Wow, this is actually my 50th chapter! This one is a bit short - kind of a filler, but I hope that everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving! A special thank you to Warrose and Liso66 who have been reviewing pretty regularly. I am humbled and happy that you two and so many others are enjoying my story.
Chapter 50: Giving Thanks
Delia and Alistair walked arm in arm back to the elven festivities, both wearing smiles that seemed to stretch from ear to ear. As they arrived back at the fire, Trent noticed them and, seeing the two beaming, realized what had finally happened, and he smiled as well. He was thankful that his daughter would have the chance he never had – she would be able to marry the man she loved, and not have to submit to Ferelden politics. His thoughts went to the short time he held Landra as his own and the love they shared. She would be happy, and relieved, that her daughter would marry for love, and he knew she would like the blushing young man. They were good for each other.
Delia walked up to her father and, kissing him on his cheek, whispered, "Thank you for your approval. It means a lot… to both of us."
He smiled sadly and put his hand on her cheek. "Your mother would have been so happy for you. As long as I live, I promise to do my best to ensure your future with Alistair. He's a good man, and his feelings for you are honest. I'm glad that I have the good fortune to be a part of both of your lives."
Leliana suddenly seemed to appear at Delia's side from nowhere. "Soooo… you and Alistair were… missing for quite some time. Just what were you doing?" she winked at her friend. "Nothing I wouldn't do, I hope!"
Zevran had followed Leliana and stood behind her. "Now, Leliana, you and I both know that there is nothing that you wouldn't do." His lecherous smile gleamed as he looked over Alistair. "Just as there is nothing that I wouldn't do…"
Alistair blushed from ear to ear before he started to stammer. "I'm… sorry, Zevran… but no matter what you think, there is no way…"
Delia put her left hand on his arm, purposely to show off her ring. "Now, Zev, I must ask you to please stop teasing my betrothed so blatantly. I might have to fight you for his honor, and I wouldn't want to mar your pretty face."
Leliana's face lit up. "Oooooh, what a beautiful ring!" She grabbed Delia's hand from Alistair's arm and led her closer to a torch so that she could see the ring better. "I want to hear all about his proposal. Was it very romantic? For some reason, I picture your Templar being the hopeless romantic knight in shining armor, yes?"
Delia's happy laugh made Alistair relax. "Oh, Leli, it was very romantic. We saw a shooting star, and then he kneeled in front of me before he actually asked if I would do him the honor of becoming his wife. Can you imagine? Me giving him the honor of marrying him? He is the sweetest man in Ferelden, I swear." The two women giggled together as Leliana threw her arms around her friend into a tight hug.
"Delia, I am so very happy for both of you. Tell me about this ring. I have never seen anything like this before. It isn't the typical gold or silver… what is it?"
Delia blushed and she smiled at her groom to be. "Alistair had it made especially for me. Varathorn made it here, from ironbark. The ruby Alistair found in a crate inside the temple in Haven."
Leliana sighed. "That is very romantic, Alistair! Oh, I must write an epic love song about your betrothal. It is the kind of proposal women long for!"
Aeden walked over to find out what they were all laughing about and looking at. Seeing the ring on Delia's finger, he smiled and slapped Alistair on his back. "Congratulations, brother! I'm very happy for both of you." He kissed Delia on the cheek. "And my dear sister, if he ever does anything to hurt you, I will personally deal with him." He winked at her and grasped Alistair's hand in a warrior's handshake.
Alistair and Delia walked over to Lanaya and Sarel. They told their hosts their good news and Lanaya asked for the attention of everyone gathered so she could announce it to the clan and their newfound friends.
"My people, tonight we have gathered to celebrate. We have recently been blessed many times over, first with the visit of the Grey Wardens and their companions." She looked at Alistair and Delia and then looked out at their party members with a sincere smile. "They somehow found a way, with the help of our dear, departed Zathrian, to end the curse that would have destroyed our clan. I would like each of you to know that you shall always be welcome among us."
Lanaya's face went grim as she continued. "We also mourn the loss of our keeper, Zathrian. May his long life inspire us all to seek to live our lives to the fullest, and may the Creators receive his spirit with open arms. We will continue, in the tradition of our forefathers, to tell his story, so that his memory will continue to live within each of us."
"There is one more occasion I must mention at this time." Lanaya motioned for Alistair and Delia to stand next to her. "I was just informed that our friends, Warden Alistair and Delia, are to become bound to one another. My clan wishes you both peace and prosperity. May you remember our Vir Tanadahl, the Way of Three Trees: Vir Assan, the Way of the Arrow; Vir Bor'Assan, the Way of the Bow; and Vir Adahlen, the Way of the Forest. Fly straight and do not waver, bend but never break and together we are stronger than the one. The wisdom of the Vir Tanadahl will help you to be happy as a pairing, and make you strong."
As Alistair thanked the new keeper for her kind words, Delia looked out among the people gathered and caught the eye of Wynne. The mage had her arms crossed in front of her, and the look on her face betrayed her obvious displeasure. Delia didn't understand what would make the elder mage seem so distinctly unhappy, but she tried to ignore it the best she could. Instead, she looked back at her betrothed and smiled at him again. This night had been so beautiful and wonderful, and she didn't want anything to spoil it.
After Lanaya's speech, the clan started to disperse for the night. It wasn't long before the wardens and their traveling companions also left for their own tents. Alistair volunteered to take the first watch, and with a simple look at Delia found a willing partner. Aeden chuckled to himself as he went into his tent, intending to take the second watch with Leliana, who had volunteered.
Once the wardens' group members were quiet in their tents, Alistair and Delia sat next to each other at the fire. The entire evening seemed to be almost unreal to the two of them, and they chatted quietly about how each of them felt incredibly lucky. At least having the watch gave them both time to relax and allow their excitement to dissipate. When it was finally time for second watch to start, they were both ready to sleep. They knew the following day would be busy, as it would be time to begin their trip to Orzammar.
They woke Aeden and Leliana to take over the watch, then as their two bleary eyed friends started to walk the perimeter of the camp they said their goodnight to each other. As Alistair kissed Delia, her heart started to beat wildly yet again. Her happiness knew no boundaries, and she felt blessed to have this man in her life – a life that was having a fresh start once again, now that she was going to be married. They both had a great deal to be thankful for, and once she was alone in her tent she said a prayer to the Maker for all his blessings. As she fell asleep, all she saw in her mind's eye was a vision of her love and his adorable lopsided grin.