Chapter 22
Everyone applauded and cheered as Teagan and Marlena had one arm wrapped around the each other and the other around little Rowan.
"Can we have cake now?" Rowan asked
Teagan and Marlena laughed.
"I'll take her." Britta said as Teagan handed Rowan to her after kissing her. "And I'll make sure she eats more than cake. Congratulations."
"Thank you Britta." Teagan said, still looking at Marlena as he pulled her close to him.
"Well Arlessa Marlena Guerrin, shall we go celebrate with our family and friends?"
"I guess we should my husband." Marlena caressed his cheek. "It would be quite rude if we simply…ran off."
"Yes but it would certainly be fun for us." Teagan gave her a wicked grin.
As they made their way back inside to the ballroom, Teagan and Marlena were greeted by more cheers.
The music started as they waved to the crowd, making their way to the middle of the room where they started to dance.
"What is it Lena?"
"I'm just happy Teagan. I feel free and unburdened for the first time since….in ages. I am just looking forward to our life together with Rowan, and the baby."
"This is only the beginning Lena." Teagan promised. "Now let us celebrate."
Fergus came up to them and whisked Marlena away as Sandra took Teagan's hand.
"As brother of the bride, I get the next dance."
Marlena laughed as she watched Sandra and Teagan dancing and looked at her brother.
"My little sister, I am so happy for you. "We have come a long way."
"Fergus, I know its Oren's birthday tomorrow."
"He would have been fourteen." Fergus let out a wistful sigh. "Sandra reminded me. We are going to the memorial tomorrow with Bryce."
"And Teagan and I will come as well. We're not leaving for a few days. I want us to spend the time as a family."
"I'm blessed to have you as my sister." Fergus kissed Marlena on the cheek.
…..
The celebration went on to the late evening hours. Marlena danced with everyone she promised a dance to as Teagan looked on with amusement and pride. He no longer felt insecure. Marlena was his wife now and he couldn't help but grin at seeing the envy some of the men had.
Marlena was surprised when Zevran and Leliana accepted Teagan's job proposal of overseeing the winery and Rainesfere. Zevran already had knowledge of brandy making and Leliana had an old friend who worked in the wineries in Nevarra. Teagan was also intrigued with the idea of branching out into brandy making.
"The last several months of Antiva, with the rioting and unrest has given us pause to reflect." Leliana said. "It will be nice to be where it's quiet and peaceful. I just want to be away from all of that debauchery. I'll be able to work on my music and poetry."
"No more parties?" Marlena asked in a teasing tone. "And what about those….special parties?"
"Stop acting all innocent now Marlee." Zevran said as he put his arm around Leliana. "I do recall you enjoying yourself as well."
"And did you reveal that part of your past to Teagan?" Leliana teased.
"Lena told me everything." Teagan took Marlena's hand as he joined them. "And I'm not offended."
"See Leliana, I told you Teagan was not your typical frigid Ferelden." Zevran said. "He probably enjoyed Marlena's stories.
Marlena tried to stifle a yawn but Teagan saw the remnants of it.
"I think its time we call it a day, most of the guests have departed." Teagan put an arm around Marlena. "You look exhausted, my love."
"I am a bit tired but happy." Marlena yawned.
"You two are positively adorable." Leliana gushed.
"I'll see you in the morning." Marlena kissed Zevran embraced Leliana then walked over to Fergus and Sandra, giving them both hugs.
Marlena yawned again and Teagan took her hand and led out of the room.
…
Marlena yawned as Teagan helped her undo her dress.
"Teagan I am so sorry for ruining the night, I know you wanted…."
"No." Teagan cupped her face with his hands. "You need not be sorry. Its been a glorious day. I am rather exhausted myself. I'm just happy that I will be waking up with you beside me again. Not having you with me last night was torturous. We will have other nights to…. ravish each other."
"I missed you too." Marlena smiled.
"I want you to get plenty of rest for when we travel back to Redcliffe. I have also mapped it out that we will stay at a few inns at so you won't be burdened with camping."
"Teagan, you have forgotten that I have traveled from Redcliffe to Denerim on foot. We will be traveling by carriage so it should not take as long."
"You're carrying my child. I just want you to be comfortable."
"I know." Marlena kissed him. "You have to forgive me. I am just not accustomed to being taken care of."
"Well you better get used to it." Teagan kissed her back.
Teagan helped her into bed and crawled beside her. Pulling the covers over them, he let out a contended sigh when feeling her arm on his chest.
…
"Eeeeemun!"
"What in the Maker did you say to her Jonah?" The man paced around as the woman wailed in the distance.
"I just said the man who sold us the supplies said that Eamon Guerrin passed away several months ago and she lost it."
"You fool! She was married to Eamon."
"We could just kill her."
"No. It will be a long journey but she's going to lead us to Redcliffe. We can kill her after we get some of the riches."
"Paul! Can't you shut her up?"
"No Jonah. You riled her up, you do it."
Paul watched as Jonah went over to Isolde and struck her. She fell to the ground, the blow instantly quieting her. Picking her up, Jonah placed her on the bedroll.
"Eamon." Isolde muttered.
"If we come across a mage, we'll get some potions or perhaps a spell to make Isolde more agreeable."
"What did Isolde do anyway?" Jonah asked. "I was housed in the other wing."
"I overheard the priests say she murdered Teagan Guerrin's wife, his son, and several other people. She did it while they were sleeping. Eamon's brother survived and was paralyzed. Eamon kept it secret apparently until she escaped from another asylum. "
"Why did she kill them?"
"Why do you think? She's blooming out of her mind!"
"I can see that."
"I heard Isolde killed them because she thought she was saving them from mages. She had a real problem with the mages at the asylum."
"Why were you in the asylum?" Jonah looked at Paul.
"I could ask you the same thing."
"I ran with this gang and they finally caught me. They ran out of room at the prison I was at and I got into altercation with the one of the guards before I was sent here. I bit part of his ear off."
"Charming." Paul laughed.
"What did you do?"
"I castrated the man who bedded my wife."
"Your wife committed adultery?"
"She's dead now. Heartless bitch."
"But you don't look…insane."
"My wife would have told you differently as she took her last breath. My stay at the asylum was meant to be temporary. I was waiting to be sent to prison when the riot and fire broke out. They ran out of room in your wing so they stuck me with the lunatics."
"You killed two people."
"I may have killed two people but I did not hear any strange voices and I didn't bite someone's ear off."
"Alright! You made your point!" Jonah grumbled. "What's the plan?"
"Its simple. We go to Redcliffe, loot what's inside and then we head to Antiva."
"So you're telling me, we are simply going to enter there?" Jonah laughed.
"I didn't say it was going to be easy." Paul laughed. "And I have a feeling we will find some willing help along the way."
"Maybe we might come across those apostates willing to help for cut." Jonah looked down at Isolde.
"And they can help keep an eye on her."
…..
Marlena opened her eyes and clutched her stomach. They had been on the road for two days but for the first time felt truly sick.
Turning briefly to see the lake they were passing by, Marlena shook Teagan awake.
"Lena?"
"Stop the carriage."
"Are you alright?"
"Stop the sodding carriage!"
"You heard the arlessa." Teagan commanded.
The carriage had only stopped a few seconds when Marlena got out. Covering her mouth with one hand and lifting her skirt with the other, she ran towards the bank of the lake.
Remembering how sick Kaitlyn would get during the first few months when she was expecting, Teagan stepped out of the carriage.
"Everything is alright. Let's rest for a bit."
"Papa, where did Mama go?" Rowan asked as she ran to him. She had been riding with Britta in the other carriage and he could see the fear in her eyes.
"You mother is fine darling." Teagan picked her up and kissed her. "She just needed to stretch her legs."
"Bah!" Britta grumbled as she took Rowan. "I knew this was going to happen. Give this to your wife, its chamomile water with a bit of ginger. It will calm her down and soothe her stomach."
"Thank you Britta." Teagan took the canteen and made his way toward the lake.
He found Marlena splashing water on her face.
"Lena."
"Don't look at me!" Marlena covered her face with her hands. "I am so mortified!"
"Oh Lena," Teagan put his arm around her. "You don't need to feel that way in front of me. You're having a baby. Didn't you get sick…the last time?"
"Not to this bad."
"Britta gave me this. She said it will calm you and settle your stomach."
Marlena took the canteen from Teagan.
"Kaitlyn used to get very ill but then after a few weeks it went away and then she was healthy and comfortable."
"Teagan, I've seen things that no man or woman should ever see. I've killed hundreds of darkspawn, three high dragons, & several broodmothers including one who retained its sense of reasoning. I killed a sentient darkspawn who wanted Grey Warden blood. I should not get sick!"
"You also happen to be free of this taint now because of your last pregnancy Lena. You have a child growing inside of you. You are not going to be in control as much as you'd like to be." Teagan could not help but chuckle.
"I just never wanted…."
"You don't have to be embarrassed in front of me Lena. And you have to let me take care of you."
Marlena took a sip from the canteen and sighed. "You're right."
"There is a small township with an inn about fifteen miles from here. We'll get a room and one for Britta and Rowan. You can have a bath and get some rest in bed."
"Alright but I expect you to share the bath with me."
"Oh believe me, that was part of the plan." Teagan brushed the hair from neck and gave her a kiss and quick little nibble. "Are you well enough to head back to the carriage?"
"I'm feeling much better."
"Good. Rowan is worried about you."
"Oh no! We better get back; I don't want to upset her." Marlena took a sip from the canteen and let Teagan help stand up.
"We only have about six more days of traveling and if the Maker continues to bless us with good weather, we will be in Redcliffe."
Marlena looked and Teagan and saw the worry on his face. She also noticed he did not refer to Redcliffe as home. This would be his first time in Redcliffe since Isolde killed Kaitlyn and his son. Glancing at Teagan again, Marlena vowed to help him move forward and make Redcliffe into a home once again.
After hugging Rowan and giving Britta an embrace. Teagan helped Marlena back in the carriage and they road off.
…..
A week later a huge crowd greeted them as they arrived in Redcliffe.
Marlena could not believe how the village has changed. The buildings near the square were all painted white and the chantry look rebuilt and fortified. The square even had small flower garden around it.
"Welcome home your grace." Mother Hannah smiled before turning to Marlena. "And welcome home to you as well my lady. It warmed my heart when hearing of your return to Ferelden and how you helped our arl. And the Maker blessed the both of you when you found each other. May you both have a wonderful life."
"Indeed He did." Teagan put his arm around Marlena. "And thank you."
"Yes. Thank you Mother Hannah."
"I trust you both will be attending the weekly service?"
Marlena and Teagan both look at each other.
"Of course we will after we get settled and return from the Circle."
"You are going to the Circle?" Hannah raised a brow.
"Yes I am. We are going to see Connor." Teagan glared at her. "And just so you know, Connor is not Eamon's son. He is mine. Isolde slipped a sleep potion in my wine years ago out of desperation. I was not made aware until after his birth."
Marlena could hear the gasps from the crowd.
"I am so sorry your grace." Hannah looked at him mournfully. "May the Maker have mercy on Isolde's soul for all the sins she has committed."
"Never utter that name in my presence again." Teagan seethed. "That woman is rotting in an asylum where she belongs. Now if you excuse me I want to confer with Murdock."
"I'll be right back." Teagan kissed Marlena and walked over to Murdock.
"I'm sorry Mother Hannah." Marlena looked at her apologetically.
"It's alright. Teagan lost a lot. I just thank the Maker for bringing you to him and his daughter. And you're having a baby. Redcliffe is going to see so much joy again."
"Actually, we will be going to Rainesfere in a couple of months. Teagan wants me to give birth there."
"You will be returning though?"
"Of course. We will come back after a few months after the birth."
"That's good to hear. I'm just happy to see all of you here. Redcliffe needs its arl and arlessa."
"Thank you Mother Hannah. Teagan just needs some time."
"Yes of course and please know I am always available to talk my dear. I'm well aware of what you have lost as well."
"Thank you." Marlena took Mother Hannah's hand, squeezing it briefly before going to Teagan.
After chatting with the villagers and showing off Rowan, Teagan and Marlena rode to the castle where they met with their staff and slowly settled in.
….
Marlena sat on the bed and smiled. All the furniture she ordered was exactly where it should be. The nursery and Rowan's room adjoined theirs and the location of Britta's room gave her easy access. The whole castle was refurnished and there was not one single reminder of Isolde's insanity, except for that closed off wing.
Getting into bed, Marlena struggled to keep her eyes open and sighed with relief when Teagan came in.
"Everything alright?"
"I just had to sign a few contracts to sign." Teagan said while adding wood to the fire.
Undoing his robe, he crawled into bed beside her.
"How are you feeling?"
"I feel wonderful. That remedy Britta makes has done wonders and it's good to be home."
"We will go to the Circle next week. They bought the Spoiled Princess Inn so we can stay overnight."
"The Circle bought that inn?"
"Yes and all the land surrounding it, a great deal has changed since you've been here."
"I can see that. Redcliffe looks absolutely beautiful."
"That was Kaitlyn's doing." Teagan said softly.
"It's lovely." Marlena snuggled against him. "I think some benches at the square would be a nice touch."
"You are the arlessa now. And if you want benches for the square then I will see to it." Teagan kissed her.
"You are going to be seeing Connor next week Teagan. How do you feel?"
"I'm terrified Lena. It's been so long since I've seen him. What if he hates me?"
"He's not going to hate you Teagan. Connor is as much of a victim of Isolde as you are. I know you love him. I saw how much you loved him back when he possessed by that demon."
"I'm just relieved you will be there with me."
"Of course I'll be there. We may not be related by blood but he is my son, in the same sense Rowan is my daughter. Connor may have to live at the Circle but I'm sure as he gets older, he will be allowed to visit us. I want him to get to know Rowan and his future sibling."
Marlena smiled when feeling Teagan's hand caress her belly. "The swell in your belly is getting more…noticeable."
"You just want to see me all big and swollen, filled with your child."
"You are going to look even more beautiful than you already are. And I cannot wait to see our child."
Marlena closed her eyes and laid her arm against his chest. "I can't wait either."
Teagan watched as Marlena closed her eyes and drift off to sleep.
…..
A week later, Teagan and Marlena embarked for the Circle.
"Are you feeling alright?" Teagan looked at her and touched her belly.
"I'm fine." Marlena took his hand.
"What am I going to say to him Lena?" Marlena could see the worry in his eyes.
"Just speak from your heart Teagan."
"I love you and I am so lucky to have you by my side."
"I love you too."
Marlena took his hand and they enjoyed the beauty of the day.