As Daniel and Judith stood embracing, they were nearly knocked over by an overenthusiastic couple sweeping off the dance floor. Judith stumbled, barely catching herself on the nearest table.
Oghren cackled with laughter, his arm tightly around Shianni's waist. "Had a little too much, there, Warden? Weddin's'll do that to ya. I don' even remember marryin' Branka."
"I'd have blocked that out, too," Judith murmured to Daniel.
Shianni looked at Judith over Oghren's head. "Warden, er … Arlessa?"
"What is it, Shianni?" Judith surveyed the red-headed elf, noticing that Shianni seemed remarkably sober. Of course, next to Oghren anyone seemed sober, but Shianni looked downright serious.
"I was wondering … when are you planning to leave for Amaranthine?"
"Not for several days yet." Judith smiled at Daniel. "Why do you ask?"
"Because we're comin' with ya!" Oghren announced, swinging his ale mug in the air, the liquid hissing as it slopped onto the floor.
"You're what?"
"Coming with you," Shianni said. She looked at Oghren, and then back at Judith. "What else are we going to do?"
"I thought you were going to be representing the Alienage on the Council," Daniel put in.
Shianni flushed. "Not my style. Can you imagine me sitting in a stuffy meeting? No, that's Soris's gig, not mine." She nodded at her cousin, who was looking uncomfortable standing against the wall. "He knows how to be respectful and keep his mouth shut."
Judith gave Shianni her best commander look. "If you want to be a Grey Warden, Shianni, you'll have to follow orders. And keep your mouth shut when told to."
"I'll try my best, Commander. Arlessa. Warden?"
"Call me Commander, recruit. Be ready when I call for you. Oghren?"
He belched deeply.
"Try not to corrupt her too badly, will you?"
"Oh, sure, Commander. Lookin' forward to joinin' up!"
"I'll be, um, glad to have you." Judith shook her head as the oddly well-matched couple danced away. "Oghren and Shianni as Grey Wardens. Well, Amaranthine won't be boring."
"Better you than me," Daniel said. He grinned. "A few more of Oghren's drunken debauches and I wouldn't have a city left."
"Still," Judith said, "I'm not sorry to have him coming along. It'll feel more like … old times, I guess, to have at least one of my Blight companions along. I thought it was going to be just me and Sam." The mabari was stabled in the kennels at Daniel's. Instructions had been left to give Sam an extra portion of dinner tonight, so he could celebrate, too. Looking around the room, Judith acknowledged that she actually missed seeing Sten glowering in the background. The qunari had been on his way back to his homeland before Judith had recovered from killing the Archdemon.
Morrigan had left, as well, as soon as the Archdemon was dead. Judith had grown to respect the apostate over the months they'd traveled together, despite their fundamental disagreement about the Circle. You can't fight next to someone for so long and not find yourself attached to them, Judith reflected, and it rankled that Morrigan hadn't bothered to say good-bye. Of course, she'd left with a bellyful of Alistair's bastard, mingled with the Old God's essence, so Judith supposed that was reason enough to disappear at the first opportunity. She sighed impatiently, not wanting to worry about Morrigan or her dark rituals on this joyous day.
"All right?" Daniel asked, his arm tightening around her waist.
"Fine. Just … thinking."
"Well, we can't have that," he murmured, kissing her. Slow fire burned through her veins, and the crowd of people that had seemed so loud a moment ago might as well not have been there. Pulling back, Daniel asked breathlessly, "How's the thinking now?"
"Thinking what?" she asked dazedly.
He laughed. "How long do you think we have to stay?"
"Let's see. We came, we ate, we danced. I think we're good."
"Agreed." Daniel took her by the hand, leading her toward the door. But they didn't get far before they were accosted by Teagan, his smile a bit too wide and his cheeks flushed with wine.
"Surely you're not leaving already," he said, grinning. "The bride has only danced once. That simply can't be allowed."
Judith smiled. "I suppose not," she said. She looked at Daniel, who shrugged, then she took Teagan's hand, allowing him to sweep her out onto the dance floor.
"So, Teagan, how does it feel to be Chancellor of the kingdom?" Judith asked.
Some of the alcoholic glaze left his eyes. "You mean, instead of being passed over and left behind and discounted because I'm the youngest of the Guerrins?"
"Exactly so."
"It feels like freedom. And victory!" He twirled her around exuberantly.
"You were surprised, then, I take it, by the selection."
"Not as surprised as Eamon." He chuckled.
"I thought it was a smart move," Judith said.
"Oh, very true." Teagan's eyes glinted with humor. "And not just because I like to push my own self-interest. Eamon would never have seen Alistair as anything other than the dirty boy in the stables. Maric's filthy little secret. But I saw him—and you—in action. I think he's a fine man, and can be a fine king, with a bit of polishing. And polish," he spun Judith out and back, then dipped her in a fluid motion, "is what I excel at."
Judith laughed. "So I see."
Teagan straightened up, helping Judith regain her feet. "Now, if you know any other lovely mages—or other types of ladies—who might be interested in a dashing Chancellor, do please send them my way."
"I'll see what I can do." Teagan bowed low over Judith's hand, and then disappeared into the crowd. He was chasing an elven servant with a tray full of wine glasses, Judith noted, wondering if his true goal was the girl or the grape. She turned to look for Daniel. Finally she saw his red head bending down while a dark-haired woman whispered something into his ear. It looked remarkably intimate, and Judith was surprised to feel a smoldering coal of possessiveness burning inside her. She made her way purposefully through the crowd.
As Judith had danced off with Teagan, Daniel had been almost immediately accosted by Ignacio, the Antivan Crow and Denerim merchant. "My dear Arl," Ignacio said, sounding reminiscent of Zev. "Have we adequately congratulated you on your ascension into the ranks of nobility?"
"If you mean the cases of Antivan imports," Daniel said, thinking of the fine wines that had been inside those cases, "I would say more than adequately. My thanks."
"It was our pleasure," Ignacio said, nodding in the direction of his partner, Cesar. "We like to make sure our friends are happy with us."
"Your efforts during the siege were more than enough," Daniel said seriously. "You and Cesar proved yourselves to be formidable fighters as well as fine merchants. Denerim owes you a debt."
Ignacio's eyes lit up. "A debt?" he echoed. "Would that be an official debt?"
"Note well that what I mean is a personal debt. To you, and to Cesar. Not to the Crows." Daniel's eyes hardened, and he held up a hand as Ignacio began to speak. "And yes, I suspect there is a difference. Your interests may not always be the same as those of the Crows. Please be aware that any attempt to use whatever good will you have with me to further the agendas of the Crows will cause you to become most unpopular in the Denerim marketplace."
"Message received," Ignacio said. He said quietly, "It may interest you to know that you, also, have stored some good will. No contracts will be accepted in Denerim with your name on them. Or the names of those who ended the Blight. Some things are sacred."
"A pleasure doing business with you," Daniel responded, just as quietly.
Ignacio flashed him a grin, and disappeared into the crowd. Shortly afterward, the dulcet tones of Sanga, the city's most notorious madam, sounded in Daniel's ear. "Arl of Denerim," she said teasingly. "I hope you will not forget old friends in your new finery."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Daniel said, grinning at her. "Not old friends … or old laws."
Sanga pouted. "Now, is that nice? And after I sent you such a nice wedding gift. Have you opened it yet?" she asked, her eyes dancing mischievously.
"We've been here, Sanga. When would we have opened such a private gift?" he asked. He leaned closer so he could hear her better. But whatever she said was forgotten as he felt cool lips nibbling at the back of his neck. He spun around, startled and aroused, to see Judith standing there looking challenging. Her cheeks were flushed a lovely shade of pink. Daniel's eyes widened in surprised pleasure as he realized that Judith was jealous. Of Sanga, which was completely ridiculous. He grinned at his bride. "Ah, there you are. How was your dance?"
"Short," she said, still staring at Sanga.
"Arlessa, you must not be jealous," Sanga purred. "Your bridegroom used to refuse me even before he had such a lovely reason to do so. He is a true romantic," she said, patting Daniel's cheek. He reddened, suddenly feeling about twelve years old.
"Indeed," Judith said. She took his arm, leaning in close to him. He could feel her breasts pressed against his arm, and no longer felt twelve.
"I will leave you to your escape, then," Sanga said, winking at both of them. She disappeared into the crowd. Daniel wondered how many employees she had seeded the party with. At least, he thought philosophically, his wedding could do something for Denerim's economy. He turned to his beautiful wife.
"You weren't jealous, were you?" he murmured into her ear, his lips softly brushing the sensitive shell.
Judith shivered. "Maybe a little." She clung tighter to his arm. "Mine."
He grinned. "I don't think there's any doubt about that. Shall we depart so you can … officially claim ownership?"
Judith had a hard time speaking with his tongue tracing the outside of her ear. She nodded, pulling him toward the door. But before they could make their escape from the reception, they were stopped again, this time by Alfstanna and Fergus Cousland.
"Leaving so soon?" Alfstanna asked, grinning.
"We were trying to," Judith said, glowering at her friend.
"It's just not done, you know," Fergus offered quietly, but there was a twinkle in his eyes. "The bride and groom have to stay at least until someone passes out."
"Or throws up," Alfstanna added.
"You mean Oghren hasn't taken care of both of those already?" Daniel asked.
"He must be slipping," Judith said. She looked back at Alfstanna. "How long are you staying in town?"
"I'm hoping to be on my way soon, get to Gwaren and start settling in. I'm not sure the roads are safe yet, though."
"And you, Fergus?" Daniel asked.
"I … don't know," Fergus said, a shadow passing over his face. "I can't bear to see Highever Castle the way it is. And I can't ask others to clear it out without going through myself to see if any of my family's belongings survived. I'm not sure I'm ready to face that yet." He smiled awkwardly. "That's hardly wedding talk. I—I'll be around town, Daniel, if there's anything you need." He nodded to Judith, then moved slowly through the crowd toward the door. Alfstanna watched him go.
"It's awful, seeing him like this. The Couslands were such joyous people, and such a close-knit family," she said. "I wish I could help him."
"I think it just takes time," Daniel said.
"I hope so," Alfstanna said. "I miss the Fergus I grew up with." She hugged Judith. "I'll check in with you before I leave for Gwaren, my friend."
"Thanks for all your help today," Judith said. Alfstanna nodded brightly and disappeared into the crowd. Judith took Daniel's arm. "One more stop, and then we can go," she said.
"Only one?" He raised an eyebrow. "Why don't I believe that? I seem to have married the most popular woman in Thedas." He smiled over Judith's shoulder at Wynne.
"'Hero of Ferelden' didn't make that obvious?" Wynne asked, putting her arm around Judith's shoulders. "You see, my dear? It went very well today."
"It did. Thanks to you!" Judith said warmly. She looked at Daniel. "Wynne cured a last-minute case of wedding jitters."
"You were nervous about marrying me?" he asked, and she could see a flash of hurt in his eyes.
"No!" Judith put a hand on his arm. "Just about the whole thing with the Grand Cleric."
The tension eased from his shoulders. "I get that." He smiled at the older mage. "Thanks, Wynne."
"It was my pleasure." Wynne looked seriously at Daniel. "I have continued my search for information related to your sister, but there is no mention of her after she destroyed her phylactery."
"Does that mean the Templars never caught her?" he asked hopefully. His sister Melanie had been taken to the Circle at age twelve, and his family hadn't heard of her since.
"It could. Or it could mean that they caught her and didn't bother to record it." Wynne's face twisted. "It's hard to say."
"Did she escape alone?" Judith asked curiously.
"No." Wynne smiled suddenly. "She took an apprentice with her. He was caught and brought back after they'd been separated." She looked at Judith, her eyes twinkling. "The charming scamp has a way with women that has helped him escape more than once."
"Anders?" Judith said, her eyebrows flying up.
"Oh, yes, the very one." Both women chuckled.
"Your sister has good taste," Judith said to Daniel. "Anders is … well, he's Zev in mage robes. But he looks kind of like Alistair."
"Actually, that's true," Wynne said in surprise. "I hadn't thought of that."
"Who looks like me?" Alistair had come up behind them, Anora on his arm. Loghain trailed behind them.
Wynne turned, smiling at the King affectionately. "A young mage who does not like to be locked up."
"Where is he now?"
"An excellent question," Wynne said. "His last escape was apparently a successful one. He hasn't been seen since before Ostagar."
The mention of the battle stilled the conversation, and Loghain harrumphed, crossing his arms. "If you glare at me every time Ostagar is mentioned, Alistair—"
"Glaring is what keeps me from killing you every time Ostagar is mentioned," Alistair said venomously.
"Alistair." Anora's hand tightened on his arm.
Alistair looked at his wife and sighed. "Sorry, love."
"So, Wynne," Daniel said, trying to change the subject, "what are you up to now? Will you go back to the Tower and help bring the mages into their new age?"
She laughed. "I think not. I have trained and taught mages for more years than most of you have lived. Now it is time for me to take what time is left to me and explore. There are many places I have not seen and many things I have not done. I look forward to them all." Her eyes sparkled at the thought of the adventures awaiting her.
"Are you sure that's wise?" Judith asked, concerned for her teacher. "What if … something happens to you?"
Wynne shrugged. "What if I trip and fall down the stairs in the Tower?"
"Good point," Judith acknowledged.
"And now, my children, it has been a long—and lovely—day, and these old bones need their rest." Wynne hugged them all and headed for bed.
When she was gone, there was a brief silence. Then Alistair said, "Daniel, you're not running off to Amaranthine with your wife, are you?"
"No," Daniel said, a bit wistfully. "I would like to, but there's a lot to be done here. Don't you agree, Your Majesty?"
Alistair grinned. "I agree, and I'd have chased you down if you tried to leave. I'm going to need your help here."
"And you, my dear, what will you be doing?" Loghain asked Anora.
"I have much to do, Father. I'll be helping clean up the Alienage, setting up a school for the elves, helping Daniel get Denerim's economy back on its feet again."
"Is that code for 'the palace needs to be redecorated', my queen?" Daniel asked. Anora smiled happily at him.
"Perhaps it is," she said.
"No time to visit the old man on the family farm, then?" Loghain said. His voice had its usual sardonic overtone, but the sincerity of the request was there for everyone to hear.
"Of course, Father. As soon as I can be spared," she assured him. Suddenly she yawned, making it look almost realistic, and turned to Alistair. "I'm quite tired, I find. Shall we retire?"
He grinned widely at her. "Your desire is my command," he purred, glancing at Loghain for the older man's reaction.
Loghain watched as the King and Queen took their leave. His lip curled in disgust. "Cailan made her happy in bed, too," he said under his breath. "Her and everyone else."
"Alistair isn't like that," Judith said. "He keeps his promises."
Snorting, Loghain said, "I'll believe that when I see it," and stalked off.
"Anyone else likely to pop up and keep us from leaving?" Daniel asked plaintively.
"Ask and I shall appear."
Daniel jumped as the elf appeared seemingly from out of nowhere. "Zev, will you stop doing that?"
"Not as long as it makes you flush so delightfully, no," Zev grinned. Riordan appeared next to him, throwing an arm around the elf's shoulder. Judith noticed with some surprise that Zev actually leaned into her fellow Warden's touch, resting against him casually.
Riordan nodded cordially at Judith. "Commander, is it my understanding that we will be leaving in a few days?"
"Yes. I'm glad you're coming with me, Riordan."
"As am I. There is much to do there, I believe. I have heard from Orlais; several other Wardens have been sent to get the castle ready. It should be comfortable when we arrive." He smiled. "It will be nice to have a home to settle into. Will it not?" he said, tugging one of Zev's braids.
"If you insist, my Warden," Zev said. The two men smiled at each other.
"You're coming, too, Zev?" Judith asked with pleased surprise.
"Sometimes. I cannot see myself … settling in, as Riordan says, but I will be a frequent visitor. Besides, I do not know if our lovely Arl here and King Alistair the Innocent will be able to do without me."
Daniel grinned. "Of course not, Zev. You're indispensable."
"Flattery will get you everywhere," Zev said. Riordan's arm tightened around him, and the dark-haired Warden whispered something into Zev's ear. Zev turned, his mouth seeking Riordan's, and the two men shared a passionate kiss.
Judith tugged on Daniel's sleeve. "Quick," she whispered, "let's get out of here before anyone else wants to talk to us."
"What was it Alistair said? 'Your desire is my command'?" Daniel winked at her. Hand in hand, they made a hasty exit from the room.