Dragon 9:30, 10th Solace
TEMPLE OF SACRED ASHES
In the morning, after night spent in the Gauntlet, party prepared to leave. Mahria, Morrigan and Solana regarded corpse of the high dragon. 'How can we transport it to Redcliffe?' Mahria wondered.
'Well, I have solution.' Morrigan started. 'I can teleport it with myself there, but I need Warden Solona in that as well.'
'Teleportation spell? You know, lady Morrigan, that we won't be able to do anything for few days after that?' Solona turned to witch with puzzled face.
'No need to worry about that, Sol. We will be back in there in three of four days so you two will rest properly.' Mahria smiled. 'This is good plan, Morrigan, please execute it as soon as possible.'
'Just give me and Solona an hour. You can send soldier to retrieve corpses of drakes as well. Their hide and scales are really valuable as well.' Mahria nodded to that and went to her soldier to give them orders. After an hour or so large pile of drake corpses was stuffed next to the dragon. 'Please move back as far as possible. Solona, please move to your spot.' Both mages drank lyrium potions and chanted spell. Seconds later they vanished with corpses.
'Wow, that was something.' Mahria gasped and tugged Nate's armor.
'After all those years I'm still unsure about your amazement with magic, Mahria.' Howe shook his head but smiled nevertheless. 'I think we should blame Anders for that.'
'You know me, Nate, I like strange things.' Mahria smirked. 'Good. People! We move! I want to leave this damned place and return to real battle.'
REDCLIFFE CASTLE COURTYARD
There was bright light and in a second Morrigan and Solona appeared with drakes and dragons on the courtyard. At first people screamed in shock and terror. Bann Teagan run outside to see it and he backed awestruck. 'What the hell is this?' He instantly recognizes Lady Morrigan and Warden Solona and run to them. 'Lady Morrigan, what happened, what is the meaning of this?' Morrigan was breathing heavily.
'We killed... Call all blacksmiths to prepare armor from their hides… scales… Remember the skull of high dragon… is Teyrna Mahria's… and claws are… mine.' She was gasping for air from exertion. 'Now please… take me and Solona… to rest.' As she said last word she fell to her knees. 'We need rest.'
Dragon 9:30, 13th Solace
OSTAGAR
Loghain regarded camp in Ostagar with grim expression. King's army was here, Wardens were here, hell! Even fucking orlesian Chevaliers were here. Ten thousands men at least. Yet he felt anxious. Battle was going to start soon. He went to his position. To have the best view on the battlefield. Warden Commander Clarel was there with Duncan and Grand Duke de Chalons. Mac Tir was reluctant to speak with Grand Duke. They exchanged only few words. He felt that orlesian was plotting something, that's why he was observing him with wariness. 'Your Teyrnship.' Duncan greeted Teyrn. 'It's going to start soon. They are coming. All Grey Wardens feel them. I will leave now. Please excuse me.' Mac Tir nodded to Warden then changed his stance to General of the army one.
'Good. Everyone are ready. Horn signs are well known to everyone. Let's bring them down.' They didn't wait long till battled emerged. It was fierce, it was long, but humans outnumbered the darkspawn. At some point those monsters surprised humans, they emerged from corridors beneath Tower of Ishal. Loghain ordered some men there and they quickly get rid of the darkspawns. Creatures were forced to retreat. The last attack on them was ordered to warrior raiders lead by Teyrn Bryce. And then something happened. Darkspawn last straw attacked, huge ogres came to the battlefield. When Loghain saw Bryce struggling against one of them he didn't hesitate. Mac Tir mounted his black stallion in haste and dashed to his friend. 'Maker, please let him be safe. What Mahria will say?' He thought to himself when he rode toward place where he last saw Teyrn Cousland. Darkspawn was running around just to be slain by Loghain in precise blows of the sword. When he reached Bryce, he was lying on the ground, still breathing. Luckily creatures retreated and were running away. 'Bryce, friend, you heare me?'
'Loghain… ugh...' Cousland said only that then fell unconscious. Mac Tir took Bryce on his horse and rode to the camp. Battle was over.
CAMP
Later Mac Tir was in Cousland's tent, waiting for healers to tent to Bryce wounds. He looked at pale face of man and begged Maker for health for a friend. For his father-in-law, for Maker's breath, he was his family. After a longer while one of healers came to Loghain with puzzled face. 'Your Teyrnship, I… there is a problem.'
'What problem?' He regarded healer. He was Warden.
'Teyrn Cousland… he… he is tainted. In few days he will be overwhelmed by taint. He will...' Man tried to explain what would happen to Bryce but Loghain interrupted him abrutply.
'I know exactly what will happen… Just… can you… slow it down? I don't know… Make something, for Maker's mercy!' He started to pace around nervously. Looking for time to time at startled mage.
'I'm sorry, Your Teyrnship. We did everything we could. The best solution is… show him mercy.' Mage's gaze was very meaningful. It was just mercy to kill Bryce. Just mercy.
'Thank you, Warden. Dismissed. Please leave us alone.' When healers left to tend to other wounded Loghain sat next to Bryce cot. 'Bryce… for fuck sake, you are strong. Please, I beg you. Wait for Mahria. Please wait for her. I can't do this. It's not my right, not my call. Just please.' Loghain put his face in his hands. He felt miserable, helpless, first time for so long. He almost forgot how those feelings felt. 'Mahria, come here quickly. I can't do this alone anymore.'
REDCLIFFE CASTLE
'At last! Redcliffe!' Mahria was oozing with happiness. After all what happened in Haven she just wanted to come back to Loghain, to be with him again. Luckily for her, it was almost nightfall so soon she would be in her chambers, with him. Maybe they would take a long, hot bath… then she would show him how she missed his body. Yup, that was all she desired right now. When she entered castle, Bann Teagan welcomed her.
'Teyrna, pleasure to meet you. I hope everything went smoothly. And… do you by any chance… have the Ashes?'
'Yes, Teagan. Call mages to take it. I hope it will cure Eamon.' Teagan send servant for one of the mages who were looking for Arl Eamon. Soon Mahria passed pouch with the cure. 'Where is my husband?' She sat by the table with Eamon and Nathaniel and listened to the news.
'So they went to Ostagar?' Her voice shown disappoint. 'No Loghain. He's not here.'
'Yes, Teyrna. Wardens and Chevaliers came just in time for message to venture to Ostagar.' Teagan nodded. Soon after one of the mages came with good news.
'My lord, Arl Eamon is cured. He is awake and want's some explanations.' Teagan nodded and stood up.
'Teyrna, Arl Howe, if you would please come with me.' Man gestured toward doors to upper floor where Eamon's chamber was located.
EAMON'S CHAMBER
'I can't believe all of this.' Eamon said with thick voice. 'Blight… Howe poisoned me… he wanted… Maker… and Connor is mage...'
'I'm so sorry, husband.' Isolde cried, kneeling next to Eamon's bed.
'Hush. That is not important now, Isolde.' Eamon shook his head and looked at Mahria. 'Teyrna… I… thank you for what you and Teyrn Loghain did for us. I really appreciate it.'
'No need to thank, Arl. But now we need your help with the Blight. Tomorrow morning I'm leaving to Ostagar. We need your men and help.'
'Of course. Teagan gather everyone. You will go with Teyrna Mahria.' Bann nodded. 'And… Teyrna?' Mahria looked at Eamon. 'I want to apologize for… trying to scheme with Rendon… he poured his hatred… his sickness into me. And… when you got married to Loghain I was scared. I...'
'Arl, it's really unnecessary to apologize. I understand. I know about politics a great deal. Besides there's no time for self loathing now. We need to act.' Mahria sighed heavily. 'Let's rest. Tomorrow we have to go to Ostagar.'
Dragon 9:30, 17th Solace
OSTAGAR CAMP
Mahria saw ruins of the tower and spurred Da'asha to run faster, not bothered by her companions of anyone else. She rode in full speed just to burst into camp. She dismounted her horse, accompanied by loud shouts from her archers she left with Loghain. 'Teyrna Mahria, so good to see you!' or 'Captain, you should be here with us, such great battle!' Loghain overheard those shouts and left Bryce tent to see Mahria entering his. Mahria went inside, inspecting place with hope that her husband would be there just to be embraced by two strong arms. She felt his breath on her neck.
'Loghain...' She murmured. 'I missed you so much.' Woman turned around and jumped on Mac Tir. He embraced her even firmer, supporting her with one hand on her behind. Heg legs locked around him. Loghain started to talk.
'Mahria… I… There is so-' He wanted to tell her about Bryce but she interrupted him, smiling widely. She kissed him hungrily and between kisses she started to talk abruptly.
'You won't believe it! We killed high dragon in Haven. A huge high dragon!' Loghain backed his face and looked at Mahria with disbelief.
'What?! Are you crazy? You could get killed, Mahria!' Woman just snorted and shook her head. Her hand went to Loghain's hair to stroke it with care.
'I could. Yes. Yet here I am, standing before you. So stop worrying and being angry… better kiss your dragon huntress.' She leaned to a kiss but Mac Tir pushed her lightly. Mahra's brows knitted and she opened her mouth to say something about his behaviour, but Loghain stopped her. He pulled her from him, in second she was standing on the ground.
'Mahria… listen to me now. I… there was… I mean… Your father...'
'What about my father…?' Her face became pale.
'He... just let's go to him.' He took her shaking hand and guided her to Bryce tent. With each step Mahria felt worse and worse. She could tell the same about her husband. When they went inside the tent she saw her father on the cot. But there was something wrong with him. Dark spots and shadows were visible on his face. She approached him and trembled.
'What is going on, Loghain…?' She asked with voice full of disbelieve. 'Is he…?'
'It's taint… Mahria… so… please don't touch him too much.' Loghain hated himself for saying that. She turned to him, pain in her eyes, in her face, almost knocked him down. His heart shattered into pieces seeing his beloved wife like this.
'Daddy...' Mahria turned and kneeled next to the cot. 'Daddy, wake up, please… You can't… like that...' Bryce grunted in pain and opened his eyes. Mahria looked into father's eyes and she shivered. They were white, yes, but not shining like always, not clear… they were foggy… sickness was in his eyes and that made her cry. Tears of misery fell on her cheeks.
'Mahria… Pup… You are here...'
'Yes, daddy. I'm here. Everything will be all right, I promise.' She swallowed hard, it wasn't easy to lie like that.
'My little girl, my precious little girl. Tell your mother I love her so much… and tell Fergus… tell him I love him too and that he should find good girl to marry… please...' Bryce coughed for a moment. 'He need to be good Teyrn, respected… he's Cousland after all. And tell Ailis and Gareth, that they are the most precious beings I had. Take care of them, they are from Cousland lineage, they were born to be great. No offence, Loghain.'
'None taken, Bryce.' Loghain replied, his voice hoarse, pained.
'Daddy… you will tell them yourself...'
'Mahria… it's the taint… there is no cure for it… and… I'm losing it, Pup.' His gaze was shaky, he managed hard to focus on daughter. 'I'm hearing voices… it makes me mad, Mahria… please, kill me… I'm barely holding up.'
'No… no! There must be a way.' Mahria turned to Loghain to see confirmation for her words but he only shook his head. 'No! I refuse! You are strong… you can't… not like this...'
'Mahria… please… I want to die as myself… not a monster… please, Pup. I beg you. I can't take it any longer.' Mahria regarded her father. Pain in her chest made it almost unbearable. She pulled herself and took on of her daggers from hidden pocket in her long boot.
'I'm so sorry, Daddy… I should be here. I should...'
'Hush, Pup. Remember that I love you very much. I'll wait for all of you. And now, please. Do it.' Teyrn Cousland closed his eyes and waited. Mahria looked at him. She hesitated only for a moment. She knew that there is only one solution. With swift blow she pierced her father chest just above heart. Her eyes closed. She hold the dagger for longer moment. Not able to move. After a while she opened eyes to see still gaze of a dead man. Mahria started to scream in pain. She backed few steps just to fall on the ground. Still screaming she moved away from the cot, pushed by her legs. Just to be as far as possible. And suddenly she felt resistance. Loghain caught her in his arms and pulled to his knees. She started to cry. She cried and cried in his embrace.
'Hush, love. You saved him from something more horrible than death. You helped him. And he could say farewell to you. He is in good place now.' His soothing voice and words were coming to her slowly. Still crying she looked at Loghain.
'Why…? Why like this, Loghain? Why?'
'I don't know, Mahria… I wish I could.'
'Not like that… He shouldn't die like that. There is nothing glorious in that.'
'Death isn't glorious, Mahria. Even if you die as a hero in heroic battle… it's always messy and vile. And… he died while accepting what happened, he was glad to see you. To be himself. Hush, my dearest. Hush.' They spent a long time, just hugged. Mahria sobbing in his arms. Loghain would pay every coin he had, he would give everything just to spare Bryce and make Mahria not miserable like that. Later he took her to their tent, he send for healer to give something to Mahria. To let her sleep, to let her rest. When she went to sleep he went outside to give orders to the soldiers, to prepare pyre for Bryce. After that he met with Warden Solona and Duncan, who were catching up.
'Your Teyrnship.' Solona bowed to Mac Tir. 'Is Mahria… is she alright?' Woman asked with concern.
'She's not. Her father was tainted… She had to...' He couldn't speak. Heavy lump in his throat blocked his speech.
'I understand. I'm so sorry for your loss.' Solona bowed her head again.
'Anyway… Duncan what you think we should do now?' Loghain turned to Duncan.
'Your Teyrnship… there is a problem… we saw a vision. Archdemon want's to send his army to the Denerim. We should move to the capital.' Loghain sighed heavily.
'If that's what they are planning, we will wait for them. And they will pay for everything. In three days we will leave to Redcliffe. Then we will go to Denerim.'
Dragon 9:30, 18th Solace
OSTAGAR CAMP
Her father pyre was just in front of her. With heavy heart Mahria regarded her father's body one last time. She delayed moment she had to take a torch and fired it up. But it was the time. Loghain was next to her, giving his silent support. She turned to him, their eyes met. With her gaze she moved to the torch to sign him she needed him. Mahria didn't want to make it by herself. Mac Tirs joined hands on the stick and both approached pyre and lit it. After they circled it so whole pyre was set on fire, Loghain lightly pushed her back and embraced her waist. Mahria whispered something, but he couldn't hear it. 'What?' He asked.
'That pyre should be in Highever. He should be surrounded by his family. His friends. Not like that.' Tears rolled on her cheeks. Loghain tought she cried so much that it was humanly impossible to shed another tears. Yet here she was, crying again. And again he thought that it was just too cruel.
'We are here for him, dear. He won't be forgotten. Just like my father.' He swallowed heavily. 'At least Bryce have funeral.' Mahria's body stiffened at that statement. She totally forgot about Gareth Mac Tir's death. She turned her face to her husband and sighed.
'I'm so sorry, love. I… I forgot you couldn't even say goodbye to your father… That there was no pyre for him… That you watched his…' Her head leaned on Loghain's arm. 'You're right. It could be worse… goodbye, dad. I will always love you.'
'Goodbye, Bryce. We will meet you someday.' Loghain regarded burning body of Teyrn Cousland and thought to himself. 'Sooner or later.' For three days after that Mahria was really absentminded, sad and couldn't do anything at all. Loghain ordered her to rest in tent. Coming to her from time to time to check if she was fine. She wasn't, woman sat in one spot for hours, blaming herself for what happened to her father.
Dragon 9:30, 21st Solace
OSTAGAR CAMP
Mahria and Loghain were packing Loghain's things in their tent. Both of them silent, buried deeply in their thoughts. After a longer while Mahria sat on the cot and regarded her husband.
'Loghain?' Man turned to her with question in his eyes. 'How long we have till departure?'
'At least few hours.'
'And how long you need to pack yourself?'
'Hmm… Just a moment and I'll finish here.' Loghain looked at Mahria, no grasp of her interest in matter of packing.
'So… we have a moment, right?' Her gaze down.
'What's wrong with her?' He thought to himself, approaching Mahria slowly. 'Yes. What have you on mind?'
'I need you, Mac Tir. I just need to… I need you to fuck my brain out. Now. Please, I need to forget...' Mahria's eyes helplessly pierced him. She wasn't herself since Bryce death. Grief for her father was too much to handle.
'W-what?!' He stuttered. Not believing in what he just heard.
'You heard me…'
'Do you know that we are in the middle of army camp? Where everyone can hear us? That anybody can walk into that tent any minute?'
'Don't we have our private guards just in front of our tent?' She answered his questions with a question. 'I believe Mattus is on duty there... and he saw or overheard us sooo many times. He doesn't give a damn about anything anymore.' Loghain sighed and left tent for a moment. Mattus was really there. Guarding entrance.
'Mattus, don't let anyone near the tent. No one is allowed to bother me or enter till I say differently, is that clear?'
'Yes, Your Teyrnship. Crystal clear.' Mac Tir nodded to the guard and enter tent, closing it's entrance.
'I have two conditions, my dear wife.' Mahria came closer, her eyebrow raised in curiosity.
'And those are?' She wanted to place her hands on his waist but he caught her, stopping her machinations.
'First. You will be quiet. I know how you can scream and moan during...'
'Not fair. But fine… and second one?' His strong arms embraced her firmly, his head lowered to her ear. Hot breath made her shiver, goosebumps shown on skin. His closeness, and his hoarse whisper made her whimper.
'I am commander here. You will do as I command. Understood?'
'Yes...' Her answer was just a faint whisper, she couldn't manage any louder.
'Now. Strip. I'll sit and watch.' As he said that, he moved back. When his hot body left hers, she gasped in disagreement. She watched him sit, her hands went up to laces of her tunic. When she loosened them she took hem of the cloth and lift it up over her head then tossed it aside. After that her attention moved to her breast band. Slowly she undid it, her hands lingered on her breast to stop material from falling. She smirked at Loghain's frown. 'Did I order you to tease me? No. So take it off.' She obeyed. And, Maker, she liked to obey him. Breast band fell next to her feets. 'That's nice. Go on.' Mahria's hands moved lower, she unbuckle her belt and undid laces of her leather breeches. After that she turned around and bent to take off her knee-high leather boots, let him stare at her nicely curved ass. She could hear him growl in appreciation. When she was done with boots she hooker her thumbs in breeches and let them slowly slide down from her bottom, thighs and they gently falls to her ankles. Still turned back to him she made a step to free herself from breeches. 'Come here.' When she was next to him, Loghain's stood up, his hands moved to her body, lightly caressing her breast and hard nipples. 'Now strip me while I indulge myself in that body of yours.' She obeyed again, unlacing his tunic, her hands trembled from arousal. She started to lift tunic so he had to take his hands from her for a second. That caused him to growl in anticipation. When his upper body was bare, she traced her fingers over his masculine chest down to his belt. She swallowed hard. 'Still drooling over my body? Good.'
'Mmm. How could I not?' With shaking hands she unbuckled his belt and untied his breeches, sliding them down. He sat on the chair again.
'Take my boots off.' He ordered, she kneeled and took off left, then right one. Then she pulled his breeches from his legs and tossed back. 'This too.' Loghain pointed at his underwear. He pulled slightly up so she could take it off him. 'Now indulge me with that little mouth.' His shaft was already hard, Mahria took it to her mouth with pleasure. She sucked him and licked him, moaning quietly. 'Do that antivan trick.' Her hand moved to his sack, massaging it gently. 'Yes, like that.' Her tongue swirled around head of his cock, she scraped it lightly with her teeth. Only sound in the tent was her quiet moans and his quiet growls. 'That's good for now.' Loghain pushed her lightly off his shaft. She moved back from him, eyes locked on his. Man stood up and in quick motion he pulled her up. Mahria's legs locked on his waist. 'Tell me what you want me to do.'
'I… I want… your cock inside me.' She gasped. When she said that he moved them to the cot, placing her lightly on it. With one thrust he was inside. 'I want you to fuck me hard and fast, Loghain.'
'Is that so?' He asked, with mischievous smile. His thrust in her were slow, and shallow. She whimpered, arched her waist and tried to push it harder toward him. Yet he grabbed her and stopped her ministrations. 'No. I'm dictating speed here.' Mac Tir continued his slow pace, making her whimper and cry quietly. He leaned to kiss her passionately till they had to break the kiss to catch some air.
'Loghain… please… I beg you.'
'Beg me, yes. Beg.' She begged for mercy with each thrust inside of her. Loghain begun to feel he is at his limits, his movement more rapid. His hand moved to the bud between her folds. Oh, how wet she was. Making small circles there, made it impossible to her. His movement now fast and hard against her. She reached her climax, her inner walls contracting on his shaft. It was end for him too, he climaxed, spilling his seed in her. Loghain fall on Mahria's body, head lying on her chest, breathing hard. Her hands stroked his back lightly. A faint sobs reached his ears. 'Don't be sad, love. Don't think it's your fault. You did what you must. I know that loss of a father is... tragic. But he lived long and happy life. He died as a grandfather of our two rambunctious rascals. He loved them so much. I may be their father so I'm rather strict. But I saw how he could spoil them. He was happy. So don't be sad, please.'
'Loghain… I killed him… I did...'
'No! You just stopped him from turning into a monster. I knew you could handle that… but what came afterward… that you couldn't. You needed to gain control over yourself again.'
'How did you…?'
'I felt the same thing when… my father… but I didn't have no one to be there for me… except Maric. But we weren't all friendly back then. And it was Maric who we talking about so... you know.'
'Yeah. Not a comforting type, huh?'
'No. Not at all. And especially not like this.'
'I love you, Loghain Mac Tir.' She said quietly after a while, stroking his back and arms all the time. He lifted himself up to look at her. His hands covered her face, wiping tears with his thumbs.
'I love you too, Mahria Mac Tir. Do not ever forget that.' Both of them stared at each other for a moment, then Loghain pulled up and sat on the cot. 'We should pack, Mahria.'' He stood up and went around the tent to fetch them their clothing. He handed Mahria hers and they started to put on their garment.
'So we're going to Denerim, huh?'
'Yes.'
'They chose capital to attack. Clever. But we have Gray Wardens by our side.'
'And orlesians chevaliers.' He spit that words with annoyance.
'Don't be so grumpy. If they won't leave politely after the battle, we will show them our rude side.' She smiled faintly yet her eyes were still sad and wet with tears.
'Oh, I'm certain of that. With you? We can do anything.' He smiled back. 'I can bet that none of this sods wives killed high dragon.'
'And dragonlings… and drakes… and crazy cultists who believed that Andraste was reborn in that high dragon's body.'
'Really? They did?' Loghain's eyes widened. 'We didn't have opportunity to talk about what happened in Haven. Tell me… you really found those ashes…? Is Eamon really cured…?' Mahria nodded.
'He is. And ashes… it was… something, Loghain. Maker's balls… they are real. They really are… and I was thinking… Listen.' Loghain sat next to her, already fully clothed. He took her tunic and put it on her. 'I was thinking that Maric should make an arling there. And Ailis should be arlessa.'
'Already planning her future?'
'It's not only about her, my love. Ferelden should secure that place. Brother Genitivi said he will write about Temple, soon there will be pilgrims there. Just imagine how taxes from Haven could support Ferelden. And it would really be good for Crown to have someone trusted there. Mac Tirs for example.' Loghain gaze moved to some distant point, heavy with thought. He was calculating.
'You are brilliant, have I told you that?'
'Not recently.' She giggled just for second, then her face was saddened again.
'But Ailis is too small. We'd have to take care of it until she would be eighteen at least.' Loghain hand lopped on Mahria's waist. 'My brilliant and beautiful wife, I'm so lucky to have you.' His head moved to neck, nuzzling it. 'Remember I have to show my gratitude for that great plan… when we will reach Redcliffe.'
'Added to list.' Mahria gasped. 'Now let's finish our packing.'
