Chapter 51

Anders

Two days later, I am sitting next to the driver when I notice the town of Denerim loom closer. It is nearly midmorning and Marian is still asleep after another bad night. She is upset about Carver and his treatment of her and she does not know what to do about it. The boy hardly said two words to her before we left and she has spent the better part of our journey mulling over his attitude towards us.

"Another couple of hours and you will be in Denerim," the driver says, breaking into my thoughts.

"What is it like? I have never been there," I say.

"It is very busy, Ser and do you know the King's Palace is also part of Denerim?" he asks.

"No, I did not know that," I reply.

"King Cailan resides in the palace. Did you know that? Please tell me you know who the king is," he says.

"I have heard about him, but not much. I...I come from the Circle of Magi. I spent most of my teen years growing up there," I reply.

He gives me as surprised look. "How is you are walk free? Are you an apostate?" he asks.

I laugh. "No, I was given permission to leave the Circle a while ago," I reply.

"Why? Does this have something to do with the young woman sleeping in the carriage?" he asks.

"Yes. She is everything to me and I love her," I reply.

"I can see that and you are fortunate. Not many people find what you two obviously share," he says.

"Andy, where are you?"

I catch the driver's eye and he smiles. "She calls. You should go to her," he suggests.

"Will you let us know when we have arrived?" I ask.

"Don't worry, I will," he replies.

o0o

"Good morning, love," I greet her. I give a quick kiss on the cheek. "Sleep well?"

"Not really. Are we nearly there?" she asks.

"Another couple of hours and we will be there," I reply.

"Thank the maker. I could do with a comfortable bed and some form of distraction," she says.

"Carver still worrying you?" I ask as I brush her fringe out of her face. There are dark circles around her eyes and she looks tired.

"Yes. He is growing up to be so...so," she trails away.

"I wouldn't worry about him and besides I want you to enjoy your time away from home, I say quietly. "Can you do that for me?"

"Oh love, you are sweet and I love you and yes I can do that for you," she replies.

"That's my girl," I tease as I embrace her. "He is still young; maybe he will outgrow his attitude."

"I doubt it, but can we not speak about something else? And why should I worry about him? He has always been difficult, Andy. I have a better relationship with my sister," she says.

"I know. You are very close, but guess what?" I ask, pulling away from her.

"Tell me, love," she teases.

"You and I are extremely close, don't you think?" I ask.

"We always have been, Andy. You are never far from me and I like that. I like having you close by. It comforts me," she replies.

"Love, I love you to," I murmur as I kiss her. She wraps her arms around me and she tries to pull me closer, but instead I embrace her intimately while our kiss deepens. "Mmm, we are going to have so much fun," I murmur.

"Mmm, we always have fun," she murmurs as she moulds herselfto me. I break off the kiss and I embrace her tightly. She fits me so perfectly. Every hard place on my body is softened by her curves and the thought makes me smile.

"Do share," she says softly.

"Do I have to?" I ask as I lean towards her.

"Well," she says as she traced small circles on my chest. "No," she replies. She grips my shirt, pulling me closer until I can feel her gentle breath against my cheek. "But I can do this," she murmurs. She lightly brushes her lips against mine. She pulls away and gave me a satisfied smile.

"Love?" I protest as I lean towards her. The carriage comes to a jerky standstill and we nearly connected our heads. "I think we have arrived."

"At last, now the fun really begins," she says, standing up and she grabs her backpack. She slung into her shoulders. "Your turn," she teases, tossing my backpack into my hands.

"I can carry yours, you know," I inform her.

"I know, but I want your arm around me as we enter the city," she teases.

I wink at her. "Why? Or do you wish to show the people that I belong to you?" I ask.

"Shut up, love. I would feel better because I get a certain amount of comfort from you," she replies.

"Is that so?" I ask as I poke her in the ribs.

"Andy," she says as steps away from me, rubbing her side. "That was a bit painful...Ouch," she murmurs.

"I...I am sorry," I murmur as I press my hand against her side and I use my mana to heal her. "I never intended to do that," I murmur while I look intently into her eyes.

"Hey, I have has worse, so please don't beat yourself up about it," she says softly as she places her hand over mine. "Now, why don't we go? Denerim awaits us!"


Marian

I gaze around in awe at the central market district in Denerim. People are hurrying around going about their daily business and it is so busy. I have never been in Denerim before. My parents always went without me so that I could look after my siblings. There is a food stall, a clothing stall and a jewellery stall, but I am not ready to browse their wares just yet. I feel around for Anders, but I cannot find him and I start panicking. There are so many people and all of sudden I start to feel more than a bit overwhelmed.

"Andy! Andy!" I call. My heart is thumping loudly and my ears are ringing. There are too many people around me. I am not the same person I was before I joined the Circle and since my involvement with Anders and then our separation...

"Marian! Marian!" I hear him call and I whip around. My palms are sweating and I feel as if the crowd is closing in on me.

"Anders! Anders!" I call. He calls me again and I follow his voice until I see him push his way towards me. "Andy," I whisper.

"Are you alright? You look...terrible," he says as he embraces me.

"Take me out of here. I cannot bear it," I reply. I am very close to tears.

"What is it?" he asks, gently lifting my chin until our eyes met.

"There are too many people, I can't bear it," I reply.

He smiles. "Love, you can relax. Just take my hand and I will lead the way," he says softly.

"I...I am sorry. I don't know what is wrong with me. I use to be strong, Andy, but not anymore. Our six months apart affected me more than I care to admit."

"Mmm, no that is not it. You just need to relax for a couple of hours and then we can browse the stalls," he returns.

"Perhaps you are right. Where is the inn or tavern or whatever it is called?"

"Just over there, love," he replies, pointing his finger. "Come," he says as he slowly tugs me through the crowd. I breathe a sigh of relief as soon as we are at the edge of the crowd.

"Now I feel better," I inform him after taking a few deep breaths.

"So you don't really like crowds?" he asks, teasingly.

"Um...This is new, Andy. I...I panicked," I explain.

"Mmm, it is not the first time. Remember that time by the river where Mabari disappeared to hunt?" he reminds me.

I laugh. "How could I forget?" I reply.

"Love, you really panicked when you could not find him," he reminds me.

"I know, but what of it, Anders?" I ask, irritated.

"Ouch, my heart," he teases and I cannot resist swatting him on the arm. "What was that for?" he asks.

"I don't know. I just felt like it," I reply.

"Really? Is there anything else?" he asks, smiling.

"I need a drink," I reply.

"No ale or mead, love," he teases as the tavern come into view. It is on the opposite end of the market district.

"Mmm, this must be it - The Gnawed Noble Tavern. This is the place your Father mentioned," he explains.

"I heard him speak about it and I think there is a shop not far from here where we can purchase mage robes, staves, etc," I inform him.

"Well, we certainly don't need anything from there and besides I don't want everyone to know what we are," he says.

"Why hide it, Anders? What are we going to achieve by hiding what we are? Why must we live like that? Is it because the Chantry dictates it?" I ask.

He starts laughing. "Mari love, let us go inside where we can discuss this further," he suggests. I slip my hand into his and we went inside. We come to a standstill because it is far bigger than Danes Refuge back home. It is quiet at the moment.

"Come, we need to rent a room for a few days," I say as we continued towards the Inn Keeper.

"Welcome to the Gnawed Noble Tavern where we have the finest mead in all of Ferelden and we have the most comfortable beds. How may I assist you?" the Inn Keeper asks.

"We would like to rent a room for...How long are we going to be here, Anders?" I ask.

"We can rent a room for three days," he replies.

"We would like to rent a room for about three days," I inform the innkeeper.

"Mmm...I have just the suite for you but it will cost you," he says.

"How much will it cost us?" I ask. We only have about Two Hundred sovereigns and I don't want to spend it all because it comes from my parent's savings.

"Well, it costs 10 sovereigns per day, but because you want it for three days, I can give you a discount. Twenty Five sovereigns," he replies.

"What do you think, Anders?" I ask.

"It sounds fair. I think we should take it," he replies.

"Alright Ser. Twenty Five sovereigns it is," I say as I drop the gold into his waiting hands.

"Thank you and who might you be?" he asks.

"Marian Hawke and this is my partner, Anders," I reply.

"Hawke you say? Are you related to Malcolm Hawke by any chance?" he asks.

"I am his daughter," I reply.

"Really? I am pleased to meet you. I hope your stay will be most enjoyable. Edwina will show you to your suite," he says.

"Thank you," I say.

"This way, Miss," an elderly woman says. I can only assume she is Edwina. "Follow me, please," she says. We follow her up a short passage and she shows us into a room on the left.

"Thank you," I say, dropping my backpack onto the table. I survey the room and I am pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it looks. I sit on the bed and it is so comfortable. I can feel myself relax. I also notice a low wall and I got up to look behind it. There is a bath and it is bigger than the one at home.

"Thank Edwina, that will be all," Anders says.

"Let me know if there is anything you need," she says.

"We will and thank you," he says. I hear the bedroom close and I know we are finally on our own. I am still admiring the bath when he finds me. He slips his arms around me and he nuzzles my neck.

"What fun we could have in there," he teases. "What fun I can have with you," he murmurs as he traces small circles around my stomach. I lean gratefully against him. I want some contact with him. "Mmm, do you need something?" he asks. He continues running small circles around my stomach, but he moves upwards and he gently cups my breasts. "Or do I know the answer?" he teases as he nuzzles me once again, but this time he gently kisses me along my jawline nibbling me as he went along. "What are we going to do this evening?" he asks. I can feel him unbutton my blouse and with gentle fingers, he grazes my stomach. His touch causes me to break out in gooseflesh and I start trembling. I try to turn around but he tightens his arms around me. "Not yet," he whispers. I close my eyes and I allow him to continue his teasing and gentle exploration.

"Come with me," he whispers. I open my eye and I turn around to look at him. I take his hand and he leads me to the bed. He pulls me down with him. He rolls with me until I am lying beneath him.

"Love, this bed is so comfortable," I murmur just as he brushes his lips against mine.

"Hush, Mari," he murmurs as he brushes my lips again. I slip my arms around his neck drawing him closer and he smiles at me.

o0o

"Anders, up you get," I call, shaking him awake. We spent the afternoon making love and sleeping and now it is early evening. He opened one eye and he grins rather sleepily at me much to my amusement.

"Come on, love," I say as I touch his shoulder. He reaches for my hand, he pulls me onto the bed and I start laughing. He is in a playful mood.

"Love, you tease," I murmur as I give him a kiss on the cheek. "Sleep well?" I ask.

"Mmm, this bed is very comfortable. I can stay here with you for the rest of the evening," he replies, yawning.

"Love, I am hungry and thirsty and you?" I ask.

"Not really. I am only hungry for you," he replies.

I give him a playful swat on his arm. "Honestly, Anders. Is that all you can think about?"

"Um...No...I think about how fortunate I am having you in my life and I think about what your father did for me. I also think about the wonderful family I am part of, but more importantly, I think about you and how important you are to me," he replies.

"You are my life, Andy and if anything, I want you by my side," I murmur.

He gives me a kiss and he smiles. "And I will be, that I can promise you," he says softly. "And I think we should have something to eat."

"Then you should get up," I tease as I slip out of his embrace. I sit by the table while he dresses himself and occasionally he throws lingering glances at me.

"Are you ready?" I ask. I stand up and reach for his hand.

"Mmm, I am now," he replies. "I love you Mari," he whispers as he gives me a kiss.

I slip my arm around his waist and he put his arm around my shoulder. We amble out of our room, down the passage and into the tavern.

"Where would you like to sit?" he asks. I look around the tavern and I spot a quiet table in a far corner. It is away from the bustling activity of all the patrons.

"This way," I reply, taking the lead. I am feeling a bit anxious and I need to sit down.

"Are you alright?" he asks as he catches a glimpse of me.

"Why?" I ask.

"You look...pale. Is it the crowd of people? Would you rather we go somewhere else?" he asks.

"Just stay with me and I will be fine," I reply. We sat down and I reach for his hand. I am feeling insecure for some reason.

"Talk to me, Mari. What is going through that pretty head of yours?" he asks, entwining our fingers.

"Anxiety," I reply and he starts laughing.

"Why are you anxious? I am here with you and I will keep you safe. In fact, if anyone so much as comes near you, they will be sorry," he declared.

I start laughing. "You are so protective, love. Why is that? I mean, I don't mind, but why do you feel that way?" I ask.

"Well, firstly, you are mine and you always will be and secondly I love with all I have," he replies seriously and I burst into a fit of giggles.

"Oh love, you are too sweet and I love you for being you," I tease.

"I think I am more than sweet," he returns.

"Anders, stop teasing me and you know you more than sweet," I tease. He starts tickling me and I try to wriggle away from him, but he pulls me onto his lap effectively preventing me from moving at all.

"Well, at least you aren't anxious anymore," he points out.

"You are right," I laugh. "Thank you love," I say as I embrace him.

"Mmm, I can do this all evening but our waitress has arrived," he informs me.

"Good evening. Is there anything you would like to drink? Our ale is the best this part of Ferelden but our cider is the best in all of Thedas," she informs us.

"No ale, Mari," he advises.

"No. I don't want ale. I would like a cider please and you, Anders?" I ask.

"Um...I will have the same, thank you," he replies.

"Would you like anything to eat?" she asks us.

"What do you have?" I ask.

"We have a special at the moment. It is very tasty. It is steak, with vegetables," she replies.

"Love?" I ask.

"Then will have two of those, thank you and what is your name?" he asks her.

"Ella," she replies.

"Thank you, Ella. That will be all," Anders says politely.

"Now, where are we?" he asks and he starts tickling me again.

"Anders, enough please," I say breathlessly.

"Mmm, later then," he teases, pushing me off his lap.

After I settle myself next to him with my hand resting on his thigh, I give him my full attention. "Tomorrow, are we are going to browse the stalls and shops?" I ask.

"Yes we are and I hope to find a suitable ring for you," he replies.

"Love, I don't need anything fancy or too expensive. I have your gold locket that I never take off. I simple band would be perfect," I suggest.

"I know you don't want me to fuss over you, but what if I want to? We have enough sovereigns. Your father just says that once we return home I will have to start working. I might tell you that it does not please me because I don't want to spend too much time away from you," he says.

"But I will be by your side or has that changed?" I ask. I can not help feeling a bit disappoints because I want to assist him as much as I can.

"No, it hasn't changed. I want you by my side, Mari," he replies.

"Then by your side is where I will be and perhaps I can learn a few things about healing from you. I may not be as proficient as you, but I can heal, but you already know all of this," I say.

"Then I will teach what I know although I don't think there is much more for you to learn. You are gifted in the elemental school and you can cast a mean ice bolt, but I would like to see you throw fireballs around," he teases.

"I...I know that and I am still sorry about the time, I knocked you off your feet. Remember that time, love? You are demonstrating your lightening magic," I say.

"I have never forgotten, but that is quite a mean ice bolt nonetheless, but I survived," he teases.

"Of course you did, but I feel terrible. The thought that I may have harmed you - that is what I think about now," I explain. He grips my hand and he squeezes it.

"You will never harm me as I will never harm you," he says softly.


Anders

"Remember our first kiss, Andy?" she asks as she tries to stand, but she fails miserably. "I can't even stand straight," she continues.

"I warn you not to drink too much ale, Marian, but you refused to listen to me," I point out. It is nearly 10pm and we are still sitting at our table. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, but she insisted on drinking one glass of ale that turns into two, then three, then four and now she has just finished her fifth glass.

"I want one more," she says.

"No, you have has quite enough to drink, Marian. I think it is time we went to bed," I say firmly.

"But-" she mumbled as she tries to stand again, but she stumbles into the wall. "Shit," she mutters.

"Let me assist you," I say as I stand up. I reach for her hand, but she stumble away from me.

"I don't need your help," she says. "And that my brother of mine - he is full of nonsense," she mumbled. She has gone on and on about Carver and I am at the end of my patience with her.

"I think that is enough, Marian," I say as I forcibly slipped my arm around her waist.

"You think? I don't think so," she says.

"Love, you are not achieving anything by this...behaviour," I point out.

"His behaviour is worse than mine," she says. She tries to shrug herself away from me, but I am holding her too firmly.

"And your behaviour is unacceptable. What do you think your father would think if he were here? And your mother and what about Beth?" I ask.

"They would be shocked-" she trails away and she turns pale. She looks at me with sad eyes. "What is wrong with me?"

"Let us go back to our room and we can talk about it," I suggest as I wrap my arm securely around her waist. She put all her weight onto me and I nearly stumble. "Ease up, love. You can't expect me to carry you," I tease.

"No, it would be...embarrassing. Just take me to our room," she says.

"Mmm, I will do that and then I am coming back to pay for everything," I say.

"Oh alright," she says. We are halfway up the passage when she grips my arm tightly. I glance at her and she is very pale.

"We are nearly there. Just hold on," I murmur.

"Andy. I don't feel well," she whispers. I want to smile, but her expression made me stop because she looks terrible.

"What do you expect when you go overboard, Mari? You really should have listened to me," I point out.

"I...I know and now I have spoilt out little vacation by acting out. I am so sorry," she says softly.

I open the door to our room and I quickly helped her onto the bed. She stretches herself out and she closed her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Anders," she murmurs.

"Just sleep it off. I will be back soon."

"Don't take too long," she whispers, reaching out for my hand.

"I won't be," I reassure her. I give her a kiss on her forehead and I turn away. I head to the door and I glance at her. She is watching me and she is smiling about something. I really don't want to know, I think to myself as I close the door behind me.

After paying for our meal and our drinks, I head back to our room only to find Marian sprawled across the bed. She is fully clothed and she is fast asleep. I sit on end of the bed and I remove her shoes. I massaged her feet and she let out a contented sigh.

"You awake?" I ask softly as I move onto her other foot. She did not reply and I shake my head. I unbuckles her belt and I slowly remove her pants. I lean back, running my hands up her thighs and she actually smiles.

"What are you doing?" she asks and I nearly startled when I hear her voice.

"You cannot sleep in these clothes, Marian. Surely you would like to be...comfortable?" I ask.

"I would like to be comfortable, yes," she replies as she sat up holding her head in hands. "And my head is killing me."

"So soon? You need to sleep it off as I say a short while ago, but you are intent on not listening to me or taking my advice tonight, aren't you?" I ask.

"Don't snap at me, Anders. I am not in the mood to listen to any lecturing. I just want to close my eyes and go to sleep and if you cannot be more than understanding, then sleep somewhere else," she says.

"Love, please be reasonable. I have nowhere else to sleep and besides, you won't sleep if I am not with you," I remind her.

"Andy, please, I just want to go to sleep. Please...help me," she implores.

"I am helping you and if you can settle down for a minute, I can continue helping you. Now come here," I say as I unfolded my arms. I clasped her hands and I pull her onto my lap.

"Just let it go. I know you are angry and upset with your brother, but you must realise that he is still young. Please don't spoil our few days away from everything," I murmur. "And drowning your sorrow is not going to help you," I continue.

"How would you know? I don't think you have every got drunk in your life," she says.

I laugh. "Not yet," I tease and she starts laughing.

"So I might still get to see you drunk?" she asks.

"Maybe, who knows?" I return. "Now, may I?" I ask as I start unbuttoning her blouse. She smacks my hand away.

"You just want to see me in my underwear," she teases.

"Yes...and...No, but I am not going to take advantage of you," I tease.

"I wouldn't mind," she points out.

"I know you wouldn't, but not tonight. We cannot. We spent the afternoon making love and I don't think I will be able to again this evening," I inform her.

"Well, are you going to come to bed?" she asks.

"Of course I am, I am tired," I reply.

"Then hurry up, I am lonely for you," she teases as she lay down stretching herself.

"You are always lonely for me," I remind her as I remove my clothes. I toss them onto the floor and I climbed in behind her.

She sighs contently. "This is what I want - your arms around me giving me the warmth and comfort I need," she murmurs.

"I love you to, Mari. Goodnight and if you need anything, let me know."

"Mmm, I have what I need and I don't want anything more," she murmurs.

"Go to sleep, Mari. You will feel better in the morning."

"I love you, Andy," she murmurs.

"I love you more," I tease and she sighs again. It isn't long until I hear her steady breathing and I know she is asleep.