Chapter 96

One week after the Blight

Alistair was crowned the King of Ferelden amidst much pomp and ceremony. At the post-coronation party, he called forth all those who had fought the Blight with him, and Aedan and Emma stood proudly with their friends in front of the stone steps. "My friends, we are gathered to celebrate those responsible for our victory. Of those who stood against the darkspawn siege, there is one in particular who deserves commendation. The one who led the charge against the Archdemon remains with us still, an inspiration to all he saved that day. Ladies and gentleman, may I present to you, the Hero of Ferelden."
Aedan looked over to Emma. "Does he mean me?" She grinned and nodded. "He's waiting for you."
"Fine, but I'm not going up there alone." He grabbed her hand and dragged her with him. "What are you doing?" she whispered furiously. "You're the Hero, not me." She stopped talking when they arrived at the top of the stairs and she saw the huge mass of people stretched out before her. Oh, crap! She really didn't like being in front of a crowd.

Alistair chuckled. "I told you he wouldn't come up here without you."
Emma rolled her eyes. "Yes, all right. Do you think you could get this over with before I throw up?" she told him in a hushed, urgent voice. When asked what their plans were, Aedan replied. "We'll be around when you need us, but we're going to be doing a bit of travelling too."
Alistair smiled. "I'm glad to hear it, just make sure you come back here in between your travels."
"Definitely," Emma replied.

After that, the party started and everyone mingled. For Emma, the highlight was seeing Aedan reunited with his brother, Fergus. She was introduced to him, and they stayed and chatted for a few minutes before they were called away by another guest. They managed to have a chat with all their friends and found that Leliana had been asked to go back to the Sacred Urn of Ashes. She blushed when Zevran explained that he would be accompanying her.

Shale and Wynne were going off to Tevinter in the hopes of finding a cure; Emma hugged Wynne tightly, knowing what her future held. Oghren stood with Felsi and confirmed that Alistair had offered him a position as a general in his army. Sten confirmed that he would be travelling back home in two days; Emma had already discussed this with Aedan and he'd readily agreed to travel back with the Qunari. Sten welcomed their company and gave them details of where to meet him for the journey.

The guard at the door stood to attention when he spotted Aedan. "Are you ready to meet the crowds?"
Aedan held up a finger. "Just give me a moment." He pulled Emma to one side. "You're coming out there with me," he stated.
She shook her head emphatically. "I'll pass, thanks. You're the Hero of Ferelden; it's you they want to see."
"Have you forgotten that all three of us killed the Archdemon?"
"No, and I haven't forgotten that it was you who led us through everything. You got us back on track after the events of Ostagar, you made all the important decisions that brought about the end of the Blight. Without you, none of this would have been possible."
"Yes, but without you, I wouldn't even be here today, or has it slipped your mind that you saved my life that day in the Deep Roads?"
"Technically, that was Andraste who saved your life, well, she saved all three of us."

Aedan blew out a long breath. "Let me put it this way; either you come out there with me of your own free will, or I throw you over my shoulder and carry you out there."
"Damn, I'm marrying a tyrant," she said with a pout.
He chuckled and kissed her waiting lips. "Nonsense, you know you have me wrapped around your little finger."
She gave him a saucy look. "That's only because you know what I can do with my little finger." The doors were swung open, and Aedan stepped through with Emma by his side; just as it should be, because he planned on keeping her by his side for the rest of their lives.

Denerim 9:31 – Three months after the Blight

"Are you sure my bum doesn't look big in this?" She turned around, trying to get a glimpse in the full-length mirror, but the long train obscured her view. Leliana laughed. "You look beautiful, Emma. Now stop fussing, it's time to go." Emma looked down at the long, white dress; a satin bodice was held together with ribbons that crisscrossed from the neckline to the waist. The same material also made up the train and provided a nice contrast to the soft chiffon skirts that flowed over her curves.

"Maybe we could loosen the corset, I think I'm going to pass out." The bard grabbed Emma's hand, that was fidgeting with the ribbons. "Nope, we're not changing anything." Leliana made a quick inspection to check that Emma was ready, and admired her friend's dark brown hair which hung down her back in long ringlets and was topped by a small circlet that held the veil in place. With a satisfied nod, she handed Emma her bouquet of white and yellow carnations, and they left the room.

In the vestibule, they met Fergus, Alfstanna and Irminric, who had thankfully recovered from his time in Howe's dungeon. Emma noticed that her fellow bride was looking a little pale. "You look stunning. Alistair is going to have trouble keeping his hands off you," she said with a chuckle. A smile brightened Alfstanna's face. "Thank you. I think Aedan will have the same problem when he sees you."

Fergus Cousland held out his arm. "Shall we do this?" Emma smiled and linked her arm in his. Leliana pulled her friend's veil down, and then took her position as maid of honour. The doors were pulled open, and the two brides walked slowly down the aisle. Emma was thankful for the sedate pace because, after a year of wearing solid flat boots, she was in no way prepared for the high heels currently adorning her feet.
Don't fall over. Don't fall over.
She let out a small sigh of relief when she reached Aedan, thankful that she hadn't gone ass over tit.

He lifted the veil and smiled at her, and she felt her legs wobble, not from nervousness but from love. Damn it. She should be used to that smile by now, but he still had the ability to make her go weak at the knees. The ceremony seemed to pass by in a blur, however, she clearly heard the Grand Cleric Elemena pronounce them husband and wife. Aedan cupped her face and dipped his head, taking her lips in a slow, sensuous kiss that left her in no doubt of his love, and also left her feeling rather horny.

The wedding party went on long into the night, spilling over into the streets of Denerim. Emma had ensured that invitations were sent to the Dalish, the Dwarves, and the Circle Tower. She was pleased to see Knight-Commander Greagoir and Lieutenant Cullen had decided to attend. Greagoir offered his congratulations and wandered off to sample the food and drink.
Cullen stayed a little longer to talk with her. "I'm going to be transferring to Kirkwall in a few days' time. The memories of what happened at Kinloch Hold are too painful." The shadows under his eyes told of the torment he relived in his nightmares. Emma hugged him and spoke quietly in his ear. "You'll find your way again, Cullen." She let go of him and moved away to greet another friend, but then remembered something and looked over her shoulder. "Oh, and keep in touch with your family. It might help."

She chuckled at his look of surprise before having a chat with Danyla. "Did you have any more problems with those pesky fleas?" the elf asked with a giggle. Emma smiled, a naughty glint in her eye. "No, and I was given the all-clear by Aedan, who checked me thoroughly... very thoroughly." Danyla's laughter rang out, and she gave Emma a wink. "Arthas did the same to me."

Dagna came over to thank both Aedan and Emma for their help in getting her admitted to the Circle, and then proceeded to describe her current work with great enthusiasm. They were saved by the arrival of Wynne and Shale, who had decided to stay in the area so that they could attend their friends' wedding.
As the evening wore on, Emma leaned against the table, trying to take the weight of her feet. She was just debating whether she could get away with kicking them off and hiding them under the table when her husband approached. "I think it's time to retire to our room, Angel."
"That sounds like an excellent idea," she readily agreed, quickly forgetting the pain in her feet as they dashed off.