Chapter Three

Weddings and Pits

(A/N... SMUT!)


I made Hawke go with Anders to gather Sela Petrae in the Darktown sewers while I escorted Natia, Nate and the twins to my place. Fenris was with us.

"Delilah, I've brought both your brother and your almost sister-in-law!" I called out as we entered my place. Orana giggled when she heard that, because Delilah – who was in the kitchen – tripped over herself to come out to the entry hall.

"Nathaniel, thank the Maker. Wait… sister-in-law?"

"Yup. This is Bethany Hawke. I've already sent word to the Chantry to set up the ceremony for tomorrow. This is Bethany's brother Carver and their Commander Natia."

I sent them all off to the kitchen while I yawned and said, "If you don't really mind, I'll be going to bed. A week of travel after what we dealt with… I wanna sleep for as long as I can… see y'all at dawn."


The next day, Nate and Bethany were married by Elthina in the Kirkwall Chantry.

I smiled at them as they walked over to our group after; I had a gift – wrapped and everything with pretty wrapping paper.

Leandra – when she heard that I was the matchmaker – had given me a big hug. She knew I wouldn't lead her kids astray. I handed the package to Bethany, as Nate lifted an eyebrow at me.

"Open it!" I urged. Bethany chuckled and gently opened it, handing the discarded paper to her new husband who dutifully held onto it.

"Oh, Ara; it's beautiful!" Bethany exclaimed. It looked like a small blue satchel with red lace decorations. "I've enchanted it. It holds 3 things within that cannot be stored elsewhere. One is a tent that leads to a separate pocket realm just for you. It has 4 rooms, a kitchen and sitting room. One room is Carvers, one is for you and Nate and the other two are 'spare'. The second item is a set of bottles that hold that shampoo and conditioner you like so much… they'll never run empty. And the final item is a quiver that will never run empty for Mister Archer there. So I basically got you each a gift and then a joint gift. The Arrows are clear blue glass to match your bow, Nate."

Bethany jumped at me; her arms going around my neck. I caught sight of both Meredith and Cullen entering the Chantry and I moved to be in front of them.

"Is there a reason for your arrival, Knight-Captain?" I asked Cullen, completely ignoring Meredith.

"Er…" he rubbed at the back of his neck as Meredith snarled. "She's a Mage. This marriage is a…" I cut her off. "This Marriage was approved by the Warden-Commander of Ferelden. And since both parties are Wardens, that is all the approval they need. You can take it up with Commander Natia Brosca of Ferelden – who will be taking her Wardens with her when she returns to Ferelden – if you truly object, Meredith. She's right there," I waved my hand toward Natia. Vigilant as ever, Natias eyes narrowed in on us and she was beside me in moments, smiling at her two wardens.

"Are we taking Ara up on the offer to stay one more night in her home, or do you three just want to get underway?" she asked. Hawke was on edge as he wanted to protect his sister, but since he was a mage…

Sebastian stepped in. "Knight-Commander, this is a place of Worship and Love. This union was allowed by the Grand Cleric and the Divine." The Prince of Starkhaven hander a letter – one I had procured at the same time that I got my permit signed by Lelianna – that stated that Bethany was permitted to wed Nathaniel Howe. I gave her a smirk and winked.

She glared at me. "If you will excuse us, Meredith, we have a trek out of the city scheduled for today…" I smiled.

"I don't trust you." She stated. Well, at least she was honest.

"Then I'll bring a Templar. We have to kill a dragon today, however, so send someone who isn't squeamish."

Cullen paled and stepped forward, "I'll go, Knight-Commander." Meredith glared at me once more before saying, "Very well, Captain. I'll be returning to the Gallows."

I looked amused before giving Cullen a questioning look. "A Dragon?" he asked.

"Oh and a colony of Dragonlings; it's a high-dragon." I grinned.

Leandra paled. "Where is…"

"The Bone Pit has had many problems over the last 6 years… Dragonlings at first, then giant spiders and undead and now… a High-Dragon nest. After that we're going to the Dalish Camp up Sundermount. Merrill has something to do there and as her family, they'll appreciate seeing her again. So Hawke, Fenris, Merrill, Varric, Anders and I will be out for a day or two. Bethany, Carver and that group will be leaving tomorrow afternoon, and you're going with them, Leandra."

"What?" I heard from 6 people – Carver, Bethany, Hawke, Nathaniel, Natia, Leandra and Cullen.

"Right. It's about to get dangerous for everyone, and I've taken the Hawke Family under my protection. As a seer, I have the privilege of being able to know when I need to act, and when I don't – this isn't up for debate. If Leandra stays, she will die." Instantly the three who were most hesitant – Hawke and the Twins – changed their tunes.

Bethany grabbed her mother's arm and said, "Let's go get you packed, mother. It's a six day journey to Vigils Keep. 1 by boat and 5 by carriage."

I nodded. "You won't be returning to Kirkwall anytime soon either. Not in the next 4 years, at least."

Leandra nodded in a Daze as she let the twins escort her home to pack.

We gathered our group and began our trek to the city gates where Anders would meet us. As expected, Cullen recognized him.

"You're a mage from the Ferelden Circle!" Cullen looked at me accusingly.

"He is also a Grey Warden, love. He's been in Kirkwall the exact same amount of time as me; we came in together. He's healing focused so he's been our parties main lifeline." I explained. Cullen did calm; thank the goddess he knew I couldn't lie. Anders shot me a grateful look.


"Right; we'll go kill the Dragon while Anders and Fenris go gather Drakestone from the mine area. Behave, okay? If either of you comes back injured or worse, I will be pissed. Fenris, you will be fighting giant spiders. If you come back poisoned, so help me I will let Anders heal you – understand?" he shot me an amused look. "I will endeavor not to get bitten. I don't like the feel of the… his magic. And I will attempt to keep him safe for you." I gave him a kiss before sending the two of them off.

"I don't know how you do it Ara. I can't get those two to behave for any amount of Wine or Cats," Hawke grumbled. I smiled as Cullen looked confused. "Anders adores cats – I'm sure you remember the Mouser at Kinlock – Mr. Wiggums. That cat was the only thing that kept Anders somewhat sane. Fenris is a Wine-o-holic. He loves the stuff – hence the very well stocked Cellars at my place. As for how I get them to behave… I'm a fairy, Hawke. To quote a favorite show of mine from home 'I have that charm like babies, puppies and pizza'." I winked.

"I can see that. I swear the only reason we've gotten through the last 6 years is because of you." Hawke had his arm around my shoulders. I ducked and twirled over to Cullen. "Nah – you'd have survived just fine without me. But it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun!"

I wrapped my arm around Cullens' waist. He blushed but still placed his arm around my shoulders as Hawke had done.

That's when the Dragon made its appearance. To everyone's surprise but my own, it stopped short and bowed its head to me.

I held out my hand and spoke, "You have tread into my territory and killed my people; what do you think should be the punishment for that?"

The whole group was giving me funny looks – as though they didn't believe the Dragon would answer. Imagine their surprise when it gave a growling chuff and lay flat.

I nodded, understanding the words. "I will grant that request. Let your brood know. The ones that stay behind will share in your demise."

The High Dragon lifted her purple head and closed her golden eyes as she gave a mournful noise. In an instant, 71 Dragonlings rushed off.

"What in the Void…?" Hawke asked, slightly pale.

"Simple really; I control the elements, and I hold the blood of two powerful dragons within my veins. Dragons are really just Fire Elementals. They look on my as one would a Queen or a Goddess. She is accepting that she cannot win against us, and submitting herself to my judgement to atone for her crimes against me. Cullen, make her death swift; she will not fight you."

Varric shook his head. "You know, Feathers… I shouldn't even be surprised anymore. I'm just upset that I can't put this in a book – too unbelievable."

I smirked as Cullen moved forward – he was still using the sword made from Eldest Dragon Bone, Vigilance and the Shield made of Starmetal, Valiance.

"That's such a shame, Master Tethras… perhaps you could make a killing selling 'fiction' books, though. Then when I reveal myself to the rest of Thedas in a few years, people will know they're real?"

"That would… actually, that's not a bad idea. Sales would even sky-rocket at that point."

"Speaking of… you need to find a new publisher. Your books are selling in Orlais; he's just keeping the profits for himself. In fact, you've got one hell of a fan-base among the nobility there… including the Empress."

"That… Bastard!" Varric snarled, before looking at me. "Thank you for the tip, feathers. I think I need to have a few words with him before I switch."

"Let me guess; the first one being 'You' and the second being 'Bastard'?"

"How'd you guess?" he asked sardonically. I giggled, "That's what you would tell me in about 3-4 years when we get back from Orlais after learning the truth. Even if I didn't bring you, a friend of mine would tell you before I got the chance. Switching now will give you the funds to do what you need and want to in that time."

I looked over at Cullen who had just beheaded the Dragon. "Varric… Don't fight Seeker Pentaghast when she comes for you in 3ish years. After you help Alistair in his mission, you will be accosted by the woman. She will take you with her to Haven… don't fight her, but don't go too easy on her. She will want you to recount your time with the Champion… well, champions. Just be yourself, and you'll see me again," I winked at him as I walked over to Cullen, leaving him speechless.

"Well, you do have a way with people, Ara. I never thought I'd see the day when Varric fucking Tethras was left without a word." Hawke was laughing. I ignored him and continued toward my Templar.

Once I was right in front of him, I looked up into his eyes; he was confused. "Cullen… I have to get something off my chest… Hawke, you all head back toward the Pit…"

I heard them all move away at once. Merrill was chatting happily as Varric was deep in thought.

"What is it?" Cullen asked, sounding worried.

"It's nothing bad, love; I promise… just…" I took a deep breath before sighing it out.

"I love you, Cullen. I once thought that – Thedas being more restrictive than Earth – I would have to pick only one partner and I wasn't very hopeful about anyone wanting me. I chose you before I ever allowed myself to even think of Alistair or Fenris – and they know that. I love them, of course, and I no longer could choose just one of you. I love you all. But Cullen, I need to know… I can't keep my heart on hold any longer. I have to know if you want to be with me. I know you love me; you've told me so many times over the last 4 years, but I want to be your wife and… I need to know if all we'll ever be is friends. I can't…" my words were cut off as he kissed me. His hands came around me, holding me tightly to him as my hands rested on his chest.

I whimpered when he pulled away, and he said, "You beat me to it. I was going to wait until we made camp tonight… I had a plan and… I've thought of little else in the last few years and… well, I can't have you think I don't want to marry you…" he slid to one knee, "I spoke with Alistair last time he was here. He tells me this is tradition in your lands…?"

I gasped when he pulled out a small box covered with Darkened Samite, holding it out as he opened it. Alistair had given me a Twin Dragon ring made of White Steel holding an Amethyst in their entwined tails; Fenris had recently gotten me a ring that was made of Lazurite, making it a purple-blue in color and was carved to look like a ring of fire… this ring was just as amazing. The ring that was nestled in the box was made of Volcanic Aurum, meaning it was gold in color and it was shaped like wings that connected their tips. Resting at the 'joints' at the top of the wings was a gem I hadn't thought existed in Thedas – a Super Seven Stone.

This particular stone was also called 'Sacred Seven' or 'Melody stone' and was a type of Quartz that contained seven minerals: goethite, cacoxenite, rutile, lepidocrocite, amethyst, clear quartz and smoky quartz. It looked like a dirty quartz stone with some Amethyst in it… usually. This particular one looked like it had a halo surrounding a purple background. Super Seven… it was a stone that was beneficial to healing. I gasped and covered my mouth.

"Will you marry me?" he asked. Even after my speech, he still sounded nervous. I threw my arms around him and cried, "Yes!"

He chuckled, "I think I rather like this tradition of yours."

I giggled, "I gave Alistair his own ring made of Garnet… you've seen the one Fenris wears is made of a white material. That would be Pearl, like yours will be. I chose the stone that aligns with the month of birth. But each one has unique designs like you've each done for me. Alistairs has little crowns engraved in it… though I doubt he's ever looked closely enough to see it. Fenris' has a swirling pattern but for you… I'm thinking swords," I reached into my bag and pulled out the ring. Without hesitation, he slid the golden ring onto my middle finger on my left hand. Fenris had taken my pointer finger. I handed him his ring and smiled when he slipped it onto his ring finger.

"I think that this tradition is actually rather nice… it's similar to Fereldens giving gifts but at the same time… marking each other. It's nice," He smiled at me as we got back to our feet and headed over to the group. I saw Fenris and Anders arriving at the same time Cullen and I did.

"Everything all right?" Fenris asked. I showed him my hand and he smiled, "Did he ask or did you?"

Everyone else looked confused. "Technically he asked… I just ruined it with my insecurities first."

"You did not ruin it. I think it turned out best this way," Cullen smiled softly at me.

"Want to share with the class, Feathers?"

"He asked me to Marry him… after I went on a spiel about how I needed to know if he actually wanted me or not… because I was insecure, as stated."

"That… doesn't sound like you, Feathers…" Varric looked at me in disbelief. I blushed, "I'm… when it comes to love, I'm actually very self-conscious. I have a problem seeing myself as 'worthy' because of a lot of things that happened back on Earth. I was considered undesirable and with a crappy past… well, I may be confident in my abilities and against enemies… but my looks? Not so much…"

Cullen kept his arm around my shoulder.

"It's getting late. We should make camp," Fenris said and I nodded summoning my pocket realm and set it up. "Fenris…"

He smirked at me, "I take it you'll be spending the night with your other mate tonight?"

Cullen blushed this time as I nodded. "Any requests for dinner, guys?"

"Pizza?" Hawke and Anders asked hopefully. I glanced at Cullen who nodded in agreement. "Pizza it is. What kind do you each want?"

Merrill, Cullen and Hawke all wanted Supreme, Fenris wanted BBQ, Merrill was a Vegetarian and since the merge with Justice, so was Anders. Varric wanted a buffalo chicken and I made myself a half buffalo, half Chicken-bacon.

Each person got a personal small pizza except Anders – he got a large since Grey Wardens needed to eat a lot. Cullen did try a bite of each of my flavors and a traded a slice with Fenris. He liked them all.

"So I was thinking… since everyone likes pizza so much… how about I do a Pizza Buffet for the Wedding that the Divine is hosting for us?" I asked, looking between Fenris and Cullen. "That sounds like a wonderful idea," Cullen smiled as Fenris nodded, "I have no objections."


After dinner and a shower, I got into bed. Cullen was wearing only a pair of sleeping pants, and I was wearing only a tank-top and panties. Damn, he looked… well, there was a V and I counted at least a 4 'pack'.

I kissed him as I sat beside him. When I pulled back, he leaned his forehead against mine, one of his hands cupping my cheek. "I admit… when I was first courting you, 6 years ago… I had hoped to be at the stage much earlier than now."

"That was before you knew of my magic," I pointed out with a soft smile. "True. Makers breath, I love you."

"I love you too, Cullen… now; I do believe this is our wedding night…" I gave him a devious grin as I trailed my hands slowly down his chest. I heard his breath hitch as let a single finger skate along the band of his trousers.

"That is a fair point…" he groaned out, his own hand moving beneath the edge of my shirt and raising to cup one breast. I bit my lip when his fingers pinched my nipple. The hand that was cupping my cheek moved to gently tilt my head back and he lowered his head to kiss me.

When he pulled away, our eyes locked and I allowed my hand to slowly reach into the band of his pants. He groaned as my hand made contact with his length. I had to admit to being somewhat startled by his length. Alistair had been the biggest I'd ever taken, at 9 inches… Cullen beat him by half an inch in both length and width.

His hands left my face and chest to slowly slip my shirt over my head. I could feel my own worry that he would find me lacking in looks and moved my free arm over my gut… I had tried to be subtle about it, but when his own hand closed around my wrist, I knew I failed.

"You needn't hide from me, love. I enjoy the sight of you."

I smiled at him, "How did I get so lucky?"

He chuckled low in his throat; the sound causing me to feel more aroused. "I do believe you stole my heart from the moment you offered me that waterskin 7 years ago. In fact, I recall thinking about how I hoped to get to know you. Even in the midst of the pain from… you shoe like a beacon of hope for me."

"Now… I must be blessed by the Goddess to have found such romantic men." His lip twitched into a soft smile. "You, my love, are just as romantic… and I'm sure you know it."

I leaned in and nipped at his collar-bone. He hissed a breath, "What was that for?"

"What's sex without a bit of tooth and nail?" I asked, my eyes twinkling as his darkened. "Well, in that case…" he trailed off as suddenly I was pushed back, landing on my back with a soft yelp.

He was over me in an instant, one hand next to my head and the other near my hip. The hand next to my head moved to twist in my hair, gently tugging to get me to expose my neck to him. I whimpered as he trailed kisses along my jaw and down to the spot where my neck and shoulder met. He placed his weight onto the hand near my head, his other hand trailing along my hip to rest against my most intimate area just outside my panties.

I was panting with desire as he slipped his finger around the thin scrap of cloth and teased along my lower lips. "Cullen…" I heard the desire thick in my voice.

"Tell me; do you want it?" he growled softly, nipping lightly. "Yes… please. I want it…"

He thrust two fingers into me at the same time he bit down hard on my neck. I gasped as my head fell back, further exposing my neck. My hands rested on his chest as my fingers curled to dig my nails into his chest.

I bit my lip as a moan escaped me when he moved his fingers within me. "I… oh, Cullen… I think… we're both a bit… over-dressed," I panted out.

"Mmmh… I couldn't agree more," he whispered against my ear before moving off of me. I whimpered at the loss of his fingers before he was suddenly kissing his way down my chest. He stopped at my nipples, lightly nibbling each one while his hands worked to remove my under-ware.

I lifted my hips to help him as his tongue swirled around one nipple. "Cullen… honestly I didn't expect… damn…"

"Before you arrived in Kirkwall there was… one woman. But that was a while ago…"

"Honey, don't sound upset about it. I'm not. I wouldn't mind if you were still with someone else, so long as you loved them."

He halted his movements, sitting up. "That's just it; I didn't love her. I was… I had heard about you being with the King as his Mistress… I thought, 'Why? Why would she want to be a Mistress when she deserves so much better?' and… I was trying to get you out of my head. I felt horrible after a few months when I still only wanted you, so I broke it off with her. I just… I didn't think, with you being Alistairs Mistress that you'd ever be with me. Not until that note came from Mia. Actually that note came a week after I broke up with… and then two days later… there you were; a recruit told me you were there and I couldn't get to you fast enough. And you didn't pull away when I kissed you; you actively sought me out frequently… but then the Expedition came back without you and…"

"I understand, love. I can't begrudge you finding solace in another womans' arms. Honestly, with you, I'd be more surprised if it were a mans' arms." I was totally teasing him. He sputtered and shot me a look. I was grinning like the Cheshire cat as he realized what I said.

"I am not… I don't…"

"I know. That's why I'd be surprised… granted, I'm not against that. In fact… might be hot to watch one of my mates with another man… I'll have to talk to Fenris about that…"

"What?" Cullen looked exasperated. "Fenris is the only one of you three that is… flexible in his interests. So it would have to be him."

Cullen growled and before I could blink, he was on my once more; kissing as he removed his pants.

"That would mean you're watching a man who isn't your mate…" he growled. "And I'm sure you've noticed that without the tie to you, we get jealous of other men."

"Ah? What if there is a fourth? I get a strange feeling when I think about it… but the information is blocked from my visions."

"So long as they're both your mates, then I won't object. Now… what was it you said earlier… our wedding night?"

I whimpered as he rubbed the head of his length against me. "Please…"

"Please, what?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Oooh, I didn't realize you liked dirty talk. In that case…" I reached one hand up to cup the back of his neck, pulling him down so my lips were right next to his ear, I whispered.

"I want you to fuck me. I want to feel your cock in me, hard and deep."

He groaned and thrust hard. I cried out in pleasure; the hand at his neck moving slightly to fist in his hair as my other hand dug nails into his back. I felt the tattoo on my arm warm as that extra little heart was added.

"Ara… Maker, I love you." He growled out before biting into my neck. I whimpered as I tilted my head back. He had one hand holding him up the other dancing between my breasts as he played with them.

My hands moved to his hips, pulling and begging for him to go faster be rougher. He, thankfully, complied. The hand that had played with my breasts moving to my waist; he dug his hand under me to pull me closer to his body. I cried out as this caused him to hit my cervix – it was painful, but I loved it.

My hips bucked to meet his every thrust while my nails dug into his hips. He kissed me; roughly, passionately and full of love. I gasped against him and he took advantage to deepen the kiss.

Our tongues danced together as I whimpered and moaned. I was close to my peak and my legs came up to wrap around his waist while my hands moved to his chest. "Cullen… please…" the rest of my words slipped into Fairy and my volume increased as I felt a tidal-wave of pleasure crash over me.

Before coming to Thedas, it was actually rare that I would come more than once in a… session. Mostly because of constant pain from Fibromyalgia… but now it was a given, it seemed.

He suckled on my neck, marking me as he hit his own peak.

He collapsed next to me, pulling me into his chest as I snuggled in. Just before I fell asleep; I had a vision that had me smiling.