Nathaniel stood up straight, seven year old Delilah pressed against him and three year old Thomas sitting on the floor blatantly ignoring his grandmother as she took in their appearances. She visited once a year to inspect them as she had done since Nathaniel's birth eleven years ago and he hated her scrutinising look. Despite his efforts he always felt unworthy beneath her cold gaze.

Rendon could barely contain his hatred of his wife's mother. She was a thorn in his side and he longed for the day the Void would swallow her.

"Disrespectful and insolent." Juliana muttered looking at Thomas distastefully. She glanced to Delilah and Nathaniel shaking her head slightly. "Where is it I wonder does the wealth of this family go Rendon? It is clearly not on the appearance of your children."

Rendon scowled. "We have an Arling to run."

"Then its lack of success is a reflection of your own failings. The next time I visit I expect Delilah's appearance at least to have significantly improved. How do you expect her to attain a good match if she looks like a waif?" She moved to Howe, her nose almost touching his. "The money my daughter receives from our estate could easily be stopped Rendon. In fact I would be happier if you never received another copper from us."

"Amaranthine is blooming Juliana, we have merely had a lot of costs these last two years. You must spend coin to make it."

Juliana scowled. "Ah your answer to everything." She turned to Catherine giving her a piercing look. "See me out daughter."

Catherine glared at Rendon before following her mother, their conversation spoken quietly so they would not be overheard.

"Go to your rooms." Rendon snapped. "That woman visits once a year and yet you still cannot impress her."

Nathaniel sighed; keeping the thought that his father had not impressed her either, to himself. He scooped up Thomas who glared at him having been separated from his toy. Retrieving the toy and taking hold of Delilah's hand, Nathaniel led them upstairs.

Delilah sat on the edge of her bed and watched Nathaniel as he picked out her favourite book, she glanced at Thomas who was hitting his toy off every available surface until Nathaniel warned him father would be angry. Thomas sat in the middle of the floor hitting the toy off the floor, glaring as Delilah snuggled up to Nathaniel on the window seat as he began to read. They were almost at the end of the story when Delilah's head dropped and she sank into sleep. Thomas too was asleep; curled on the floor, his toy clutched in his hand.

Nathaniel kissed Delilah's forehead and put down the book glancing out of the window. He vowed that one day when he had his own family he would spend each day showing them how much he loved them.

xXx

Eleanor smiled in delight as she read the parchment moving swiftly through the corridors in search of Bryce. She pulled on a cloak and went into the garden shivering in the cold air. There she found her husband; the three year old twins Ellowyn and Aedan racing around him, chasing each other through the snow. Fergus was leaning against a tree snickering at the antics of his siblings looking warm and comfortable in a thick cloak Aedan kept trying to pull from him. "I have wonderful news."

The twins stopped and looked at her curiously; Bryce and Fergus tilted their heads slightly to give her their full attention, looking just like each other.

"Celia gave birth to a baby boy, they have named him Jayden."

Fergus grinned. "That will please Anora she was desperate for a brother." He chuckled softly. "I think a sister would have been too much competition for her, of course she will boss him around terribly."

"Fergus!" Bryce muttered barely suppressing his grin. "Is Celia well?"

"Yes both she and Jayden are healthy thank the Maker. Loghain is a rather proud father by all accounts."

The twins resumed their running around; dragging Fergus into their game at the far end of the garden.

Bryce clasped Eleanor's hand. "I hope Loghain does not miss out on Jayden's childhood as he did with Anora."

"Well he barely left Celia's side once he discovered her pregnancy. I have hopes for them my love."

Bryce smiled and hugged her tightly, both wincing as Aedan gave a piercing howl. "Maker what has that boy done now!"

Aedan was running around moments later, his hurt arm and tears all forgotten as Fergus played dead letting him tickle him.

xXx

King Maric set sail for Gwaren a month after Jayden's birth, messengers having gone back and forth between the two families in that time. Accompanying him was seven year old Cailan and his usual escort of Royal Guards. Maric did not have Cailan's nursemaid accompany them, instead wishing to spend quality time with his son. The sea was surprisingly mild for the time of year which Maric was deeply grateful for.

Cailan was excited to see the new arrival. Though he never said so to his father fearful that he would upset him, the Palace could be quite lonely at times and he did not particularly like those noble children in the city. So he had spent the entire journey telling his father everything he and Jayden would do together. Now Gwaren was in sight Cailan grinned up at his father. "I hope he likes me."

Maric smiled warmly, eager to be as much a part of this new life as his son seemed to want to be.

xXx

Loghain greeted them as they reached the estate; a messenger having gone on ahead to inform him of the King's arrival, the old friends hugging as Maric gave his congratulations. Loghain sent servants to show the Royal Guards to their quarters, taking Maric and Cailan inside.

Cailan was hopping from foot to foot eager to see the baby; nodding his head at Maric's warnings to be quiet and gentle. Cailan smiled broadly when he saw Anora holding the baby and rushed over; too excited to care when Anora giving him a scathing look, telling him to be quiet and not to wake him.

Loghain and Maric chuckled softly, Maric gently kissing Celia on her cheek giving her his congratulations. Although tired he didn't think he had ever seen Celia look so contented, inwardly smiling at how attentive Loghain was to her.

Anora reluctantly handed her brother over to the King; sternly telling him to be careful, flushing as her mother scolded her gently, but continuing to watch over her brother like a hawk.

"He takes after you in his looks." Maric remarked to Loghain; his heart aching for a child he had held in his arms so briefly, a boy he would never have the chance to guide, the son he would only know from a distance. Maker how I miss you Alistair, how I wish I could hold you and tell you how much I love you.

Loghain smirked. "Well let us hope he takes after his mother in temperament."

Maric agreed making Celia chuckle. "Anora has your strong will, I'm not sure Ferelden could take another headstrong Mac Tir!"

Cailan tugged on his father's arm. "Can I hold him now?"

Maric knelt down at Celia's nod, again warning his son to be very gentle and placed Jayden into his arms. Cailan looked at him curiously before he settled himself next to Celia, his eyes never leaving Jayden's who was staring at the young prince. "I'm supposed to marry Nora one day so that means we are brothers." He ignored Anora's scowl and the stifled chuckled of their parents. "You have to hurry up and grow so we can go fishing and I will teach you how to use a sword and to ride a horse, I will be much better by then."

Jayden gurgled reaching out his hand towards Cailan's face.

Cailan gave him a huge smile and very gently shook his hand, grinning as Jayden made more gurgling noises. "See I knew we would be best of friends."

Anora sighed impatiently wanting her brother to herself. "He gurgles with everyone, that's what babies do!"

Cailan scowled, horrified when Jayden made a whimpering sound and looked ready to cry. "I am not cross at you." The young prince soothed; letting Jayden grasp his finger, which he immediately put in his mouth. Cailan eventually pulled away a drool covered finger and grimaced. "Well I hope you grow out of that soon!"

Maric snorted and suggested Cailan return Jayden to his mother.

He did so reluctantly; despite the drool the young prince was enchanted.

Cailan's devotion to Jayden in the days that followed endeared him to Anora who was not quite as bossy with him as she usually was. They even sat happily together taking turns to read to him.

As the week came to an end Cailan was unwilling to leave; asking his father if they could take Jayden home with them. Maric had smiled and ruffled his hair promising they would see each other again soon.

xXx

With the arrival of the Wintersend celebrations Cailan's excitement had reached feverpitch as he waited for the Mac Tir's and Couslands to arrive in Denerim.

Maric was mildly concerned to receive Arl Howe's apologies that he and his family would not be in attendance due to his wife's sudden illness. He sent a return message wishing her return to good health, before concentrating on his guests.

Celia and Eleanor were delighted to have some quality time together, Eleanor fussing over Jayden and introducing him to her curious twins. Aedan and Ellowyn were full of good natured mischief and found Jayden fascinating; Ellowyn in particular spent time playing near him. Thankfully Jayden was a good tempered baby who seemed to have no problem being held by those other than his family, though when overtired he would only be soothed when Celia, Loghain or Anora held him. Both women though concerned regarding Catherine Howe's ill health, were inwardly relieved that she would not be joining them. She had once been a strong and beautiful woman, but three difficult pregnancies and being married to Rendon had left her bitter. She rarely had a pleasant word to say and spent any time with them bemoaning her husband.

Fergus and Anora were delighted to see each other again; with less than a year between them with Fergus being the older, they relished each other's company and were eager to catch up on all that had happened since their last visit, though both were disappointed that Nathaniel would not be joining them. Though Nathaniel was a year older than Fergus, all three had been friends for as long as they could remember.

Cailan was so absorbed with Jayden and consequently the twins; he did not wish to spend as much time as he usually did with Fergus and Anora, allowing the older children to spend time together just the two of them. They spent time wandering Denerim's market, eager to inspect the wares of the more unusual traders who travelled to Denerim for the celebrations. Fergus bought Anora a simple golden rope necklace for her name-day which had been a week earlier. Anora bought Fergus a small carved statue of a warrior for his name-day the following month and a carved statue of an archer for Nathaniel for his name-day in Cloudreach, intending to send it via messenger with Fergus's present of a small leather bound notebook.

The families spent a delightful week together in the city before receiving the shocking news that Catherine Howe had been overcome with the unknown sickness and had passed away. The three families left the same day making their way to Amaranthine to pay their final respects to the Arlessa.

xXx

Nathaniel brushed the hair from his face, pulling straight his tunic as the Theirin's, Mac Tir's and Cousland's arrived. He was pale, dark circles beneath his eyes from grief and lack of sleep.

Thomas was by his father's side, casting a sly look at his siblings. He had responded to his mother's death with an increase in his vicious streak; particularly towards Delilah, though Rendon saw no wrong in his youngest.

Delilah shifted slightly at Nathaniel's side, glancing up at him as he put out a hand to still her. She was quieter than usual, doing her best to avoid her father and younger brother as much as possible.

Maric moved swiftly to the Arl and clasped his arm. "I am so sorry for your loss Rendon, if there is anything I can do …"

Rendon nodded slightly; behind closed doors he had hated his wife refusing to acknowledge that his own actions of taking Bann Esmerelle as his mistress was part of the reason she was so bitter towards him. He had often spoken to Esmerelle of putting Catherine out of her misery and part of him suspected his lover had done it for him; his wife's illness had been so sudden and quick to lead to her death. If he was honest with himself it had been more of a hint than a passing comment and only wished he could get rid of her family as easily, particularly her haradin of a mother. "Thank you your Majesty." He accepted condolences from the Cousland's and Mac Tir's before leading them inside.

xXx

The ceremony was attended by the entire population of Amaranthine. Eleanor silently speculated that the turnout was more because the King was in attendance than for the Arlessa herself, immediately feeling guilty for the thought. She struggled to swallow the lump in her throat as the Grand Cleric's voice rose over the crowd. Both she and Celia had been equally tormented by their relief that Catherine had not come to Denerim and both wished they had travelled to Amaranthine sooner. While it was unlikely they could have done anything to change what had happened, they both hated to think of Catherine's final moments which were likely to have been alone. She noted Bann Esmerelle standing close to Rendon, her hand resting on his arm at times in what appeared to be simply a gesture of comfort. Eleanor had never liked the viper of a woman and Catherine herself had hinted at intimacy between the two. Inwardly she boiled; that Esmerelle should fawn over him at the Arlessa's funeral was sickening. She caught sight of Catherine's mother who was glaring at Rendon clearly sharing a similar view herself. She glanced up as Bryce gently clasped her hand; and leaned against him her eyes drifting to Catherine's children, her heart aching for them.

Anora bit her lip and moved closer to Nathaniel; who was standing apart from his father, Delilah standing in front of him, his left hand resting on her shoulder. Thomas was holding onto his father's leg glaring at the Grand Cleric. Anora gently clasped Nathaniel's right hand; swallowing as he gazed at her, tears gleaming in his eyes. Fergus moved to his other side, shoulder pressed to his lending what support he could.

Delilah sniffed dismally, shrinking back against her brother at the scathing look from her father. Feeling Nathaniel's grip on her shoulder tighten slightly; she turned and buried her face against his chest, her body shuddering.

"It will be alright Delilah." Nathaniel whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, forcing back his tears. He was relieved when it was finally over and they could return to the Keep, he hated the crowds and just wanted to be alone.

Cailan slipped his hand from his father's grasp and moved over to Delilah who glanced at him shyly as he gently clasped her hand. He had only been three when his own mother had died and her loss had left a gap in his life nothing could fill.

Though Cailan didn't say anything, Delilah saw the compassion and understanding in his eyes and that was enough to bring a weak smile to her lips.

xXx

Celia and Loghain had both been relieved that Jayden slept throughout the ceremony, only waking as silence descended as the pyre was lit. His eyes had widened as he stared at the flames before he snuggled against his mother and had fallen asleep once more. Now however he was wide awake and squirming against his father's chest as Loghain tried to encourage him back to sleep.

Eleanor too had been relieved the twins had been remarkably restrained, but now in their rooms they were up to their usual mischief.

Once the younger children were finally settled Fergus and Anora followed Nathaniel up to the highest battlement. It was his favourite place and he had only ever told them of it. The three huddled together, Nathaniel in the middle remaining silent at first. Anora glanced to Fergus who was looking at Nathaniel in concern.

"It's alright to cry." Fergus stated softly.

Nathaniel glanced to him startled, but that simple act of permission was all it took for Nathaniel to break down. He sobbed painfully; burying his face against Fergus's shoulder, trembling slightly as he felt Anora move closer resting her head against his back, rubbing his arms soothingly. "I'm an awful person." He cried out wretchedly.

Fergus glanced to him alarmed. "Why?"

"Mother was so bitter, nothing was ever good enough. When she died I … I …" He gave a shuddering sob. "I was relieved, because now maybe father won't be so angry all of the time."

"That doesn't make you an awful person Nate." Fergus soothed, knowing how difficult family life was for his friend. "I think I'd probably feel the same way in your place."

Nathaniel sniffed and wiped his cheeks. "Really?"

"Really." He nodded for emphasis.

Nathaniel gave a weak smile as Anora snuggled closer. "There isn't an awful bone in your body Nathaniel Howe." She stated firmly, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.

Before the cold drove the three friends inside they promised no matter what happened they would always be there for each other.

xXx

The months passed swiftly; Rendon to all appearances mourned his wife as was proper, in private he spent increasing amounts of his time in the company of Esmerelle as they considered the most beneficial futures for his children. Rendon was a man eager for power and through his children he saw a way to gain more. While he had always held hope for marriage to the Cousland's for either Delilah or Thomas, with Jayden's birth there was the real possibility that marriage could be sought within both Teyrnirs. He lamented that a union could not be made with the crown, but influence could still be gained. Assuming such matches could be agreed for his youngest children he was still left with Nathaniel. Esmerelle suggested a possible match could be found for him with her own family who resided in Kirkwall. Howe was hesitant, wanting to solidify any potential power in Ferelden.

xXx

To Celia and Anora's delight Loghain was no longer so eager to spend time in Denerim and now spent most of his time in Gwaren corresponding regularly with the King on matters of import and only making the journey to Denerim when it was absolutely necessary. He was never away for the long stretches of time he had been, returning as swiftly as his duties allowed. Loghain's love of his son seemed to increase the love he showed to his family as a whole, lavishing them with time and attention that had been sorely missed.

Anora reveled in the time spent with her father, the years of his absence fading into hazy memories that were now ignored. Anora felt no jealousy of the love her father so obviously held for Jayden; she loved her brother more than she could adequately express, he was her miracle. Each night she thanked the Maker for answering her prayers and bringing her father back to her.