Blood and Thunder: Joining Souls

A/N: The writer suggests listening to the song linked in the description while reading.





The world stops, life freezing as the forest fills.

The band of mercenaries are a diverse group, hosting dwarves, elves, humans, and dogs. They move in secret, a tiny caravan traveling through the mountains.

Their faces are somber, guarded, as if they expect assassins to jump out of every shadow. The frowns and stony expressions soften as the day wears on, the group finally stopping at their destination.

The peak overlooks the beauty of Tevinter; the sun just beginning it's decent.

Individuals move, preparing for a ritual that has been performed since the dawn of time. Smiles appear where there were none, happiness and joy almost physical entities in the air.

Today they will not weep, they will not fight. Peace, though fragile, is held. This is a day unlike any other for this group. One that will go down in history.

There is chatter, songs being sung and jokes being retold….but as the appropriate people move into place a hush falls over the gathering.

"Anders…"

Honey colored eyes look into sapphire ones filled with mirth, "Yes Bethany?"

"Sonya wanted me to tell you, no signs of templars or darkspawn…we're all clear."

"Thank the Maker…"

He is dressed in formal robes, black as night and lined in fur. He ignores the red headed dwarf's remarks on his wearing a skirt.

He looks over the crowd, smiling at familiar faces. All are family here, and it brings tears to his eyes.

Oghren lifts his flask as Sigrun smiles, Zevran winking at him from his position against a tree. Nathanial inclines his head with respect, and even Velanna manages to look in his general direction.

Aveline and Donnic's expressions soften as their eyes meet his own, the couple wrapped around each other.

Isabela smirks, the pirate about to jump out of her skin as she clasps hands with the white haired, tattooed elf beside her. He came despite the dangers, insisting on being here.

Merrill traces Dalish symbols of fortune, protection, fertility, and love into the snow around them and he can't help but smile at her thoughtfulness.

The Mabari warhounds pose like sentinels at the edges of the group, both seeming to understand the importance of this gathering.

Bethany remains across from him, dressed in fancy robes of her own and smiling through her tears. Her emotion brings to light the individuals not present, but Anders can feel them…they're watching from wherever they are.

All grow silent as a crimson haired woman approaches; a hooded figure at her side. The woman steps beside Anders, smiling as she opens a thick book. The hooded figure removes its hood, revealing a tall, dark haired lady. Her shining silver eyes regard the man she's known all her life. He is a brother more than a friend and she embraces him, speaking of how proud she is, giving her blessings and praise before stepping back and joining a tall blonde man in matching armor in the front row. Alistair smirks at him, bowing slightly before pulling Sonya into a fierce embrace.

Anders stifles more tears, hearing the spirit in his head scold him for being so emotional.

"Ah, there they are…" Leliana whispers, nudging his arm as he fidgets with his robes.

All freeze, turning towards the pair approaching.

A dark haired beauty appears, wrapped in furs whiter than snow, a smile that would put angels to shame stretching her lips. Her sapphire eyes fill with tears as they catch his amber orbs and he feels his heart stop. She is so beautiful it hurts.

Her arm is held in a beardless dwarf's grip, Varric appearing as if he's stifling his own emotion as he walks her towards Anders.

The wind whispers through the trees, snowflakes falling gently through the branches. The setting is perfect…she is perfect and he can barely contain himself.

Maeve nears him, taking his hands as he reaches for her and pulls her close. This…he never thought he'd have this.

"Oy! Save it for after the vows!"

Laughter ripples through the group as the two separate. Maeve's lips flushed red from kissing though the woman obviously doesn't give a damn. Her cheeks flush as her eyes fill and all he can do is press his forehead to hers and hope she understands he is feeling the same as she is.

Leliana begins to speak, reading from the Chant of Light. The two don't listen to the words, too lost in each other.

Battles lost and won cross their minds, images of a time so long ago they can barely remember.

Of a fiery woman bursting into a Darktown clinic, demanding maps…

Of a man risking it all so his people could be free…

Of a night when statues walked and a city quaked beneath immense power…

Of a love they are sure can move mountains if they desire.

Leliana closes the book, claiming all that needs to be said has been said.

Maeve cries out before throwing her arms around his neck, plastering her lips to his own as they forget the rest of the world.

The forest erupts with the sound of applause, of people rejoicing.

All the noise fades as Anders stares into his wife's eyes.

"I love you Maeve."

"I love you too Anders."