed early.
Zevran gifted them with a pair of matching rings he’d had inscribed with their names and the date of their wedding. They were exquisite and of course, sized perfectly. They put them on immediately and the rogue submitted himself to their hugs of gratitude with good grace. His manner had been unusually subdued since his return from Antiva and Alistair hoped he would have the chance to talk to him properly soon.
The speeches and gift giving proceeded more soberly after that as the nobles all paid their respects. Finally only Leliana and Aedan were left.
Leliana gave Brenna a harp. It was a beautiful instrument and Brenna wept at the sight of it. She loved to hear the bard play and had begged for lessons. Leliana had indulged her and the time spent together had only strengthened the friendship between the two women.
Leliana said only a few words, her trained voice reaching all corners of the room. She made an effective chancellor for many reasons, but her ability to command attention without striving for it numbered among his favourites. People listened when she spoke.
“Alistair, Brenna, may you always be as happy as you are today,” she concluded and sat down.
Aedan rose next and cleared his throat. He smiled at Alistair and spoke to him directly instead of addressing the banquet as a whole. “I don’t have a title and lands to give you, Alistair, though you know you’re always welcome to one of mine. But you are my friend and my cherished Brother and that is a worthy title, is it not?” He paused and glanced at his wife, taking her hand before continuing. “This is a happy day for Ferelden, certainly, but happier for me as now you share in what I have already found. But I do have a gift for you, something other than my ramblings.”
Oghren had walked the length of the table with a long package and at a gesture from Aedan handed it to Alistair. The box had a significant weight to it and Alistair guessed from the shape it might be a sword. He put it on the table and pulled away the lid. Maric’s sword lay nestled next to its sheath, both cushioned by soft velvet. He had seen Aedan plunge this sword into the archdemon and he’d seen the sword afterwards. The hilt had softened and the blade had been blackened, the runes completely burnt out. He looked up at his friend. “How?”
Oghren answered for him. “There is nothing dwarven ingenuity can’t fix, your Majesty!’
Alistair smiled at his Commander and thanked him for his part in the gift.
Alistair took his turn at making a speech. He said only a few words, thanking everyone for their attendance and wishing all of them well. He took Brenna’s hand last and raised her to her feet beside him. “Thank you, Brenna, for agreeing to be a part of all this.”
She blushed prettily and he kissed her. Applause swept up and down the table and everyone rose to their feet to give one more cheer for their king and queen.
Everyone sat down again and he turned to Aedan. “You went back to the roof for the sword? I had thought it lost.”
“As did I. I found it by chance, Alistair. I had gone to the roof to escape Wynne and Taren and wandered over to the spot where I landed after the explosion. The sword was there, along with my helm.” Aedan shrugged lightly. “I didn’t know if it could be restored, but I wanted to try. Garin worked on it for over a year. Now something of your father is with you on your wedding day.” Aedan put a hand on his shoulder and smiled. “Besides, it’s a king’s sword. You should carry a king’s sword, not some old relic I pulled from a skeleton in the Deep Roads.”
“As you well know, I am proud to wield ‘the relic’, it is a fine sword. But this, Aedan,” Alistair ran his fingers long the blade reverently. “This is stunning. I will treasure it as something from my father and my brother.”
Aedan nodded. “Good.”
They exchanged a long look before both men blinked and looked away. Alistair gazed at the blade and marshaled his thoughts. He had come a long way from the bastard who had been shipped off to the chantry at age ten. Though he had lost much, he refused to dwell on the past and considered instead all he had gained. He had a family. He had a man to call brother and now he had a wife. Alistair blinked rapidly again, cursing Brenna’s happy tears, and reached for her hand.
--=0=--
Aedan clasped Leliana’s hand, entwining his fingers with hers. They gazed down at the two sleeping children. Riordan did not seem to mind sharing his crib with Grace and the pair looked quite sweet together, he dark and she light. Though they’d never be sure of Grace’s exact age, Leliana guessed about six months. They’d chosen a date to use for her birthday when they had registered her adoption papers with the chantry the day before. Another advantage of having the king’s chancellor for a wife: speedy paperwork and little red tape. Aedan pressed a kiss to Leliana’s temple and she leaned gently into him a moment before tugging on his fingers and pulling him from the darkened room.
They flopped onto the couch together, and Aedan laughed as they both nearly deflated with a gusty sigh.
“Though I know you’d be a wonderful queen, tell me you are grateful we’re not royal.”
Leliana nodded quickly. “I’m grateful, my love, believe me. What a day!” She grinned slyly at him before continuing, “It’s a good thing they’ve already shared a bed, they’ll be too tired to do anything other than sleep tonight!”
Aedan raised a brow. “Are you trying to tell me you are tired?”
Leliana pushed his shoulder softly. “You are incorrigible, Aedan.”
He winked in reply.
“I couldn’t help but remember our wedding today, it’s hard to believe it’s only been a year and a half, and already we have three children! You won’t be bringing home any more babies soon, I hope.”
Aedan chuckled and put his arm around her, pulling her against his side so that her head rested on his shoulder. “I sincerely hope not.”
“I hope they are blessed with a child of their own soon,” Leliana said wistfully. “We are so lucky to have Riordan.”
“That sort of pressure makes my whining about being Warden Commander pale in comparison, doesn’t it?”
“Aedan, you don’t whine, you growl.”
Aedan growled softly in response and she laughed.
“Alistair seemed very touched by your gift. The sword was beautiful, by the way. Garin did a wonderful job.”
Aedan remembered something then, a gift he had bought for Leliana and he loosened his hold on her, sitting forward on the couch. “Wait here,” he said and went to rummage inside his pack.
The wrapping had torn and looked a little grimy and he grimaced at it before turning around. Leliana still sat on the couch and he took a moment to appreciate her beauty. They were both still in their formal attire, though he’d loosened his shirt buttons at the first opportunity. Leliana’s dress was gorgeous.
“You look beautiful, love, just as you did on our wedding day.”
Leliana smiled and held her hands out to him and Aedan walked back to the couch and sat next to her again. He kissed her softly before murmuring, “I love you.”
“I love you too, Aedan.” She smiled and then looked pointedly at the scruffy little package in his hands.
Aedan felt a twinge of nervousness. He’d given Leliana gifts before, but never anything like this. He’d given her flowers, a pet, boots, weapons, and trinkets he’d found along road. Sweet and practical things and she’d loved them all. But he’d never given her jewelry before. She wore only the amulet Alistair had gifted them with at their wedding.
A flush took his cheeks as he spoke. “I never gave you a gift at our wedding, Leli.” He frowned. “And I always give you such practical things. I had this made for you in Orzammar as well, um, I hope you like it.” He thrust the bundle of wrapping at her.
He watched as she removed the folded paper to find a velvet pouch. She reached two fingers inside and pulled out a gold bracelet. The surface had been polished to a high gloss and inlaid along the gold were little silver flowers, Andraste’s Grace. She sat with it in her fingers, not saying a word and Aedan’s heart fell. She doesn’t like it, he thought and he bit his lip.
When she turned to look at him, her eyes were filled with tears. “Aedan, it’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever given me. Thank you.”
He smiled in relief and joy and hugged her tightly. “You like it then, it’s alright?”
“I love it.” She slipped it on her wrist and they both admired how the gold looked against her creamy skin.
Aedan lifted her hand and kissed it, and then kissed her lips again. He drew back and murmured softly, “So, are you still tired?”
She laughed. “No, my sweet Warden, I’m not tired, let’s go to bed.”
The End.
I am going to change the name of this story to simply ‘Gifts’. Though I always intended it to be about gifts of all sorts, the working title Wedding Gift kind of stuck! If you made it this far, thank you for reading my story! I hope you had as good a time as I did. This was a much slower story than ‘Hero’ and included a lot more dialogue and emotion I think, which isn’t what I originally intended. I didn’t set out to write seventeen chapters, either. I do tend to get carried away…
Thanks again for all the kind comments and reviews throughout!
Chapter Seventeen
Brenna’s face held a pensive expression when he glanced at her. Alistair nudged her quietly and whispered, “Smile, love, you’re supposed to look happy today.”
He brushed her cheek with his lips and an appreciative noise rippled through the assembled crowd that stood at the foot of the stairs to the palace.
“You are happy today, right?”
She turned her head quickly, her expression contrite. “Yes, I am, I really am. It’s just all these crowds, Alistair. Aren’t you worried about assassins?”
“No.” He answered firmly. “Nothing is going to spoil my wedding day.”
Alistair took Brenna’s hand and the city of Denerim cheered the royal couple. The Chantry bells had been ringing all morning, a joyous sound that faded beneath the combined voices of the gathered crowd. He gazed out over all the fresh scrubbed faces and felt a tug of pride toward his kingdom. Every stone of the city appeared to have been polished. Windows displayed boxes of flowers and doors had been newly painted. Ribbons and garlands festooned rooflines. He found it hard to believe this was the same city that had suffered such devastation at the end of the Blight. He took an experimental sniff. Though he’d never thought Ferelden smelled like wet dog, he did have to admit the weather did tend towards…damp. But he detected nothing but the tang of mulched leaves, fresh flowers and the scent of his betrothed.
Alistair moved his eyes from the city to his betrothed. There were no words to describe how beautiful she looked in her gown and he to content himself with simply gazing adoringly and admiringly at her. She correctly interpreted the look, thank the Maker. Soon they would be husband and wife and Ferelden would have a new queen. If his heart filled anymore it would burst. While that certainly would make his wedding day memorable, it would be highly inconvenient. Dragging his thoughts from the absurd, he took a deep breath and practiced his templar focus while maintaining his smile.
“Alistair, it’s time.” Leliana’s clear voice, though soft, carried above the clamour rising from below the palace and he turned toward his chancellor. She and Aedan were beaming at him and she had a hand at his elbow, indicating it they should move inside the Landsmeet Chamber for the ceremony.
The chamber looked just as it had the day he’d been crowned king and Alistair felt the memories of that day and the past two years stirring as he led Brenna through the assembled nobles to the dais where the Reverend Mother waited. Isolde stood alone toward the front and Alistair nodded quietly to her, hoping the brief gesture acknowledged not only her presence, but the absence of Eamon.
The ceremony, while lengthy, seemed to pass in a blur and Alistair required a poke from Aedan to find his voice when it came time to exchange vows. He’d been staring at Brenna, lost in her eyes, and had not heard the Reverend Mother clear her throat, twice.
Vows done with, Alistair kissed his new wife and a wave of dizziness made his vision swim briefly. A combination of the ‘moment’ and a skipped breakfast that morning, no doubt.
After the brief formality of confirming Brenna’s appointment as Queen with the Landsmeet, the next ceremony began and the Reverend Mother placed a delicate circlet over Brenna’s dark hair. Alistair swallowed his relief at seeing the circlet had been finished in time. He’d ordered it only two and a half weeks before after ordering Anora’s destroyed. The thought of a traitor’s crown resting on his wife’s head had been too awful to contemplate. Though eyebrows had been raised and eyes had questioned, the work had been done, swiftly and remarkably well. One of the perks of being King.
He took her hand and together they turned to face the Landsmeet. The nobles cheered and a uniform joy shone from every face. Even those who had not been entirely enthusiastic over his coronation seemed to have mellowed. Arl Wulf wiped a tear from his eyes and stepped to his daughter’s side, enclosing her in a tight hug and then grasped Alistair’s arm. Brenna’s mother dipped him a curtsey. A very quiet and shy woman, her looks hinted at what Brenna might look like in thirty years. Arl Wulf took his wife’s arm and escorted her away.
“Are you numb yet?”
Alistair turned toward Aedan and smiled. “Dizzy, hungry,” he tested his fingers and toes, “and yes, I do believe I am starting to feel numb.”
Aedan clasped him in a strong hug. “I’m so happy for you, Brother.”
“Why didn’t you tell me it felt like this?” Alistair started to feel the sting of what Brenna would call happy tears and he sniffed as inconspicuously as possible.
Aedan raised a brow and a mischievous glint entered his eyes. “You never asked?”
Alistair aimed a playful punch at his friend’s arm. “You’ve been waiting a long time to use that line on me, haven’t you?”
“Indeed I have. To answer your question, you and I don’t generally sit around and have mushy conversations. Warriors don’t, as a rule, much to Leliana’s never ending despair.” Aedan glanced at his wife, his love for her clear in his eyes. He continued in a softer tone. “It’s just not something that can be put into words, Alistair, this thing between a husband and a wife. It’s another gift from the Maker and one we are lucky to share.”
Leliana saved them from their very un-warrior-like moment by stepping up to claim her hug from Alistair. Besides Aedan, his chancellor counted as his closest friend. He patted her back fondly before letting her go and she took his hands and shook her head, uncharacteristically lost for words. Then she kissed his cheek and said simply, “Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Leliana.” Alistair knew he’d be saying those words repeatedly over the course of the day and tried to convey the genuine warmth he felt with his smile.
Aedan slipped an arm about his wife’s waist and led her away.
The next hour stretched into an endless parade of greetings, congratulations and gratitude as one by one Ferelden’s nobility stepped forward. Brenna’s face had paled a little and his smile has started to hurt when finally they exchanged a look of relief. He took her hands and they laughed together at their mirrored expressions.
“I wish we could just sneak away. Can you imagine the looks on their faces if we missed the banquet?” His stomach rumbled.
Brenna laughed and stretched up to kiss his cheek. “Come on, let’s feed you before you pass out. This day is for all Ferelden. We’ll have the rest of our lives together, my love.” A brief shadow passed her eyes as she spoke the words only to be quickly replaced by warmth and humour.
The banquet held in honor of his nuptials required the largest dining room in the palace. They had never used this room in the two years he had been king and Alistair gazed about the cavernous space in wonderment. What had they had in mind when they designed such a large space? Even crowded with all of Ferelden’s nobility the room still echoed. It would be the perfect place in which to host ball, he decided, like those Celene had described for Brenna.
Though probably the most lavish occasion Denerim had hosted since the wedding of Cailan and Anora, Alistair found himself relieved that the empress had departed before his wedding. He smiled as he imagined the reaction of the Orlesian nobility to his assembled guests. Nearly a quarter of the long, long table was occupied by Grey Wardens, including a dwarf and three elves. And of course there was Oghren who had obviously indulged before the banquet and now entertained startled nobles with belches and lewd remarks.
Alistair took Brenna’s hand and leaned over to whisper quietly to her. “You know, it’s true we do things a little differently here in Ferelden, but I don’t necessarily think that’s such a bad thing!”
Leliana giggled merrily from her seat beside Aedan and leaned across her husband to whisper, “I heard that, Alistair.”
After their collection of chuckles and snickers Brenna whispered, “I don’t think we’re supposed to be snickering up here, we’re getting odd looks from some of the nobility.”
The meal concluded and Leliana rose from her seat to call for the attention of the assembled guests. Time for speeches and gifts! Alistair looked forward to neither, really, the first would likely drag on and the second would require yet more gratitude and kind words. Not that he didn’t enjoy gifts, or appreciate the time and thought that went into the words of praise, he just wanted to escape this day and spend time with his new wife.
Philippe stood first and two of the wardens disappeared only to return two minutes later, their arms laden with shiny new armour. Grey Warden armour. Alistair took a deep breath, an expression of confusion sweeping across his face. Philippe cleared his throat.
“Though you may never use this armour, Alistair, and Maker pray you never have to, this is our gift to you. It is to remind you that you will always be our Brother.”
“Philippe, thank you hardly seems appropriate, but thank you, this is a most thoughtful and unexpected gift.” Alistair grasped Philippe’s arm and the senior warden clapped him on the shoulder.
Alistair did not miss the few raised eyebrows among the seated nobles as he turned his attention to Oghren who stood next. Aedan laughed as a familiar bottle appeared on the table and Alistair groaned deeply and shook his head. Oghren looked slightly hurt as he regarded the bottle fondly. “Well I can always drink it for ya, you pansy.”
Another round of raised eyebrows from the nobles made Aedan laugh harder and Alistair fought to keep his composure. Yes, it was a good thing Celene had departed early.
Zevran gifted them with a pair of matching rings he’d had inscribed with their names and the date of their wedding. They were exquisite and of course, sized perfectly. They put them on immediately and the rogue submitted himself to their hugs of gratitude with good grace. His manner had been unusually subdued since his return from Antiva and Alistair hoped he would have the chance to talk to him properly soon.
The speeches and gift giving proceeded more soberly after that as the nobles all paid their respects. Finally only Leliana and Aedan were left.
Leliana gave Brenna a harp. It was a beautiful instrument and Brenna wept at the sight of it. She loved to hear the bard play and had begged for lessons. Leliana had indulged her and the time spent together had only strengthened the friendship between the two women.
Leliana said only a few words, her trained voice reaching all corners of the room. She made an effective chancellor for many reasons, but her ability to command attention without striving for it numbered among his favourites. People listened when she spoke.
“Alistair, Brenna, may you always be as happy as you are today,” she concluded and sat down.
Aedan rose next and cleared his throat. He smiled at Alistair and spoke to him directly instead of addressing the banquet as a whole. “I don’t have a title and lands to give you, Alistair, though you know you’re always welcome to one of mine. But you are my friend and my cherished Brother and that is a worthy title, is it not?” He paused and glanced at his wife, taking her hand before continuing. “This is a happy day for Ferelden, certainly, but happier for me as now you share in what I have already found. But I do have a gift for you, something other than my ramblings.”
Oghren had walked the length of the table with a long package and at a gesture from Aedan handed it to Alistair. The box had a significant weight to it and Alistair guessed from the shape it might be a sword. He put it on the table and pulled away the lid. Maric’s sword lay nestled next to its sheath, both cushioned by soft velvet. He had seen Aedan plunge this sword into the archdemon and he’d seen the sword afterwards. The hilt had softened and the blade had been blackened, the runes completely burnt out. He looked up at his friend. “How?”
Oghren answered for him. “There is nothing dwarven ingenuity can’t fix, your Majesty!’
Alistair smiled at his Commander and thanked him for his part in the gift.
Alistair took his turn at making a speech. He said only a few words, thanking everyone for their attendance and wishing all of them well. He took Brenna’s hand last and raised her to her feet beside him. “Thank you, Brenna, for agreeing to be a part of all this.”
She blushed prettily and he kissed her. Applause swept up and down the table and everyone rose to their feet to give one more cheer for their king and queen.
Everyone sat down again and he turned to Aedan. “You went back to the roof for the sword? I had thought it lost.”
“As did I. I found it by chance, Alistair. I had gone to the roof to escape Wynne and Taren and wandered over to the spot where I landed after the explosion. The sword was there, along with my helm.” Aedan shrugged lightly. “I didn’t know if it could be restored, but I wanted to try. Garin worked on it for over a year. Now something of your father is with you on your wedding day.” Aedan put a hand on his shoulder and smiled. “Besides, it’s a king’s sword. You should carry a king’s sword, not some old relic I pulled from a skeleton in the Deep Roads.”
“As you well know, I am proud to wield ‘the relic’, it is a fine sword. But this, Aedan,” Alistair ran his fingers long the blade reverently. “This is stunning. I will treasure it as something from my father and my brother.”
Aedan nodded. “Good.”
They exchanged a long look before both men blinked and looked away. Alistair gazed at the blade and marshaled his thoughts. He had come a long way from the bastard who had been shipped off to the chantry at age ten. Though he had lost much, he refused to dwell on the past and considered instead all he had gained. He had a family. He had a man to call brother and now he had a wife. Alistair blinked rapidly again, cursing Brenna’s happy tears, and reached for her hand.
--=0=--
Aedan clasped Leliana’s hand, entwining his fingers with hers. They gazed down at the two sleeping children. Riordan did not seem to mind sharing his crib with Grace and the pair looked quite sweet together, he dark and she light. Though they’d never be sure of Grace’s exact age, Leliana guessed about six months. They’d chosen a date to use for her birthday when they had registered her adoption papers with the chantry the day before. Another advantage of having the king’s chancellor for a wife: speedy paperwork and little red tape. Aedan pressed a kiss to Leliana’s temple and she leaned gently into him a moment before tugging on his fingers and pulling him from the darkened room.
They flopped onto the couch together, and Aedan laughed as they both nearly deflated with a gusty sigh.
“Though I know you’d be a wonderful queen, tell me you are grateful we’re not royal.”
Leliana nodded quickly. “I’m grateful, my love, believe me. What a day!” She grinned slyly at him before continuing, “It’s a good thing they’ve already shared a bed, they’ll be too tired to do anything other than sleep tonight!”
Aedan raised a brow. “Are you trying to tell me you are tired?”
Leliana pushed his shoulder softly. “You are incorrigible, Aedan.”
He winked in reply.
“I couldn’t help but remember our wedding today, it’s hard to believe it’s only been a year and a half, and already we have three children! You won’t be bringing home any more babies soon, I hope.”
Aedan chuckled and put his arm around her, pulling her against his side so that her head rested on his shoulder. “I sincerely hope not.”
“I hope they are blessed with a child of their own soon,” Leliana said wistfully. “We are so lucky to have Riordan.”
“That sort of pressure makes my whining about being Warden Commander pale in comparison, doesn’t it?”
“Aedan, you don’t whine, you growl.”
Aedan growled softly in response and she laughed.
“Alistair seemed very touched by your gift. The sword was beautiful, by the way. Garin did a wonderful job.”
Aedan remembered something then, a gift he had bought for Leliana and he loosened his hold on her, sitting forward on the couch. “Wait here,” he said and went to rummage inside his pack.
The wrapping had torn and looked a little grimy and he grimaced at it before turning around. Leliana still sat on the couch and he took a moment to appreciate her beauty. They were both still in their formal attire, though he’d loosened his shirt buttons at the first opportunity. Leliana’s dress was gorgeous.
“You look beautiful, love, just as you did on our wedding day.”
Leliana smiled and held her hands out to him and Aedan walked back to the couch and sat next to her again. He kissed her softly before murmuring, “I love you.”
“I love you too, Aedan.” She smiled and then looked pointedly at the scruffy little package in his hands.
Aedan felt a twinge of nervousness. He’d given Leliana gifts before, but never anything like this. He’d given her flowers, a pet, boots, weapons, and trinkets he’d found along road. Sweet and practical things and she’d loved them all. But he’d never given her jewelry before. She wore only the amulet Alistair had gifted them with at their wedding.
A flush took his cheeks as he spoke. “I never gave you a gift at our wedding, Leli.” He frowned. “And I always give you such practical things. I had this made for you in Orzammar as well, um, I hope you like it.” He thrust the bundle of wrapping at her.
He watched as she removed the folded paper to find a velvet pouch. She reached two fingers inside and pulled out a gold bracelet. The surface had been polished to a high gloss and inlaid along the gold were little silver flowers, Andraste’s Grace. She sat with it in her fingers, not saying a word and Aedan’s heart fell. She doesn’t like it, he thought and he bit his lip.
When she turned to look at him, her eyes were filled with tears. “Aedan, it’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever given me. Thank you.”
He smiled in relief and joy and hugged her tightly. “You like it then, it’s alright?”
“I love it.” She slipped it on her wrist and they both admired how the gold looked against her creamy skin.
Aedan lifted her hand and kissed it, and then kissed her lips again. He drew back and murmured softly, “So, are you still tired?”
She laughed. “No, my sweet Warden, I’m not tired, let’s go to bed.”
The End.
I am going to change the name of this story to simply ‘Gifts’. Though I always intended it to be about gifts of all sorts, the working title Wedding Gift kind of stuck! If you made it this far, thank you for reading my story! I hope you had as good a time as I did. This was a much slower story than ‘Hero’ and included a lot more dialogue and emotion I think, which isn’t what I originally intended. I didn’t set out to write seventeen chapters, either. I do tend to get carried away…
Thanks again for all the kind comments and reviews throughout!
Modifié par Sisimka, 30 mars 2010 - 07:04 .
#397
Posté 29 mars 2010 - 07:31
Sandtigress
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*sniff sniff* Awwwwwwwwwwwwww..........
#398
Posté 29 mars 2010 - 07:42
bloodtallow
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This was an awesome story, Sisimka! So much captivating stuff here, both light and dark. Riordan and the family dynamics of Aedan/Leli and Oghren/Felsi (and even Alistair/Brenna, eventually! ). The terrible consequences Aedan has to live with as Warden Commander. The fun of Orzammar. And new villains in the Brethren.
All in all, a wonderful installment in the continued adventures of Aedan and company, and in my opinion, your best work yet!
). The terrible consequences Aedan has to live with as Warden Commander. The fun of Orzammar. And new villains in the Brethren.All in all, a wonderful installment in the continued adventures of Aedan and company, and in my opinion, your best work yet!
#399
Posté 29 mars 2010 - 07:53
Freckles04
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That was a lovely ending to a lovely story, Sisi. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
#400
Posté 29 mars 2010 - 08:02
Sisimka
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Thanks all. BT, we'll get a closer look at the Brethren when I start writing the Zevran half of this story. I'm quite eager to start on that project, but it will not be this week.
