Chapter Eleven - The Wedding
Dragon Age 9:55
The Rose Gardens of the Royal Palace
Aedan thought about it, then reached for another glass of Gwaren Red and savored it slowly, relishing the taste of the wine on his tongue, the way it warmed him as it went down. There wouldn't be many bottles in the depths of the Deep Roads, and Alistair had cleaned out the royal wine cellars in honour of the occasion. The wine he was drinking had been laid down by Maric's grandfather, and it was a miracle it had survived both the Orlesian invasion and the Blight. Somehow that made it taste just a little bit better.
"You look lovely honey," he said, and gave Leliana's hand a squeeze. She was indeed. Leliana had put her hair up, was wearing a gorgeous off-the-shoulder dark blue satin dress with lace edging, and a huge sapphire hung on a fine silver chain around her neck. Aedan liked her in blue, it went with the colour of her hair very nicely.
"Thank you dear. Ooh, is that Gwaren Red? Hand it over please."
Aedan poured her a glass. Leliana pushed it away and took the rest of the bottle, and blew him a kiss. Aedan shook his head and settled for the glass.
He'd never exactly been a big fan of weddings. The first one he remembered going to was his brother Fergus's, way back when he was a lad. Being the snot-nosed little punk that he was he hadn't liked it much, being forced to dress up in itchy clothing and wait long hours in the chantry. Oriana had looked radiant though, and Aedan couldn't remember Fergus looking happier before then. Aedan spent a few moments wondering idly about the similarity in the names of the wives of the Cousland brothers.
"Teyrn Cousland, I am honoured and grateful that you have invited me to your daughter's wedding. May the Maker bless their union, and may their first child be a masculine child," said a lordly Arl, wearing an ornamental suit of armour.
"Thank you for your kind wishes...er..."
"Arl Brasi, your grace. Arl Luca Brasi."
"Ah yes of course."
"I wonder, your grace, if we could take a few minutes to discuss a certain piece of business about Warden incursions into my lands...?"
Aedan frowned. "What? No, my lord, not right now. Maybe later."
"As you wish, your grace," said the Arl, leaving the table.
Aedan turned to his wife, who had already finished the bottle of Gwaren Red and was calling for another.
"Why are all these guys besieging me with requests and asking for favours now? On the day of my daughter's wedding?"
Leliana's brow wrinkled in puzzlement. "I have absolutely no idea."
Aedan went back to considering all the other weddings he had attended. There weren't that many, not having many relatives. He'd been best man at Alistair and Anora's wedding of course, a smallish affair conducted hastily after the Battle for Denerim. Some of the buildings had still been on fire. He'd been there when Oghren had gotten hitched to Felsi, mostly to stop Oghren from losing his nerve and running away. Then there had been his own. Aedan had absolutely no doubt most of the older ladies and a number of Arls had gossiped behind his back when they'd boldly brought out little Rolann to be a guest at his own parents' wedding. But Leliana hadn't cared one bit that the rest of the guests thought she had gotten pregnant and given birth before she was married. She dandled Rolann on her knee, fed him bits of the wedding cake, and laughed along with him as he flung it everywhere. Aedan thought he'd already loved her with all his heart, but that gesture meant the world to him.
When the first twinges of the darkspawn corruption had begun affecting him, Aedan thought he'd never last long enough to see Aeryn get married, having given up Rolann for a lost cause and permanent bachelorhood. But he'd fought on, battling excruciating pain and the constant, never-ending nightmares that threatened to invade even his waking hours.
It had all been worth it. Aedan had never seen his daughter looking this beautiful and happy. She was beaming and talking non-stop to her friends, laughing at every joke and blushing prettily at some of the saucier comments. Leliana had helped her pick out an absolutely exquisite pure white wedding dress that showed off her slim yet muscled frame, and her long copper coloured tresses fell to the small of her back in fiery waves. She looked every inch the princess he'd always known she could be.
"She looks so beautiful, doesn't she?" said Leliana dreamily, rubbing Aedan's arm.
"Aye. You did a wonderful job dressing her up. Didn't she say she wanted to wear armour at her own wedding?"
"Aedan, she was seven."
"So she was."
A couple tables over Aeryn managed to out-chug one of her knights, who fell off his chair, unconscious from alcohol poisoning. She slammed her goblet on the table and wiped her mouth with her sleeve, to a rousing round of cheers.
"Of course, some things never change..."
"She gets it from your side of the family, you know."
Aedan closed his eyes for a moment, letting the gentle string music and the smell of the summer roses in the night air wash over him. The royal rose gardens were an inspired choice to hold the wedding. A team of men had worked on it for a month setting up the decorations, tables, tents and pavilions. A group of mages from the Circle Tower had been summoned, and commanded to ensure good weather for the day. Even after nervously explaining they had no control over the weather, Anora wouldn't take no for an answer. The mages must have done something right, because it was as balmy a summer night as anyone could hope for.
Big names had been invited, from all over Ferelden and Thedas. The absolute cream of high society. King Bhelen hadn't been able to attend, but he had sent a delegation of solemn, richly clad deshyr lords and ladies, looking dignified in their armour and clothing lined with real gold and other precious jewels. A number of Dalish Keepers had made the long trek from the Brecilian forest, the firelight reflecting intriguingly off their tattooed faces as they sipped wine and talked quietly among themselves. Aedan had recognised Lanaya, the young elf who had stepped up to lead her tribe after Zathrian had paid for his past crimes. She was doing rather well for herself, and her tribe had never been happier. A group of representatives from the City Elves were also there, including their magistrate, a quiet, soft-spoken old man. Almost every Arl and Bann was in attendance, as well as the Revered Mother of the High Chantry, the Senior Enchanters of the Circle Tower, the Knight-Commander of the Templars, and the Warden Commander Ser Wilder with a squad of his finest new recruits. Aedan had briefly shaken his hand and moved away, not wanting to talk to him if he could help it.
Then there were the nobles whom he had never seen before, dignitaries from Orlais, merchant princes from Antiva, warrior lords from Nevarra, and even a pair of Qunari from Par Vollen. Aedan made a mental note to speak to them, he intended to inquire after Sten, whom he had not seen since the Blight. It looked like the world had come to Denerim. A cunning and ruthless overlord could have attacked the wedding and taken over the world with little opposition, but security was extremely tight. Aedan had seen to it himself. And if an attack did occur, some of the deadliest fighters in the world were present. Aedan was certain he spotted the Guildmaster of the Antivan Crows, although the small, unassuming man had avoided eye contact. Maybe Zevran could confirm it for him, although the last he'd seen of Zevran the elf was naked in a fountain surrounded by three giggling young women.
The ceremony had started precisely at noon, while the sun was high in the sky. The guests had assembled in neat rows in the garden, the families of the bride and groom seated at the front, where Duncan was waiting with the Revered Mother of Denerim's Grand Chantry. Aedan's closest friends and comrades were also accorded places of honour, Zevran wearing an elegant tailored suit and an easy smile, Oghren with what suspiciously looked like tears welling up in his eyes. He'd wished that Wynne and Sten and Shale could have been there too, but fate had decreed otherwise.
The Crown Prince was dressed in cloth of gold, matching the golden hair that touched his shoulders. The sunlight made his hair shine, and it glinted off the hilt of his sword in its golden scabbard, a gift from his father. The overall effect was quite dazzling. He looked a little nervous, but that was understandable. Aedan vividly recalled getting jittery on his own wedding day.
Aedan was dressed in a simple grey tunic, no armour, no weapons and he couldn't remember the last time that had happened. Finally Aeryn emerged from the tent in which she had undergone some last-minute touch ups. Her head was veiled in fine white lace, and the train of her gown rustled on the grass. The sight of her took his breath away, and Aeryn saw him beaming his secret smile, the one only she ever got to see.
"Oh my dear girl...if only you could see yourself now. You look every bit as beautiful as your mother on her wedding day," said Aedan, holding her hands and kissing her on the forehead, careful not to crush the lace. "Are you ready?"
"Yes father," she said, taking his arm.
"This is the proudest moment of my life," whispered Aedan. "And yet it's a touch melancholy as well. You're no longer just my little girl, you're a woman grown, wife to a prince and mother to be of the future kings and queens of the country. All my life I've dreamed of making this come true for you, Aeryn."
"Thank you father," she whispered back, as they began to walk past the rows of guests. "I'm so glad you're able to give me away here today."
"I wouldn't have missed it for anything." They reached the front of the aisle, where Duncan stood waiting. Aedan let go of his daughter and sat down beside Leliana. He couldn't help it, and wept quietly as the Revered Mother intoned the words of the service. When Duncan and Aeryn had recited their vows in the sight of the Maker and he raised her veil to give her their first kiss as husband and wife, the cheers that erupted were deafening, and sparked a celebration that had lasted for hours. The sun had set, and rack after rack of torches were lit, and still it went on. Aedan couldn't remember having shaken so many hands and drunk so much wine since the victory celebrations after the Battle of Denerim.
Duncan and Aeryn had the first dance, to beautiful string music performed by the best bards and minstrels money could hire. Then Aedan had stood up and danced with his daughter. He hadn't done it in a long while, but it came to him easily as the guests looked on. They'd done their own dance of sorts before many times, sword drills in the courtyard of Castle Cousland mostly, and this was little different. Then Aeryn had danced with the king, and Aedan with Leliana, and the rest of the guests who felt like it were invited to join. Feeling a little out of breath, he took her hand and returned to their table.
Rolann came up to join them at their table. Despite Leliana's most withering glare he'd persisted in wearing his somber black robes again, although they were his best ones, picked out in silver patterns. He'd made an effort to brush his hair and looked very handsome indeed. Aedan had noticed more than one young woman surreptitiously eyeing him as he'd mingled with the assorted guests.
"Father, mother. May I join you?"
"Of course dear. Take a seat." Leliana moved one place over, and Rolann sat down between the pair of them.
"Enjoying the party, Ro?" asked Aedan.
"Huh? Oh yes, it's been very interesting. All these people!"
"I've seen a few girls giving you the 'come hither' look," teased Leliana. "Wouldn't you rather be talking to them? Your brother's made quite the head start, although I'm pleased Bann Erin's had the sense to keep him firmly under her thumb."
Leliana quite liked Bann Erin, a cute young woman with pretty blonde hair, yet who was about the furthest thing you could get from a vacuous airhead. She ruled her lands with an iron fist and had a reputation for being an intelligent and eloquent debater. Aedan decided he liked her too. Darien had his fair share of fun, but it was time for him to get to grips with an actual relationship.
"No mother, not really. This is Aeryn's night. I just want to let her have the best time of her life."
"Talking to a girl or two won't ruin Aeryn's wedding lad," said Aedan. A thought occurred to him. "You're not...you wouldn't be...you do like girls, don't you?"
"Aedan Cousland!" snapped Leliana at once. "That is absolutely none of your business, and even if our son happens to like boys you will accept that and love him just the same, do I make myself clear? We're in the Dragon Age now, for heavens' sake. What Age are you living in?"
"Of course I won't hate him or anything, Maker's beard Leliana, what kind of man do you take me for?" said Aedan defensively, looking askance at his wife.
"Well there was that business with Zevran - "
"That elf laid a hand on my...nether regions. Without asking! Anyone would have punched him in the face!"
"Father! That's not what this is about. I'm not...I mean I do like...girls. But thank you anyway," said Rolann quickly. A couple of the guests were glancing in their direction.
"You're welcome dear," said Leliana, holding his hand.
"I just don't feel much like socializing now, that's all," went on Rolann. "Maybe later."
"Speech! Aedan, it's time for your speech!" called Alistair from somewhere near the centre of the garden. His face was red with wine and good cheer.
"Hope I don't make an ass of myself," said Aedan, standing up.
"Even if you do, you have had a lot of practise," said Leliana automatically. Aedan kissed her cheek and went to join Alistair, to general applause. Those who hadn't passed out drunk or were engaged in serious conversation were looking at him expectantly. Aedan coughed, a little self-consciously. He'd made his fair share of speeches over the years, but they were mostly soldier's speeches. He doubted this crowd would appreciate a loud shout of "Let's kick arse so hard their children will feel it!"
He looked at his daughter and her husband, who were holding hands at their table and whispering to each other. They looked so happy together and comfortable with each other. His heart went out to them, and he found the words necessary to express what he was feeling.
"My lords and ladies, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being in attendance tonight. I know you have travelled great distances to honour the king and myself, our children, and our families. I am humbled, honoured, and extremely grateful for your presence."
The crowd murmured appreciatively.
"This is at once the happiest and saddest time in a father's life. For those of you with daughters, no explanation is necessary. For those of you without, no explanation can suffice. Aeryn is now the wife of the Crown Prince Duncan, a good lad and a credit to his parents. I wish them every happiness that life has to offer. May the Maker bless and protect them both. Thank you."
Aedan bowed to general applause, and was pulled aside by Alistair.
"Lovely speech."
"Thanks. What's all this then?"
"I need to have a word. Away from the missus."
"Mine or yours?"
"Both, really."
"What about all the guests?"
"I'm sure no one will notice if the King of Ferelden and his Teyrn of Highever sneak off for a quiet smoke in the bushes."
"That's absolute rubbish, I quit years ago."
"Not even for Antivan cigars?" said Alistair, winking. Aedan felt his mouth go dry. A genuine Antivan cigar? He hadn't had one in years, not since Leliana was pregnant for the first time and given all of his away, even his secret stash that he thought no one knew about.
"Well...maybe just the one," said Aedan. Alistair laughed and led him back to the palace.
"Sweet Andraste's arse, this is bloody marvellous!" said Aedan, blowing a smoke ring.
"Good eh?" said Alistair with some satisfaction, puffing on his. "The wife doesn't like them, but Zev got some for me. It'd be a crime not to mark the day's occasion with one of these."
"It was no trouble," said the elf modestly, his lit cigar dangling from his fingers. "A little gold, a few whispered words, perhaps a flash of my dagger...and my good friend the King of Ferelden can celebrate his son's wedding in luxury."
"Bet that wasn't all you flashed," said Oghren, stubbing his cigar out and lighting a new one. "Hur hur hur."
"My dear Oghren, if you wanted to see more you only need to ask."
"Maker, not this crap again," muttered Aedan. Zevran laughed and took a long drag on his cigar.
The four of them were on a palace balcony overlooking the gardens. From their vantage point it looked like some kind of beautiful, ethereal dream, the torchlight illuminating flashes of colour as soft music mixed with the low buzz of constant chatter. Aedan was enjoying more than his cigar. It had been some time since the four of them had gotten together, and they'd just finished a long catch up session on the respective state of their lives.
"Felsi's been moaning at me to come back home more often," said Oghren to the room in general. "Little Ayden's grown into a big strapping lad now. I heard he went a few rounds in the Proving Grounds and even won a couple of them. Takes after his old man."
"You should send for him," said Alistair. "I could give him a place at court if he likes."
"Nah I think he needs a few more years in Orzammar," said Oghren. "But thanks. I'm sure Felsi would like that."
"Funny thing," mused Zevran. "I appear to be the only man in the room who isn't a Grey Warden. I will never understand the Ferelden fascination with you people. In Antiva they are largely ignored."
"Speaking of which, it's the reason why I wanted to talk to you," said Alistair. "The Grey Warden issue."
"What Warden issue?" asked Aedan, frowning. Then a thought struck him and his mouth fell open. "Oh no. No way. It can't be!"
"I'm afraid so," said Alistair sadly. "The nightmares have returned, and they've gotten worse. I sometimes feel the urge to...nevermind. Enough to say that it's not pleasant. And there's a terrible, uneasy sensation right beneath my very skin. It's like an itch that can't be scratch, as if something's trying to get out."
Aedan felt his blood run cold. What Alistair had described were the very same symptoms he had been experiencing for a few weeks. The taint had at long last taken him too.
"Alistair...not now. Not you. Please."
"I don't think I have much of a choice," said Alistair gently. "Remember, I've been a Warden longer than you have. It was inevitable, really. And when I heard you were planning to go to the Deep Roads...well, what better way to die then at the side of my best friend?"
"I can think of several," said Zevran. "Being crushed by an elephant at the moment of orgasm during a threesome, alcohol poisoning after consuming the wine collection of the Empress of Orlais, after having sex with the wife of your most hated enemy..."
But Aedan knew beneath his offhand demeanour, Zevran was affected by this piece of news. He looked worried and had put out his cigar.
"You know," said Oghren, ignoring Zevran. "If you two are talking about charging headlong into the Deep Roads, I'm going with you. I'm getting too old. Some days I pass out after drinking two barrels of ale. It's pathetic. I'd rather die swinging at some darkspawn bastard than in my bed."
"My friends," said Zevran. "All this talk of death at a wedding is highly inauspicious."
"Zev, you're a professional assassin," Aedan said. "I wouldn't think you'd be bothered by it."
"You know, I'm glad I never joined that order," said the elf. "I intend not to die for many years yet."
"I'm counting on it," said Alistair. "I tried to teach my son everything he needs to know, but he is going to need help. Please, Zevran. Will you watch over my son and Aedan's daughter when we're gone?"
"As I've said, I do not like this talk of death..." muttered Zevran.
"I'd march into those roads much easier knowing you're helping to protect my daughter," said Aedan. "Those kids need the best, Zev. That's you. We've been friends and comrades and fought and killed side by side together for so long. Will you do us this last favour?"
Zevran's lip trembled, and he blinked his eyes rather quickly. "It would be an honour," he said at last. Aedan smiled and embraced him.
Alistair clapped Oghren on the shoulder. "What about you, Oghren? Have you felt the taint as well?"
"Not me," he said.
"Then why - " began Aedan, but Oghren silenced him with a raised hand.
"I signed my own death warrant when I choked down that foul muck of a initiation drink. Sooner or later I'm going to bite it. Like I said, I'm getting older. If I let you two go off into the Roads without me to stop you from falling into some chasm without killing a single darkspawn I'll never forgive myself."
"What about Felsi and Ayden?" asked Alistair.
"Felsi will understand. I hope," said Oghren. "As for my boy...well, I've managed not to piss away all of my money. Got more than enough to set him and his mother up for the rest of their lives. He's a good boy. I want him to know his father died a hero."
"You're already a hero, you old sod," said Aedan affectionately. He was very much touched by Oghren's decision, and Alistair's as well. He'd been contemplating a lonely solo affair in the darkness, killing a few 'spawn before dying. Now with his old friends beside him once more, at least he wouldn't be alone when it happened. And they'd take out a hell of a lot more darkspawn.
"Thanks Cousland," said Oghren gruffly. "Stone, I don't want to think what our wives are going to say."
They fell silent for a little while, imagining the horrors. Zevran chuckled.
"That is why gentlemen I never even thought about getting married. Or having children, for that matter."
"You can't pull that one on me elf, I'd bet me axe there's a trail of little pointy eared buggers from here to Antiva."
"If so, they've never bothered me. Unlike what your wives are about to do."
"Leli already knows," said Aedan, shrugging. "It wasn't easy, but she came to terms with it."
"Anora doesn't," groaned Alistair. "She's not stupid, she suspects something, but I haven't told her exactly what. It's going to be a hell of a conversation."
"Felsi's just going to have to accept it," declared Oghren.
"Do you really believe she'll just nod her head and smile?"
"...yes."
"Try again Oghren, you didn't sound quite so sure of yourself that time," needled Zevran.
"You know Alistair, you have to make sure you declare the inheritance openly. It's really important. Otherwise Ferelden might have another flare-up of some idiot noble trying to take over the throne."
"Yes, I've thought about that," said Alistair. "Anora will rule as Queen. This will give Duncan and Aeryn plenty of time to observe the proceedings of court without being too actively involved. I hope this will be the best way to prepare them for their eventual futures."
"Sounds like a plan, mate," said Aedan. He looked at all of his friends. "Fellas...I'm really grateful you're doing this with me. All of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"No more wine for Cousland, he's getting sappy," said Oghren, reaching for the last cigar. Quick as a cat Aedan snatched it away and lit it up himself.
"You are quite welcome, Aedan," said Zevran, bowing. "I served the elder and it was the best decision I have ever made. I will serve the younger as best I can."
"Code of Brothers-in-arms," said Alistair. "We came into the Wardens together, more or less. Seems right we should leave it together as well." Aedan gave him a hug, quite unashamedly.
"What say we return to the party?" suggested Zevran. "They can't have finished all the wine."
Feeling better than he had in a long time, Aedan followed his friends back to the gardens.
It had been a long, tiring journey from Denerim all the way to the foot of the Frostbacks. Although the presence of the royal family as well as the Teyrn's meant that security was paramount and they never lacked for any material comfort, it was a gruelling journey nonetheless. Travelling to the Frostbacks meant riding across the breadth of the country, across the Bannorn. It was pleasant, Aedan supposed, to stop and feast at a different Arling every night. Still, he was getting a little tired of the rich foods as each Arl and Arlessa tried to outdo the last. Aedan mostly spent his time speaking to the local nobles and officials and got them to pledge their loyalty and fealty to Duncan and Aeryn.
The court had taken Alistair's announcement with much sorrow. During his years as monarch Alistair had grown into a strong and just king, tempering Anora's efficient but harsh policies with his sense of mercy and reason. So much so it was openly said in the winesinks and marketplaces that the Blight had been a small price to pay for the coronation of both Alistair and Anora. After all, the darkspawn had only burned down the city and slaughtered a lot of people. It wasn't as though it had never happened before.
Alistair had made it clear that Anora would continue to rule as Queen, which went a long way to dispelling her protests over his decision. Even though Duncan had come of age, he had readily agreed to allow his mother to continue ruling while he waited and observed. Alistair had been greatly relieved, but the part of Aedan's brain that would always remain a cynical suspicious bastard wondered if the boy would ever be ready for the responsibility of ruling Ferelden.
His children were old enough and wise enough to realise their parents would appreciate time alone together, and Aedan was mostly spending his days with Leliana. They either rode together or remained within their cabin, talking about all the things they had seen and done, or enjoying the closeness of each other's bodies and saying very little at all.
Aedan knew the instant the travelling party had arrived at the Frostbacks. The air was sharp, cold and clear here, and the wind never ceased its endless dance. There was always the noise of the rustling of the treetops everywhere they went. Aedan had not been to the Frostbacks since venturing within to find Rolann, yet he still recalled every single thing about the place as if it was yesterday.
Alistair had called for a halt to the march. Orzammar was mere hours away, but the sun had set and it was too dark to see the winding mountain path. He bade the men make camp in a forest clearing and continue the journey tomorrow. Aedan had retired early, after a cup of hot spiced wine with the king. Leliana drowsed in his arms, tired out after their lovemaking. Aedan had stayed awake long enough to stroke her hair and kiss her brow before falling asleep himself.
He was having a pleasant dream for once, instead of the usual horror-filled nightmares. He knew it was a dream because he was back in Castle Cousland with Leliana, but his father and brother and Fergus and his family were all there as well. Even Rolann, Aeryn and Darien were present, all grown up. They were eating dinner in the big hall he remembered so well from his childhood, and everybody was talking and laughing.
"So Aedan didn't take the Blood mage's offer to use the life of Lady Isolde to perform the ritual?" asked Eleanor, her hand on her mouth. His mother looked like how he remembered her best; regal and stately, but always exuberant and ready for a laugh.
"No," said Leliana. "He insisted we make the trip all the way to the Circle Tower. What was it you said darling?"
"I just didn't want Eamon to wake up and find out his wife had died," said Aedan. "Not if there was something I could do about it."
"But when you got there, you found the Tower held more than you bargained for, eh?" asked Fergus, squeezing Oriana's hand. His brother's face was unlined, there wasn't a trace of grey in his hair, and there was a calm and peace about him that he had lost ever since the night of Arl Howe's treachery. Even though it was a mere dream, Aedan was pleased he could see his brother in the company of the family he had lost.
"Yes!" said Leli excitedly. "Horrible abominations roaming the halls and corridors, the mages running for their lives. It was terrible! But we arrived just in time. Ah, if Aedan had not set off for the Tower we would have been too late to save the Circle."
"Good thing you did, mom," said Rolann, raising his goblet in salute. "Otherwise I wouldn't be a Senior Enchanter by now." His son looked every bit the mage with his wild hair and black robes.
"You see, son?" said Bryce, his eyes alight with pride. "Doing the right thing may have consequences you might never expect. It will never be the easiest course of action, but it will be the one that changes many lives for the better."
Even though he had held the title for twenty years now, Aedan would always think of his father as the Teyrn Cousland of Highever. Bryce was how Aedan remembered him, hale and hearty to the last, his large coarse warrior's hands manipulating the fine silver cutlery with surprising deftness. He kept a neat goatee which Aedan had emulated, and was dressed in a fine yellow tunic that Eleanor had made herself.
"I know father," said Aedan. "I'll never forget what you taught me."
"Leliana dear, Fergus tells me you're an amazing bard," said Oriana. "You simply must sing for us after dinner." Aedan had only known Oriana for a few years, a kind, gentle woman with charming manners. He had resented her at the time for taking his big brother away from him, yet as he grew older he had come to appreciate how foolish that was. One of the regrets he harboured was that Leliana never had the chance to meet her, although they were making up for lost time now.
"Mom not only sings, she plays instruments and kills bad guys," said Darien, grinning. He was clad in the simple garments that he wore on the day Aedan sent him off to serve as a squire under Arl Connor of Redcliffe. His youngest son had only been a middling swordsman, but he bested all comers with the bow and had been by all accounts a most diligent and polite young man. Aedan had never been prouder.
Leliana patted him on the arm. "I'd be delighted to," she replied to Oriana.
"Aeryn my dear girl, what's this I hear about you beating Ser Gilmore in single combat?" asked Bryce of his granddaughter. Aeryn's cheeks flamed with colour. Aedan noted without surprise that she was still in her wedding gown, gloves, silk train, flowers in her hair. He supposed he was so delighted at seeing her getting married his brain wanted to preserve the image for a little while longer.
"It was nothing," she muttered. "Only a sparring match, and with blunted swords at that."
"My captain of the guard beaten by my fair granddaughter," said Bryce, shaking his head. "The girl takes after you Aedan."
"Stop it, Bryce," chided Eleanor. "I happen to think it's wonderful. As you may recall I wasn't a frail flower myself when you married me."
"Not an Orlesian wallflower at that," said Leliana quickly, and Eleanor laughed.
"Leliana dear, I must say you have completely changed my views of Orlesians. Aedan, you are very lucky to have found her."
"I know mother," said Aedan, smiling at Leliana.
"Son, could I have a word with you, in private?" asked Bryce.
"Sure father," said Aedan, standing up and leaving the room with his father. Behind him, Rolann and Darien were playing with Oren.
"And if I do this...look at that, your toy knight can float around!" said Rolann, demonstrating. Oren whooped and clapped enthusiastically. The little boy's life had been tragically cut short by a Howe guardsman's blade, yet Aedan had avenged his life tenfold. Only concern for his mother had prevented him from trying to kill all of Howe's men single handedly. Oren had been a playful child, always asking Aedan to teach him how to swing a sword or the best way of hiding stray kittens from his mother. Aedan knew that he was in a better place, but he still recalled the taste of true despair when he had flung open Fergus's chamber door on that night.
"That's nothing little cuz," said Darien dismissively. "Look at what I've got for you...genuine sword of truthiness, that is." Oren immediately hurried over and grasped it.
"Wow. That is awesome!"
"Be careful dear," called Oriana nervously. Darien waved at her.
"Don't worry Aunt Ori, I'll make sure he doesn't hurt himself."
"Is that...it is! Darien you jackass, you gave Oren my sword!" yelled Aeryn suddenly. Darien fell over in his chair scrambling to get away, with Aeryn in hot pursuit. Bryce laughed as he led Aedan out into the ante chamber. It was quieter here, with a window that afforded a splendid view of the castle grounds. Bryce went over to it and looked out appreciatively.
"This was my home for many years...I've always wanted to give it to my family. Alas, my mistake was trusting a man who should not have been trusted."
"No one blames you father," said Aedan.
Bryce didn't reply for a while. Then he sighed. "Sometimes I blame myself. Poor Fergus...he never really was the same after Oriana and Oren were murdered, was he?"
"No father," said Aedan. "He ruled for many years with strength and wisdom, but the spark of the old Fergus was gone. He never took another wife. But he was a Teyrn you would have been proud of."
"As you are, my boy," said Bryce, placing a hand on Aedan's arm. "I'm very happy you found a good woman and settled down. You really love her, don't you? And she clearly loves you. Not many men or women can truthfully say that about their spouses. The pair of you have done a magnificent job with Highever. What wouldn't I give to walk its streets once more."
Aedan wasn't surprised Bryce knew all this. It was his dream, and it made sense that everyone would know what he knew.
"I tried to do my best," said Aedan.
"I know, lad," said Bryce. "We can only hope your children do the same. And I have no doubt they will."
"They're good kids," said Aedan. "The best, really. I'm so proud of them, all of them. I love them so much."
"Now you know how I feel," said Bryce. He looked a little wistful. "I'll be seeing you soon lad, you know that. A little sooner than I would have liked, in truth. I wanted you to have more time with your family."
"So do I, but my fate was written down. You wanted me to become a Warden, father. You made all this possible. If not, I never would have met Leli."
"Yes that's true," said Bryce, rubbing his chin.
"I never got to thank you for that, father," said Aedan. "Leli...she's amazing, she really is. She's a wonderful mother, and my best friend. I wouldn't have been able to do half the things I did if it wasn't for her by my side."
"Tell her that then. Make her see there is still much she has to do in the world of the living," urged Bryce. "She will want to come with you. You know this. She loves you as much as you love her, and she cannot contemplate living on while you are gone. Very much like Eleanor, in fact. But you know she is needed elsewhere. Aeryn and Rolann...even Darien. Great challenges and dark times lie ahead in their futures. Your children need their mother now more than ever."
"Why father? What's going to happen?" asked Aedan fearfully.
"I can't tell you," said Bryce regretfully. "All I can see is there will be a period of great strife in the land once more. And our family will be integral to this struggle, as it has been in the past."
"Oh that's just great. Is this all just happening in my head?" asked Aedan exasperatedly. "Or is this real?"
Bryce laughed. "Of course this is taking place in your head, lad. But why on Earth should that mean it can't be real?"