Climbing the perimeter wall, Captain Marcus stared at the dark skies over the Wilds; it grew closer to Gwaren every day. After the battle of Ostagar refugees had fled to them for safety, mostly from Lothering, Merinwood and the few bordering villages, but there had been no-one for months now. Nor had there been any messengers recently, but Marcus had been able to stay in contact with Denerim via the Calling Crystal which was now based in his office under orders of the Teyrn who demanded weekly reports. He suspected the lack of people was to do with the Darkspawn scouting parties. Those at the Watchtowers had killed them easily at first, but as the darkness spread across the sky the groups increased in size. He had assigned more guards to deal with them; four soldiers to each watchtower along with ground patrols, but he did not like what was happening. The Darkspawn were clearly testing them though he had always thought them mindless beasts. He feared the force that would come to the walls when the dark skies reached them so he had begun to make arrangements, most of the farmers were still working, but they were still in a dangerous position, so he had arranged housing should they need to come within the walls, their animals already having been brought in, they could not afford their loss, especially if they found themselves under siege.

His main focus at the moment however, was finding out what had happened to the small shipment of Blight Preventative that had been delivered that morning by the Golden Wyvern, Gwaren's flagship. The small crate had been secured in the barracks to begin distribution once the inventory had been checked, but he had been called away with another urgent matter and on returning and unlocking the chest he had discovered the vials were gone. The lock had not been damaged so either a key had been used, or someone very skilled in lock picking had taken the vials. The Circle was making as much of the preventative as it could, but it was being distributed throughout Ferelden for the soldiers and militia. There had not been enough to give to every soldier in Gwaren, but it was a start, yet to find them all gone was something he was finding hard to understand. He glanced at Gawain who joined him. "What did you discover?"

"You are not going to like it."

"I didn't imagine I would. Was it one of our own?"

Gawain sighed and nodded. "Colin."

"Why?" Marcus demanded his frown deepening.

"His uncle persuaded him to do it apparently."

Fists clenching Marcus swore under his breath. "I might have known Lord Tyran would have been involved."

"It gets worse Captain."

"How much worse can it get; we just go over there and take the vials back."

"That is where it gets worse, there are none." He winced as Marcus cursed again. "He has apparently already distributed them to the nobility."

"Maker's breath! Even so there should be vials left over."

"All I know is Colin said there are none left."

"Damn him." Marcus roared, not caring in the least when those manning the wall glanced in their direction.

"Colin also reluctantly admitted to taking a vial himself." Gawain shifted uncomfortably as the captain's expression became murderous.

"He has, has he." Marcus growled. "We can't afford to lose anyone able to fight, otherwise he would no longer be a soldier, but make sure he is assigned to permanent patrol outside of the walls. He has protection he has denied others, that will be his consequence." Turning he hurried down the steps, Gawain followed behind him, Thomas and Philip joining them as he headed for the Lord's home. He was hard pressed to hold his temper when they were finally shown into the reception room and it was still several minutes before Lady Mave joined them apologising for her husband's delay and asking if they wished refreshments. Marcus declined as politely as he could, but by the time Tyran finally arrived, his son Michael standing behind him with a smug expression on his face, he was struggling to keep a civil tone.

"How can I help Marcus?" Tyran asked, looking slightly bored.

"The vials of the Blight Preventative were for those of us protecting Gwaren and you had them stolen."

"I do hope you have proof of that, such accusations can be dangerous."

"Your own nephew confessed his part in stealing the vials and said it was at your behest."

"Ah, the foolish young, when he mentioned the vials, I merely expressed the hope that there would be enough for all of us."

"I hear the nobility have all had a dose."

"I was under the impression they were spare vials and of course I was not going to turn them away."

"Well, you can all man the walls then." Marcus stated coldly.

Tyran smirked before realising the Guard Captain was being serious. "What nonsense is this, Marcus?"

"You took the preventative from the men and women who defend this city, so you can take their place."

Tyran paled. "We most certainly will not."

"And those vials that you did not hand out amongst the nobility, where are they?" Marcus snarled.

"You mean those marked for the elves, I disposed of them of course. Filthy knife ears have no business mixing with the guard, they have no right to the preventative."

"Those vials could have been used for the guards!" Marcus snapped.

"Marcus now you really are being ridiculous; who would take a vial meant for a knife ear."

"The Night Elves are more loyal and braver than you have ever been." Marcus snarled. "The Teyrn will hear of this."

Tyran watched the soldiers leave, turning to his wife and son. "Get packed, we are getting the first ship out of here."

Mave paled. "Tyran, this is our home."

"Besides, we should have been the first to get it." Michael added. "There was clearly some mistake and there is nothing they can do about it."

"You heard him; the bastard will have us fighting Darkspawn."

"They cannot do that!" Michael muttered.

"You do not know Loghain like I do." Tyran stated meeting his wife's alarmed gaze. "Get packed, I am going to get us passage on a ship to the Free Marches."

Michael watched his father leave turning to his mother. "But …"

"Do as your father has said dear."

Clenching his fists Michael ran up the stairs, he hated the Mac Tir's, he had never understood how a commoner even if he was a hero had been made a Teyrn. "My father should be Teyrn." He snarled. "And one day he will be, then those guards and those knife ears will know their place."

xXx

Marcus glanced up at the knock, surprised when Lord Brennon Tranford was shown in, putting the Calling Crystal back into its box having contacted Denerim and left his request to speak to Loghain. "Lord Tranford, what can I do for you?" He raised an eyebrow as eight vials were placed carefully on the desk.

"These are the vials given to my family and to Lord Turnwell's family. I swear to you Captain we had no idea they were not meant for us."

"Yet you didn't take them straight away."

Brennon shrugged. "Call it a healthy suspicion of anything that Tyran does, though I admit I suspected he wanted something from me I would be loath to give. I suppose he just wanted us all implicated in his idiocy."

"Thank you for bringing these to me."

"Of course, I just wish I could give you more. Perhaps these at least will give protection to those manning the watch towers." He shifted uncomfortably. "Though I am not presuming to tell you who to give them to."

"It is a good idea and will be considered my Lord."

"If there is anything I can do … well you know where I am."

"Thank you, my Lord." Marcus smiled slightly as he left and his gaze turned to the vials. He had always found Lord Tranford to be a good man and his actions now had simply confirmed that view. It wouldn't provide the protection that had been meant for Gwaren, but it would help.

xXx

Grabbing his bow Tolman pressed a soft kiss to Petra's forehead, the baby was due in a few weeks and she was beginning to feel tired most of the time, though of course she would never admit to it. "Please try to get some rest."

Smiling, Petra nodded though there were a hundred things she ought to be doing. "Be safe." She smiled as he kissed her before sighing softly as he left. She worried about him being on the wall with the Darkspawn scouts getting bolder of late. Still, he was one of the best archers and Gilon and Lyra would be on shift with him, that always made her feel better.

She dozed for an hour, waking to sharp pains in her abdomen. Rolling onto her side she maneuvered herself off the bed with a grunt of effort and managed to get into the living room as her water broke. "Of course you would come now." She gasped, trying to ignore her inner voice that told her the baby was coming too early. "Serin! Tara!" She groaned clutching a chair as the twins sleepily left their bedrooms, their eyes widening as they realised she was in pain. "Serin go and get Healer Sorel, quickly now, tell her the baby is coming. Tara, you go and fetch Rila."

Nodding the twins hurried to the door, casting worried glances back before they raced in different directions.

Petra gave a weak smile as moments later Tara returned with Rila who was the calming influence she desperately needed. Tolman's sister had been so supportive of her marriage to her brother and when she had discovered she was to be an aunt she had promised she would help in any way she could.

"And where is my dear brother?" Rila asked, helping to change her out of her wet nightdress and supporting her as she rubbed her back.

"On shift." Petra gasped a contraction taking her breath away.

"Well, it's for the best, men only panic and get in the way." She smiled as Sorel arrived, the pair good friends.

Clutching Sorel's hand, Petra groaned in pain. "The twins?"

"Don't worry about them, I brought my Cara with me, she will take them back to mine and keep them occupied."

"Thank you, Sorel."

"My pleasure, now let's concentrate on you."

"Isn't it too early?" Petra finally voiced the fear that had gripped her.

"Don't you worry Petra; your baby is going to be just fine."

xXx

Marcus returned to the wall feeling agitated. He had spoken to Loghain at length; the Teyrn was rightly furious, but had promised to get more vials to them as soon as they became available. As for Lord Tyran he would be dealt with once Loghain was free to return to Gwaren. He looked towards the Wilds hoping the noble would be stripped of his land and title. Despite the warm evening air, he felt a chill move down his spine, something was wrong. He glanced to the watchtowers moments later hearing the alarm bells of both watchtowers ringing before seeing a warning flare and then a second and then a third indicating three groups of Darkspawn. "Open the gates!" He roared as those living on the farms appeared racing for the safety granted by the wall, moments later those manning the towers following them. He glared into the darkness gripping the wall as Gawain and Tolman joined him, Gilon, Lyra, Thomas and Philip already in position. The gates were slammed shut as the last farmer and guard entered, the enemy finally coming into view. "Sweet Maker." The hideous forms of the Darkspawn came out of the darkness, more terrible than any nightmare. "Archers!" The city guards and the on-duty Night Elves readied themselves. "Fire!" He watched the burning arrows hit their targets, the tainted beings screeching and flailing as the arrows pierced them. Volley after volley were fired until he feared they would run out of arrows, sending Gawain to get every soldier in the barracks, though most were already there having heard the alarm bells ringing. He held his breath as silence fell and there was no further movement. He scanned the terrain between the wall and the beginning of the forest, but if any of the creatures had survived, they had retreated. Heart pounding, he maintained his watch with the rest of the soldiers and Night Elves, their agitation and anxiety only growing as time passed.

They waited an hour and then two, but nothing moved and no further Darkspawn approached. Turning he put together three teams, one to join those guards assigned to the watchtowers to make sure everything was clear, one team to search the farms and the third he would lead himself to dispose of the darkspawn. They had begun keeping wood on hand to burn the corpses to try and prevent any spread of the blight as well as burning the land they had died on hoping to stop the land itself from sickening. They worked quickly, but for now at least the Darkspawn seemed content to leave them be. Marcus watched the flames turn the corpses to ash, they were getting bolder and greater in number, he would have to decide who to give the preventative to and quickly. He cursed Tyran and the others for denying him the means to protect more of his people. His gaze moved to Colin as he moved bodies, the young man had discovered to his cost that his selfishness had lost him the respect and camaraderie of his fellow soldiers. Most were treating him as though he was not there. He would have to do something about it, but for the moment Colin could stew in the mess of his own making.

xXx

With the dawn Tolman headed home, surprised to see Rila making tea. "Sister?"

"Looks like you had a rough night."

"Another attack, the damn things are getting bolder."

"We heard the alarm bells. Well, I reckon I know something that will make you smile."

Tolman froze as he heard a soft cry, dropping his bow and hurrying into the bedroom, his eyes widening seeing Petra with a baby in her arms. "Petra! I … are you alright?"

Smiling, Petra nodded. "Tired and sore, but that is to be expected."

Tolman eased over to them, almost afraid to make any noise, pressing a soft kiss to Petra's cheek gazing at her with relief and love once he realised she really was alright. "Is … is our baby alright?"

"She is perfectly healthy. Would you like to hold her?"

Nodding Tolman gently cradled his daughter feeling his heart expand with love. "She's beautiful." He glanced at Petra smiling adoringly. "Like her mom."

Stifling a yawn Petra felt a burst of warmth as Tolman cradled their daughter humming softly to her. The pregnancy and birth had been far easier than she had expected, so much so that she would be happy to have more children if they were so blessed.

xXx

A few hours later the house was full, Rila's family had joined them, her children eager to meet their cousin. Solin and Malin had also arrived excited to see their niece and making sure the twins were behaving themselves.

Sitting on the edge of the bed Solin held his niece gazing at her with wonder. "She's beautiful Petra."

"I think so." Petra murmured, stifling a yawn, turning to Tolman smiling as she realized his gaze had never left his daughter. "Sweetheart, would you get me some tea and something to eat?"

"Of course." He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, one to his daughter's and left the room glancing back a slightly dazed look on his face.

Solin grinned. "I think this little one is going to be spoiled by her father."

"By her uncle too if the look on your face is any indication."

"Maybe." Solin murmured. "I really am glad you talked us into coming here, it was the best decision we ever made, despite the Darkspawn."

Smiling, Petra nodded completely agreeing.

Tolman hummed softly as he made the tea and buttered some bread, his smile widening as Rila joined him.

"A father at last, I was beginning to wonder if I would ever see the day when you would be married and have a family of your own."

"I wondered that myself."

"Well, you know I adore Petra and now the little one." She smiled happily. "A little ray of hope in this dark time and no mistake."

Smiling Tolman headed back to the bedroom, he had never imagined being so happy and he would do whatever he had to, to keep his family safe.

xXx

As night descended on Hightown the nobility made their way to Lady Cybil's mansion for one of her extravagant evenings. She was a woman of refined taste, always providing the most delicious food, expensive wines and beautifully played music. There was dancing, gossip and occasionally intrigue, everything to keep the nobility occupied. Leandra took a slow sip of wine smiling at her hostess. Over the months since Lady Cybil had taken her under her wing, she had felt the years fall off her, reunions with old friends had brought laughter back into her life and a sense of stability she craved. She felt her cheeks flush as she realised Cybil was discreetly gesturing towards Lord Marcus who was approaching, smiling as he filled her glass, that merry twinkle in his eyes making her heart thump. She felt the flush deepen, she had thought him dull when they were children and with her betrothal to Guillaume de Launcet before she had met Malcolm, she had not looked at him as anything other than a friend. Now things had changed and before she realised what was happening, he was leading her out to the garden. She felt the cool breeze drift against her cheeks, trembling as his hand gently clasped hers.

"I realise I am being bold." Marcus stated softly. "But I believe I must tell you my feelings before I miss another chance. I was unable to tell you how much I adored you in our younger years because you were betrothed to Guillaume and may I say if I had been betrothed to him, I would have probably run off as well and the excitement of running off with a mage, I would never have been so bold. But we are both widowers and I have to tell you in all these years I have never stopped thinking about you." He hesitated as she paled. "Forgive me I have spoken poorly, I did not mean to presume, but …"

"No …" Leandra stated gently squeezing his hand. "I was just not expecting this."

Marcus smiled broadly. "Then perhaps you will accept this as a token of my affection."

Accepting the rose she couldn't help imagining a life of luxury, being with someone who wasn't constantly looking over his shoulder. They spent the evening talking and dancing and to her barely concealed delight at the end of the evening Marcus escorted her home. Her heart still pounding from their brief kiss as she shut the door behind her; she sighed realising Bethany was waiting for her, hands on hips, a frown on her face. "Bethany dear, you should be resting."

"I am pregnant, not ill Mother and you kissed him!" She snapped, pointing her finger accusingly.

"That my dear is my business."

"Have you forgotten you have a husband!"

"It was his idea to go and live at that awful mine and have me tell people he died."

"Because it isn't safe for him and it's your fault we came here!"

Leandra straightened her shoulders. "I brought us where we have family."

"You brought us to where you had family! You didn't care about the danger my father would face, or me!"

"Bethany, how can you say that?"

"You just wanted to return to your fancy parties and fine clothes and forget our life. Maker, you even talk differently! Well, we might have had to move and it might have been scary at times, but we were happy as a family and then you drag us here and want to erase that!"

"Bethany that is enough!" Leandra snapped. "Your father made his choice. I will not sit in this house and have no life because he chooses not to have one."

Bethany shook her head. "Family used to mean everything to you."

"You do mean everything to me."

"Well just so you know the moment this Blight is over I am going back to Ferelden."

"Bethany, you have a new life here."

"Alistair is my life! He and our child are my family!"

Leandra sighed. "Bethany, you know I adore Alistair, but he is a Warden now and there is no leaving the Order. Lady Cybil has a nephew whose wife died in an unfortunate accident and he longs for a family. He would ensure you a good life and accept your child as his own."

Bethany felt the rage tear through her. "I am married to Alistair! My child is Alistair's!" She yelled. "Alistair will come home to me and we will be a family again. He is all I want and if you dare interfere, I will never speak to you again." Tears slipping down her cheeks she turned and stormed into her room slamming the door behind her.

Sighing, Leandra headed upstairs to her own room sitting in front of the mirror and brushing out her hair. How could they not see she wanted to provide them a better life. Sophia was a darling of course, but she did not wish to rely on her and she had already done so much for them. Cleaning off the makeup she gazed at herself, seeing the lines and grey hair that reminded her of the hardships she had faced. Marcus was still a good-looking man, independently wealthy and fun to be with. She hadn't wanted to face the end of her marriage before, but as she thought of Marcus she smiled and allowed herself to imagine the life she hoped he was offering.

xXx

Slumping onto the bed Sophia gave a soft sigh and blew out the candle. She had heard the argument between Bethany and Leandra, it wasn't the first and was unlikely to be the last. Her body ached and her mind was exhausted, the mine was working but it was never without trouble and many of the refugees resented the work despite the accommodation, healthcare and coin that came with it. She initially thought of them as ungrateful, but they had fled their homes, their livelihoods, many had lost families and their complaints usually came from bitterness and grief. At least she felt she had made the right decision in hiring Iona as their housekeeper. While she had been a previous lady in waiting for Lady Landra in Ferelden she like many others had fled the blight with her daughter Amethyne and was desperate for work. There was more to her story she believed, a fear in Iona's eyes that suggested more than just fleeing the Blight, perhaps in time she would find out what it was, but for now it was enough to be able to provide work and a roof over their heads. She went through the exercises of tensing her muscles and relaxing them, concentrating on the physical sensation to still her chaotic whirl of thoughts, finally closing her eyes and surrendering to sleep.

It was nearing midnight when Sophia was woken by what she thought was a scream. She sat still listening and was just about to lay back down when she heard it again followed by a mabari howling, throwing off the covers and racing out of the room almost colliding with Anders they raced to Bethany's room realising her waters had broken.

"I'm not having this baby until Alistair gets here!" Bethany declared; her face flushed.

Anders gently took her hand. "Bethany, you don't have a choice in this, the baby is coming and is coming now!"

"I can't! Not without Ali, he needs to be here."

"Right now, you need to concentrate on your baby."

Tears slipped down her face. "I miss him so much."

"I know, but you have a piece of him with you. Don't you want to say hello?"

Bethany gazed at him and grasped his hand. "I love you Anders."

Grinning, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "I love you too."

"I will go and get your mum." Sophia stated, hurrying from the room almost bumping into Iona.

"Is Lady Bethany in labour?"

"Yes, would you be a dear and get fresh sheets. Anders is with her and I am just going to get her mother." Hurrying up the stairs Sophia knocked at the door waiting impatiently. Knocking a second and third time before pushing the door open frowning to find Leandra still fast asleep. "Too much wine for you tonight aunt." She murmured hurrying over to the bed and shaking her none too gently.

Finally waking Leandra yawned loudly, surprised to see Sophia. "Is something wrong dear?"

"Bethany is in labour."

Grabbing her dressing gown from the chair Leandra hurried after Sophia wishing she hadn't indulged in so much wine. "Oh, Bethany darling."

"Mom!" Bethany sobbed, groaning in pain clutching her mother's hand.

"Deep breaths sweetheart."

"I want Alistair!" Bethany gasped.

"I know you do darling, but you need to concentrate on you and your baby."

An hour passed and then two, Bethany slumping against Sophia and her mother in exhaustion.

"You are doing well." Anders soothed. "Just a little longer."

"I want Alistair!" She wept, tears streaming down her face.

Sighing, Leandra gently brushed damp hair from Bethany's forehead. "Oh Bethany."

Bethany glared at her mother feeling a surge of anger. "You just want me to forget him like you are forgetting dad. Well, I won't! I love Ali and I am going to wait for him. He will come for me and our baby, he will."

"Bethany, we can discuss this later."

"I am Ali's wife and I will never give up on him and I will never marry anyone else, ever!" She turned to Sophia, startled as she gripped her hand.

"Bethany, I know how much you miss Ali, but you need to be here right now."

"He should be here." She whimpered. "What if he is hurt, or worse!"

"Hush now, don't think like that." Sophia soothed.

"I can't do this without him!" Bethany sobbed.

"Bethany you can do anything and we are all here for you and when this Blight is over I will do everything I can to help you find him, but for right now your focus has to be on your baby, Ali needs you to focus on that right now."

"I can see the head, Bethany you have to push now."

Bethany screamed in pain as she bore down, grasping onto Sophia and her mother.

"Almost there." Anders encouraged, gently grasping the baby.

Giving a final push, Bethany waited what seemed an eternity before she finally heard a cry.

"You have a son." Anders grinned, gently putting the baby into Bethany's arms.

"Oh, he's beautiful." Sophia gasped.

Bethany gazed at her son, feeling her heart overwhelmed with love. "He looks like Ali." She whispered.

Leandra gazed at her grandson feeling an ache in her heart, his looks would certainly be a constant reminder to Bethany of her lost husband and convincing her she needed to re-marry would be a far more difficult task.

Moments later Bethany moaned in pain with another contraction.

Iona, who had remained quietly in the background, quickly moved to take the baby.

Anders raised an eyebrow. "Bethany, I need you to push again, you have another baby on the way."

Bethany stared at Anders in shock. "Twins, but I wasn't big enough for twins!"

"I think the second baby was tucked behind the first; I need you to push Bethany."

Exhausted and in pain Bethany gritted her teeth and bore down, clutching the sheets as contractions tore at her.

"One last push Bethany." Anders urged.

Sweat dripping from her forehead, hands gripping tighter she pushed, sobbing in relief when the pain eased and she heard the cry of her second child.

Anders gave her a wonderful smile and gently passed her the baby girl. "She's beautiful and perfectly healthy, just a little smaller than her brother."

Bethany gave a choked laugh gazing at her daughter; tears of happiness slipped down her face. "We weren't expecting you, but I am so happy you're here."

Leandra took the baby as the afterbirth came away, Sophia helping Bethany to change into a clean nightdress while Iona changed the bedclothes.

Finally comfortable, Anders having used a little healing magic while Iona took away the soiled clothing and bed clothes, Bethany held her children in awe. "Your daddy is so sorry he isn't here, but he is helping to save us all and he'll come home, he will, I promise."

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed.