Yes, you can believe your eyes, it's finally another update ;) Life hit me upside the head again. I really need to get a crash helmet or something!

I hope this one was worth the wait as it is special to me, and is probably the one chapter so far, that has challenged me the most as a writer.

A sincere thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my humble efforts, to review or add to alerts or favourites. I am so sorry I haven't replied yet to the reviews for last chapter, FF kept screwing up and wouldn't let me :( I will though when it finally does!

To the usual suspects and cheeky monkeys – never change, I love you all the way you are!

I'd like to give huge heartfelt thanks to Jinx1983 for being there for me during the writing of this, virtually holding my hand and making me laugh when I needed it. Also for putting up with my muttering, babbling, flapping and memory lapses. I couldn't ask for a better friend and I am so grateful to have her in my life.

Last but not least, thanks and Hugs to my betas – Jinx1983 (couldn't not mention you twice!) and the incredible comma Ninja, Pinoko K. You guys rock so much, are amazing friends and ID would not be what it is without you.

Chapter 21

Alistair looked down at his precious Lyssa; his heart beating as if it wanted to leap out of his chest. She looked up at him and tried to smile reassuringly, but when she opened her mouth to say something, her eyes closed and she clenched her teeth and moaned.

This didn't seem to be at all as Anders had described. He could see the pain was awful already, there was no slow build up, no easing into the contractions. Maker, this was really bad...

He picked her up and hurried back through the palace. People running ahead and around them. He looked back briefly and was relieved to see Zevran being carried behind them, Anders and Shianni moving swiftly on either side of of the unconscious elf. He shouted to Anders to have Zevran brought to the suite as well, wanting both healer and his friend close... just in case. Anders agreed. As they reached the rooms, he spoke rapidly to anxiously waiting staff, who raced off to gather the items he asked for.

Alistair took Lyssa straight through to the bedroom, frantic with every agonised movement and groan his wife made. He was grateful to find word had reached the suite before them and the bed was already being prepared, while a maid nearly collided with him, dashing in with a birthing stool, and more towels and sheeting. The staff made the room ready with efficient speed and then retreated back to the other room in case they were needed.

"Don't just stand there, lay her on the bed so we can have a look at her," a voice sounded sternly behind him, making him jump. Rosa stood glaring at him, her hair all tangled and unbrushed. She had obviously just been roused from her bed and he could feel guilty about it later. Right now, he was too relieved to see her.

He did as he was bid, laying her gently on her back. She immediately rolled to her side and tried to curl up around the pain. He laid his hand on her belly and was alarmed at how hard it was, and he could clearly feel the ripples moving down it. Rosa nudged him gently out of the way and told him he could either leave or go to the other side, but either way, do it quickly.

He responded with alacrity, ignoring the part of his brain screaming at him to get outside the room, that he didn't want to see this. He told it firmly to shut up and rubbed the base of Lyssa's back, as the matronly midwife directed him.

He had to grit his teeth and force himself not to react as Rosa examined Lyssa thoroughly, some of her explorations making his wife gasp in pain. He couldn't help looking away as an internal examination was conducted, but as Lyssa's hand found and gripped his tightly, he focused on her and what she needed.

Rosa finished and washed her hands, the expression on her face grave.

"I understand Anders is attending an emergency?" she asked quietly.

Alistair nodded. "Zevran Arainai was very badly injured tonight."

"Ah no, that is bad news indeed. Is there anyone else adept at healing in the palace?" she continued, looking worriedly at Lyssa.

"Please Rosa, tell me what is going on," he begged.

"Not here," she responded. She bent down to Lyssa and brushed back the hair that was clinging to her already sweaty face.

"I need to borrow your husband for a few moments, I will bring him right back, I promise. Ah look, your friend is here to sit with you," she said, smiling and beckoning to an unusually dishevelled Leliana, who had just raced into the room.

Leli took in the expressions and closed her eyes briefly, her lips moving in a fervent prayer. She squeezed Alistair's shoulder reassuringly as they passed each other and she sat on the bed, rubbing Lyssa's lower back.

Rosa quickly pulled Alistair from the room and into a quiet corner in the sitting room. They had Zevran on a pallet on the floor, Anders swearing as he poured healing energy into the elf. Shianni was next to him, handing him Lyrium bottles as fast as he held out his hand. Anders looked up briefly and his eyes showed how conflicted he felt. Alistair nodded to Zevran, indicating he was the first priority. Lyssa had time... he hoped.

Rosa tugged on his sleeve for his attention and he turned.

"I don't know what's happened, Your Majesty, but this is not a natural labour. It comes too fast, too soon, even for twins. If this had progressed normally, she should have hours yet, but it's like her body... wants to get them out as fast as possible," she said quickly and urgently. "The only time I've ever seen anything remotely like it is when..." she stopped and shook her head.

"What does it mean for Lyss and the babies, Rosa?" he asked when the woman didn't continue. He was dreading the answer but he had to know.

She turned sad and worried eyes on him, and he felt his stomach clench in fear. "You may have to choose, Your Majesty... I'm sorry but there is no other way to say this. All of their lives hang in the balance right now and if the situation deteriorates, it may come down to a choice. One only you can make. To save your wife or your children," she said bluntly but with gentle compassion.

Alistair felt rocked to his core, his mind spinning. How could he even begin to make that kind of choice. His instincts and love screamed for Lyssa, but would she be able to forgive him for choosing her over their babies. Would she even want to live having had them under her heart for so long? Could she live without them, knowing this would likely have been their only chance? Could he love their children enough without her? Could he... live without her?

"Her," he gasped through sudden tears. "It's always her, but Maker have mercy, save them all. Please just save them," he cried. Rosa nodded and hurried back to the bedroom. He wanted to return too but couldn't until he had seen Zev. Leli was with her at least. He knelt and took one of his friend's cold hands in his. The elf's dear and familiar face was bruised, blood spattered and far too pale. He looked at Shianni's tear-stained face and her look of despair, and he thought back to that conversation that now seemed like a lifetime ago. So, she had found Zev worthy, and it had almost killed him.

"What happened?" he managed to ask, looking at the leader of the alienage elves.

"M-men, I don't know who they were... they were waiting for him to leave my house. How did they know he was there? Why would they do this to him?" she asked, her voice rough with grief.

Alistair shook his head. "I don't know Shianni, but I swear to you, as soon as I can, I will find out and Maker help them." He was silent for a moment. "H-he spoke of you."

"He did? When?" she asked in guarded surprise.

"No names, just that he'd found someone special who he hoped could love him, despite who he was," he replied softly.

Shianni closed her eyes briefly, trying to hold back yet more tears. "I love him for who he is, past and present, and will continue to do so, for as long as he'll have me," she said, her characteristic direct gaze meeting with his. Alistair nodded, his respect for the slight woman increasing drastically.

He leaned down to Zevran and kissed his cheek, gripping his hand tightly.

"You hang on Zev, do you hear me? We need you, I... need you. We love you too much to let you go, so you come back to us, damn it!" He couldn't say anymore and just bowed his head, sending a prayer to the Maker for a miracle to see everyone through this.

He felt the hand in his return a faint pressure and he looked up in hope. Zev's eyes were open slightly and a faint, but present, glimmer of his usual grin.

"Ah, I knew you loved me really," he said weakly and started coughing. Anders sagged back on his heels, trying to catch his breath. Shianni quickly put a supporting arm around the mage as he started listing to one side. Anders smiled tiredly and nodded his thanks once he had regained his balance. The slender elf took Zevran's other hand and stroked his matted hair, looking down at him with a tearful smile.

Alistair gripped the mage gently on the arm in profound thanks, and they both watched Shianni fussing over Zevran for a moment.

A heartwrenching scream from the bedroom had them both galvanised and on their feet, running for the door.

Lyssa!

~0~

Waves of incessant pain wracked Lyssa's body, she just wanted to get away from it. Her head was cloudy, her thoughts jumbled. She knew she was supposed to be doing something important, but she just wanted the pain to stop. Maker, it hurt so much!

"Hold on Lyssa," a female voice said from nearby. She knew the voice but couldn't place it. Hold on to what? There was nothing but pain. It felt like her entire body was being ripped in two. She would happily face another Archdemon than have to feel this kind of torture.

She gritted her teeth against yet another assault, but this time it was so intense, she couldn't stop the scream escaping her lips.

"Lyssa, oh my love," a deep voice sounded very close. She knew that voice was as dear to her as the breath in her body, and she struggled to focus on it but sweat was dripping into her eyes, making them sting and water.

"Anders? This isn't normal, is it?" the voice said again, desperation in the tone.

"No, it's coming too fast. Dammit!" said another familiar voice, one she associated with warmth and magic.

She felt fingers both on her andin her. She started to struggle, lashing out as she couldn't understand what they were doing. Strong but gentle hands held her down, and she was forced to endure the probing, however light the touch might have been.

"Andraste's flaming tits, a head is ready to start moving down," Anders swore.

"That's bad?" the first deep voice asked.

"Alistair, it's..." There was a long pause. "It's not good but I am going to do everything in my power, I promise you."

Alistair! Her heart and soul. Maker, how could she have not known. She heard a choked sob from her love and wanted to reach out and tell him it would be fine, but instead she cried out as the pain intensified again. It seemed like her body no longer belonged to her and her thoughts turned vague, almost as if her mind was lost in a wave of sheer agony. Was this normal? Was it supposed to hurt this badly? One thing she was certain about, she had never felt anything even remotely as excruciating as this. She had to be able to do something, to get away from it, let someone else do it. She felt a faint call in the corner of her mind and recognised it as a place where there would be no pain. The fade... it beckoned to her, promising peace and she could leave behind everything that was happening to her right now.

She just had to let go.

"Maker no! Lyssa? LYSSA!" She heard a faint voice, as if from very far away, but felt the pain finally began to ease and lassitude start to seep through her mind, beguiling her with its promise.

~0~

Alistair stared in shock at Lyssa went limp in his arms, with an almost peaceful smile on her lips. Anders was beside himself as he shouted her name, throwing magic into her to sustain her body.

Leliana stood on the other side of the bed with her hand over her mouth, her eyes filled with tears.

"Is she...?" Alistair asked in fear.

"No, she's going into hiding, into the fade. I felt her go. All this pain was too sudden, and unfortunately it's an attractive option for a mage," he said, grimacing.

"Does that mean they can be born without hurting her?" Alistair asked hopefully.

Anders drew in a deep shaky breath. "No, Alistair, it means if she's not in her body to obey nature's demands then... they all die."

Alistair went white. "No, please, no, I can't lose her, I can't lose them all," he whispered. "What can we do?" he begged.

"She hasn't closed off from her body completely yet, so there might still be time. You have to do exactly as I say Alistair. Don't hesitate," Anders said brusquely. Alistair nodded and Anders knew the King would do anything to save her.

"Quickly, cut your palm open then cut hers and join your hands together so the blood mingles and whatever you do, DO NOT LET GO. Leliana, watch them carefully and alert me if their grip falters, but do not touch them." Anders saw Alistair's unspoken question and snapped, "No, it's not blood magic! It's a connection between the two of you, now do it, and do everything you can to get her to go back into her body before she severs the connection. If she does that... t-there is nothing I can do."

Alistair stared at Anders in horror then quickly did as he had been instructed. The sharp pain of the slice in his hand was almost a blessed relief from the turmoil of his emotions. He quickly completed one in Lyssa's and clasped her hand tightly, palm to palm. Anders immediately started chanting a spell. He channelled a jolt of lightning into the clasped hands and mixed blood of the two Wardens.

Alistair felt the shock go through him. Suddenly he could see Lyssa, a faint, wavering image of her, but it was definitely her. She was looking around, smiling then turned, as if sensing his presence.

She looked confused for a moment, then frowned at him. "You shouldn't be here, Alistair, it's not good for you."

"Lyssa... love, I need you to go back," he said carefully. Lyssa cocked her head as if considering something.

"No," she stated simply. Her form became solid as she said the words and she went to turn her back on him. Alistair reached out to touch her, to get her attention again and a spark flew between them as his hand met her shoulder.

She turned on him fast, her eyes blazing. "What part of 'no', don't you understand?" she snapped.

Alistair just looked at her sadly. "Is that what you really want, Lyss? To leave me? For our children never to be born?"

Lyssa's eyes widened, then confusion and doubt shadowed them.

"So much pain, it's... it's too much, it was killing me," she whispered. "And it was my fault, I caused it. I had to save him, I couldn't let him die, so I-I know I killed them already."

"No Lyssa! They are still alive, as are you. They are waiting to be born, my love, but they need you to be able to do it. I-I need you, you are my life, please don't leave me," he begged.

"But the pain... and it's too early, they may still be alive within me, Alistair, but my body wants them out. It knows, they won't survive outside," she said sadly, starting to turn away from him. "Better they die with me."

Alistair couldn't believe what he was hearing. He knew she was tired and had expended so much of her energy already healing Zev. He couldn't begin to imagine the amount of pain she must be in to have fled like this. But damn her if she thought he was just going to let her go.

"So this is it? You are just going to cut the connection with your body and leave everything behind? Me, your friends, your children? Just going to give up?" he said harshly.

He grabbed her shoulders, ignoring the brief pain from that odd spark as he shook her lightly.

"You've never given up on ANYTHING in your life, damn you! And you want to start now? When everything we wanted is right within reach? Your timing really sucks, Lyssa!" he snapped.

"You think I want to die? I don't. But I can't bear to see my babies die, I'd rather fade away now than have to watch that. And if I come back and they are gone, when you have just an empty shell of a wife left, will you be happy with that?" she said, her voice dull, as if she was already leaving.

Alistair looked at her face desperately, looking for any sign that would give him hope that he could reach her. When he found nothing but resignation, he couldn't take it anymore.

"Fuck you, Lyssa. For not having the courage to see this through, after everything that we've been through. Fuck. You." he said and turned away. Almost as an afterthought he turned back. "Anders will save the babies with or without you. I just hope their next mother has more love for them than you did."

That caused a spark in her eyes.

"W-what do you mean?" she asked, her eyes wide.

"Well you won't be around, will you? My children will need a mother because I certainly can't raise them by myself, and I won't deny them what I couldn't have. I don't want to be alone either, so yes, I'll remarry. Someone who will rule by my side and be the woman I always thought you to be," he said cruelly. He hated himself for every word but he would say whatever it took to get through to her, whatever.

Lyssa was silent and when she spoke her eyes were filled with tears and confusion. "You could replace me that easily?"

"I have no choice, do I? You had one and you've made it, so now I have to do what is best for mychildren. Farewell Lyssa, I hope you find what you are looking for in the next life." He turned his back on her and started walking away.

"Alistair..." Her voice called out behind him, faintly. He clenched his eyes shut to stop his own tears overcoming him.

"Alistair, wait!" There it was again, stronger this time. He stopped walking but kept his back to her. He hardly dared hope, let alone breathe.

Her hand touched his back, that jolt making him jump. He bowed his head, trying to gain some semblance of control before turning round. Tears flowed down her beautiful face, and he wanted to reach out and dry them, to comfort her. He hated that he was the cause of them but he didn't know what else to do.

"T-they can't live... but if by a miracle... I-If either do... will you tell them about me?" she gasped.

Alistair felt the world finally shatter beneath him. He'd lost her. Anger and hurt consumed him. He wanted to shout and scream at her, but what good would it do now, so he said one simple word, "No."

"Why? Will you not give me even that much?" she cried.

"What do you want me to tell them? That their mother didn't love them enough to see them born? That we had to tear them from her body to save them? That she had a choice to live but chose to be a coward, instead of the beautiful and brave woman their father fell in love with? No, I won't do that to them! Better that they never knew you existed at all. Maker knows I wish I didn't!" he shouted, unable to hold back the grief he was feeling.

Lyssa slapped him across the face. One sharp crack that seemed to echo around them. That damned jolt was there again and it stung worse than the slap did.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?" she screamed, her chest heaving with sobs.

"TO LIVE!" he roared back. "I gave EVERYTHING to you! I even slept with fucking Morrigan for you. You are MY LIFE and... I don't want to live it without you, please don't make me live it without you," he said, breaking down. He fell to his knees and sobbed his heart out.

He couldn't do this anymore, couldn't force her to live a life she didn't want, nor could he say goodbye. He just couldn't... The breath was knocked from him as Lyssa flung herself at him. She clung to him and they both cried together. That painful jolt became a surge, surrounding them both and it combined with the sparking energy of her magic. It felt like he was falling...

A groan hissing through clenched teeth had him upright in an instant. He looked at Anders as the mage shouted in tired relief from the other side of the bed and looked at the King triumphantly. Alistair separated his hand from Lyssa's carefully, and the wounds closed as Anders' magic flowed over them. Lyssa glared at her husband with something close to hatred as her body redoubled its efforts. That was fine, he could live with her hating him as long as she was alive to do so.

"You did it!" the mage said in joy.

Alistair could only nod. The things he'd had to say weighed heavily on him. Only time would tell if they could get beyond it. Right now, his only concern was getting Lyssa and the babies through this.

Rosa was confused about what had happened but sprang back into action, feeling Lyssa's swollen abdomen and then positioning her legs to examine her once more. "I think it's time," she said, then instructed Alistair and Leliana to help get Lyssa from the bed to the birthing stool.

He could see Leli was torn between wanting to stay and worry about being in the way, with three people around Lyssa already. He was grateful when she left, muttering something to herself about Zevran.

He knelt down behind Lyssa, supporting her against his chest and held her hands, welcoming the pain of them clenching strongly around his.

"So Lyss, what do you want first, a boy or a girl?" Anders asked in an irritatingly cheerful manner.

Lyssa growled at him as he settled into position between her legs.

"I don't care if it's a bloody monkey, just get it out!" she swore. Her back arched and she threw her head back against Alistair as another contraction hit her before the previous one had ended. A strange expression crossed her face and she groaned. "I feel like I want to... push," she gasped.

"We are ready then, OK Lyssa, when the next contraction comes, I need you to push, as hard as you can," Anders said.

"How do I tell when the next one comes when they don't fucking stop?" she yelled.

"Just push then!" he said, unruffled.

She followed the urge of her body. When the pain was at its strongest again, she bore down on Alistair's supporting arms and pushed with everything she had. She finally had to take a breath, and she took a few frantic gasps for air then pushed again, grateful for Alistair's solid support behind and around her. The third push was the worst. It felt like she was being split in two. She just grabbed as much air as she could in brief pants. Her nails had dug into Alistair's hands, drawing blood but he just kept murmuring how much he loved her. His voice provided a reassurance she desperately needed.

"One more, Lyssa, you can do it," Anders shouted.

Lyssa unleashed a spate of very unladylike curses directed at Anders, as she gave one last massive push.

Anders gently guided the baby the rest of the way out. Lyssa collapsed back against Alistair, gasping for breath and utterly spent. Anders swiftly tied off the cord and cut it.

"Rest for a moment, Lyssa," Anders said as Rosa held out a cloth to take the baby from him.

Alistair watched anxiously as they took the baby over to a table that had been brought in for the birth and laid the still form down on the soft padding. Why wasn't it moving? Shouldn't it be crying? Maker, what if Lyssa was right? What if she'd known? He wanted to go and see for himself but he wouldn't leave Lyssa, even if he could. He kissed the top of her sweat drenched head and she moaned softly, as her body readied itself to deliver the second baby.

"Do you need to push yet?" Anders asked over his shoulder and she shook her head. "Good, we have a few minutes then, I hope."

It felt like hours instead of mere minutes had gone by. Hope was draining out of Alistair fast. He bowed his head to Lyssa's shoulder, waiting to hear the inevitable news. A weak noise that sounded like a kitten mewling caught his attention and his head whipped up as it was followed by a faint cry. It got stronger until there was no mistaking the sound of an outraged infant. Lyssa stirred against him, her head turning unerringly towards the sound of their firstborn.

"Anders?" she asked weakly.

Anders swiftly swaddled the baby and brought the bundle back to them. He knelt reverentially and presented it to them. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, may I introduce you to your son."

"Son?" Alistair sounded stunned, almost rocking back on his heels. "We have a son?"

"You have a healthy son," Anders said, his smile soft and understanding.

Lyssa reached out a trembling hand towards their son and gazed at him in wonder. She brushed a finger against his tiny cheek and murmured, "I was so sure I'd... that he..." she began but gasped and clutched at Alistair as her body went into a much stronger contraction. Alistair wrapped his arms around her tightly for a moment, before supporting her in the right position once again.

She groaned, her eyes wide. "No, Maker, I can't do it again," she said emphatically. She fought against Alistair's hold for a brief second before she was too tired to do even that.

"You can do it Lyss, once more then it's over," he said soothingly.

"You do it then! You push a baby out of your nether regions and see how you like it," she said, finding strength for anger from somewhere.

"I know you are tired, love. I know it hurts and if I could do it for you, I would. I don't think you would like to see that anyway," he said and relaxed a little as Lyssa couldn't help snorting at that thought. Alistair looked concerned as Rosa left the room with their son.

"She will only be in the sitting room with him, to clean him and check him over," Anders reassured Alistair, as the healer settled in front of Lyssa again.

He had a hand on her abdomen and frowned a little. He took a vial from the bag of supplies he'd had brought in and got Lyssa to drink it. She gagged from the taste but complied.

"Her contractions are a little weak for my liking, I think because she is so exhausted. That potion should help them along. I think we need to get this brother or sister born pretty soon," he told them. Alistair nodded his agreement. His thoughts torn between joy at having a son and concern for the love of his life.

He could tell when the potion took effect as Lyssa's protests and groans increased in frequency and volume. As her nails dug into his hands again he could tell the time was drawing near. He just prayed she had enough energy left to survive it.

She started trying to push but it was a weak effort. Anders tried cajoling her into putting more into it.

"I can't, Maker, help me, I'm trying but I can't!" she cried hysterically. When Anders tried again she kicked him hard enough he was knocked sprawling.

He got back to his knees and frowned at her. "If you have enough energy to kick me, bloody use it to push," he said.

"I can't!" she protested.

"Bloody can, now do it, PUSH!" he snapped.

Lyssa scowled fiercely at Anders but found strength in anger and pushed as strongly as she could. Her anger didn't last beyond a couple of pushes and her strength went with it.

"Make her angry Alistair," Anders ordered, "Now!"

"Seriously?" the King asked in surprise.

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Anders retorted as he felt for Lyssa's progress. The baby had almost crowned. If they delayed any longer, they would be in trouble.

"Lyssa, are you planning on waiting another nine months to deliver this baby, or can we get on with it?" Alistair said lamely.

Anders gave him a withering look and Alistair looked back helplessly. Lyssa didn't even seem to hear him.

Another person carefully knelt beside them, a familiar accented voice sounded, "If you want to annoy a woman my friend, call an expert." Zevran grinned tiredly.

He reached over and gave Lyssa a couple of slaps to the cheek, just hard enough that it caused her to focus on him.

"If you want to stay the size of a cow, my dear, by all means, go ahead. I hear they are in season this time of year. Just don't let the bull mistake you for one of his herd."

Lyssa glared at him. It produced a little more effort on her part but not enough. Anders waved his hand for Zevran to keep going.

He examined his bloodstained nails as if bored. "You know, I bet Anora could have done better, even dead. Maybe she should have been here instead?"

Lyssa growled and struggled to push. Zevran looked at Alistair in sincere regret as he opened his mouth one final time. "I hear Morrigan did this without even blinking. Your husband's bastard was born easily and without all this drama," he broke off as Lyssa let out a howl of pure rage.

Zevran took the punch to his jaw almost with gratitude, as punishment for what he'd had to say. He wobbled a little and sat back as Lyssa pushed with fury, muttering imprecations about what she was going to do to Zevran as soon as this damn baby was out of her.

One big push saw the head clear, the second and the shoulders came free. Anders breathed in relief as he guided the baby from her. As he tied off and cut the cord, he saw fresh blood along with the birthing fluids. He worked on the baby then and there, clearing... hermouth and rubbing her tiny chest until with a splutter she began to cry, just as her brother had done.

He held her up, feeling exhaustion himself but he knew he wasn't done yet. "Meet your daughter, my friends," he said softly.

"A son anda daughter!" Alistair breathed at the sight of their second child. Lyssa started crying along with their daughter, but she was smiling at the same time.

"You have truly blessed me, my love," he whispered to her as she sagged back against him in relief.

Rosa had come back after settling their son with a nursemaid and stood ready with another cloth. She smiled fondly at Lyssa and Alistair as she took the baby from Anders and went through to the sitting room.

Lyssa made a whimper of protest as the little girl was taken from her sight, but both Alistair and Zev reassured her.

Anders took a closer look at Lyssa's opening and examined her as gently as he could. There was definitely fresh blood. While her body had torn as she'd delivered the first baby, she was also bleeding from another source, somewhere deeper inside. He held a hand over her abdomen and tried to send his senses in. Damn it, he was too tired and drained. He called for some more lyrium and a vial was rapidly brought through. Downing it, he grimaced at the taste. Considering how much of the stuff he tended to drink, one would think he would be used to it by now.

Feeling the fresh surge of raw magic, he tried again. There... a tear in the lining of her womb, close to the channel. That was not good. The afterbirth still had to be delivered and there was more blood in her womb that was coming out due to Lyssa's position. He looked up and saw that Lyssa was now barely conscious. Damn it all to the Fade.

"Alistair, wake her. She can't sleep, not yet," he said urgently.

Alistair tried to rouse her but she was very slow in responding. He saw the look on Anders' face and his stomach contracted in fear.

"What is it?" he asked.

"She still has to deliver the afterbirth and... she is bleeding inside. Whatever caused the full labour to start so fiercely, has torn something and if I can't stop it..." he couldn't finish but Alistair knew what he meant.

He fished out another potion and tried to weigh up the options of using it. Without it, they would have to wait until the afterbirth released itself naturally, but she could lose too much blood in the meantime. With it, it would be almost instantaneous, but could increase the bleeding beyond what he could contain. Given how exhausted she was right now, he decided the sooner the better.

He asked Alistair to prop Lyssa up enough that he could get her to drink the potion. He waited a few moments then started massaging her abdomen. Lyssa moaned faintly and batted at his hands but they were too weak to stop him from what he was doing. His senses told him when the afterbirth shed and he took it from her, wrapping it so it could be examined later.

He checked with relief that it had all come free, with the gathered blood brought along with it. He started to pour his healing into her womb. The tear was awkward, so close to the birth canal but he had no choice. He had to close it or she would bleed to death. It took a while and most of his reserves to do it, but finally, she was safe. The tear at her opening had healed as well but that was minor in comparison. At last, it was all done and he could rest.

Alistair disengaged Lyssa's hands from his, wincing at the cuts that now covered them liberally. Anders made to look at them but he shook his head. The healer had done more than enough for one night.

Zevran supported Lyssa while Alistair got awkwardly to his feet, having sustained a kneeling position for a long time. He thought he would have been immune to it having been raised in the Chantry. Once he was sure he could walk properly, he picked Lyssa up and she tiredly muttered into his chest. He carried her to the ante-chamber where Rosa was waiting to help him get her clean and comfortable. It would have been much easier if Lyssa had been awake enough to help but he couldn't blame her in the slightest. Having seen her go through all that, not to mention what she must have done to heal Zevran, it both humbled and terrified him. What she had been willing to do for their friend, that she'd had the strength to come back and fight for them all. And how very close he'd come to losing her. That scared him most of all.

Finally she was clean and dressed in a fresh nightgown. The bed linens had been changed and he laid her down in their bed, drawing the covers over her.

Zevran came to stand beside him, his head bowed. "Alistair, I want to apologise..." he began but Alistair shook his head fiercely, cutting him off.

"You have done nothing to apologise for... nothing," he said emphatically.

"But what I said was..."

Again, Alistair cut him off as he finally managed to tear his eyes away from Lyssa. "You said what was needed, what I couldn't. You saved her, Zev. You saved both her and our daughter, never apologise for that. If you need the words then, I forgive you, with all my heart I forgive you, but I don't need you to say 'sorry'."

Zevran was silent for a few moments. "I... thank you. She saved me too, my friend. If she hadn't come through this after everything she did I.. She should have let me go..." He had to stop, overcome. Alistair hugged him tightly.

"I thank the Maker that you allcame through this. I didn't want to lose any of you!" Alistair said fiercely. He kissed Zev on the cheek and then held the elf away from him. He could see how tired he was too, still had bruises from the beating he'd been given but the mortal wounds had been healed. That situation had to be dealt with as well, Alistair thought darkly. "You should get some rest Zev, you look about ready to fall over, we'll talk later about what happened."

Zevran hugged him again and then kissed Lyssa on the forehead before he left.

Anders had managed to make it to a chair by the banked fire. Alistair went over and hauled him up.

"Thank you, I thought I might have just fallen asleep there," the mage said with a weary grin. He yelped as Alistair engulfed him in a tight hug.

"Thank you Anders, for being here, for everything," he said. "Without you she... she..." he couldn't finish and failed to hold back tears any longer.

Anders patted him a bit awkwardly on the back but knew the King had to get this out sooner than later. Lyssa had done all the work, Anders had her to focus on, but Alistair could only watch, worried and helpless. Better it come out now.

Alistair finally got himself under control and looked at the mage in embarrassment but saw only sympathy and understanding. He nodded in thanks.

Anders clapped him on the shoulder. "Congratulations, Your Majesty, a fine son and daughter. I will look in on them and Lyssa when I wake up, but for now, I shall take my leave and fall into bed... if I make it that far."

Alistair smiled. "Sleep well, you deserve it!"

Anders nodded and left the room, only a little unsteady on his feet.

Alistair pinched the bridge of his nose. Maker he was tired. So much had happened in such a short time he couldn't process it all at once.

Rosa came back into the room, holding one baby while a nursemaid held the other. His heart pounded in excitement as he walked over to greet them.

He stared down at his son... His son, that sounded so good. He couldn't believe these tiny beings belonged to him and Lyssa. He couldn't wait to see her meet them, alert and without pain this time.

"Would you like to hold him?" Rosa asked gently. He looked a bit startled at the question and suddenly his hands felt too big and clumsy.

"What if I drop him?" he asked worriedly, wanting more than anything to hold his firstborn.

Rosa laughed and showed him how to hold his arms, gently transferring the infant to him. She told him how important it was to support and protect their heads before she stepped back so he could meet his son properly.

Alistair looked down at the baby cradled in his arms. He was all clean and fresh and... so tiny. His little face was smoothed out in sleep, rather than angry that he'd just been ousted from his comfortable warm home. He was utterly perfect. Alistair felt his heart fill with love for this tiny newborn, his own son. He looked over to see his daughter and the nursemaid brought her close. She too was sleeping. Reluctantly, he handed his son back to Rosa but was eager to hold his daughter.

Arms! He needed more arms.

He took the second precious bundle and was enraptured by her instantly. She looked just like her brother although he guessed most babies looked similar at birth. She opened her eyes suddenly, startling him. She had misty blue eyes that seemed to regard him solemnly before she yawned and shut them again. He laughed quietly and stroked her amazingly soft cheek. His heart was now overfull. Tears slipped from his eyes as he watched the son and daughter Lyssa had blessed him with, both sleep peacefully.

He looked over at Lyssa then back at Rosa. "Do they need to feed?" he asked worriedly.

Rosa smiled and shook her head. "They will let us know when they do, but it's common at first for them to not want to. Let Her Highness rest while she can, or do you want the services of a wetnurse?" she asked.

"I have no idea," he laughed softly. "We thought we still had some time to organise things. I'll leave that up to Lyssa, although I suspect she will want to do it herself. Perhaps see if there is one available though, just in case. It might take her a little while to recover."

"As you wish Your Majesty, now if I may suggest, I shall take these two to the nursery for tonight and let you both rest as much as you can. You look ready to fall asleep where you stand," the midwife said.

"The nursery? But what if..." he started.

Rosa shook her head. "They will be attended at all time by nursemaids when they are not with you, and well guarded outside the door. Nora here is very experienced with newborns, you can trust her implicitly."

Alistair nodded and drank in the sight of his two children again. With a sigh, he relinquished hold of his daughter back to Nora, who gave a little curtsey.

"They are beautiful, aren't they?" he asked, feeling a foolish grin spread across his face.

"Yes, Your Majesty, they are indeed," Rosa said with a fond smile. "Now, if I may suggest, wash the blood off before you go to bed, and don't forget to clean the cuts on your hands."

Alistair looked down and snorted as he realised he was indeed still wearing a considerable amount of both Zevran and Lyssa's blood as well as her birthing fluids. Interesting mix.

He bid Rosa and Nora a good night but couldn't stop watching until the door had closed behind them, blocking any possible view of his children.

Maker! He was a father.

He checked on their beautiful mother before he headed to the antechamber to clean himself up. He winced a little as the small cuts on his hands stung, but he would gladly have worn them all over his body for her.

He blew out the lamps and climbed into bed, snuggling up to Lyssa. She stirred in her sleep and fitted herself against his chest.

Alistair lay next to her, listening to the sound of his wife's breathing, feeling exhausted but exhilarated at the same time. It all seemed to happen so fast but he imagined it must have seemed like a lifetime to Lyssa, having to do all the hard work. He thanked the Maker that he had been able to bring her back... and hoped that she would forgive him for the things he'd said... and what Zevran had said too for that matter.

He finally drifted off to sleep. His children's tiny faces in his mind's eye while the woman he loved more than life slept safely in his arms.

Feel free to join us on the Cheeky Monkeys of Dragon Age site. ht tp :/ / www .darkstorm. co .uk/cmda (Remove the spaces). Please use the same Pen-name as you do here on FF .net , otherwise we won't know who you are... and would most likely not let you come and play with us. Thanks for reading!