"Mama?"
Warden-Commander Risa Aeducan looked up from her reports to see Gareth standing in the doorway of her office in the Grey Warden compound in Denerim, rubbing his eyes sleepily. They'd arrived a week ago, and Risa was getting everything she could in order before leaving Gareth here with Anora and Alistair, and with Gareth's nephew, Duncan.
"What is it, Nug?" Risa got up and walked over to the toddler, swinging him up onto her hip. "Can't sleep?"
He cuddled into her, his arms twining around her neck. "Want Dada," he said softly.
Risa's vision blurred, and she swallowed hard as she headed to a large comfortable chair by the fire. "Me too, Nug," she said quietly. She wasn't sure what would be worse – his asking for his father day after day, or the day he no longer remembered to ask.
"Mama… where's Dada?"
Risa sat in the leather chair with him on her lap. "Your father is living in Orlais, in a place called Montsimmard," she said gently.
"Why?"
Now there was a question Risa wanted answered, too. And as soon as she dealt with these talking darkspawn in Ferelden, she would have answers, too, if it meant standing in Weisshaupt Fortress and demanding them.
She rocked Gareth, kissing his forehead. "Your father's a very brave man, Nug. And he's one of the smartest tacticians I know – which means he knows how to direct armies to beat the bad guys. They needed him to protect the people in Orlais, because we have me and Nathaniel here protecting Ferelden."
"'Faniel go. Dada come home. Dada hate Orlais."
Risa smiled faintly even as she shook her head. "Nathaniel can't go, Nug. He's assigned here with me. And Nathaniel's home has always been Vigil's Keep. Don't you think he'd be sad to leave it?"
"Dada hate Orlais," Gareth said stubbornly, his features settling into an all-too-familiar scowl.
"Yes, Nug, he does. But your father and I have a responsibility to protect people – no matter where they are from. So even though I love Orzammar, I protect the people in Ferelden, because that's where I'm needed. And even though your father loves Ferelden, he protects the people in Orlais, because that's where he's needed." It wasn't the whole truth, of course – but what should she do? Upset Gareth with her suspicions?
Gareth sat back, looking into her black eyes and said plaintively."Mama, Dada sad to leave Nug?"
Risa closed her eyes, her breath hitching painfully. She nodded, holding Gareth close. "Oh, Nug," she said softly, kissing his forehead. "Yes, sweetie. Your father is very sad about that. I know I'm very sad too." She opened her eyes and looked at the boy solemnly. "Your mama misses your father so much, Nug. And your father knew I would. That's why he made you promise to be a good boy for me..."
Gareth nodded. "Pinky swear," he said, holding up his hand.
"Pinky swear," she agreed, wondering what in the world the boy meant. She'd have to ask Nathaniel later.
"Mama?"
"Yes, Nug?"
The boy put a hand on her cheek gently. "Don't cry. Dada come back."
Risa pulled him against her chest and hugged the boy fiercely, so he couldn't see her start to do just that at the thought that her baby was sitting here comforting her.
Warden Loghain:
It's become necessary to transfer that young warden in whom you showed such interest to the compound in Denerim. There is something about the Vigil that doesn't agree with him – so for his health he has been transferred. I am told that Ser Cauthrien chanced to see him in the market and remarked that his demeanor and comportment reminded her strongly of a much younger version of you.
His curiosity is boundless, and will no doubt land him in trouble some day. I am told he managed to stumble into the royal kennels at precisely the wrong – or one might say right – time, and is now accompanied everywhere by a large black pup appropriately enough named Shadow. I think they will do well together.
Be well, and know that your brothers and sisters in arms miss you and wish you well.
Yours in Sacrifice
Warden-Commander Risa Aeducan
