14 Drakonis, 9:36 Dragon

Highever Castle

"You're late!" said Fergus with an air of tense anticipation as he eyed the new arrivals seated upon their horses passing through the castle's gate.

"Blame the damned bandits," Aedan replied as he stepped down to the ground, handing the reins to one of the waiting stable boys.

"Is anyone injured?" Fergus asked as he moved to help Leliana down.

"Not us," Moira answered playfully. "They were quite pathetic really - gave bandits a bad name."

Fergus' eyes brightened at seeing the mage, a fact that Moira did not fail to recognize.

"How is your wife Your Grace?" Moira asked, suddenly serious.

"It's begun. She's been upstairs with Alma and Salma since morning."

Fergus had the utmost confidence in Alma as a midwife and as a healer of no small means. While Alma possessed no magic of her own she was accomplished as an herb woman and surgeon, as many in Highever could thankfully attest. Her skill as a midwife was greater still. Like her mother before her and now along with her own daughter, Alma delivered most of the babies born in Highever and the surrounding countryside. Alma had delivered Aedan and Oren and, along with her late mother, had even delivered him. It was not that he didn't trust the woman, far from it, only that he felt better having a healing mage on hand. Giving birth was still a risky proposition no matter the skill of the midwife or any mage and he wanted all precautions taken, especially since Alma had thought the birth would not be for another week at least.

Leliana squeezed Fergus' hand in support. "Off we go then." She flashed him a beaming smile before quickly departing with Moira. With a bark Elric followed. Aedan had no doubt that his hound would soon find his way to the kitchen. At least Elric would provide suitable warning to Rosie for his own eventual arrival. She spoiled them both terribly whenever they were at the castle, and despite her claims to the contrary Aedan knew that Rosie loved it.

Aedan took the reins of Leliana's horse out of a stable boy's hands, passing them to Fergus. "Since we've nothing else to do but wait you can help see to the horses." He turned back to the stable boy, who looked familiar. "Can you please tell them inside that the teyrn will be in the stables for when there's news?"

"Yes mi'lord," answered the boy nervously and quickly sped off.

"How did you know there isn't already news?" Fergus asked.

"If there was news you would not have been out here waiting for us, wringing your hands."

Fergus nodded his head to his brother, conceding the point. "Now tell me about those bandits," he ordered as two brothers set out at a walk to cool down the horses, a pair of stable boys following behind discretely out of hearing range with Moira's horse.

"I'm not even sure they really were bandits. They have been fools thinking we were an easy mark and trying to take advantage."

Fergus couldn't help but chuckle at the imagined surprise of the bandits at finding they were facing two Wardens - one a mage, an archer of Leliana's skill, and a mabari warhound. Aedan was right it was a fool's game, but he still didn't like it. Since last fall there had been increased bandit activity along the North Road and the Pilgrim's Path. Both he and Aedan had boosted patrols to ensure the safety of people and trade along the highway and they had thought it stamped out, but with the spring thaw perhaps they were wrong.

"You should have come with a guard," Fergus said. At seeing his brother's face he continued. "One-on-one I would lay gold down on you every time. Even against two, depending on the odds, you'd still be my pick. But you're not invincible Aedan and you're not just a Warden. You're a teyrn and an arl with duties and responsibilities beyond simply killing darkspawn and bandits - act like it."

"I will strive to do better your Grace," Aedan said solemnly.

"Don't be an ass!"

The brothers locked eyes until Fergus was certain had taken the message to heart.

Fergus knew his comments were somewhat unfair. Even with his warden duties Aedan was a dedicated and good ruler for both Amaranthine and Gwaren, and he had done well by both. It was also true that the North Road was heavily patrolled and that Aedan did normally travel with greater numbers or else joined a patrol for the journey. This time they had forgone numbers for speed, to be here for him and Diana. Still though Aedan spent entirely too much time adventuring and something about those bandits didn't sit right with him.

"Thank you for asking Moira to come. In all the excitement and preparations my wife could not remember if she had asked Moira to be here," Fergus said changing the subject. His wife liked the Warden mage as a friend and would be pleased that she was here, along with Leliana of course who was like a sister to Diana. He liked Moira as well, she was quick-witted and a charming woman, but today he was more interested in her other skills.

"Thank Diana, not me. For the record she did ask Moira to come although I think Moira would have insisted on coming anyways." At seeing the quizzical look on his brother's face Aedan continued. "Do you remember that heavy storm during Wintermarch? The midwife was stuck at one of the freeholders homes when a carpenter's wife at the Vigil went into labour. Mother and daughter are both healthy and hale, but from what I understand it was a near thing and both were nearly lost. Seeing Moira afterwards, I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever seen her so shook up." He remembered Moira's hands trembling as she picked up her glass of celebratory spirits and how drunk she had gotten that night.

"We've got ten women expecting at the Vigil right now and knowing Moira she'll do anything to avoid a repeat of that night. And if she wants to learn there's none better than Alma, provided she's willing to teach her." Of that neither Aedan nor Fergus had any doubt.

"Ten?" Fergus asked disbelieving. It was easy to forget that there was a small army of craftspeople, labourers, and their families at the Vigil rebuilding to say nothing of the servants, soldiers, and wardens, but still ten!

"It was a cold winter," Aedan shrugged his shoulders as if that was answer enough.

"I still would have thought that Moira would be more familiar with it from the Circle. The way the mages speak of the tower it seems hedonistic enough to make even Zev blush; surely children are born there."

It was certainly not the proper time for this discussion, but Aedan felt Fergus deserved an answer in case he decided later to tease Moira.

"If a Circle Mage finds herself with child she is encouraged by the Senior Enchanters to end her pregnancy." He held up his hand to stop Fergus from interrupting. "Any child of a mage becomes a ward of the Chantry and is taken away from the parents. It's true, I swear." The Chantry guarded its secrets as zealously as his own Order and questions, especially regarding the treatment of mages, were discouraged. "Did you know that Wynne had a son? I was always too afraid to ask if she knew what became of him or even if the templars let her hold him before they took him away."

"That's barbaric," Fergus said vehemently. "If anyone tried-" He stopped at feeling his brother's hand squeezing his shoulder.

"I know it's cruel. I hope one day it will change, but many in the Chantry see only maleficar and not the many good, decent mages like Moira. Change when it comes will be slow and some will fight it every step of the way."

The horse Fergus was walking, Leliana's horse Violet taking advantage of Fergus' momentary inattention, decided to bolt prompting Fergus to give chase and effectively changing the subject.

…

"Pardon mi'lord," said the stable boy to Fergus. Aedan noted that it was the same boy he'd sent into the castle on their arrival, now considerably more nervous and excited.

Fergus standing with a hoof between his legs and a pick in his hand looked up. "Yes Malcolm?"

"I was sent to fetch you mi'lord. They say it won't be long now before the teyrna - before she-"

Aedan tried not to laugh at the excited young boy struggling to put polite words to something he likely barely understood. He looked to Fergus who was once again a bundle of nervous energy. It was time.

"We'll finish seeing to the horses mi'lord," the stable master said.

After quickly washing up the two brothers set out for the castle proper.

"You were right Aedan. I did need something to fill the time waiting. Although I think I'll change my clothes before I see my wife." They both laughed.

"Who was that boy? He looks familiar."

"Malcolm?" At seeing the nod Fergus continued. "That's Nan's grandson. Eleven years old and all he wants to be is a warden. You're his hero brother." Fergus took note of the pained look in his brother's eyes. He knew that despite all of the trouble both Aedan and Elric had caused Nan over the years that Aedan had loved the old woman and mourned her loss.

"I'll have to seek him out later for a talk," Aedan said. "Highever needs her sons and daughters too and there's honour enough here with his family. One doesn't need to be a warden."

Fergus had a mind to question his brother on this except he knew Aedan would provide no real answers. He would either jokingly cackle about wardens and their secrets or else it would devolve into an argument neither of them wanted. He remembered when he had pressed Aedan to consider one of his knights, Ser Jerrol, for the Order and he had become so frustrated by Aedan's intransigent refusal that they had nearly come to blows and still Aedan had tip-toed around his reasons. Knowing his brother Fergus felt certain of one thing though and that was if Aedan had his way Malcolm would never become a warden, he just did not understand why.

…

Fergus paced the hall, cringing with every noise, while his brother sat in one the chairs provided for their vigil with a smirk on his face. He was nervous, so very nervous. If anything he was more nervous now than he had been when Oriana had given birth to Oren. Upon thinking of his late wife and son Fergus stopped suddenly, old fears that he was betraying their memory surfacing. He couldn't breathe. He stuck his arm out and braced himself against the wall. A moment later Fergus felt a hand on his back.

"Sit down Fergus and take a deep breath," said Aedan. "Everything will be fine. You'll see."

He could not sit down and turned to face his brother. "It's been so long since they sent word. What if-"

"Oriana was one of the most kind-hearted and generous people I have ever known," Aedan said sincerely, seeing through to the truth of his brother's current fears and knowing Fergus needed the reassurance. "You know she and Oren are looking down on you from the Maker's side with nothing but love in their hearts. They would be happy and wish nothing but the best for both you and Diana and for your newborn son or daughter."

Aedan pulled Fergus into a brotherly embrace with plenty of back slapping. Of course that was the moment when the door opened and they both turned to see Leliana's smiling face.

"If you are not too busy Fergus there is someone who wants to see you." She quickly stepped aside as Fergus practically charged into the room. As Aedan neared Leliana twined his hand with hers and they kissed softly before entering.

"A boy Aedan! I - we - have a son," Fergus exclaimed joyfully as he shifted his arms so the red faced babe swaddled in his arms could be seen. A moment later the babe was back in his mother's arms and Fergus was hugging and thanking everyone in the room, not even the servant taking away soiled linens was spared Fergus' enthusiastic embrace and a kiss on the cheek.

Aedan watched as Leliana moved beside the bed and Diana passed her son into the bard's waiting arms. He watched as his bard cradled the newborn and began to sway softly. As happy as he was for Fergus and Diana - and none could be happier - it was bittersweet seeing Leliana holding a newborn and knowing that because of him motherhood was something denied her. His bard looked so beautiful, happy, and content with a babe in her arms. She would make such a fine mother if it were not for him.

Old fears and heartaches that Aedan had thought behind him flared anew - that Leliana was a fool to waste her life with him and that she deserved someone better; someone who could give her everything she ever wanted. Aedan was not blind. Although they never spoke of it he knew Leliana wanted a child of her own, perhaps even more than one. He could see the longing on his bard's pretty face whenever she held a child or sat amongst them telling stories - something she absolutely loved to do and for which the Vigil's children adored her - but as long as she was with him it was impossible. The taint all Wardens carried within made it all but hopeless to conceive a child, and for him those slim odds were perhaps even worse.

Feelings of guilt began to battle his happiness for Diana and Fergus and he tried desperately for it not to show. It was their day - Diana, Fergus, and his nephew deserved every happiness and more, and nothing should take away from the joy of this blessed event.

"Aedan," Diana called out and beckoned him over.

He had barely finished giving Diana a congratulatory kiss and his well wishes when he found his nephew in his arms. Aedan looked down at the boy and he was beautiful. Admittedly in his limited experience with babies they were all beautiful, but this one was especially so.

"With your permission, we'd like to name him Bryce," Fergus asked.

It took a moment for Aedan to realize why they would be asking for his permission and then it dawned on him. They both knew how he felt about Leliana and that he wanted to make her his wife. It followed that they would expect children from the union and that he too might wish to name his son after their father. He sighed knowing that it was well past time that he shared at least some of the Warden's secrets with his brother, but tonight was certainly not the time.

"It's a good name. He'll wear it well," said Aedan as he carefully set young Bryce back in his mother's arms. He caught Leliana's eye and Aedan hoped that she could not tell what he was thinking. Whatever else was on his mind, he was truly glad that there was another Bryce Cousland and knew that Fergus and Diana would raise him to be as good and fine a man as his namesake.

…

"Bryce William Cousland," Leliana said musically as if the name were lyrics to a song. Like her Warden Leliana was not much of a drinker, but the birth of new child, born healthy and hale, was a cause for celebration. While Aedan had stopped after one glass she had drank another two, and the drink and her profound joy for those she loved as family combined to leave her feeling a bit tipsy before they had retired for the evening. "He's such a beautiful boy. It's a shame that Diana's parents have not arrived yet, but I am happy that we were able to share this blessing with them."

The bard moved to where Aedan sat at the edge of their bed. She stood before him causing him to look up at her.

"Yet, I sense this blessing is tinged with sadness for you my love. Why?"

Aedan muttered a silent curse. His bard knew him too well. It was so incredibly difficult to keep even harmless secrets from her, for Leliana watched him with as keen and loving an eye as he regarded her.

The Warden took up her hands in his.

"Leliana, do you- do you ever regret returning to me? I see you with children and I know motherhood is something you want; something I cannot give you."

The bard looked into her love's eyes, seeing the heartache and fear of her answer. She could not deny that she wanted to be a mother, to have a child of her own and hold that precious gift in her arms. Leliana longed for it desperately. She even dreamed of it, and in every single one of those dreams the father was always Aedan. She did want a child: Aedan's child - their child.

Leliana thought of the mixture of herbs and roots that Wynne had shown her how to prepare so long ago that were intended to increase her fertility to combat the wardens' foul curse. From that day to this she had never once failed to drink the elixir each morning. Even when things with Aedan had been at their worst and she had feared losing him, Leliana had never once considered stopping. The elixir had not worked yet, but Leliana had faith it would when the time was right. She briefly considered telling Aedan about the draft before deciding against it, fearing that he would feel an even greater burden than he already did.

"No, I do not Aedan. And yes I do want to one day be a mother, but of your child. I know what the wardens say, but I have faith in the Maker and that he has a plan for us. Most importantly though my Warden, I have faith in you and in our love." Leliana leaned down and kissed her lover softly through the tears they both shed.

For his part Aedan wanted to believe as Leliana did. Except everything he had ever been told, everything he had ever said to his own recruits, about being a warden stood in direct opposition, no matter how much he wished otherwise.

The selfish part of him was glad his bard had no regrets because he did not want to think of a future without her in it, and yet, hearing the fervent belief she held he could not help but wonder if Leliana was deluding herself and setting herself up for an even worse heartbreak later - that maybe it would be better if she forgot about him and moved on. He had not lied to her about the future he offered, either that day on Promontory Point years ago or later when he repeated everything the Weisshaupt Wardens had told him after they had examined him. She knew how unlikely it was he would ever father a child. It seemed cruel to let his love believe otherwise, except Leliana was so happy tonight and he hated seeing her sad.

Two lovers climbed into bed and when sleep did eventually claim them and they began to dream, two lovers each dreamed of a future that stood in stark contrast to each other.

A/N: A special thanks to my reviewers: NonOmnisMoriar and mille libri