Moonpriestess30: We've all done the end of the game hundreds of times so I didn't want to linger on it and instead write the good stuff.


Chapter 203 – Mother's wishes

They arrived in Ferelden with no fanfare or trouble. Makatza had managed to send a hawk to Queen Theirin while gathering the few things she felt were important before leaving the city. Her father was surprised but happy to be moving onwards, the goodbye to Orana was painful for all. They spent a month living at the castle with Alistair, Kiana and the twins, Makatza getting herself into trouble almost every other day with the small children. Fenris was as awkward as expected around them but even he managed to relax and they all got to see a different side to him. Silvanus sent out ravens to try and find his clan and after a month he received word as to where they were. The clan were happy to have the trio join them and were very excited to have Silvanus back.

After a tearful farewell to Kiana and her family they began to travel across Ferelden to the forests to meet the Dalish whom were waiting for them. Makatza was taken to a beautiful area, a glade filled with wildflowers. 'What is this place?' She asked as they looked around, her wolves staying in the tree line. Silvanus walked to the middle of the glade and brushed some moss off a stone which was placed next to a young tree.

'This is where I buried your mother,' he says quietly.

Fenris pauses from where he was walking and looked over at Makatza who had tears in her eyes as she looked at her father. The Tevinter elf could only watch as his lover ran to her father's side and embraced him heavily. The flowers around them began to grow at a rapid rate, blooming and releasing their scent into the light breeze. Makatza wiped her eyes and looked around, 'it's so beautiful,' she whispers. She looks at the tree and smiles bitterly, her mother died a few years before she came to Kirkwall, the sapling was young and thriving.

'I miss her,' Silvanus says honestly as he begins to clean the engraved stone he had placed as a marker. Katza nods and places her hand against the tree, giving it a small boost of growth. She could tell it was a fruit tree and it seemed fitting to have it bear some while they were here. Fenris moved over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder as the tree grew, it's large boughs of leaves giving them shade. A branch fell heavy with fruit and began to dangle in front of them.

'Pears,' Makatza says surprised as Fenris reaches up and takes one from the branch giving it to her. 'They're my favourite,' she smiles as she runs her hand over the skin.

Silvanus smiles as he too takes one, 'they were her favourite too,' he said weakly. Makatza shares his smile and they spend some time in the glade where her father tells her stories about a loved one she would never meet.

-x-

Four months later and the Clan were in the outskirts of the Ferelden forest, it was a special day. Close enough to the sea for a ship to dock and there was a large area surrounded by trees against a cliff for the perfect scene. All the companions had come for the celebration and nerves were high in the air, it was almost sunset, maybe an hour before and Makatza was getting ready in her tent. She sat in her chair with her leg bobbing up and down. 'Katza!' Kiana says in a trill as she enters the tent and spots the young woman. 'Oh dear, you look nervous,' she says softly.

Makatza looks at her and nods, 'yeah that's one way of saying it. I mean, it's just been so long since everything I'm terrified that he's changed his mind-'

'Woah, woah,' Kiana laughs. She was dressed in a gown that was light and floral, Makatza wearing her mother's dress with a few adjustments. She walks over to her and sits on a stool next to her as she tilts her head. 'Why on earth would you think that he's changed his mind? Are you having trouble?'

'Trouble? What do you mean?'

'Well, when was the last time you two... you know,' Kiana says giving her a look and making her blush.

'Oh, that! Um, well I wanted today to be special so, well, I made him promise that we would wait a month... so yeah, about a month ago,' she admits. 'But it's not because we don't want to- I just,' she giggles a little and looks at her hands. 'I wanted today to well,...'

'I get it,' Kiana laughs and smiles. 'So doesn't seem like there's any problems in that area and that's generally your first realisation that something is wrong. Has he said anything?' Makatza shakes her head. 'Then don't worry, you've just got cold feet. Fretful feet,' Kiana teases.

Makatza exhales heavily, 'yeah, you're right. I want this. I know he does... I'm just worrying for nothing. Have you got anything that would take away this nauseated feeling?' She asks with a moan.

Kiana tilts her head, 'you've been complaining about that all week,' she says as she gets up to go over to the small table that had a platter of food on. She knew that there was some ginger biscuits on there as Makatza had made the same complaint earlier. 'Katza, when was your last cycle?' She asks as she picks up a biscuit to give to her.

'My last-? Oh, I don't know, I sort of lost track. I mean, should be soon?' Makatza says thanking her for the biscuit as she bites into it. 'Why do you- Oh Maker, you think-?!'

'Well, it would explain a lot,' Kiana says giving her a bright smile. Makatza looked at her in fear, surprise and utter shock. The young woman began to shake her head and stood up as she paced doing furious mental maths. 'You're late aren't you,' she says softly stopping her in her tracks. 'Oh, darling, what's with the tears?'

Makatza tried hard to keep them back but she was frightened. 'Getting married is one thing! A child?!' She says in a hushed tone. 'I can't see him being happy about that!' Kiana hushes her and gives her a hug.

'Darling, he loves you. You are with your clan, you're getting married. There is no better time than now. You saw him with the twins, most people wouldn't have recognised him. He was almost a different man. This is a good thing, don't think otherwise. Breathe in, breathe out,' she commands making her cousin relax. She wipes the tears from her cheeks, 'this is a good thing,' she repeats. 'Look at you, you're beautiful, you're a strong woman, fearless and a little reckless and you can literally turn into a wolf. You are the perfect person for him and he knows it, why do you think he's so worried something will happen to you? Having a child with you will be a dream come true, okay?' She smiles. Makatza breathes in deeply and smiles, nodding.

'You're right, of course you are. This is a good thing. A good... terrifying thing,' she says nodding as she pulls herself together. 'And you're definitely sure that's what's going on?'

'Would bet my husband's balls on it,' she says making her laugh and roll her eyes. The queen having managed to calm her down continues to get her ready and keep her at a level head. Makatza was growing more excited as time went on and loosened up a little. It was only when Garrett came in that Kiana excuses herself to check on her own unruly family, Duncan had a habit of getting dirty at every conceivable chance. Garrett walks in and smiles at his cousin, she looked wonderful of course.

'Look at you, he's not going to know what hit him,' he says softly as he hugs her. 'The whole clan are dressed up to the nines and even Isabela is in an actual dress. I don't know how you pulled that one off but you did it well,' he laughs. Makatza smiles and hugs him back, as he lets her go he notices her earrings, 'oh... I recognise those,' he says touching the small pearl drops that hung from her lobes.

'They were your mother's,' Makatza said softly. 'I hope you don't mind-'

'Katza,' he says cutting her off. 'I can't think of a more perfect reason to wear them,' Garrett said honestly.

She smiles and nods, happy that she hadn't upset him. 'How's Fenris doing?' She asks wanting to distract herself from the news that she discovered that she had. Katza didn't know who she was going to tell first, Kiana found out with her, but she didn't know who was next.

'Nervous, and I wish there was some way of preserving it because it's so fucking funny. He honestly looks like nothing I've ever seen before. Even Varric can't bring himself to tease him,' Garrett grins.

Makatza frowns and holds up a finger, 'behave yourself. Don't be mean to him. You know that you'll pay for it once this is over,' she says simply narrowing her eyes. 'Garrett, please just try to make him comfor-'

'Sweetie, it's fine, really. I'm doing everything I can to keep him calm and put together, he's happy. He is, he's just nervous which is understandable on his wedding day. He's my best friend and I'm so excited for you both. I may rip the shit out of him but even I know there's a time and a place,' he reassures. 'It's almost time, I better get to the altar, I'll see you up there. Uncle will be here in a minute,' Garrett grins giving her a kiss on the forehead before disappeared out the tent and leaving Makatza with her thoughts. Well, this is certainly a lot different to the last time I got married, she thinks as she looks at herself in the mirror. Her dress was a pale green and white, styled in the Dalish way but with a sweetheart neckline, long open sleeves and the skirt was shorter at the front and longer at the back with a train. Flowers wound through her curls, blooming happily in her mana. She breathes in deeply and places a hand on her stomach, that's a surprise for the ages, I'm pregnant... I suppose we weren't very careful the last few months, our minds on other things, she giggles and rolls her eyes.

'Only me,' she says amused out loud.

'Only you, what, Lethallan?' Her father says as he enters. Makatza turns to face him with a smile and his facial expression drops. 'Oh... ya look jus' like yer mother,' he says with a tinge of sadness in his voice. Makatza smiles weakly and he brightens. 'Are you ready, Makatza?' He asks softly as he holds out his hands to her.

'Yes, papa, but before we go down. I want to tell you something first,' she says having made up her mind. Katza takes his hands and smiles brightly, 'I am so glad that you found me. You've made me so happy and... I love you, papa,' she says breathing in deeply. Before he can say anything in reply she speaks quickly, 'I'm pregnant. You're going to be a grandfather.'

Silvanus stared at her, not really understanding what she just said to him. 'What?' He says in shock. Makatza giggles and repeats the reveal and his smile widens as he looks at her. 'Yer with chi-' he started to say it loudly and Makatza claps her hand over his mouth with a shh. He laughs and pulls her closer, hugging her tightly. 'Oh, da'len! My lass, my lethallan! Oh this be a joyous day that I cannae have ever imagined!' He says happily. 'Does Fenris ken?'

'No, I've only just figured it out, well, actually Kiana figured it out,' she says as she moves away. 'I'll find a time to tell him at some point.'

'Oh, my Makatza,' Silvanus says softly as he kisses her forehead. 'Ya have made me the happiest father I could ever be. Yer mother truly gave me the greatest gift.'

'I wish she was here,' Makatza says looking down at her hands.

Silvanus nods and agrees with her. 'She is, just in spirit, lethallan.' There's a horn and he looks at the tent flap, 'ach, shite, we're gonna be late,' Silvanus swears making her giggle. 'Time fer celebratin' later, lethallan! Yer bonded be waitin' fer ya,' he says as he leads her out the tent, excitement rolling off him. They walked through the camp arm in arm as they came closer to the cliff where the ceremony was going to take place. Slivanus paused behind a tent and looked around the corner. 'They be ready, are ya?'

Makatza looks at him and nods, she was. It had been a long time coming. The music began and her father took her arm leading her out onto the aisle, a trail covered in flowers leading up to where Fenris was standing, wearing traditional Dalish clothing, furs around his shoulders. Her heart skipped as she saw him, her smile growing larger. He looked just as nervous as she felt and it calmed her.

Fenris looked at Makatza as she walked up the aisle, his heart thundering in his chest. The ball of anxious feeling in his stomach began to fade as she smiles at him. His mouth goes dry as he sees her in the dress her mother wore. The soft music washing over them all, everyone fading out of sight but her and the way she seemed to glow. Silvanus kisses her forehead as they share a hug before Makatza stands opposite him, tears in her eyes. 'Hey,' she whispers making him wear a half smile as he exhales heavily and nods.

King Alistair was the one performing the ceremony, Kiana taking Makatza's blooming bouquet as the ceremony continues. Makatza smiles brightly, not really listening to Alistair as he addresses the crowd of elves and companions. She tunes in when she realises that he's just asked her a question. 'Makatza, do you take Fenris?' He repeats making her blush as she pays attention.

'Of course, I mean, yes, I do,' she says biting her lip a little as she looks at the elf in front of her. Oh fuck my life, how and when am I supposed to tell him about the baby? I am freaking out over here! It doesn't help that he looks so god damn attractive today. I mean, Maker, couldn't he have taken a day off from looking completely gorgeous? Easy, Katza, that's how you got into this position in the first place. Fuck, why can't it rain? Cool me off please, a month without any attention and I've turned into Isabela- Her mental rant is cut off as Fenris replies to Alistair making her focus.

Alistair smiles and motions to Garrrett to bring over the rings, 'as you place the ring on your bonded's finger, you may say your vows,' he says softly. They had combined a traditional wedding with a Dalish ceremony.

Makatza nods and takes Fenris' ring sliding it onto his finger. 'Fenris,... you... you are my world. You know how to make me smile, laugh, and …. you make me feel safe and loved. Our beginning may have not been the most romantic-,' she pauses as she hears a couple of chuckles from the crowd. '-But we fought everything that came our way to be together. I love you and I promise to be by your side until the end.'

The couple could hear Orana and Kiana crying in what they hoped was happiness as Fenris took Makatza's hand gently. He clears his throat, very aware that everyone was watching them. When he spoke it was in Arcanum, he didn't want everyone else to hear what he wished to say. 'My Katza, I am not a good man. I feel that when I am with you I could be. You are the light in my life and I will do anything to keep you safe. I am yours, I love you,' he says softly as he slides her ring onto her finger. Her eyes were already filled with tears and she has to blink heavily to stop them from falling. Alistair wasn't quite sure if Fenris was done and it wasn't until the elf looked at him that the King nodded.

'And with that, I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride,' he adds with a wink. Makatza rolls her eyes and wraps her arms around Fenris' shoulders as they share an intimate but chaste kiss. As they part they can hear Garrett and Isabela whooping in joy, Varric cheering and Merrill hanging onto Aveline in glee. Sebastian claps loudly and catches Makatza's eye, he wears a broad smile and she can tell that he's truly happy for her. Kiana squeals in excitement and the clan erupt into celebration, everything being cleared for the dancing and band while Makatza and Fenris are swept to the side to receive congratulations. There's a chorus of howling from the tree lines and Elgon and Ciere finally make their way into camp with their own mates, who were a little shyer about being around such a crowd.

It was time for the first dance when Fenris and Makatza finally had a moment to simply be with one another. They had been passed around the group and clan for what felt hours. Fenris took her hand as the music began and rested the other on her waist as she placed hers on his shoulder and they began to dance. 'You are beautiful,' Fenris says softly making her cheeks go a little pink.

'You look so handsome in your furs,' she teases lightly making him smile in embarrassment. They sway and step to the music, the sweet violins and guitar that wove back and forth. 'Fenris, are you happy?' Makatza asks as she looks at him.

He tilts his head and narrows his eyes a little, 'of course. It is a day I have only allowed myself to dream of, why would I not be happy?' He points out.

'Is there anything else that would make you happy?' She asks as she rests her head against his shoulder. He rests his head against the top of hers, wondering where she was trying to go with this line of questioning.

'I cannot think of anything that I need more than you,' he teases making her giggle. 'What are you trying to say? I feel that there is something on your mind. I have known you to be coy when it comes to speaking what you are thinking,' he adds making her gasp at the accusation which then makes him chuckle.

'Okay, okay, fine,' she says standing up straight and waiting for the twirl that they were in to come to a stop. Fenris waits patiently as he smiles at her, they rock from side to side in the middle of their dance. Makatza breathes in and out heavily, 'you're going to be a father,' she says quietly with a half smile.

He stumbles on his next step but recovers easily, he looks at her for the joke but she seemed to be serious. Fenris raises his eyebrows as his mouth hangs open a little as he stares. 'A... a father?' He repeats. He was aware that their friends and family were talking about them, his little misstep hadn't gone unnoticed.

'Are you unhappy?' Makatza asks with a slight tone of worry.

They had come to a stop mid song and people were looking at each other with concern as they wonder why. Fenris stares at her and runs a hand through his hair. 'Un...Unhappy? I... I' he says in an exhale. Makatza's fear rose a good few notches, normally she was able to tell his emotions but he was unreadable. He blinks and finally focuses on her, 'Unhappy? You think I would be... I am...' he picks her up and holds her at arm's length making her squeal at the height. 'I am. … going to be a father,' he says in wonder. Makatza giggles and begins to nod but he pulls her closer and kisses her hard making a few people breathe easier.

'Did he just say what I thought he said?' Garrett asks Isabela who shrugs his shoulders and they both look over at Silvanus who was brimming with happiness. 'Uncle, what's going on?' Garrett asks. Silvanus looks at Makatza who nods and gets spun around by her husband once more as they finish their dance.

Garrett looks at his elven uncle who grins. 'Yer gonna be an uncle!' Silvanus says in a cry of joy. Garrett freezes and looks at Katza who was being kissed by Fenris once more. Isabela begins to scream and shout for Aveline and Merrill who come racing over.

'I'm going to be an Aunty!' Isabela shrieks as she bounces to Aveline who realises and squeals in happiness as well. Kiana finally told her husband and he looked shocked but impressed giving Kiana a knowing look.

Everything finally caught up with Garrett and he raced over to where the pair were dancing and swept the bride off her feet. 'I'm going to be an uncle!' He shouts running off with her. Fenris shakes his head as he's congratulated by Sebastian and Varric, a smile clear on his features.

Kiana sidles up to Silvanus, 'what a day, huh? A wedding and announcement of a child,' she says softly. 'Could it get any better?'

Silvanus looks at the Queen and grins, 'oh lass, it's only just begun.'


Well, that's the end of that.

Over the last year I've literally written over double of the original fiction.

I've laughed, I've cried, I've cried more. And more. And more.

Thank you for following me on this journey.

To all who have reviewed, favourited, followed, etc, I couldn't have done this without you all.

Please keep an eye out as I've written a three part special to conclude the story, I'll be posting through the weekend.