Alistair had never been so pleased to hear a friend's voice as when he caught Marian's in the wind after the bloody battle. She was side by side with Leliana, and very vocal in her stance.

"Yes I understand how very useful bows and arrows are Leliana. That does not preclude the fact I am horrible at actually using them. I'm fairly sure I'm a lost cause at your archer's work."

"Nonsense. You perform perfectly in every other way! Now that the Blight is finished I'm taking a month and you WILL be proficient. I promise."

"Leli..."

Marian's comment was cut off by Alistair running over and giving her a tight hug. "Welcome home my friend."

Marian returned the squeeze in turn. "It's good to be home." Then, in a whisper only he could hear, "Nice to still be standing as well."

"I'll explain later."

Later was quite a bit later, after Marian had soaked for hours in a warm bath. In spite of a few invitations, she chose to take dinner on her own before crashing and getting a well-deserved and very long sleep. The next morning she found herself actually feeling refreshed and comfortable as she rose from the bed, glad to realize that the world was no longer in a danger only she an Alistair could end. She stretched happily and to the wardrobe for something to wear- only to laugh.

It was nothing but dresses.

After a moment considering protest, she shrugged. It wasn't as though she was adverse to a skirt, but it had been several months since she'd worn one. Her eyes fell to a very simple dress in a silver-grey that should fit perfectly. Pulling it on, she was pleased to find she was right: it was perfect. She found a blue woven cord amongst the accessories which she tied at the waist, accenting the curve at her hip, and checked in the mirror. Satisfied, she headed down.

Morrigan and Alistair were the only ones up. The new king had his mind occupied by a proposal he'd been brought to look over- something about the Howes and Amaranthine from the few words Mari saw. Morrigan greeted her with a cup of tea, nodding approval. "So you are a woman. I had wondered."

The comment got Alistair to look up, eyes popping out. "I...ah...good morning, Hawke."

Marian chuckled as she sat. "Your highnesses. So, any good gossip I should be aware of right now?"

"Well you're definitely the hero of the day." Alistair went back to his paperwork. "Other than that..."

"You were going to explain how I'm still alive I believe? Not that I'm not grateful, mind, it's just a curiosity."

"That would be my doing," Morrigan answered for the now blushing monarch. "I found a loop in the hole and my dear husband-to-be was more than willing to oblige. Which reminds me, Alistair..."

"We're moving up the wedding. Two weeks. Please stand beside me, Mari?"

The female warden smiled. "I see. So the witch is with child already?"

"Hush! Don't need all and sundry aware," Morrigan hissed.

"Of course not. I'm happy for you. And of course I'll stand with you if you want Alistair."

That decided, the trio shared a quiet breakfast. During that Morrigan explained about the ritual, and Marian offered her thanks. Afterwards, Alistair asked for a pen and signed the document he'd been pouring over during the meal.

"Hawke, would you mind walking with me a moment?"

Marian stepped out into Denerim with Alistair, seeing the devastation, but also the bustling entity that was the city. Even the battle couldn't truly stop life here. She stayed slightly behind his shoulder to the right, letting him pick the pace as they stepped through. "You are a Ferelden hero, Hawke. The Hero, some are saying, because you slew the archdemon and lived. I may not have planned it that way but it does add to your...mystique." He took a deep breath, shaking his head. "Look, Hawke...Marian...I am in a sore spot. There are only two gray wardens left in the whole country, and one of us is king. When the Orlesian wardens come from their headquarters they will want a commander. If one is not in place, they will make us accept one of theirs. Our reputation is tenuous at best; an Orlesian Commander of the Grey..." He shook his head vigorously.

Marian stopped dead in her tracks. "Are you suggesting..?"

"I know you wanted to rejoin your family, but this is important Hawke!"

"I..." She sighed, mind reeling. "I hate you being...rational."

"Then you mean you'll do it? You'll take over as Commander of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden?"

"In peace vigilance, right?" She stepped to catch up, no longer behind but right at his side. "You are going to owe me a boon, your highness."

Alistair chuckled, and began explaining his plan. Marian had to admit it was brilliant- so long as there really weren't any members of the Howe family left.