Aaaaaaand we reach our slightly wonky ending. Hooray for awkward not-quite-brothers-in-law! ROLL END CREDITS (which is actually the music for the interlude that transitions into the sequel >.> )

Stay tuned for the eventual sequel, The Woman with a Dragon’s Heart (Liz, obviously), and the AU detective thriller Dragon Age Noir! Though first I’m going to be working on visual art for a while. I’ll probably do a bunch of outlining (DAN currently makes only about 5% sense – good concept, super-sketchy foundation) but I don’t intend to do any writing until November, when I make my big push to finish Anima’s Seal. We’ll see how well that resolution goes. I certainly have enough art to do, but there’s a lot of writing still on my to-do list… we’ll see what I feel like!

I realized there was at least one Oghren moment I wanted to put in, so I’ll sneak that into one of the previous chapters somewhere. …Tomorrow.

Now I can cross ONE project off my immense to-do list… Now, what to do next………

Previous chapter: The Archdemon

 

Aftermath

 

She became slowly aware that she was warm. She was warm and comfortable, and really, that was all she wanted to know at the moment.

There was a shadow over her from the… left? Someone was breathing near her. The more stimuli she received, the less her brain felt like getting back to sleep. Which was really annoying, because she wanted to sleep some more. Maybe go take Huan in the fields for a romp later… She could hear birds chirping outside her window, so it must be time to get up, but she didn’t want to. “Mm… Mother, just a few more minutes…”

Someone’s breath caught on her right side, but from her left came a low but insistant voice, a voice that made her stomach flip-flop. “Lii~iiz… tell your brother to stop glaring at me. He’s quite intimidating.”

Her eyes flickered open and immediately closed again. It was too bright for that nonsense. “Zev…?” She managed to get one hand free and rubbed at her eyes. There was a lot of sleep crusted there and she took her time with it.

Then she processed what he had said. “…What?” She opened her eyes again, blinking against the light…

…and shrieked, because Fergus was standing on the right side of her bed, looking anxious.

He broke into a relieved grin, even as he shied away from her cry of surprise and joy. “Maker, Beth, you have some lungs on you.”

“Fergus! …Fergus!! How- What-” She couldn’t contain her incoherent high-pitched noises.

“Calm down, please,” Fergus said, fishing her right hand out from under the covers and pressing it. “Beth, you have a lot of explaining to do. I go out scouting for two days, get my leg broken and my skull half beat in and lose half my loyal men, and by the time I’ve healed up and come back, I find you’ve turned the entire known world upside down? And then saved it? Not to mention picked up some extremely shady character who won’t leave you alone even when I threaten to kick his ass, and looks quite capable of poisoning your medicine. Fortunately, the old lady who gives you your medicine isn’t taking any of his nonsense.”

“You were injured?” Elizabeth cried in horror, now struggling to sit up. Both men assisted her, Fergus glaring at Zevran the whole while, Zevran keeping a neutrally amused expression while he arranged pillows around her. “How did you survive such severe injuries?”

Fergus coughed. “Some Chasind found me. I owe them my life, truly. I did not think I could expect such kindness from them, but… I guess all people rally together against darkspawn, eh? Like you did. Now tell me the whole story! I want to know everything!”

Elizabeth glared at her resurrected brother. “Shall I get you a ladder, so you can get off my back?” Fergus only chuckled.

“Let her rest,” Wynne commanded from the doorway. “I’m sure she will tell you everything, but for Andraste’s sake don’t pester her with questions, even if you are her brother.”

“Wynne!” Elizabeth cried. “You’re all right! Is everyone all right?”

“Everyone’s fine, dear,” Wynne said soothingly. “I’d get Huan, but I’m afraid he’d jump on you, and you cracked a few ribs when that dragon exploded, and then there was the concussion from slightly before that. I’ll let them all know you’re awake. Now, try to rest, and if these two cause you any trouble, I’ll send Sten in to clear them out. You hear me?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Zevran said cheerfully.

“As you say,” Fergus said with a sigh of resignation. Wynne left, shaking her finger at him.

“Fergus,” Elizabeth began. “About Oriana… and Oren…”

Fergus nodded, swallowing. “I know. I was in the woods so long, unable to move, fretting over them all, and then… when I got back to civilization… I heard enough.” He squeezed her hand again. “I’m glad you got to kill Howe, the greedy, traitorous bastard. I just wish I’d been there to help you kill him. I’m sure you trashed him.”

“She certainly did,” Zevran said enthusiastically. “She was glorious. Magnificent! And very sexy.”

Fergus blinked, looking very disturbed. “Se- My sister is not sexy.”

“Maybe not to you,” Zevran countered impudently. “But even waking up from a three-day nap after wearing herself to the bone, not to mention almost dying, in solving Ferelden’s little invasion problem, she’s still beautiful.”

“Beautiful, I will grant you,” Fergus said, still suspicious. “Beth, why does this Zevran joker hang around you and say such inappropriate things? Why haven’t you killed him yet?”

“Three days?” Elizabeth said. “W-what…”

“You killed the dragon,” Zevran told her. “It exploded, and the darkspawn went into immediate panic. They’re still being hunted down across the country, but it’s much much easier now that they don’t have this disturbing desire to destroy everything in their path. You were knocked unconscious, obviously, and Madam Wynne has been nursing you back to health. With my help, of course.”

“Who are you?” Fergus exclaimed. “Beth, I understand he… traveled with you, but he’s very good at dodging questions. And he keeps touching you! I don’t trust him!”

Elizabeth winced. “Then you really won’t trust him in a moment. He’s an Antivan Crow, sent to kill me-”

“He’s what!?” Fergus jumped to his feet, his hand going to his sword.

Elizabeth held out her hand to stop him. “And he’s my lover.”

She could have heard a pin drop on carpet in the room – her room at Arl Eamon’s estate in Denerim, she now realized. Fergus’s eyes were bugging out of his head, and Zevran was partly hiding behind her, and grinning madly. She narrowed her eyes at Fergus. “And he’s traveled with me long enough to kill me a few thousand times over, so I think I can trust him.”

“Trust him to do what!?” Fergus exclaimed, and she saw that he really was distraught.

“Fergus. Sit down and I’ll tell you that entire story. It… might take me a while… especially… some parts.”

“You don’t have to tell me about… Highever, or anything you don’t want to,” Fergus said, but he sat down.

Her hand went to her heart, to the amulet and ring that hung there. “You should know what happened. …Zev, could you… just for a few minutes…”

“I’ll be back when you call, mi amor,” he said, and kissed her brow before rising to leave.

Fergus watched him go. “An assassin… of all people… Why not the knight I met? Alston?”

“Alistair,” she corrected him. “Alistair is a good man, and a good friend. But… I love Zev. And that’s all I can say about it now. Don’t argue with me right now, I’m tired.”

“All right, no arguing with the tired, injured, and ridiculously stubborn woman with a Qunari bodyguard and assassin boyfriend,” Fergus agreed, half-teasing, half-grumpy, and Elizabeth smiled a little. “I suppose I can’t complain about him being Antivan, not when Oriana… was Antivan. …It’s not like he’s Orlesian or something.”

“I’ll start from when you left Highever,” Elizabeth said, before he could continue mumbling to himself in disapproval.

 

She didn’t finish the story that day, but she managed to finish it the next day. She begged Wynne to let her leave her bed, as she was getting restless, and Fergus glued himself to her side, supporting her as she shakily walked down to the front yard of the estate to get some proper fresh air. She would have been annoyed at him for being so protective of her, except she had thought he was dead and she rather wanted to keep him close by too. Zevran kept a perimeter around her, ensuring that the receiving line of her friends greeted her only one at a time.

She sat on a bench, surrounded by shrubs flowering with brightly-coloured vigour. It seemed that Arl Eamon’s estate had been protected well enough that the darkspawn who made it into the city never made it close to inside, and she was grateful – Elra and the others from Highever were just fine. And now with the smoke from the invasion cleared up, and repairs being made to the city, even from inside the walls of the estate she could feel the cheerful energy of spring. She wanted to go dance in the market with Zevran again.

Later. There would be time for everything later.

Alistair was first to come see her. “So we made it. I’m impressed, aren’t you?”

“I… I still can’t believe it all happened,” Elizabeth said.

“Me either,” Fergus muttered.

Alistair nodded. “The odds were completely against even one of us actually getting to the archdemon… but of course you would make it. I knew you would. I guess Morrigan was telling the truth after all. …I’m glad.”

“Me too,” Fergus muttered.

“Me too,” she said, and then Leliana came running to her and hugged her tightly.

“You’re all right! I was so worried. Sten was a wonderful leader, very concise and thoughtful, but he’s not you.”

“I’m glad you’re all right, too, Leliana. Have you started on that song you were going to write?”

Leliana flashed her a giddy smile. “Oh, yes. It’s more than a song. It will have to be a whole song cycle, I think! Don’t worry. Oh, and I must go and get Huan. He’s been dying to see you! One moment.”

“Good to know the mutt survived, too,” Fergus said. “I left Goldie back at the Cousland house in Denerim. She was the one who found the Chasind for me, actually. I suppose they should get reacquainted.”

There was a deep bark, and Huan came sprinting across the yard and threw himself at her knees, wriggling and twisting in a paroxysm of delight, his stubby tail wagging for all it was worth and a heaping helping of drool ending up on her knee. She laughed and patted his head, and got licked all over her face.

“Yes, just the same as ever,” Fergus said, pretending to be disgusted. “At least Goldie has manners.”

“I love you too,” she said to her dog. “Now lie down. Lie down! I have a story to continue.”

 

Later in the afternoon, Oghren wandered over to visit. “I figured something out. Humans have a better taste for spirits than I thought, heh,” he said with a big grin. “The ale up here is actually good. Orzammar ale tastes like dirt in comparison. Probably because they put dirt in it. Go figure.”

Elizabeth and Fergus laughed. “Took you long enough,” she said. “You’ve only been here how many months? And drinking every time we visit so much as an inn.”

“Do they really put dirt in it?” Fergus asked.

“I know my ale,” Oghren said, trying to look offended. “Brew my own. Care to try some?”

“No!” Elizabeth cried, and Oghren guffawed while Fergus looked alarmed at her outburst. Elizabeth cleared her throat. “Does that mean you’re staying here?”

Oghren shrugged. “Eh. For now. They may have already branded me a surfacer back home, anyhow. I’m getting used to that big sky up there. And I’m thinking I might just look up Felsi again… and see where that goes?”

She smiled. “I’m glad. I hope you two are happy.”

“Ha! I’ll drink to that!” Oghren cried. “And… since we’re more or less done adventuring for now, I wanted to say… you’re all right. For a human.”

“It was good traveling with you,” Elizabeth said, and shook his hand again.

“I don’t come by… by friends very often. I’m glad to call you one, Warden.” Oghren stood, coughed awkwardly, and walked off quickly.

After a few minutes, she looked up to see Sten standing over her. “It is good to see you again, kadan.”

“Hello, Sten,” she said. “Have you met my brother?”

“I have. He is much like you.”

“Thanks… I think,” she said, sneaking a cheeky glance at her brother. He pouted at her, and she giggled.

Sten shook his head. “These people… they call you “hero”. It is a strange word, but I think I understand its meaning. The arishok on occasion has declared a qunari to be qunoran vehl, one who serves as an example to others. Such examples are always made after their death, however. A death in service to the Qun. A living qunoran vehl would be too proud.”

She perked up. “That’s very interesting. Do the qunari celebrate?”

“When a qunoran vehl is declared, certainly. It is one of few occasions when the qunari are permitted to engage in… revelry. There is imbibing of spirits, public chanting, meditations abandoned… it is madness. Much like is happening outside this estate.”

“That isn’t madness,” Fergus objected. “Everyone is just very relieved.”

Sten snorted. “Yes, were I too weak to protect myself, I suppose I would also be vastly relieved to have a “hero” save the day.”

“That’s how humans work, Sten,” she said, smiling, and he grimaced in acquiescence.

“I suppose I should tell you… I have decided to return to my people. Your quest is done, and thus so is my reason for accompanying you.”

“That will be a long trip home,” she said sympathetically.

“Yes,” he said curtly. “It will be difficult to travel alone after… so much time spent with companions.”

“We are all fond of you,” she said. “Especially Shale, I think.”

“It must be said: You found my sword and gave me a chance to restore my honour. I owe you a great debt.”

She shook her head. “You owe me nothing.”

His gaze bored into her in his usual intense, dour fashion. “Some debts cannot be discarded. There will come a time when I will return, and then it shall be done.” She… really didn’t want to know what he was talking about. It sounded ominous. But Sten did not seem bothered by it, only respectful to her. “Perhaps I shall see you again one day. Until then, may you always find the path you seek. Farewell, kadan.”

“Farewell, Sten,” she said, and the giant turned and strode off.

Even Shale came to see her that afternoon. “So it survived after all. My impression that all creatures made of flesh were hopelessly squishy was… premature.”

Elizabeth smiled. “It’s nice to be appreciated.”

“It has made me revise my opinion of its kind – my kind,” Shale said slowly. “I am, or at least was, a dwarf. A creature of flesh. I have to keep reminding myself that. In fact, I think I may even try to become one again.”

Elizabeth blinked with round eyes. “Come again?”

Shale looked away, uncharacteristically awkward. “Wynne… has offered to accompany me to Tevinter, to speak with the mages there. The Circle of Minrathous has the largest collection of arcane knowledge in Thedas. If it is possible to reverse this… process… then the knowledge to do so will be there. Or that is my hope. And if not? Then I will keep looking. I have nothing if not time, yes?”

“I wish you good luck,” Elizabeth told her sincerely. “Will you return to Ferelden at any point?”

“I intend to return, eventually… unless I finally decide to destroy all pigeons everywhere.” Elizabeth laughed. “That may take a while. But otherwise, I will come back. If it happens one day to see a tiny little dwarf who appears very nervous of being squished… that will be me. Until then, I wish it well. It- you have been a fine friend.”

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said, touched.

 

When she was finally able to finish her story, Fergus was quiet for a long time. She leaned against his shoulder, a hand on her amulet, remembering…

Fergus sighed and put a brotherly arm around her. “Father… he would have been so proud of you. I know I am. You’ve done good.”

She smiled. “Thank you, brother.”

Now if only he could stop glaring at Zevran when he thought she wasn’t looking… yes, that would be ideal. There had a couple times in the morning when she thought Fergus was going to attack the elf again, and her quelling glance that had been honed on Zevran himself was only partly effective against Fergus, who had known her since she was a baby, after all.

Zevran, for his part, took it all in stride. “Charming man, your brother,” he said to her casually the evening of the second day after she had woken, while tucking her back into bed. “So much like you.”

Elizabeth shot him a suspicious look. “Fergus is Fergus. I’m not sure if you’re attracted to him or just being polite about his incessant hostility towards you.”

“A little of column A, a little of column B,” Zevran said, smiling. “Don’t get me wrong – you are still the only one for me. But… if I had a little sister, and I found that little sister after several months, and she was hanging around someone like me, I’d be a little hostile too.”

“He’ll come around,” Elizabeth said. “I hope. We… bicker a bit, but we do love each other.”

Zevran raised an eyebrow. “Do you, now.”

“Not like that!” She punched him in the arm, making a truly horrified face, and he grinned, rubbing the affected area.

“Well, now you don’t have to worry about the teyrnship of Highever. He’ll fill that position perfectly.”

“He will,” she said softly. “I’m sure it’s all been a shock to him. I wish…” She shook her head and didn’t finish that thought, reaching to touch her amulet. “Thank you for being patient with him.”

“It’s the least I could do, mi amor. He is your only family by blood. You have all of us, but he… must be awfully lonely.” And Zevran knew loneliness, she knew.

“I’d like to help him rebuild Highever,” she said, almost to herself. “I don’t know what everyone else has planned for me, but surely they’d allow me at least a couple months.”

“I’m sure they will,” Zevran said, smoothing her hair back from her forehead and kissing her on the mouth. She reached up to rub his ear, and he purred. “Now, rest.”

“I love you, Zev. I hope you knew that.”

He smiled and his amber eyes were tender. “Yes. Yes, I know that.”

 

A couple days later, about when she was beginning to feel like her proper self again, Queen Anora held an official celebration to mark the end of the Blight. Elra, who helped her dress, would have chosen a fine dress of Antivan silk and jewels for her to wear, but Elizabeth chose to go in her mismatched armour – silvery ironbark breastplate, greenish-brown drakescale boots and gloves, and her old coppery helmet under her arm. Her sword Starfang was on her back – she had given Fergus their father’s sword the day before – and her battered old Cousland shield had been repaired and repainted by Arl Eamon’s smiths.

She wasn’t Lady Cousland. She was just Elizabeth of the Grey Wardens, a soldier, and it was as a soldier she would meet her nation. And she was becoming a little more reconciled to the idea, after all this time.

She was presented to Anora in front of the entire Landsmeet, and knelt on one knee to the queen, who was once again in her royal robes and now with a thin gold circlet on her head. Anora raised her to her feet and turned her to face the Landsmeet.

“My friends,” Anora said to the attentive hall, “we are gathered to celebrate those responsible for our victory. Of those who stood against the darkspawn siege of Denerim, there is one in particular who deserves commendation. The one who led the charge against the archdemon and killed it remains with us still, an inspiration to all she saved that day. She joins an ancient and select group; the last Warden to defeat the Blight was Garahel, four centuries ago. Ladies and gentlemen, I present the Hero of Ferelden, the Grey Warden who defeated the Blight, Elizabeth.”

The lords and ladies – and her remaining companions, mingling freely with them for the occasion – burst into applause, and then Teagan led a cheer for her. She heard a piercing whistle and blinked, and decided it was probably Zevran. Or Leliana, or Fergus. Possibly even Alistair. One of the silly ones of her acquaintance.

When the applause began to die down, Anora turned to her. “Warden Elizabeth, it is hard to imagine how you could have helped Ferelden more. I think it only appropriate that I return the favour. Is there any boon you would request of Ferelden’s queen?”

Elizabeth shook her head. She had been half expecting the question, but… “There is nothing I need. I did only my duty.” And duty came first in her family, as her father said. She half-smiled as she remembered.

“Truly?” Anora said, smiling at her. “Then know you will always be welcome within these halls. The crown of Ferelden will be ever grateful.” She turned to the hall and raised her voice again. “Let it also be known that the arling of Amaranthine, once the land of Arl Howe, is now granted to the Grey Wardens. There they can rebuild, following the example of those who went before them.” Not everyone applauded at that, but Bann Sighard certainly did, and Fergus certainly did, and many followed them.

“What are your plans?” Anora asked her once it was quiet enough for her to speak without shouting, though the applause went on. “Will you remain with the Grey Wardens?”

Elizabeth hesitated, then nodded. “Yes. There are still darkspawn loose in Ferelden. And… Riordan said I might become Commander of the Grey of Ferelden. There are things I must do.”

“I am certain they will be relieved to know your intentions. There is a group of eager Fereldan citizens waiting outside to get a look at their hero. I suggest you make at least a brief appearance before they storm the gate.” Anora chuckled. “Just let me know when you wish to do so and I shall present you to the populace.”

Elizabeth smiled back at her, a little relieved. She had thought Anora might hold a grudge against her for killing her father, but apparently saving the country meant that either she was forgiven, or Anora was very good at hiding her true feelings. She hoped it was the former. She wanted to like Anora.

The lords and ladies crowded her as she stepped down from the royal dais among them, and for a few minutes, everything was bowing and smiling and accepting congratulations. Wynne, dressed in a lovely olive-coloured gown, was the first person she knew who managed to get close enough to greet her. “So now you’re “the Hero of Ferelden”. My, my. How does it feel?”

“It’s a little strange,” Elizabeth said, her smile turning awkward. She had expected attention, even for Anora to make a big deal out of her – countries needed heroes, after all, and she couldn’t get away from the fact that she had done something heroic, but… “I… didn’t exactly want this much attention.”

“Of that I have no doubt,” Wynne said, nodding understandingly. “It’s just a title you’ll be wearing for a long time to come, just as Loghain wore his. But it’s not so bad, is it? A Blight defeated with the other nations barely becoming aware. Who could ask for better?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help. I… If you had all been up there with me, sharing my embarrassment, I would have felt better.”

Wynne laughed. “I don’t think many heroes ever do their great deeds without help. I’m glad not to be on the receiving end of all this attention, myself. I say let the young have their fame. Not that I’ve gone without notice. Irving asked me to take over as first enchanter, but I don’t wish to go back. Not after all this. Instead, I’ve decided to travel. Shale has expressed a desire to go to Tevinter to look into a way to regain her mortality, and I will join her.”

“Yes, she said as much,” Elizabeth said. “But… about your… you know…”

“It’s true, I… don’t know how much time I have,” Wynne said placidly. “Maybe not very long at all. So I shall see as much of the world as the Maker allows. Perhaps this is a gift, in the end… a nudge in the right direction? I doubt we will meet again, my dear. If not… please accept my best wishes.” And she hugged Elizabeth, who hugged her back affectionately. She would miss Wynne, that was for sure.

Fergus was waiting, his hand on his hip, smirking at her. “Well, well, Arlessa of Amaranthine. Not bad! If you need any help, you know you can always count on me! You know, putting down any rebellions and such…”

“I’m not Arlessa, O Teyrn Cousland,” Elizabeth told him tartly. “I’m a Grey Warden, and… it’s not the first time Grey Wardens have been nobility, or held castles. They’re not supposed to, but I’m sure it’s not even the first time they’ve administered estates. And besides, wasn’t I the favourite to rule?”

Fergus just smirked harder at her verbal raspberry. “Ah, well, there’s some justice in taking Howe’s land and giving it to some of the people he wronged so terribly. You know I’m heading straight to Highever tomorrow, right? See if I can clean up the mess Howe made of it. I will see you soon, I hope?”

Elizabeth’s smile faded into something a little more wistful. “Yes. I would like to help you for a while. Amaranthine can wait a month or two.”

“Good,” Fergus said, becoming equally wistful. “Highever won’t be the same without… everyone around. Take care of yourself, you hear? Or I’ll find you and nag you like Mother did until you’re ready to tear out your hair.” He grinned at her blush and irritated fidget. “See you soon, little sister.”

“Take care of yourself, brother.”

Alistair, dressed in a shiny new suit of armour, found her in the press of people and tried to draw her aside. Seeing from his face that he had something urgent to say, she went with him and waved away the crowd slightly. “So… the rest of the Grey Wardens haven’t arrived yet from Orlais, but they’ve already sent… questions. What should I tell them?”

Elizabeth knew what he was talking about. “…I find it almost impossible to lie. I think we’ll have to tell them the truth.”

Alistair grimaced. “That a maleficar saved you and then ran off to have my demon baby? That has a certain ring to it, right?” He shook his head, and she found herself reluctantly agreeing with him. “No, I suppose I’ll just keep that to myself. I can shrug and look stupid. It’s a talent.”

“I suppose you’re right… anyway, I intend to dodge the question for as long as I can. I’m going to help Fergus rebuild Highever for a month or two, and then… I’d like to see Ferelden, I think. Riordan said I might become Commander of the Grey, and there are certain skills I need to acquire.”

“You know where Morrigan might have gone?”

“I don’t imagine she’d be easy to find if she didn’t want to be,” she said.

“True enough,” Alistair said, walking with her back towards the nobles. “At any rate, I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the Grey Wardens when they come. I know you’re going off for a bit, but I’ll be in Amaranthine to meet them. Someone has to! And, if I don’t get the chance some other time… thanks. For everything.”

“Same to you,” she said, and let him fist-bump her.

“I’ll let you get to your adoring public,” he said with a teasing grin. “They want to see the Hero of Ferelden, and who am I to keep them waiting?”

She shook her head and moved on through the crowd, smiling and shaking hands. Teagan actually got her to mingle properly for a few minutes, but then she was interrupted by Leliana’s bright smile and warm hug.

“So here we are,” said the troubadour, dazzling in violet and gold. “The conquering heroine has won the day, and now she takes her bow and exits the stage. A fine ending.”

“I would have been happier if everyone else was taking a bow with me,” Elizabeth grumbled again, but she smiled.

“Oh, my part was small,” Leliana said cheerfully. “I’m happy to watch you receive the accolades. It’s quite fun. You know, I can’t help now but think of my vision. The Maker sent me to help you, and look what you did. It’s a miracle; it truly is.”

Elizabeth nodded in agreement.

“You should know…” Leliana said slowly, “I’m thinking of going back to Orlais for a while. There are things I think I need to do there. Marjoleine was defeated, but…”

“You’re certain?” Elizabeth asked.

Leliana nodded. “I have learned so much here – not least through your strength and warm-heartedness and loyalty. Don’t worry. I won’t turn into Marjoleine.”

“Then good luck,” Elizabeth said, although privately she thought that last assurance was more for Leliana than for her.

“Perhaps we will see each other when I return. I look forward to it. Until then, be well. May the Maker watch over you.” Leliana smiled and disappeared into the crowd.

She was getting near the door when she found Zevran at her shoulder. When he had shown up, she didn’t know, and she certainly didn’t know where he had gotten the fine clothes he was wearing.

“I will be relieved when all this pomp and ceremony is done,” he said into her ear with a sigh. “Such events are perfect opportunities for assassins, after all. I can’t help but expect the Crows to appear at any moment. Which would be a welcome break, mind you.”

She smiled, but was reminded of something she had forgotten to ask him earlier, and turned to face him. “Do you think the Crows will still come after you?”

He shrugged. “Eventually. With Taliesin dead, it may take them time to figure out what has happened… but they are like the tides. Predictable.” He put his head on one side. “You know, it does occur to me that staying in one place is only going to invite the Crows to find me that much quicker. While fun, that might eventually get… complicated. You said earlier that you were planning on returning to the Grey Warden fold soon. Is that true?”

She looked away. “I’m not entirely sure what my plans are. Like I said, I want to help Fergus for a while. After that… I want to travel Ferelden some more. There are things I want to learn before I go to Amaranthine. So… yes, eventually.”

“And would you be in favour of my remaining with you?” he asked quietly. “I’ve grown fond of you, you see. Sad, but true.” He smiled, and his words were teasing, but his eyes were serious.

Did he not know? He did not want to assume? “I’d like you to stay. With me. I-if you would like.” If the Crows came, it would be dangerous. But… it would be dangerous anyway, wouldn’t it? They’d face it together.

He smiled more broadly, and kissed her hand with a gallant little bow. She wondered what the nobles thought and then decided that she didn’t care. “Now that’s a request that I would be hard-pressed to refuse. So I won’t. So let the Crows come. It will make for fun times and interesting party talk, yes?” She chuckled. “Well, then. Since I am sticking around, I suppose we’ll have plenty of time to speak later, yes? So go on and get paraded about. It is fun to watch.” She shot him a look, and he smirked unrepentantly. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on you and make sure no one gets a clear shot. Not without paying me a great deal of coin, anyhow.” He winked roguishly, and she almost threw herself at him right then and there in front of everyone.

Patience, she told herself. There would be time for that at night, when they had gone home. And then they would have to plan their journey to Highever, and see if Elra and Gemmet and Gemmet’s fiancée and John wanted to come live in Highever again. And then when she came to Highever, she had to figure out what she wanted to do to get herself ready for ruling Amaranthine. Alistair certainly wouldn’t want to do it.

She was near the door, and the crowd parted for Anora, who was getting ready to present Elizabeth to the populace whom she could hear cheering outside the palace gates through the open windows. She gestured for Elizabeth to join her, and Elizabeth squeezed Zevran’s hand one last time and went to join her queen as the double doors were opened for them.

The Blight was over, but her life had just begun.

 

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