Chapter 49

Anders

I awake a couple of hours later with a warm and familiar weight on me. Marian is still fast asleep and she is half-sprawled across me. I gingerly move myself and my chest gives a slight throb reminding me to take it easy. I need to heal myself, but I don't want to disturb her. Heal yourself, she will probably enjoy the sensation, I think to myself. I take a deep breath, allowing my mana to stir and I feel a tingling sensation as it spreads throughout my body.

She stirs slightly. "Andy...what...what are you doing?"

"Hush my love. I am trying to heal myself. I am still sore," I reply.

"Would you like me to help you?" she asks.

"If you would like to, but you can go back to sleep," I reply.

"Mmm, it is a bit too late now," she says, stretching herself and she yawns. "How are you feeling?" she asks.

"Better, but I think a hot bath would help quite a bit and if you would like to, we can go out to the inn for a couple of hours," I suggest.

"Mmm, a bath you say?" she asks as she straddles me. She places her hands onto my chest and I feel the familiar fluttering of her healing magic.

"With you, of course," I reply as I touch her cheek. Her colour is high and that pleases me - at least she is looking much better but as for her emotional state, that is going to take longer to settle down. After reading her journal, I realised how fragile she is and I am determined to help her. I want her to be strong again as I remembered when we first met. As for her poem - I am deeply touched by the depth of her feelings for me. I know I would have to propose to her again and give her a ring. I want her to be a part of my life. I also want her to have a child, but I have not broached the subject with her just yet. We are still young and if anything, I want her to myself for as long as possible.

"What are you so deep in thought about?" she asks, breaking into my reverie.

I brush her fringe back. "I am thinking about us," I reply.

"What are you thinking about?" she asks. If anything, now is the time to mention to her what I want.

"Love, have you ever thought about...having a child?" I ask. She seizes massaging my chest and she reaches for my hand.

"I have and I would want you to be the father," she replies. She brings my hand to her lips and she starts kissing each finger.
"But we are still young and if it are to happen, I would be so pleased," she continues. "And I want you to myself, love. I don't want to share you just yet. I...I can't, not after the last six months."

She turns my hand around and she plants a feather light kiss on my palm. "I don't intend sharing you with anyone at all," she continues. Now she is travelling up my arm and I am trying my best to remain in control, but I cannot stop the familiar tightening in my nether regions.

I catch her hands and I pull her onto my chest. I wrap my arms around her before she reacts; I roll with her until I have her trapped firmly beneath me and the bed. She is laughing at me and this only increases my desire for her. "You asked for it," I tease as I kiss her, much to her delight.

"I...did," she agrees as she slips her arms around my neck. She arches herself towards me and I slide my hands under her blouse where I skim my fingers along her stomach. She takes a deep breath and she lets out a long sigh. I move away from her mouth and I trail kisses along her jawline to the hollow of her neck where I give her another Anders Mark, much to her amusement.

"Andy," she moans and I move away from her neck, chuckling quietly to myself.

"Yes?" I ask.

"So much for having a bath," she replies.

"Mmm, we can still have a bath, but not right now," I murmur as I slip off her blouse, exposing her soft skin. I look at her relaxed expression and I can't help smiling.

"What?" she asks, eyes crinkling in amusement.

"Nothing," I reply as I kiss her once again. I find my hands wandering to her pants and I slowly peel them off her hips. Once they are off, I toss them to the floor and I continue kissing her. I trail another path of kisses along her chest until I come to her breasts. I catch her eye as I remove her bra exposing her completely and before she realises it, I gently nibble her.

"Nothing? That does not...seem...like...nothing," she says breathlessly.

"Oh alright. I want to make love to you, Mari," I murmur as I stare into her passion-filled eyes.

She laughs. "What are we doing?"

"Well, I am attempting to make love to you," I reply.

"Andy, you are a tease," she teases as we kiss again. I swirl around her mouth delighting in her sweetness - the sweetness of Marian.

"You are so beautiful and you belong to me," I whisper. "And I love you, Mari. I...Love...You."

She smiles at me as she curls her hand around my neck. "You have absolutely no idea how much I love you. I don't want to be separated from you again," she says softly.

"Love, I promise to always be with you and even when I am not, just know that I am not far away," I whisper as I kiss her gently.

"After all I would like to hold your hand and lay you down..." I whisper and she smiles at me.

"I love you," she murmurs.

o0o

"Anders, please stop it," she says quietly. I splash more water at her and she laughs. We are having a bath after our recent intimate moment and we are still basking in the afterglow of making love. Her colour is very high and this only enhances her beautiful blue eyes.

"Love, please don't spoil my fun," I tease.

"I am not. I am going to give you a taste," she teases and she splashes water at me. I shake myself sending droplets of water in all directions and she grins at me.

I settle back against the bath and I beckon to her. She turns around and she settled herself in my arms. I grab a cloth and I squeeze water onto her chest.

"Are we still going out?" she asks.

"We can, but then we will be returning late," I say.

"I know. After spending the afternoon sleeping, I feel as if I can go on all night," she says.

"I know what you mean. I don't feel tired either. The only thing that is worrying me is my chest," I murmur.

"What do you expect after you spent the last hour making the most intimate love to me?" she asks, laughing.

"I suppose I have myself to blame, but you are just as keen, my love," I remind her.

"I know and I am not sorry, but how are you feeling though? Do you...No...Would you like me to heal you again?" she asks.

"No, I will be fine, but I won't say no to you applying elfroot salve," I reply. "Can you move forward a bit?" I ask. I start kneading her shoulders and she sighs.

"I know, I am still tense," she says.

"It will get better, Mari. I promise." I draw on my mana and she relaxes under my hands. She falls back onto my chest and I wrap my arms around her.

"Thank you," she says softly.


Leandra

I am in the living room with my children on either side of me, reading to them. Carver is still sulking and as for Bethany - after our little chat - she is feeling much better although she did admit to liking Anders. I told her it is normal for her to feel like this. In all honestly, I think he is quite attractive and when I watch him with Mari, he is always so gentle with her and he never strays too far from her side.

"What are you thinking about, Leandra?" Malcolm asks.

"Where are they? I thought by now they would be sitting with us," I reply.

"Love, they are in the bathroom and by the amount of laughter I heard as I walked past, they were having a lot of fun," he replies.

"But look at the time, Malcolm. I have not seen them since this afternoon. I do know they slept for a couple of hours, but surely by now?" I ask.

"Love, leave them be. They will be here shortly," he reassures me.

"I wonder if they plan on going out tonight," I ask.

"I don't know, love, but I think it would be best if we allowed them to spend as much time together, that is when he is not going to help around the village. I must speak to him about that again and see what his thoughts are," he says.

"It will upset Mari if he is out all day, Malcolm. She needs him unless you intend taking her with you?" I ask.

"Look, I know, but he...actually they both have to start working. We cannot afford them not to work. We have an extra person in the house and we are going to need the sovereigns to put food on the table," he explains.

"I...I know. What do you have in mind?" I ask.

"I don't know. I would like to discuss it with them. He is an excellent healer and she can always assist him, if necessary," he replies.

"Mmm, what about opening a clinic?" I suggest.

"I have thought about that, but again we need the gold," he replies.

"Have you thought about speaking to the Reverend Mother at the Chantry?" I ask.

"Love, I don't know if they will allow it. That would be the best place to start, but...I don't know," he replies.

"Love, I honestly don't think they will turn away an offer to assist with the sick and infirm," I point out.

"Perhaps, I will speak to them but if they do allow it, we will have to charge the villagers even if it is a few silvers. Every cent helps, love and besides if he wants to buy her a ring, we will have to assist him. I know we have discussed this and I would like to help them. How can we not? After what she has been through and what he has been through?" he asks.

"How much gold do we have in our savings?" I ask.

"About five hundred, I think," he replies.

"That is more than enough and besides, if they are both working, then whatever gold they earn, can go back into it," I say.

"That is the idea, love, but we can discuss this another time. I can hear them," he says.

"When can I work, Mommy?" asks Bethany and I laugh.

"Oh Beth, you are still young. When you are old enough, you can work as well," I reply.

"When I am big and strong like Daddy, I am going to join the army," he says.

"You are already big and strong, Carver. You just like to show off as you did so earlier today," Malcolm reminds him.

"I say I am sorry, Daddy," he mutters.

"Son, we have discussed this. You need to apologise to Anders," he says and Carver glares at him.

"I don't like him," he mutters.

"Well, you better get used to having him around, because he is not going anywhere. Not if I can help it," he says. "And here he is. You look so much better, Anders. I trust Mari took great care of you?" he asks.

"Of course I took care of him, Father," Marian says as she steps out from behind him. Anders pulls her into his arms, embracing her.

"We are going to the inn for a few hours. I hope you don't mind," she informs us.

"Mari, when are you going to spend time with your family?" Leandra asks.

"Mother, I am spending time with my family, but we would like to go out," she replies.

"I am only teasing you, Mari. Of course, you can go out. I really don't mind, but try not to drink too much ale," she advises.

"Um...We can't guarantee that, Mother," she says.

"Leandra, I will make sure she doesn't drink too much," Anders says and she nudged him in the ribs.

"Ouch," he murmurs, his face flickering in pain.

"Anders, I am so sorry. I...I forgot. Just stand still," she says and she slips out of his arms. She presses her hands against his chest and she healed him. Anders visibly relaxed and I look away, smiling. I know it is not just her mana; it is her touch as well.

"Carver?" Malcolm called and he grudgingly got up and he approached Anders.

"Anders, I am sorry for hurting you earlier. I did not mean to, but when you are better can we have another round?" he asks.

"Find me a shield, Carver and then I might consider taking you up on your offer," Anders replies.

"Are you scared of me," Carver asks, smirking.

"No, I am not. You must realise that mages are not as strong as warriors are. Find me a shield and then we will see," he replies.

"You are scared of me," he goaded and Anders face flickered with anger and indignation.

"Carver, I think that is enough coming from you," Marian warns.

I catch Malcolm's eye and I sigh. Carver is proving to be less than friendly the older he is becoming and I often wondered where I head wrong. I turn my attention back to them only to find Marian's face flicker in anger.

"Carver that is enough, please?" Malcolm warns.

"Mages are weak," he mutters and now I am getting angry.

"Carver, I am warning you," Malcolm says.

"What is wrong with you, Carver?" Bethany asks. Her face is flickering in pain. I realise she did not understand why her brother is saying things like that.

"Malcolm, please?" I implore.

"Come with me, young man and we are going to have a chat. Anders, Mari, I will see you later," he says as he takes Carver by the hand and he literally dragged him into their bedroom, He slammed the door behind them and I breathe a sigh of relief. I watch Anders as he embraces Marian. I watch in amazement as she moulds herself to his frame. She fits him so well.

"Don't worry about it, love. He is only eleven. He is young. He will learn eventually," he says.

"I doubt he will ever learn. He resents Bethany and I far too much and he resents you. I often wonder if it is jealousy or something like that," she says.

He kisses he forehead. "I think we should go out and get hopelessly drunk," he teases.

"Anders, my mother is right here," she reminds him. He catches my eye and he smiles at me.

"I know and she won't mind," he says and I laugh.

"Go on. Have some fun. Get drunk, but come home in one piece," I tease.

"I love you to, Mother," she says as she slips her arms around his waist.

"I love you both," I tease and the surprise on Anders' face is quite something. I have touched a nerve. He catches my eye and I stand. His face is flickering with emotion.

"Leandra...I don't know what to say, except for this," he says as he embraces me. "Thank you. That means so much," he whispers for me alone.

"I know. You do not need to say anything. Now, off you go," I say, pushing him away. Marian quickly slips her arms around his waist. I laugh because she is clearly very possessive about him.


Marian

"Anders, my head is spinning. Can we please sit for a while?" I ask. We have been at the inn for a couple of hours and we have been dancing. A small group of music players has set up their instruments and they are playing Fereldan Folk Songs. This is the first time they have been this far south and we are delighted. We were on the dance floor before anyone else and now I am so thirsty.

"We can and I need a drink. What will you have?" he asks.

"Ale and lots of it," I reply much to his amusement.

"Not too much. I don't want to have to carry you home," he teases.

"Come on love? I haven't has so much fun in a long time," I explain.

"Alright, just one to start off with and then will take it from there," he says as he slips his arm around my waist. We went to the bar.

"Marian, how are you?" Balin asks.

"Thirsty. Can we have two ales please?" I ask.

"Mmm...Why not try some of our mead? It is far better than ale," he suggests.

"Andy?" I ask.

"I don't see why not. Two meads, please," he says. Anders nuzzles my neck causing me to laugh and I am about to swat him on his arm when he kisses me.

"What was that for?" I ask after he breaks our kiss and it leaves me feeling weak at the knees.

"Just a friendly I love you," he replies.

"Well, here is your I love you," I tease as I as slip my arms around his neck to kiss him.

"Your drinks you two," Balin says, forcing me to break off the kiss with Anders. I give him a quick kiss on the cheek and I turn around only to stare into a pair of emerald green eyes.

"Before you have your drink, may I have this dance?" Aaron asks. I glance back at Anders and he is not amused.

"No thank you," I reply.

"Marian, just one dance that is all I ask," he says. I look uncertainly at Anders and he is frowning.

"Fine, just one dance," I reply as I take his outstretched hand. He curls his hand of over mine and as he is about to lead me to the dance floor, Anders grabs his arm.

"Keep your hands where I can see them," he says quietly.

"Let go of me, Anders," he warns and I touch Anders arm.

"Love, I won't be long. Please relax and perhaps you can find us a quiet table?" I suggest.

"But...Oh alright, but I will be watching," he replies.

"Mmm, he is quite possessive of you, Marian. Doesn't it worry you?" Aaron asks.

"Why should it worry me? He loves me," I explain.

"The possessive ones are the dangerous ones," he points out.

I glare at him. "You don't know the first thing about Anders, Aaron and if the roles are reversed and he went off dancing with another woman, I would be just as possessive."

"Relax. I did not ask you to dance with me so that I can fight with you. I want to know how are feeling? You definitely seem better than a few nights ago," he says.

"Why are you so interested? Why do you even care?" I ask.

"What would it have taken to win your heart, Marian?" he asks.

"Win my heart? What are you talking about?" I ask.

"I like you, Marian and I have for a few years now. I am just sorry I did not make a move before you went to the Circle. I am a fool," he explains.

"Perhaps I should rephrase. How did Anders win your heart?" he asks.

I laugh. "It did not work that way. We won each other's hearts and very quickly. From the first time we met, we connected and we have not looked back since then. I love him, Aaron and someday I will marry him. It will always be him," I explain.

"You asked what it would have taken to win my heart? If you did not hate me or fear me or both, then we might have has a chance, but you chose to ignore my advances, Aaron. You showed no interest whatsoever and now when I joined the Circle, you showed an interest. What changed your mind?" I ask.

"I realise that I am actually in love with you. I am just too stubborn to admit it," he replies. We swayed past the bar and Anders is keeping a close eye on us.

"Aaron," I say as I step away from him. "I love Anders. That will never change. He makes me happy. He is my other half."

"Yet when we kiss, you responded. You wanted more, yet you pulled away," he reminds me.

"That kiss was a mistake, Aaron. It made me realise how much I actually loved Anders and how much I missed him. Do you honestly think it would have been fair on my part to lead you on?" I ask.

"If you had given me a chance, I would have been able to ease some of your sadness," he replies.

"I...I am sorry, but my heart belongs to Anders," I murmur.

"But-" he implores and I touch my finger to his lips.

"You are too late, Aaron. I was keen on you for a long time and you made no move, and when I saw the hatred and fear in your eyes after that incident in the field, I realise that you are not right for me. I need someone to love me unconditionally and you are not prepared to do that. With Anders, things are different. He is the best thing to have happened to me...And I do not need to explain myself to you. I am sorry you feel this way, but nothing you say or do will convince me otherwise and besides, you are a Templar and that makes a big difference," I explain, folding my arms.

"Why? Why should it make a difference?" he asks.

"Because you are taught that mages are dangerous. You are taught that they all turn to blood magic. You are taught that we should be kept away from society and I cannot be with a man who has been taught that because regardless of what Chantry Law says, it is wrong and unjust," I reply.

"But most are dangerous," he quietly says.

"That is the problem. Would you consider me dangerous or a danger to others?" I ask. He shrugs his shoulders, and looks away from me.

"You can't even answer a simple question, Aaron. I am sorry but this conversation is over. I do not hate you, Aaron. I never have and I never will, but you must realise that I love him. I am willing to remain friends with you, but my hearts belongs to Anders," I explain. "Thank you for the dance, but I must excuse myself," I say politely and with that I rejoin Anders.

"So what did he want?" asks Anders.

"He is in love with me, Andy," I reply.

"That is very obvious, but by the redness on your cheeks, you are annoyed about something," he says as he slips his hand into mine. He picks up our tankards and we made our way to a quiet table away from the noise of the inn.

We sit down and he quickly places his hand on my thigh much to my amusement.

"What? Are you laying your claim?" I ask.

"I don't need to. You are already mine," he replies.

"Then you have nothing to worry about," I tease as I pick up my tankard of mead. I am keen to taste it.

"Are you ready?" I ask as he picks up his tankard.

"I am. To you, my love, my sweetheart and one day, wife," he teases.

"Most definitely," I tease as we toast each other.

I take a tentative mouthful and I start coughing. It is so strong. My throat feels as if it is on fire and I gag.

"Maker alive," I mutter. I push it away from me. "I cannot drink that," I hoarsely murmur.

"Then I will have it. It is bloody good," he says.

"Whatever," I mutter as I lean back into my chair. I am not feeling too well. I watch him down his drink and then he move onto my one. He grimaces as he swallows the last mouthful.

"Never again," he mutters as he looks at me. I am feeling rather nauseous and my stomach is churning uncomfortably.

"Mari, you look terrible. One mouthful and you are pale," he comments.

"Thanks...Thanks for stating the obvious. If you are quite finished, I would like to go home now," I say.

"Then come. I have has enough anyway," he says as he stands, reaching for my hands. He pulls me to my feet and he wraps his arms securely around me.

We step out into the cool night and I lurch away from him. I feel worse and I quickly make my way to the back of the inn. I lean against the wall, willing my nausea to go away, but it worsens.

I feel his warm hand on my back and I turn around. "I don't feel well," I whisper.

"Surely it cannot be the mead, love?" he asks.

"I think it is the mead. It was too strong, but look at you - you are fine," I point out.

"I am not fine. I am worried about you," he says indignantly and I burst out laughing.

"I will be fine. I just need to go home, get out of these clothes and go to bed. I will be fine in the morning," I reassure him.

"Then let us go home. Maker knows, I feel the same as you," he says.