Note: Part two of this chapter is written from Loghain's perspective. The first part of part three is from Lhiannon's. If it seems like it jumps backward a bit, that's why.
To those with business in Vigil's Keep this day, the one thing they found themselves amazed with was how the smell of spring flowers seemed to come from everywhere, a gentle scent of the brief Ferelden springtime. The entrance and audience halls were a riot of springtime colors, flowers of every shade of yellow, red, white, and blue in vases spread throughout the Vigil. A number of petals had fallen off their blooms to be crushed underfoot, contributing to the scent in the air.
Four servants walked through the halls of the Vigil, moving toward where the Warden Commander had spent the last couple of weeks before her wedding. Two of the servants carried buckets of water for her bath, one carried a meal, while the last carried a vase of springtime flowers and bath oils in a similar scent.
The brisk rapping on the door woke Lhiannon from her light sleep; a servant calling out to her from beyond. Swinging her legs off the side of the bed, Lhiannon rose and grabbed her light robe, belting it around her waist as she walked to the door, opening it to allow the servants entrance. She hurried and helped the servants carrying the water for her bath, ignoring their efforts to shoo her away. After a few moments of good natured bantering back and forth—and a threat to pull rank—Lhiannon finally acquiesced with a laugh, allowing the servants to complete their work.
When she was alone again, Lhiannon began to heat the water with her spells as she nibbled at her breakfast, seeking to smother the butterflies fluttering about her stomach with food and drink. The large vase of flowers the servants brought had a number of springtime blooms; Lhiannon lowered her nose to them and inhaled deeply, smiling at the gentle scent filling her nose.
After the water was the right temperature, Lhiannon lowered herself inside, sighing with content as the steaming, scented water covered her exposed skin. She let her mind drift as she settled deep into the tub, playing over the major events of the life she and Loghain had found and built together. It always amazed her how only a couple of short years ago, they were bitter enemies. Now they were about to wed; once again, the Maker's sense of humor was strange indeed.
Lhiannon's mind tried to drift back over the visit by Sister Nedra the day before, but she quashed it. She would not think about the meddling of the Chantry, not today. She would not let them win by allowing them to put a damper on their day. There would likely be plenty of opportunities to worry about their shenanigans in the near future; today would not be their day.
Lhiannon remained in the water, washing her hair and body with the fragrant oils and soaps until the water was tepid and her skin wrinkled and pale. She carefully pulled herself out of the tub, wrapping a large, fluffy towel around her body while a second swaddled her hair. When she was dry, she padded over to the small chest of clothes she brought with her, pulling her smallclothes and breast band from within. Slipping them on, she went to the window in her room and peered outside to ascertain the time. From the sun's position in the sky, it appeared to be late morning; the ceremony was not far off then, only a couple of hours at most. Best hurry; I wouldn't want to be late for my own wedding.
Reaching into her clothes chest again, Lhiannon pulled out a pair of silk stockings and the lacy little garter that Leliana had given to her before she left for Orlais. Lhiannon sat on the edge of her bed, pulling the delicate silk stockings up her legs, securing them in place with the ribbons woven through a seam at the top. She rarely wore such things and the feel of the stockings on her bare skin was strange, yet exquisite and decadent. Her hand rasped slightly as she ran it over her stocking clad leg, marveling at the texture.
She picked up the lacy little garter from Leliana, sliding it up her leg so that it rested just below her knee. Well, that would certainly be too easy for him. With a mischievous grin, she pulled up her leg as far as it could comfortably go, several inches above her knee. It was a little snug, but it would be worth the look on Loghain's face when he found it.
Lhiannon was pulling a comb through her damp hair when a small knock sounded on her door. On the other side were Lillian and Katarina, a bundle in Lillian's arms that could only be Lhiannon's dress. With a smile, Lhiannon ushered them inside.
"Are you ready, Lhiannon?" Katarina asked, helping Lillian shake Lhiannon's dress out of the wrapper, hanging it on a hook mounted in the wall. Lhiannon watched as Lillian and Katarina skillfully shook out the dress, smoothing out any large creases so that they would not set into the fabric.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Lhiannon grinned. "I've been waiting for this day for a long, long time. Well, it seems like a long time."
"Then let's get you into that dress and ready for your lord," Lillian grinned, moving to gather Lhiannon's dress. Gathering the fabric gently, Lillian and Katarina lifted it up while Lhiannon ducked under it, the fabric sliding over her freshly bathed and scented skin. Lhiannon's head finally popped out of the neck of the dress, her hair a disheveled mop on her head. Lhiannon blew a puff of air out, lifting one of the strands of hair up and away from her face, bringing a giggle from Katarina. Gently guiding Lhiannon with her hands, Katarina turned her around, lacing up the dress and tying it into an intricate knot and two bows that would not slip loose throughout the day.
Together, Lillian, Katarina and Lhiannon smoothed out the skirt and oversleeves before pulling the small loops at the ends of the undersleeves over the middle finger on each of Lhiannon's hands, assuring that the sleeves would also stay in place and not ride up as the oversleeves moved.
Lillian then moved Lhiannon to a small stool at her vanity, pulling locks of hair at her temples back into small braids and securing them at the back of her head. When she was finished, she reached for the silver diadem that Leliana had given Lhiannon before she left for Orlais, taking it from Katarina's outstretched hand and settling it onto Lhiannon's head with a smile.
"There," Katarina said, her voice pleased as she and Lillian backed away from the mirror, "now you're ready."
Lhiannon studied herself in the mirror, turning from side to side to see her profile, to see the way the dress fit and draped on her body and the gleaming diadem on her head. She could hardly believe her own reflection; it was really her, and she was really getting married.
Once she was satisfied with her reflection, Lillian and Katarina gave her a light hug—so as not to muss her appearance—and moved off toward the audience hall. Lhiannon followed them as far as the small study near the audience hall, where she would wait until the ceremony began. Nervousness began to set in as she waited. She paced back and forth in an effort to burn off the nervous energy, fighting the urge to play with the earrings in her ears or wring her hands together as she walked. She avoided brushing her clammy hands on her dress, not wanting to leave unsightly marks on the delicate fabric. She was nearly ready to call for a shot of brandy or whiskey to calm her nerves before she heard a gentle rap on the door, startling her briefly.
Lhiannon opened the door, finding Anora on the other side, looking resplendent in a bright yellow gown, as bright as the sun in high summer. Lhiannon's stomach flipped in nervousness as she moved from the doorway, allowing Anora to enter before quickly closing the door behind, making sure she would not be seen by Loghain should he happen to walk by. She did not want to tempt the old fishwives tale about the groom seeing the bride before the wedding being a harbinger of foul luck.
"Lhiannon, you look beautiful," Anora said, her gaze falling over Lhiannon's gown. "I thought blue would be a superb color for you."
"Your Majesty—Anora—the gown is perfect," Lhiannon smiled, smoothing the skirt with her hands, luxuriating in the decadent feel of the fabric against her skin. "Thank you for all your assistance."
"It was my pleasure. I only wish to see my father, and you, happy." Anora approached Lhiannon, holding her arms open to her. The Queen's face and posture were slightly awkward, but softened as Lhiannon chuckled and embraced her warmly. Anora briefly stiffened in her arms, but then relaxed and allowed herself to be embraced in return for a moment. Anora cleared her throat, stepping back and smoothing the fabric of her dress over her protruding stomach. She then reached out and helped Lhiannon smooth the skirt of her gown once more.
"I won't take more of your time as I'm sure you would like a few quiet moments alone before the festivities begin. I shall see you soon. I am proud to welcome you as family," Anora said, moving toward the door with a cheeky grin on her face. "Mother."
"Not you too!"
Anora's laughter was light as she passed through the door, pausing in her move to close it as footsteps approached the study from the hallway. Lhiannon heard a soft "Pardon me, Your Majesty," before Jowan passed through the doorway. Lhiannon saw that he was dressed in his best mage robe, holding a bouquet of flowers at arm's length. He looked rather uncomfortable with the prospect of walking through the Vigil with a large bunch of spring blooms, especially having just crossed paths with the Queen of Ferelden in the hallway.
He entered the study, closing the door behind him and awkwardly handing Lhiannon the bouquet as a strange grimace crossed his face. "Samuel found me in the hallway and asked me to give these to you." As Lhiannon took the blooms, Jowan was overcome by a fit of sneezing, his eyes turning red while they and his nose began to run profusely. Lhiannon reached out, casting what healing spell she knew on him. She grinned as he looked at her gratefully, the redness in and around his eyes fading as she watched. "Now I see the reason for the bizarre look on your face."
"I'm allergic to most flowers," Jowan shrugged sheepishly, his voice slightly nasal as he wiped at his eyes with a small kerchief he pulled from a pocket in his robe. "That's why I never learned how to make healing or other potions; I'm allergic to a number of the plants needed to make them."
Lhiannon's eyes widened in concern. "Will you be all right, Jowan? There are flowers everywhere!"
"And so is Anders. As long as I don't touch them or stay too close to them, I'll be fine." He paused for a moment, his kerchief at his face as he waited to make sure his sneezes were at bay. "You look great, Lhi."
She smiled shyly, looking down at the floor before meeting Jowan's eyes again. Lhiannon looked at the bouquet of flowers she held. Samuel had shied away from the blue flowers, instead picking lilacs of white and pink, mixing in sweet pea and even a few calla lilies. She brought the bouquet up to her face, her nose gently touching the silky petals as she breathed in their scent.
The door swung open and Varel poked his head into the room. "Commander? Lhiannon? Are you ready?"
Lhiannon looked up from her bouquet, seeing Varel's head just inside the doorway, the door shielding his body from her. "Is everything ready? Is Loghain already there?"
"Yes," Varel chuckled, a wide smile on his face. "He's waiting for you."
"We'll be right along, Varel."
With a nod, Varel disappeared from the doorway as Jowan held out his arm for Lhiannon. She took it with a smile, allowing Jowan to maneuver her out into the hallway and toward the audience hall of the Vigil.
As they walked the halls, Lhiannon could hear the low murmuring of voices and the light sounds of musical instruments being played. She could smell the various flowers decorating the Vigil and the savory aromas of the food being prepared for the wedding feast. Her heart fluttered in her chest, her excitement growing with every step she took toward the audience hall and where Loghain awaited her.
"Thank you, Jowan."
Jowan turned to look down at Lhiannon, his brow falling in confusion. "What for, Lhi?"
"For spending time with me today. For walking me to the hall." Lhiannon looked up to Jowan, a smirk on her face. "For braving all the flowers."
Jowan chuckled. "Ah, it was nothing."
Jowan and Lhiannon rounded a corner near the audience hall, seeing Anders pacing nearby, a slight look of nervousness on his face.
"There you two are," Anders exclaimed, coming forward to place a hand on each of their shoulders, looking down on Lhiannon with a wink and a grin. "I was hoping you hadn't reconsidered. As much as a grump Loghain can be, he's not so bad. When he's not scowling that is."
"Or being generally taciturn and grouchy," Jowan added with a smirk.
Lhiannon gave both mages a swat with her free hand. "If I didn't know the two of you better, I'd say you were both jealous."
"Eeww, no!" Jowan exclaimed, a comical grimace crossing his face. "You're like my sister…there's no way I could, you know…I think I threw up in my mouth a little bit."
Lhiannon scoffed. "Thanks a lot, Jowan."
Anders favored Lhiannon with a knowing smile. "We had our fun in our younger days, didn't we, Lhi?"
"That we did," Lhiannon agreed with a nod.
Jowan gave Lhiannon a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll catch up with you after the ceremony, Lhi. I love you, my friend."
"And I, you, Jowan."
Anders and Lhiannon watched Jowan move into the audience hall, whispering to Varel that Lhiannon was just outside and ready to begin the ceremony. Anders reached for Lhiannon's hand, wrapping it around his arm as he prepared to walk her into the audience hall and to Loghain's side.
"I'm very happy for you, Lhi," Anders began, placing his hand atop hers and giving it a gentle squeeze. "You know that I will always be here for you; you're my family."
"I know, and you're family to me as well." Lhiannon paused for a moment, her hand squeezing Anders' once more. "We've been through much, you and I; we grew up together. We laughed and loved together; worried and cried together." She turned a misty eye toward Anders, seeing his own eyes gleam brightly. "You will always command a special place in my heart."
"Lhi, stop it," Anders chided thickly, a smirk on his face as he gently slapped her hand. "You'll make me blush and weep like a little girl and that simply won't do. I'm supposed to look ravishing as I walk you down the aisle, not a red eyed, red faced mess."
"You're not allowed to look better than the bride on her wedding day."
Anders grinned. "I can certainly try though."
The sound of flutes and mandores filled the air not long after Varel disappeared into the main hall. The sound was gentle, yet festive, filling the hall with the sounds of joyousness. Taking a deep breath, Lhiannon turned to Anders. "I'm ready when you are."
"Then let's get you married off."
Loghain stood at the front of the audience hall, Lhiannon's chair of command behind him on the dais. His formal clothes felt strange, similar to yet completely different from his customary plate or studded leather armors. He wore a ceremonial collar of chain mail, draping over his shoulders to fall over his upper chest and back. It had been years since he wore chain armor of any type, having kept his armor selections between dark, studded leathers and heavy plate armor. A dark leather jerkin and soft tunic lay beneath the chain, while ceremonial studded leather gauntlets adorned his forearms. Snug leather breeches covered his legs, with studded leather greaves matching the gauntlets covering his lower legs.
Anora and Alistair sat at the very front of the proceedings, as per their station as Ferelden royalty. Anora's stunning gown of yellow cut to show off her advanced pregnancy. He caught her eye and she gave him a smile, one of those rare smiles when she was simply his little girl and not Queen of Ferelden. Loghain felt his pride swell at the sight of his beloved daughter and the life she carried within her. At her side, Alistair wore a short leather jerkin, brown over a tunic of dark red and yellow, with rich brown breeches beneath. Emblazoned on the front of his jerkin was the heraldry of the Kingdom of Ferelden, intricately stitched with fine thread in bold colors, likely costing more than many average Fereldens earned in several months. Loghain watched as Alistair took Anora's hand, his thumb gently stroking her fair skin.
The Grey Wardens sat amongst the other guests, among them Captain Garavel, Cauthrien, Cousland, the shopkeeper Lillian and her employee Katarina and…Wade and Herren? Loghain's brow lifted in wry amusement; while Wade looked giddy, Herren simply appeared bored. Loghain decided that he may later tell Herren to either hide his apparent boredom, or remove himself from the hall; he would not see this day marred by Herren's acerbic attitude.
Varel appeared at the back of the hall, moving up the aisle created by benches brought into the hall for guests to sit upon. He too wore ceremonial armor, mostly studded leather, as Loghain did. As Varel took his place at the head of the hall, he nodded toward where the small group of musicians sat. They readied their instruments and began to play, a light and joyous tune that reflected the atmosphere in the hall, taking the intangible feeling and putting into a form the senses could more fully comprehend. The assembled guests stood, heads craning toward the back of the hall to catch a glimpse of the Warden Commander in her finery.
Loghain watched as Anders entered the hall, Lhiannon situated on his left arm. He took a sharp inhalation, his breath nearly taken away by her radiance. They rounded the last corner of benches in the hall, facing the front, where they paused for a moment before moving forward. He watched her eyes as they cast about the room, skimming through the assembled guests.
At last, he caught her eye; she smiled broadly as his gaze wandered over her. Anora had done well, choosing a simple dress of Ferelden design, the blue color emphasizing the darkness of her eyes. The fabric gently swayed about her hips and legs as Anders slowly led her toward him. The bright light in the hall—streaming sunlight accompanied by the light of wall sconces—winked off the silver diadem on her brow, casting small rays of light that moved along the far walls with her.
After what seemed like an eternity, Lhiannon neared the front of the hall, turning to give the King and Queen a courtesy and smile before Anders accompanied her on her last few steps as Lhiannon Amell. Loghain held out his hand, beckoning his bride to his side.
Anders stepped forward, leading Lhiannon slowly through the door to the hall. It looked so much brighter to than it ever had, the colorful wall hangings seeming to glow with a light of their own. They reached the main aisle that had been created in the hall, Anders turning her so that they both faced forward. Lhiannon instantly began to scan the faces of the guests gathered, searching...
Her gaze finally found Loghain at the head of the hall, all her perceptions narrowing so that her world consisted of the two blue eyes that held hers enthralled. Were there others gathered here, or was it simply the two of them? It did not matter; it was only Loghain that she sought, only him that she looked for. She had a vague knowledge of others watching her, fragmented whispers about her dress, or hair, or how happy she looked. Their words were meaningless in her ears, a whisper in the background not unlike a breeze through the leaves of a tree.
She barely comprehended them. Of all the eyes on her at this moment, the only ones she cared about were his.
As they approached the dais where Varel and Loghain waited, Lhiannon paused as she and Anders neared the King and Queen. With a wide smile, Lhiannon curtseyed, Anders bowing at her side as he acknowledged the monarchs.
Lhiannon rose to her full height, Anders waiting to take her the last few steps to Loghain's side. When they reached the front, Lhiannon saw Anders give Loghain a nod in greeting, which Loghain returned before he held out his hand to her. Before she could take it, Anders leaned down, gently placing a kiss on one cheek, then the other.
"Congratulations, Lhi. I love you, my dear."
"I love you, Andy."
Lhiannon turned back to a grinning Loghain and his outstretched hand as Anders stepped back and took the empty seat behind the King and Queen. She held out her hand as she returned his smile, feeling Loghain's large, calloused, and warm hand gently encircle hers, threading her arm through his as he guided her forward the last few steps so that they stood side by side before Varel. A small table stood before them covered by a festive cloth, a dish there holding her and Loghain's blue silverite bands. An empty glass vessel stood on the table, two other vessels standing on either side containing two different colored sands.
The seneschal gave Lhiannon a wink and smile before clasping his hands together in front of him. He lifted his chin, his deep, rich voice filling the hall easily.
"I was humbled and honored to be asked to speak here today," he began, his firm and gentle gaze moving between Lhiannon and Loghain and those gathered behind them. "It is an honor and a pleasure to preside over this happy occasion uniting my commanders—and friends—in marriage. It is one of the more pleasurable demands of my station, one that I rarely have the opportunity to participate in."
Varel's gaze returned to Lhiannon and Loghain. "May your days be filled with joy, friendship, and love. May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past. May your hands be forever clasped in friendship, your hearts bound forever in love. May you each be the sword and shield that defends the other. The Maker has blessed you both and may he continue to do so, now and in the beyond."
Varel reached for the small dish holding their rings, indicating that Lhiannon and Loghain should turn to face each other. Varel took Lhiannon's bouquet of flowers, setting it on the table before he nodded to Loghain. Loghain reached for Lhiannon's left hand with his, gently pulling it to him as he plucked her ring from the dish. He positioned it at the tip of her finger, locking his eyes onto hers as he spoke.
"With this ring, I give you my vow. I give to you that which is mine to freely bestow. I give you my heart. I give you my soul. Your name is as a prayer to my lips and shall be spoken now and beyond. Let none rend our vows asunder. As my vow is engraved in my heart, so it shall be in this ring. My heart shall always be yours."
As he spoke, he slid the ring on her finger, her eyes fixed onto his. She looked at him with a depth of love that sent his heart fluttering and his soul flying joyously. He gave her a smile; not the cold one he rarely used in public or even the indulgent smile he gave to Anora. This was a genuine smile of love, a smile of peace and contentment. He squeezed her hand gently, suddenly reluctant to let it go.
Once her ring was returned to her finger, Lhiannon gently grasped Loghain's large hand, picking up his ring and positioning it at the tip of his finger. She brought her eyes to his, seeing in their icy depths a warmth and tenderness she had not witnessed before matched by the slow smile on his face. This is it; it's really happening! As she slipped the ring onto his finger, she spoke her vow.
"With this ring I give you my vow. I give to you my heart and soul. In our love, we are united as one, now and beyond. Let us meet again, to know and remember the bond of love between us. Let none rend our vows asunder. As my vow is engraved in my heart, so it shall be in this ring. You are my heart, my soul, my life, my love."
Loghain's fingers curled around hers, turning and moving her toward Varel and where he stood behind the small table on the dais. Loghain released her hand as they stood at opposite ends of the table, facing each other with the glass vessels between them. At Varel's nod, they reached out and picked up their vessels of sand. The sand in the vessel in front of Lhiannon was almost white; Loghain's had been dyed a brilliant green.
"The sands of time have been used to create this vessel," Varel began, his voice carrying to the far corners of the room, "individual grains melted and joined together as one, never again to be separated into individual grains. Lhiannon and Loghain each hold a vessel of colored sand, representing their lives to this day." With an indication of his hand, Lhiannon began to pour sand into the empty vessel, pausing as Loghain poured some of his own sand inside, creating two separate layers at the bottom of the vessel. With an indication of Varel's hands, both Lhiannon and Loghain poured their sand into the vessel, the colors blending as the grains of sand met.
"As Lhiannon and Loghain pour their sand into the vessel, the individual grains combine, symbolizing their union. What was once two separate vessels and individuals has now become one. They are as the grains of sand; joined as one. As the grains can no longer be separated into their individual containers, so shall be your marriage."
Varel stepped away from behind the table, indicating for Lhiannon and Loghain to move to stand in front of him. Loghain held out his hand and Lhiannon slipped hers inside, allowing Loghain to guide her to stand in front of Varel. They faced each other with hands intertwined, eyes seeking and finding the other as Varel spoke.
"Your Majesties, lords and ladies, family and friends; it is my honor and pleasure to present to you the new Arl and Arlessa of Amaranthine, Loghain and Lhiannon Mac Tir."
As the sound of clapping filled the audience chamber, Loghain drew Lhiannon forward, one hand holding hers as the other tilted her chin gently upward. For the first time that most everyone in the hall had seen, they witnessed the taciturn new Arl of Amaranthine lower his lips to Lhiannon's, his kiss one of tenderness and passion that most of them had not known possible.
Lhiannon wrapped her arms around Loghain's neck, her perception narrowing to the feel of his lips dancing across hers. She broke the kiss, her lips trailing across Loghain's cheek to his ear.
"I love you, husband."
Loghain's arms wrapped around Lhiannon's waist, pulling her close as she whispered into his ear. He turned his lips to her cheek, his breath a warm tickle against the shell of her ear.
"As I love you, my wife."
The banquet that followed the ceremony was both festive and a blur to Lhiannon, who could not believe that the man seated at her side, tenderly touching her at every opportunity, was now her husband. Loghain's hand was at her waist as their guests greeted them, offering congratulations and good wishes. He held her hand as the King and Queen spoke, toasting Lhiannon and Loghain's good fortune and wishing them many years of happiness. As they ate their wedding feast of pork and beef, Loghain's leg brushed up against Lhiannon's, gently moving against her. And when the time came for them to dance for the first time as husband and wife, Loghain let her out onto the dance floor, his strong arms pulling her close and his whispers of encouragement chasing away any apprehension she may have had.
Sometime after the end of the ceremony and reception, after all the eating and drinking and dancing, Loghain guided Lhiannon through the darkened halls of the Vigil on her exultant return to their chambers as his wife. He paused long enough to tell the guards posted at the foot of the stairs leading to their private floor that they were not to be disturbed unless the next archdemon reared its head and began dancing on the roof of the Vigil. Once they reached the door to their chambers, he withdrew his key from a small pocket, opening the door before standing aside to allow Lhiannon first entry.
"Welcome home, my Lady Mac Tir."
"I'm glad to be home, my Lord Mac Tir."
Lhiannon passed through the doorway into her darkened office, listening to Loghain quickly run the bolt behind him. She giggled deep in her throat as Loghain pulled her close from behind, his lips ghosting along her neck and up to the lobe of her ear, the tip of his tongue running along the skin. She shivered in his arms, the heat of want building within her, an ache of unrelieved desire pounding through her core. His own laughter was low in his throat, his own want clear not only in the raggedness of his breathing, but also in the erection pressing into her backside as he clutched her to him. One arm was snaked around her waist while the other gently squeezed one of her breasts.
"Do you intend to consummate our marriage on the floor of my office?" Lhiannon asked, her voice rising to a near breathless squeak as his lips continued their work, his teeth gently nipping the skin near the place her neck met her shoulder. "Or perhaps my desk? It would be embarrassing to have to call Anders in to heal any...injuries."
Loghain's deep chuckle tickled her skin, a spike of heat growing more intense within her core as the vibrations of his laugh echoed through her. "No; I intend to take you in a proper bed."
Lhiannon pressed and wiggled her hips against Loghain, his groan of want going directly to her core, further heating her blood. "Then what are you waiting for?"
"I have missed hearing you beg for me. It is what you deserve for leaving me the way you did last night."
Lhiannon giggled lusty and low, twisting in Loghain's grasp so that she faced him, reaching up and wrapping her arms around his neck. Her fingers buried themselves deep in his hair as his lips found hers, his tongue running along her bottom lip before she opened her mouth to him. His kiss was deep and smothering, his hand at the back of her head holding her face to his, fingers pressed firmly into her flesh as he held her.
Their lips parted moments later, both of them panting breathlessly and lips reddened from their passion. With a smirk, Loghain scooped Lhiannon up and into his arms, her breath tickling against the skin of his neck as he carried her through her office and their living quarters, setting her gently on her feet again once they reached the bedchamber.
As his lips once more settled onto hers, she felt his hands move up her back, seeking the ties to her dress. She felt gentle tugging on the strings, and after several moments of increasingly insistent tugging, Loghain pulled his lips away from hers.
"Maker's breath, how the bloody hell did you tie your dress?"
Lhiannon chuckled, turning around so that Loghain could see the knot. "Is this better?"
"I should just cut the damned things and be done with them."
The mirror of her vanity stood before her, their reflections clear even in the wan light of their bedchamber. She watched in the mirror and laughed as she felt Loghain's hands working the knot again, his face leaning close so he could better see the knot. As he worked the knot, she looked around their bedchamber, seeing a vase of roses on the table next to the bed and a vase of lilacs on her vanity. Next to the vase on the table, she saw a small wooden box, something she had not noticed in the past. She opened her mouth to ask about it, but before she could she felt the laces at the back of her dress loosen, Loghain's large hands pushing the dress off her shoulders as his lips found her bare skin once more. Lhiannon watched his reflection in the mirror, rational thought quickly abandoned as his teeth brushed her skin. He explored her flesh with his lips and tongue as if tasting her bare skin for the first time. She settled her hands on his hips, holding him to her. After a few moments, his lips were at the shell of her ear, his breath brushing the flesh. She shivered at him looming over her, watching his reflection as his lips brushed her ear and his hand rose to her face, gently closing her eyes.
"Wait here a moment, dearest wife. Keep your eyes closed."
Lhiannon made a noise between a giggle and a groan, her desire for him pounding in her blood so that she moaned in frustration when his touch left her. She heard Loghain take a few steps away, the solid thump of chain on wood as he must have removed his ceremonial collar. Lhiannon stood where she was, the heat for Loghain burning through her blood as she waited for him to return. She heard him approach a moment later and sensed him just behind her. Something moved in front of her and she felt the cool touch of metal on her chest and neck.
"Open your eyes."
The first thing Lhiannon saw when she opened her eyes was the glint of silver resting on her chest. Loghain had placed a simple silverite necklace around her neck where a small green stone wrapped in silver wire served as a pendant. Lhiannon brought a hand up to the pendant, running a finger over the wire wrapped stone. She gasped slightly as she touched it.
"My father made this pendant for my mother and presented it to her on their wedding day."
"It was your mother's?"
"The pendant, yes. The chain is new. And now it is yours."
Lhiannon turned in Loghain's arms, her eyes moist with the significance of the gift. "It's beautiful. Thank you."
Loghain's eyes met hers, his hand cradling her cheek gently. As his lips met hers again, hands began to fuss with clasps, ties, and buttons; kisses and caresses adorning each bit of newly uncovered skin, a slow rediscovery of the wonders and secrets their bodies held. Their kisses became more passionate, a fever roaring through their blood and in the taint between them.
"What's this?"
Lhiannon reluctantly pulled her lips away from Loghain's chest as his fingers found the lacy garter on Lhiannon's leg. He slipped a finger between the lace and Lhiannon's stocking, gently squeezing her leg as his lips wandered along her skin once more.
"Leliana…oh! Gave it to me…"
"Mmm, how scandalous." Loghain knelt before Lhiannon, his lips trailing down her skin, teasing the pulsing nub at the apex of Lhiannon's thighs before his teeth found the small garter, pulling the tiny lace on it and loosening it. He gently pulled it off her leg, his large hands rasping along the silken stockings covering Lhiannon's legs. Giving it a cursory, yet approving glance, he flipped the garter over his shoulder and into the shadows of the room around them.
As he stood once more, Loghain picked up Lhiannon, her breasts pushing against his chest as her stocking clad legs wrapped tightly around his waist. His hardened length pulsed between them as their kissing grew more passionate, their breath more ragged. He laid her on their soft bed, pressing his body against hers, growling into her mouth as she clutched him tightly to her. He reared back on his knees, lifting Lhiannon's leg to remove the stocking. As the skin of her leg was revealed, Loghain's lips trailed along the inside of her ankle, up the curve of her calf to her knee, slowly running up the inside of her thigh. She closed her eyes in ecstasy as she shivered and moaned beneath him, his lips briefly suckling her nub before moving on to the other leg and removing the stocking there, his slow kisses torturous. Desire built within her, a tightening coil that begged for release.
The bed shifted beneath her slightly and Lhiannon opened her eyes to see Loghain leaning over the edge of the bed, pulling a red rosebud from the vase next to their bed. He broke off the stem not far down from the top, making sure there were no thorns present. He turned back toward Lhiannon, running the soft bud of the flower down the skin near the side of her face. The silken softness of the rosebud caused her to inhale sharply as Loghain ran it down her bare skin, circling the raised nipple of her breast, teasing it with a silken touch.
"Why are you torturing me so?" Lhiannon moaned, her breath a sharp gasp as Loghain lowered his mouth to her nipple, suckling the tender flesh and gently nipping it with his teeth. She buried her hands in his hair, soft as corn silk as her fingers ran through the locks.
"I want to savor you, my wife," he said, running the rosebud over the scar on her chest before circling sensitive flesh of her other nipple. She gasped and writhed beneath him, her hands desperately clutching at the sheets on the bed. She saw him lift his head, a mischievous glint in his icy eyes. "And I missed how you beg for me."
"You would make me beg for you on our wedding day?"
"After what you said to me last night? Why would I not?" Loghain asked, his lips and tongue brushing the inside of Lhiannon's thighs along with the rosebud, causing her to gasp. She felt his grin against her skin as he purposely avoided the small bit of flesh that screamed for his undivided attention. She tried to move her wanting flesh toward his teasing mouth, but Loghain moved away with a deep chuckle.
"Take me now, husband," Lhiannon growled, pulling him back up so that she could blister his lips with a searing kiss. "Take me as your wife. Fill me; my body is yours." She raised her hips beneath him, pressing herself into Loghain in silent demand as she sealed his mouth with hers. He broke the kiss, looking into Lhiannon's eyes with mirth.
"That's a demand, not begging, my dear wife" Loghain grinned as he pressed the hardened tip of his erection into her nub, moving his hips against her until she moaned and writhed beneath him again.
"Begging includes the words 'please'…" He leaned down and suckled her breast, her back arching to push it toward him. "…And 'need'…" he continued, his mouth moving to the other breast, his tongue flicking across the hardened nipple. He suckled her breast, his hands teasing her body with smooth strokes until she was mewling desperately beneath him. He pulled away from her, her whimper of frustration driving the heat within him to searing heights. He ran his calloused hands over her body, lowering his mouth to her abdomen, his tongue teasingly close to her mound, the smell of her musk enveloping him. His hands found their way to her thighs, his fingers playing along the wet folds of her skin as she whimpered and cried out.
"Loghain, I ache for you," she moaned, writhing beneath him in an effort to find her release. "I need to have you…"
Loghain chuckled low and deep in his throat. "Well, that's not exactly begging, but if my wife wishes to be taken, I shall indulge her." He thrust herself deep inside her, his groan of pleasure matched by her gasp and the arching of her back beneath him. He rocked above her, withdrawing and plunging within her, claiming her and possessing her as his new wife as she hooked her legs within his, possessing and claiming him as her husband. When he spent himself inside her clenching walls, her name was a mantra on his lips, his own name spoken in her breathless voice driving his release more strongly, his last thrusts more forceful than those before. He settled his weight onto her, their racing hearts and heaving chests beginning to slow in unison.
Lhiannon watched as Loghain moved to lay beside her moments later, the rosebud in his hand once more. He reached up, tucking the stem of the rose behind one of the mussed braids in Lhiannon's hair. His hand lingered on her cheek, cupping it gently as he gazed at her intently.
"Copper for your thoughts," Lhiannon prompted, turning her face into his hand.
Loghain's fingers gently stroked the skin of her cheek. "I'm wondering what I could have possibly done to be favored so by the Maker."
Reaching up, Lhiannon brought Loghain's face down to hers, gently pressing her lips against the skin of his forehead. "I love you, Loghain Mac Tir."
Gathering her into his arms, Loghain returned her kiss, his hand gently caressing her face. "As I love you, Lhiannon Mac Tir."
A/N:Geez, finally. It's about time. Personally, I blame the muse; she kept taking side roads, but we did eventually get here, right? They made it.
For their vows, I found inspiration from several different sources: Gaelic, Celtic, Irish, and pagan vows and blessings. I remembered a sand ceremony from a wedding I attended years ago and it sounded so much better than a unity candle. So, sand it was.
The next chapter takes us to see how Teagan, Raelyn, and Sigrun are faring out in the Bannorn and southern Ferelden. Speaking of the next chapter, it may be delayed a few days. I have to return to Minneapolis for work again next week...training and "team building" (watching the St. Paul Saints play baseball; it will feel weird to root for a team that isn't my beloved Detroit Tigers). I'm not sure how much writing I'll get done. Chapter 30, as of now, is about 65% done. Hopefully, this will be the last trip to Minneapolis for awhile. I need to crack the whip at the muse...I need my cushion of chapters back!
I wrote another one-shot this week...another Cheeky Monkeys challenge (Tyanilth threw down the gauntlet again and Shakespira and I picked it up). My one-shot is called "Coming Home" and Shakespira's is called "The Eyes of the Beholder." Both are full of smutty goodness. Shakespira's melted my smart phone; it's nothing more than a smoking lump of charred metal and plastic. ;) Thanks to all of you that reviewed them!
Special thanks to reviewers Shakespira, Cloud1004, Aura of Darkness Night, JackOfBladesX, Tyanilth, Arsinoe, Enaid Aderyn, Dark Chubb, and Dante Alighieri. You all are the best and I very much appreciate your time and comments.
Thanks to those of you who have favorited myself or the story this week as well...and to you quiet lurkers. Thanks for all your support!
