Chapter 28

Wynne, Leliana, and Erlina rushed to Zevran when they saw him carrying the baby towards them.

"Welcome back Zevran." Leliana cried.

"Welcome yourself." Zevran grumbled. "Is my room ready and I would like a bath. I finally know why the Crows never accept contracts on children. Too messy and annoying."

"Give me the baby Zev." Wynne held out her hands.

The baby opened his eyes and looked at Wynne.

"Holy Maker! There is no doubt about it. He has Fergus's eyes." She took the baby.

"She named him Gus." Zevran exclaimed. "At least my mother had the sense to name me properly. Gus sounds like a polite term for fart."

"I'm sure Marielle will rename him Zevran." Leliana laughed.

"Did his mother tell you his birth date?" Wynne asked.

Zevran handed Wynne a note. "He is two months and three says older than Duncan."

"That's wonderful." Leliana smiled. "She will be able to plan birthday parties for him."

"Wait a minute Wynne." Zevran walked over to her and gently touched the baby's face. "Goodbye sweet one."

"Zev!" Leliana exclaimed. "You are a softie!"

"And why not?" Zevran asked. "That boy is going to make a fine rogue one day especially after Marielle bequeaths him with a better name."

"And you will be training him I suppose." Wynne scoffed.

"Indeed I will." Zevran said.

"Come." Erlina said. "Let's take him to the nursery. "I know Anora is looking down from the heavens happy her son will someone his own age to grow up with."

Leliana and Zevran watched as Wynne and Erlina headed upstairs.

"So when are they returning?" He asked.

"They should be back in two days."

"I know she is engaged to marry the man but I hope I get at least a hug and kiss out of this."

"Oh Zevran! You know she will." Leliana threw her arms around Zevran. "I'll beat her to the ground if she doesn't."

"Oooh. I have never had a beautiful woman defend my honor before. I might like to see that." Zevran put his arms around Leliana and hugged her back

"I'm sure you would Zev!" Leliana laughed.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Marielle spent the next few days packing her room and saying goodbye to her supporters. As promised, she presented the Orlesian cook to the Wardens and witnessed the nobles swear fealty to Nathaniel.

She was both surprised and grateful when Alistair agreed to take her place in the Joining ceremony. Alistair even attended the pyre for the one recruit that did not survive.

After their final supper, Nathaniel led Marielle and Alistair to the throne room and unveiled her portrait.

"I had forgotten about this." Marielle laughed. "Maker knows how much I hated posing for it."

"I remember Duncan hated posing for his." Alistair laughed.

"Were you planning on leaving any of your weapons Commander…I mean Marielle?" Nathaniel asked.

"Yes I am leaving one of my swords for the mantle."

"I'm glad you agreed to visit us Marielle."

"Nathaniel, I would not be where I am today had it not been for my time here. You are all dear to my heart. Know that."

Marielle reached over and hugged Nathaniel. "And feel free to write me if you ever need any advice."

"Oh I will." Nathaniel laughed. "Count on it."

Nathaniel excused himself to talk with some deliverymen and Alistair and Marielle slowly ventured over to Duncan's portrait.

Marielle took Alistair's hand and they stood in silence paying respect to the man who had so much in them.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The next morning they left for Denerim. Marielle was surprised to see Varel, Nathaniel, Anders, Sigrun , Valanna and a few other wardens standing outside. They all saluted her as Alistair helped her in the carriage. Marielle turned and waved to them as they rode awhile fighting desperately to not cry.

Alistair put his arm around her. "It's alright if you cry you know. This was a big part of your life. After inspecting the keep, visiting Amaranthine and the outlying areas, I can see how you much hard work you put in ruling the arling. Seeing this only furthers my belief that with you by my side, we will be able bring a new era onto Ferelden."

"I love you Alistair." Marielle sobbed softy against him."

"And I love you." He brushed the hair out of her face and kissed her cheek.

Alistair watched her as she dozed off and smiled knowing what will be awaiting them when they return to the palace.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morrigan watched with fascination as Messenger paced around the fire. It was almost as if he knew there time would soon be coming to an end. There was a part of her that hated leaving him but she knew he would survive a very long time in the Deep Roads.

"So what can you tell me about this Shale?" Messenger sat down beside her.

"Ugh." Morrigan groaned. "I still have not decided if Marielle telling you about Shale was out of goodness or if she wanted to play a joke on you. You will meet Shale Messenger. I already found her location on my scrying mirror. Once you endure hearing how Shale is a superior being , you will either end up liking her or you will want to kill her."

"Marielle said this Shale was once human."

"Indeed she was and will definitely enjoy telling you the tale and I convince her to not kill you, she will be fascinated when you tell her your tale."

Morrigan decided not tell Messenger of Shale's disdain for Alistair as he would likely here it himself, once they met.

"And now I must go Messenger but I will be back with news."

Messenger watched as she shape shifted into an eagle and fly away.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

As soon as they got back to the palace, Alistair ushered Marielle into the study and Wynne followed them and shut the door.

"Alistair, I wanted to go see Duncan, the children, and have a bath." Marielle laughed. "Why did you bring me in the study?"

"We have some news for you Mari." Alistair sat beside her and took her hand.

"What kind of news?" Marielle started to look concerned.

"What would you say if I said you are no longer the last Cousland?" Alistair squeezed her hand.

"What are you talking about? There isn't some con man claiming to be a Cousland is there? Because if there is, so help me Maker…" Marielle's eyes glared.

"No Marielle, this has to do with your brother. You did not finish reading it did you?" Wynne asked.

"Read what?"

"His journal."

"I never finished reading it Wynne. It was just too painful. What is this about?"

Wynne handed her the book. "You need to read this entry Marielle."

Marielle reluctantly took the book and read the entry Wynne told her to read.

"No." She dropped the book. "The woman my brother was briefly with was a prostitute and she became pregnant. He paid her leave."

"Yes Mari." Alistair said gently. "Wynne came to me when she read it again and I employed Zevran and some others to do a search throughout Ferelden and we found her."

Marielle could feel the tears streaming down her face. "And you found the baby? Is it a boy or girl? Will she let me see the baby?"

"Your nephew is here Marielle. She signed over her rights to him."

"Zevran brought him back a few days ago." Wynne added.

"I have a nephew?"

Alistair nodded at Wynne who went to the door.

Marielle stood up when she saw Zevran come in the room holding a baby who looked close to Duncan's age.

"Here is your Auntie Elle." Zevran said to the baby. "And just as I predicted she is crying. I'm hoping the tears are over that horrible name that she will take from you."

Marielle took the baby from Zevran and Alistair helped her sit down.

The baby looked up at her and she could see he had Fergus's eyes.

"Oh you're so beautiful." Marielle cried. "This is why you had all the extra furniture put in the nursery."

"We wanted to surprise you when Zevran sent word." Alistair smiled.

Marielle looked down at the baby. "I'm so glad you reread Fergus's journal Wynne. Finding his son is the greatest gift you all could ever give me."

"He's two months older than Duncan and they get along beautifully." Wynne said.

"I will rename Eamon as Highever's regent. When he retires we can appoint another until your nephew is old enough to claim the teyrnir."

"Oh for the love of the Maker! Will you please tell me you are going to rename this boy?" Zevran pleaded.

"What is his name?" Alistair asked.

"Gus."

"He's going to be named after my father and his brother Zevran. Bryce Oren Cousland." Marielle said softly.

"Thank you." Zevran sighed as he sat next to her.

"No Zevran." Marielle put her free arm around him and kissed him.

"That kiss and hug was worth all the baby spit Bryce spewed at me."

Alistair and Marielle laughed .

Marielle looked up at Wynne and Alistair. "Thank you both so much. You can't begin to know how much this means to me that my family's legacy will continue."

"Just seeing you so happy fills my heart Mari." Alistair kissed her.

"Let's head to the nursery. I want to see Duncan too."

When Marielle and Alistair came in the nursery, Duncan clumsily walked towards them.

Marielle handed Bryce to Alistair and picked up Duncan.

"How is my big boy? Wynne told me you love your cousin. Yes you do ."

Duncan giggled and touched her face with his hands.

Marielle took Bryce in her free arm and watched as he looked at Duncan.

"Do you know how beautiful you are holding them together?" Alistair was clearly moved by watching them.

"It's past their bed time ." Erlina and the nurse took a baby placed them in their cradles.

Marielle and Alistair kissed Duncan and Bryce and left the nursery.

Alistair put his arms around her. "You look exhausted. I'll have one of the servants draw your bath and then you can sleep. We can see the other children in the morning.

"Sleep sounds so wonderful right now."

"I'll sneak in your room later on?" Alistair whispered.

"You better!" Marielle kissed him as they headed for her room.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Marielle sat up in bed when hearing a strange tapping sound. Looking to the right she saw Alistair was fast asleep. She looked toward the door of the balcony and heard the tapping again.

A gust of cold air enveloped her as she opened the door and stepped out onto the balcony. The door suddenly closed and Marielle looked back toward it.

"You know back when my mother rescued you and that fool, she predicted you were going to be queen one day."

Marielle turned to see Morrigan smiling at her.