Soundtrack:

The Call ~ Celtic Woman (The Coronation)

The River Sings ~ Enya (Celebration)

Alistair made his way to the throne. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs and glanced at me. I nodded in encouragement. He took a deep breath and climbed the stairs to where Eamon and the Grand Cleric stood. He was wearing his brother's armor for the occasion. The Grand Cleric approached him and he knelt. She placed the crown, a simple thick golden band that set on top of his head and blessed his reign in the name of the Maker. When she finished, he stood. She bowed and he returned it. Alistair then turned to the gathered cheering nobles. He rose a hand to accept his place as king. The roar of their cheers and applause was enough to deafen anyone. We Grey Wardens stood redeemed in the eyes of the people because of Alistair and I.

He waited until the cheering died before making his first official speech as king.

"My friends," he began. "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 final charge against the Archdemon remains with us still, an inspiration to all she saved that day."

He motioned to me and I ascended the stairs and went to stand next to the king. It was an odd title to call Alistair now. I would always see him as the sarcastic and sometimes silly Grey Warden I had traveled with and loved.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Realin Mahariel, the Hero of Ferelden, the first Grey Warden to defeat the Blight since Garahel four centuries ago."

The nobles applauded and cheered. I think my companions cheered the loudest. It was strange to me to be accepted by so many and hailed a hero. Surely no Dalish had ever accomplished this.

"Let it 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." He turned back to me. "What are your plans? Will you remain with the Grey Wardens?"

I hadn't considered leaving the Order. I couldn't be a Hunter again. Not after all the war and death I'd seen and the fame I now had. Nothing would be the same. My life would never be the same. I couldn't go back to m clan and act as if nothing had changed when so much had.

"The Darkspawn are still a threat," I said. "The Grey Wardens need me." Considering, since Alistair was now King of Ferelden, I was the only Grey Warden left to Ferelden.

"That they do. I'm glad one of us is staying with them, at least." He turned back to the crowd. "With the passing of Duncan at Ostagar, the Grey Wardens are currently leaderless. I ask that Realin take his place as Ferelden's Commander of the Grey."

I blinked. Had I just heard him right?

He turned to me. "Will you lead the Grey Wardens?"

"It will be an honor. I only hope I do his memory justice."

"I have no doubt that you will." He smiled. I was not used to this at all. This had to be his revenge for naming him as king. "There's a group of Ferelden citizens waiting outside to get a look at their hero. I suggest you make at least a brief appearance before they storm the gate." He chuckled. "Just tell the guard when you are ready."

The nobles and my friends began to mingle about.

"So, we made it. I'm impressed, aren't you? The odds were completely against one of us actually getting to the Archdemon... but of course, you would make it. I knew you would. You are lucky like that." He chuckled again. Then he sighed. "I guess Morrigan was telling the truth after all. About the... ritual. The rest of the Grey Wardens haven't arrived from Orlais but they've already sent... questions. What should I tell them?"

"The truth?"

"That a Maleficar saved you and then ran off to have my demon baby? That has a certain ring to it, right?"

"Well, I guess if you put it that way..."

"No, I suppose I'll just keep that to myself. I can shrug at look stupid. It's a talent."

"And one you are very good at."

"You weren't supposed to agree to that!"

I laughed. "You and I are the only other ones besides Morrigan that know. And I won't be running my mouth to anyone about it."

"Speaking of Morrigan, do you know where she went? I'm told she vanished right after the battle. No good-byes or anything."

"I'm sure she would have given you a one-fingered salute on the way out of the city."

"You're probably right."

"She said she didn't want to be followed."

"I'm just concerned what that ritual is going to cost, eventually." He sighed. "At any rate, I can see Arl Eamon giving me that look. More king stuff. I suppose it can't wait. And if I don't get a chance to later. Thanks. For everything."

"I only wish we didn't have to end things like we did."

"So do I. I can't tell you how much." He was silent a moment. There was a look on his face I didn't recognize. "I'll let you get back to your adoring public. They want to see the Hero of Ferelden and who am I to keep them waiting?"

"You're such an ass."

"So you keep telling me." He touched my arm and went over to Eamon and I descended the stairs.

"So here we are," Leliana said.

I turned to her and smiled. She was wearing a beautiful pink and gold dress. I had gotten so used to her in armor, the change seemed a bit odd.

"The conquering heroine has won the day and now she takes her bow and exits the stage. A fine ending." Only Leliana would say that.

"You should be taking a bow with me." She had watched my back and saved it as well so many times.

"Oh, my part was small. I'm happy to watch you receive the accolades. It's quite fun."

I couldn't help but laugh.

"You know, I can't help now but think of my vision. The Maker sent me to help you and look at what you did. It's a miracle, it truly is."

"You're telling me."

"I've been asked by the Chantry to return to the Urn of Sacred Ashes. I need to make sure it's protected. Maybe pilgrims can even begin going there again."

"Do you need help?" If anyone could protect the Urn, it would be Leliana.

"Oh no. You have your own things to keep you busy, Commander."

"You don't have to call me that."

"Besides this will be a grand adventure of my very own! I'm looking forward to it. At any rate... you should get back to the celebration. We can speak another time."

I grasped her hands. We'd both come a long way from that meeting in Lothering. "Thank you, Lethallan. For everything."

"What is that?"

"Lethallan? It's a term of endearment for those we consider close friends."

Leliana smiled and I turned away to find the others.

I found Zevran next. "I will be relieved when all this pomp and ceremony is done," he said.

"And you think I won't?"

He chuckled. "You more than I, I should think. 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?"

"Eventually. With Taliesen dead, it may take them some time to figure out what has happened... but they are like the tides. Predictable. You know, it does occur to me that staying in one place is only going to invite the Crows to find me much quicker. While fun, that might eventually get... complicated. You said earlier that you were planning on returning to the Grey Warden fold soon, as Commander of the Grey. Is that true?"

"Why? You thinking of joining?"

"A Grey Warden? Me? Oh, no, no. There are some bodily fluids even I won't touch."

"That's actually surprising."

Zevran chuckled. "The Grey Wardens seem like a fun bunch to hang around, however. Maybe they won't mind a resident assassin? I'm an excellent mascot."

I laughed. "I'd be happy for the company."

"And I promise not to get you into too much trouble. Well... no more than you get me into, anyhow." He chuckled. "Since we are leaving together, we can speak after you've been sufficiently paraded in front of the populace."

"I will actually be making a detour before I go to Amaranthine. I'm going to visit my clan before I take up my duties as Commander of the Grey."

Zevran nodded. "I am still jealous of that."

I chuckled.

"And 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."

"Jee, thanks."

He gave me a wink and I shook my head and smiled as I walked away.

Wynne approached me. "'The Hero of Ferelden.'" she said. "My, my. How does it feel?"

Tristan sat down next to me, licking his lips. I had a feeling he'd raided the kitchens. Or the servants had given him all sorts of treats.

"It's a little strange," I admitted. Of course, so was Warden-Commander Realin. That was actually a mouthful.

"Of that, I have no doubt. It's a title you'll be wearing for a long time to come just as Loghain wore his." The only difference between Loghain and I was I would not betray the king or my Order. "But it's not so bad, is it? A Blight defeated with the other nations barely becoming aware. Who could ask better?"

"I didn't do it on my own."

Wynne smiled. "I don't think many heroes ever do. 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."

"That's great."

"But I don't wish to go back. Not after this. Instead, I've decided to take a position here at court. There has not been a Mage advising the throne for a very long time."

"Alistair asked you to stay?"

"He's a good lad and his heart's in the right place. He wants to see the lot of the Mages improve and I am willing to help him."

I smiled. I should have known that Wynne wouldn't want to return to the Tower. Not after all the death and destruction she had witnessed. I didn't blame her.

"I understand you will be going to Amaranthine. I wish you good fortune on your journeys wherever they may take you. If we do not see each other again... live well, Realin. And thank you."

"Thank you."

I left her and nearly bumped into Sten. I hadn't heard him walk up to me with the din of the celebration.

"They call you 'hero'?" he asked. "I have not heard it used before but I think I understand the intent. 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." I must be the closest thing to a Qunoran Vehl to Sten. Or he saw me as one. "A death in service to the Qun. A living Qunoran Vehl would be too proud. But even with your title, I see no pride in you."

"Do the Qunari celebrate and put on parades?" It was a wonder and one I did not expect Sten to indulge me in. But he actually surprised me.

"When a Qunoran Vehl is declared, certainly. It is one of few occasions when the Qunari are permitted to engage in...." He paused a moment as if he was trying to think of the word to use. "Revelry. There is imbibing of spirits, public chanting, meditations abandoned." He shook his head. "It is madness." I tried to imagine the Qunari dancing around acting like drunken monkeys. As amusing as that would be, I just couldn't picture it.

"That would be quite a sight."

I saw a glimmer of a smile on Sten's face. "It is... interesting. It can take days for the Ben-Hassrath to restore order. There may even be executions."

"Sounds like a party."

Sten chuckled. "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." It was a pity. I had started to become used to his views and his silent bulk. But if he wished to return home, I would not stop him.

"That will be a long journey home."

"Yes. I suspect Par Vollen will not look the same as it once did. My views have... changed, a little. It must be said. You gave me the chance to redeem my honor and now it is done. I owe you a debt." I needed the aid, he wished to redeem himself. There was no debt.

"You helped me as well. It's been good."

Sten nodded. "It has. That one of the bas... a foreigner... would become known as kadan to me? Unthinkable. Yet here it is. Perhaps I shall see you again one day. Until then, may you always find the path you seek. Farewell, Kadan."

Tristan barked his farewell. I took it as a great honor for an outsider to be considered a friend to a Qunari.

I heard a familiar belch and looked over to see Oghren with a couple of fellow Dwarves and, surprisingly, a Hunter. She gave me the Hunters' greeting, which I returned.

"Humans have a better taste for spirits than I thought. Heh," Oghren said when I approached. "The ale up here is actually good."

I laughed. Of course, he would have been trying out all the ale. Knowing him, he was probably the first in line.

"Orzammar ale tastes like dirt in comparison. Probably because they put dirt in it. Go figure."

"Tasty."

He chuckled.

"I see you're enjoying yourself already."

"After what we went through? I think I've earned it. I think you've earned it. So I guess you're heading off soon? Leaving the city?"

"City life is not for me. I could never become used to it."

"I'm thinking I'll stick around, myself. At least for a bit. Well, that pot-bellied son of a whore Teagan said I'd pass out drunk before drinking an entire barrel of pickle juice. I aim to prove him wrong."

I chuckled. "I'll see you around then."

"Very likely. Although if I'm passed out drunk, I may not see you." He laughed. "It's been good traveling with you, Realin. Don't get lost in the shuffle, now."

"I'll try not to."

"How are you doing?" Teagan asked, no doubt having noticed me sidestepping some nobles a moment earlier.

"Feeling a bit overwhelmed, to be honest."

Teagan smiled. "I have no doubts. Do the Dalish have celebrations?"

"Yes, but not like this. Unless you count the Arlathvenn."

"What is that? If I may ask."

"It's a gathering of the Clans that takes place every ten years. The Keepers exchange what they have gathered and learned since the last gathering. Firsts are exchanged and sometimes Keepers themselves. It's how my father became Keeper of my clan."

"I'm sure he is proud of you."

"I'm sure he would have been. He had a dream of the Dalish having peace with the humans."

"I apologize, Realin. I assumed..."

I smiled. "It's fine, Teagan. I hadn't mentioned him to you before now."

"I should stop assuming," he replied with a chuckle.

I gave a laugh of my own. "I wish he could have seen me become what I am. I wish he could have seen me give the Dalish honor like I have."

"I agree."

"I want to thank you, Teagan."

"For what?"

"For being such a good friend. For showing me the respect only a handful of other humans have shown me. You give me hope that not everyone will see an Elf."

"I really hope that will change. I really hope that one day, your people will prove to mine that you aren't anything like the stories say you are. That one day, the Dalish will be spoken of with respect."

"Thank you, my friend. That means a lot to hear you say that."

Teagan gave a bow before motioning to the doors. "You should present yourself to the people you saved."

I chuckled. He was right. I'd stalled enough. It was time to be paraded in front of the people.

Norick stood at the door. "I would never have guessed your true name was Realin," he said. "Pity Gorin died before he found out. Although he thought it an honor to help the king escape from Fort Drakon." He chuckled.

I smiled. "Gorin was a good man. He didn't deserve to die the way he did."

"None of them did. But they died defending Ferelden." Norick smiled. "It was an honorable death." He looked over his shoulder at the door. "Are you ready, my lady? The crowds outside are getting restless."

"Let's go before they break down the gates to see me."

Teagan laughed, having walked over to the doors with me.

"Right. I'll take you there now. Follow me." Norick led me outside and to the crowd.