#agi “the most stubborn fucker alive” aldwir

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

Argument

If you think Agi was just going to walk away from *that* argument with Emmrich, then you're very wrong. The big argument and after. SFW.

Agnes stopped as she reached the door of Emmrich’s library. Their argument was not as explosive as it might have been, but it still hurts. It hurts so fucking much. She could still hear his “at your age” ringing in her ears, the words making her heart ache.

No.

She spun quickly to face him, her jaw set. “As I’ve told you several times, I’m thirty. I’m not some stupid, frivolous society girl in Nevarra. Do you know how long I’ve been traveling? How many people I’ve met and befriended? Of course I’ve been around couples with significant age gaps. Yes, there are challenges…” In a few long strides, she reached him and cupped his face in her hands. “But there’s love too. Love and tenderness and care and devotion. All things I want. All things I think you want too.” Her lower lip quivered. “I-I want to fight for us. I want there to be an us to fight for. Whatever life has in store for us I want to face it together, no matter how long or short it is. I love you.”

He choked on a sob before kissing her. Though it was brief, it was also the sweetest, gentlest kiss he’s ever given me. “I love you, my darling Agnes, and I’m so, so sorry. I’ve never not…Please don’t ever think…” He shook his head and pressed his lips to her forehead. “You’re what I hold most dear in this world or any other.” Squeezing his eyes shut, more tears fell. “And it would break my heart knowing I left you alone after I die. Alone and sad, my poor girl.”

Follow your heart, and it will never lead you astray.

Agnes brushed away a few tears with her thumb and sighed. “Oh Emm, I wouldn’t be. I’ll carry your love and memory in my heart. That way I’ll never be alone.”

His eyes opened, wide and with no small amount of disbelief.

She smiled and stroked his cheek. “So long as we’re remembered, then we’re never truly gone.”

Emmrich chuckled softly and leaned into her touch. “Wise words as always, my darling.” I think he may finally get it?!?!?! I hope?!?!?

Agnes snorted. “Wise words from my Da. The man had a million fish jokes and even more words of wisdom.”

He flattened her hand against his cheek and turned his head to press a kiss to her palm. FUCK. I love it when it does that!!! “And yet you articulated his wisdom on this subject beautifully.” The smile on his face shifted into a frown. “I truly am sorry, Agi. I love you most ardently, and I—”

SHUT UP AND KISS ME, EMMRICH.

She kissed him passionately while the hand on his cheek reached for his graying hair. “I love you. I want a life with you.”

He whimpered against her lips, more tears falling. “I want that more than anything, dearest.” His expression further softened. “Please forgive this old fool who loves you.”

Always.

“Of course, Emm.” Agnes sighed, offering him a reassuring smile. “Whatever happens next we face it together, agreed?”

Wait a second.

Maybe I should…

I SHOULD!

She then giggled nervously. “Actually, hold that thought. I, um, well…fuck it.” Rummaging in her pocket, she pulled out a plain gold band. “You wanna wear another ring?”

I am the biggest idiot in Thedas.

Did I really just propose to Emmrich “I Choose My Words Carefully” Volkarin like that?!

SHIT.

FUCK.

He blinked once, twice, and then a third time before saying, “Agi, what—”

“It was Da’s, and I’m…” She laughed breathlessly and felt completely nuts. “Will you marry me, Emmrich?”

An incredulous chuckle escaped him. “Yes, dearest Agnes. Yes, I will marry you!” It was then that the professor laughed heartily and held her in a warm and loving embrace. “How I’ve longed for this. All these years. All these decades. I’m yours, darling. I’m always yours.” He nuzzled her dark red hair and gave her a gentle squeeze. “But I’m afraid I don’t have a ring for you, and for that I must apologize.”

She grinned. “You’ve got like twenty you’re wearing right now, love.”

That earned her a groan. Try to deny it, Emm. Try. “You know precisely what I mean, dearest.”

I can’t help but a little sometimes, love! You’re too cute not to tease. Just a little. Tiny bit. As a treat.

She grinned. “I’m not wrong though! You own more jewelry than I do.”

Humming softly, he maintained his hold on her. He said he loves it when we’re affectionate. “I’ve been in touch with my jeweler in Nevarra City,” he whispered. “I want to have the most beautiful engagement ring made for you. For now though,” Reluctantly releasing her, he stepped back and removed his father’s ring. He’s taking off his father’s ring. His father’s last gift to him. He’s taking it off AND GIVING IT TO ME. “Please accept this ring as a token of my deepest affection and commitment, dearest Agnes.”

As they exchanged rings, she had a few thoughts.

Neither of these rings are sized correctly.

Emmrich has a fuckton of jewelry.

“Hey love, do you happen to have any necklaces or simple chains? I think it might be best if we—”

He placed her father’s band in a pocket on his waistcoat and then touched the tip of her nose with his index finger, grinning. “I had the same thought, my dear. Let me see…” Giving her a quick kiss, he turned to enter his bedroom. “One moment, darling!”

She watched him rummage through his jewelry, smiling.

I love him.

He loves me.

And no matter what, we’ll have each other.

***

“The dagger! Rook, you must break its contact with Ghilan’nain!”

Emmrich had been the one who instructed her to obtain the dagger.

Fool.

Useless, stupid fool of a man.

He stared at the partially completed replica, his necrotic magic weaving through the pieces.

We will get her back.

We must get her back.

For her poor mother, who is firm in her belief that Agi will find her way home. “Because she always does, Emmrich.”

For our friends, who miss her dearly.

For poor Manfred, who looks for her constantly. Calls her name with no answer.

And for me, the one who loves you more than anything in this world or any other. Please, return to me.

The pieces fell onto the table below as he was overcome by wracking sobs.

Please…my love…return to me…please…

***

“HEAVE!”

Agnes Aldwir held onto the jeweled hand that reached for her.

EMMRICH!

She stumbled out of the tear and blinked, several pairs of hands on her.

“Emmrich!” Throwing her arms around his neck, she bit back a sob. “It’s okay, love. I’m here. I made it out.”

The next moment she pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Stubble?

More than stubble---that’s a lot of stubble.

He shaves every day.

Wait…

In a hoarse voice, Agnes managed to say, “how long” before her knees buckled, and then her world went black.

***

When Agnes next woke, she found herself lying on Emmrich’s bed with her mother and Emmrich (he shaved and he’s asleep) in chairs on opposite sides. “Mum…”

Luci Aldwir placed her knitting in her basket before practically throwing herself at me. MUM! “Oh Agi, sweetie! Thank goodness you’re awake. We’ve all been so worried about you. The others, especially Emmrich, were working day and night to try to get you back.” She cupped her daughter’s face and blinked back tears. “But I knew you’d find your way home. You always do.”

The mage opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Emmrich’s groaning, stretching his back, as he woke. “My dear…how are you feeling? Do you need anything?”

She turned her head towards him and smiled. You beautiful, wonderful, perfect man. I love you so much. I’m never, ever leaving you again. “I have all I need right here.” He then burst into tears, and she, taking some pity on my poor Emmrich, who feels everything so deeply, reached for one of hands to give it a reassuring squeeze.

Her mother, by now realizing we need a little privacy please, excused herself and exited the room, shaking her head but smiling. Mum loves Emm. “He’s the perfect son-in-law” is what she said when they met the first time. Embarrassing but um, well…accurate.

Agnes gently pulled his hand, whispering, “Come here, love.”

His body was wracked with sobs as he got into bed next to her. “Please forgive me. I-I’m so sorry. I labored constantly, endeavoring to find a way for you to return…but I…I…”

Shaking her head, she laughed softly as she watched him lay his head on her chest. “You did. You found me, and I’m here.” She ran her fingers through his graying locks. “I’m here, love.” He’s still crying. Oh no. Think of something, Agi!! “Solas thought he had me figured out, but he underestimated something very important about me.”

“What’s that, dear?”

The former Veil Jumper grinned. “I am the most stubborn fucker alive.” They both proceeded to laugh, and Agnes pressed kisses into his hair. “Do you honestly think that I’d let that bald twat keep me from you and Mum? Never!”

We’ll never be parted again, love.

I promise.