Chapter 2. House, Home, and Honeymoon
The wedding was everything Val and Maric could have asked for - a deeply meaningful and romantic union witnessed by family and friends.
Since they were leaving for Thedas the following night, Val and Maric decided to wait and have their first night as husband and wife when they were at the Crown and Lion. Which was good, because by the time they got home from the wedding celebration, neither one had the energy to do anything other than undress, and go to bed. Maric went to clean up a bit and Val barely managed to remove the overdress of her gown before she fell asleep on the bed. When Maric came back and he saw his wife, he smiled. He hated to wake her, but he knew she wouldn't want to sleep in the under-dress of her wedding gown.
He gently rubbed her shoulder, whispering her name until she opened her eyes. "Hmmmm?"
"Love, you need to take off the rest of your dress." He took her hand to help her stand up. Without opening her eyes, she pulled the dress over her head, tossed it on the chair, and sank back on the bed. She rolled on to her side and promptly went back to sleep. She hadn't removed her smalls, but Maric knew that sleeping in breast band was uncomfortable, Val had mentioned it, and he recalled Fiona making the same comment. Val was on her side so it was easy to remove.
As tired as he was he couldn't help but be aroused by the sight of this beautiful woman who was now his wife. But his eyes began to droop and before sleep could claim him, he removed the rest of his clothes and lay on the bed. In the end, they both slept soundly…on top of the comforter.
Val, being an inveterate planner, had made sure everything was ready to go before the wedding. This way they could spend their last day in Revas with Alistair, Kali, and Adaia. The morning after the wedding, Adaia was in high spirits, hugging Val the second she came down stairs, and from that moment on she would preface every question or comment to Val with "Grandma." Val thought it was delightful and when Kali asked her if she minded, Val grinned. "Not at all. I am the grandmother of a child I love dearly. She can shout it from the treetops if she wants."
Kali was quick to grab Adaia as she turned towards the front door; just outside was a tall, very climbable tree. "No you don't, young lady; your Grandmother was just using a figure of speech."
Adaia sighed dramatically. Val winked at her and she giggled.
Kali laughed. "Already you're spoiling her!"
"Isn't that what grandparents are for?" Maric interrupted as he swung Adaia up into his arms and headed towards the dining room. Val thought Marion had outdone herself. In addition to the big bowl of savory scrambled eggs and a platter of mouth-watering ham, she'd made large blueberry muffins. They were Val's favorite type of muffin and she couldn't remember the last time she'd had one. She picked up one of the luscious treats; it was still warm from the oven. She opened it and the sweet scent of blueberries wafted up. That scent and the sight of the ivory cake and the deep violet of the berry flesh, sent Val into culinary ecstasy. The butter she spread on it just melted into the pores of the muffin. Every bite she took was cake, moistened by fresh butter and the juice of the blueberries. Val closed her eyes, savoring each bite.
Maric whispered in her ear, "You know the way you're enjoying those muffins makes me think twice about waiting until we are in Amaranthine."
Val swallowed then looked at him and grinned, "I think our sudden disappearance would be noticed. Unless, of course, you want a quick tumble in the larder."
"Don't tempt me, woman." Maric smiled wickedly.
Full from breakfast, the adults practically rolled into the great room. Alistair lay back on a couch and groaned, "I'm so full." Kali laughed. Alistair put up his hands, smiling. "Ok, I know it's still weird for me to say, but it's true!"
Adaia asked if they could have a picnic lunch in the forest. "I want to show everyone the tree that gave me the acorns." Alistair suggested a late picnic lunch. Adaia happily agreed and then went outside to play, while the adults spread across the furniture and envied Adaia's energy.
In the mid-afternoon, the family set out for the forest with two baskets and a big blanket. Adaia pointed to a huge oak tree. "It's the oldest tree in the whole forest." She pointed to the area directly under the tree. "We should picnic there."
Under the shade of the grand oak they started to set up their picnic. Maric and Alistair spread out the blanket; Val and Kali sorted through the baskets. Adaia was about to help, but she stopped and cocked her head, as if she'd heard something. She moved closer to the large tree trunk and worriedly looked up. Val noticed and went over to her. "What's the matter, sweetling?"
Adaia looked at Val, then pointed up at the trunk. "Grandma, see all of those holes? They were caused by birds pecking through the bark." Then she pointed to what looked like deep claw marks. "Those were caused by an animal sharpening its claws. I know it's natural, but I can feel that the tree hurts."
Adaia thought for a moment, and then called forth her small blue sphere of energy. The color changed from blue to a deep forest green as she made it spiral up the tree. Val, and now everyone else, watched in amazement as the sphere passed over the damaged areas, and healed them. When the sphere came back to Adaia's hand, it vanished, and she nodded her head and smiled.
She explained to her stunned parents and grandparents, "The acorns I planted were from this tree, and because I bonded with the seedlings, I'm also connected to this tree. That's why I can heal it when it's injured."
Maric laughed, pulled her up into his arms for a bear hug, and kissed her on the cheek. "You are simply amazing!"
Adaia put her arms around his neck. "So are you, Grandpa."
Alistair, who sat down on the blanket, pretended to pout. "Heeeeeey what about me? I'm amazing too, right?"
Maric put Adaia down and she skipped over to her father who pulled her onto his lap. "Daddy, if Grandpa's amazing and he's your Daddy, that makes you amazing too. But even so, you are the best Daddy in the whole world."
"Well, that's okay then." He laughed then tickled Adaia. Her giggles echoed through the woods, and for the rest of the afternoon, the Theirin family relaxed in the shade of the forest. They enjoyed a closeness none of them ever expected to have but all of them would treasure.
~oOOo~
Val and Maric stayed in Revas for an extra day. The original plan was to depart mid-evening, leave the Dragonbone Wastes, and then camp well away from the Wastes. This way they could sleep past sunrise and leave plenty of time to meet Nathaniel in Highever by midday.
But when Maric thought about it, he said to Val, "I would rather sleep in our own bed instead of on the ground, even if that means we have to leave here at first light. But we'll still be in Highever by midday. Besides, I would rather leave and have Adaia be distracted by school, than leave at night and risk her having nightmares."
Val smiled. "Have I told you lately that you are incredible?"
Maric thought moment. "Nope, not today."
Val kissed him. "Will that do, for now?"
Maric simply smiled.
At dawn, Maric and Val were ready to go; each of them had a small pack of essentials and were fully armed and armored. They were exiting the Eluvian in a place called the Dragonbone Wastes and they wanted to be prepared.
Alistair said, "Don't worry, we cleared out the area years ago."
Val smiled at him. "Far better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it."
He nodded his head. "Good point. Are you sure you're taking enough?"
It was Maric's turn to nod his head. "We can buy things in Amaranthine. If not, we both know how to rough it."
Adaia looked at her grandparents admiringly. She had never seen them in full armor. "Wow, you both look like Knights. Grandma, I really like your armor."
Val was in her Stonehammer plate. She preferred it to that awful Champion armor. She always felt that it looked more like some barbarian jumpsuit. She especially hated the huge plate piece, pretending to be a gorget, that jutted up from her chest to protect her neck. No respectable armor smith would make something like that. She was glad she'd left it in Kirkwall.
Val and Maric said goodbye to Kali and Adaia, who began to cry. Maric pulled an acorn out of his belt pouch. "Do you see what this is?"
Adaia nodded.
"I picked it up from the ground near the tree. I am going to plant it at Vigil's Keep."
Adaia stopped crying. "her eyes grew wide. "That means that you will be connected to the acorn and to me!"
Maric nodded. "That's the plan."
Val and Maric kissed both Kali and Adaia, and went down to the cellar with Alistair and Fenarel.
Fenarel spoke the words to awaken the Eluvian, and to direct it to its sister in the Wastes. He bowed. "Have a good and safe journey. Zevran will meet you at Vigil's Keep. When it is time to send Cullen, he will let us know."
Maric nodded. "Thank you, Fenarel."
Val kissed him on the cheek.
Fenarel smiled. He gave them a short bow and went upstairs.
It was now just the three of them.
Maric looked at Alistair. He remembered the day Fiona had shown him his baby son. That baby grew, despite everything, into the man who stood before him - a tough, clever, and compassionate man, a wonderful father, and a wise leader. Maric smiled, his eyes were misty and his voice strained from pride and the pain of leaving him. "Alistair, any man would be proud to have you as his son. I'm privileged that you're mine."
The men embraced. Alistair whispered something into his father's ear. Maric looked serious and nodded.
Val took Alistair's hand and said, "I don't have anything to say that hasn't already been said, but I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to bring us back safely."
Alistair pulled Val into his arms. He said softly, "I love you all, more than I can say." She drew back; there were tears in her eyes, as well as Maric and Alistair's. Then Alistair gave Val that lopsided Theirin grin. "Don't forget to write…Mom."
The three of them laughed as Alistair gave his final goodbye. "My love to you both, be safe, and come back soon." Then he went upstairs. Maric and Val wanted to be alone before they went through the Eluvian.
Maric looked at Val. "Have I ever told you how unbelievably sexy you look in armor?"
"Say that when you try to get me out of it."
He winked. "I most certainly will."
They stood for a moment, held hands, and looked into the Eluvian. Both knew that their future was uncertain, but they would face it together. Val watched Maric walk through the Eluvian, she followed, and together they returned to Thedas.
~oOOo~
Maric and Val looked around; it was a foreboding landscape – rough-hewn rock outcroppings, and tall jagged boulders that thrust up towards the top of the cave, which was veiled by a red-tinged darkness. It all served as a surreal background for the red dirt floor, which was littered with the massive white bones of long dead dragons.
Maric couldn't believe he had never been there. "Val do you know when this was discovered?"
"I don't know. Perhaps Nathaniel does."
"I'm glad it was cleared." Maric took out the map; they got their bearings and began to follow the twisting path that would take them out.
Approaching what they thought was the halfway point between the Eluvian and the end of the Dragonbone Wastes. They heard slithering. Having fought many types of dragons in Kirkwall, Val was the first one to recognize the sound. "Love, we have company! Dragonlings coming down the hill!"
Fortunately, there were only two of them. Val called, "Dibs on the left one!" She dropped her visor, and charged a dragonling. A sword and shield fighter; Val stunned it with her shield then drove her sword into its side and sliced it open. Maric, who fought with a two-handed sword, moved a bit away from Val before he swung his blade and took the head off the second dragonling.
Moving away from the pool of blood and entrails, Val wiped off her sword, and flipped open her visor. She smiled. "Nice beheading, love."
Maric was also wiping off his sword. "Me? You eviscerated yours. Good job."
Val laughed and shook her head. "I am going to have so much fun telling Alistair 'I told you so.'"
Maric sheathed his sword. "Emma lath, we'd better make haste; where there are dragonlings, there are dragons."
"And don't I know it."
They quickly, but cautiously walked the rest of the way out of the Wastes.
When they emerged from the Wastes a bright morning sun greeted them. Maric stood still and closed his eyes. He took in the smell of the damp earthy pine-scented air, the cool breeze as it passed through his open visor, and the sounds of life that he had always associated with Ferelden. With his eyes closed, he was transported back to a time when he rode through these very lands; when he'd take a few days to meet with the farmers in the Bannorn, or when he passed this area on his way to Highever.
I shed blood to free Ferelden from oppression. This land is a part of me as I am a part of it. Revas is beautiful but it could never really feel like home. How could it?
Val watched Maric. She knew just how much this moment meant to him. Seeing him stand on Fereldan soil, she saw the king and the rebel leader; she felt how deeply buried were the roots of Maric's life in this land. Kneeling, she removed her gauntlet and took a small bag out of her pouch. Into the bag she poured a handful of the dark soil. She stood, gently took Maric's hand, and placed the pouch in the palm of his gauntlet. As Val curled his hand around it Maric opened his eyes. For a moment he looked puzzled, then he realized what he held.
"I know it isn't the same as being here but, for now, you can always carry a little bit of home with you."
They both wore plate, and while that made it difficult, he still managed to pull Val into his arms. He wanted to feel her against him as he felt the ground under his feet. They stood that way for a few precious moments before they parted and readied themselves for the walk to Highever. Both had removed their helmets.
As they walked Maric shared some Ferelden history. "Highever was originally the western edge of the Arling of Amaranthine." He thought for a moment, and then added, "It happened long ago, but I'm quite sure that it was just another reason Rendon Howe used to covet Highever. I warned Bryce Cousland not to trust him, but Bryce was a big-hearted man. I'm glad Fergus lived through the massacre. He was a good lad, I'm sure he's making a good Teyrn."
"Nathaniel is nothing like his Father is reputed to have been."
"You know, I have no idea what Nathaniel looks like now. The last time I saw him, Rendon was sending him to the Free Marches to be a squire. I offered to make him my squire, but Howe turned me down, politely of course, saying that Nathaniel wasn't worthy of being the King's squire. I thought Rendon was being a daft ass, but he insisted that Nathaniel was not as talented as Thomas, so as not to embarrass Nathaniel, he thought it best to send him away. I thought he was full of shite, but it isn't a good idea for a king to meddle in familial affairs that don't affect the Crown."
It was midday when they arrived at the Harried Huntsman on the outskirts of Highever. Nathaniel was waiting inside.
Val nudged Maric. "Do you want to tell him that the Dragonbone Wastes needs to be cleared out again or shall I?"
Maric laughed as they walked inside.
Unexpectedly he recognized Nathaniel quite easily–aside from being taller, broader, and having some grey in his black hair, his face was unmistakable.
Val noticed Sigrun was also sitting with Nathaniel smiled as she and Maric walked over to them.
For Nathaniel, actually seeing Maric again, took the wind out of him. He bowed his head formally. "My Lord, welcome back." He looked to Val. "It's good to see you again as well."
Maric put his hands on the younger man's shoulders and looked him in the eyes, his kept his voice soft so it would not carry. "Formalities are completely unnecessary, I'm just Maric. It is good to see you again, too."
Nathaniel introduced Sigrun to Maric. She grinned as she put out her hand. "The family resemblance is really clear, even for someone like me who thinks all humans look alike."
Maric laughed as he shook her hand. "I could say the same about dwarves, but you would prove me wrong."
Nathaniel told Maric and Val, "I took the liberty of getting a room so you can change before lunch. We will be on horseback from here to Amaranthine, I'm sure you want to get out of your armor," Nathaniel said cheerfully. "Oh, and by the way, congratulations."
Maric and Val blushed their thanks. As they walked to their room Maric nudged Val. "You can tell him about the Wastes."
Val laughed. "Chicken."
Once they were inside their room, Maric clucked.
They reappeared dressed in leathers and joined Sigrun and Nathaniel for lunch.
Val looked at Nathaniel. "Why are you in Highever? I thought we would meet on the other side of the Wastes?"
"I was visiting with Teyrn Fergus and Teyrna Ryane. It seems that Fergus and Aedan are no longer on speaking terms after Fergus found out why Alistair had to leave." He almost mentioned Loghain but stopped himself in time.
Maric frowned. "I'm assuming the Teyrn has the full backing of the Bannorn?"
Nathaniel smiled. "He has them eating out of their hands. The King and Queen are nowhere near as popular as they once were. I suspect if the Bannorn discovered what our King and Queen were considering, they would both be headless by sunset. Don't worry about Fergus. I worry more about anyone recognizing you."
Val frowned. "That worries me as well."
Maric laughed. "I am the last person anyone would ever expect to see, especially as I look like I haven't aged. They will see a resemblance and pass it off as just that."
~oOOo~
They left the inn, packed the saddlebags, and rode out of Highever for the three-day trip to Amaranthine. Their first night on the road, Nathaniel took second watch, so he went to his tent soon after dinner. Laying there he thought back to his discussion with Loghain…
Nathaniel had asked Loghain to come into his study; he had poured some mulled wine for the both of them and sat next to him in front of the fireplace.
Loghain looked at Nathaniel and gave him a wry smile. "I am always surprised at how many unpleasant conversations are usually held over drinks while sitting by a fire. What is it that you're worried about telling me?"
Nathaniel leaned forward, his forearms resting on his knees. His voice was quiet but determined, "Loghain, Maric is alive."
Loghain looked thunderstruck. His hands shook so badly that he almost tipped over his mug when he placed it on the floor. After a few deep breaths he looked at Nathaniel. "Are you sure? Where has he been?"
"Yes, I'm sure and I don't really know where he's been, but I know he knows about the Blight and Cailan. The reason I'm telling you this is because he will be arriving here in a little over a week and you will go to Soldier's Peak while he's here."
Loghain's voice sounded like a mix of anger and sarcasm. "Why is he coming here?"
Nathaniel took a drink before he spoke; trying to be calm, but his words came out a bit rushed, "He and Val Hawke were recently married and he wanted to spend his honeymoon in Ferelden. So he and Val will spend a week in Amaranthine and a week here so Val can visit with her sister."
"I see. And I'm supposed to scurry away and hide until Maric leaves the Vigil?"
Nathaniel looked concerned. "Loghain, I did not think you would even want to be here."
Loghain picked up his mug again and took a rather large drink. His face was wearing its usual mask when he turned to Nathaniel.
Nate could never tell what Loghain was thinking and now was no different; aside from the initial shock, he wore his typically taciturn countenance.
"I shall leave the day before they arrive. There is no reason for me sit on my arse at Soldier's Peak any longer than necessary."
Nathaniel was relieved that Loghain was willing to leave. "That would be fine, thank you."
Loghain stood up his voice was calm and exceedingly normal. It was as if Nathaniel had asked him to train some new recruits; like it was just another day at Vigil's Keep.
"Good night, Nathaniel. Is there anything you would like me to attend to while I'm at the Peak?"
"If I think of anything, I'll let you know. Good night, Loghain."
Loghain gave no indication that he was going to disobey his order. The rogue in Nathaniel had a very uneasy feeling.
~oOOo~
They arrived in Amaranthine without incident. Nathaniel showed them to the Crown and Lion while Sigrun picked up some supplies. Nathaniel said in a low voice, "You are registered under the names Garrett and Solana Falcon.
Val said, "Okay I get Falcon, but where did you come up with Garrett and Solana?
"I don't know. They just came to me."
Maric grinned. "They're common enough. Thank you for taking care of this, Nathaniel."
Val gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Yes, thank you. This means a lot to us."
Nathaniel blushed a bit. "I had help, you know, this was Alistair's idea."
Maric nodded. "We know and we thanked him too, but you helped make it happen."
Nathaniel and Maric shook hands. "Garrett, Solana, have a wonderful time. You have the map to the Vigil, so we'll see you in a week."
Garrett and Solana Falcon checked into the Crown and Lion, and then stabled their horses. Once they entered their room and closed the door, it took every ounce of willpower for Maric to resist the urge to grab Val and ravish her senseless, but he thought they could wait a bit, unpack and get comfortable.
Val could feel the desire in Maric and it matched her own; she wanted nothing more than to feel his hands all over her body. She looked into the bath area and was pleasantly surprised to see that a bath was drawn and waiting for them. They did it while we stabled the horses. Nice touch.
Val hid behind the door and took off all of her clothes. She then posed in the doorway naked, holding a towel in one hand. Maric had his back to her. She said in a very matter-of-fact tone, "You know, a bath sounds wonderful right now, don't you think?"
Maric spoke as he turned towards Val, "I'll call the-" He looked at his wife and saw the steaming bath behind her. He practically tore off his clothes, and then gave Val a very wicked grin. "You know, we may never venture out of this room except for meals."
Val sauntered slowly over to him; her smile was one of pure desire, her voice like a purr. "Isn't that the point of a honeymoon?"
Maric's response was not in words, the sound of water splashing onto the floor was the only sound heard…for a while.
For the rest of the week, aside from lunch and the occasional dinner, Garrett and Solana Falcon weren't seen outside of their room
~oOOo~
The day before Val and Maric arrived at the Vigil, Loghain left for Soldier's peak. As soon as he was sure he was out of sight of the Vigil guard, he turned around and headed east instead of north.
