Chapter FIFTY-TWO

Aria gently shook his shoulders. "Anders! What did you find? Is something wrong?"

Anders shook his head and stood, albeit unsteadily. He took the flowers and clippings Aria had brought with her over to his work bench and started packaging them in waxed paper. Aria walked over to him and watched him for a moment, her heart hammering so loudly she heard her pulse roaring in her ears.

"What did you see?" she asked again.

Anders went back to the table, stumbled, sat down on the bench and covered his face with his hands. His shoulders gently shook and he brushed her hands away when she tried to turn him to face her. Aria stumbled back a few steps at his brusqueness.

"Just... Just go home, Aria," he quietly replied, refusing to uncover his face.

"You're seriously scaring me. What did you see?"

"Get out! Go home!" Anders roared then, standing so quickly the entire table vaulted over. Ink flew and stained the floor in red and black splatters. Scrolls littered the floor in various states of disarray. And Anders... Anders was Justice. "Leave, harlot, before I throw you out!"

Aria reflexively reached for her daggers, but they were not on her. She was not prepared to fight. Instead, she heeded his words and backtracked towards the clinic door. She quickly stepped outside and slammed it behind her, then ran for the shortcut to her estate.

About half an hour later, she emerged through the cellar and asked Orana to draw her a bath. The sewers were never a pleasant endeavour and Aria was filthy from her travels. While she waited for the bath water to heat on the coals, she went up to her study and started reading a tome on fighting techniques. She felt that with all the inactivity lately, she would grow soft, weak, and slow. And that would mean she'd get dead much more easily. What she really needed now, however, was a distraction. Justice had called her a harlot. Anders had been so upset that the spirit came to his defense. But she hadn't done anything, save eat an orchid petal.

She didn't realize how badly her hands were shaking until she dropped the book. It clattered to the floor and she cursed under her breath as she moved to pick it up.

"You're upset," that familiar raspy voice sounded from the door.

Aria jumped, his presence startling her. "I...didn't hear you come in," she managed, unable to keep the quavering out of her voice.

Fenris strode in and gently took her by the arm. He set the book on the table and led her from her study to the other end of the mansion where her room was. The water was ready and he poured it into the tub for her. He sat at the desk, perusing some scrolls he'd laid out there while she immersed herself in the foamy hot water.

"You were upset," he softly repeated after a few moments. He turned and faced her in the chair.

Aria sighed. "It was something... It was Anders."

"What happened?" Fenris curtly asked, though she knew his piqued ire was not directed at her. He sat forward in the chair and she felt rather than saw his eyes suddenly assessing her.

"I went there today to drop off some things for him to take to Bethany and he did that whole... Healer aura thing, but then flipped out. Justice style," Aria relayed. "Justice called me a harlot."

Fenris stood and started pacing, his fists clenching and unclenching. "He has no right—healing aura thing?"

"Yeah, I...ate an orchid petal, which he thought was strange and he... Did that healing thing he does, then he just... He flipped out. Got all white and glowy and righteous... Called me a harlot and told me to get out," Aria replied.

"You... Ate an orchid petal and he flipped out?" Fenris asked in bemusement.

"Yes. Sort of. I don't know what-"

Then Fenris started laughing, first low and deep in his throat until it bubbled from his mouth. He walked over to where she sat in the tub and slipped his hand under the bubbling foam of the water. His palm rested lovingly on her lower belly and he looked up at Aria.

Realization dawned on her then. Anders had been mostly relieved when he would tell her she was not with child. His reaction... Jealousy, hatred, fear... Aria's eyes grew wide and she swiftly covered Fenris's hand with her own as realization dawned.

"Many warriors of old consumed orchids before battle for courage," Fenris softly said then, his hand smoothing slow, steady circles around her belly button. Aria fought the heat beginning to throb very low in her abdomen. "He craves it even in the womb."

Aria airily laughed and rested her head on the back of the tub. "Anders said something of the same. He won't be a warrior, though. We decided this. Remember?"

Fenris's hand slipped lower and Aria gasped. "He might not have a choice," he whispered before his lips claimed hers.

ooooooo

Aria lay on her side, Fenris's body molded to her back. His hand caressed her abdomen and his chin rested on her shoulder as they watched the fire in the hearth. Aria sighed contentedly and closed her eyes. The way he'd made love to her this time was different than any other time. He absolutely worshiped her and she wasn't about to complain.

"Shall we keep it a secret?" he murmured against her neck even as he pressed kisses there.

She didn't bother opening her eyes to reply. "Yes. For now. Though it might be hard."

"When was the last time it was ever easy?" Fenris growled, his teeth briefly seizing her earlobe. "Nothing is ever easy."

Aria giggled at this and turned under the covers to face him. She ran her fingers along the chiseled line of his jaw until she cupped his chin. She kissed him softly on the mouth, then pulled away. "I love you."

Fenris caught her hand at his cheek and pressed another kiss to her palm. "I love you."

"Promise me something?" Aria asked after a brief silent moment.

"Tell me, and it is done," Fenris breathed, tucking one of her wildly out of place locks behind her ear.

"Don't get even more protective now, please?"

He growled in response and pushed her so that he rested above her, looking down into her eyes as he pinned both of her hands on either side of her head. "That will be difficult."

"Everything with you is," Aria countered, relaxing under him.

Something in his eyes changed then and he abruptly got off of her to sit on the edge of the bed. He looked over at the parcels he'd brought with him earlier that evening before he'd fetched her from the study. Aria moved to sit beside him, her head resting on his shoulder.

"What's wrong?" she softly asked, her fingers arranging the hair on the back of his head so that it looked much less disheveled.

"I... I have a promise to ask of you too," he stammered and stood, then went over to the parcels. He unwrapped something, shielding it from her gaze with the tantalizing view of his naked backside.

"Anything," Aria chimed, smiling devilishly as he turned back to face her, a small box in his hand.

"Be careful what you say; you may not agree to this," Fenris whispered as he walked back over to her. He knelt before her and took her hand in his free one.

"Why wouldn't I?" Aria laughed, puzzled by his sudden somberness. Not that he wasn't always a brooding, serious type, just... This was much different. A fine trembling took his hands where he was normally so unerringly steady.

"I have nothing but my love and my sword to offer you, but they're yours until I draw my last breath," he quietly answered, opening the small leather box.

Inside on plush green velvet was a beautiful platinum ring imbued with lyrium and set with a wondrous tear-drop cut green diamond. On one side of the diamond, the platinum was wrought in the shape of a hawk's head, and on the other, that of a wolf. The two creatures' noses touched at the narrow top of the teardrop. The band was three platinum vines woven together with lyrium lacing through them in its ice-blue incandescent beauty.

"Will you... Marry me, Aria?"

Aria was stunned. They hadn't really talked about marriage. They hadn't needed to. She'd always be his, and he'd always be hers. But his asking for the vow... It stirred something primal within her and she answered it. Tears sprang to her eyes as she looked from his eyes, to the ring, and back again. She said nothing, but stood and walked over to where her own parcels lay. She pulled the box containing the necklace out, along with the scarlet ribbon she'd purchased earlier that day. She sat back down on the bed in front of where he still knelt.

"I don't own you. I'm not your mistress. I'm your equal. You are your own man, but you are also mine. And everything I am, everything I have, is yours," Aria said, offering him the ribbon and the box.

He set them on the bed next to her, plucked the ring from the velvet, and slid it onto her proffered finger. He kissed the top of her hand and wiped her tears. "I am forever your servant, of my own accord."

Aria's eyes streamed with happiness and she motioned for him to look at the box. He chuckled softly and opened it. He held up the pendant to the light and smiled appreciatively as the light hit it, the chain and garnets sparkling brilliantly. He handed her the necklace and bent his head so that she could place it around his neck. When it was re-clasped, he buried his face against her collarbone and wrapped his arms around her waist. Hers went about his shoulders and they stayed that way for quite some time.

"When will we announce it?" Aria asked him after several moments passed and he rejoined her on the bed. She lay with her head on his chest, her fingers toying with the pendant.

He kissed the top of her head and sighed. "Which announcement?"

Aria giggled against his chest and lifted her head to look into his eyes. "Our engagement. Not the baby. That's none of anyone's Maker-damned business yet."

Fenris rumbled deep in his throat at this and kissed her forehead. "I leave that up to you. I never thought I'd even get married."

Aria rested her head on his chest once more and turned the ring back and forth on her finger, watching as the many facets caught and refracted the light of the hearth. "We probably should make it right away."

"I agree," he sighed, his fingers going through her love-mussed hair. "Save your honour," he added on a chuckle.

Aria snorted at this. "Like I give a shit about that. It's no secret we're...vigorous in our love."

"True. But oh how the Hightown tongues will wag," Fenris rasped sarcastically.

"I've always wanted a necklace made of human noble tongues," Aria darkly stated.

"I'll keep that in mind," he sleepily laughed.

"I love you," Aria whispered.

"I love you," Fenris replied. "Sleep now. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

"Like there's any other kind of day," she muttered against his chest as she closed her eyes.

ooooooo

It was nearly noon when they both finally woke. Outside, Hightown bustled with its daily grind. Fenris woke first and stared down at the sleeping woman whose head still rested on his chest. He sighed and ran his fingers through her hair, then caught her hand up in his as she stirred. He looked at the ring there and a surge of emotion he couldn't quite place stole his breath for a moment. She was absolutely his, and it was there for all the world to see. His eyes darted to the necklace on his chest and the same emotion surged again. He was hers and only hers, and this token was there to prove it.

The moment was shattered however, when Aria suddenly got up from bed and bolted for the chamber pot. He was right behind her, and held her hair as she retched for a few moments, though little came up. Orana heard the commotion and raced in with a pitcher of water, a wash basin, and some cloths and towels. Luckily, Fenris had donned one of the robes Aria had purchased for him when he stayed over. He'd thrown the sheet around Aria as the other elf came in.

Orana helped clean Aria's face and offered her the toothbrush the Champion had had specially crafted. Aria brushed her teeth and Orana took her leave. Aria sat on the bed and looked out the window, her expression morose.

"It's official," she whispered.

Fenris crawled across the bed to sit behind her, his arms around her shoulders. "Shall I send for a midwife?"

"No. I doubt it's far along enough yet to warrant that. Besides, the sickness has passed, I think. I feel fine now. But, I should... I should start planning the...wedding," Aria said after a moment, letting the warmth from his body flood into hers. His mere presence comforted her immensely.

"What do you want?" he asked, his lips at her shoulder.

"For a wedding? I haven't a fucking clue. I never gave it much thought," Aria groused, turning to let him kiss her mouth.

"Let's make it a small affair then. Just friends. I'm sure Varric can officiate," Fenris suggested, his chin on her shoulder again.

"Varric? Since when?"

"Since Aveline and Donnic's wedding. You didn't know? He heard how much they paid the clergyman so now he officiates on the side. Maybe once or twice a month. We just need the contracts from the Magistrar."

Aria stood and stretched, letting the sheet fall to the floor. Fenris stood behind her and ran his hands up her sides, then wrapped them around her shoulders. He kissed her lips and then gently pushed her towards her closet.

While she selected something to wear, Fenris grabbed some clean under-armour garments from the bureau Aria had bought and set up for him months ago. He put on his armour, watching as she got dressed. She wore his favourite green lace underwear set, a slip of pale cream, and her favourite black day gown, which was trimmed with silver and emerald, with emerald brocade down the front. She tugged on her favourite pair of black suede boots from Orlais and took the arm he offered. She tied the scarlet ribbon around his wrist and they were on their way.

The line to see the magistrar was unusually long, but they were ushered to the front by the templars. Aria felt bad about this abuse of her station, but only for a moment. Everyone in this city owed her their lives. Too often they forgot that little tidbit of knowledge, she thought darkly. One little abuse of power wasn't going to kill them.

The magistrar, much to Aria's chagrin, was Seneschal Brann. Aria was surprised when Fenris lay a restraining hand on her arm. It was a gesture that said simply, "I got this." Oh, this will be good, she thought to herself giddily, barely resisting the urge to start clapping her hands with glee.

"Ah the Champion and her...elven consort... How wonderful of you to grace us with your presence," Brann sniggered as they approached his desk.

"Marriage contract, if you please," Fenris coldly stated.

Brann's eyes flew wide. "I...beg your pardon?"

"You heard me, lap dog," Fenris replied in the same chilly tone.

"How...how dare someone like you-"

Aria unsheathed a dagger and flicked her wrist with the keen blade in her hand through a brief but lethal appearing kata. Brann took the hint with wide eyes and a sudden gulp of air.

"I... I see. One moment," the Seneschal stammered, then fumbled through a folder on his desk. He produced two sheets of parchment and handed one to Fenris, then one to Aria. "Have your master of ceremony, I'm assuming that will be Varric Tethras given your unsavory connections, sign that and return it once the deed is done."

"Thank you. And before you presume to look down your nose at me, your little play thing, you know, the elven man from the Blooming Rose? He said to tell you he had a wonderful meal for you planned on his lunch break at work," Fenris said, taking Aria's arm, "Do be a dear and don't keep him waiting." They turned and walked out, and Aria was only able to contain the riotous laughter until just before they were out of the Seneschal's office.

The look on the man's face had been, in a word, priceless. He turned redder than a ripe apple and his eyes were wide in absolute horror. It wasn't like he kept the secret well. He shouldn't have been surprised. But coming from Fenris... It had made Aria's day.

Her laughter was cut short, however. The Guard-Captain waited at the landing outside the Seneschal's office. Aria groaned and took small comfort in the reassuring squeeze Fenris gave her arm.

"Hawke! I heard you were in the Keep. What brings...you..." when her eyes saw the bold-print on the top of the scrolls both Aria and Fenris carried they flew wide. "You're... Getting married?!"

"Well why don't you just tell the whole damn city," Aria snarkily stated.

"I'm sorry, Hawke. I just... Wow! That's...that's a big step. Good for you," Aveline quietly replied, leading them away from the mess of eavesdroppers who were now abuzz with the juiciest bit of gossip Hightown had been privy to in months. It was going to spread like wildfire and Aria realized she'd just lost any advantage she might have had.

They reached the Guard-Captain's office and Aveline closed the door after motioning Donnic in. Aria fetched a quill off Aveline's desk and began filling in what parts of the document she could. Fenris did the same. Donnic clapped him on the back and asked Aria how she liked the ring.

"How did you know?" Aria asked the guard, her eyes darting suspiciously at Fenris, who chuckled in response.

"He asked for the best jeweler in town. I told him to go see the man who made our rings," Donnic earnestly replied.

"Let me see!" Aveline chortled, a sound most unnatural coming from the boorish woman. Aria let her grab the hand and inspect the ring. "Oh that's stunning! It's perfect!"

Aria gently took her hand back, trying to hide her annoyance at being pawed at. Donnic pointed to the necklace Fenris wore and inquired after it.

"I gave her a ring, she gave me a necklace. I've always worn the ribbon," Fenris answered him.

"So when is the ceremony? And where? Surely you're not having it at the Hanged Man!" Aveline gushed.

Aria and Fenris looked at each other, and in unison they said, "What's wrong with the Hanged Man?"

Donnic guffawed and Aveline's visage waxed severe as she looked between the three of them.

"You'd say your vows in that dump?"

"Hey, Corff's done a lovely job with the remodel," Aria defensively stated. "It's not a total slum dive anymore."

Aveline threw up her arms and groaned in resignation. "Fine. When?"

"Tonight," Fenris said, looking for a second to Aria, who nodded in agreement.

"Wh—Tonight?" Aveline asked in consternation. "But Donnic and I will be on patrol and—"

"You're the Guard-Captain. Put someone else on patrol," Aria tersely replied.

"She has a point, love," Donnic gently said.

Aveline sighed. "Right. What time?"

Aria looked to Fenris, who imperceptibly shrugged. "8 o'clock. Nothing fancy. Just saying the vows, and making merry the rest of the evening."

"Think of it as Wicked Grace, with a little bit more formality," Fenris added.

"You're still playing that?" Aveline bellowed, her eyes shooting accusatory darts at Donnic.

"I didn't say he was. I simply said, think of it as that," Fenris interjected, coming to Donnic's rescue.

"Fine. Hanged Man. 8 o'clock," Aveline consented, waving them out.

From there, the dynamic duo went to the Hanged Man to call on Varric. The grapevine proved to be highly expedient, once more. One of the small, malnourished street urchins Varric sometimes employed as his eyes and ears in the city was just scampering down the stairs from Varric's room when Aria and Fenris were on their way up.

"Our good news precedes us," Fenris dryly stated as the child swept past, several silvers jingling in his hand.

"No one can possibly keep a secret from Varric," Aria groaned as they alighted the landing. She stopped suddenly and reached for the wall. Her head swam for a split second and she lost her balance. As soon as the swoon had started, it was finished, lasting but mere seconds.

Fenris instinctively steadied her. Concern knit his already brooding brows together and when their gazes met, Aria laughed slightly. She'd never been too much of a klutz and this was most unlike her.

"Are you alright?" he asked under his breath, for Varric had just opened the door for them.

"Yes, I think so. That was just... Unexpected," Aria replied, her body returned to normal.

Varric's keen skills of observation noted Aria's posture and Fenris's amplified anxiety, his brows shooting up in amusement. His eyes shot to Aria's hand and that smug grin of his split his lips.

"Come in, come in! We have much to plan!" the dwarven merchant prince cajoled, ushering them inside with a flourish. "It's a lovely ring, isn't it?" he commented as he closed the door behind them.

Aria wryly laughed. "Yes. So 8 o'clock is when I told Aveline and Donnic to be here. I want as quiet an affair as possible."

"We both do," Fenris growled, then winked when Aria gave him a look of sheepishness.

Varric chuckled and waved them over to sit by the hearth. They complied and Norah brought a tray of various hard beverages. Aria asked her to return with some of the tavern's new delicacy, taken from Fenris's repertoire, a drink of mixed coffee, steamed milk, white chocolate, and brandy. Very light on the brandy and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.

Varric's brows went up in surprise when Norah left to retrieve the odd request. "You're still turning down pints?"

Fenris chuckled low in his throat and Aria punched him lightly on his chest. He had the decency to feign hurt.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am," Aria curtly replied, daring the dwarf to inquire further.

He was all to happy to acquiesce. "Saving it for the wedding feast?"

Aria laughed. "Dispense with the ferreting, Varric. Just ask. You may or may not get a straight answer."

"Alright, Birdie," Varric chuckled. "Are you finally?"

Aria looked to Fenris for a second and he replied for her. "We are expecting, yes."

Varric whooped and clinked the rim of his tankard against Fenris's. "Congratulations! Today is a very big day indeed!"

"Just—keep that part hush hush, hmm?" Aria said, her undertone laced with a warning.

"I wouldn't dream of crossing you, madame," Varric glibly stated, tipping his tankard toward her in salute before he knocked back a heavy draught.

They sat in silence until after Norah had returned with Aria's drink and left again. Aria paced around the room, looking over the décor for the thousandth time, while she sipped the hot, comforting drink. Fenris and Varric watched her until Varric broke the quiet.

"Traditional vows then?" he asked, taking the scrolls Fenris handed him.

Fenris shrugged. "I don't know what traditional is anymore."

Varric laughed at this and when he turned to get Aria's input, he once again looked at Aria with surprise. She'd plucked an orchid from one of his vases and was absent-mindedly nibbling on a petal while she perused the new painting next to his bookcase. Varric cleared his throat.

"Uh, Birdie? I don't know if those are safely edible," Varric stated.

"Hmm?" Aria replied, turning to face him while she popped another petal in her mouth. "Nah, they're fine. Good for courage, so I'm told."

"Humans are so strange," Varric sighed. "Get over here and plan your wedding, dammit."

"Oh, right, wedding," Aria distractedly said, plopping down next to Fenris, who slid his hand brazenly over her belly. Aria swatted him away and Varric laughed.

"You thought he was bad the past couple months? He's going to be a thousand times as fierce now," the dwarf chortled.

"I'll still best him in a fight. Even with a belly like a watermelon," Aria challenged while Fenris smugly shook his head.

A soft rapping sounded at the door and Varric called out to whomever to enter. Merrill and Isabela strode in, the pirate quick to close the door while Merrill bounded happily over to Aria. The Dalish elf grabbed her by the cheeks and soundly kissed her on the forehead.

"Marriage! Finally!" Merrill squealed, dancing around the room.

Isabela made a much calmer entrance and sat on the other side of Fenris, holding out her hand to Aria so that she could look at the ring. Aria warily obliged.

"Now that's a very pretty ring," Isabela purred. Her eyes darted to Fenris's chest and she gently lifted the pendant to look at it. "And that's... Different. Normally the man gets a ring."

"A pendant on a chain was far more practical for me," Fenris dryly stated, his posture slightly stiffening at the closeness of the other rogue.

"Oooh, and you have a new ribbon! It's very pretty," Merrill chimed, indicating the ribbon around the elf's wrist.

"I always wondered about that," Varric chuckled. "Back to the vows, though. Traditional or unconventional?"

Aria quirked a brow at the dwarf. "When have we ever been anything that could even be remotely construed as traditional?"

"Fair point. So you'll say your own vows, yaddi-yadda, and then I'll pronounce you, sign on the dotted lines, and poof. You're joined in holy," he coughed for effect here, "matrimony."

"So... You won't be Hawke anymore?" Merrill queried, her eyes wide with confusion. "I didn't know Fenris had a last name."

"Nobody needs to change names," Aria replied. "We'll just be 'legally bound'." She did air quotations on those last two words.

"Oh, right. So... If you die, he gets your stuff?" Merrill asked.

Varric almost choked on the draught he'd just started to take from his tankard and Fenris glared at the other elf. Isabela guffawed and hopped up to clap her arm around Merrill's shoulders. Aria just giggled and shook her head, her fingers lacing through Fenris's.

"Something like that, Daisy," Varric managed.

Aria sipped from her mug, saddened that the delicious drink had gone cold. She handed it to Fenris, who immediately flared the brands in his hands until steam rose from the cup once more. Aria kissed him on the cheek and took the mug back, sipping happily at its contents.

"Oooh, that's clever," Merrill chirped. "What are you drinking, Hawke?"

"A Tevinter delicacy," Aria replied, handing the cup to the Dalish elf when she popped down on the rug at Aria's feet. Merrill took a tentative sip, then a longer drink. She gave the cup back and rubbed her belly.

"Oh that's lovely! Needs more brandy though. It's a little weak," Merrill relayed her assessment.

Isabela slyly smiled at Aria through half-slit lids. "You got a virgin White Elf?"

Fenris snorted at this. "That's none of your-"

"I meant the drink, sweet thing," Isabela interjected. "That's what it's called, at least here. But that really explains a lot... She popped your cherry, did she? Oh that must have been quite the wild experience," the rogue shipless-captain purred .

"Wouldn't you like to know," Fenris snarled, though his ire subsided when Aria kissed his cheek again.

"I'd do it again in a heartbeat," Aria whispered in his ear, so softly it was difficult, even for him, to discern the words.

"Seriously though, Aria. A virgin drink? You?" Isabela prodded, her eyes assessing Aria from head to toe. "Your skin is glowing, your hair is lustrous, and you can't stop smiling. If I didn't know better-"

"She's getting married today? Honestly, Rivaini. You should find a strapping young lad or ten and settle down yourself," Varric intervened.

"I'd rather have a beardless dwarf with sexy chest hair," Isabela silkily retorted.

"I've told you, I'm a taken man," Varric glibly replied.

"Oh whatever, spoil sport," Isabela snorted. Then she grabbed Aria's hand and yanked her up from the sofa, almost causing the other rogue to spill her drink. "Hurry up and down that already. We've got to get you ready for your wedding."

Aria laughed and took a long drink from the mug, then handed it to Fenris to finish. She bent and kissed him lightly on the lips. "I'll be back."

"I'll be waiting," he rasped in response, watching as Merrill and Isabela dragged his betrothed out the door. "Thank you," he then said to Varric when they were gone.

"For what?" Varric chuckled.

"Covering for her. It will be difficult to keep it secret for long."

"Personally, if I were either of you, I wouldn't tell anyone else right now," the dwarf candidly stated. "There are those who would use that knowledge against both of you. Things might be quiet now, but they won't stay that way."

"I'm well aware," Fenris darkly acknowledged. "I hope the mage knows what's good for him and stays away this evening, especially after what he called her yesterday."

The storyteller gears started turning behind Varric's eyes. "What did Blondie do?"

Fenris glared coldly at the embers in the hearth. "He went abomination and that thing he's shared bodies with called Aria a harlot."

Varric was genuinely appalled. "Ouch. He didn't... That's... Wow. He's really that jealous. I thought it would pass but it seems he's only gotten worse."

Fenris snarled at this. "What do you mean?"

Varric lifted his hands in an apologetic, appeasing gesture. "Whoa, it's nothing you need worry about. He just... Well it's obvious and you're aware. He loves her. He's always loved her and when he had the chance to be with her, he pushed her away. But, clearly, she's made her choice. You put a ring on her finger and she's having your child. Doesn't get any more lucid than that."

Fenris 'hmphed' and drained the rest of his tankard. Varric rang for Norah and she appeared a few moments later with a fresh tray. Fenris took two of the four moonshine shots one right after the other and sat back against the sofa, his cold green eyes glaring into the fire.

"Elf, it changes nothing," Varric stated, taking one of the moonshine shots himself. He sought to placate the brooding, angry warrior.

"It doesn't," Fenris agreed, his voice possessing less of a hard edge. "But make no mistake. The time will come when he turns on us," he said, pointing first at Varric and himself, then gestured at the door. "On her. And when that moment happens, I'll end him myself."

"I'll drink to that," Varric darkly stated, and they toasted steins of ale on the matter. "Alright, Broody. Enough talk of killing. You're getting married to the most lethal, most beautiful, most sought after person in Kirkwall, and maybe even the Free Marches. Let the happy prevail."

A slight tug of a smile took the corner of Fenris's mouth. "No, I'm marrying the the love of my life."

"Here here!" Varric cheered, and they toasted again. "So about those vows. What are you going to say?"