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Roadside travel en route to Orlais
In the weeks that followed suit after Aedan's proposal of marriage to Leliana, word soon spread throughout the country. For many Fereldans, many were overjoyed to learn their hero proved capable of landing himself a wife and numerous letters of praise and support came pouring into the estate. However, the news of his betrothal generated no small amount of controversy among some of the older, more conservative nobles who were against the matchmaking of one of their own fellow nobles to a woman of a lesser station, especially if the bride is an Orlesian woman, and vocally expressed their disapproval.
Regardless, despite their vastly different backgrounds, Aedan and Leliana paid no heed to their naysayers and arraigned a date for the wedding itself. A small but ornate Chantry cloister in Valence would be where the wedding would take place, within the Orlesian Empire. When questioned by it, Leliana insisted that her old friend and mentor Dorothea was a Revered Mother of the Valence cloister and had agreed to officiate the ceremony. She told Aedan stories of Dorothea during their carriage ride to Orlais, how she assisted her in foiling the sadistic Harwen Raleigh's plot and becoming Leliana's source of inspiration that motivated the young bard to dedicate herself to the Maker. She spoke of Dorothea fondly, almost like a mother figure to her. A cherished friend. Aedan merely sat in silence and listened, wondering what to expect when they reached Valence.
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Valence, Orlesian Empire, 9:31 Dragon
Wedding Day
Not long after their arrival, the two noticed that a select few managed to arrive before them. Among the dignitaries were the Theirin royal family, Teyrn Fergus Cousland, Wynne, Oghren, Zevran and other members of the nobility such as Arl Eamon, Arl Bryland, Bann Teagan, Bann Sighard, and Bann Alfstanna. As it was also a matter of secrecy, news had to be kept quiet so as to prevent potential enemies from taking advantage.
Aedan had been busy prepping himself for the wedding, his slick hair combed backwards, goatee beard slightly trimmed and was dressed in a traditional white nobleman's outfit. Armor, he had grown used to as a Grey Warden, but this moment was special for both him and his bride; even though there were some parts of fabric that made him uncomfortable and went into the next room to even it out… as well as begin preparing for his vows.
Leliana was in a room of her own, no doubt trying on her dress. A knock at the door caused the Cousland Warden to stop fussing for a moment and looked at the door.
"It's open," he called out.
Inside strolled his older brother Fergus, grinning from ear to ear as he put his hand on Aedan's shoulder.
"My little brother, finally getting married! All I can think of is what mother would have said."
"Ah, Fergus," Aedan stated. "My brother, the new Teyrn of Highever, still striding in with all his might and glory; only to continue tormenting me. Even at special occasions like this!"
Fergus laughed as he feigned a mockful sense of hurt and surprise. Still, the two brothers maintained a stable camaraderie in spite of all that's happened. They never spoke of nor mentioned the events at Highever, preferring to not want to dwell on such haunting memories but to instead move forward and progress to the future. When Aedan asked Fergus to be his best man, the elder Cousland gladly accepted. He was also one of the few who learned of Leliana's pregnancy and was rather ecstatic when Aedan told him. Now the bard was going to be his sister-in-law.
"I'm joking," Fergus reassured him, "though I suppose I couldn't resist getting in one last shot before you yourself settle down."
"I'm sure you had manage to contain whatever impulse you carried within you, but I'll let that one slide for now."
Aedan finished adjusting his collar and stood in front of a mirror, deeply inhaling and exhaling quickly.
"I wonder… Was it like this for you?" he asked.
"As much as I hate to admit it," Fergus replied, "it is. The first time is a little unnerving, but once you get it out of the way, it'll be as natural breathing. You're not thinking about backing down, are you?"
"What? No! Maker's breath, Fergus, if I wasn't serious about it then I wouldn't have asked Leliana!"
"All right, all right, calm down little brother!"
Aedan sighed. "Still, I can't help but feel a bit anxious. Arraigned betrothals are a common tradition among the nobility and Grey Wardens getting married are often not heard of, but this…?"
"Relax, Aedan. You'll do fine."
Another knock at the door caused the two to look up, sharing the same curiosity as an elven handmaiden stepped into the room. "The bride is ready, my lord. It's time."
"I understand," he nodded. "Please inform Mother Dorothea that I'll be out momentarily."
"At once, my lord," she bowed and left the room.
"I guess now's the time for the ceremony to begin. Are you ready?" Fergus questioned.
The Warden took a deep, steadying breath before nodding. "I am."
Every nerve in his body grew tense in anticipation, more or less. It took a lot of planning and some convincing, but Aedan was more than ready as he slowly made his way to the altar before catching sight of Alistair among the crowd.
"Your Majesty," he curtseyed.
"Please, Aedan," Alistair rolled his eyes. "I may be king, but I'm always just 'Alistair' to you."
"Perhaps, though formally acknowledging one's own monarch does demand certain protocol," he murmured. He offered his hand to Alistair, who gripped it slightly and shook in contentment. "Still… thank you for coming."
"That's what friends are for, right? Now hurry and get up there, before the music starts playing," he gestured as he motioned Aedan to take his place at the altar. Soft music filled the Valence cloister as all eyes turned towards Leliana who was making her way to the altar in a beautiful white bridal gown, consisting of an ivory satin bodice at the hips and waist, blue silk knitted into the bridal train and an Andraste's Grace flower in her glistening red hair.
'Maker's breath, you are so beautiful, Leliana,' Aedan thought at his looked upon his betrothed.
Aedan reached out with one hand, one Leliana gladly took as she stood beside him, giving a brief squeeze. Tears blurred her vision, and Aedan couldn't help but wipe them away from Leliana's face. They soon turned to face Revered Mother Dorothea, who stood before the gathering witnesses.
"Dearly beloved," Dorothea started, focusing on her role and the couple, "I welcome you all on this joyous occasion, for today we have gathered in this sacred place to recognize the union between two souls and join them in the eyes of the Maker and His children. For all who walk in His sight are one but none can see as He does. We are different, we walk on the same roads by ourselves except by choice. And this is the choice you make here, of becoming one, of seeing as He does even if just one other person."
With that, Revered Mother Dorothea turned her attention towards Aedan and Leliana, smiling down at them. "Aedan?"
Taking a deep breath, Aedan looked at Leliana. "My dearest Leliana," he began, "words cannot express how much you mean to me. Throughout our travels together, you've stuck by me, supported me, and captivated me… even when I was at my lowest," he locked gaze with her. "I lost everything near and dear to me. But you changed all that. You picked up my shattered pieces and put them back together, you made me whole again. From that moment on, I knew you were the one. It is because of you, I can be me again." He squeezed her hands gently, drawing in a breath before continuing. "I'm truly blessed to have you here with me, Leliana. As such, I hereby pledge my loyalty and undying love for you for as long as we both shall live."
Leliana's lip trembled as tears threatened to spill again, truly she was touched by Aedan's words. The priest nodded, then turned to Leliana. "Leliana?"
"Aedan. My dearest one, I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband. Before these witnesses I vow to always cherish you and take care of you as long as we both shall live. Despite all my faults and what I have been ashamed of, you accepted me for who I am. Words cannot express how touched I am for your love for me. I hereby offer myself to you and only you, whenever you need me. By the blessings of the Maker and His bride Andraste Herself, I choose you as the person with whom I wish to spend the rest of my life with."
"Do you promise to stand together in times of love and trial, in illness and in health, to protect and honor, to never forget the love you hold in your hearts for each other, until death do you part?"
"I do," both Aedan and Leliana vowed.
Dorothea continued, "In the name of the Maker, who brought us this world, and in whose name we say the Chant of Light, I happily proclaim you Lord Aedan and Lady Leliana Cousland. May you both find peace together as the prophet Andraste did at the Maker's side, now and forever." Dorothea then turned to Aedan. "You may kiss your wife, my lord."
With that, he leaned down to seal their pledge, capturing Leliana's lips in a passionate kiss. Cheers and applause soon filled the Chantry cloister. It was brief, but it was one of the most proud moments of his life.
"Je t'aime," whispered Aedan as he tenderly cupped his wife's face.
"Et je t'aime, ma chère," Leliana affectionately whispered to her husband in return.
It was done. This was the beginning of a new day for the Hero of Ferelden, a moment he thought wouldn't occur. They were married now. With his blushing wife resting her head on his shoulder as they slowly danced in the courtyard, he couldn't think of anyone else he would want to spend the rest of his remaining years with.
Although the new page in their chapter had yet to unfold…
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4 Months Later
Leliana spent most of the day sitting down or lying on the bed, gently rubbing her swollen stomach, now showing increasingly more signs of growth and being more noticeable, as she read many letters from the Grand Cathedral. Word has it that Divine Beatrix III's health has been declining due to her advanced age, though many suspected that her dementia was the sole cause of it all. In preparation for the worst possible scenario, the Grand Clerics gathered to discuss naming a possible successor to Most Holy, though Beatrix insisted that she remains in good health and spirit and will continue to serve until her body will no longer support her anymore.
Regardless, even as Leliana tried to remain focus on reviewing letters from the Chantry as well as writing and sending replies, she found she was unable to concentrate as a result of her pregnancy. She had begun feeling irritable and was known to have unexpected emotional outbursts, easily snapping at random people. After all, the first three months had not been kind on Leliana. Not being able to travel or even tell stories and whenever she heard the question "Do you need anything?" had merely increased her level of frustration and scowled. One time when an exhausted Aedan came home late at night after long day at court, Leliana grit her teeth and glared at him as if saying "I hate you" or "You did this to me!" every time he looked at her. One time she yelled at Aedan at the top of her lungs to go away, but when she saw him turn to leave the room, Leliana panicked and grabbed his arm, quickly apologizing for what she said.
("Please don't be mad at me, dearest. Those hurtful words I said to you… I didn't mean it.")
("I know, Leli. I understand from the local wet nurses and midwives that this is perfectly normal. Or so I was told.")
("And you believe that?")
("I certainly hope so! This sort of experience is new to both of us, and I'm not sure about what to further expect any more than you could.")
The several nights have not been kind to her in the beginning as well, when as she kept trying to find a comfortable position to go to sleep, Leliana placed a hand on her swollen belly and felt a nudge under her palm though she eventually adapted and got used to feeling (but still complained and whined often). In the mornings, the nudges kept returning when Leliana called Aedan and told him their unborn child was kicking. For some reason Aedan would lift the top end of Leliana's upwards, much to her confusion and surprise, only to remain silent when Aedan planted gentle kisses on her stomach and place the side of his head on her, listening to and feeling the baby kick from the inside, even talking to it. Leliana found this affection sweet as she couldn't help but smile lovingly at Aedan and stroked his hair.
("Well, aren't you sweet and attentive?")
("Only for you, Leli. Only for you.")
She also developed her own personal opinion on what kind of gifts to get the baby. One day Leliana noticed Aedan carrying a stuffed mabari toy from the Wonders of Thedas shop, which caused her to raise a curious eyebrow at him.
("Maker's breath, Aedan, don't you think you could've got something fancier for the baby after it's born, and not before? Don't you think it's a little bit hasty?")
("Hey, I thought they'd like it! {Places hand on Leliana's pregnant stomach} Pup, your mother's saying these things, but I know you'll like it, won't you?")
("{Giggles} Stop making fun of me…")
Both of them gasped in surprise.
("Leliana, d-did you…?")
("Yes! It moved!")
("{Chuckles} Well, well. It appears that our child does in fact like it.")
("Come now, that doesn't mean anything!")
("I know, I know. Still, as long as our child is happy, then it's all that matters. You hear that, pup? When you're born, the three of us are going to have lots of fun.")
("{Giggles} That's right, mon petit. After you're born, we'll always be together…")
Leliana sighed and shook this thoughts from her mind. Albeit nervous as this is her first time, she had to remain focused on the task at hand as she finished writing her next letter, gently attaching the parchment to a messenger bird's leg and sent it off.
'That's that,' she wondered. 'Now… I suppose I should wait.'
She sat up and slowly made her way out of the private study, slowly closing the door behind her until she heard it click. While doing so, Leliana felt the baby giving another kick, causing her to smile.
"My, my," she cooed quietly as she gently rubbed her swollen stomach. "Quite demanding, aren't we, mon petit? Well, you needn't worry about that soon. Your father and I can't wait to meet you."
Leliana soon opened the door leading to the bedroom, only to be surprised to find Aedan standing in front of her sitting down in the nearest chair. In his hands, she noticed a message bearing the griffon sigil of the Grey Wardens on it. By the look on his face, Leliana could tell almost immediately that something was on Aedan's mind, something he had hoped to discuss with her.
"I was wondering when you'd show up," Aedan said plainly, "though I wish it was under better circumstances."
Leliana knew that look in his eyes, and the tone of his voice. "My dearest one?" she asked, her expression showing concern at the serious look on her husband's face. "What's wrong? Is something bothering you?"
Aedan said nothing and instead stood up, taking a deep breath before turning to Leliana's gaze.
"I'm being recalled to Weisshaupt."
Leliana's eyes opened wide. "Weisshaupt? In the Anderfels? What for?"
"I don't know. All I know is that the First Warden himself has 'requested' an audience with me. What he wishes to speak to me about, I cannot say for certain."
"Could this have something to do with what happened with Morrigan?"
Aedan shook his head. "I cannot say. There are rumors continuing to circle among our brethren, but I doubt they have a tendency to put a simple matter to rest. The Orlesian Wardens continued to persist in their questions until they get an answer, no doubt. Like I said, I won't know for sure what the First Warden has to speak to me until I get there."
"When will you have to go?" she frowned.
Aedan looked at the fireplace. "At sunrise," he answered.
Leliana's expression showed a mix of sadness and disappointment. She didn't wish her husband to leave, but did not fight him on it. She walked over to him and embraced him in a hug from behind.
"Then… promise me you'll come home in case I go into labor. I don't wish to give birth unless you're there with me."
Aedan seemed hurt at being called away, to be separated from Leliana during her pregnancy. Just the mere thought of not being able to see her smile, hear her laugh and feel the touch of her skin made it unbearable as it is. He sighed as he turned to look at her.
"I promise, Leli. I'll come home as quickly as I can."
Leliana looked up at him.
"Before you go… kiss me? Please?" she pleaded, looking straight into Aedan's eyes. It was a request he himself never turned down.
"As you wish, my lady," Aedan replied, leaning down to kiss Leliana and held her close. The two soon moved to the bed to spend one more night together before dawn arrives.
A/N: There we go, next chapter is done! Sorry it's been so long, I've had a lot of housework to do and I've been meaning to think about what to write next. Probably at that stage where I'm starting to run out of ideas… but who knows? It's done, the rest is still ongoing until the next few chapters. Please stay tuned, let me know what you guys think, send me ideas or recommendations you'd like to see in future chapters, and I hope you enjoy!
Translation(s): "Je t'aime" = "I love you", "Mon petit" = "My little one"