There and Back Again Ch. 093-094

Story Info
Modern Girl in Thedas during the Fifth Blight.
7.4k words
4.73
12.5k
7

Part 56 of the 141 part series

Updated 06/08/2023
Created 06/12/2016
Share this Story

Font Size

Default Font Size

Font Spacing

Default Font Spacing

Font Face

Default Font Face

Reading Theme

Default Theme (White)
You need to Log In or Sign Up to have your customization saved in your Literotica profile.
PUBLIC BETA

Note: You can change font size, font face, and turn on dark mode by clicking the "A" icon tab in the Story Info Box.

You can temporarily switch back to a Classic Literotica® experience during our ongoing public Beta testing. Please consider leaving feedback on issues you experience or suggest improvements.

Click here

Chapter Ninety-Three: The Wedding Planner

I found Leli in her room when I knocked, and she let me in. "So? How fare you and Alistair?"

"Leli...I have to run to a meeting with the Arl, but I need a really big favour." I struggled to keep a sad-looking frown on my face,

Her forehead wrinkled in a concerned expression. "Anything, my friend. What would you have of me?"

I looked up at her from under my lashes, still fighting a grin. "Do you think you could help me plan a wedding in only two days?"

She hesitated for a moment, and when my grin broke through she squealed and hugged me enthusiastically.

She started babbling about the details, mostly to herself as far as I could tell. I told her we wanted to use the Chantry in the village, but had no other real plans.

"Do you trust me, Sierra?"

"Of course, Leli, why?"

"Please, let me do this. For you both. I will plan everything. You will love it, I promise. Don't lift a finger, yes?"

"Okay, but...are you sure? That's a lot of work."

"Nonsense. It will be perfect. I will come get you when you need to meet with Revered Mother Hannah. Now go, go - I have work to do, and you must meet with Arl Eamon."

I left her frantically writing lists for herself and headed down to Eamon's study. I was the last to arrive: Duncan; Aedan; Alistair; Teagan; Theron; a mage I remembered from the game, the emissary Pether, with the grizzled templar we'd seen the night before; Caron, the Dalish emissary; and Gorim, as the stand-in dwarven emissary had all beat me there. There was another man I didn't recognise, and he was introduced as Terrence. A group of former werewolves had apparently taken Aedan's advice, roughly armed themselves, and presented themselves at Redcliffe wishing to aid us against the Blight, and Terrence was their emissary. I wondered if he was the same werewolf who was the emissary in game if you sided with them against the Dalish, but it seemed rude to ask.

I noticed Eamon had a brief, satisfied, smug grin when Alistair and I arrived separately, but it was quickly quashed when, as there were no seats left available, I sat in Alistair's lap instead. I had to look away to stop myself from giggling madly.

We talked Blight business first; Duncan had apparently had word that Riordan would be joining us within a few days, and between the Dalish, the former werewolves, Riordan, and a handful of mages and templars, Duncan set out patrol routes for each group to follow so we would have early warning if the horde moved. With everything that had changed since I'd come to Thedas, we had no idea how long we had until the Archdemon revealed itself. We hoped to buy the dwarves a month or two to train and mobilise. Caron, Terrence, and Pether assured us that they could have messages sent out right away to begin the patrols.

Once that was done, the elf, the mage, and the templar left, with Gorim following behind; the rest of us got comfortable to talk about the Landsmeet.

Eamon asked me to recap the events of the game, which I did. I tried to be sensitive to Theron's feelings, but I had to admit that I couldn't be sure if rescuing Anora from Howe was a trap. I explained my thinking - it was possible that Anora hoped that Howe and the Wardens would fight each other, leaving the survivor weak enough to have to make a deal with her. Theron flinched, but he didn't disagree that it was a possibility. We thought the unrest in the Alienage should be much less an issue, given the supplies and warning we'd smuggled to Valendrian; secretly I wondered if Anora had known her father planned to sell elves to slavers, in which case she might still give us a tip about problems in the Alienage.

Eamon decided he would send messages to any of the nobles he felt would be friendly to our cause - which was most of them, after the tales of Loghain abandoning the army in Ostagar had spread from those who'd escaped - and that we would march towards Denerim in a week. In the meantime, we would need to meet with the various emissaries, try to get everyone geared up as well as possible, and be ready to move.

And get married. I giggled softly at the thought, earning myself a dirty glare from Eamon.

We all left Eamon in his study, and at a significant glance from me, everyone followed Alistair and I silently into the library, where all of the rest of our companions waited. Alistair took my hand, and we both turned to the group.

"Sierra and I would like to," he gulped, looked over at me for reassurance, and then continued, "formally invite all of you to our wedding. The day after tomorrow, if at all possible."

Everyone cheered and lined up for hugs and handshakes, much to both Alistair's and my embarrassment. I was nervous when Aedan approached me, but he swept me into a bear hug and his congratulations seemed sincere. At the same time, I noticed Zev lean in and whisper something to Alistair which made him blanch and nod seriously, and I guessed my almost-brother-in-law had just delivered a threat to his health if he hurt me. I couldn't help the giggle that escaped me, and Alistair shot me a dirty look as I snickered.

Leliana, after hugs, grabbed Wynne, Solona, and Morrigan and began dragging the three mages out of the room, twittering about shopping; Aedan grabbed Alistair and Theron, and they wandered out discussing politics and the Landsmeet. I snagged Duncan as the rest of the companions wandered away, and he turned to look at me curiously.

"Yes, Sierra?"

"Can I ask you a favour, Duncan?"

"Of course, my dear. Anything."

"I was wondering...on Earth, in most weddings, the groom stands at the front, and the bride is escorted down the aisle by her father, who 'gives her away', as it were. The thing is, my father is dead, and I'd never even met him, so..."

I looked down, shuffling awkwardly, and waited; Duncan didn't reply. After a pregnant pause, I sighed.

"I'm sorry. It's not really the tradition here, I imagine; I shouldn't have asked. Don't wor-"

Duncan cut me off, putting his hand on my shoulder. I glanced up to see him smiling broadly at me, eyes suspiciously bright. "I'm honoured you would ask me. I would love to."

I grinned and hugged Duncan again, kissing his cheek as he harrumphed in embarrassment.

The next two days were a bit of a blur. Eamon was busy writing letters, leaving the rest of us alone, thankfully; Leliana rushed around doing Maker-knew-what, and I honestly didn't have it in me to ask. I didn't want her to think I didn't trust her.

Mother Hannah was more than happy to agree to marry us, especially when Theron spoke to her and admitted who he was and that he approved. I thought she might have been willing to do almost anything in return for the hope displayed on her face when she found out the King still lived, but agreed easily to keep the secret.

We planned the wedding for late in the afternoon, the day after next, and Leli assured me everything was set. We were to have a small reception in the Redcliffe tavern afterwards. Alistair and I both had fittings - what she thought she could accomplish in a little over a day, I wasn't sure, and I assured her that one of the dresses I already owned would be more than sufficient for the task, but she would hear nothing of it.

I spent the first night wrapped in Alistair's ardent embrace, shouting his name to the skies. The second night, my last night as an unmarried woman, was different.

After supper, Aedan and Theron came to claim Alistair and drag him away from the supper table. The other men in our party, even including Sten, followed, hooting and making jokes and lewd comments; it occurred to me to wonder if Redcliffe had a brothel. I went to object, but Aedan shot me a reassuring wink. Sighing, I sat back down.

"If he isn't sober by tomorrow afternoon, I'm going to kill you, brother."

Aedan just laughed.

Once the men were gone, Wynne, Leli, Morrigan, and Solona were left. I was briefly worried Leliana had planned some sort of embarrassing bachelorette party, but she had other plans. The five of us spent the evening drinking wine, telling stories, and laughing ourselves sick in the library. I had a pleasant buzz on, but not enough to give me a hangover come morning. We went back to Wynne's room and spent time doing each other's nails and braiding each other's hair; all it needed was a good pillow fight to be the most cliché sleepover of all time.

Each of the girls presented me with a piece of slinky lingerie, much to my embarrassment. I blushed crimson, to their delight. Even Morrigan joined in, telling stories of particularly hapless men she'd met in her travels, senseless in the face of her scantily-clad body. Solona told entirely implausible stories of Circle Tower love triangles and clandestine affairs, and we all laughed when Wynne tried to deny such a thing could happen. Leli regaled us with dramatic love stories from history. And of course, somehow we ended up talking about shoes...at length.

At Leliana's insistence, I shared her room; she'd decided to take seriously the Earth superstition about a groom seeing his bride on their wedding day. She woke me early, subjecting me to a long bath with various bath salts, a complete facial and manicure, and spent an eternity battling with my hair. She had tamed my curls to pile on my head, tendrils dropping down to frame my face. Somewhere in there, she also got herself ready.

Then it was time. With my cloak on and pulled up to hide my face, we each carried a bag of things down to the Chantry in the village. Leli's was suspiciously large and bulky, though she hadn't let me look inside. Mother Hannah graciously allowed us the use of her study to change. Wynne had to join us to help me into the dress. Leliana allowed me a small snack - without comment about my habitually large appetite, though I had no doubt she knew I was a Grey Warden and hadn't admitted it - then I was ushered to the back of the Chantry and through an inconspicuous door.

I stood, impatiently, in a tiny closet someone had hurriedly emptied out just for this occasion. I rolled my eyes at the necessity, but decided I'd brought it on myself when I allowed Leliana to be my wedding planner. She had skillfully drawn out all sorts of obscure information about weddings back on Earth since we'd left Orzammar, and was determined to follow as many of the traditions as possible. Protests that I wasn't that traditional had gone completely unheard.

My feet were starting to hurt in the ridiculous shoes the bard had picked out. I had never been a fan of heels back when I was just a girl, never mind now that I was travelling with a group of Grey Wardens and trying to help kill the Archdemon...but Leliana had insisted that since Alistair was so tall, I had to at least partially make up the difference. I sighed for probably the five-hundredth time.

"Leli, would you knock it off? That stinking train is fine. It's not like I'm not going to trip on it later; I don't think wrinkles are really the biggest problem with it."

I wore a white dress, the whitest thing I'd seen in Ferelden, made of lace and silk. It had a tight bodice, and thick straps that just barely circled the tops of my arms. It lifted and separated in a way I hadn't expected from Fereldan undergarments, and gave me the appearance of much more impressive cleavage than I actually owned. It had boning to prop everything up, and I mostly didn't feel like I was going to have a major wardrobe malfunction. Mostly. The skirt was flowing, leading back to a train that was trailing behind me for several feet. And there was a veil, pinned in my hair though not covering my face, of some sort of diaphanous white material that flowed d0own past my waist. It had roses embroidered in white thread, which made me smile.

I had absolutely no idea where Leliana could have come up with such a dress with only two days' notice.

Just as she opened her mouth to snark back, a knock sounded on the door.

"Sierra? Look, I have my eyes covered, but could we talk for just a second?" Alistair's voice sounded amused, but I could tell there was something else going on.

I opened the door, to see him standing there, in his formal clothes, hand over his eyes. Leliana clucked disapprovingly, so I opened the door enough for her to see his impaired vision.

And he looked gorgeous. Better than gorgeous. He wore a dark grey doublet and trousers over a white shirt, the closest you could get to a tuxedo in Thedas. It emphasized his broad shoulders and amazing biceps, his flat stomach and narrow hips, and I struggled not to drool. He was clean-shaven, for once, and someone had trimmed his hair back to the way it was in game - little spiky bit in front and all.

"What's wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong. I just, uh, wanted to check on you. See if you were okay."

"Of course I'm okay. Alistair, what's going on?"

"I was just, uh, wondering. If you were nervous."

I thought about it. I was happy, and there were little hyperactive butterflies careening around my insides, but it was joy, not fear.

"Not particularly, love. It's okay if you are though, I've heard that's normal."

"I'm not really, though. I just thought...maybe I should be. Aedan told me Fergus almost wet himself before he got married. Is there something wrong with me?"

I laughed. Sweet, helpless Alistair. I loved him even more at that moment than I had before. I stepped closer to him and pitched my voice low.

"I don't think so. I figure...nervousness is for people who might change their minds, or who aren't sure." I went up on tiptoes and ghosted the lightest of kisses across his lips. "I would never change my mind, and I've never been more certain of anything in my life. Why would I be nervous?"

The hand not currently covering his eyes reached out, unerringly, and found my cheek. He leaned down and kissed me again, slightly more firmly.

"Maker, I love you."

I smiled. "I love you too."

Leliana hissed from behind me. "That's all very sweet, but Alistair, get out of here! Maker, you men are like herding cats."

I snickered at Leli stealing one of my lines, and Alistair let out an amused snort of his own. I snuck in one more kiss.

"I'll see you up there." Leliana grabbed me and dragged me back into the closet. I heard Alistair's steps recede, and sighed longingly.

Leliana groaned. "Sweet Andraste, even I'm going to be sick, you know. You two are ridiculous." Her smile was tolerant and amused, and I blushed and grinned.

"Sorry Leli."

I heard the voice of one of the servants whispering Leliana's name, and she ducked around me in her own beautiful dress, with a last whispered warning of what to do. I nodded and practically had to shove her out. When I heard the music start, I couldn't help it. I knew Leliana would kill me, but I just had to see. Cracking the door, I saw Alistair and Aedan walk down the length of the Chantry. There weren't that many spectators, just a few people from Redcliffe Village, as well as Teagan, Theron, and the rest of our companions. I even noted Morrigan had donned a robe that mostly covered her breasts for the occasion, and was far more touched by the thoughtful gesture than I should be.

The men approached the altar to the strains of the first verse of "A Thousand Years" By Christina Perri - another love song my iPhone had taught Leliana while walking around Ferelden. It was yet another cliché - I wondered how many thousands of weddings on Earth had used the song since the Twilight movies had come out - but it would be unique on Thedas, for certain, and I couldn't disappoint Leli by stopping her.

I have died every day waiting for you.

Darling don't be afraid, I have loved you,

For a thousand years.

I'll love you for a thousand more.

My eyes tracked Alistair as he confidently walked and then stood, waiting for me. He was incredible, and I couldn't look away. I was overwhelmed by the love I felt at that moment, and I knew I was going to cry during the ceremony, not from fear or regret but pure happiness. Leliana started on the next verse of the song, and I finally flung open the door and exited my little closet. I locked eyes with Alistair, who appeared to be taking me in, open-mouthed in what I hoped was the good kind of amazement. I squared my shoulders, gripped my bouquet, grabbed onto Duncan's proffered arm with all of my strength, and walked towards the altar.

The music faded into the background as Duncan took my hand and placed it, firmly, in Alistair's. I didn't even notice the music, or the gleam in Aedan's eyes as he looked at us; I had eyes only for Alistair, and when he smiled at me, the world was finally right, just as it was meant to be.

I didn't really hear a word of the service the Revered Mother gave, managing to follow along and repeat my lines somehow through luck alone. We had decided against writing our own vows, neither of us wanting to be embarrassed in front of everyone.

We were just about to exchange rings, beautiful golden bands bought in Redcliffe village, of all places, when the main door to the Chantry slammed open with a bang. Startled, I looked over my shoulder to see a very red-faced, angry Arl Eamon storming down the aisle towards us.

Chapter Ninety-Four: *Marriage Interruptus

Alistair and I were just about to exchange rings, beautiful golden bands bought in Redcliffe village, of all places, when the main door to the Chantry slammed open with a bang. Startled, I looked over my shoulder to see a very red-faced, angry Arl Eamon storming down the aisle towards us.

In the moment of shock, Alistair took action, using my hand to pull me behind him and straightening up, drawing up his full height. His expression remained neutral, calm, but I could feel the tension rolling off him in waves. I looked to Aedan, who stepped up to stand shoulder to shoulder with Alistair. In the pews, the guests had all risen from their seats, faces turned to the furious noble.

"That is enough!" Eamon shouted, pointing at Mother Hannah. "Stop this farce at once."

"Your Grace, this is most irregular-" Mother Hannah began, looking baffled.

Eamon cut her off, pointing at me instead. "You!" He turned to Alistair. "I might have expected something like this from her, but I thought better of you. How dare you be so selfish? I have told you that Ferelden requires-"

"Actually, Uncle, Ferelden will be just fine, thank you. This wedding was my idea. And it's probably the only un-selfless thing Alistair has ever done. I think we can forgive him one thing." Theron walked forward from the crowd, chiselled features pulled down into a wide frown.

"Cai-Theron, my boy, you don't seem to understand...the insult! Allowing the only daughter of Highever to wed a bastard...foregoing an alliance that could ensure the safety of your crown-"

"And that's up to her and her family to decide, now isn't it? As her brother is standing beside her betrothed, I'm not seeing how the family can feel insulted. As for Alistair, he is my brother and I expect you to treat him as such. He is a Prince of Ferelden and my heir, and I will not hear that word applied to him from your lips again, am I clear?"

My eyes went wide, and I looked between Alistair and Aedan; Aedan shrugged noncommittally, but from his profile, Alistair's expression was as dumbfounded as mine must have been. Since when is Alistair Cailan's heir? And why isn't Aedan surprised? Eamon looked, if anything, even more freaked out than Alistair and I. Which seemed ridiculous, given that I knew he'd forget Cailan in a heartbeat if he died, and put Alistair on the throne without a second's pause. Grasping bastard...

Eamon opened his mouth and stepped in it even worse. "You would come into my home, and abuse my trust, my hospitality like this-"