Chapter Sixty-Nine

A Wedding and A Gift


Leliana giggled, "You sounded like a mother holding prayer, Ara!"

"Well… the awkward thing here is that my grandfather was a Preacher and my grandmother was what amounted to a Sister before taking vows. This was before he was in the Army. My point is… that's the religion I was raised with and grandpa preached about while I grew up even though he wasn't a preacher anymore by the time I was born. Now I'm a High Priestess of a completely different religion. I still know all the scripture – and even have a copy of the bible on my book shelf back in Kirkwall."

"Interesting – but you don't follow that religion?"

"I did when I was a child – about the time I turned 15, I did as all children in my family were encouraged to do; we explored other religions and chose if Christianity or something else was right for us. For a while, I followed a religion quite similar to the Dalish Creators – gods that lived on a mountain… it was through that religion that I discovered Wicca when I was 20 and I never looked back."

"How old are you?" someone asked.

"Er… now that is a more complicated question that requires very… let's just say I'm 28 for now."

"I thought you were 23," Cullen frowned.

"Like I said – it's complicated. Fae are long-lived. We aren't immortal by any stretch, but we live for a long time. Due to this, our bodies stop ageing at 22 years old. We still die at around a specific age, but we still look young when we do die."

"How long lived?" the Divine asked.

I sighed, "So, Alistair; why don't you tell everyone my true age?"

"I'm not that stupid, my love – I know a bit better."

I rolled my eyes and motioned to Leliana, "Tell us, dear."

"You turned 51 a few months ago." She shrugged.

I saw Cullen frowning still – well… my progress may have just gone backward with him.

I hummed and stood, "I'm done – Alistair, what did you want to show me?"

The Kings' eyes lit up and he shot to his feet. I saw that Fenris was following us. Alistair led us through a hallway before coming to a door that I could feel went outside. He beamed at me, "I love you, Ara – I had a whole speech planned for bringing you here after our wedding where I would tell you that you deserved all the love your mates had to give… and that I knew how you adored getting flowers… so I had this built for you just after the Blight. It only just bloomed."

He opened the door and a gasp left my lips – a rose garden. Roses of all colors surrounded me… even bi-colored, purple, dark orange and coral colored roses. I turned and tackled him… only because he wasn't expecting me to throw myself at him. I kissed him deeply as we lay in the garden.

Who gave him the right to be so damn romantic? I loved it, though. I wouldn't trade him for the world. He cleared his throat, "I take it you like it then?"

I nodded – knowing there were happy tears in my eyes, "I love it… oh, Alistair this is… I love you so much."

Fenris was chuckling and I heard the Divines' voice from the hall door, "Well – as far as wedding gifts go…"

Leliana let out a peel of laughter and I heard Aedan groan, "How high do you plan to set that bar, Alistair? Some of us are having a hard time keeping up."

Alistair gave me a wolfish grin as he replied, "She never lets me get her anything – so I simply… got creative. Prince Ash helped me out here. His kids play here every day – over there in that area mostly."

"Where is my brother, anyway?" I asked.

Alistair snorted, "Cracking the whip to get the coronation ball ready in Danu. You only have about 5 months left until then, remember?"

"Yeah – and Celeste is 7 months pregnant with twins… I hope she'll be okay until I get back there."

"She will be – she has everyone else there; and Drake and Magma won't let her out of their sight at all in the coming months. I actually pity anyone that tries to hurt her – both men will go into that Protective State and…"

"Wait – what is that?" the Divine asked.

I coughed, "The Protective State? Oh – uh… men among the Fae can go into a state where all inhibitions and bodily limitations cease if their mate is threatened; usually only if she's with child. Alistair held my abilities for a few months, if you recall the tales… well, when the Archdemon made me break my arm, Alistair snapped and went into that state – not because I was pregnant, but because he's naturally overprotective of his loved ones and it… happened. I can do it too – that's actually how we knew about it to begin with. Alistair was hit by a ghoul at one point and… long story short, Soldiers' Peak is beautiful and new again. I can now call that state on demand due to the power that came when I became Queen when Storm died. A Queen is naturally protective of her people. This state… you'll know if a Fae is in that state."

"I would observe," Beatrix asked. I shrugged and stood up before activating the form.

I knew my hair caught fire and began to float and cackle in the wind that now blew around me alone. The ground beneath me trembled and I said, "I can see in all directions around me – I know my eyes are glowing like really bright candles; I can smell the fear of some of your people and hear their hushed whispers calling me a freak. In this state, I am optimized to protect my people and loved ones. Alistair can still take this state if I am threatened around him by a great enough force or while I'm pregnant. All this state does is unlocks our outer limit – we can only use what we've already had. It's similar to a Berserker state," I deactivated the form.

Alistair shrugged, "To me, it just feels like an adrenaline rush in the middle of battle."

"So wait – if you can only use what you already have, then why can you heal in the Protective State?" Leliana asked.

I smiled, "A fair question. I used to have the gift of Healing, but something has locked it off. Back when my name was Sylvain I could heal – when I lost my memories and became Arvaala, that power was locked away. So technically, I do have the gift of Healing – but it isn't fully unlocked. I can't use it outside the Protective State at the moment, so that's why I thought it wasn't one of my gifts. We theorize that I'll unlock it when I meet my fourth primary mate… if that doesn't unlock a different power entirely… it might be both, thinking about it; I might get a new ability and unlock my old one. We don't really know for sure."

Aedan hummed, "That makes sense – as to why you can use it in the protective state if you can only use what you already had."

I curled into Alistairs' arms and said, "I would love to sit here and discuss Fae biology… but Alistair has given me such a wonderful gift – it would be rude not to thank him."

The Divine chuckled and waved us off… causing Alistair to lift me into his arms and begin heading for our room.


The day finally came – the Wedding day… and with it, came a rather surprising twist. Alistair and Fenris had conspired in secret – how did I know?

Fenris was wearing a suit similar to what I had drawn in my private sketching journal! Alistair wore a brown Tux with a single Pink Camilla on the lapel (Longing for someone – someone must have looked into the flower language for him). His tie was black and the shirt was white. It worked for him – oh Goddess; he looked mouth-watering in browns and other autumn colors. And it wasn't a modern tux – it was a mens' Swallowtail Jacket Tuxedo in Victorian style.

Fenris… Fenris was wearing rocker leathers in a cool black. He wore tight pants, an open, sleeveless vest, combat boots, a tilted belt with chains on one side, fingerless gloves, and no shirt. He had a Blue Salvia pinned to his vest (I think of you – so who was looking all this up?)

Oh Goddess – be still my heart… I almost tripped coming down the aisle seeing him standing next to Alistair in that outfit… my tongue felt heavy and my throat was dry.

Wait – who had taken my journal? I had been looking for that sketchbook for almost two months… Alistair!

He must have taken the journal when he visited for the food and outfit arrangements. I could hear people whispering about the Wraith Prince in his leathers – who gave him the boldness to wear something so… scandalous at a royal wedding?

I was wearing a Victorian Gothic wedding dress in black and red; red under a black lace overlay. There were roses embroidered into the lace and it was a ball-gown style with an off-shoulder neckline. In the center of the neckline was a silver pin that depicted my personal crest – the wings surrounded by the Cousland Laurels and a crown above the hinge joints. I also wore black Grecian sandals laced up to my mid-thigh, not that anyone could see them under the dress. My gloves went almost to the 'straps' hanging off my shoulders and I wore a black choker with a red rose and 3-layers of thin, delicate silver chains and single tear-drop ruby hanging from the rose adornment. My hair was in a half-up do; and completely corkscrew curled.

Yeah – Alistair also had gloves and a damn pocket-watch to complete the idea that we were in a Victorian setting… but having Fenris dressed like that…

I got to the front and glanced between the two men with wide eyes. Alistair smirked, "Do you like Fenris' wedding gift to you?"

I nodded numbly, "Oh… if I liked it anymore, I fear I might just pass out from lust. I-I mean… how did you know to pick that design, Alistair?"

"The little hearts were a dead give-away," he replied with a smirk. I flushed bright red.

The Divine cleared her throat – startling me because… when was it decided that she would host our wedding?

She smiled, "Ladies and Gentlemen – today we witness the union of two rulers; a Queen and a King. Today we see two become one – and though they are already married in the eyes of Danu, we will see them wed in the Eyes of the Maker. Now… this is where promises are made."

Alistair took my hands in his, "I swear unto the maker and the Holy Andraste to love this woman the rest of my days – to take no other wife into my arms and to be support her through all this world will throw at us. I swear to protect her though all that would harm her be it sickness or villains. And should we be so lucky, I swear to see our children loved, sheltered and protected just the same. With the Maker as my witness, I take this woman as my wife for the rest of our days."

My breath hitched; his vows were beautiful…

I took a deep breath and recited the chosen Pagan Wedding Vows for my part.

"In the name of the spirit of God that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, I take thee, Alistair Theirin, to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen husband. To desire thee and be desired by thee; to possess thee, and be possessed by thee; without sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself. I take you my heart, at the rising of the moon; and the setting of the stars. To love and to honor, through all that may come, through all our lives together. Though I cannot promise you will be my only spouse, I do promise to never give more to the others than I give to you or in the reverse. In all our lives, may we be reborn that we may meet and know and love again, and to always remember."

As I spoke, I pulled out a single golden ring – similar to the Dragon Ring he gifted to me, though his was a single dragon with ruby eyes and a tail that wrapped around his finger.

I could hear the sighing in the crowd. I had always loved the wedding vows of Paganism, so it was a no brainer to choose these lines.

Alistair gave me the Dragon one again – my insistence to reuse so that I wasn't laden down with so many rings when I eventually married my other three mates.

"Then you may each kiss the bride," Beatrix III smiled before moving to sit in the chair that someone had placed behind her. I knew she was getting rather… feeble from always sitting in a chair in the Grand Cathedral.

Alistair pulled me flush against his chest and kissed me passionately – the man left no doubts that he desired me to anyone in attendance. I melted against him and his arms were the only thing holding me up. A cheer rang out among at least ¾ of the nobles sitting in the throne room – the venue of our wedding.

When he pulled back he growled out, "Makers' Breath but I am a lucky man to finally be married to the woman of my dreams."

I flushed and glanced shyly at Fenris – it was obvious he was listening. I smiled, "The only thing that would have made this day better for me is if you weren't the only mate I married in ceremony."

I saw the tips of Fenris' ears go pink and he coughed, "I'm… glad you liked the outfit. Maker only knows that I never would have worn this for Danarius."

"The son of a whore would have never asked if he thought you might like it. That was his whole game you know – if you had shown interest in any of the things he did, then he never would have done them."

Fenris inclined his head, "I do know."

"Though… that outfit makes me want to do very naughty things to you Fenris. I almost had to turn around and go wait out the surge of lust when I saw you," I smiled coyly. He coughed, "Maybe I shouldn't have worn it then – if it would impede your wedding…"

"We could still have you marry me, Fenris…"

"I do not… believe I am ready for that. I'm sorry," he shook his head. I shrugged, "That's up to you – you know I refuse to push you into anything. I'm happy just knowing you 'think of me'."

I motioned to the flower on his vest. He chuckled, "Sebastians' idea – he was also the one to get the Camilla for Alistair. I hear that the flower merchant sold out of both when Brother Vael explained why he wanted them when other nobles were around. Bi-colored Roses are also 'trending' here in Denerim since you showed up with one."

I smiled softly – it made me happy to hear him speak more than a few words at a time.

Eamon came up to us now that the ceremony was over, "My Queen."

I almost stumbled, "I was not crowned for Ferelden, Eamon…"

Alistair gave me a devilish smirk and produced the Circlet that I had intentionally left in Kirkwall… this man! The silver circlet, polished to a shine with swirling Celtic designs and Amethyst stones, was delicate and beautiful and wouldn't be a burden to wear for any length of time.

He pulled me out of the palace with many people following us – and there were many more people outside the palace… waiting to see us.

A brown cloak was given to each Alistair and I – they both had the royal crest embroidered in gold thread. Alistair had been wearing his crown the whole time and now held a golden scepter and someone passed me one too… as well as a sphere…

I was told what I needed to do for this – I just hadn't expected it to happen so soon. I knelt before Beatrix III with my head bowed – showing my dedication to the position about to be bestowed upon me.

Alistair passed the crown to the Divine who called for everyones' attention and said, "Now that the King is married – it is only right that his wife is crowned the Queen. It is my duty and my joy to crown Queen Arvaala Theirin – of Danu and of Ferelden. Long live the Queen!" she lowered the Circlet down onto my head. I slowly stood and faced the now cheering crowd with a flush on my cheeks.

Fuck – I was going to be expected to make a speech. I hated making speeches! I shot a pout at Alistair who smirked and motioned to me to speak.

I took a deep breath and started, "People of Ferelden – today I make my promises to you. As your Queen, I would see justice upheld for all – from the nobles to the poor; the bakers to the jewelers. I will listen to all my people fairly and not put one above any other; whether that person be my own kin or not, they will face me unbiased. I will see Ferelden grow and prosper – that we might be a force to one day be reckoned with no matter who is opposing us. I will see that my people are fed and warm in the winters and comfortable in the summers. And should any war come to our doorstep, I would aid in leading the charge to drive it out. With a husband and King such as Alistair, how could I do otherwise? I will do my best to be the Hero you have named me – and know that I will never waver."

The crowd had gone so quiet that I feared – heart racing and sweat beading on my brow – that I had erred in my speech. I hesitantly bit my lip as my hand shook very slightly.

Alistair smiled at me – and I realized his own speech had been almost as 'revolutionary' in terms of equality. He had specifically named the Elves and the Dwarves and Kossith in his lands – and welcomed the Fae with open arms. That I swore to the people I would judge my own kin as I would a stranger was something many of them wouldn't have thought of.

I almost jumped and dropped the Orb and Scepter when another cheer rang out – loudest of all from the Dwarf and Elf delegations. I flushed deeper and sent a silent 'thank you' to the Goddess – because I wasn't sure my speech was regal or noble enough, but if they liked it then thank fuck.

We soon headed back inside and we were expected to dance before dinner – I didn't mind. Alistair was all smiles the whole time and said, "I was hoping… you might sing today?"

"How can I say no, my love? You gifted me a garden and that beard… did you have something in mind or…?"

"Surprise me – I'm curious what you'll come up with for a wedding," he gave me a bright grin. I laughed and asked, "Before or after we eat?"

"Before – so that we can store up some food before the wedding night," his voice dipped into that deep and sultry tone that told me he had plans for me. I shuddered and had to clutch on his arm and shoulder to keep from melting.

The dance ended and I moved to the stage where Leliana had been playing her lute for our first dance. She lit up when she saw me, "Do you plan to sing, Ara?"

"My wedding gift to Alistair – his request; I'll sing two songs." I smiled at her. She squealed happily – catching many peoples' attention. The hall was abuzz with people whispering – many recalled what I did at Alistairs' coronation.

I grabbed a guitar and gave Leli the piano score. She took it and skipped over to the Piano – and I tapped out to start. The song I chose first was I Do (Cherish You) by Mark Wills;

All I am, all I'll be

Everything in this world, all that I'll ever need

Is in your eyes, shining at me

When you smile I can feel all my passion unfolding

Your hand brushes mine

And a thousand sensations seduce me 'cause I

I do, cherish you

For the rest of my life

You don't have to think twice

I will, love you still, from the depths of my soul

I could see a few people shedding tears and grabbing for their partners hands. Alistair lifted his glass of white wine toward me – I had looked at him for almost the whole damn song; I wanted him to know… that I loved him more than words could ever express. I had shot glances at Fenris and Cullen too – the former had a softer grimace than usual while the latter… looked resigned.

For the next song, I chose Amazed by Lonestar. The Drums and the Bass played themselves for this song – Leliana was out dancing with Aedan now.

Every time our eyes meet

This feeling inside me

Is almost more than I can take

Baby, when you touch me

I can feel how much you love me

And it just blows me away

I've never been this close to anyone or anything

I can hear your thoughts; I can see your dreams

When I made my way to the head table, Alistair pulled me in for a passionate kiss, "That… was beautiful…"

"Yeah – I hope people don't expect me to sing at all the weddings. I love you, Alistair. Now… where are those egg rolls…" I muttered as I reached out for my appetizer… Alistair had a few of both the Chicken Parm Egg Rolls and the Mozzarella Sticks. My soup was the same as Alistairs – the Potato, Ham and Cheese. I then picked Pizza Pasta Bake for my entrée and Cheesecake for dessert.

In all honesty, Alistair and I pretty much had the same meal – which surprised no one. Fenris had picked the vegetarian soup and the salmon… with chocolate cake for his dessert.

Cullen picked the pudding and the pizza bake with the ham soup.

When it came time… I was picked up (Bridal Style of course – Alistair wouldn't hear my protests) before being carried off to the bedroom we hadn't shared last night.

He kicked the door closed behind him before depositing me on the bed with a growl, "You look… so damn good, Ara. It was rather difficult to keep my hands to myself all day."

"You didn't keep your hands to yourself, Alistair – I distinctly recall you pinching my tush and not letting me go for very long. And you fed me at dinner too. If anyone doubted our love for one another, they were proven very wrong today."

He kissed me as he reached for the laces on my dress, "Good – I would hate to have not warded off the pesky flies hoping for a chance to be your 'secondary' mate."

My breath caught as his hands found my lack of under-garments… he growled deeply. I shuddered as his beard tickled at my neck and he whispered, "If I had known how little you were wearing… we might have gotten up here sooner."

"You know I hate to bother with… oh… such things. They just… get in the… way."

He kissed his way down to my chest and my – now ungloved – hand tangled in his hair…

He showed me several times just what he thought of my… outfit choice. And I was sure that even the Divine heard the proof that our marriage was official though the rooms were soundproofed.


The next morning I refused to move unless it was important for me to do so. There was a knock on the door… Fenris didn't bother waiting for an invitation before coming in. a servant was trying to stop him – and oh, he was still wearing the leathers.

I hummed and held my arms out – much to the shock of the servant when Fenris just took off the boots and vest before crawling into the bed with us. Alistair looked at the poor woman, "3 trays for breakfast, please? I'm sure Fenris didn't stop for food before coming here."

Fenris snorted, "I did not."

I snuggled into him, "I'm half glad you didn't marry me last night, Fenris…"

He lifted an eyebrow as the woman scampered toward the door. She froze just long enough to hear me continue, "I can't feel my legs as it is – two husbands for the wedding night would have been torture."

He chuckled as Alistair smugly said, "I can't risk you running off unsatisfied, my love."

That was when the poor girl squeaked and bolted. Fenris said, "Well – you know I'm not ready. And I thank you for not pushing."

"I'm seriously glad you came to snuggle this morning – I love you."

He smirked, "Cullen was pissing me off on the way to breakfast – so I came here instead to avoid breaking my promise to you."

"You only promised not to insult him in front of me – I never said you couldn't say things to him."

"True – but I needed to calm down. I told him I was coming to get into bed with you and watched as his face twisted. I don't think he liked that I can come and go so freely while he can't."

"He could," I grumbled, "If he would get his head out of his arse about my abilities. I mean, I get it – I do – he was tortured… but my abilities aren't even magic; and he's even treating the mages like tools rather than people. He's a fucking arse is what I currently think. Maybe I need to slap him again – tools don't slap people, so maybe if something bites his arse he'll get it."

Alistair coughed a laugh, "Well, maybe it will help. I told you once that if I thought it would help…"

"Neanderthal," I smiled affectionately. He grinned, "Yep – that's me; I'll just hit the problem until it goes away. Me big strong man – me use fist to make mate feel better."

I couldn't contain it – I let out a giggle as Alistair explained Caveman and Neanderthal to Fenris. A knock sounded again and Fenris got up to answer the door – two women (not the same that placed the 'order') came in with three trays with eggs, bacon, sausages, juice and toast. Obviously they had gotten used to Alistairs' appetite – all three trays were piled a foot high in food.

Good news – I could eat after the work out my mate had given me. And if Fenris didn't finish his then Alistair likely would.

The girls were flushed as they took in that the King and I were most certainly naked under the sheets – yet Fenris was also in here and only wearing leather pants. Yeah – these men weren't hard to look at… not at all.

Fenris only ate half his food – Alistair ate the rest.