Chapter 55
Aftermath
Disclaimer – I do not own Dragon Age or any of its characters
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"Stop pushing!" a gruff voice complained.
"But I want to make sure she's alright," an Orlesian accent caught my attention.
"I am not sure what good you would do, my dear," a suave Antivan voice cut in.
"Andraste's mercy, will you stop crowding her?" a gentle voice was turning stern with annoyance.
"But Alistair said to watch her," the Orlesian voice argued.
"I believe the healers are all that're required," a thin, male voice replied, followed by a low sound of complaint.
Something was sniffing around by my hand, and gave a plaintive whine as it licked my fingers. I let out a soft groan – I was sore all over, but not in excruciation pain. I blinked a few times, letting out a soft breath and looking around as my vision cleared. The smiling, relieved faces of my companions greeted me, and I chuckled as I tried to sit up.
"Aw, were you worried about me?" I asked teasingly. My face went white as a wave of nausea rolled over me, and I felt a cold sweat wash over my skin.
"Don't move – you're still weak from the battle," Wynne warned, gently pressing me back into the pillows. I looked around the room – it was one of the lavish guest-rooms in the Royal Palace.
"What…happened after I collapsed?" I asked.
"We drove those sorry Blighters out of the city, that's what," Oghren chuckled.
"When the archdemon was killed, we saw a huge tower of light from the top of fort Drakon," Leliana described. "It exploded outward, and something in the darkspawn seemed to snap – they started fleeing the city, and we picked them off until barely a score escaped."
"Is everyone alright? You've had your injuries seen to?" I asked, looking around at them. They were all chuckling and smiling at me, and Wynne gently patted my cheek.
"The four of you who fought the archdemon were the worst off – the rest of us are fine," she assured me, and I let out a soft sigh of relief.
"Alistair ordered us to keep you in bed," Neria remarked. "He knew that as soon as you woke, you'd try to get up."
I chuckled weakly, letting out a soft breath. "Oh, trust me, I'm not going anywhere," I assured them, and Wynne pulled the covers to my chin as my eyelids began to droop.
"Sleep well," Wynne murmured as I drifted off.
oooo
When I woke next, the room was dark – the only light was the soft glow of a candle on the nightstand. I took in a deep breath, glancing to the side of the bed and finding Alistair propped up against it, his head resting on the mattress as he gently held my right hand. I smiled slightly, watching him as he slept – he looked worn out; I wondered if he had gotten a wink of sleep since the battle. How long was I out for, anyway? I wondered, letting out a sigh. I ran my thumb gently along the back of Alistair's hand, and he began to stir.
"…Adeline?" he asked softly, blinking up at me through sleepy eyes.
"Yes, my love?" I replied, and a broad grin spread across his face. He stood, leaning over the bed and gathering me up in his arms, burying his nose in my hair as he kissed my cheeks and along my jaw. He sat down on the edge of the bed, holding me as tightly as he could without hurting me, and I shut my eyes, nuzzling against his throat and listening to his heartbeat under my cheek.
"Maker's breath…I'm so glad you're alright…" he breathed, kissing my forehead as I looked up at him. "For…for a little while, I wasn't sure…" he admitted softly.
"Were my injuries worse than what we thought?" I asked, and he chuckled.
"No, but a man worries about his wife," Alistair replied, resting his cheek against the top of my head. "You were out for three days," he informed me. "It…was almost like the Wilds, all over again…" his eyes were distant, and he raised one of my hands to his lips, kissing the knuckles.
"You…stayed with me then, too, didn't you?" I asked, and he nodded slightly.
"I only left whenever Flemeth ordered me out – I was afraid you'd…die, and I wouldn't be there for you," he admitted, and I smiled, kissing his cheek.
"Maker's breath, I didn't think I could love you any more than I already did," I chuckled, slowly wrapping my arms around his neck, kissing his chin and poking the tip of his nose with mine. He grinned, pressing his forehead against mine in return.
"I will stand by your side until we both return to the Fade," he vowed, his lips brushing gently against mine. I rubbed my fingers back along his neck and over his shoulders, feeling the tension there and looking up at him.
"You should get some sleep," I said, nodding towards the bed, and Alistair chuckled, pulling me onto his lap and patting my thigh.
"I've been so busy…" he groaned good-naturedly. "They never told me that being king involved so much paperwork."
I smirked, hugging him tightly. "You'll be a good king, love," I assured him.
"Mmm…" he sighed, flopping back on the bed as I lay on his chest, running my hand gently along his jaw as he held the small of my back.
"Here, roll over," I said as I sat up, sliding off him and poking his side. He raised an eyebrow as I tugged at his shirt. "You need a massage," I explained. He sat up and pulled his shirt off, smiling slightly as he lay on his stomach.
"Alright, but I'll have to do the same for you again, one of these days – you still look worn out from the battle," he replied, letting out a sigh as my hands moved over his muscled back, working away the tension in his shoulders.
"I look worse than I feel, honestly. But I'll hold you to that," I chuckled, kissing a small mole on his right shoulder. "So when's the coronation?" I asked, and he smiled, closing his eyes as he rested his cheek on his arms.
"Next month," he replied. "Eamon suggested that we clear out the city of darkspawn, and have the coronation as soon as possible – that way, I can oversee the rebuilding of Denerim properly as king," Alistair explained, and I nodded. We were quiet as I continued to work down his back, kissing the small birthmarks I found along his shoulder-blades, and down near his ribs. "Ah!" he exclaimed as my lips brushed across his side, and I smirked – I had forgotten that he was ticklish.
"Oh? What's this?" I teased, lightly trailing my fingers over the spot, dancing up and down his ribs as he laughed.
"Stop, stop!" he chuckled, grabbing my hands. I leaned forward and continued kissing him there, and he rolled over, pinning me between his chest and the mattress, holding me against him. I gave him a gentle peck on the lips, and he grinned, brushing the hair from my face and kissing my scar. "I love you, you know that?" he murmured, and I closed my eyes, resting my head against the sheets as I felt his hands sliding down my sides, resting on my hips.
"I love you too, Alistair," I replied as I felt him pause, unsure if I wanted him to continue. I slid my own fingers under his waistband, pushing it down, and he grinned as he helped me undress, kissing me gently as his hands moved tenderly over my skin.
oooo
The day of the coronation was hectic – it was a grand affair, with the entirety of Denerim crowding into the palace district, and flooding the Royal Palace. Alistair couldn't stand having servants fussing over him – he insisted that he could put on armor without help, but the serving girls simply giggled at the furious blush that colored his cheeks as they ignored his protests.
I leaned against the doorframe outside of the room, wearing my dark-blue armor – I could wear a dress later, but for now, with thousands of people watching me, I wanted to be the Warden-Commander, not some skinny Elf waif wearing fancy silks. The serving girls gossiped and giggled as they streamed out of the room, murmuring that they were jealous of whoever Alistair's queen would be. I poked my head into the chamber, smirking at the scarlet blush that colored his cheeks.
"What's that smug look for?" Alistair groaned, fingering one of his pauldrons. He was wearing the same armor he had worn during the Battle of Denerim, newly repaired by Wade. I stood on my toes and adjusted the gold cloak over his shoulder, patting his cheek teasingly.
"Nothing, nothing," I chuckled, turning slightly. Alistair wrapped his arms around my waist, kissing my hair and taking a deep breath, drinking in my scent. "Are you ready?" I asked softly, taking his hands, and he nodded; all his nervousness was now gone, replaced with confidence and determination.
oooo
I stood among our companions towards the front of the aisle – the coronation was held in the Landsmeet Chamber. The others greeted me as I arrived a few minutes before it began, and Leliana complained that I wasn't wearing the dress she had picked out for me. "Later," I promised her, and she gave me a look that said 'you'd better'.
The murmuring of the crowd died down as trumpets blared, and the doors of the chamber opened. First strode in a pair of Templars in full plate, walking before Grand Cleric Elemina. She took the stairs and stood regally before the gathered guests, her head held high. A dozen armored guards followed after them, lining the stairs and standing to attention.
The room fell silent as a single trumpet heralded Alistair's arrival. He walked slowly and deliberately down the center aisle, his head held high with a calm smile on his lips – he looked completely at ease. His eyes met mine as he took the stairs, and I smiled warmly, feeling tears prickling at my eyes; my heart was nearly bursting with pride – he had grown so much since we had met.
His expression became somber as he stood before the Grand Cleric, kneeling and bowing his head as she held out a hand, reciting a verse from the Chant of Light. She then turned, and a squire held up the crown on a velvet pillow. Alistair's eyes flashed with recognition, and I caught him glancing at me through the corner of his eye – I gave him a double tumbs-up when no one was looking, a crooked grin on my face. It was the Teyrn's crown, but I had had it modified before the coronation – it was a simple, but elegant design, not overly decorative or garish, but still regal.
The Grand Cleric placed the crown on his brow, and Alistair rose, bowing to her before turning and bowing to the rest of the gathered crowd. The hall erupted in fitful cheers and applause, and I grinned as Alistair looked over our company, his eyes bright with excitement. As the cheering died down, he cleared his throat, taking a step forward and motioning for our group to stand by the stairs. Alistair looked up, addressing the gathered crowd, his voice echoing through the room.
"My friends, we are gathered here to celebrate those responsible for our victory," he began, looking down at us with warmth in his eyes. "Of those who stood against the darkspawn siege of Denerim, there is one in particular who deserves commendation," he continued, his eyes meeting and holding mine. "The one who led the final charge against the archdemon remains with us still, an inspiration to all she saved that day."
Alistair motioned for me to join him, and I walked carefully up the stairs, my stomach rolling violently – I could feel the eyes of the crowd on my back, and I looked up at Alistair, who smiled gently back at me. At his look, my fear melted away, and I let out a soft, shaky breath. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you the Hero of Ferelden, the first Grey Warden to defeat the Blight since Garahel four centuries ago," Alistair said, and my eyes widened in surprise.
As the crowd erupted in cheers, and I gave a nervous smile, I shot him a quick glare. "But you struck the killing blow, not me," I hissed through my teeth, and he fought back a smirk.
"Being king's enough – your people deserve more Elven heroes," he replied, and I stared at him for a moment before regaining my composure, biting back a chuckle at his reasoning. He smiled gently, seeing the warmth in my eyes, and he took my hand, kissing the knuckles and bowing his head. "My friend," he continued, loud enough for the crowd to hear, "it is hard to imagine how you could have aided Ferelden more. I think it only appropriate that I return the favor."
He turned to face the crowd, motioning for a man to step forth, and I forced myself not to stare – it was my father, walking slowly towards the stairs. He stood before the king and bowed, and Alistair smiled at me, seeing the look of confusion in my eyes. "From this day forth, you, Cyrion Tabris, will be named the Arl of Denerim." At his words, the crowd erupted in mixed cheers and gasps of astonishment. The Elven servants looked shocked, and a few Elven ladies-in-waiting outright fainted at the news. I struggled not to laugh with nervous excitement, and Dad was beaming from ear to ear.
Alistair continued once the crowd had settled down enough for his voice to be heard once more – a few people still murmured their outrage, but no one had to be escorted out, thankfully. "From now on, the Elves will have a permanent seat in the Landsmeet, both with Arl Cyrion Tabris, and Hahren Shianni Tabris, Elder of the Alienage," he continued, motioning for Shianni and Soris to join him. "The Tabris family will now be the first Elven nobles – I expect them to be treated with all the respect that their titles deserve," he added pointedly – no one in the Landsmeet Chamber missed the underlying implications of his speech. "As for you, Adeline Tabris," Alistair turned to face me, "for your aid, I offer you a permanent place in my council as Chancellor."
My eyes widened with surprise, and I bowed my head. "I accept your most generous offer, your grace," I replied, and Alistair smiled warmly at me. I returned to my place with my family as my other companions were given rewards for their aid – I barely heard the first two, I was still reeling from hearing that my family was now nobility. Aedan and Fergus were given the Teyrnirs of Highever and Gwaren, respectively, and the Dalish had been given the Korcari Wilds and Ostagar, in hopes of creating a permanent homeland.
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My father found me soon after the coronation, in one of the reception rooms, and I grinned at him, leaping into his arms. "My, my. I almost don't recognize my own daughter," he chuckled, kissing my hair as he hugged me. "First a Grey Warden and now a great hero? And you've even given our people their own voice. I barely know what to think," he added, and I grinned. "I am awed, and so proud…if only your mother had lived to see this day," he sighed, and I took his hands, gripping them tightly.
"Are you all right? I haven't seen you since the Tevinter incident," I asked, and he nodded.
"I am better now that I have seen you again," he replied. "But never mind your old man. There is much for the hero of Ferelden to do today, yes? Go…I shall speak to you soon," he promised, kissing my forehead before leaving the room.
Shianni and Soris nearly ran at me, tackling me in a tight hug on either side and planting kisses all over my face. "Alright, alright, calm down," I chuckled, wheezing as they hugged me tighter.
"You made us nobility!" Shianni exclaimed. "I didn't even know that was possible!" she added, and I grinned, narrowing my eyes in pain and grimacing as they hugged me even tighter.
"Vision…fading…" I gasped, ragdolling in their arms, and the two grinned, grabbing me by the arms and legs and tossing me unceremoniously onto a nearby couch. "And it was Alistair, er, sorry, the king, who did that – it was a surprise for me too," I admitted, and Shianni and Soris gave me knowing looks as they sat down on top of me. "Ow…sheesh," I groaned, shoving them off. "Armor doesn't stop you from getting crushed, you know," I chuckled, sitting up before they tried anything else.
"Hmm…I remember you telling me that same exact thing," Alistair remarked. My cousins jumped to attention, and I grinned as I spotted Alistair leaning lightly against the doorframe, a wide smile on his face.
"We'll…leave you two alone," Soris remarked, tugging Shianni's hand. They smiled innocently as they fled the room, and I rolled my eyes as Alistair chuckled, joining me on the couch.
"So we made it. I'm impressed, aren't you?" he asked, resting an arm easily across the top of the couch as he sat down, and I sidled up to him, feeling him wrap his arm around my shoulders. "I was so scared that I might lose you, but…here you are. And here I am. Not bad, right?" he chuckled, and I smiled, leaning lightly against him. "I guess Morrigan was telling the truth after all. About the…ritual," he murmured. "The rest of the Grey Wardens haven't arrived yet from Orlais, but they've already sent…questions. What should I tell them?" he asked, and I shrugged.
"I wonder how they'd handle the truth," I mused, and he chuckled.
"That a maleficar saved you and then ran off to have my demon baby? That has a certain ring to it, right?" he grinned, and I laughed. "No, I suppose I'll just keep that to myself. I can shrug and look stupid – it's a talent," he added. "Speaking of Morrigan, do you know where she went? I'm told she vanished right after the battle. No good-byes or anything."
"She doesn't want to be followed," I replied, and Alistair stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"I'm just concerned about what that ritual is going to cost, eventually," he murmured. He let out a long sigh, taking off his crown and scratching his head. "At any rate, I can't wait to be alone with you. These formal affairs drive me insane," he added, planting a gentle kiss into my hair.
"Meet you upstairs later?" I whispered in a sultry tone, and his eyes flashed, his lips curling into a devilish grin.
"Oh, I'll be waiting, don't you worry," he chuckled. "I'll let you get to your adoring public. They want to see the hero of Ferelden, and who am I to keep them waiting?" he added, patting my back as we stood.
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Leliana had convinced me – bullied me, really – into wearing the ornate gown she had picked out for the reception; it was green silk with gold trim, hanging off my shoulders and gently hugging my curves, with a matching pair of gold and green shoes. "I don't know…I feel…exposed," I complained as she helped lace up the back, tying my hair in a long, loose braid that hung over my shoulder.
"You'll get used to it," Leliana teased, patting my shoulder gently. She herself was wearing a sky-blue gown and a pair of blue suede shoes with amber beads on the toe. I followed her down the hall, meeting up with some of the others as we entered the ballroom. Huge buffet tables lined the edges of the hall, and crowds of people from all over Denerim, nobles and commoners alike, were present, celebrating Alistair's coronation.
"So here we are," Leliana smiled as we walked together through the crowd, linking arms so we wouldn't be separated. "The conquering heroine has won the day, and now she takes her bow and exits the stage. A fine ending," she grinned, and I patted her arm gently.
"You should be taking a bow with me – I couldn't have done this without your help. Without everyone's help," I replied, and she chuckled.
"Oh, my part was small. I'm happy to watch you receive the accolades. It's quite fun," Leliana winked. "You know, I can't help now but think of my vision. Whether it was the Maker sending me to you, or whatever…it was a good thing. I thought I was supposed to save you, to show you the way…but it seems it was meant to be the other way around. Odd how that works, no?" she asked, and I turned around, hugging her tightly.
"I think you did plenty," I murmured, and she smiled.
"You're kind to say so, but I think we know who was in charge," she chuckled, patting my cheek affectionately. "I've been offered a position…to head up an investigation into the darkspawn. It's quite exciting, really," she continued, and I raised an eyebrow.
"An investigation?" I echoed, and she nodded.
"Well, we really don't know much about them, do we? Alistair says that we need to find out more, see how far they go in the Deep Roads, and where those broodmothers can be found. I agree," Leliana replied. "And Katja and Jowan are coming along as well, so you won't have to worry about me getting lonely. It will be a grand adventure of my very own! I'm looking forward to it," she added with a wink. "At any rate…you should enjoy the celebration. We can speak another time."
I watched Leliana disappear into the crowd, and I smiled, my eyes moving around the room to find my other companions. I spotted Oghren standing near a buffet table with Olan, swatting the dog away as the hound stood on his hind legs, trying to get at the food. "Olan, down," I said, and he whined. I made a face, ruffling his ears and plucking a small cube of cheese from a platter, tossing it to him. He gave a happy bark, his tail wagging as he nuzzled against my dress.
"Humans have a better taste for spirits than I thought," Oghren chuckled, taking a draught from a large mug of ale. "Heh. The ale up here is actually good. Orzammar ale tastes like dirt in comparison. Probably because they put dirt in it. Go figure," he snorted, and I grinned.
"Does that mean you're staying here?" I asked, and he shrugged, leaning an elbow against the table.
"Eh. For now. They may have already branded me a surfacer back home, anyhow," he replied. "I'm getting used to that big sky up there. And I'm thinking I might just look up Felsi again…see where that goes?" he added, and I nodded.
"I'm glad. I hope you two are happy," I said, and he chuckled, raising his mug.
"Ha! I'll drink to that!" he laughed, downing the rest of his ale in a few large draughts. "Ah, well! Enough babbling. That pot-bellied son of a whore Teagan said I'd pass out before drinking an entire barrel of pickle juice – I aim to prove him wrong," he added, and I smiled, taking his hand in mine.
"Take care of yourself, Oghren," I said warmly, and he chuckled.
"It's been good traveling with you, Adeline. Don't get lost in the shuffle, now," he replied, patting my back as he headed off to find Teagan. I plucked a glass of champagne from a passing serving tray, taking a small sip as I lingered near the buffet, keeping an eye on Olan. Wynne joined me, smiling warmly in greeting.
"The hero of Ferelden. My, my. How does it feel?" she asked, and I rolled my eyes.
"They could have thought up a better name – I didn't even strike the killing blow," I replied wryly, and the old mage chuckled.
"Alistair's idea, I understand. Which should explain much," she remarked, though not without affection, and I stifled a laugh, taking another sip of champagne. "But it's not so bad, is it? A Blight defeated with the other nations barely becoming aware. Who could ask for better?"
"I didn't do it on my own," I reminded her, and she smiled, taking my free hand gently and patting my knuckles.
"I don't think many heroes ever do," she replied knowingly. "I'm glad not to be on the receiving end of all this attention, myself," Wynne admitted. "I say let the young have their fame. Not that I've gone without notice; Irving asked me to take over as First Enchanter, but I don't wish to go back. Not after all this," Wynne sighed. "Instead, I've decided to accept a position here at court. There has not been a mage advising the throne for a very long time."
"Alistair asked you to stay?" I asked, and she nodded.
"He's a good lad, and his heart is in the right place. He wants to see the lot of mages improved, and I am willing to help him," Wynne's eyes were warm as she spoke, looking towards the head of the hall, where Alistair was dancing with Katja, the Dwarf grinning at the height difference as Alistair was forced to bend over as he danced. "It seems you and I will see each other in court, as well, Chancellor. I look forward to it," Wynne added. "For now, I imagine the hero of Ferelden still has much to do. Good luck!"
I watched her as Zevran slipped through the crowd, a smirk on his face as he asked the mage for a dance. She politely declined, and the Elf placed a hand over his heart, crestfallen. He walked over to me, offering a hand. "Care to dance, my friend? Or shall I be rejected again," Zevran asked, and I handed my glass to a servant, smiling charmingly as I took his hand.
"I'm afraid I'm not very good," I admitted as Zevran led me out to the floor, placing a gentle hand on the small of my back as we began a waltz.
"Fear not – I shall catch you if you stumble," he teased.
"My, how chivalrous," I chuckled, and he smiled.
"I will be relieved when all this pomp and ceremony is done," he remarked, nodding towards the crowded hall. I noticed that his eyes lingered on the large windows that lined the room, as if keeping watch for something. "Such events are perfect opportunities for assassins, after all. I can't help but expect the Crows to appear at any moment. Which would be a welcome break, mind you," he admitted with a laugh.
"You think the Crows will still come after you?" I asked, slightly wary. He patted my back, shrugging slightly.
"Eventually," he murmured. "With Taliesen dead, it may take them time to figure out what has happened…but they are like the tides. Predictable," he added. "You know, it does occur to me that staying in one place is only going to invite the Crows to find me that much quicker. While fun, that might eventually get…complicated. You said earlier that you were planning on remaining here. Is that true?" Zevran asked, and I nodded.
"Well…I am going to be Chancellor," I reminded him, and he smiled, nodding slightly.
"And would you be in favor of my remaining with you? I've grown fond of you, you see. Sad, but true," he said melodramatically.
"I suppose I can convince dearest Alistair to make you his Spymaster – Ferelden's spy network is…nonexistent, as it stands," I teased, and Zevran chuckled.
"Then let the Crows bring it on. I can mock them while you crush their skulls. It's the sort of thing that made us friends, after all. Brings a tear to the eye, really," he said, sniffing and wiping at his eyes. "Well, then. Since I am sticking around, I suppose we'll have plenty of time to speak later, yes? So go on and get paraded about. It is fun to watch," he added, bowing as we finished our dance. "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on you and make sure no one gets a clear shot. Not without paying me a great deal of coin, anyhow," he joked, and I rolled my eyes, smirking as he disappeared into the crowd.
I found Sten standing a bit awkwardly off to the side of the room, trying not to laugh as I noticed the tiny glass of champagne in his hand. He didn't look unhappy…but I wasn't sure what his expression was, honestly. He glanced up at my approach, nodding slightly. "It is good to see you again, kadan," he greeted.
"Hello, Sten," I replied.
"These people…they call you 'hero'. It is a strange word, but I think I understand its meaning," he remarked. "The arishok on occasion has declared a Qunari to be Qunoran Vehl, one who serves as an example to others," he explained. "Such examples are always made after their death, however. A death in service to the Qun. A living Qunoran Vehl would be too proud."
"Do the Qunari celebrate and put on parades?" I asked, smiling slightly.
"When a Qunoran Vehl is declared, certainly," he replied. "It is one of few occasions when the Qunari are permitted to engage in…revelry. There is imbibing of spirits, public chanting, meditations abandoned…it is madness," he almost shuddered at the thought, and I chuckled softly.
"That would be quite a sight," I admitted – I truly couldn't imagine it.
"It is…interesting. It can take days for the Ben-Hassrath to restore order. There may even be executions," he described. He was quiet for a few moments before looking back at me. "I suppose I should tell you…I have decided to return to my people. Your quest is done, and thus so is my reason for accompanying you," he said.
"That will be a long trip home. Will you be alright?" I asked gently, and he nodded slightly.
"Yes. It will be difficult to travel alone after…so much time spent with companions," he admitted. "It must be said: You found my sword and gave me a chance to restore my honor. I owe you a great debt," he bowed his head.
"You helped me, as well. It's been good traveling with you," I replied, offering a hand. He took my fingers in his, my hand lost in his.
"It has. That one of the bas…a foreigner…would become known as kadan to me? Unthinkable. Yet here it is," he murmured. "Perhaps I shall see you again one day. Until then, may you always find the path you seek. Farewell, kadan," Sten said, bidding me farewell as he left the hall – I supposed that he had had enough revelry for one night.
I walked through the crowded hall, looking for Alistair – I hoped that he wasn't getting attacked by adoring lords trying to throw their daughters at him. A gentle hand tapped my shoulder, and I turned to find Arl Eamon behind me, a warm smile on the Arl's face as he asked me to dance.
"It is over. I can barely believe it. You stopped the civil war and then defeated the Blight. On behalf of Ferelden, allow me to say thank you. It truly cannot be said enough," Eamon thanked me as we danced – I was careful not to step on his toes as we moved through the other dancers.
"I'm a Grey Warden. That's what we do," I winked, and he chuckled.
"So I'm learning," he replied. "It's good that you're staying here in the capital. The hero of Ferelden will have influence, and there is much to be done," he added.
"What will you do, Arl Eamon?" I asked, and he shrugged slightly.
"Myself, I will be returning to Redcliffe. There is much to rebuild there…and since you are to be Chancellor, there is no need for me to remain," he answered. "Connor seems well enough, but Isolde…she does not wish to go back. I may yet leave the land to Teagan, in fact," he murmured, more to himself than to me. "I…cannot thank you enough for saving them. They are the joy of my existence," he said, his eyes sincere as he looked back at me. "But here I am rambling on. I shall let you get back to your celebration, Adeline. Enjoy it while you can."
I smiled as I watched him go, finding Isolde, who was smiling and dancing with Connor, teaching him how to waltz. I stood there with a small, content smile on my face, letting out a long sigh. This…this is what makes everything worth it, I thought, looking around at the cheerful guests, feeling warmth go through me at their smiling faces.
I moved through the crowd and out to the hall, glancing back as I spotted Alistair through the sea of faces. He was laughing and smiling with Teagan, Katja, Aedan and Fergus as they watched Oghren chugging a barrel of pickle-juice. The Dwarf finished it off and slammed the barrel down, grinning smugly at Teagan before his eyes rolled back in his head, and he passed out. I chuckled softly, shaking my head and heading out into the hall, taking off my shoes as I walked towards the palace's gardens.
Fireflies darted about the flowers, and I strolled through the cool summer grass, soothing my aching feet – the heels Leliana had picked for me were very pretty, but rather painful to stand in for so long. I dropped the shoes by the foot of a bench, sitting down by a pair of rose bushes. There were many varieties of flowers in the gardens, but roses dominated the grounds, coming in every color and variety, their warm scent permeating the air.
"I was wondering when you'd try to escape," Alistair chuckled as he joined me, walking over and sitting down on the bench beside me. I smiled, leaning against him as he wrapped an arm around my waist.
"Sorry," I apologized softly, "I still don't do so well with crowds," I admitted, and he smiled gently, kissing my hair.
"That's fine, love," he whispered. He glanced down at my feet, spotting the blisters by my ankles and frowning.
"Hmm…Leliana didn't warn me about that," I sighed, stretching my legs out in front of me, cooling my heels in the grass.
"Does it hurt to walk?" he asked, and I shook my head.
"Only when I wear shoes," I replied, getting to my feet. "I just realized – we haven't even danced yet," I said, and Alistair stood, taking my hands.
"Don't force yourself if your feet hurt," he murmured, and I snorted.
"Alistair, I had far worse blisters while we were traveling," I chuckled, standing on my toes and kissing him.
He wrapped his arms around me, pressing his forehead against mine as he began humming softly. I smiled up at him as we danced, and I closed my eyes, resting my cheek against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat as we danced the night away.
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Stay tuned for the epilogue!
