Highever
A week later, Nathaniel and a group of Wardens broke through the tree line on top of the slopes adjacent to Highever Castle. The town lay in the valley below, bathed in sunshine. The castle sat on the opposite hill and Nathaniel could clearly see the scars its walls bore from his father's attack. New stone mixed with old, and some of the turrets were new altogether. His mind's eye could envision what a mess her home had been and again he felt a flare of anger towards his dead father.
They entered the town through its east gate and Nathaniel led the party through to the larger of the two Inns. Fergus had made arrangements for most of the Wardens to stay in the town as the castle would have its fair share of noble guests. Nathaniel dismounted and the others followed suit. Oghren mostly tumbled off, much to Anders' amusement. Even Varel cracked a smile.
Nathaniel entered the inn and walked through the taproom. Many people turned to watch him walk through, some saying 'hello'. He had prepared himself for the townsfolk to be less than friendly to him, but he was heartened at the idea he may have been wrong.
He spoke with the innkeeper informing him of the arriving guests. All was as it should be, and he left the inn to give Varel everything he would need to take charge of those staying there. Nathaniel noticed that an older man sat in a chair at the edge of the courtyard, watching him intently. After finalizing things, he mounted to depart for the castle, passing the man as he went.
"Aren't you little Nate Howe?" he said.
"Yes sir, I am."
"You remember me, son? I used to be the blacksmith, taught you how to shape arrowheads one summer, been a long time ago, now."
"Mister Goring?" Nathaniel came off his horse and extended his hand. Mr. Goring shook it.
"So you do remember," he watched Nathaniel for a moment smiling. "Forgive my lack of manners, for not standing, but I'm old."
Nathaniel smiled, "No apology necessary sir, I have no title to rise to."
Mr. Goring looked at him and nodded. "I know. Your father caused a lot of hurt here, son. It's been a hard year for Highever."
"Yes sir, I am most sorry for it."
"Well, you didn't do it, heard none of the Howe children knew about it. Is it true that your brother, Tommy, died?" he asked.
"Yes sir, in the Battle of Denerim."
"Sorry to hear that, he was a good boy." he shook his head sadly. "So were you. Things have changed, but I wanted to stop you, tell you hello. I was happy to hear that our girl, excuse me, our lady" he smiled, "was marrying you. You two were always a pair, never far apart."
Nathaniel spent a few more minutes visiting and then excused himself, shaking the old Blacksmith's hand and bid him goodbye.
A short ride later, Nathaniel entered the outer courtyard of Highever Castle. The guard hurried down the steps and took his horse's reins, calling to a groom. Nathaniel greeted him and bound up the steps where he met Fergus's seneschal, Ser Hugh Tyburn.
Ser Tyburn escorted Nathaniel through the keep and explained that Fergus was in meetings and that Lady Cousland was in her quarters, with his sister, Delilah, who had arrived with her husband, Albert the day before. He sent a page off to retrieve her. Ser Tyburn ensured that Nathaniel was comfortable and then left him alone.
Nathaniel looked carefully at the hall. Had he not been here so many times it would be hard for him to discern the repairs from the original building. It was clear that the destruction had been massive. Fergus had done a remarkable job in restoring his home.
The side entrance swung open, and Juliette hurried through followed by his slightly rounded sister, Delilah. Juliette smiled widely as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her in hello. Delilah then hugged Nathaniel close.
"You have grown, sister." Nathaniel commented, his hand on her pregnant belly.
"Not I, brother, but your nephew," laughing as she patted her stomach, "or niece, we shall see."
Juliette apprised Nathaniel of the final details. He was pleased to hear that most guests had arrived and things were on schedule. Tomorrow could not come soon enough for him.
Fergus entered the hall a bit later and clasped Nathaniel's hand. Nathaniel offered his praise to Fergus's workers as they walked through the castle, discussing the repairs. Nathaniel was introduced to many of the guests, finding that he was more familiar with the visitors than he had expected. Fergus informed Nathaniel that the king would not be attending. Arl Eamon and his wife Isolde had arrived the day before with the king's gifts - two beautifully paired horses and matching inlaid saddles.
The afternoon went quickly, allowing Nathaniel little time to speak with Juliette. Finally, after the dinner served, and many toasts given, the family and friends said their goodnights. Nathaniel walked with Juliette to her room, alone with her for the first time since his arrival.
"I have something for you." Nathaniel told her and she looked to see he had a small package in his hands.
She bit her lip and smiled at him. "What is it?"
"A gift for my wife," he answered, placing it into her hands.
"So I have to wait to open it then?" she pouted slightly.
"No, I won't tell if you don't," he teased and she smiled at him before tearing the ribbon from the package. She quickly unwound the fabric and looked at the leather bound book. She opened it to see it was full of maps and charts.
"This is so detailed, what is it?"
"A book of star charts," Nathaniel explained. "It outlays the positions of the moons, stars, and planets depending on where we are in Thedas."
Her hand ran slowly over the intricate pages, reading the descriptions. "It's beautiful," she said.
"I thought," he said, "that if I will be spending the rest of my evenings on roof tops and battlements, this may prove handy."
Juliette closed the book and looked up at him. Truly, this man was more than she could ever have asked for. She stepped onto her tiptoes and leaned against him, kissing him softly. "I cannot thank you enough. It's perfect," she said. "I love you."
He smiled and kissed her again. They had reached her door.
"This, Jules, is the very last time I will leave you at your door," he said, and kissed her gently.
"Thank the Maker." she smiled against his lips.
Nathaniel laughed as he kissed her and watched as her door closed before he took himself off to bed.
xXx
The next day began early for everyone. The castle was fairly teeming with servants and pages. The kitchens were in full swing, and maids ran about arranging flowers and hanging garlands of Highever blooms on anything that would hold them.
Nathaniel, Fergus, and the other men spent the morning in the training area, watching the guard put on fighting displays and observing sparring matches. The women had the morning to prepare themselves for the afternoon wedding.
As the hour approached, Juliette and Delilah sat in her childhood bedroom, their heads together, as they went through the chest Juliette's mother, Eleanor, had left her. It was a treasure trove of fabrics and notes. Juliette had opened the trunk upon her arrival, realizing with despair the fabric had been chosen by her mother for Juliette's wedding gown, and there was not enough time to fulfill her mother's wish. Her saving grace had been finding her mother's own wedding dress at the bottom of the trunk, carefully wrapped in tissues. It was out of style but it was a whole dress, which was much easier to update and alter than starting something from scratch.
The dress was on the dress-maker's dummy, its beautiful stitching restored, the bodice and sleeves updated, and its modest train freshened and pressed.
A maid, Sarah, entered the room carrying a bucket of hot coals with several wooden-handled iron rods plungedinto its center. Juliette laughed and reminisced with Delilah, while her maid wound her long auburn locks around the rods, creating soft, wavy ringlets. Sarah bound her hair halfway at Juliette's crown, allowing the curls fall long and loose across her shoulders and upper back. Isolde arrived with fresh flowers, the tiny blooms worked into her hair, and finally it was time to put on the dress.
Fergus met Juliette in the main gallery of the family apartments and smiled at her. Offering his arm to her, she took it and he gently kissed her cheek.
"You are breathtaking Juliette, truly," he told her quietly. "The dress turned out very well. Mother would have liked it very much." He began to lead her out of the family wing. "I know we never discussed it, but Father had set aside a considerable dowry for you. Nathaniel will need to sign the paperwork after the vows."
Juliette nodded understanding. "What is considerable?" she asked.
"Ten thousand sovereigns and a small estate just south of the River Dane. It was left over from mother's dowry, the estate, I mean. I have no idea of its condition."
Juliette laughed. "So ends the penniless argument."
Fergus had the decency to blush.
Fifteen minutes later Delilah entered the Chantry and the doors closed behind her. Nathaniel was waiting at the front with the Revered Mother, with Arl Eamon standing at his side to represent the king.
The doors parted and the musicians played an old Highever love song, Bryce's favorite, and Fergus brought Juliette to Nathaniel. Quietly, and with joy, the two followed the Revered Mother's directions and made their vows. Soon, they were married and the Revered Mother blessed the entire gathering.
As the Revered Mother dismissed the gathered guests, Juliette wound her arms around his neck, pulling him into a kiss.
"You look absolutely stunning, Jules," he whispered to her. They kissed again to resounding applause.
They laughed and followed the crowd to the main hall. As the wedded couple, they sat at the high table. Fergus, Arl Eamon, and Isolde were at Juliette's left, and Delilah and her husband Albert to Nathaniel's right. The tables fanned out from theirs, in order of rank or title. The wedding feast began and the guests served. Juliette saw that the outer courtyard had tables out as well.
Fergus rose and formally introduced his new brother in law and sister, offering a childhood story and a toast. Cheers filled the hall and the guests began to eat and drink. Soon the wedding party had finished, and the Teyrn gave the word to his men to open the castle courtyard gates, allowing all the people of Highever to enter.
Musicians piped up, and several large kegs of ale and wine were rolled up from the cellars. Laughter filled the air and Nathaniel took Juliette by the hand, leading her to the courtyard as the Teyrn of Highever again announced his sister's marriage and introduced Nathaniel as his brother. The musicians began an old song and Nathaniel and Juliette led the first dance. The crowd cheered as he lifted her high, and all were welcomed to join in.
Well wishes abounded as the celebration went on. So many of the town folk remembered Nathaniel, and he was happy to see no apparent distrust of him. The people of Highever were as generous as ever. As evening fell, the castle was aglow with candle and lamplight. Lanterns strung on poles illuminated the courtyard where people still danced, drank, and sang.
Juliette had her arm looped through Fergus's, laughing as she watched Nathaniel dance with Delilah. He was being so careful with her that the dance descended from graceful to downright awkward.
"Highever is alive again, Juliette," Fergus said into her ear.
She nodded and whispered. "They are all here, Fergus."
For a quiet moment, the big brother and the little sister held each other close, happy, and safe in their home at last.
As the night drew to a close, and the dancing slowed, Juliette and Nathaniel were anxious to depart. Some of the local residents had left for their homes. Oghren sat with a group of older men, swapping stories. Anders had disappeared hours ago with a crofter's daughter.
Nathaniel stood up, offering her his arm. "Come, it's time for bed, wife."
The couple began their exit as discreetly as possible, but they were soon caught. A crowd surrounded them as hugs were given, well wishes offered, and Nathaniel was thumped on the back so many times he began to cough. Finally, with Juliette blushing red, they escaped the courtyard to cheers.
Running through the castle hand in hand, they raced to the suite of rooms that they would share until they returned to Vigil's Keep.
They arrived at their door, finally husband and wife.
"I told you I will not be leaving you at your door any longer, wife." Nathaniel said with a husky voice. Juliette grabbed his hand and pulled him in.
Nathaniel put both his hands on her face, drawing her to him. He carefully and slowly kissed her. "I am happier than you could know. My heart has always been yours Jules."
"I've been thinking about it, and I know when I fell in love with you. It was when you shoved Arthur Hamilton, for kicking that old dog in the village." Juliette said between kisses.
Nathaniel stopped kissing her. "Juliette, you were what, seven years old then?" Nathaniel asked.
"So?" she laughed.
He blinked rapidly a few times, and then grinned as he pulled her in for another kiss.
Juliette wrapped her arms around his shoulders and he pulled her against his chest. He kissed her deeply and he felt her hands behind his neck pulling him closer to her.
His hands went around her waist. He picked her up and carried her to the bed, lowering her by the bedside. Her hand ran down his neck and lay across his heart. She could feel it thundering underneath.
Nathaniel pulled off his coat and tunic and she marveled at his chest, running her fingers across his muscled torso. His kisses trailed down her neck, and together they worked the dress's bodice open and off. Nathaniel moaned as he was finally able to touch her, and she came alive under his hands and mouth.
He carefully lifted her and laid her back into the bed, his mouth never leaving her as he worked her skirts and stockings free. Juliette worked frantically at the laces of his breeches and finally they lay together unimpeded.
Juliette was lost in her need for him, kissing, and loving him everywhere she could. She loved the feel of his hands and wanted more and more of him. She paused, looked at him, and smiled, knowing he was hers at last. He was so beautiful and his body so large. He was so large.
Juliette's eyes widened "Nate, I think you're too… I don't know if…" she stammered.
"Trust me, Jules," he whispered. So she did.
Later, as they lay entangled together, Nathaniel stroked her back. "Are you alright? Did I hurt you?" he whispered in her ear.
She smiled and kissed his neck. "No, you seemed to know what you were about."
Nathaniel chuckled and it vibrated against her. "Well I am happy you think so."
Snuggling closer he held her tight.
"I love you, Jules."
"I love you, Nate."
Special thanks again to super editor Lisa!
In an effort to keep the entire story rated T, this less "descriptive" wedding night was written. A different version of this evening is published separately as a one shot titled, "Wedding Night".
