Epilogue – Coronation

Cleon POV


I kept my head bowed, ignoring the talks over my head. There was some sort of debate on who would be my teacher. A couple of hunters wanted the job, and now, they were trying to decide who would have it. I wasn't sure if I was pleased at being liked, or mortified that things had come to this.

A bit of movement caught my attention, though, and I looked up to see what it was. It took me a moment of staring before I realized it was Zaphikel. Though no one questioned the love he had for the Clan, he was known for being distant, aloof. Many said that if there was anyone who could rival my mother as the greatest of Dalish hunters, it was him. I had no idea what he was doing here, though, or why he was watching me so closely. But I continued staring at him, determined to find the answer.

It startled me when he smiled slightly, and he came over to take my arm. "I'll take him," he declared firmly. The argument ceased instantly, and I knew there were stares. "I want to see if I'm right on his potential."

I knew, right then, that I would do everything I could to prove myself worthy. Of his teaching, of my father's blood, of my mother's blood. I would be worthy of it all, even if I had to work forever for it.


I was told, after eating and giving my own explanations, that the darkspawn had retreated entirely from the surface. That we were in something called 'The Thaw', according to some records, and the Wardens would be hunting down the straggler darkspawn to lessen their numbers. Though, despite their running, it was likely that the darkspawn would remain a threat here for years to come. After all, thousands had congregated here.

Not that it really mattered to the people of Fereldan. I swore half of the country was here to welcome their new king, and his fiancé. Alistair and Elspeth looked rather nice on the podium. I knew Alistair was giving a speech, of course, but I wasn't paying attention. I already knew what the speech was, as he had practiced it often these past few days with Leliana. And I wasn't required for this part, unlike Nuada and Layla. Nuada was 'King's Champion', after all, and Layla was apparently the Arlessa of Amaranthine now, and both of the titles were being 'officially' recognized here. Aiden would be up later because he was the Commander of the Grey here in Fereldan.

Me? I was the 'Hero of Fereldan', and would eventually be needed. But, for now, I was thoroughly distracted by just how adorable my niece was.

Lyna nudged my side, trying to get me to pay attention to what was going on, but I shook my head and continued playing with her daughter, Athela. She had Lyna's hair color and eyes, but her smile reminded me of Tamlen's more than anything. It was hard to see much of either of them in her right now, but I knew that would change as she got older. I was curious who she would take after more. I was curious if she'd ever know what it was like to wander the woods.

For, you see, Alistair was giving boons to all the allies who fought alongside us. Promises of aid to Orzammar. Less restrictions on mages, and even having a court mage. The one that startled me the most, though, was that Alistair was giving the Dalish land. Things would be difficult. It was possible it would fall. But he was actually giving us land to make a home. That was enough to make me cry. Because it meant that Athela would have a stationary home, and just might not know the fear that came with a nomadic life.

Lyna nudged me, again, and this time I gave her a look. She was thinner than I remembered, far more tired and sad. But her smile was the same, and she was still as clingy as ever. This time, though, she pointed to my friends, and I realized that they were coming over to talk to me. The ceremony itself must be over, then.

'So, did anything change from rehearsal?' I signed as I passed Athela back to Lyna and walked over to them. 'I told you I wouldn't be paying attention.'

'And why would you?' Alistair signed, flashing a grin. 'Your sister, niece, and caretaker are here!' Ashalle was lingering in the shadows, though, made uncomfortable by the large crowd. But she had wanted to be here more than anything, to see my day, our day, with her own two eyes. 'Elspeth and I have to mingle a bit, but I wanted to tell you that the people are climbing the gates to see their heroes, so we might need you to head out sooner rather than later.'

'I wish we were exaggerating the climbing,' Elspeth sighed, her light signs betraying her amusement. The slight shake of her hands betrayed how uncomfortable she was in front of crowds. 'Do be careful, Cleon.' I simply smiled in reply, giving her my silent thanks. For everything, including listening to my selfish request. Her own smile warmed, a silent 'there is no thanks needed. I was glad to.'

The two of them meandered off, and the crowd soon swallowed up most of the others. Aiden, Nuada, and Layla stayed close to me, though, and we shared wry grins. Today was… an ending to many things. Not any of our friendships, but, as we had discussed these past few days, everyone was taking their own paths.

Morrigan had left, of course, just as she said. I would not deny the pain I felt at that, but I respected her decision. But she wasn't the only one leaving. Sten was, of course, finally returning home, having delayed his leaving to see this day and celebration. Something about needing a 'full account' to tell the Arishok. We all knew he was just making excuses to stay with us a little longer, and it was touching. I think he was also enjoying cake, and learning how the word 'hero' was similar to the qunari word 'qunoran vhel'.

But Leliana would also be leaving soon. The Chantry had asked her to guard the Urn of Sacred Ashes, and to help clear a way for pilgrims. I had a feeling she would return before long, of course, to regale everyone with songs she had written. She had threatened as such.

Shale, startlingly enough, was actually considering seeing if she could return to her 'old dwarf' body. Something about how our 'lack of squishiness' impressed her. I half-wondered if she had just decided she didn't much like the idea of living forever when none of our companions would, but I knew there was no way she'd ever admit to that. Apparently, she and Wynne would travel to Tevinter to look into it, and maybe other things. Wynne, after all, had been declared an 'Archmage', which meant she was no longer bound to stay in the Circle. Or something. I think she just wanted to spend the last years of her life learning, especially when she had no idea when her borrowed time would be used up. But she promised to write, and keep in touch.

Zevran was debating whether or not to leave, and I knew that he and Aiden had not come up with a compromise that satisfied either of them quite yet, though they were working on it. Aiden had his duties, even more so considering his promotion, and Zevran was still being hunted by the Crows. He worried of bringing that trouble on Aiden and the rest of us during a time where we really had our hands full. Aiden liked pointing out that we were used to excess trouble and, besides, Oghren was staying. Oghren was actually going to join the army, an automatic promotion to general or something. I knew he was also looking into a house for he and his ladylove, Felsi, to live in and have a family together. Basically, trying to put his life back together. It was admirable, though I worried if he'd be able to. The scars Branka left were deep.

'Well, are we ready to head outside?' Nuada signed. He looked the most composed out of all of us, but then again, he was used to public appearances. 'Elspeth and Alistair were not joking about how restless the crowd is.'

'Will things be all right?' Aiden asked, eyes worried. It amused me that after everything we've been through, this was what made him concerned. 'After all, we are going to be huge targets.'

'I have a barrier I can put up, and Nuada has a habit of catching weapons,' Layla quickly signed, eyes amused. Her hands shook, though. 'Oh, why must we go outside?'

'Politics,' Nuada answered with a smile, signs light and even cheerful. It made the rest of us roll our eyes. 'Well, we might get away with just sending Cleon, but come on. We started this adventure together…'

'So now, we end it together.' Layla still sighed. Her face promptly turned red with Nuada bent down to kiss her cheek. 'What was that for?!'

'That was a combination of luck, distraction, and I just felt like it.' Nuada's grin showed no remorse, and I knew Aiden was laughing by how his shoulders shook. I had to hide my own grin. 'Aiden, Cleon?'

'Well, we might as well get this over with,' Aiden signed, looking more relaxed now. I wondered if Nuada had made the little scene for that reason too. 'Cleon?' I nodded in reply, and reached over to tug him and Nuada into a hug. The two of them easily took the unspoken cue and dragged Layla into the group hug. A last bit of courage.

When we pulled away, we smiled, and headed outside the throne room to greet the gathered crowd, and keep things calm until Alistair and Elspeth came out to join us.

Yes, this was an ending, and the start of the next story of our lives. Mythal, watch over us as we find our paths. For, even if they lead us to separate places, we would still walk them 'together', in spirit. After all, we had defeated a Blight, and pulled off a miracle. We were stuck with each other, and I wouldn't have it any other way.


Author's Notes: Well, here we go. This is the final chapter of Saga of the Wardens, Origins. Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

For those curious, yes, this is only the first in the series. Its sequel is Saga of the Wardens: Awakening, which is listed as a separate story for convenience.

Again, thank you very much for reading. Pleasant day.