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Aedan Cousland's Estate, Denerim, 9:31 Dragon

Since his appointment as Chancellor of Ferelden and chief advisor to King Alistair and Queen Anora, Aedan was granted an estate of his own in Denerim and took up permanent residence within the city. While the size and decoration paled in comparison to the palace, the exterior walls of his new home consisted of a beautiful garden, horse stables and barrack room for his guards while the interior was decorated with glistening floor tiles made of stone and marble, the walls bearing the Cousland family crest and paintings of the countryside, a treasury, laundry room, kitchen, a library consisting of a private study, a large dining room in the main hall, resting quarters for the servants as well as the Chancellor's bedroom.

A large, upper-class, luxurious estate, the building also consisted of a balcony overlooking the city with a nice view of the Amaranthine Ocean on the top floor. One would normally mistake Chancellor Cousland's estate for a fancy Orlesian villa or chateau.

As nightfall soon approached, Leliana pushed open the two wooden doors and walked inside the home she and her lover now reside in, and was welcomed home by a number of her handmaidens. It seemed like yesterday when she was attending the royal family's celebration with Aedan and their friends. Now they live in one of the fanciest estates in the kingdom.

'Wow', she thought rather surprised, 'look at it all!'

The estate was rather large as she peered out the nearest window on the third floor, admiring the view as each candle light in each residence were one by one being put out. Leliana sat down on the bed she will now sleep in with Aedan and was now currently waiting for him to come home, though had to fight herself from falling asleep considering how soft and comfortable the mattress was but was still learning how to readjust herself into a position she is more used to as symptoms of her pregnancy began to take effect. Sometimes Leliana felt nauseous, dizzy and drowsy more than usual, a common reaction of becoming a mother for the first time.

'Dearest child, my little gift from the Maker, please grow faster and be born sooner and not torture me. Pretty please?' she mentally pleaded with her unborn offspring.

Further thoughts of hers were soon interrupted when she heard the doors open in front of her, revealing a very tired Aedan Cousland, who closed the doors behind him upon entering the room. Giving an exhausted yawn, he pressed his forehead against the door as Leliana walked over to embrace him in a warm hug.

"Welcome back, love," she greeted.

"It's good to be home…" Aedan said. "It's been quite a long day, one you wouldn't even begin to imagine."

"My, my," Leliana giggled, "is the great Hero of Ferelden admitting that he's met his match when it comes to dealing with politics?"

"Oh ha ha ha, very funny," he responded sarcastically. "There's always something more, isn't there?"

"Busy day?"

"I shouldn't complain, though I wish some of the nobility understood the meaning of common sense. Especially when they should be focusing more on the welfare of their charges as a select few are doing right now."

Leliana hummed in reply, taking Aedan's hand in hers as she led him to the bed. He looked deeply into the Orlesian bard's eyes and managed a small smirk.

"Reconstruction and relief efforts across Ferelden is underway," he said. "South Reach reports that the farmlands still remain afflicted with the darkspawn's corruption, though Arl Bryland reassures me he and his troops have already started tending to the fields. Redcliffe has already endured much hardship from the undead onslaught and darkspawn raids. Arl Eamon and Bann Teagan have both informed the court that the arling would soon see a robust economic recovery within the week. However, both Lothering and Gwaren remain in ruins; no one knows for sure exactly when the people of the southern region would ever be able to return to their homes. As for the rest… well, it could've been worse if the Blight managed to reach its peak before we managed to stop it from happening."

Leliana seemed to listen as to what she heard, especially about Lothering in particular. She'd been a lay sister in the village's local Chantry for at least two years and had many fond memories of that place since it also served as a source of comfort and inspiration in spiritual servitude to the holy prophet Andraste and the Maker.

"What about the rest?" she inquired. "Any idea?"

Aedan shook his head. "Not yet, no. Let's just say that it's too early to tell as to whether or not the Bannorn will finalize their monthly reports in time, though I remain confident that all which was lost can be restored. Every home, every field… it can be done, but those we have lost and the memory of what happened will still linger in the minds of our people."

Leliana looked at Aedan with both sympathy and understanding, the desire of not being able to remember the devastation that occurred during the last year.

"I know it sounds like it's a lot to take in, but you have a gift for transforming horrific nightmares into miracles. Everyone will continue to expect so much from you and will continue to look to you for guidance. But just know one thing, my dearest Warden: you don't have to carry that burden alone. I'm here for you, as is Alistair and the others."

Aedan smiled at her. "Thank you. I appreciate it, Leli."

Leliana kissed Aedan's cheek. "You're welcome. I try." She looked down at the growing bump on her stomach before returning her gaze to Aedan, giving him a slight nudge to get his attention. "So," she continued, "back at the palace, you said you had a surprise for me?"

Aedan jolted as he almost forgot his earlier statement and nodded as he got up from bed and walked onto the balcony, motioning her to follow. As Leliana slowly got up to follow, she propped herself beside him to give another nudge.

"We've been through a lot, haven't we?" Aedan asked as he gazed at the ocean sparkling under the moonlight.

"The journey was worth it, dearest," Leliana agreed. "That, and the fact that we're having a baby makes everything so perfect."

"Yes, the baby. I wonder…" he delved into thought as he placed his hand on Leliana's pregnant belly and gave it a gentle poke, "what do you think our child will be? A boy, or a girl?"

"Maker's breath!" Leliana giggled. "You men are so impatient. Even I don't know the sex of the baby, yet."

"Well, I'm thinking we'll have a son. The way the baby kicks, it's almost as if they're trying to tell us 'Get me out! It's dark and cramped in here!'"

Leliana couldn't help but roll her eyes and shove Aedan.

"Well, if that's the case," she grinned, "then I'll have a guess we'll have a daughter. See if you can keep up that bravado when our child is born, and who knows? We might become more than you could possibly handle!"

"In your dreams, Leliana!" he mocked.

The two shared playful banter about what the gender of their first child would be and which one of them the child would take more after. Silence soon filled the void as Aedan lowered his head, taking his chin in his hands, scratching his goatee and brushing his hair backwards. Leliana observed her lover and from experience, she could tell that there was something on his mind, one she had hoped would relay to her.

"What's on your mind?" Leliana asked a bit worried.

Aedan inhaled deep and exhaled slowly. "Leliana," he begun, "you know I love you, right?"

"Of course I do. I love you too, but what brought this on all of a sudden?"

"There is… something I need to ask of you. I'd rather now rather than later."

"What is it?"

"Close your eyes first," Aedan asked. "You'll understand soon enough."

Now Leliana was getting quite suspicious about what was going on, but nevertheless obliged to her lover's request. As she closed her eyes, she could hear him quietly move cloth around, the wood creaking beneath their feet and a slight click.

"All right, now you can open."

Leliana opened her eyes and gasped as she was taken aback at what she saw. Aedan was sitting on one knee and was holding a small box which was recently opened, revealing a beautiful ring with a crystal clear ocean-blue diamond inside containing Highever's crest engrained into the ring.

"This ring was given to my mother the day when my father asked for her hand," Aedan begun. "It's been in my possession ever since we first met, and I've been saving it specifically for this moment. Leliana, words alone cannot describe how much you mean to me nor could they ever express how grateful I am to have you."

Tears began forming in Leliana's eyes as she listened.

"I was at my lowest when we first met in Lothering, a noble who had lost everything and everyone he cherished so deeply as well as a Grey Warden dedicated to protecting mankind from the darkspawn and ending the Blight. But your smile saved me, your affection healed me, you gave me a purpose. A reason to keep going despite the dangers, the trials, everything. Without you, I wouldn't be who I am today. What's more, you carry our child within your womb. I want to be there for you, the two of you. I never want to leave your side, even for a moment. As such, I have a question I'd like to ask of you."

Leliana felt her heartbeat increase its pace, her lip tremble, her knees slightly buckle and she placed a hand over her mouth to hold back a suppressed sob – she now realized what was coming, but had no idea that this was the surprise she heard so much about.

"Lady Leliana, if you would continue to have me… I wish to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you be my wife?"

That question made Leliana's knees weak and caused her to fall to her knees, her tears now spilling down her cheeks as she sobbed lightly. Touched by his devotion and overwhelmed with such emotion, Leliana kissed Aedan deeply, passionately, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Oui." Leliana answered in her native tongue. "Oui, ma chère, je t'épouserai."

Aedan then helped Leliana stand up as he placed the jeweled ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit. With that, Aedan pulled Leliana, now his fiancé, close to him as he wiped away her tears and gave a small smile himself after the Orlesian bard could hardly manage to contain herself.

"I was hoping you'd say that," he whispered into her ear. "Now I suppose we can begin planning our own ceremony someday."

"I still ca… Maker's breath, look at me!" she exclaimed, "I'm a mess! If our wedding is to be done properly, I can't be seen with makeup and mascara stains on my face! That would be scandalous, even by Orlesian standards!"

Aedan chuckled. "We'll worry about that later. Just know that I'm yours, Leli. Now and forever."

"I love you," Leliana sniffled.

She then allowed Aedan to carry her to the bed, where they soon wrapped themselves in the warmth of the sheets and each other's touch. As the last candlelight was put out, the two fell asleep in each other's arms.

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Denerim: "In the months that followed their wedding, Alistair and Anora proved themselves a surprisingly effective pair. Alistair spent a great deal of time at court, showing willingness to learn the art of governing from Anora and often deferring to her judgment—and no one was more surprised by this than Anora herself.

The two of them made numerous outings into Denerim and the other settlements in Ferelden, supervising the reconstruction process and greeting their subjects personally, much to the commoners' enthusiastic approval. Many said the chaos of the civil war and Landsmeet were worth it for delivering such beloved monarchs.

As the new Chancellor, the former Grey Warden Aedan Cousland was seen often at court—at least for a time. With both the king and queen actively involved in running their kingdom, the need for an advisor diminished with time. Aedan continued to enjoy great popularity in Ferelden, however, and maintained considerable influence in the running of the kingdom."

Urn of Sacred Ashes: "News that the Urn of Sacred Ashes had been found in Ferelden did not spread outside the Chantry until Brother Genitivi made an announcement several months after the defeat of the darkspawn. The manuscripts detailing his research and his experience with Andraste's cult drew huge interest among scholars throughout Thedas.

Some years later, the Chantry announced that the resting place of Andraste's Ashes had indeed been found. A ripple of excitement spread among the pious people of Thedas, with many undertaking pilgrimages to see the Ashes or partake of their healing powers."

Tower of the Circle of Magi: "Following months of effort, the tower of the Circle of Magi was finally cleansed of the last spirits to slip through the Veil. No further abominations were created, and First Enchanter Irving was pleased to declare the Circle safe. All that could be saved had been."

Elven Alienage: "With the slavers shut down in the Alienage, the lot of the city-born elves improved for a time. The new king even named the local elder to his personal court—a scandal amongst the humans, but a sign of new hope to the elves. Shianni continued to be an outspoken member of the Alienage community, and in time became the new elder. That outspokenness earned her frequent trouble, but served her people well."

Redcliffe: "Arl Eamon returned to Redcliffe, beginning the task of rebuilding. He found the village already bustling and eager to leave behind the memories of those terrible nights facing the undead.

Connor was sent off to study at the Circle, and considering his earlier experiences, he excelled in his training and easily passed the Harrowing to become a full mage. At his father's urging, Connor accepted a position in Tevinter to undertake formal study of the Fade.

Bevin, Kaitlyn's younger brother, eventually grew to become a famous adventurer in his own right. One of this favorite stories to tell companions was how, as a young lad, he met Aedan, who used his father's blade to save Redcliffe and then passed it back.

Bella, the tavern wench, made it to Denerim safely. With the money she was given, she opened a brewery of her own."

Dalish encampment: "The Dalish elves prospered after the siege at Denerim, having earned much respect for their part in the battle. For once, human lands welcomed the wandering folk. The new keeper, Lanaya, was respected both amongst the Dalish as well as in the Ferelden court. She was a voice of reason, and other Dalish clans would turn to her to help resolve disputes with human folk.

In time, many of the Dalish clanss moved to the new land provided for them in the south near Ostagar. Wary of their human neighbors, however, tensions soon rose again… and only Keeper Lanaya's leadership kept peace alive."

Orzammar: "In Orzammar, King Harrowmont found himself in a protracted battle against Bhelen's rebellion that left him unable to gain the stability he needed. The clan lords objected to many of his measures in the Assembly, and only his efforts to increase the dwarves' isolation from the surface met with any success. In time, Harrowmont's health began to fail. Some claimed it was poison, while others said it was a flagging spirit. Either way, after a protracted illness, the king finally passed away. The wrangling in the Assembly for a successor began almost immediately.

Brother Burkel's new chantry in Orzammar drew a surprising number of converts among the dwarves. They quickly attracted a great deal of anger from more conservative quarters, and before long the Assembly severely restricted the Andrastians' rights. Brother Burkel resisted, and was slain while being arrested during a peaceful demonstration in the Commons. The Assembly claimed this was an accident, but news of the resulting riots reached the Chantry on the surface, where the Divine even contemplated a new Exalted March.

The dwarven archanist, Dagna, ultimately completed her studies at the rebuilt Circle Tower. Eventually, she published a comprehensive theory of how lyrium vapors relate to the supply of magic. It gained a great deal of attention.

Although the Anvil of the Void was destroyed, rumors about its location crept into Orzammar. Years later, thanks to the defeat of the darkspawn on the surface, a few determined smiths managed to locate the Anvil's remains. They examined the ruins of the Anvil, and, upon returning to Orzammar with their findings, convinced the Shaperate to attempt to recreate Caridin's research. A new golem was created, bound with a spirit taken from the Fade. The golem immediately went insane, killing several shapers before it was destroyed. The research was branded excessively dangerous and sealed away. Whispers of its existence circulated throughout Orzammar, however, and demand among the smith caste to reopen Caridin's research refused to abate."

Morrigan: "As good as her word, Morrigan disappeared once the archdemon was slain. Someone of Morrigan's description was seen traveling alone months later, heading west through the Frostback Mountains… and she may even have been with child. There was no word of her after that. With Flemeth dead—or at least gone—the chances of tracking her down were slim indeed. One cannot help but wonder, however: What became of the child? What were Morrigan's plans? These questions must remain a mystery… for now."

Hero and companions: "The companions who had traveled with Aedan eventually scattered to the four winds, drawn either by personal duty of by the call to further adventures. The hero remained in Denerim, a celebrity amongst the commoners and a fixture at court—at least for a time.

Oghren decided to stick around a bit, eventually saying he may have already been branded a surfacer back in Orzammar. In time, he reconciled with Felsi and has one child with her.

Shale, having discovered her dwarven origins, contemplates on trying to become a dwarf again. She traveled to Minrathous in Tevinter alongside Wynne, where its Circle of Magi is said to have the largest collection of arcane knowledge in Thedas, and if it is possible to reverse the process she underwent, hoping the knowledge to do so will be there.

Sten eventually decides to return to his people and left on a ship for Seheron in two days' time. With his sword discovered and reclaimed, his honor had been restored, and when fellow Qunari asked if there were worthy people outside Par Vollen, Sten would answer that in all his travels he had only met a single one.

Wynne remained in service to the throne of Ferelden for a time, politely refusing Irving's request to take up the position of First Enchanter when it was offered to her, stating she doesn't wish to go back after all that has happened. Instead, she decides to travel with Shale to Tevinter to look into a way to regain her mortality.

Zevran traveled for a time, trying to remain as far from the Antivan Crows as possible. When they finally came for him, Zevran elected to take the fight to their doorstep, returning to Antiva. After four master assassins disappeared, two grandmasters were slain at the hands of an unknown assassin matching Zevran's description, earning him the nickname "Black Shadow" and plunged the Crows into chaos.

Leliana, however, elected to remain at the side of her love and together they began preparations for their upcoming wedding. Word soon arrived to her from the Chantry, an invitation from an old friend that she could not ignore. She later departed, leaving Aedan a promise that she will return in time to give birth to their child.

As the blighted lands began to heal and the Grey Wardens slowly rebuilt the order in Amaranthine, they discovered that the fight against the darkspawn was not yet complete. Although the horde was routed and had dissolved upon the Archdemon's death, many of the more powerful darkspawn survived to organize roving war bands that preyed both upon the land and upon each other. These war bands spread havoc, and some even journeyed west into Orlais or crossed the Shining Sea by the Deep Roads. They proved incredibly difficult to wipe out.

But these are tales yet to be told. This tale ended when Aedan sank his blade in the Archdemon's head and destroyed it forever. It was not the last that Ferelden would hear of him, however…"

A/N: The surprise is revealed: Leliana and her Warden are now engaged to be married, and there will be a proper ceremony being planned out. But rest assured. That doesn't mean this is the end of the chapter. It's still ongoing. I've still got a lot of work to take care of to make sure this story reaches a certain climax. Until then, keep on reviewing, let me know what you think and I'll see you guys later!

Translation(s): "Oui" = "Yes", "je t'épouserai" = "I'll marry you."