DISCLAIMER: I base my stories on Intellectual Property (IP) owned by BioWare™ and EA™. I pretend to live in their world.
SPOILERS: I refer to information from the games, the novels and the comics. If you have not played or read, please beware.
A SONG IN THE STILLNESS
Chapter 7: All the Fathers
9:31 Dragon, Harvestmere === Vigil's Keep
In his study at Vigil's Keep, Nathaniel leaned back in his chair, swirling his wine in its glass as a servant refilled Liam's. Nate enjoyed seeing how the light from the fire reflected in the fine Antivan glasses he had inherited. At least he could take pleasure in a few things from his Howe past. He turned his attention to his guest, seated across from him by the fire. Liam had arrived with news from Denerim, reinforcements for the Vigil's Warden Outpost, and company for the ride west. Liam would turn off for Dragon's Peak at Drydenton, while Nate rode on with his guard to Higheverport, Pippa, and his son, Thom.
He finally felt comfortable leaving Vigil's Keep in Varel's capable hands. While not all threats from the darkspawn had gone away, the improvements made by Voldrik Glavonak and his dwarven workforce above ground, in the basements, and in the ancient Deep Roads, had left the keep stronger than it had stood for centuries. Darkspawn still roamed Amaranthine, but the Vigil had been secured. Nate had sent Voldrik to Amaranthine to work his magic there, thinking that the old walls could use reinforcing and the underground smugglers' passage he had used to enter and conquer the city needed secure gates to keep out darkspawn or any other invaders. Now, for the first time since Bloomingtide, he believed Amaranthine secure enough to leave it and visit Pippa and his son in Higheverport, but, as he had explained when Liam asked, not secure enough to let Pippa and baby Thomas visit him here.
Between the Wending Woods, and the strange darkspawn they had discovered there, and the Black Marsh, and the spirit he and Taina had brought back in a dead warden's body, Nate didn't feel complacent about Amaranthine's safety, but the darkspawn were not a problem he could solve. That was why Liam had arrived.
"Taina, Anders, Daveth and the other wardens seem unaffected by whatever this Architect did in the mine in the Wending Wood," Liam said. "He took their blood, but they escaped before he took enough to kill them. As they discovered, our Nevarran friends fared far worse. They found only remains as they chased the Architect through the mine tunnels.
"Sadly, the Architect escaped as well. We'll need to find him. He's…well, this isn't the first I've heard of him. Senior Enchanter Fiona met him when she made an excursion into the Deep Roads twenty or so years ago. At least I think it's the same darkspawn she described. I certainly hope there aren't two of him."
"She met him?"
"Very long story, Nate. King Maric and Warden Duncan had the pleasure too. They all barely escaped."
"I vaguely remember talk of King Maric's travels. Loghain rescued him from Kinloch Hold, didn't he?"
Liam grimaced. "As I said, long story and…" he shrugged, "the tale involves warden secrets."
Nate sighed, understanding that however close he and Liam became there would always be secrets. "What's next?"
"Taina and Colum are working on a plan to find the Architect, as well as what to do with our spirit of Justice. He's…it's pretty close to an abomination in my book. I've known mages who have links with spirits, but the spirits remain in the Fade, they don't cross the veil and take up residence in a dead, or worse, live body."
"Should I worry?"
"No. It is a spirit of Justice, not a demon." At least not yet, although I believe that a spirit can become corrupted. I've never heard of a Vengeance demon, but this may become my first. "I don't think you need to call the templars yet. It can fight. Let's let it help us get rid of the darkspawn first."
The two men settled into a companionable silence. Satinalia approached, but the celebrations at the Vigil would be quiet. In Higheverport, however, Pippa intended to hold the traditional festivities, including boar, beef, and pigs roasting in the city squares where the city folk would eat, drink and dance. Delilah planned similar festivities in Amaranthine, despite remaining vigilant against darkspawn.
Having left his decision to travel away from the Vigil so late, Nate planned on spending Satinalia with Delilah and Albert, which would give him a chance to check on Amaranthine City's defenses. Voldrik and his dwarves would work through the holiday to close off any underground passages and strengthen the city's walls. Thirty Hrothgar's Wrath soldiers remained, bolstering the city's guard. Should the worst befall the city, local galleys and cogs stood ready to evacuate the civilians. Delilah and Albert encouraged, almost ordered him, to go join Pippa and baby Thomas when Liam announced he had to leave a few days into the month of Firstfall. I'll go, but it won't stop me worrying.
A few days later, from the porch of the Warden's Rest, Liam watched the Amaranthine troops escorting Nate disappear around the bend leading west from Drydenton. Anders had joined him when they left Vigil's Keep, while Taina, Daveth and Jowan had remained behind with the wardens assisting Nathaniel's troops against the darkspawn and with Colum, who was almost recovered from his earlier wounds.
No one, aside from Anders, knew Liam would soon become a father. Visiting Avernus, assessing the status of the Peak itself, and securing more of the new Joining potion provided believable reasons for Liam and Anders to visit the warden's fortress.
I'd like to confide in Nate, but I'm not sure how the Old God's soul will reveal itself in this child. It's too early to confide in anyone. He stared into the forest surrounding the village's single street.Except Alistair. I hope Morrigan spoke with him. It will be good to see him and just talk. He turned and entered the inn, the smell of venison stew reminding him how hungry he felt. He and Anders would leave with their Dryden guide in the morning,
9:31 Dragon, Firstfall === Soldier's Peak
Over time, many at Soldier's Peak became aware of the woman, the pregnant woman, staying in what they called the Mage's Tower. Sigrun, Levi, and a few others spoke with Morrigan, particularly after Alistair left, since she had been seen talking with him. Sigrun had, at Morrigan's request, led her through the basements, showing her the rooms she and Alistair had found. When they went to the docks, Morrigan understood how Alistair had escaped. She had not been able to comprehend why Alistair would leave Soldier's Peak for Ferelden, and risk being seen and recognized, but from here he could take ship and escape anywhere. She surprised herself by silently wishing him well, thinking that it's what Mel would have wanted.
Morrigan only entered the main keep late at night to use the library or search the basement storage areas for any arcane supplies, mostly rare ingredients for potions. Avernus had some suggestions on where to look, recalling items stored long ago. Alistair and Sigrun had found most of the lyrium, but other dried plants, crushed minerals, and desiccated animal parts remained in vials and sealed pots. Gradually, she transferred everything she found to storage cabinets in Avernus' Tower.
Firstfall brought snow and Morrigan worried to herself that it would delay Liam, but he had already entered the tunnels before the storm began. He strode across the courtyard and up the stairs to the Keep, meeting Levi Dryden in the entry. After Levi assured him Morrigan rested in her apartment in the Tower, Liam asked to see Alistair.
"I'm sorry, Warden-Commander, but Ser Alun left. We haven't seen him since Satinalia Eve." Levi Dryden spoke to Liam as he led the Commander to his official rooms. "He left no note, no message for anyone, but took all his things. We searched, but found no trail to follow."
"Could he have gotten lost in the caves?" Liam asked.
"Not likely. He and that elf friend of his learned those passages, but," he held up a hand to forestall the comment he expected, "we sent Warden Sigrun to search, both the caves and Deep Roads beneath the fortress. She found nothing."
Assuring Levi he needed no further help on his way back to the main floor, Liam dropped his belongings in his room in the main keep and set off, on his own, to find the way Avernus' tower. Unsure of how to get from his room to the bridge connecting Keep to Tower, he moved slowly, surprised by the improvements the Dryden's had made. Peering into rooms through open doorways, Liam saw neatly kempt bed chambers, well stocked linen closets, clean privies, and full storage rooms. Treading in the worn depressions of each step in the circular stairways between floors, he stepped out into the second floor, where they had fought Sophia Dryden's demon and the others which had manifested in the great hall. The main rooms now served as the wardens' dining hall with three rows of long trestle tables, empty in the afternoon dusk. Tonight, he would have to greet his wardens over supper, but he had other business to attend to first. From here he could find his way. He walked through the rooms and out onto the bridge that led to Avernus and Morrigan.
Before he could knock on the door to the Tower, it opened.
"I saw you from the window," Morrigan said.
Liam smirked. "Lucky you looked out at just at that moment."
"T'is quite fortuitous," Morrigan agreed, as she pulled him inside the vestibule, out of sight of both Avernus and any external onlooker. "I am happy to see you, Liam."
He grinned, cupped her face in his hands, and leaned down to kiss her. Their tongues entwined, sparred, and finally, as their breath ran out, separated. "I'd hug you, but-."
"-yes, t'would be difficult to get your arms all the way around. Not to mention the kicking." She pushed him back, so that he could see the cloth of her gown twitch with each small kick or punch.
He laughed out loud and cupped her cheek again. "I missed you both."
"And I you. More than I expected, to be honest."
"Good," he said, grinning.
She sniffed. "Smug, as always."
"I love you too, Morrigan."
Frowning, she pressed her lips together. "I know. And I…care for you." She stopped. "Liam, I need to tell you about Alistair." She nodded towards the stairway and her apartment on the floor above.
Surprised, Liam followed her up the stairs. "What about him?" Liam asked as they climbed. "Levi Dryden said he'd left. Disappeared."
"He did," Morrigan said as she took a seat on the settee by the small hearth. "I told him about Kieran, and how the ritual saved his life, as you wished. We had a…friendly…conversation, but he remained quite doleful. It seems he missed the elf, Zevran, and felt very alone. I…perhaps I should have written to you."
"You don't think he took his own life?"
"No. No, I believe he ran away." She pulled a note from her pocket. "Besides, I found this slipped under the door to the Tower." She continued before he could read it. "He said he had no purpose here and that he lived a lie. He left on Satinalia ensuring no one noticed for several days. Sigrun mentioned that he sometimes wrote to a dwarf in Kirkwall, to order supplies, and small boats - galleys I believe they're called - stop at the dock. I think he called for a ship and left on it. It could take him anywhere. I'm not sure you could have helped, since no one can know he lives. Perhaps he went in search of Zevran."
"Or to find a place where he could be himself, or more himself than he could here."
"Will you search?"
"No. He's no longer a warden, so he won't attract Weisshaupt's attention. I'll need to tell Anders, but no one else need know. He has no desire to be known in Ferelden, so he won't call himself Ser Alistair Theirin, or even Ser Alistair. He'll be Ser Alun or some other name, but on his terms."
Liam read the note, written in Alistair's hand, which said he had taken the supply of Blight pills Fergus had provided for the Peak. It asked Morrigan to tell Liam.
"You're right. He must plan on living, if he's using Blight pills," Liam mused. "Maybe he can build a life. I wish him well."
The two sat side by side, Liam's arm draped around Morrigan's shoulders, while his other hand rested on her belly, feeling the movements of his son.
x==========x
Preferring to remain in the Tower, Morrigan convinced Liam and Anders to prepare their bedroom for her lying in with a birthing chair and all necessary supplies. At the same time Liam had moved all his belongings to the Mage's Tower, confirming Levi's suspicions that the child Morrigan carried was his. A week after his arrival, Liam found himself pacing around the small sitting room in Morrigan's Tower apartment. Some hours before, when Morrigan's water had broken, Liam had awakened Anders, sleeping in his room on the floor above them, while Morrigan had sent the mid-wife's servant to the Keep to fetch her mistress.
As Liam watched, the Dryden mid-wife, a first cousin of Levi's, and her assistant gathered towels from the cupboard, set a pot to warming over the hearth, and put the birthing chair in the center of the room over a rush mat. Morrigan paced the circumference of the room as the others worked, pushing him away when he tried to assist. Soon after, Anders had banished him from the bedroom, telling him he would call if he needed magical assistance.
"So, the time has come?" A raspy voice had said from the doorway.
Liam had turned to find the other mage staring at him. "Yes, but I seem unnecessary for the moment."
"Perhaps you could help me, Warden-Commander," Avernus intoned. "I could use the assistance of another mage in your lady's absence." He walked into the sitting room. "No, you don't have to leave. I want to go over some new findings and see what you think. I'm close to creating a potion that will not only be a safer for Joinings, but slow the advance of the taint and, effectively, delay Callings. For most, it will mean wardens live a normal life span of three score years or more. Eventually I hope to extend the Calling beyond all but the most long-lived."
Liam would never have picked Avernus as his companion while he waited for Morrigan to give birth, but the old mage sat quietly by the fire, occasionally encouraging Liam to sit, take a sip of wine, and speaking about his most recent discovery. Discussing the new Joining potion did distract Liam from his worrying.
"Can existing wardens take this potion? Will it delay their Calling?"
"More recent wardens, say those who joined within the last five to ten years, yes. It may not be as effective, since it will start from a later stage in the progression, but it will work. For those who joined more than ten years ago, the benefit will diminish quickly relative to the years since their Joining. The potion uses some rare ingredients, so, despite having so much Archdemon blood, we cannot make large quantities."
"We benefit from sensing darkspawn," Liam said, staring at the fire, "and that skill increases as the taint spreads. Will that change?" He looked at Avernus, eyebrows raised.
"I don't know, Commander. I would postulate the slower progression would include a slower buildup of that ability. Everything has its cost."
They both looked at the closed door when a particularly loud groan sounded. Liam picked up the notes, when no one emerged from the birthing chamber. Still distracted, Liam forced himself to review the notes Avernus laid before him, some in the old mage's scrawl and the rest in Morrigan's precise hand. Felandaris he had heard of, but amarita vein and vandal aria he had not. He wondered how he could gather more of these rare herbs. Engrossed in the descriptions, he did not look up until moans, grunts and a few epithets came from the bed chamber. At first, a quiet period followed and he returned to his reading, but after a time, the quiet stretches grew shorter. Finally, Anders appeared at the door and motioned him in.
Morrigan, sweat dripping off her chin, and tendrils of dark hair plastered to her brow, squatted in the birthing chair, eyes closed and head leaning back against the head rest. Her belly glistened from the oils the midwife and her assistant had applied to encourage contractions.
"Go stand by your wife and hold her hand," Anders barked, not hiding his annoyance. "She wants you here for the birth, but move when we say so and don't try to help."
Nodding, Liam moved to Morrigan's left, taking her hand and standing just behind the chair. She gave a slight smile as he rubbed her fingers.
"I want you to see him born, Liam," she whispered. "T'is only fair, as you were there at his conception."
Liam leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Thank you, love. I'm here."
As he spoke another contraction built. Liam recognized the signs, having attended births in the Circle Tower, but did nothing more than let Morrigan squeeze his hand. The grunts, groans and occasional guttural yell followed as the young woman pushed, her head straining forward as the muscles corded in her neck. Anders cast healing and rejuvenation spells, but let the mid-wife tend to the mother and babe. The assistant dipped a cloth in cool water and wiped Morrigan's face, neck and chest.
"I can see the head, my lady," the midwife reported, as the contraction subsided. "The next contraction will come quickly. Push when I tell you."
Morrigan grunted her agreement and leaned back against the head rest. The midwife's prediction proved true and the babe, a boy as Morrigan had foretold, dropped into the midwife's waiting hands. His cry followed along with a huge grin on the face of his father. Laying the baby in Morrigan's arms, the cord still attached, the midwife gave the new mother a few moments to cuddle with her son. Liam bent over the two, rubbing the baby's brow with two fingers.
"Welcome, Kieran," he said to his son, as Morrigan smiled.
"He's a good size, my lady," the midwife said softly. "Not so big as to damage you, but not too small to thrive once your milk's come in."
Measuring the width of four fingers, the midwife tied a piece of twine tightly around the umbilical cord, cut it and, gently taking him from Morrigan, handed the baby to her assistant who washed him and then gently cleaned its gums with honey, to increase its appetite. She dried him with fine linen and wrapped him tightly in swaddling bands so he would not move or scratch himself. Liam continued to hold Morrigan's hand as the midwife massaged Morrigan's belly with more oil, tugged lightly on the cord and delivered the placenta. As the assistant brought the babe back to her mother, the midwife began to clean Morrigan with cloths soaked in warm, herb infused water; inspect her for tears, which Anders would heal; and, using soft cloths and moss to absorb the bleeding that followed birth, put on her smalls and tie them at either hip.
"'Tis done then?" Morrigan asked. "All the afterbirth has been expelled."
Both the mid-wife and Anders nodded. "I've scanned for unusual bleeding and remains, but found none," Anders assured her.
"I agree," said the mid-wife.
Liam sponged Morrigan's back and neck as she leaned forward in the birthing chair, still holding the baby. He then helped her stand and led her to their bed. Morrigan crawled into the bed with the assistant's help, while Liam held Kieran, murmuring to him. Once settled, Morrigan took the babe and held him to her breast. A frown creased her brow when Kieran did not immediately latch on to her proffered nipple.
"Now, my lady, sometimes it takes a few tries," the mid-wife said. "May I help?"
Still frowning, Morrigan nodded as the midwife shifted the baby's position, explaining as she did. "Turn your baby's whole body toward you, chest to chest, and touch his upper lip with your nipple." As Morrigan settled Kieran into that position he opened his mouth wide. The midwife raised Morrigan's breast, holding it for support as his mouth covered not just the nipple but much of the areola. Morrigan slipped her hand beneath the breast, replacing the midwife's as Kieran began to suck. This first feeding lasted only a few minutes, but before it ended Morrigan's entranced expression told Liam she would care deeply for their son.
Later, the baby would be placed in a wooden cradle next to the mother's bed in a dark corner, where the light would not hurt his eyes. As Morrigan drifted to sleep in their bed, Liam rocked the baby to sleep. Keeping to Fereldan customs, the baby would remain securely swaddled until he was old enough to sit up, although Liam knew Morrigan would insist on several hours of unbundling each day. He would be bathed, changed, and rubbed with rose oil every three turns of the glass by the servant Morrigan had agreed would attend them. Once cleaned, however, Morrigan would feed him, rejecting every suggestion that a wet nurse be engaged.
Pulling Liam aside, the midwife assured him that several Dryden women nursed and could step in should the need arise. They watched Morrigan cradle Kieran as he fed, making soft suckling noises.
"She will not need help," the midwife said, "but we will keep watch and find someone if I'm wrong."
9:31 Dragon, Firstfall === Higheverport
Leaving Liam and Anders in Drydenton, Nate and his troops marched on to Higheverport and his family. That he did not join them for Satinalia had disappointed Pippa, but ensuring the successful celebrations in the city had taken much of her time, as Nate had hoped, leaving little for regrets. Unlike Morrigan, Pippa had engaged a wet nurse and helper to care for Thomas when she had to fulfill responsibilities elsewhere. She recalled her mother saying that Teyrna Eleanor had breastfed both Fergus and Melysande, but always with the help of a wet nurse. She decided to do the same, finding comfort and pleasure in bonding with her son, especially given Nate's necessary absences.
The Satinalia celebrations had succeeded, much to her delight. While memories of those lost during the Howe attack and occupation remained, most folk had found solace in the remembrances, not sorrow. A surprise, just before the holiday, had been the influx of a group of refugee elves, freed from a Tevinter slave ship. Since the elves had been in the hold, the circumstances of the rescue, apparently by another ship, had not been clear; the ship had departed before Pippa or her guard captain could question the ship's captain or record its name. The elves had come with coin and skills, so she and Hahren Cordelian welcomed them to an Alienage and city that needed newcomers. Aemilia had taken the young weavers and spinners to the loom house and spinnery, putting them to work right away, while placing their babies and toddlers in the crèche or nursery, close enough to visit, but far enough away to dim the clacking of the looms. Several of the less skilled newcomers joined the caregivers in the crèche, providing familiar faces for the children. Nelaros had apprenticed three of the young men who had some smithing experience. The others, men, women and children, settled into their new home and would find work as the other elves and humans discovered their skills.
With the holiday over, Pippa's focus turned back to her family. Caring for baby Thom, who, at almost three months, smiled and gurgled as she told him stories, ensuring cook had the ingredients for Nate's favorite foods, and altering a few winter gowns to fit her larger breasts took up most of her time. She hoped for a long visit, believing the wardens would rid Amaranthine of darkspawn without Nate's presence.
With all the troubles in Amaranthine, and with Fergus spending so much time in Denerim, leaving Pippa to administer the whole of Highever, Nate and Pippa's separations had been longer than either had expected when they first married. Duty came first, but they missed each other as friends and lovers. Nate had sent a bird when he left Amaranthine, but she could only guess at when he would arrive. He had not seen Thomas in almost seven weeks.
9:31 Dragon, Firstfall === Denerim
Almost three now, Queen Elin Theirin sat on her grandfather's lap as he told her a story. Anora and Eleanor, sitting across from the pair, exchanged smiles, as Loghain regaled his granddaughter with a story of dragons and magic, not battles or betrayals. A young queen called Elin, advised by a wise red-bird called Martin, always seemed to be the heroine of the story, exploring the magic forests which covered most of her realm, where trees walked, animals talked, and fairies popped from behind bushes and logs. The queen rescued lost dogs, kittens, and children from real and imagined dangers. Usually, Loghain would ask his granddaughter what the make-believe Queen Elin or her subjects might find fearsome and weave the story around Elin's answer, often asking for her opinion on how to solve a problem, much as he had a done with the boy, Alistair, when they rode out together. His stories had avoided darkspawn, but tackled spiders, and lost children, dogs and kittens, a boat floating away with no oars, and strange tribes who turned out to be friendly. Anora had asked Elin, who picked the name of the red-bird adviser, why she named him Martin, but Elin only said she liked the name.
Amidst the usual bedtime protests, Anora took Elin to her room for a final story and bed. Eleanor observed Loghain's expression as he watched his daughter and granddaughter leave.
"It's a different kind of love, isn't it?" she asked softly.
"Like nothing I've felt before," he agreed. "All I have to do is love her."
Eleanor smiled. "And refrain from too much spoiling."
He laughed. "And that."
"When will you take her to the sparring yard?"
"Ah, you heard that? I try to only mention bows when I tell her stories, but she keeps asking about swords." He frowned. "Anora heard too?"
The queen had resisted Elin's requests for a sword and visit to the sparring yard to watch the guard and wardens. Loghain had respected his daughter's wishes, but had secretly acquired a tiny bow. He thought he had a better chance of convincing Anora to let Elin learn to shoot, but had not yet broached the subject.
"I have a small bow for her. Should I ask Anora? I thought learning to shoot might divert her from all the sword questions." He had often come to Eleanor for advice when Anora was young, but not since.
"Anora would accept the bow sooner than a blade, I think, but maybe learning a few simple forms? That's how Lys began. Oriana held Oren back and Fergus honored her wishes, but learning the bow and forms at three didn't hurt Lys…or Pippa, who joined her."
"Anora got her first bow at about that age too. No forms, but the bow." He smiled. "Thank you. You've always given me good advice, Eleanor, even when I failed to follow it."
"Sometimes giving advice is easier than taking it or seeing what you need to do yourself, Loghain. We've all fallen into the trap of limited vision."
"All too often in my case, I fear." He saw the slight frown crease her forehead and shrugged. "I can't forgive myself, but you're right, it sounds like whining. I'll stop."
Eleanor laughed, softly. "That we're sitting her talking, just as we did years ago, is a sign we're both healing, my friend. I'll miss our evenings, while I'm in Cumberland, but a visit to my cousin Samuel at House Haris will help grow Gwaren's trade with the rest of Thedas, as well as Amaranthine's. Better I go than Pippa. Nate and her son," she pressed her lips together briefly, "and Fergus, all need her here."
9:31 Dragon, Firstfall === In Areth, by way of Cumberland
Traveling north to Amaranthine and taking the galley cousin Sam had sent proved a quicker route to Cumberland than leaving by sea from Denerim. The captain of the galley, Estrid, had given up her own cabin to Eleanor during the trip west across the Waking Sea despite the dowager Teyrna's protests. Estrid did join her for meals, however, and the two struck up a friendship when Eleanor admitted to being the Seawolf.
Arriving in Cumberland, Eleanor made her way to the Haris compound undisguised, where, to her surprise, her sister met her. She had wondered at Sam's insistence that she come to Cumberland, but had not expected Olivia to be the reason. All Liv would say was that she had a surprise for Eleanor in Areth. Once Sam assured her that he agreed to all the plans for setting up a small Haris outpost in Gwaren, she acquiesced to Liv's entreaties.
"Oh, let's go and get this over with, Liv, although I can't imagine what could be so important in Areth that I need to come right away."
Liv just smiled.
x==========x
Lys decided to remain at the townhouse while Liv went to get her mother. She did not want her reunion witnessed by every eye in the Traveler's Council lounge. Maric and Kai smiled at each other as Lys paced around the deck, went back into the house to pee and get more water, sat briefly trying to read on the couch in the cooler living area, and then returned to pace on the deck.
"I know. I'm not making anything happen more quickly. I just-"
Kai got up and took Lys' hand, knowing her friend still did not feel comfortable with hugs or touching. She knew, now, from what little Reina had told her on shipboard, that the Tevinter mage, Nicephorus, had put her under a sleep spell ensuring she would not notice if others entered the room she shared with Lys. On those nights, which Lys refused to discuss, whatever Thomas had done had made Lys even more fearful of being touched. Reina had refused to say any more, only assuring her that Thomas had not harmed the baby. It's Lys story to tell, not mine, Reina had said.
"-you're anxious and you'll have to tell your story again."
"No, I won't this time. I've written it all down, well most of it, like I did with Castle Cousland. Mum can read it and then we'll talk. It's easier. You can tell her whatever you like, as well. You saw things I didn't." Lys squeezed Kai's hand and pulled hers away, turning to Maric. "You'll have to tell your story, Maric. I could only write about meeting you. It will be a lot for Mum to take in."
As the former king nodded his assent, Felix jumped off the chaise where he had lain at Maric's feet, and ran towards the front door.
Lys stiffened, rubbed her belly, and murmured, "Maker, I hope I'm doing the right thing for us, little one." Kai remained at her side, while Maric stayed seated. They heard Olivia tell Eleanor to leave her things and go out to deck, where she promised to join her, bringing cool drinks and a snack. A sheer curtain covered the window on the inside, so, while Eleanor could make out two figures, she could not yet tell who they were. She walked to the open slider and stopped short.
An elf, a rare sight in Areth, and a very pregnant young woman stood by the far railing of the deck, shaded by the branches of the copper beech in the yard beyond. Both were barefoot and wore form-fitting leggings and colorful tunics. A leather belt encircled the elf's tunic, resting on her slender hips. The human woman's tunic hung loose, rising in the front around a very large belly, on which the woman's left hand rested. The thought that they looked just like Kailian and Melysande refused to leave Eleanor's head, even as she kept telling herself that it could not be true. At least she did, until the pregnant woman spoke.
"Mum?" Lys took a few steps towards Eleanor. "Mum, it's me. I'm not dead. I can explain."
Eleanor shook her head, as if to release it from its disbelief. "Lys!" She stepped forward arms out and Lys let herself be enveloped in her mother's hug. She stiffened, but Eleanor never noticed, and she made herself relax and hug her mother back as she began to cry. "Mum, we're fine. Now. We're here and safe." Her tears blended with Eleanor's the two stood, embracing, until Lys said. "Um, Mum. There's someone else you need to see."
Eleanor stepped away, as Olivia joined them carrying a large tray. She saw a man rise from the chaise longue near the table and help Liv set out the glasses, pitcher or cold tea, and snacks.
She recovered her voice more quickly than she had when she first saw Lys and Kai, but remained wide-eyed as she said, "Your Majesty?"
"No," the man answered with a grin, as Eleanor's mouth opened, "just Maric, former king if you must, but a simple man here. It's good to see you Eleanor." He walked over to her and held out his hands. She looked at him, mouth closing, and took his hands in hers. "I'm sorry," he said, "Sorry for everything. Your losses. Mine." He looked at Kai and Lys. "We each have a story to tell, although they intersect in the end." He grinned then. "Unless Lys' babe decides to come sooner than we expect, we'll have time to tell our tales and answer your questions before you become a grandmother again."
Eleanor eyed her daughter. "Is it-"
"-Ali's? Yes. Maric will be a grandfather…again. And, well, Fiona knows too," Lys explained, "and she's coming too, as the baby's other grandmother. Mum, for reasons that will become clear, you can't tell anyone else. Not Fergus, not Anora, not Loghain, not Pippa…no one. Maybe one day, but not now. Only Sam, Fiona, and two other people in Thedas know we live. It must stay that way. Will you promise?"
Eleanor looked from Lys to Kai to Maric to Olivia and they all had the same serious, intent expressions, which told her that all of them agreed with her daughter…her adult, pregnant daughter who needed to protect a fatherless infant.
"Would the Grey Wardens try to take Alistair's child? Or the Orlesians?" she asked.
"Orlesians would. Why not? He has the same Theirin blood Alistair did. Also, Tevinters, as Maric will explain," Lys said. "Mum, I need your promise."
"I promise," Eleanor said, grateful that Lys and Maric had chosen to include her in their little world and thinking that she could change their minds later. "To all of you. I will tell no one without your permission."
Lys breathed a sigh and smiled again. "Let's eat then. I'm hungry and we can begin our stories." She looked at Maric.
He nodded, his smile almost a grimace. "I've been elected to go first, since my encounter with Rendon Howe's perfidy came first and had the most aftereffects."
It took another day for Eleanor to read, hear, question, and believe everything that had transpired since the Final Battle ended the Blight. She even had some news to add, relating how Nathaniel had found the fortress, after chasing darkspawn through the tunnel connecting it to Vigil's Keep. She explained how the wardens had found the women in the prison, safe, but hungry and thirsty. They had confirmed the existence of a ship, revealed that Thomas had a pregnant wife, and explained that the fortress had provided a haven for Rendon and then Thomas' elven slave breeding business.
"How did Nate take it?" Lys said.
"Hard," Eleanor replied, confirming Lys' fears. "It's worse, because Amaranthine has suffered the worst of this Thaw. There seem to be two darkspawn armies fighting each other and ravaging the countryside. Worse, one of the armies is led by talking, intelligent darkspawn."
"Talking?" Kai's eyes widened. "The alphas grunt and point and give orders, but they don't talk."
Eleanor raised her eyebrows, shrugging, and said, "These do. Nate, Taina, Daveth, Anders, Oghren and others have all heard darkspawn talk."
Lys and Kai exchanged glances. "That's horrific." Lys said.
"But there's nothing we can do," Kai said, emphatically. "You have a baby to birth."
Lys smiled. "I'm not running back, Kai. It's no longer our duty. Liam and Nate can handle it and I'm sure the regents and Loghain will help?" She looked at her mother.
"Whatever needs to be done will be done," she assured them.
x==========x
As it happened, Fiona arrived just as Lys began to go into labor. She had completed the one-day orientation to Areth, accompanied by Olivia, but had not completely adjusted to the strange surroundings when Olivia piled them all into a large GoundZIP and transported them to the birthing center. Maric, Fiona, Eleanor, Kailian, and Olivia all joined Lys in her birthing chamber where she would go through labor and, all hoped, give birth to a healthy baby boy.
Eleanor and Fiona inspected the room with great interest. Eleanor, as she told Fiona, had always given birth in Fereldan, although an Arethian mid-wife, Marian, had been present along with Nyla, the Cousland's mage healer. To Fiona, it was all new. Eleanor explained what she could of the devices which monitored the well-being of both the mother and baby. Lys' doctor and nurses came and went, checking on her contractions' duration and spacing and how much she had dilated. Kai sat by her side or walked with her, determined to be present throughout, since Alistair could not.
To everyone's relief, labor proceeded normally, if a bit more slowly than Lys would have liked, as dilation seemed to slow a couple centimeters shy of ten. Kai remained at her side, coaching, giving her ice and sponging her face, neck, back, and chest. Her mum and Fiona remained in the room, while Maric and Olivia brought food and water or just checked in from a waiting area on the same floor.
"It's a good thing I'm not much of a healer," Fiona said to Eleanor, "or I think I'd be frustrated at this point, not having any magic."
"Does it hurt or bother you, having no magic?"
Fiona shook her head. "It's as if I've run out of mana, so I can feel the lack, but it's not disturbing or painful. It's calming, in some ways. Mana buzzes, although I never realized it before. It's a quiet sensation, but always present. Here there's silence. Maybe other mages would hate that absence, but I don't. I would at home, but not here." She looked at Lys as the young woman grunted loudly and pushed. "Maybe it's just that other magic is happening and mine doesn't matter."
Eleanor took the mage's hand and they held on to each other as they watched Lys give birth.
Cleaned, his first feeding over, and his family gathered around him, baby William, or Will, opened his eyes to find two grandmothers, a great-aunt, a grandfather and an honorary elven aunt all staring down at him. Fiona, Eleanor and Maric all looked at each other.
"He does, doesn't he?" Eleanor asked Fiona.
"He does what, Mum?" Lys asked, cradling her son.
"He looks just like his father," Fiona said softly. "He could be Alistair's twin."
Lys bit her lower lip, but when she blinked, tears seeped out and ran down her cheeks. "He would have loved being a father," she whispered. "He would have been such a good one."
A/N: Thank you for reading and to those of you who reviewed, favorited or gave kudos. Thanks to my wonderful betas Kira Tamarion and Elyssa Cousland whose efforts make this a better story. Any errors are mine. I hope you continue to read and enjoy.