Come morning the Wardens investigate Redcliff Castle, finding undead littering the halls, before discovering the source of the destruction. The Arl's boy, a mage, possessed by a demon and determined to destroy everything in its wake. With the help of Wesley's former friend Jowan and the services of the indebted Circle, they manage to save the boy from possession. Even with this victory the Arl remains ill and it be only a matter of time until his eminent demise.
Having never imagined herself the type to marry, Lazuli finds herself stunned by all the commotion surrounding her. The wedding has been rushed, due to her father's failing health and that of her own, but the constant rush of planning has had her in a tailspin the past few weeks. Dress fittings and meal planning, she wonders why anyone had thought her fragile before any of this. When it is now apparent she can handle all of this and more in a single day. Yes, the pain still finds her at inopportune times, but when she keeps busy she is able to avoid it for the most part.
The morning of the ceremony her room is flooded with servants, she is bathed and dressed, light makeup painted with a delicate deft hand. Just as quickly as the whirlwind appeared they are gone from her side, leaving her alone until being fetched for the ceremony.
In Orzammar weddings are conducted in three stages; the first taking place Hall of Heroes where the grooms family spend the night before in silent vigil asking for the blessings of their Ancestors for a fruitful marriage. The bride remains in her ancestral home hosting guests and well-wishers throughout the evening. Laz had played host to the hundreds of families arriving at the palace's doors just the night before, each of them bearing gifts and charms of all kinds. She wonders how many of them actually hope for the long life and prosperity of an inter-caste marriage, but holds her comments to herself.
Today is the second phase of the ceremony in which she is adorned with fine jewels and clothing, then presented to her intended's family. If she is accepted as their new daughter they will hold a procession to the shaperate, for a wedding of this magnitude there will be crowding in the streets. For others, it might simply consist of the family and close friends. Together the new couple approaches the Lord Shaper and asks for their union to be recorded in the memories.
Laz cannot for the life of her remember the last time she was dolled up quite like this, shoulder length red hair curled in traditional fashion, pulled from her face like a curtain. Wearing a dress of all things, this too is of course as traditional as possible. The long thin silk sleeves bell at the wrists, straight across neckline falling into a fitted bodice before dropping into a free-flowing skirt.
Among the nobility, it is customary for the wedding dress to match the period in which their family rose to prominence. In Lazuli's case, this means the entire dress is covered in colorful embroidery on top of cream colored fabric, flowers and fauna stitched by hand in bright reds, blues, pinks, and yellows. In her hair hang decorations known to the period, a delicate yet intricate circlet of gold, wrapping around her head and dipping into a bright blue lapis lazuli stone at the peak of her forehead.
Staring into her reflection, bright Aeducan blue eyes boring back into her, she tries to find some part of her former self, but behind all of this lavish beauty she can hardly even breathe. There is an overwhelming tension in the air, even as she sits alone, praying to her Ancestors for strength that she mange to get through this day intact.
Throughout her life she has seen many weddings, heard the joy and triumph in the streets and even joined in the fun herself. How can she feel so far away when this is her own joyous day? Her love for Gorim doesn't feel like it will sustain her throughout the day's festivities. Why does this feel so wrong to be doing?
Her hands run along the textured fabric of her dress, hoping the shaking of her hands will cease, she hopes her mind will settle and her fears will release their steady firm grip upon her. Everything will be alright, maybe this is not perfect, but it is enough, she tells herself.
"Lazuli, are you ready?" Her father asks entering her room tentatively. Standing from her vanity, she turns to meet his gaze, a slight nervous smile spreading across her lips. Endrin places a hand over his heart, tears already falling down his cheeks. "You're more beautiful than your mother on our wedding day."
Laz chuckles, "Don't say that, she'll come back from the stone to smack you for it."
He laughs before taking his daughter in his embrace. "My little Lazuli." He pulls away, kissing her forehead before offering her his arm. Tucking her hand into the crook of his elbow, the two walk out of her room and toward the entrance to the palace.
Truth be told it does not hit her until this very instant that this is the last time she will be able to call the palace her home. The sadness hits her like a wave of memories, in her mind's eye she can see herself, Trian, and Bhelen playing games and running circles around their father. The utter joy in Trian's laughter when Bhelen realizes he's grown taller than her and prods at her incessantly. Endrin beaming with pride as she bests Lord Bemot's eldest son in combat. Bhelen running to find her, still so small but eyes full of tears as he tells her he hit Lord Menio's son for calling her names. All of these things, figments from a past and person she hardly remembers.
Bhelen takes up her other side the moment they've passed the threshold, patting her hand once as he tucks it away in his elbow identically to their father. Cheers erupt at their appearance and the heady drum beat swells with the crowd. Festivities began earlier this morning when Gorim's family returned from the Hall of Heroes, shops opened and the music began, the streets had flooded with patrons partaking in the goods for sale. No one has begun to dance yet, however, that honor is reserved for the bride and groom.
Their walk towards the Saelac home is slow going to say the least, the procession is outlined by every noble house in the Assembly lined up on either side of the road. Clapping Endrin or Bhelen's back as a congratulation, each dwarf having something to say on the engagement. How proud they should be to be marrying into a family so loyal to the crown. Laz is relieved at the distraction, the longer she has to drop her nerves the more prepared she'll be to actually marry Gorim.
The thought is still surreal even as they approach the front door, the threshold is significantly less decorated than the one for their new home. Nonetheless, garland hangs on either side of the frame bright and welcoming, his entire family stands shoulder to shoulder, packed in tight by the rows of nobles. Gorim stands beside his father, dressed in his finest clothes, stark white and gold doublet with similarly trimmed trousers. Hair slicked back, and beard freshly trimmed, the moment his eyes fall on her his hand raises to his mouth. Shock, maybe. He shares a look with his own father before they and his mother step forward to greet her.
Endrin smiles at his own second, before his voice rings out. "Nuvran Saelac, do you accept the Lady Lazuli Aeducan, into your household?"
Nuvran smiles back brightly, "I accept the lady into this house."
Endrin turns his attention towards Gorim's mother, "Do you, Dahlia Saelac welcome the daughter your husband has accepted?"
Dahlia smiles kindly at her, "I welcome the lady with open arms."
Finally, Endrin's gaze falls on Gorim, who has not stopped smiling since his hand fell back to his side. "Gorim Saelac, do you accept the hand of Lady Lazuli? Swear to protect and honor her for the rest of your days?"
Gorim seems ready to simply nod his affirmation, but opens his mouth at the last minute. "I promise this and more."
The mob of nobles cheer, the sound so deafeningly loud they must feel a rumbling on the surface. Lazuli feels a blush take over her whole face, up to the tips of her ears as the shouting swells to a climactic howl. Once the sound has returned to a palpable level she turns towards her brother, to her surprise his gaze is gentle, calm, and even kind. He takes her in his arms and squeezes her tightly, kissing her cheek before he pulls away, one last firm grip on her shoulders he releases her to their father.
Endrin has tears stuck in his eyes as he claims his daughter in a fierce hug, rocking her back and forth he chuckles in her ear.
"I suppose it was too much to hope for, that he would say no."
"He's no fool, dad." She says gently, rubbing his back.
"Of course not, who would deny being your husband?" Endrin finally pulls away, tears streaming down his face as he kisses the top of her head. She leaves a kiss on his cheek before smiling brightly at him.
"I'm not going anywhere."
"I know." She wipes his eyes of tears before he takes her hand and presents her to this, her new family. Nuvran takes her hand, slides on a signet ring for their house on her index finger, and leaves a chaste kiss on the back of it, she returns the gesture with a low curtsy.
Dahlia approaches next, with a smile so bright Lazuli finds it impossible that it should grow when their eyes meet, despite it doing just that. Once they have bowed to one another, the older woman wraps the traditional scarf around Laz's waist, before straightening up to kiss both of her cheeks. After returning the gesture, Dahlia takes Lazuli's hand and presents her to Gorim, his eyes have grown misty since speaking, she bites back the bubbling laughter in her throat as a response. She's never seen him so overcome with emotion, never thought that he was capable of such a feat, yet here he is so in awe of her his eyes fight to contain their tears.
All of her prior nervousness settles into excitement as she locks eyes with him, her soon to be husband. He bows, she curtsies low to the ground, and she allows him to lead her back towards the shaperate. The sounds of noise makers and well wishes herald their journey, she leans closer to him when the crowd swells with excitement, he ever strong and sturdy by her side.
They arrive quickly, climbing the steps of the shaperate, where the Lord Shaper stands awaiting their arrival a smile pleasantly stretched across his face. Once they stand before him he asks, "Who am I presented on this day?"
"Gorim Saelac."
"Lazuli Aeducan."
"And what is your intention?" He asks merely for legality sake, and the humor in his tone is not lost on either of them.
"Marriage." They say in unison.
"Have your families consented to this union?"
"They have."
The Lord Shaper winks at them as he pulls out the marriage document and places it before them. "Should you choose to sign this document, you swear fealty to one another. You pledge your lives, your love, and your sacred honor. If these terms are agreeable, bind yourselves together before these many witnesses."
Gorim signs first, as is the custom, and then Lazuli, her script much neater and flourished than his. She hears him chuckle at the sight of it, upon her returning the quill pen.
"It is my great honor to announce these two married. May the Ancestors smile upon their union and bless them with many happy and prosperous years."
If it were possible for the throng to grow any louder, they do so, congratulation and well wishes sent up so far, the sky could open up before them and no one would be surprised. Gorim takes his bride by the waist and places a kiss on her lips, as the two of them nearly go deaf. Then they clasp hands and walk back towards their families, a flurry of excited squeals and celebratory wishes fly all around them, as Dahlia hugs Lazuli and Bhelen shakes Gorim's hand. Endrin stands with Nuvran glancing at one another with bittersweet smiles and small bouts of chuckling, until their children approach them. Laz let's Nuvran engulf her in a hug so tight he lifts her off the floor, while Endrin issues mild threats to Gorim.
Once their families have received them, they are presented to the noble houses of the Assembly, every dysher approaches with their approval of the union. The first is Lord Harrowmont, then Lord Dace, Lady Helmi, and Lord Meino. So, on and so on, until all of the major noble houses have cycled through, and the couple is led to the Royal Palace, wherein the banquet of fine foods is served. They are the last to arrive and first to be seated, many of the nobles have taken this time, while the couple was receiving nobles, to negotiate and gossip. Weddings are an ideal time to play at politics, with everyone present, fattened with food and drink.
By the time the feast is over, the nightly festivities have already begun, music and drinking abound. Lazuli easily spots several Noble Hunters begin their attempts to schmooze the nobility, but doesn't allow their presence to dampen her mood as she and Gorim initiate their first dance. Nobles attempting to give the couple space enough to dance push back until squished enough to provide them room, their music begins an ancient ballad dating back to the old days of the empire.
Laz smiles brilliantly at Gorim as he takes her in his arms and does his best attempt at the traditional dance. Lifting her up and twirling her as the song swells and falls in rhythm, she thinks he's perfect and once the song has ended she takes his lips with hers. And thus, the dancing begins, as is the custom she takes a whirl with both her brother and her father, then Gorim's father and brothers before any noble can claim her for a dance.
Gorim stands to the side, still blushing and terribly embarrassed by his own spin around the dance floor, instead he drinks with several of his friends, all wishing him well for the night to come. Just as Laz is about to approach him, Lord Harrowmont asks for dance, to which she cannot rightly deny him.
"I have not seen such jubilation since Lord Dougland's son got married last year." He comments as the song begins.
"Nor I in recent memory. I am very fortunate."
"Yes, very. How is your health, Lazuli? Your father is quite worried with all the commotion you may suffer another spell."
"I am very well actually thank you for your concern." She says so with a sharpness to her tone, all day she has avoided thoughts of her affliction. Afraid that the very mention of it would send her into a vicious attack.
"I am happy to hear it, my lady."
"I am glad that my father's health has held up during today's festivities myself."
"As am I, that is precisely what I intended to speak to you about." He says so firmly.
"Oh?"
"Yes, I believe your brother may have something to do with your father's failing health."
She would not be surprised either, only for some reason she feels the need to mention. "My father is not a young man, my lord. And he has suffered great losses as of late, it is no wonder he has begun to decline."
"Yes, a perfect distraction if you ask me." He says with a glimmer in his eye. "The people are talking, ecstatic to see you in such good spirits, and with your sanity intact. While it is true others have made comments on your marriage partner, many are simply overjoyed by your appearance today."
"What are you saying?" She asks.
"I am saying that many are still convinced you are the rightful heir to the throne."
"No." She says firmly.
"You would make a fine queen, my lady."
"I do not wish to be a queen, I never have."
"The people want you, and if your people demand it, then your duty is first to them."
She bites down a snarl as she says, "Sir, I've no intention of ruling anybody, I ask you keep me out of your petty politics."
"Even if it means finding Caridin?" She nearly stalls at the mention of the name, but he continues. "I found your notes in the shaperate the other day, an excellent find you've made. Should your father meet his end, and you become queen, we could find him and his anvil."
She looks at him with awe, but finally manages to say. "Bhelen would slit my throat first."
"He might, but you are now married to his second."
"He does not care for relation."
"No but he may be at his most vulnerable. Do consider what I've said."
"I'm not certain I should." She says wearily as the song ends. The two bow to one another and go their separate ways, he back into the crowd, and she toward her new husband.
The night ends with little other ceremony, though she does manage to coerce Gorim into dancing with her a hand full more times. The final stage of the marriage ceremony starts at the door to their new home, decorated with written well wishes stuck every which way, garland strung about, and flowers stuck in every empty space until the front entrance is solid with rarities.
Gorim is presented with the ceremonial shoes, and she is given a pair as well. Gorim kneels before her as she takes off her original slippers, allowing him to help her into these new ones. She repeats the process for him, and the two are officially bound, with new shoes to enter their shared home and begin their shared lives. With this ceremony complete they seal their marriage with a kiss before departing into their new home.
"That was a very long day." Gorim chuckles the moment the door is closed behind them and they have wandered up to their bedroom. Their bedroom, Lazuli still can't believe that this is their life now, this home and this bed, all of it is theirs.
"It was, but it's still ours."
He smiles at her, grasping her jaw and taking her lips hungrily, the two lock in a kiss until he dares to pull back and ask, "How is-"
"Non-existent, as far as I am concerned. So come, let us take full advantage of the opportunity." She teases him lightly, practically begging for him to take her as his wife. Once given this consent he does as he's bid and the two lie together for the first time bound as one.