11111
The official victory celebrations took place one week after the battle. There had, of course, been quite a few unofficial celebrations. These mostly involved heavy and loud drinking sessions, which had somewhat hampered the cleanup operations. Still the streets were clear and the bodies of those who died had been identified and commemorated according to the various customs of the fallen. The Darkspawn dead had been dealt with; the pyres had been so immense that the entirety of Denerim had been shrouded in smoke and ash for nearly three days.
The Archdemon's disposal had also been resolved. With the blood extracted and the flesh cut off the skull had been placed on temporary public display, under heavy guard, in the Marketplace. Meanwhile the valuable dragon bones had been divided up between the Wardens, the Crown, Orzammar and the Dalish.
The Wardens and their allies were using the Denerim compound as a base. It had been ransacked some months previously by soldiers (the irony of staying here had been pointed out to Loghain repeatedly) but it was habitable enough. Between those recovering from the battle, the Darkspawn that were still being moped up, and the grateful mob outside with no shortage of pleas there had precious little time for anything else.
All the same there were things that needed to be discussed. So, on the first evening after the battle all the wardens assembled in a meeting room, bolting the door and leaving guards outside to deter any would be eavesdroppers.
"Well gentleman," Warden Commander Trevelyan began, "I think we should first congratulate ourselves. The previous four Blights took at least a Decade to be defeated. We did in a year."
"Hear, Hear!"
The Wardens drained their Goblets with a cheer and Aegon Trevelyan continued.
"In particular I'd like to thank Warden Brosca. From a raw recruit who narrowly escaped death in your first battle you managed to gather an army and unite a nation against the Blight."
Odin shifted in his seat, "Thank you Commander but I did not alone and your arrival was certainly most welcome."
The old Marcher smiled. "We only got here because of your Message. We relieved no orders from the First Warden and the Orlesians were most insistent on waiting. Your letter gave me the excuse I'd been looking for. I doubt the Warden leadership will complain about it now."
The Warden smiled, "Besides how could I say no to such a pretty messenger? How did you manage to get a Pirate to run an errand?"
Odin grinned back, "Why, with a handsome young blonde of course."
Loghain was the first to guess who the dwarf meant, and scowled heavily. The Marchers however laughed.
"Feraldan's new King has excellent taste!" said a younger slightly tipsy Warden, who then noticed Loghain's icy glare and realised why.
"Er... he most lucky to marry your daughter ser."
Loghain continued the glare for a moment before speaking.
"Yes, we have defeated the Blight, bravo. What happens now?"
Trevelyan answered.
"The remaining Darkspawn will scatter. Of course with so few left they can't do too much damage but you'll need to track and eliminate as quickly as possible. For that you will need new Wardens."
"We have had plenty of offers," said Odin. "A few might be capable enough. Particularly those soldiers who caught Blight sickness in the battle. They deserve the chance at least."
"We are not healers and the Joining is no cure." Trevelyan knew that temptation all too well.
"Feraldan soldiers have done and will continue do their duty," decided Loghain. "They will make fine Wardens."
"Of course," replied Trevelyan diplomatically. "With the blood you collected the Wardens of all nations will have all the recruits we can create for centuries to come. Reports will also have to be sent. I'm sure many will be eager to hear your story. Including what happened on the hill. You claim Riordan died but it was Odin that made the fatal blow?"
"That appears to be what happened," said Odin, his face completely expressionless. "Riordan was already gravely wounded when I struck the last blow but he very close to the Dragon."
There was some murmuring amongst the other Wardens but no real note of disagreement.
"Hmm," Trevelyan nodded slightly, "the slaying of the Archdemon has never been a clear cut matter. But there is no doubt that the Blight is over and you lived to see it. A fine end I'd say."
Odin was smiling again. "My companion Leliana has been busy writing an epic ballad of our exploits, or at least a romanticised version of what happened. But my diary is fairly detailed and should have most of the facts."
After Wynne has carefully edited it, he added to himself. Not to mention checking my spelling. At least my handwritings got better, joined up and almost legible now.
"I also have a number of recommendations to want to send," added Odin. "With the death of so many Darkspawn my people should reclaim as much of the Deep Roads as we can defend, and I will be there to make that happen."
"You're not staying in Feraldan?" asked Loghain.
"This nation is home to many of friends and I am fond of it. But it is not my homeland. The Wardens already have a base but we should have a permanent presence in Orzammar. I'm sure my King will agree and the First Warden can be convinced."
"Besides," the Dwarf looked at Loghain "I have no doubt you can lead the Wardens here. Though, I'll be more than happy to help if you need me."
Loghain was not a man who let his emotions show often but the surprise could be seen by everyone there. Command Trevelyan slowly nodded in agreement.
"Yes, the Wardens have always tried to keep Warden Commanders native to the lands they defend. And given your experience of command I'm sure the First Warden will approve."
"Some months ago Alistair and I rediscovered the original Warden base at Soldier's Peak." Odin explained to the group, "it needs some repair but otherwise it would serve as a fine Headquarters for Feraldan's new Wardens."
The Dwarf omitted Avernus for now. He would have a private talk with Loghain and the old blood mage himself about how to handle his actions, and his research.
"You truly wish for me to lead the Grey Wardens?" Loghain asked, still somewhat perplexed by the Dwarf's endorsement.
"As I told you after the Landsmeet, I wouldn't have bothered putting you through the Joining if I just wanted you dead. The Grey Wardens need to be in Orzammar and Feraldan to make the most of our victory and since we both managed to survive we can now do that." Odin shrugged, "I can't think of anyone better to take command."
Of course that idea had one small problem.
11111
Alistair took the news that Loghain would probably be Feraldan's Warden Commander, and that it was Odin's suggestion, about as well as expected.
Fortunately for his eardrums, the Dwarf had chosen to speak to him while Anora was in the room.
"A splendid idea," she said placing a careful hand on her betrothed's shoulder, "what better way for Father to make up for his mistakes than by helping our nation rebuild?"
Alistair clearly had several ideas, but he kept them to himself. Still the grimace on his face and the fury in his eyes were clear.
"It is for the best," said Odin. "I intend to return to Orzammar and drive the Darkspawn back while their numbers are relatively low."
"Your influence will be sorely missed but we understand." Anora had secretly hoped that the Dwarf would stay in court. His abilities were considerable and could have very useful in dealing with Arl Eamon, now Chancellor of the Realm.
Still, that did not deter the Queen from her plans. "We will be holding the official celebration in the Landsmeet Chamber. All the nobility will be there, as well as the leaders of our noble allies. There are also those who distinguished themselves in battle who be given various rewards for their services. This will, of course, include yourself and your companions. I've had the royal mint design medals for each of you. Your names shall be on each and none of you will ever be forgotten for your deeds."
"All of us?" asked Odin "including my hound and the Luggage?"
"...Yes of course," replied the Queen, making a mental note to order two more as quickly as possible.
Father is getting one she considered I suppose it makes sense for the dog and that chest; they had fought from the beginning after all.
"Given what you've done we also wish to offer you a boon. You may want to consider what you want."
Odin knew exactly what he wanted.
"I wish for nothing for myself. But my people have fought alone against the Darkspawn for centuries, no more. I want Feraldan to provide military aid to Orzammar."
The Queen paused for a moment thinking it over. It would stretch Feraldan's scant resources and delay reconstruction efforts but it would keep the Army busy (bored soldiers could cause all sorts of problems, another lesson from her father) and good relations with the Dwarves could lead to many lucrative trade agreements... and weaken the Darkspawn that still festered under Feraldan.
She nodded, "Agreed, we shall announce it formally in the Landsmeet Chamber. Now there is much to be done in preparation. I shall see you then."
Both men bowed as she left the room and then they faced each other.
"Well..." said Alistair, the angry undertone was still there, "you did it. I suppose I should congratulate you."
"Thank you," Odin purposely ignored the anger. "I understand you led the army brilliantly, they are already hailing you as a warrior prince, a true son of Maric."
The anger faded, replaced by hesitancy.
"I have so much to do, so much to live up to."
"It's a challenge, one that I know you can handle."
Odin now produced a package and presented it to Alistair
"This is for you, a peace offering, and I hope, something you'll remember.
The former Warden looked confused, until he removed the cloth.
"This...this shield, its Duncan's isn't it? That's his crest..."
The Dwarf nodded, "I thought you might want it, as a keepsake I mean."
Alistair looked close to tears.
"Thank you. Truly I had no idea his shield wasn't with him. This is perfect."
"He was a good man," said Odin simply, "He didn't know me and yet he stepped in and saved my life. Gave me a future, I will never forget that."
"I don't know how to express my gratitude. This means a great to me. I can't believe you remembered it at all..."
"Of course I remembered! After everything we've been through over the last year. We were comrades, brothers in arms, friends! And I'd like to keep it that way."
Alistair looked up from the shield clutched in his hands.
"So would I."
They shook hands. Alistair looked at the shield once more.
"I'll treasure this. Thank you."
Alistair almost smiled.
"I still hate him."
Odin didn't really expect that to change, at least not any time soon. But Loghain could deal with that, as could Anora, and she almost certainly would. Odin had no doubt about that.
"Fair enough"
11111
The Landsmeet Chamber was full to bursting, and full of jovial conversation.
Queen Anora had led the festivities, though she wisely let Alistair say a few words and knight those who had been rewarded as such. There were plenty of knighthoods that day. Officers, soldiers and in some cases ordinary people were honoured for going above and beyond what was expected of them. Those who had excelled even above those high standards got further rewards. Of this was not entirely benevolence. The nobility had still been recovering from the occupation when the Blight hit. The finest war heroes would form a new generation of nobility, those who had fought and earned their place.
Among this group was a young mercenary named Robert Hawke, now Ser Robert Hawke, who was given a grant of good land and made a Bann of Feraldan. In truth this reward was as much for his mage sister Bethany but the Chantry was watching and they could not be pushed too far. Still Robert had slain a great many Darkspawn at the gate and Bethany had saved many troops from otherwise fatal wounds. They were later overheard discussing how they could persuade their mother to return from Kirkwall and abandon her desire to reclaim their family home in a city neither of them wanted to live in.
Others were also rewarded. Captain Isabella, whose ship had brought critical reinforcements, was given a chest of gold. She thanked the Royal Couple for the 'booty' winked at Alistair and swaggered out of the chamber with many admiring glances following her.
The greatest commendations however went to two men who were already nobles. Fergus Cousland, whose cool head had saved the Capital, was knighted and the ancestral lands of his family were restored in full. Once more the Couslands were the Teryns of Highever, and his murdered family may finally rest.
The other was far less clear cut. Nathaniel Howe had returned in secret, his father had been disgraced for his vile and numerous crimes. Many had assumed that Rendon Howe's family, what was left of it, would join him in oblivion. But instead his son and heir had fought, wounding the Archdemon and saving the life of Fergus Cousland. The same man whose family had been murdered by Arl Howe. There had been a discreet investigation into Nathaniel, yet no evidence of his collusion or even awareness of her father's actions had been found. Exonerated, and honoured for his heroic deeds, the lands of his family were restored to Nathaniel Howe.
The final awards of the day were given to the Blight companions. Upon golden medals were images of Archdemon's head, their names were engraved on the back of each. Each one of them received an ovation from the crowd. There were some murmurs at the honours being bestowed on two mages, an elf and a Qunari but most were grateful enough, or clever to let this pass. As for the walking chest getting a medal...well no one knew what to make of that.
11111
Odin couldn't help but smile in triumph. He had been thanked and acclaimed before the entire court. Anora had also announced the military support that would be going to Orzammar. How many Thaigs could be reclaimed now? With human and dwarf strength combined the Darkspawn would be driven back, and Odin would lead the way. Perhaps as more than just a Warden...
But today was not the day to think of that. And this victory did come without cost. His oldest friend Leske was dead. He had helped stop the Darkspawn breakout and paid the price. His body would be returned to the Stone, along with hundreds of others. He would at least be returned as a Legionary of the Dead, a redeemed soul.
Odin supposed he should count himself lucky; he had only lost one friend. But his friends were drifting apart all the same. Morrigan would be leaving tomorrow, where she wouldn't say, despite his best efforts. Wynne would be staying at court as a healer and advisor to Alistair, a fitting post for her. Sten, his sword and honour returned would go back home, Odin could sympathise with that desire. Oghren would go to see his old flame Felsi, it didn't look like he would return to Orzammar. Not that Odin could really blame him, too many bad memories he supposed. Leliana planned to go to Orlais, after she'd finished the ballad. Zevran, well Odin didn't know what he was planning, since he'd found a dark corner to seduce that red head from the Alienage. Far be for him to interrupt their private victory celebration, besides he assumed Zevran would not be joining him in the Deep Roads. In the end only Shale and Poacher would be joining him back home. Although...
He had no idea what his three allies from another world were planning. He couldn't even see the Luggage in the room. But Poacher was gone as well so they were probably caused mayhem somewhere, the kitchens if he were to guess.
Cohen was also occupied, chatting with a group of Avaars who seemed to have become his shadows since the battle. Some were even dressing like him now. As Odin passed he overheard Cohen addressing his followers.
"...hot water, good dentishtry and shoft lavatory paper."
As for Rincewind, he was in a secluded corner, eyes darting as though expecting something horrible to happen.
"You know," said Odin as he approached, "the battle is over, has been for quite a while."
"Until the next one," was the Wizzard's glum response, "I keep waiting but..."
Quite suddenly Rincewind eyes went out of focus. Then they re-focused on something that seemed to be over Odin's shoulder, but when he turned he saw nothing.
Then Rincewind shook himself and his eyes returned the Dwarf.
"It seems they are ready. We're going home."
11111
Ok, contrary to what I said last time the conclusion chapter is now in two parts. Enjoy!
11111