Chapter 21
Teagan held Marlena's hand as they walked through the path in the woods that were around Castle Highever.
"We're getting close, I can hear the stream." Marlena said in a shaky voice.
Wading through the woods, they reached the stream and Teagan watched as Marlena went over an area that was overgrown with flowers.
She sat down on the ground and brushed away the foliage and Teagan could see the small bronze plaque that bore the name Roderick Oren.
"Here he is." Marlena said softly as she wiped her eyes.
Teagan sat down beside her, putting his arm around her.
"He is hidden because the Wardens at Weisshaupt Fortress would have wanted to…..study him. Fiona, Nathaniel, and Anders brought his body to my brother. He thought this was perfect place and had him buried here. I brought the plaque when I recovered enough to see him. Valanna came back and planted the flowers and shrubs."
"It is beautiful here." Teagan reached over and kissed her. "Thank you for sharing this with me."
"I promised you I would all those months ago."
"That you did."
"When I was in Antiva, I received a letter from Fiona. Another female Warden had gotten pregnant and it infuriated the Wardens at Weisshaupt to the point where any female recruit would also take a pledge that they would be willing to drink this other potion if they survived the Joining. This was some sort of herb that virtually ensures that a woman cannot conceive."
"That's terrible!"
"The Warden who got pregnant, lost her abilities as well but she stayed on and joined the Silver Order after giving birth to a healthy baby."
"Forgive me for saying this but the Wardens seem very primitive and rigid in their beliefs."
"They are. They are trapped in the past and hated that I saved Amaranthine and did not like it when Fiona sent word that my son's body was burned. The First Warden was relieved when I left. The Wardens need to change with the times. I shattered a lot of assumptions, and they resented me for it. When my baby died in my arms, I stopped caring."
"I wish I had been there for you more."
"You did what you could and Kaitlyn's letters really meant a lot to me. I still have them, tucked away with my other keepsakes."
"She loved you like a sister." Teagan smiled.
"And I felt the same away about her."
"I know she's happy that Rowan will have you as a mother."
"And I love Rowan as if she were my own."
"We have a second chance." Teagan put a hand on her belly and kissed her.
"Yes we do and intend to embrace every moment of it. I love you Teagan and I can't wait to be called Marlena Guerrin."
"You mean Arlessa Marlena Guerrin. And I love you."
Marlena looked down at plaque and gently touched it. "I love you and I'll never forget you."
Taking Teagan's hand she stood up and they headed back to the castle.
…
Alistair got up from his chair and paced around his study. He saw Bann Bryland and Alfstanna leaving for Highever with Habren.
Out of loyalty to Alistair, Sighard was not attending but sent Oswyn and his daughter in his place.
Teagan and Marlena had been at Highever for a week and were getting married in a few days. As much as it hurt him, he had to accept it.
"You're thinking about Marlena again."
Alistair turned to see Fiona smiling at him.
"I can't help it."
"Perhaps you should go see them."
"What? You mean go to the wedding? I could not intrude like that."
"They don't have to know you're there Alistair and I know the ceremony will be outdoors."
"Come to think of it the lodge is twenty miles from Castle Highever. We can stay there."
"I also think you should visit your son's grave."
"Roderick."
He had visited the grave several days after Eamon's revelation. Fergus had showed him the way. Alistair did not understand why the grave was so secluded then. Thanks to Fiona, he was grateful now that the Wardens never got the chance to do what they planned. Fiona was right. He had to go not only to see Marlena wed Teagan, but to see his son as well, to say how sorry he was.
"I'll inform Sighard that we're going to the lodge." Alistair got up and left the room.
….
Fiona finished off Alistair's drink and smiled wearily. She knew Alistair would always love Marlena but he was slowly moving on. While seeing her marry Teagan would hurt, it would also help him on his journey.
Fiona sighed when thinking of Marlena. As much as her heart ached over her son's pain, she could not hate her. She liked her from the moment she heard the First Warden's disdain for her.
Fiona remembered probing Marlena's mind when she was unconscious. She grew up with the type of family Alistair should have had and it was taken away from her so brutally. Any other person who went through that sort of horror would rarely recover from it but Marlena did. Duncan had wanted her from the beginning and she could see why. As Fiona probed Marlena's memories, she was taken to a moment where she saw her traveling with Duncan to Ostagar. She had not mourned her loss and during their long journey had remained quiet but dutiful. Marlena would listen to Duncan speak. He would give her fighting tips and she amazed him with her abilities. There was moment where they encountered bandits and while they successfully dealt with them, Marlena kept stabbing at the one body and Duncan pulled her away. She later collapsed in Duncan's arms and he let her grieve. Fiona visited the memory of the moment Marlena took the chalice, and saw that she did not falter. In her report, the Architect had tried reasoning with her on his plan and she would not have it. Her group killed him as well as Utha before dealing with that crazed, sentient brood mother. Marlena did what she had to do as was her duty.
The First Warden celebrated those deeds but hated the fact that she spared Amaranthine. Marlena shattered so many assumptions and myths about the Grey Wardens and she did not care if the First Warden did not like her methods. It was a relief for the Wardens at Weisshaupt when Marlena's pregnancy destroyed her taint, forcing her to leave the order, but it created a precedent where all perspective female recruits now have to be willing to make another sacrifice if they survive the joining.
Needless to say, Marlena left an indelible legacy that will never be forgotten and she deserved her happiness.
Fiona paused and looked around.
"There is still something left unfinished."
Setting the goblet down, Fiona left the study feeling unsettled by the feeling that came over her.
….
Teagan and Marlena came down the stairs, finding Leliana and Zevran standing with Fergus.
"You're here!" Marlena rushed to greet them. "I've been so worried about you when hearing about all the political unrest. Thank the Maker you're safe!"
"We've missed you so much Marlee." Leliana said as she hugged her.
"I'll go see if your rooms are prepared." Fergus smiled as he headed upstairs.
"Zevran!" Marlena embraced him.
"It's good to see you too my dear. And let me just say, you were extremely missed in Antiva."
Teagan coughed and folded his arms and Leliana threw her arms around him. "Teagan it's so good to see you. When I read Marlee's letter, I wept for you. And I now I can cry tears of joy knowing you and Marlee found each other."
"Thank you Leliana." Teagan kissed her cheek.
"Teagan, congratulations my friend." Zevran held out his hand and Teagan shook it.
"Thank you Zevran."
"I'm just so happy you are here." Marlena wiped her tears. "I got so worried about the political unrest."
"Antiva goes through these periods from time to time. It eventually worked itself out after the perpetrators…died suddenly."
"And Marlee, women are now allowed to bear arms thanks to you."
"But only in a limited basis."
"How did that happen?" Marlena's eyes widened.
"There were a great many riots and Prince Stefano spoke out to the royal council and quoted you that women should be able to defend themselves as well as the property of their husbands. And the other merchant princes reluctantly agreed."
"It's about time!" Marlena exclaimed.
"That's my Lena." Teagan put his arm Marlena and kissed her.
"You know Stefano sends his regards, he was hoping you'd come back to Antiva." Zevran looked at her.
Marlena turned and saw the frown on Teagan's face.
"I will always wish Stefano the best, but my life is here with Teagan. And I am looking forward to being a wife, mother, and arlessa. I am going to be little Rowan's mother and I am due in five months and three weeks." Marlena smiled as she put her hand on her belly.
"Oh Marlee." Leliana burst into tears as she hugged Marlena. "I am so happy for you."
"Congratulations Marlee and to think, I assumed that you would turn into a chaste chantry sister when coming back to Ferelden."
"Oh I can guarantee that was not the case at all." Teagan pulled her against him and wrapped his arms around her belly.
"I can see that." Zevran grinned.
Marlena watched as two servants brought in a large chest.
"What's that?"
"That's from…Stefano." Leliana said nervously. "He insists you keep everything."
Marlena saw Teagan arch one of his brows as he frowned.
"Oh for the love of the Maker." Marlena shook her head.
"Please bring it upstairs to our room."
"Room?" Zevran grinned. "You mean you are sleeping together?"
"She's expecting my child Zevran." Teagan looked annoyed. "Where else would she be sleeping?"
"But what about your wedding?" Leliana looked at Marlena. "Surely you are going to spend the night before in other rooms. You want Teagan to look surprised when Fergus escorts you to him."
"Leliana is right." Marlena smiled at Teagan. "I do want you to be surprised."
"Well I guess I can survive one night without you." Teagan sighed.
"I promise it will be worth it."
"I'm going to hold you to it." Teagan kissed her.
"Oh you two are so cute." Leliana cried.
"You two must want a drink, lets go to the sitting room down the hall." Marlena pointed to the door on the right.
As Leliana and Zevran entered the room, Teagan pulled Marlena aside.
"And you're going to make it up to me….tonight." He whispered. Teagan kissed her, giving her that hungry look that made her flush.
…
After supper and a couple of hours of chatting, Madeline excused herself to her room to bathe while Teagan used Fergus's study to sign some papers.
Opening her door, she found Leliana sitting on her bed smiling at her.
"Leliana. Is there something wrong ?"
"Oh, I was just…wondering." He grinned. "I happened to catch Teagan's hand caressing your thigh under the table and your hand on his. You obviously bring each other much pleasure, yes?"
"Leliana!"
"Well Well Well, I see while you did not become a chaste chantry sister, your reserved nature has returned." She teased. "And that's a far cry from the woman I saw in Antiva."
"What do you want me to say?" Marlena laughed nervously.
"Oh come now, you can't be coy with me considering some of things I know you did in Antiva."
Leliana was right. And while Leliana did not regret her time Antiva, there were certain experiences there that while she enjoyed, had no intention of reliving.
"Come on, you can at least tell me how he is in bed."
"Well Leliana if you really must know, Teagan makes me very happy."
"And?"
"Aright! He's an incredible lover. My body responds in ways it never has before when we make love."
"Better than Stefano?"
"Much better than Stefano ever was. My time in Antiva was fun and exciting but I never loved Stefano. And what I have learned is pleasure means so much more when you can share it with someone you love."
"I'm happy for you." Leliana embraced her. "I knew when you left Antiva you would not be coming back. And it warms my heart to see you and Teagan so in love. But I now need to ask something else. Have you seen… him?"
Marlena knew she was referring to Alistair.
"Yes I've seen Alistair, Leliana. And while I have forgiven him, I can't forget. I've also forgiven Wynne as well."
"I am so proud of you Marlee." Leliana hugged her again. "You have come a long way."
"I'm finally happy Leliana. I see no reason to harbor any bitterness. I'm marrying the man that I love. I'm getting a beautiful daughter and the Maker has blessed me with another baby. I have my brother, Sandra, an adorable nephew I get to spoil. You and Zevran are here. I have everything I could possibly want."
"The Maker works in incredible ways." Leliana smiled. "You are definitely not the same person who reluctantly left Antiva."
"I owe that to Teagan. But enough about me! I hope you and Zevran are staying for awhile."
"I think we will. We are well off and don't need to work for quite awhile and I love being around Bryce and Rowan. I also want to be here when you give birth."
"I'm glad." Marlena smiled.
"Incidentally, I left a box on the table. It's not from me. I have my own gift I plan to give you later. This is from Zev."
"What is it?"
"This is Zevran we're talking about. You know what it is." Leliana laughed. "Now if you excuse me, he's waiting for me…in bed."
"It's wonderful to see you are both still together."
"We just fit Marlee. I wish I realized it earlier."
"Better late than never." Marlena grinned.
"See you in the morning."
Marlena opened the box, grinned, and licked her lips. After pulling a vial out, she put the box in her trunk and shut the door. Undressing, she stepped in the tub of still hot water and sat down.
"Teagan where are you?"
…..
Teagan hid behind the corner and waited until he heard Leliana enter her room and shut the door.
He had heard her conversation with Marlena and his heart swelled with love. Teagan also couldn't help but grin when hearing Marlena describe him as an incredible lover. She aroused the passion in him, in a way he never experienced and he craved her.
Maker knows how much he loved Kaitlyn, but she was younger than Marlena and he loved her for different reasons.
Granted Marlena was young as well but she had lived several lifetimes worth's of experiences both heroic and tragic that have given her wisdom beyond her years. It was hard for Teagan to believe that the woman he was marrying was barely nineteen years old when she came into the chantry that one fateful day when he thought all would be lost. And now nearly seven years later, she would be his. They saved each other and in the process, found each other and for the rest of his days would thank the Maker for bringing her to him.
….
Marlena was still lounging in the bath when Teagan came in and locked the door.
"I've been waiting for you."
"Had some papers to sign and had a drink with your brother." Teagan eyed the chest the servants brought in.
"Teagan if you can open the chest if you want." Marlena laughed. "I intend to get rid of everything."
"Holy Maker!" Teagan gasped when he opened it, pulling out a diamond and ruby necklace. "I've never seen so much jewelry. Did you actually wear this…some of it does not seem like you."
"A few pieces but you're right; I didn't wear all of them. I am going to sell them. We can donate some of the money to the orphanage here in Denerim, not to mention put some back in the coffers at Redcliffe and Rainesfere and do something for the people."
"You would do that?"
"Of course I would. What is mine is also yours." Marlena stepped out of the tube as Teagan close the lid of the chest.
Teagan turned to Marlena. She looked beautiful & wanton, standing before him naked and dripping wet.
Marlena took Teagan's hand and they sat on the bearskin rug near the fire.
"I overheard your conversation to Lillian." Teagan said as Marlena unbuttoned his shirt.
"Did you now?" Marlena unlaced his breeches and helped him pull them off.
"You told her I was better than Stefano." Teagan removed his small clothes, freeing his erection.
"Teagan, I meant what I said. Yes, my time with Stefano was fun. It was a learning experience, it even healed me to an extent but I didn't love him. I was merely a trophy for him. I was the Savior of Ferelden and that brought him into more power. Many times he was out for his own pleasure. You can say we…enjoyed each other but there was never making love with him."
"And how is it with us?" Teagan reached over and touched her dripping sex and she writhed when he found and flicked her pearl.
"We do both." Marlena panted, arching her back as he continued teasing her clit. "And that's exactly how it should be."
He reached over, kissing her and she purred into his kiss, their tongues caressing as she thrust against his hand.
"I thought I was supposed to making….it up to you."
Teagan was surprised to find himself lying on his back and Marlena on top of him.
She kissed him once and he groaned when feeling her tongue move down his neck to his chest.
"L….Lena."
She grazed his nipples with her teeth, sucking on them and he writhed in pleasure as she gently traced a path with her tongue, and the occasional love bite down to his belly.
His body shook slightly when feeling her breath and tongue torment his inner thighs.
He practically jumped when she drew her tongue along the underside of his shaft.
Teagan groaned in bliss when feeling Marlena's mouth around him his length and using one of his hands he reached and dug into her hair, as she continued to suck him.
Suddenly she stopped and looked at him; her green eyes glowed with desire as she licked her lips.
"Wh…Why did you stop?" Teagan's voice was barely recognizable.
"There a vial of oil on the table."
Teagan looked over and saw the vial and watched Marlena get up and retrieve it.
"Are you sure?" Teagan look into her eyes to make sure she was certain.
"Yes. I want to share this intimacy with somebody I love." Marlena looked at him and handed him the vial.
He reached over and gave her deep kiss, her tongue capturing his as she climbed into his lap.
Pouring oil into his palm he began rubbing his hands and she spread herself as he began to prepare her, being as gentle as possible. Her arms were wrapped around his neck and he marveled at her reactions as he slowly slid a finger within. He stretched and caressed her, added one more finger and then another, occasionally kissing her and looking into her eyes. Seeing her desire made his body shake with anticipation. She reached for the vial and poured oil into her hands and proceeded and looked at him as she took his cock into her hands. Teagan grunted and he throbbed in her palm and as she prepared him.
Teagan cupped her ass with his hands as Marlena straddled him. His mouth caught hers as she slowly sank down on him.
They gasped together as Marlena adjusted to him. Teagan buried his face in her chest as she arched her head back and close her eyes as she slowly began to move.
"Are you alright Lena?" He managed to say before the pleasure overwhelmed him.
"Oh yes." Marlena moaned as she rocked back and forth and slowly began to move.
She cried out when his fingers found her clit and teased it as she moved up and down him.
"Yes." He hissed, feeling her clench around him. It would not be long.
Her legs wrapped around him, Teagan got her on her back the moment she screamed her release and it only took two more thrusts before he spilled into her.
Her legs were still wrapped around him as he lay against her.
"I was right." Marlena breathed heavily.
"Right about what?" Teagan panted as he moved off her.
"It was…more pleasurable when you love somebody."
Teagan grabbed the pitcher of water and a cloth and cleaned himself off then proceeded to clean Marlena before lying beside her.
"I love you too." He said as he wrapped his arms around her.
"So do you think you can stand one night on your own Arl Teagan?"
"I think…I'll be able to endure it." He chuckled as he caressed her cheek. "How do you feel?"
"A little achy but it's a good ache." Marlena kissed Teagan's nose, making him blush.
"I wish…." Teagan suddenly felt embarrassed for having lost control so quickly.
Teagan, like I said, it felt marvelous. And did I say…that would be the only time?" Marlena gave him a roguish grin.
"I am a lucky man."
"We both are lucky. I'm just glad you don't think me a wanton…harlot."
"I'd rather be with a wanton woman then one who is frigid and boring."
"I'm glad." Marlena laughed.
Teagan watched as she let out a contented sigh before closing her eyes.
…
Marlena stood in front of the mirror and gazed at her reflection.
The last three days were a blur of wedding preparations and greeting guests.
Teagan reluctantly moved into the next room last night and it was Leliana and Sandra who woke her this morning, to get her ready for her wedding.
She was wearing a green dress with a bodice of embroidered flowers and laurel branches, and while it still fit there the waist was more snug then when she last tried it on. Leliana had done her hair after Sandra helped her get dressed. Rowan came skipping in the room, wearing an adorable blue green dress. Sandra was relieved to see Rowan's hair was up and the flowers still in her hair.
Marlena bent down and gave her a hug and started crying when Rowan said.
"You look pretty Mama."
Sandra took her hand and hurriedly left the room as Leliana playfully teased her about getting puffy eyes before her wedding.
"Pup."
Marlena suddenly looked around.
"I'm hearing things."
Marlena turned around and bumped into her brother who put his arms around her to prevent her from tripping.
"Are you alright?" His eyes wide, with concern.
"Fergus would you think me crazy, if I told you I thought I heard Father call me, pup?"
"No, I would never think that because I had some…experiences when I was marrying Sandra. The night before our marriage I dreamt of Orianna and she gave me her blessing. It made me believe that those we love and lost are never truly gone. They are watching us and want only the best for us."
"I can feel them Brother."
"I can as well."
"I guess…it's time."
"We best head out before Teagan comes to get you." Fergus laughed.
"How is he?"
"He dropped a plate of food on his breeches and had to change."
"Oh Maker!" Marlena chuckled.
"Oh and Zevran made him turn several shades of red."
"I don't even want to know." Marlena could feel herself blush when thinking what Zevran could have said.
"You look beautiful by the way."
"Its about time you noticed." Marlena punched him in the arm.
"You know I love teasing you. Now lets go."
Taking one last glance in the mirror, Marlena smiled, took Fergus's arm and they headed to outside to where everyone was waiting for them.
….
"Blessed Andraste!" Marlena gasped as she saw everyone outside. There must have been at least forty people standing in circle, smiling at her as she made he way towards Teagan who was holding Rowan's hand as the Grand Cleric stood behind the podium. She saw Nathaniel, Anders, Velanna, Oghren and Sigrun.
Marlena saw Teagan smiling at her, the love emanating from his eyes as Fergus escorted her towards him.
…..
Alistair and Fiona watched the ceremony from a hill that overlooked the garden.
The guards at the gates assumed he was a guest at the wedding and let them through. Instructing his guardsmen to wait by the gates, Alistair and Fiona found the path and slowly went up the hill.
"She looks so beautiful." Alistair sighed.
He watched the Grand Cleric speaking and motioning with her hands. Teagan took Madeline's hand and placed the ring on her finger. A few minutes later the Grand Cleric blessed them. He watched Teagan look over at her and she gave him a nod and he watched as they put their arms around each other and kissed. The crowd erupted in applause and Alistair smile when seeing Teagan's daughter jump up and down.
"They look so in love. I should feel…jealous….angry even but I can't. I just feel happy for them."
"You're moving on Alistair. Sometimes you have to let go of the ones you love and just did."
Fiona watched Alistair look at scene below him and smiled.
"My son, you will love again. This is I swear." Fiona thought to herself.
"I'm going to go visit my son's grave."
Fiona watched him go down the hill and follow the path that led to the woods. An ominous feeling overwhelmed Fiona as she watched Teagan pick up Rowan with his free arm.
She watched as Rowan reached for Marlena and the three of them embraced each other as everyone swarmed around them to give their congratulations.
Something was not finished. As happy as Teagan and Marlena looked, there was a darkness lingering over them and she vowed to find out what it was.
"Maker protect them."