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Beginning Our Forever	By : TheDeathRae Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 1693 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age or any of its expansions, nor do I own any of the characters. I make no money from publishing this FanFiction.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
Chapter 7 – The Coronation

Then I saw my opportunity. With one terrific maneuver, I dislodged Zevran’s daggers out of his hands and, before he could respond, delivered a swift kick to his stomach and knocked him to the ground.
“I win!” I yelled tauntingly.
“Took you long enough!” Zevran yelled back, using his hands to flip up onto his feet. “Nine, ten minutes?”
“More like two or three,” I said with cockiness as he picked up his blades and sheathed them on his back. He walked closer to me and I had to look up at him, more so than I had to do with Alistair. Zevran was over on foot taller than I and had been difficult to beat.
“No, no – it was longer than that, I swear it.”
“I know, I’m just being difficult. Six minutes?”
“Deal.” We shook hands. “You should take a bow – we’ve gathered a bit of a crowd, after all.”
Turning to the estate, I saw he was right. All my companions, even Sten, were out here, watching my progress. Alistair was beaming.
“My turn,” he said, sauntering towards me.
I sheathed Starfang. “You can’t be serious.”
“Oh, come on. It will be fun.”
Perfect comeback, perfect comeback… “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Oh, ho!” Alistair said loudly, drawing everyone’s attention. “You think you can beat me?” he asked, and when he was close enough, he gave me a playful shove. I stumbled back a couple of steps but didn’t lose my balance. He grinned.
“Probably,” I taunted, shoving him back. He, too, had to take a few steps back. “I’m stronger than you and you know it.”
“Oh, I doubt that. I’m practically twice your size.”
“Hardly.”
“I wonder: who will win?” Zevran asked mysteriously. “The freakishly tall human or his tiny girlfriend?”
“Size isn’t everything, you know,” I answered. “I did best you, remember?”
“I don’t seem to recall,” Zevran replied.
I rolled my eyes and turned back to Alistair.
“I’m not fighting you.”
“Haven’t you ever wanted to rough him up a bit?” Leliana asked.
Hmm… “Well, there was that one time you forgot my birthday.”
“What?” Alistair asked.
“I turned twenty six weeks ago.”
“That was in the middle of the Landsmeet! You can’t expect me to remember which day your birthday is, much less which day of the week it is when all that’s happening at once.”
I laughed at him. “Relax, I hardly remembered my birthday.”
“So… you’re not going to test your hand at mine, even for fun?”
I rolled my eyes and stood on my toes so I could whisper in his ear, “If you want a real fight, you could join me in bed tonight.”
Alistair turned crimson, and Zevran and Leliana, who had fantastic hearing, giggled. Sten, Wynne, and Shale all looked clueless.
“So poetic,” Leliana said.
“That did rhyme, didn’t it?” I asked. “Well, Alistair Theirin, do you accept my challenge?”
He was still bright red. “I’ll see you there,” he half-whispered, and went inside rather quickly.
Leliana and I laughed, and Zevran just shook his head.
“Well, that will be an interesting match,” said Leliana.
“I don’t think it will be much of a match,” I replied with a smirk.

)-(
When I woke up, Alistair faced away from me and I was free to move, for once. I must’ve won this one, I thought. I sat up and climbed out of bed quietly and slowly, being careful not to wake him.
I observed my body in the mirror in my room. It was a day before Alistair’s coronation. I’d regained all my weight and most of it was muscle. My face had filled out and my arms and legs were no longer thin. The curve of my hips and thighs was perfect. I flexed and grinned. “Damn, you do look good, Alayna.”
“Mmm?” Alistair groaned from my bed. He turned over from his stomach onto his back, sat up slightly, and gazed at my naked body.
I smiled. “You’re awake?”
“I suppose,” he said slowly. He climbed out of bed and stumbled towards me.
I laughed. “You’re so clumsy when you’re tired. It’s a good thing the darkspawn only attacked our camp a couple of times.”
When he was close enough, he wrapped his warm arms around me and whispered, “I’m only clumsy when I’m around you… You’re intoxicating.”
“First of all, that’s a lie. You’re always clumsy in the morning.” I turned around and placed my hands on his bare, tightly muscled chest. “Secondly, you don’t have to seduce me, Alistair.”
“I know,” he sighed, “but it’s so much more fun that way,” he half-growled. He rubbed his nose against mine, then kissed me quickly. “Besides, you seduced me last night. Anyway, let’s get something to eat. We’ve a long day ahead of us.”
We got dressed, ate, and headed to the castle to make some final preparations. The Market District was still a little messy, but the Palace District was beautiful. I saw at least one hundred men and women working, cleaning, preparing the Palace District for the coronation. Many doors’ hinges were being replaced and roofs’ shingles fixed. Even though the rebuilding was hectic, there was a certain peace to it. It was a marvel, seeing this many people in one place, working for the same purpose. The Blight had somehow united these people and given them reason to live. Humans and Elves, templars and mages, Chantry priests and Dwarves – we had all worked together to defeat the Blight, and now it would be interesting to see if the friendliness would last.
But the palace itself was another matter. Humans were screaming at Elven slaves.
Put that table here… No, HERE! Damn it, just give it to me. I swear, I have to do everything myself… Right there, see? I’ll skin you useless Elves if you can’t do this right!
No peace to be had in here.
The contempt with which Elves were treated still made me cringe. Our family had always been kind to every Elf we encountered, and we had roughly even numbers of Elven and Human servants in our castle. And they were treated equally.
“Something wrong?” Alistair asked me when my face became distraught.
“Just because they worship the Creators instead of the Maker, it doesn’t mean they should be treated like dogs… Wait, that comparison is… insufficient. We treat our dogs better than we treat Elves, and it isn’t right, Alistair.”
“I don’t like it either, but what can we do?”
“Change it? Fix our Alienages, or get rid of them entirely? I mean, the Chantry is the one that forced Elves to near-extinction again. And Andraste’s the one who freed them! I just… The Chantry is corrupt.” The last sentence was whispered.
“I’d be careful what you say,” said Alistair, looking around. “You have no idea how many eyes and ears are around.”
“You’re right. It’s still sickening, though.”
We turned our attention to the preparations. Right now, chairs were tightly packed together along the floor and on the two balconies on either side of the room. A red carpet with gold trim ran from the door all the way to the throne, which was on an elevated part of the room, with stairs that led up to it. The throne itself was a large and tall wooden chair – wood that was a white-yellow tint to begin with, but had been polished to look like gold.
“I can’t wait to see you sitting in that chair.”
He smiled. “We’ll need one for you, too.”
My part in all this did not begin until after his coronation concluded. I would be asked for something I want from the king and I had yet to decide what that would be. Afterwards, there would be a celebration just for the Hero of Fereldan. I really didn’t want the attention, but it came with being a hero. Back when I still lived in Highever, my parents bragged about me to all their friends and even had me show off my skills with a blade. Even then I didn’t like the attention, but I knew they were proud of their little girl – just as proud as they were of Fergus. I just hope I haven’t let them down.

)-(
The next day came sooner than expected. I had tossed and turned most of the night and I had a slight headache, but I didn’t let it bother me. Alistair lied next to me, snoring softly. This was all I needed. As long as I had Alistair, I would always be perfectly satisfied. What I wanted was a different matter, and it would have to wait for later.
I woke him up and we got dressed for the day. Our armor had been cleaned of blood and grass stains and shined: it glimmered in the sunlight. Alistair wore Cailan’s armor while I wore the Warden armor we’d recovered from Soldier’s Peak, which I had saved for a special occasion. My hair was in a long braid so it would stay out of my face, and I had quite a bit of makeup on. Neither of us wore a helmet. When we’d eaten, we departed for the palace.
An entire company of guards accompanied us. They were there, I suspected, to keep crowds back, since we really didn’t need their protection.
Alistair broke formality when his fingers found my hand and held it gently. He said nothing.
“Are you nervous?” I asked him. He looked like he was about to vomit.
He nodded. “I’m worried I’ll… do something stupid, or stumble over my words. What about you?”
I shook my head. “I’m fine, but I’ll be better when all this is over.”
He laughed. “I agree.”
We reached the Palace District, the heart of Denerim, and entered the palace itself. Somehow, the throne room looked more marvelous than it had yesterday. Some serious cleaning had been done. Stained-glass windows were cleaned, the floor mopped, and the chairs had been removed – there was barely enough room for all the people in here to stand without flooding the center aisle, even with the balconies.
I elbowed Alistair and whispered, “Standing room only,” to him.
Alistair nodded with tight lips. He is very nervous. I squeezed his hand and told him he’d be fine. He took a deep breath and let go so a guard could get me to a spot in front of the people.
The Grand Cleric was already at the center of the stage, and Alistair walked up and knelt, bowing his head. She held out her right hand and blessed him with a few verses from the Chant of Light. When he stood and turned around to face us, we clapped and cheered. Finally, after one long year, Fereldan was united under another Theirin-blooded king. Alistair looked right at me, and I smiled at him.
“Alayna? Alayna!” I heard am extremely familiar voice call from behind me. I turned my head and nearly cried when I saw my big brother, alive.
“FERGUS!” I pushed my way through the crowd and jumped on him. Fergus laughed and hugged me tightly.
“Alayna, I can’t believe it,” he had to yell over the crowd. “You’re here… you’re alive! When I heard what Howe did, I thought you were dead along with… everyone else,” he whispered.
I released him and looked into my big brother’s dark brown eyes. “Fergus, I am so sorry about Oren and Oriana. I wish I could’ve done something to save them, but it was too late when Mother and I got to them. It’s my fault. I should’ve suspected something was up when Howe’s men were delayed.” I shook my head. “I’m sorry,” I said again.
“Pup, it’s all right. I miss them dearly, but you can’t blame yourself for this. I’ll see to it that the Howes pay for what happened.”
Actually… “I might be able to help with that.”
He gave me a questioning look.
“You’ll see.” I grinned at him. “I’m so happy you’re alive. We need to catch up… so much has happened.”
“Later, Alayna.” Fergus pointed to Alistair, who motioned for the crowd to quiet down. “I think he’s about to say something.”
But Alistair kindly dismissed the people and asked only a few people to stay – my companions, a few of their friends, Arl Eamon and his family, Fergus, and me. I stood at the bottom of the stage with Fergus to my left and my comrades to my right. I still can’t believe he’s alive!
“My friends,” Alistair began, “we are gathered to celebrate those responsible for our victory. Of those who stood against the darkspawn siege in Denerim, there is one in particular who deserves… commendation.” He grinned at me. “The one who led the final charge against the archdemon remains with us still, an inspiration to all she saved that day.”
I stepped onto the platform and stood facing Alistair.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Alistair continued, “may I formally present my betrothed, who will soon be your queen. It is hard to imagine how you could have aided Fereldan more. I think it only appropriate that I return the favor. As a reward… and as an engagement present,” he whispered so only I could hear, “I offer you a boon of your choice.”
This is it. I looked at Fergus and smiled, and he raised his eyebrow at me. He knew exactly what I was thinking.
“King Alistair, I ask that the Howes pay for what they did to my family.”
Alistair paused, probably thinking about how to go about my request. Finally, he said, “Let it be known that Highever is given back to the Cousland family, under Teyrn Fergus Cousland, found in the Korcari Wilds just a few days ago. We will begin a formal investigation into the Howes’ involvement in the attack on Highever. 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.”
“Thank you, King Alistair,” I said, and bowed to him.
Amaranthine? Wow. Vigil’s Keep is huge. That will be perfect for us to build up our numbers.
With all formal speeches done, more people left and people scattered from the stage. I told Alistair I’d talk to him again in a little bit, but I wanted to find Fergus, first. Where is he? I couldn’t find Fergus anywhere. He was just right next to me… I’ll find him sooner or later. For now, I decided to talk to my companions. Since Wynne was closest, I approached her, first. She told me that would go with Shale to see if there was a way to reverse the golem process: to make Shale a Dwarf again. I didn’t want to crush Shale’s hopes, but I was doubtful. Caridin told us that, to make a golem, he poured lyrium into the Dwarf’s eye holes, mouth hole, and into the cracks of the golem’s armor. No one could actually have a body left after all that… could they? Maybe some mages would be able to help. All the same, I wished them the best of luck.
Next was Zevran.
“Hey, Zev. How are you feeling?”
“Well, I will be relieved when all this pomp and ceremony is over.”
I laughed. “I literally told Alistair that earlier today.”
Zevran chuckled. “You know, such events are perfect opportunities for assassins. I can’t help but expect the Crows to appear at any moment. Which would be a welcome break, mind you.”
“A ‘welcome break’? Aren’t you worried one of them will recognize you?”
He shrugged. “I already searched for escape passages. I know this palace like the back of my hand.”
Typical Zev. “Perhaps you can help me out, then. I’m so worried I’ll get lost in here.”
“Is that a request for me to stay?”
“You never know when we’ll need a good assassin.” I winked.
“Now, that does sound like fun. Very well, I shall stay. But it occurs to me that staying in one place is only going to invite the Crows to find me that much quicker. And while that might be fun, that might eventually get… complicated.”
“You don’t have to stay forever,” I laughed. “I told you before that you can leave whenever you wish; I only asked you to stay because you’re a friend.”
“Hmm. I’ll have to think about this.”
“Well, I have to go. See you around, hopefully.”
“Fine, fine. Just leave me here. I could do something terribly evil in your absence, you know.”
I rolled my eyes and searched for Leliana. She was talking with many nobles, and considering she was neither Fereldan nor a noble, I thought it odd that they gave her company at all. But when I approached, she ran to me and gave me a big hug.
“You know I’m serious about turning your life into a song. Or maybe a play. ‘And so the hero steps down and takes her bow.’ A fine performance.”
I laughed. “Just do whatever makes you happy, Leliana. I want to be at the first performance, though!”
“Of course!”
“Where will you go, now that this is over?”
“Oh, I think I’ll stick around, at least for the time being. You’ll need help getting ready for your wedding, and a palace is never complete without a good bard. Plus, Marjolaine is dead, so I won’t have to worry about her. And Zevran plans on staying, does he not?”
“How did you know?”
“I was listening.”
“Eavesdropping is more like it,” I laughed again. “You’re right, he is.”
“Then it’s settled! But go, you have a crowd to greet!” She practically shooed me away.
“Settle down, Leliana! I’ve more people to talk to, yet.”
Oghren said he’d go back to Lake Calenhad to see if he could check up on Felsi. I told him to go for it. He’d been successful – with my help – in getting her interested a few months ago, so she probably wouldn’t reject him. After that, he didn’t say what he’d do or where he’d go. He couldn’t go back to Orzammar now that he’d gone “topside”, so I didn’t know where he’d go. I’d just have to wait and see.
Sten had to go back to Par Vollen, to the Qunari people. He had his answer to the Arishok’s question, “What is the Blight?”, and so he had to return. Out of all my companions, I would miss Sten the most. He had been so wise and thoughtful, and he only spoke when he deemed it necessary. Sten promised me that, when the Qunari invaded Fereldan one day, he would not look for me on the battlefield. Though saddened by his assurance that his people would come, I was honored to know that I had earned a place in his heart, a Kadan, that protected me from his sword. This will be the last time I’ll ever see him.
“Well, we made it. You’re Fereldan’s new king, and soon we’ll be married.”
“I’m impressed, aren’t you?” Alistair asked me. “I know we haven’t had much time to talk with everything going on. It seems as though Morrigan was telling the truth after all. But I swear, if her kid comes back here one day, trying to claim the throne, she’s paying. At any rate, the rest of the Grey Wardens haven’t yet arrived from Orlais, but they’ve already sent… questions. What should I tell them?”
I shrugged. “Well, we can’t exactly tell them the truth. Tell them they were wrong.”
He laughed. “ ‘That’s right! All you need is a maleficar willing to have your demon baby.’ Who knew? No, I suppose I’ll keep that to myself. I’ll just shrug and look stupid. It’s a talent.”
I smiled and laughed at him. “Your greatest talent.”
“I know, right? But speaking of Morrigan, do you know where she went? She just vanished right after the battle, no good-byes or anything?”
“Honestly, Alistair, I don’t know. And I’m not sure I want to.”
“Ha! Good riddance, I say. At any rate, I can’t wait to be alone with you.” He blushed and smiled. “These formal affairs drive me insane.”
“Me, too. Meet you upstairs later?” My eyes are probably sparkling right now.
“Oh, I’ll be waiting. Don’t you worry.” He dragged out his words in his sexy voice. “But I’ll let you get to your adoring public. They want to see the Hero of Fereldan, and who am I to keep them waiting?”
“Oh, please, Alistair. You’re the king, in case you forgot already.” I winked at him and turned to leave.
“Wait, one more thing.”
I turned back to him and raised my brow.
“What are your plans?” Alistair asked me quietly. “I assume with the wedding you will be remaining in Fereldan?”
I smiled at him. “Yes, I’ll be staying here. I think you’ll need my help.”
“Well, I didn’t want to come right out and say it… but I’m relieved you’ll be nearby.”
I smiled at him and tried to find my brother again. He was waiting for me near the door, and I ran as I had before to hug him.
“Easy, easy,” Fergus laughed. “You’re much stronger than you used to be.”
I released him and looked up at him. “I’ve been working out.”
He laughed again. “You could say that again. I’m afraid you’ll crush my ribs.”
“It’s all part of being a Grey Warden. We’ll catch up later. I have to introduce you to someone.” I grabbed my big brother’s hand and led him to the throne. “Fergus, this is my… fiancé, Alistair. Well, King Alistair, now. Alistair, this is my brother, Fergus.”
Alistair smiled and they shook hands.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Fergus. Alayna was worried sick about you when we left Ostagar. She really looks up to you, you know.”
“She does, does she?” Fergus asked with a smirk. “She never told me that.”
I rolled my eyes. “I didn’t think I had to. It was pretty obvious, I thought.”
“Not obvious enough,” Alistair teased. “But go. The crowd outside might storm the door if they can’t get a look at their hero.”
“All right, all right! I’m going. See you both later!”
When I reached the door, I turned around to look at Alistair. Fergus was talking with him, probably giving him his big brother ‘don’t-hurt-my-sister-or-I’ll-kill-you’ spiel. But they were laughing, so I didn’t really know what was going on.
“Are you ready, Miss?” the guard asked me.
I nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“We were instructed to accompany you to make sure nothing happens to you. Is that all right?”
“That’s perfectly fine, thank you.”
“Then let’s be off!” He opened the door for me, and I stepped out into the sunshine.
- 6
- 7
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Beginning Our Forever