The wolf pup lay in Brehan's lap. Brehan sat on the floor, with his head in the lap of Leliana. She thought he might actually be asleep.

Cathiel and Alistair were passing a bottle back and forth between them. They'd been doing it for the better part of half an hour, but barely a quarter of the bottle was gone. She'd sent Loghain and Jerath with the soldiers, to aid in clearing some spawn that had dug in rather than flee. Lenore and Brosca were overseeing the retrieval of the archdemon's corpse, and the gathering of the blood.

"It's done," Alistair said again, as if he couldn't believe it.

Cathiel leaned back in the chair. "What happens now?"

"We rebuild," Saitada said. "You and Alistair take the throne, and kick off Ferelden's golden age."

Alistair blinked. "Maker, that's right. I'm king now, aren't I?" He laughed softly. "I mean, I knew it, but, I didn't actually... know it, you know?"

"And we have to plan a coronation ceremony," Leliana said brightly. "And a wedding."

"Maker," Cathiel said. "We are going to get married."

"You aren't having second thoughts, are you?" Alistair asked.

"Of course not. It's just... Maker... I..." She sighed. "I always thought when the day came, I'd have Mother and Oriana there, bothering me and taking care of all the details."

Leliana gave her a reassuring smile. "You'll have Lenore, Wynne, Saitada, and I. We'll make sure you get pestered."

#

Alistair's speech was beautiful. It should be, it had taken Leliana and Brehan hours to write it. It cemented the alliances that had been forged in battle. Aid for Orzammar. Land for the Dalish. Respect for the elves. Freedom for the Circle. Honor for the Wardens. She wondered who had given him the idea to grant Howe's lands to the Wardens, then saw Cathiel's satisfied smile.

They stood as one, even Loghain included, as the crown offered it's gratitude. Alistair managed to sneak in officially granting her the title of 'Hero of Ferelden'. She wondered which of her companions was responsible for that one, and saw Lenore's satisfied smirk. What was it Brehan liked to say? Emma shem'nan.

Gorim stood with a small group of nobles. "Glorious," he said. "You've really showed this humans something. Forged an army. Took down a Blight."

"It's good to see you, Gorim."

"I'm not just here to witness the human spectacle, however. The assembly contacted me with a message for you." He shrugged, but smiled delightedly. "I guess they figured once a manservant, always a manservant. Ahhh, I don't mind. The thing is, we've both been given leave to return to Orzammar."

"Both of us?"

"Apparently. I went down with you, seems I rise back up with you too. Seems your brother is mighty grateful for what you did. We've been restored to House Aeducan, full rights and everything." He gave her an awestruck look. "There is a motion before the assembly to have you named a Paragaon. Getting the humans to help Orzammar like you did... that should make it a lock."

"A... paragon?"

"Not a bad change from an exiled 'murderer', no? Congratulations, my friend." He shrugged. "Think you might head back home? To tell them of the humans coming, at the very least!"

"I suppose I should."

"Good. And I would be proud to take up my old position, if you'll have me." He gestured at the crowd. "At any rate, I'll let the humans get back to their dwarf worship." He laughed. "Still makes me smile to hear them talk."

She walked away, and found a quiet corner for a moment. Aeducan. Paragon. Big changes. She was expected to stay on as Warden Commander. And yet... Perhaps there was a better solution. She went to find Cathiel.

#

"Andaran atish'an, da'len." Ashalle looked him over, her eyes warm. "It is so wonderful to see you again, healthy and whole."

"Did the rest of the clan come with you?"

"I fear they were too afraid to come into such a great city. It is so different from what we are used to." She chuckled nervously. "I find myself constantly bewildered." He smiled. It was odd, now, how comfortable he was standing among the nobility of Denerim. "They send their well wishes with me. The keeper was especially proud at the word of your victory. She said she cannot wait to tell the other clans." She gazed up at him, and almost choked on her words. "And this thing you have done... land to settle one. I... I cannot express what this means to the clans. Imagine the look on the keeper's face when she learns of this. Will you come with me to tell her?"

"Gladly. Though I must return."

She hugged him. "Wonderful. You will see the joy this will bring... It will be a day to remember for a very long time." She put a hand on his arm. "I... I could build a house. On land that is my own, forever. Is that not the strangest thought?"

"I look forward to visiting it."

"I should not take up so much of your time. Go, da'len. Celebrate your victory and be merry. The gods smile on you, truly."

#

Cyrion shook his head and smiled. "My, my. I almost don't recognize my own son. First a Grey Warden and now a great hero? And you've even made me a nobleman, the voice of our people? I barely know what to think. I am awed, and so proud... if only your mother had lived to see this day."

"I don't know if having a bann will change anything." Alistair had tried to convince him to take the job. He'd suggested his father instead. There were... things to consider. Debts still to be paid.

"And this is your fault? If anything, for Fereldan to have elven heroes will only do us good. Perhaps in time, with a new human on the throne, things will change for us. I can only hope it will be so. But never mind your old man. There is much for the heroes of Ferelden to do today, yes? Go... I shall speak to you soon." He gave Jerath a small shove towards the party.

#

"It is very strange to hear so many speak of a mage in such glowing terms," Irving said. "Deserved, of course, but still not what I am accustomed to." He gave her a bewildered look. "I must thank you, however, for freeing the Circle from our shackles. That was most unexpected, indeed. You could have asked for anything."

"I did what I thought was right."

He gave her a warm, grateful smile. "Most would have asked for wealth, or power. Thank you. This is a gift we will not abuse." He sighed. "Now, I should leave you to your celebration. Uldred's revolt has left me... very quick to tire these days. Retirement will come soon, I think."

"Give everyone my love." Lenore smiled. "Even Greagoir."

"I look forward to seeing what you accomplish next."

#

"A Grey Warden. And now a hero, too? A bit different from the slums, hmm?"

"Aren't you married to a king?" Brosca asked, putting an arm around her shoulders.

"Ha! I'm his concubine, but it's a comfortable position anyhow, I'll give you that." She laughed softly. "Mother swore off drinking when she heard about what you did. She's been sober ever since. And as ill as a fellcat in water." She took a deep breath. "I should tell you, the Assembly actually sent me here. Officially, I'm an ambassador... can you imagine? Me! Apparently, miracles abound these days." She shook her head. "They want me to tell you that you're free to return to Orzammar. They've made you a full citizen. Technically, you're warrior caste."

He blinked. "Can they do that?"

"I don't know, but they did." She elbowed him lightly. "Of course, that means Mother is risen up, too. She's been lording it over all her friends, calling them 'lowly peasants'. I hear they're considering making you a Paragon. Statue and everything. Not bad, brother. Not bad at all."

All he could do was stare at her, his mouth hanging open. After a moment, she reached over and shut it, then laughed. "Anyhow, I intend to get back to sampling this human wine," she said. "I'd like to forget there's a giant sky up there. How they live up here, I'll never know."

"You'd be surprised how fast you get used to it."

#

"It's good to see you again, kadan." Sten looked around. "These people... they call you 'hero'. It's a strange word, but I think I understand it's 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."

"Do the qunari celebrate and put on parades?" Saitada asked.

"When a qunoran vehl is declared, certainly. It is one of the few occasions when the qunari are permitted to engage in... revelry. There is imbibing of spirits, public chanting, meditations abandoned... it is madness."

She forced her face into a serious expression. "That would be quite a sight."

"It is... interesting. It can take days for the Ben-Hassrath to restore order. There may even be executions." He looked down at her. "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."

A heartbeat passed. And she made a decision. "I could go with you, if you like."

He blinked. "Is that truly what you want? There is much to hold you here, and it is a long journey."

There was much to hold her here. Perhaps too much. She wasn't ready to go back to Orzammar, and play the game and pretend. "Somebody has to make sure you stay on the path."

"You would...?" He actually looked startled, then he smiled. "Oh. You are joking. That is... funny." He tilted his head at her. "If you truly wish to come, I have a ship prepared to leave in two days time."

Two days was long enough. "I'll be there."

He looked pleased. "Meet me at the docks after all this celebration is over. It would be good to continue our travels."

#

"So it appears that Riordan was wrong. I find it difficult to believe that he deliberately misled us. Have you another explanation for what happened?" Loghain glanced down at the man he was still surprised to consider a friend.

Jerath shrugged. "Does it matter? Ferelden has driven back a Blight, accomplishing in a year what took Orlais, the Anderfels, the Free Marches, and the Tevinter Imperium over a decade."

"I should be content, yes? Still, the Orlesian Grey Wardens have been persistent with their questions. I intend to keep any thoughts on the matter to myself. I understand you are returning to the Wardens. As am I. I have been tapped to lead up their recruitment efforts here in Ferelden. Anora's influence, no doubt. I would have preferred she not interfered."

"A small concession in return for her service to the crown. She loves you, obviously. And it seems a fitting task."

"True enough. Allow me to say before I go that you have earned my respect. Odd that I ended up here, saying that, but there it is. Return to your celebration. I shall see you with the Wardens."

#

Brehan moved her through the steps of the dance with an ease that belied the fact she'd only taught him the steps the night before. She smiled at him. "So here we are. The conquering hero has one the day, and now he takes his bow and exits the stage. A fine ending."

"It doesn't have to be an ending."

"I'm glad to hear that." She took his hand as they moved through the line of dancers. "You know, I can't help but think of my vision. Whether it was the Maker sending me to you, or whatever... it was a good thing." She met his eyes. "I thought I was supposed to save you, to show you the way... but it seems it was meant to be the other way around. Odd how that works, no?"

"I think you did plenty."

"Flatterer." She gave him a coy look. "So, if I heard right, you'll be leaving soon. Any room for an extra body on your travels?"

"Only if it's you."

"Good. I imagine that whatever you get up to, it'll be anything but boring." The dance came to an end. "At any rate, I should let you get back to your celebration before someone drags you away." She kissed him. "I look forward to seeing you again afterwards."

#

"May I speak with your majesties for a moment?"

"Of course," Alistair said.

"Just one majesty," Cathiel said. "Until the wedding."

"I'm going to pass the title of Warden Commander to Jerath."

Cathiel and Alistair exchanged a look. Slowly, they both nodded. "Why?" Alistair asked.

"I have matters to settle in Orzammar. I'm thinking of going to Par Vollen to speak with the Arishok regarding the Blight and Wardens. I could use a vacation." She sighed. "And if we don't come up with a reason for him to stay, I'm worried he's going to take off to look for Morrigan."

"We've been worried over that last one," Cathiel admitted.

Alistair nodded. "I was considering insisting he take up the position of Elven Bann."

Saitada nodded. "So neither of you object?"

They exchanged a look. Cathiel slowly nodded. "I realized... I think it was just after the tower, that if something happened to you, we'd be following Jerath. It occurred to me I should have been annoyed that you sent him to take Soldier's Peak, but I wasn't. He was the right man for the job. I think... if it's not you, it has to be him. And keeping him with the wardens is a good thing."

Saitada nodded. Then she exhaled. "They are thinking of making me a paragon."

"Maker."

Alistair considered a moment. "So... if you are a paragon, and I am a king... which of us outranks the other?"

#

"You are still staying on as court mage, I hope?" Cathiel asked.

"There has not been a mage advising the throne in a long time," Wynne said.

Cathiel hugged her. "I'm glad you think this is worthy of your time."

"I will not lie motionless in bed, with coverlets up to my chin, waiting for death to claim me." She smiled fondly. "So you had better listen to me, because I swear, if I should fall before the end and you don't seem to be doing things properly, I'll get up again to give you a good finger-wagging."

"I'll hold you to that promise."

"You know, I think the two of you are going to do just fine."

#

"Humans have a better taste for spirits than I thought. Heh. The ale up here is actually good." He took a drink of that ale. "Orzammar ale tastes like dirt in comparison. Probably because they put dirt in it. Go figure."

Saitada shook her head fondly. "Think you might go back to Orzammar?"

"I'm getting used to that big sky up there. And I'm thinking I might just look up Felsi again... see where that goes."

"You're done adventuring?"

"Maybe for a bit. Talk to me in a year or so when I'm bored, maybe I'll think differently."

"I might be back by then."

"Ah well, enough babbling. That pot-bellied son of a whore Teagan said I'd pass out before drinking an entire barrel of pickle juice. I am to prove him wrong."

She laughed. "Don't ever change."

"Who, me?" He snorted. "It's been good traveling with you, Warden. Don't get lost in the shuffle, now."

#

"You are staying with the Wardens then?" Saitada asked him.

"Yes." Jerath glanced at her.

"Then I suppose this is yours." She handed him the commander's helm they'd retrieved from the vault.

He blinked. "You aren't staying?"

"Oh, I'm staying a warden. Just not staying in Ferelden. I'm heading to Par Vollen with Sten. We can answer the question for the Arishok, and then perhaps do some recruiting among the Qunari."

"That could be... interesting."

"So you'll take the post?"

He considered for a moment. Then he shrugged. There was only one answer. The duty could not be forsworn. "Of course."

"Good." She gave him a worried look. "Jerath... Where is Morrigan?"

"That's a very good question."

"I take it she's behind the 'you not being dead' thing?"

"That would be a rational conclusion."

"Someday, Jerath, I'm going to ask you a question, and you are going to give me a straight answer."

"I believe I did just a few moments ago, when you asked me if I would take up the post of Warden Commander."

"The official title is 'Commander of the Grey'."

"I suppose it's better than 'swordy-person with griffin fetish'."

Saitada grimaced. "Please don't give Cathiel any ideas."

#

"I will be relieved when all this pomp and ceremony is done." Zevran winked. "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."

"You think the Crows will still come after you?" Lenore asked.

He shrugged. "Eventually. With Taliesen dead, it may take them time to figure out what has happened... but they are like the tides. Predictable."

"So how about we go looking for them instead?" Brosca asked.

Zevran blinked. "You did say earlier you were planning on leaving soon. Is that true?"

"Why?" Lenore asked, batting her eyes at him. "You want to come along?"

He smiled. "It occurs to me that I live better then I'm near you. And that's aside from any other... ancillary... benefits."

"And those are good benefits," Brosca said, encircling Lenore's waist with one arm. He held his other hand out to Zevran.

Zevran took the hand, then extended his other hand to Lenore. "Then let us not spend any time apart. It shall be an adventure to remember!" He considered a moment. "Well... another one."

#

Cathiel glanced over at her soon-to-be husband, who was practically dancing with excitement. "What is it?"

Alistair grinned at her. "I have a surprise for you!"

"Oh, is it bigger than a breadbox?" She batted her eyes.

"Considerably." He opened a door, and revealed...

Her heart skipped a beat. "Fergus."

He swept her up into a hug. "When I heard my little sister was not only a Grey Warden, but also leading Ferelden into battle? I was surprised, to put it mildly. Father... he would have been so proud of you. I know I am. You've done good."

She clung to him. "Howe paid for what he did. I killed him myself."

"Howe has lost everything. That bastard. Vengeance is bitter, but I think about Oren... it barely seems like it's enough. At least Amaranthine now belongs to the Grey Wardens. There's some justice in that, I think. I need to go back to Highever. See if I can clean up the mess Howe made of it. I will see you soon, I hope?"

"Ser Gilmore also survived. He can help you. I'll see you at the wedding, for certain."

Fergus chuckled. "My little sister... marrying the king. All I can think is what Mother would have said about that. 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."

#

Brosca found Jerath standing on the castle battlements. He was twisting a ring around on his finger. Brosca walked over and leaned on the rampart next to him. "So, you're the bloke in charge now."

"Everyone else ducked."

He laughed. "Fireball and I are going to take care of a couple of Zev's lingering problems. We'll be back though." He shook his head. "Remember lookin out over the wilds, waiting for sunset?"

"I do."

"Ever think we'd all make it?"

"I was fairly sure one of us would kill Brehan."

"I was bettin on it bein you, actually, then he went and turned into a decent bloke." He looked back over his shoulder. "Party's over. Fireball and Zev passed out. Can't hold their bloody liquor." He hesitated. "You okay, Junior?"

"I think I am."

"So, now what?"

Jerath shrugged. "Remember that one nobleman who didn't back us at the Landsmeet?"

"Yeah?"

"He's got some gems called the Tears of Andraste. Want to go steal them?"

Brosca laughed. "After you, Commander."