Chapter Nine

12 Cloudreach, 9:33 Dragon

Village of Haven

Aedan, his mabari Elric and his horse Kodo walked up the muddy path towards the village the Haven. The sun was out and the temperature pleasant and apart from a few large piles the snow had melted. Buds were starting on the wild growth and a few of the mountain flowers had even begun to flower. He picked a bouquet of wild flowers for his bard, lamenting the fact that there wasn't any Andraste's Grace – Leliana's favourite.

Ever since he had broken camp that morning the thought of his impending reunion with Leliana had been making his stomach queasy, he was glad that he hadn't bothered to stop for a midday meal. Now that he had nearly reached the village he was even regretting his morning meal. He thought back to the letter he had sent her so many months ago, and as he had regularly done since then he wished that he had been more open and honest about his feelings. His letter let Leliana know that he was safe and some of the details of the attacks upon Amaranthine and that with her permission he would visit her before Summerday. He had been chaste and polite in case someone other than his bard read his words and her reply had been written in the same manner. Even though Leliana said she would welcome his visit he feared that he had travelled here on a fool's quest.

The Warden Commander reached the first plateau. On his left was the home where they had first seen the bloody evidence that something was very wrong in Haven. He noted that two templars were approaching him and raised his hands to appear non-threatening, the bouquet of wildflowers no doubt helping.

"May I ask who you are Ser and what is your purpose in Haven," one of the templar's said.

"I am Warden Commander Aedan Cousland, Teryn of Gwaren and Arl of Amaranthine and I am here to visit my dear friend, Lady Leliana, who left Highever and came to Haven and the Temple of Andraste with Brother Genitivi among others. Should you doubt it either can attest to my identity."

The templars eyed him, studying him closely. At his neck his cloak was held by clasps bearing the standard of the Warden Commander, two addorsed griffons with elevated wings atop a branch. His dragonwing armour was of exceptional quality and fit indicating it had been made solely for the wearer. He was heavily armed and accompanied by a mabari and horse also indicating a man of wealth. If this man was Warden Commander and a Teryn though it was surprising that he would travel alone.

The templars had heard the tales of the Warden Commander who had led the initial expedition to Andraste's Temple and had found the Urn of Sacred Ashes, even using a pinch of the ashes to heal Arl Eamon of Redcliffe. It was said that he was fearsome with a blade and accompanied everywhere by his loyal mabari. As well very few people outside those in the village and in the highest reaches of the chantry and Templar Order even knew where the Temple of Andraste was located. The templars shared a look and then the one who had spoken earlier spoke again.

"My Lord we are honoured by your presence here. Please allow me to escort you to Sister Leliana."

After visiting the stables they walked through the village drawing a few curious looks and some less than kind, perhaps those people had been among the inhabitants he met on his first visit. The templar told him of their efforts within the temple and overcoming the hostility of Haven's remaining residents who had worshiped a High Dragon as the reincarnated Andraste. Of course Aedan already knew this as he and his companions had slain the dragon and all the dragon worshippers who had attacked them on their quest for the Urn of Sacred Ashes.

The templar, Ser Jarvis, led them into the temple, now brightly lit unlike his first visit. Aedan had to stop and look in wonder. The snow that been in the corners and along the stone was gone, the broken roof having been repaired. In the stone floor there were insets of Andraste's undying flame that shone as though freshly polished. He moved to the wall to look at the incredibly detailed carvings and stained glass windows, the images representing the struggle and victory against the Tevinter Imperium and the life of Andraste. The temple's ceiling had originally been painted in a mural and though faded was easily among the most beautiful things the Commander had ever seen. He forced himself to move on knowing that there would be time later to examine everything in more detail.

"Sister Leliana should be just ahead in the library my Lord," said Ser Jarvis who waited in the hall.

Aedan thanked the templar and just stood in the doorway. Unknowingly he held his breath and even from behind and without her red hair he knew which one was his bard from her stance alone. Her loose fitting chantry robes could not disguise her womanly curves and graceful body that had always seemed to perfectly mold itself to his. Leliana had let her hair grow and it was now past her shoulders and collected in a single braid. He stood there silently, a smile plastered on his face and content just to gaze upon her until she noticed him.

"May I help you with something Ser?" a man in chantry robes asked uneasily as every head turned towards him. The sight of a heavily armed man accompanied by a mabari warhound no doubt making the man wary.

The Commander had just begun to answer when he heard "Aedan" and saw Leliana running towards him. The bard reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck as his arms surrounded her waist and he picked her up off her feet. Mindful of the roomful of chantry initiates he kissed his bard chastely on the cheek, though his thoughts were anything but. He set Leliana back onto the ground and watched as she hugged Elric and received a sloppy lick of greeting.

"Yuck Elric stop," Leliana giggled a reprimand that no one would believe. The hound was almost as excited to see the pretty bard as his master.

He gave her the flowers and after some quick introductions Leliana excused herself and took Aedan on a tour of some of the discoveries they had made. He spoke with Brother Genitivi who introduced him to more people and though he was normally very good with names and faces these were all lost in a blur. The Commander's concentration failing him with knowing that his bard was beside him.

After returning to the village they sat down to a simple dinner of bread and vegetable stew. As poor a cook as Aedan was it was the best meal he had eaten in days.

"What brings you to Haven my Lord?" Genitivi asked.

"Well I had written to Leliana that I would visit her and I had some business near Redcliffe which I was able to advance so that I could do both on one trip. Haven is a long way from Amaranthine and unfortunately there are many demands on my time and sadly not enough Wardens," Aedan answered.

"Yes, we have heard about the attacks on the city and Vigil's Keep from Leliana and some brothers and sisters who arrived after. How is the rebuilding going?"

"Most of the city should be rebuilt before this winter while Master Voldrik, our stonemason, advises that the Vigil will take another four years or so before it is up to his high dwarven standards. Buildings can be rebuilt and farms can be replanted but the loss of life was the true tragedy. Fortunately the darkspawn have all returned to the earth and there have been no further attacks." The last was answered with agreement and prayers to the Maker for all those lost.

Dinner was replaced by conversation that went on for some time and just when Aedan was wondering where he would sleep that night Brother Genetivi offered a small cabin that they had been using for guests and traders that was currently unoccupied.

"Sister Leliana, would you please escort his Lordship to his cabin?" Genetivi asked. "It is after all you who he came to visit."

Together Aedan and Leliana walked to his cabin on the outskirts of the village. The Commander filled his bard in on the news from Highever and Amaranthine and the developments of those she knew. All too quickly they reached the cabin and as Leliana stopped outside the front door Aedan felt a twinge of pain.

"You have had a long day Aedan, perhaps it is best if I leave you to get a full night's rest and we'll speak more in the morning." The bard leaned forwards and kissed his cheek and quickly disappeared.

The Commander slept uneasily, if at all, and as soon as the sun started to rise he was outside practicing. He attacked invisible opponents with his swords, trying to work off his nervous tension from seeing Leliana again and her abrupt departure last night. He finished and walked to the lake with buckets from his cabin to fetch some water to wash himself. Aedan was almost finished when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

"Aedan, I have come to collect you for breakfast," Leliana said as she entered the cabin. The Commander was shirtless and was washing himself. She bit her lip at seeing her Warden run a cloth over his muscular chest. His scars still a bright red and a vivid reminder of how near she had come to losing him. He noticed her attention and moved so that he was facing her as he continued to run the cloth over his skin. Leliana felt herself blush, her Warden was the only one who could make her so flustered.

"Would you help me wash my back please?" Aedan turned and held the cloth out behind him.

Leliana took the cloth and dipped it in the small soapy basin before bringing it to his back. She washed his back in silence, repressing a moan that threatened to escape her lips as memories of baths they had shared sprang to mind. She had always found it so intimate and sensual when they had bathed together and she had sat between her Wardens legs, her back to him, as he washed her and kneaded her muscles, his hands freely roaming her body and then she would do the same to him. She finished with the soapy cloth and then began to quickly rinse the soap from his skin. She resisted the urge to run her fingertips along his scars as she had done so often, knowing that it tickled Aedan and always led to other things; things that would require another, more thorough, washing. Damn this man, he is doing this on purpose, she thought to herself.

"Finished," she said, no longer prepared to tempt fate and with a readymade excuse that they were both expected for the morning meal. "I have been excused from my duties today and thought that we might take some food with us and go for a walk. When we first came here there was no time to linger and there are some spectacular views nearby. It will give us a chance to talk and catch up."

"I would like that very much," Aedan answered. His heart beat faster thinking that maybe she had left him so quickly last night because she had already planned this.

Leliana led them down a game trail that skirted the lake. The lake's water was so clear and pure that one might think it wasn't there and walk into it expecting to safely walk across the lakebed. As the sun rose in the sky the temperature rose as well and it was beginning to feel like a mid-summer day and not one of early spring. Aedan removed his cloak and was even beginning to regret wearing his armour although experience had told him that it was better to be prepared than not. He took a sip from his waterskin as the path began to climb. They walked uphill until almost midday before finally taking a branching path that led to a small clearing.

The view was more than worth the effort of the journey. It looked down on the lake and you could see Haven in the distance. To the left was a magnificent view of the Frostbacks, looking like Thedas' snow tipped teeth stretched towards the sky. To the right it overlooked the Temple of Andraste and allowed one to see the massive scale of the structure and view its crenelations and the stained glass windows that ran along its length. Even when he had first entered the temple with only the light from a torch to see it had struck him as awe inspiring and majestic. It was clear that the men and women who built it had invested all of their strength, skill, talent and faith in its construction and details. The craftsmanship was unlike anything he had ever seen before or likely would again. The contrast of the view was staggering. On one side the Frostback Mountains displaying a beauty created by the Maker. On the other side the Temple of Andraste, a beautiful creation of the Maker's children to honour his bride and prophet.

"It's beautiful here. Thank you for taking me," Aedan said. He tried not to think back to when he had taken his bard to Promontory Point in Highever and had suggested she leave him and come here with the Chantry. He had broken his heart to allow Leliana the time and space to decide whether they had a future together. The Commander could only hope that the result was better this day.

He turned and saw that Leliana had laid out a blanket atop the grass and had sat down and was rooting through her pack, no doubt for something to eat for themselves and his hound. Aedan decided to unbuckle his dragonwing armour as he was hot from exertion, and it was not terribly comfortable to sit on the ground in if given a choice.

"Please Leliana tell me all that has happened to you since you left Highever," Aedan asked. He listened as she spoke describing a few of the discoveries she had made herself and the new friends she had met. Her initial weeks were spent ensuring no traps remained in the temple and looking for hidden passages and rooms that were undiscovered from their first visit. Later she worked to catalogue the many libraries throughout the temple and had begun to help Brother Genitivi with his research. A few times she had escorted the caravans that travelled to Redcliffe bringing back news, letters and supplies. The Commander listened intently, it had been far too long since he listened to one of her stories or heard her sing and he had missed it. Her sweet voice was like a balm to his soul.

"And you, can you tell me more of your adventures? I know that you would not have told everything last night," Leliana asked.

Aedan spoke at length about travelling to Vigil's Keep to find it overrun by the darkspawn and all of the Orlesian Wardens lost. He spoke of the new Wardens he had recruited and described each in turn; surprising Leliana that Oghren now had a son who was named after him. The horrors of the Architect, childers, Disciples and the Mother was described in frightening detail after the bard had pressed for more information. He told her of the attack on the City of Amaranthine and its aftermath as well as Vigil's Keep and outlined some of his plans for their reconstruction.

"Is there anything else you wish to tell me?" Leliana asked. Seeing the confused look upon the Commander's face she added, "Even in distant Haven we hear the rumours of how close you have grown to the Queen and of your many visits to Denerim." The pain of betrayal shaded her voice.

"Queen Anora was invaluable in those initial days after the attacks. She helped me to get much needed food, supplies, and healers, as did Fergus. We split the Bannorn amongst us and each pleaded for aid for Amaranthine. Without both Anora's and Fergus' efforts many people would have died starving in the lean days that followed or died of their injuries because initially the Chantry would not consent to the mages leaving the tower. Since that time I have travelled to Denerim many times to see her and even travelled with Anora to Gwaren so that we could arrange timber for Amaranthine and so she could introduce me to some of the noble families and the Seneschal, Terrence. While I get reports from the Terynir regarding everything from the Seneschal's decisions when he holds court on my behalf to the land's finances I had never been to Gwaren before and am unsure of when I will be able to return. I visit Anora as Warden Commander, Teryn and Arl and perhaps even a trusted advisor. Even though lately I seem to go to Denerim and the Landsmeet as a beggar I am still a powerful voice within it and my opinion valued."

Aedan looked into his bard's eyes and saw a slight raise of her eyebrow, a final doubt to be assuaged.

"I have said before that my heart already belongs to another and despite you releasing me from my vow that has never changed," Aedan said seriously. "No one has shared my bed since the last time I was with you."

"Forgive me for doubting," Leliana said quietly.

"There is nothing to forgive," said the Commander. "Did you hear no tales of the many daughters set on becoming a Teryn's wife that I politely refused?" He turned serious and looked away from her eyes, fearful of the answer to his next words. "Do you not think that I dreaded coming here and seeing you again only to find that you had found someone who can give you everything you deserve and that I cannot? I must confess that after last night when you disappeared on me so quickly I fear the worst."

"My heart too has been claimed. Perhaps one day I will introduce you to him," Leliana laughed as she put her arms around his neck and leaned in for a kiss. Aedan's hands circled her waist and pulled the bard on top of him as he lay back on the blanket.

Leliana felt herself being pulled forwards onto her Warden as he lay down. She moved her right hand so that she caressed his cheek as she felt Aedan's tongue splitting her lips and quickly met it with her own. It felt so good to be held in his strong arms again. They kissed with a hunger and need, and their feverish kisses and dancing tongues served only to further ignite their passion and longing for each another.

Aedan's left hand ran along her spine and Leliana could feel her skin tingling even through her robes. His right hand moved to her chin and gently pushed her head to the side so that he could kiss and lick the tender spot just below her ear. The bard let out a small moan as her Warden laid a trail of wet kisses down from her ear, across her slender neck and up the other side before returning to her mouth.

He broke their kiss and ran his thumb along her bottom lip. "I love you Leliana, my beautiful bard."

"I love you too Aedan, my gentle Warden," Leliana said as she playfully nipped his lip before kissing him hard. She felt his hands tugging at her robes and so she rose to make it easier to remove them. She shrugged the robes off her shoulders and tossed them aside and then began pulling at Aedan's shirt.

Aedan cursed to himself that his shirt did not button up the front and had to be removed over his head. He curled his torso up off the blanket as he raised his arms over his head allowing Leliana to remove his shirt. He then put one arm around his bard's waist and the other behind him and he pushed himself upright. Leliana now was on his lap and straddling his hips and their faces and more importantly mouths were level. He kissed her with renewed urgency for a time before his hands moved to untie her breast band. Once free his thumbs gently circled Leliana's hardened nipples drawing a gasp of pleasure.

In one swift movement her Warden pressed her even closer to him as he twisted and laid her down underneath him. He began to move lower. He kissed along her collarbone which always excited her. He caressed her breasts before finally taking one into his mouth, suckling it and then flicking the nipple with his tongue. He gently nibbled it as Leliana moaned a mixture of pleasure and pain. She grabbed the back of his head as she writhed beneath him. He moved to her other breast and continued without missing a beat. The bard pressed against his shoulders and Aedan moved lower, his tongue leaving a wet trail down her stomach. She giggled as he stopped to kiss and lick her belly button before continuing downwards.

Suddenly Aedan sat up, pulling Leliana's remaining small clothes and legs up with him. The bard cried out for her Warden to continue and not to tease her as he massaged her calves. She ground her hips invitingly, but Aedan refused to quicken his pace as he slowly caressed and kissed up her legs. He could be so frustratingly disciplined at times and she knew that Aedan wanted her as badly as she wanted him. It had been so long for both of them that she almost wished to force his hand. As he neared her sex Leliana held her breath, a throaty groan escaping when she felt her Warden's tongue begin to lick around her entrance.

Time seemed to stretch into one long moment of delicious, sweet torture as her Warden pleasured her first with his tongue and later adding his finger. She grabbed Aedan's free hand and brought it up to her breast where he toyed with her, rolling her sensitive nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Leliana's moans grew as her chest heaved and she alternately grabbed at the blanket and at Aedan's hair. Her pleasure built upon itself and at the crescendo she clamped her thighs around her Warden's head as she cried out in delight. He continued his ministrations as he slowly brought her back down to earth.

Leliana reached down and gently pulled Aedan's hair, signalling for him to rise. As her Warden moved up her body Leliana reached down between her legs to undo the laces on his trousers. She grasped his hard manhood with one hand as her other hand pushed his trousers over his bottom. She smiled as Aedan closed his eyes and moaned softly as she slowly stroked him. He braced himself on one hand as he tried to push his pants down with the other. With a curse he withdrew from her touch so that he could slip his trousers past his knees and finally completely off.

Again her Warden moved on top of her, his manhood at the entrance to her sex. They were both eager but he paused and looked into her eyes and smiled. Aedan said 'I love you' as he slowly entered her. She gasped with pleasure as she grabbed his back and urged her Warden on; he was taking far too long. He entered her completely and then slowly withdrew. Leliana raised her hips as Aedan thrust into her again. Gradually their pace quickened, slowed and quickened again, the bard meeting her lover's thrusts with her own. He would bring her to the precipice but no farther despite her pleas. She looked up at her Warden, seeing the sheen of perspiration on his skin and a look of joy upon his face that mirrored her own. The bard could feel her orgasm building as she locked her ankles around her Warden's hips. Her moans were silenced as Aedan leaned down and kissed her passionately as she felt him release inside her as she was overcome with her own pleasure.

After calming down from their lovemaking the pair fell asleep in each other's arms, both feeling content that fate had returned the other to their life.

Aedan woke before Leliana did and moved to his side so that he could look at her in all her naked splendour. Apart from her face which had a touch of sun, her skin was still the porcelain white he remembered. Her body was that of a dancer, all smooth curves and graceful lines with an underlying base of muscle that only enhanced her femininity. He watched his bard's chest rise and fall with each breath and watched as her full pouty lips inhaled and exhaled. He longed to kiss her but did not want to wake his bard up and break the spell. Wild thoughts came to mind as he looked at her and thought of their future together. He thought of abandoning his titles and duties and building a small house here in the Frostbacks where they could be happy and alone together, spending their days as they were now.

Leliana started to wake and her trained senses knew another was nearby. She braced herself and prepared to fight. The bard opened her eyes to see her Warden laying on his side and looking at her with a silly grin on his face and relaxed. She quickly ran her eyes across his body. Aedan was a lean and muscular man who seemed to radiate a sense of power and strength beyond what was implied by his frame. His blue eyes saw through you and shone with life and determination. She knew each one of his scars and wondered at the stories behind the new ones she noted. As a bard she loved the heroic and conflicted nature of her Warden: he was a warrior who longed to live a peaceful life; he was a hero many times over and yet always claimed it was others; he fought to serve and protect those around him and never for glory as a lesser man might; and he was a terror on the battlefield and yet so gentle and caring. She could not easily describe the many ways she loved him. Even as Aedan had told her the sacrifices a Grey Warden made and insisted she leave to think upon a possible future together she had known that there was no other for her. The agonizing months apart and her joy at seeing him yesterday had only confirmed it. Leliana again ran her eyes across his body, she could see the visible evidence that Aedan had been awake and watching her for some time before she woke. She quickly hatched a plan to take some revenge on her Warden for teasing her earlier.

"Did you have a pleasant rest my beautiful bard?" Aedan asked.

"Yes, one of the most peaceful I have had in some time," Leliana answered as she turned onto her side and leaned forward to kiss him. The fingertips of her right hand began to gently trace a pattern across his chest before continuing downwards. She heard her Warden moan as her hand reached its destination and began to stroke his already hard manhood. Leliana pushed Aedan onto his back and this time she trailed wet kisses down his body before finally taking his member into her mouth. She licked, stroked and sucked her Warden, using every skill and trick to bring Aedan to the brink but refusing to allow him release. She wanted him to suffer in his pleasure as he had done to her earlier. His moans and hoarse breathing were a sweet song to her ears and only encouraged her.

"Please Leliana no more. I can only think of darkspawn for so long," her Warden begged in a husky voice as he grasped her shoulders.

The bard laughed as she moved up and straddled her Warden, impaling herself upon him. She ran her hands across his broad chest and tweaked his nipples. Aedan moved his hand to her bottom as the other hand pulled her down to meet his mouth. They lost themselves to their passion and lust as Leliana ground her hips as Aedan thrust up into her. The bard felt the rolling waves of pleasure building inside her and arched her back. Her Warden curled himself up and suckled on her breasts as she surrendered to the throes of passion, her toes clenching the blanket and her fingers raking Aedan's back. She collapsed on top of her lover and after a moment to steady herself began again.

Aedan watched his bard's face which seemed to glow; her face and skin flush with excitement. She looked so beautiful and he could never imagine wanting or needing anyone but her. He surrendered to his bard completely – mind, body and soul - as she again bounced and ground her hips against him. His hands grabbed her hips and felt like they were burning from the heat of her naked flesh. He watched the sway of her breasts as she slammed into him with increased fervour. When Leliana panted that she was close he was relieved as he too was nearly there. With a throaty grunt he released his seed inside his bard as seconds later she cried out with her own sweet release. He pulled his bard down against his chest and kissed her in thanks.

As if to prevent another round they heard a mabari whine. They both laughed as they turned as saw a bored, neglected looking Elric.

"I am sorry boy. We'll leave shortly and get you some dinner," Aedan said. The hound barked his agreement and sat down staring at them as if to ensure that promise was kept.

"It seems our chaperone has disapproved of our constitutional," Leliana said with mock seriousness.

While it was clear that neither one wanted to leave just yet they both cleaned up as best they could and dressed. After a brief snack, shared with their chaperone of course, they began the trek back to Haven in considerably better spirits than when they had left.

Aedan remained in Haven for a week and while he left without his bard, knowing that she would be returning to him eased his thoughts. Leliana was leaving for the Grand Cathedral in Val Royeaux in a few months time with Brother Genitivi and some others by personal invitation from the Divine herself. While he would like nothing more than to go with his bard and have her show him the sights and where she grew up, his duties would not allow it.