Warning: This chapter has minor DA2 spoilers. It's nothing too bad, but I wanted to give you a heads up.
Chapter 17
"I just want to tell you nothing, you don't want to hear, all I want is for you to say
Why don't you just take me, where I've never been before
I know you want to hear me, catch my breath, I love you till the end
I just want to be there, when we're caught in the rain, I just want to see you laugh not cry
I just want to feel you, when the night puts on its cloak, I'm lost for words don't tell me,
All I can say, I love you till the end"
Love you till the end, by The Pogues
Sabrina sat in her study and reflected on the events of the past several days. It had been one hell of a week; The City of Amaranthine had been saved, The Vigil had taken heavy damages but the reinforcements had held and the Keep survived the attack. Kristoff's body had been found, but after the dust had settled, there had been no sign of Justice and Velanna. The belief was that both had perished in the fierce fighting that had taken place. She, along with Oghren, Nate and Anders had managed to kill both the Mother and the Architect and they had gathered all of the Architect's notes they could find there. Sabrina decided to send them to Avernus at Soldier's Peak to see if he could continue the research. Alistair still remained at the Keep, helping Varel go over the damage so that the Crown could offer assistance with the rebuilding. Fergus had arrived three days ago to offer aid for both the Keep and the City.
Earlier today, Anders had come to her study and asked to speak to her in private. Ever since his return from Drake's Fall he had been quiet, distant…almost brooding. She had tried to pull him out of his shell, but the lighthearted banter that two of them had so often shared just rolled over him.
The sun was shining brightly through the window in her office; a complete contrast to the solemn mage that sat in front of her. He told her that he needed some time to come to come to terms with the issues from his past. He said that he cared about her too much, that they had been through too much together for him to just leave her without a word, but he needed work out some things on his own for a while. When she pressed him harder for details she saw his normally chocolate brown eyes flickered with a blue lights; moving at lightning speed, Sabrina had slid across the desk, her hand grabbed the dagger that had been sitting beside her, before Anders could even react she grasped his hand and slit his palm open.
Anders jerked it back, jumped to his feet, and started healing himself, "What the fuck did you do that for?"
"I wanted to make sure that you weren't possessed. If you had been possessed, the demon would have defended itself," Sabrina explained.
"Yes, I know that. Maker's cock, Commander why would you think I'm possessed?"
"Because just now as I pressed you, your eyes flashed blue," Sabrina said skeptically.
Anders hung his head and shook it earnestly. "It's not what you think, I promise. I am fine…I'm not possessed. Like I said I need to work through some things. Give me time, I will come back and I will explain everything."
Sabrina grasped his shoulders and looked directly into his eyes, "Anders, I love you like a brother. If you're in some kind of trouble you can trust me. I would go into the Fade itself to save you if I needed to."
Anders laughed. "I know you would, Bree. You would risk everything for those you love and that is one of the things that I love about you the most . I am fine. I just need to work through this on my own, then I will explain it all to you. I promise you, I will come back. I'm not crazy about the whole darkspawn, Deep Roads, tainted blood thing, but I will come back for you."
Sabrina hugged him and he enthusiastically returned the hug. "I'm going to hold you to that promise, Anders. Don't make me come hunt you down."
"You can hunt me down if you dress up in a skimpy leather templar's uniform and we can play Bad Mage meets Mistress Templar-Spank-A-Lot," Anders cooed seductively.
Sabrina pushed him back, "I'll give you Mistress Spank-A-Lot as I crack my whip against your perverted arse."
Anders laughed and wickedly grinned at her. "I'm going to hold you to that, Commander. It might be worth having you hunt me down if you're showing up dressed like that."
"Don't make me cut you again," Sabrina said as she took her seat behind her desk once again. "So where will you go?"
"Kirkwall, I have a friend there," Anders replied.
"Kirkwall! They aren't known for being Mage friendly, Anders. Are you sure you want to go there?"
"Yes, as I said I have a friend there and I am concerned about him."
"Please be careful, Anders, and if you need anything please let me know," Sabrina said.
"I promise, Bree, I will," Anders replied and a worried look creased his brow.
Sabrina studied him for a moment, but decided not to push the issue. "So when are you leaving? Your fellow Wardens will want to say good-bye."
"I don't want a big to-do so I will be packing tonight and I will say my individual good-byes during the day today, so I can have an early start in the morning," Anders replied.
Sabrina felt the shock and pain of the news roll right through her. "Tomorrow morning! So soon?" She whispered.
"Yes, I need to go," Anders paused and stared at her for a long time before he continued. "Bree, you have taught me what it means to be loyal and devoted to others; to be willing lay down your life for those you love. I never experienced that, until I met you. You believed and trusted me when you didn't have to. I give you my word, Commander, I will come back."
Before she could reply, Anders gave her a wink, then spun on his heels, he glanced over his shoulder, blew her a kiss and walked out the door. Sabrina hadn't expected to feel the loss so deeply, but as his robes billowed out of sight she burst into tears.
Thinking of Anders' departure and hopefully only temporary absence, along with the loss of Justice and Velanna was enough for her eyes to fill again. Almost losing Tristen was just too much, Sabrina came to the realization that life was way too short to spend second guessing one's self. After she had dried her eyes, she raced down to her chambers. Tristen had stayed in her bed while he continued to recover.
As she entered the room she glanced around, he was alone and awake. She swiftly walked across the room, crawled onto the bed and slid into Tristen's lap. He laughed in surprise.
"Mmmm, I like this. This is exactly what I need to aid in my recuperation," he muttered as he pulled her closer to him, buried his face into the side of her neck and began to feather kisses all the way down to her collar bone.
She let out a little whimper as his lips and tongue found that spot where her neck and shoulder met that always turned her to putty in his hands when he stroked his lips there. She forced herself to pull away. He groaned when his mouth left her skin.
She smiled at him; she ran her fingers through his hair and looked deeply into his eyes. "Tristen, do you remember that day we spent beneath that oak tree in the pasture?"
Tristen laughed, "Do I remember it? It's seared into my brain. It's in my top five best days ever."
"Really? Top five best days ever, huh? Where does it sit on the list?"
His eyes flared with desire as he ran his hands down her back and cupped her bottom, "It sits proudly in the number one spot."
She smiled radiantly at him, "Why is that your number one?"
"Because it was the first time that you ever told me that you loved me," he replied as his hands continued to caress and rub her behind and lower back.
Her eyes sparkled as she leaned in and sighed breathlessly against his lips, "What else did I tell you that day?"
Tristen paused in his exploration of her body; he thought for a moment and then whispered, "You said you wanted to spend the rest of your life with me."
She grinned at him. "Yes, and I meant that wholeheartedly. I almost lost you, Tristen. I have faced a lot of frightening things in my lifetime, but none of those things paralyzed me with fear the way not having you by my side did. I love you, Tristen Theirin. I will love you till the day I die and on that day I want to die as Sabrina Theirin. I know that you are the one that is supposed to ask me, but I just couldn't wait. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and I want the rest of my life to start now. Tristen, will you marry me?"
Tristen burst into laughter, "Only you, my Love, would be so impatient and impulsive as to burst in here and ask me to marry you."
Sabrina leaned back and pouted, "I ask you to marry me and instead of giving me an answer, you laugh at me and then reprimand me."
"Is my backpack still in here from when they carried me into your room?" Tristen asked. Sabrina nodded. Tristen kissed her pouty lips, "Can you get it for me?"
Sabrina slid off his lap, retrieved the bag from the corner and handed it to him. He smiled that sexy grin of his as he patted his lap. "Would you please settle your irresistibly alluring body back in my lap?"
She did as he asked. He quickly rummaged through his bag and pulled a small box out. He smiled so lovingly and tenderly at her that it melted her heart. "My impatient Soleil, I have known since I first glimpsed you in a dream that you were the only woman I would ever ask to be my wife. I was not sure if our circumstances would ever allow that to happen, but I knew from the very beginning that I only wanted you. It's always only been you. Love doesn't seem to be a strong enough word to accurately express how I feel about you. From the very depths of my being I adore you, you are everything to me and I can't imagine not having you in my life. Sabrina, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"
Tristen opened the box, he pulled out the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. In a platinum setting, a large square cut diamond sat in the center, the band was encircled with alternating ruby and diamond baguettes that encircle the entire band. Tristen looked up at her and smiled patiently and she realized that she hadn't answered.
She giggled, "Well, I thought my answer was obvious, but just so there isn't any misunderstanding, I would love to be your wife, Tristen."
He slid the ring on her finger then his hands laced through her hair to the nape of her neck as he guided her lips to his. She greedily consumed his mouth as the feel of his lips beneath hers intoxicated her, causing her head to spin and her stomach to tighten. She slid her tongue along his bottom lip as she savored the soft feel of his velvety lips. He parted his mouth and their tongues danced and intertwined together as a fire licked through her, deep and low. Maker, he tasted so good, she wanted nothing more than to run her tongue and lips over every inch of his body. She pressed her body against his forcing a guttural groan to escape from the back of his throat.
"My dear Tristen, I have come to…" Anders voiced faded as he entered the room.
Shocked, Sabrina flew out of Tristen's lap, leaping off the bed as she yelped in surprise, "Have you ever heard of knocking?"
"Knock? Why would I knock when the door is wide open?" Anders asked as a grin spread across his face. "That templar role playing game really got the juices going, didn't it? I always knew you were a kinky little Commander."
"Anders," Tristen grunted in frustration as the romantic moment with Brin had been disturbed and he didn't like what the frisky mage was implying. "You're lucky I don't have all of my strength back or I would punch you in your dirty, little mage's mouth," Tristen declared as he slid to the side of the bed.
"Well, it looks like the most important part of your strength is back," Anders laughed as he nodded to Tristen's groin and his growing strength.
"Is there a reason you're here?" Tristen demanded as he pulled a pillow onto his lap.
"Yes as a matter of fact there is, I have come to say farewell..."
Tristen stared in confusion. "Farewell? What are you talking..."
"Anders," Sabrina interrupted as she walked around the side of the bed. "I know that you had your heart set on leaving tomorrow, but Tristen just asked me to marry him and I've accepted."
"Aaah, so that was a celebratory snog. Congratulations," Anders said.
"Thank you, listen I think I speak for Tristen…" she glanced at her betrothed and smiled.
"Wow, it starts so soon. Barely become betrothed and they immediately start speaking for you," Anders observed.
"Would you be quiet for a minute and let me speak?" She grinned while saying.
Anders nodded so she continued. "Would you be willing to delay your plans to leave by a few days? I believe that neither one of us wants a large wedding." She looked at Tristen again and he nodded.
"So since Fergus, Alistair and Fiona are already here I would love if we had a small wedding in the pasture behind the Keep with just our close family and friends gathered. I'm sure that Varel and Mistress Woolsey could have a small intimate affair pulled together in two to three days. Please stay for that Anders. It wouldn't be the same without you here," Sabrina pleaded.
Anders smiled, "Of course I will stay. How could I not?"
Sabrina hugged him. "Thank you."
"Anders, could you hold off saying anything to anyone until after I had a chance to tell Alistair and my mother?" Tristen asked.
"Sure not a problem and I won't mention it to Fergus either," Anders replied.
"Oh he is already aware," Tristen said nonchalantly.
"He is?" Sabrina questioned.
"Yes, I asked his permission months ago. I nearly wanted to kick him under the table when he asked about me making an honest woman out of you," Tristen said. He patted the bed for her to join him and she sat down beside him. Tristen looked at Anders and he took the hint.
"Well, if you will excuse me, I have some people to inform that I'm not leaving yet. Congratulations again, you two," Anders said as he quickly left the room, closing the door behind him.
He took her hand and looked at the ring on her finger. "Fergus told me that your mother rarely wore her wedding band and engagement ring, that she only wore them during social occasions; he said that for everyday use she wore a simple gold band so the night that Howe attacked the castle she wasn't wearing her rings. While cleaning the castle, Fergus found a tiny vault in the basement that Howe's men didn't find. Once he had the vault cracked he found your mother's rings in there. When I asked his permission to marry you and he agreed, he gave me the rings. The original rings were set in gold bands and I know that it's not your favorite, so I had the stones removed and placed in a new setting for you."
Tears slid down her cheeks, "I thought there was something vaguely familiar about it. Thank you, Tristen." She leaned in and kissed his cheek.
He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her back on his lap. "Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted," Tristen whispered just before his lips devoured hers.
XxXxx
In the field behind the Keep, Tristen stood off to the side of the dais and looked at the picturesque scene before him. How Varel had managed to pull together such a lovely event in five days when both the city and Keep were in the midst of recovering was beyond him, but the man was a miracle worker. Tristen knew that Fergus sent for assistance from Highever to help with the preparations.
There were six round tables clustered together but with enough room to create a center aisle that led to a small dais at the front where the ceremony would take place and later where the band would play. The tables had ivory linens and colorful, fresh cut wild flowers from this very field. There were hundreds of candles everywhere - they were on the tables, the stage and tall pillar candles and candelabras lined the perimeter of the space creating the illusion of a closed in area. Since their wedding was taking place right before dusk, all of the candles would be a necessity once the sun had set. A large sheer curtain had been hung at the back between two trees so that Sabrina could approach without anyone seeing her.
Tristen fidgeted with the sleeves of his ivory and gold doublet as he tried to adjust it again.
"Would you leave that damn thing alone? You look fine," Alistair said.
"Sorry, just nervous," Tristen sighed.
When Tristen had told Alistair that they were getting married and asked if he could stay for a few more days in order to attend, Tristen was shocked by how well Alistair had received the news. It was as if he had been expecting the announcement. What had stunned him even more was that Alistair had volunteered to stand as Tristen's best man and witness. He had wanted to ask his brother to be his best man, but he didn't want to hurt Alistair or to be insensitive to his brother's feelings.
"I would be delighted to have my brother stand with me. You do realize that Brin asked Zev to be her best man too," Tristen said.
Alistair furrowed his eyebrows. "Isn't the bride supposed to have a maid of honor?"
"Yes, but since Brin's best friend is Zev she wanted him to stand with her," Tristen replied.
"Is he going to wear a dress?" Alistair asked.
Tristen laughed. "I don't think so unless you would be more comfortable if he did so that it wouldn't seem so awkward when the two of you dance together."
"What! I am not dancing with Zev wearing a…" Alistair began to exclaim before he looked at Tristen's face. They both laughed as the pictured Zev in a dress dancing with Alistair.
"What are you nervous about? You love her, right?" Alistair asked. Tristen nodded.
"And you know s-she loves you, right?" Alistair asked. Tristen nodded.
Alistair rested his hands on Tristen's shoulders and smiled warmly at him. "Then you have nothing to be nervous about, my Brother, there is no better way to make this journey than with someone you love and who loves you in return."
Just then the string quartet began to play softly in the background as everyone took their seats at the tables. The Revered Mother walked down the center aisle and up the stairs of the dais. From either side of the dais Alistair and Zev walked out and stepped up on the first step of the platform, then Tristen walked out to the center and turned toward the aisle.
From the candles and setting sun, he saw two figures approach the sheer curtain; two servants gently pulled the drapes apart to reveal Fergus and Sabrina. All three men at the dais drew in a sharp breath as Sabrina slowly started to make her way toward them. She looked absolutely stunning. Her dress was made of silk, dark ivory with gold accents on the bodice and an ivory sash that sat on her hips with gold embroidering on it. The gown had a drop waist and the bodice clung tightly from her breasts to her hips so that it emphasized the swell of her breasts, the curve of her hips and accented her tiny waist. Below her hips the material billowed and moved fluidly around her as she floated towards him. For the sleeves there were thin thin pieces of silk wrapped around her biceps with long sheer arms that looked like bells as she held her flowers in front of her. She wore her long dark tresses down that curled around her beautiful face. Her eyes twinkled as she looked at him, her gaze never leaving his.
Alistair leaned over and whispered, "Breathe." And Tristen realized that he had been holding his breath as he watched his bride make her way to him. His bride…he couldn't believe that he was about to marry the woman of his dreams.
Fergus and Sabrina stopped inches away from the dais. "Who gives this woman away?" The Revered Mother asked.
"I do," Fergus replied and the Revered Mother nodded.
Fergus leaned in, kissed Sabrina's cheek, "I love you, Bean."
Sabrina smiled, "I love you too, Fergus."
Fergus then placed Sabrina's hand in his and held it out for Tristen. Tristen reached for her hand, but Fergus paused and looked directly into Tristen's eyes, "I am entrusting you with the person that I hold dearest to me. Take good care of her."
Tristen never wavered, "I give you my word Fergus, that I will protect her, love her and care for her until I breathe my last breath." Fergus nodded and took a seat as Tristen led Sabrina up the stairs to stand in front of the Revered Mother.
The Revered Mother read from the chant of light and she talked about the bond between a husband and wife, but Tristen didn't hear a word of it. He was only focused on the incredibly beautiful woman who was about to become his wife. At the appropriate times they exchanged vows and rings and before he knew it they were facing their family and friends as the Revered Mother said, "For the first time ever, I would like to introduce you to the Arl and Arlessa of Amaranthine, Tristen and Sabrina Theirin."
A large cheer went up from the crowd as the couple made their way back down the aisle.
XxXxx
Alistair sipped his ale as he watched Tristen spin his wife around on the dance floor. Tristen looked like the happiest man in all of Thedas and as Sabrina gazed at her new husband her eyes sparkled with so much passion and love that it caused his heart to ache. He loved both of them, he wanted them to be happy and at the same time, he just wanted the pain to stop. Would it ever stop?
He felt the veil shift and warmth of magic wash over him. It encircled him, giving him comfort, security and love. He felt a hand rest on his shoulder; he looked over as his mother slipped into the chair beside him.
"I can feel your pain, my son. I know you love her and I know how hard it's been for you to be so supportive of your brother, but it has meant a great deal to him to have you here. You only recently found out about him, but he has known about you all of his life. He wanted to have a relationship with you for just as long. Having you here today, on a day that will probably the most important in his life means everything to him. I am very proud of you, Alistair, you have shown remarkable maturity."
Alistair didn't say anything. He didn't know what to say so he just nodded.
"Alistair, would you have traded the time that you spent with her if it meant that you didn't have to endure this pain?"
"Yes!...No…I don't know. There are times I just want to forget that I ever met her, forget the time that we spent together," Alistair groaned.
Fiona laughed softly, "And if you could forget her, would you?"
Alistair thought long and hard about the question before he answered. He shook his head. "No, it was the best time of my life. For the first time ever, she made me feel loved, accepted and secure. She gave me the confidence to become who I am today. So no, I wouldn't trade that. It just hurts so much knowing that I still love her, but she doesn't feel the same way about me anymore."
Fiona smiled sadly, "Alistair, take it from a woman, you were Sabrina's first love; she will always love you and hold a special place in her heart for you. I have learned through the years that some people come into our lives briefly then depart quickly, leaving only a small imprint on us, while others stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts and on our souls. Even if it's painful, it's those people that you want to have as many as possible in your life because even if the relationship ends, you will be glad that it was at least once yours."
Fiona reached over and reassuringly squeezed his hand. Alistair smiled at her. "Thank you."
"Anytime, now that I am finally here and a part of your life, I will be sorely put out if you don't turn to me for comfort and advice when you need it," Fiona replied warmly.
Just then Fergus raised his wine glass and clinked a fork against it. Once he had everyone's attention, he cleared his throat and began. "Before the happy couple take their leave for the evening I thought it would be nice to send them off with a few toasts from their close friends and family."
Fergus turned toward Bree and Tristen who now stood beside the stage. "Bean and Tristen, here is a little advice that I learned while I was married, in order to keep your marriage brimming with love, whenever you're wrong, admit it; whenever you're right, shut the hell up."
Fergus paused while everyone laughed. He then raised his glass, "Seriously, my greatest wish for the two of you is that through the years your love for each other will deepen and grow, that years from now you will look back on this day, your wedding day, as the day you loved each other the least."
The crowd raised their glasses and cried out, "Hear, hear."
As Fergus stepped off the dais and embraced his brother-in-law, "Welcome to the family Tristen."
Tristen returned the hug, "Thank you, Fergus."
Zevran gracefully leapt onto the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses and join me in a toast to Sabrina and Tristen. Nowadays, it takes a brave and strong man to achieve his dreams and goals in life, and in love. A man of intelligence, a man who isn't afraid to live life to its fullest, and embrace all that life has to offer. But enough about me… We're here to talk about Bree and Tristen, two amazing individuals who have come here today to join together in what will surely be a happy and lasting union. Mia Tesoro Amica…you look amazing tonight. Tristen is so very fortunate to have found such a spectacular woman to share his life with. I am so very honored to be here today, chosen by you, my best friend, for this important occasion. I wish you both peace and overflowing joy in your new lives together, and may the Maker bless you."
A loud cheer went up from the guests as Zev hugged the two of them. As Alistair made his way up to the dais, Oghren's loud voice bellowed out from a nearby table, "H-here's a toast to the newlyweds! I-I hope the only ups and downs you two have are b-between the sheets." A roar of laughter rose and Oghren took another gulp of ale right before his head hit the table.
Alistair laughed. "Well, I was worried about following Zev's eloquent speech, but I feel much better now because I can guarantee that I will be better than Oghren."
Alistair paused as he smiled at his brother and his new wife. Alistair raised his glass, "If you would all raise your glasses with me. Tristen and Bree, may the love you've expressed to each other today always be the first thoughts during any trying times in the future and may the joys you share today be the beginning of a lifetime of great happiness and fulfillment. May the light of friendship guide your paths together, may the joy of living for one another always bring a smile to your lips, and place a twinkle in your eye. May you live each day like it's your last, love each night like your first, may you grow old together on one pillow and may the two of you know nothing but happiness from this day forward."
The crowd stood up and cheered, "Hear, hear."
Alistair stepped down and embraced both Tristen and Sabrina. Finally Tristen stepped forward, "Sabrina and I want to thank all of you for sharing this very special day with us. It means so much to have the people that we love the most, here with us as we start our new lives together. There is plenty of wine and ale so please continue to enjoy the celebration."
Then to rousing cheers, Alistair watched somberly as Tristen scooped Sabrina up into his arms, kissed her passionately on the lips and then he carried his new bride back towards the Keep and to their new life together.
Author's notes – Yay they finally have their happy ever after. Thank you to everyone that has been following this story I really hope that you are enjoying. We aren't done yet, but we are getting close. Thank you to everyone that has left a comment in my box. I love hearing your thoughts.
*A big thanks to the randy minxes, RandomWittering and Jinx1983, for being the most shagadelic betas ever. You two are the best!
*Last but certainly not least, a shout out to my good friends Warrose and Tess15216. You two are awesome ladies and I am privileged to know you.