Chapter 23

Marlena was amazed to see how much the area has changed when they pulled up by the Spoiled Princess Inn. The area was around the inn was now landscaped and there were mages and Templars walking about.

"Let's settle in our room before going over there." Teagan took her hand as the driver set their bags down.

"I can't believe how different the area looks. It looks so clean and pretty."

"The Circle made some changes when they bought the land." Teagan said as he gazed at the tower.

Marlena saw the apprehension in Teagan's eyes.

"Let's get our room."

Marlena took Teagan's hand and they went inside.

….

Two hours later as the boat pulled up to shore, Teagan stepped out and helped Marlena up.

"Are you alright? It was a bit choppy out there."

"I just need to sit down."

Teagan put his arm around her and as they walked to the entrance, Marlena noticed the grounds around the tower were landscaped. There was even a vegetable garden.

When they got inside Marlena immediately sat on the bench that was by the door.

"Can we get some help here?" Teagan called.

Greagoir appeared from the hall and went up to them

"Arl Teagan…Commander…I mean Arlessa Marlena, Wynne said you would be coming. Is everything alright?"

"Can I possibly get some aid for my wife? She is with child and the boat ride was hard on her."

"Wynne is currently holding a class and will be down shortly with Connor. I'll have one of the servants bring some tea; we also have a sitting room now for visitors. Please follow me."

"Thank you Greagoir. It's good to see you."

"Likewise. Lady Marlena." Greagoir bowed his head.

"Thank you Commander Greagoir." Teagan said. "I trust since reading my letters, you understand the situation."

"Yes I have your grace. I was both saddened and shocked by the news. I can assure you however that Connor is getting the best care and instruction here and we have kept the revelation of his parentage confidential so you could talk with him."

"I appreciate that."

"And as for you Lady Marlena, it seems the Maker does indeed work in mysterious ways. May you be blessed with a healthy and happy child."

"Thank you."

After Greagoir excused himself, Marlena made herself comfortable in the chair.

"Teagan sit down."

"I need to get some air. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Teagan kissed Marlena and quickly left the room.

Marlena closed her eyes and didn't see Wynne come in, holding a tray.

"Hello Marlena."

"Wynne!"

She opened her eyes and saw Wynne smiling at her.

"Greagoir told me you were looking a bit…ill."

Wynne pulled a chair closer to Marlena and placed a hand on her belly.

"It was bit rough coming here."

Marlena let out a contended sigh when feel a gentle coolness envelope her.

"Have you gotten ill recently?"

"Two days into the trip I got really sick. Our nanny, Britta gave me Chamomile water with ginger. After that it was not as bad."

"That is a most excellent remedy. May I ask if you got ill the…last time?"

"I was sick a little bit but not to the same extent. I also get tired far more easily then the last time."

"Your baby is healthy Marlena. The heartbeat is strong. I think the taint was giving you an enormous amount of endurance the first time."

"I actually didn't feel much different until near the end."

"Your baby gave you a second chance."

"He did." Marlena briefly looked away." " And I am never going to forget him for that. I presume Fiona told you about the other female warden who got pregnant and lost her abilities."

"Yes she did and mentioned the decision any female recruit has to make before they take the Joining."

"I am so glad that part of my life is over with. And I hate that I am partly responsible for what female recruits have to go through. "

"You should not blame yourself for something that you did not expect to happen. You shattered a lot of assumptions and considering what I heard about the Weisshaupt Wardens, it's a wonder how you dealt with them. They obviously still live like it's the first blight."

"Indeed they do." Marlena chuckled. "Thank the Maker I no longer have to deal with them! I told Nathaniel and the other Wardens they could write me, if they needed help on anything and I said they could visit."

"I'm sure Teagan loved that."

"Teagan knows my priorities are being a wife, mother, and arlessa. He understands the Grey Wardens will always be a part of who I am and does not mind if I keep in touch with letters."

"You're very lucky. Most men would feel…threatened."

"I'm the lucky one. Teagan doesn't treat me like I'm sort of savior. He takes care of me and to him I'm just Marlena, his wife and mother to his children."

"Speaking of Teagan, where is he?"

"Teagan went out to get some air. He's terrified Wynne. He thinks Connor is going to hate him."

"Connor is just as frightened."

"How is he?"

"Connor is an exceptionally gifted young man. He's coping rather well and even helps with the younger apprentices. And there he is."

Marlena turned to see who Wynne was looking at and watched a young man walk inside."

"Connor!" Marlena gasped.

He was close sixteen now and Marlena could see Teagan in him, especially in the eyes.

"Hello Marlee." Connor gave her a shy smile.

"Its so good to see you Connor, you've grown into a very handsome young man." Marlena got up and gave him a hug.

Shocked, Connor embraced her back.

"Did Uncle…I mean my father come?"

"He's outside getting some air and will be in shortly."

"He hates me for what happened to Kaitlyn and Michael doesn't he?"

"How did you know I was your father?"

Marlena turned to see a stunned Teagan standing in the doorway.

Slowly he walked in and towards Connor.

"It was easy to figure out after learning what mother did. I look more like you than…Eamon. And he just stopped writing as much near…the end. And then I saw how I was conceived in my dreams. I'm sorry…Father. I'm sorry for what mother did. If you don't want to see me again…I understand."

Connor looked away.

"What your mother did was not your fault. I regret so many things. The minute I discovered the truth I should have said something. And after what happened, I should have never waited so long to see you. And I could never hate you. You were the only reason I visited Redcliffe so often."

Marlena wiped the tears from her eyes as she watched Teagan and Connor look at each other as father and son for the first time.

"Would you like some time to talk?" Marlena got up from her chair.

"I'll take Marlena to my study where we will have some tea." Wynne offered.

"You don't mind love?" Teagan stood up and put his arms around her.

"Of course not. Take as long as you need."

"Thank you." Teagan kissed her. "It won't be long."

"Let's go." Wynne took Marlena's hand and they left room leaving Teagan and his son to get reacquainted.

…

Teagan and Connor sat across from each other and stared at each other in silence for a long time.

Connor's hair had gotten darker since Teagan had last seen him and he could actually see a bit of himself in him, especially in the eyes.

"You've grown up so much and I have missed so much of your life."

"I don't blame you…Unc…I mean Father. I just wish I could have done something to have stopped mother."

"You are not to blame for what Isolde did and I thank the Maker you were safe at the Circle where she could not hurt you."

"I received a letter from Eamon after he died." Connor reached into his pocket and handed Teagan a folded piece of parchment. "He told me he was sorry for everything and for denying you the right of being my father."

Teagan read the letter and handed it back to him. "When Eamon learned he was dying, he became the man he once was Connor. And despite what he did, I know he loved you as if you were his own. We should remember the times when he was not gripped by his greed or ambition. He was the one who had Marlena come back…to help me."

"And you fell in love with her."

"I did not intend to. I was just existing, did not care about anything and spent all that time in Rainesfere just waiting to die. Lena came to help with the winery but she did so much more. She forced me to walk again, gave me my life again. She lost a child because of Eamon and his machinations drove her out of Ferelden. We were two broken people who found each other."

"I like her."

"I'm glad you do because we both want you to be part of the family. You have a sister who deserves to know her big brother and another sibling on the way."

"But…don't I have to stay at the Circle?"

"We will visit and you will do the same. I am sure I can come up with a compromise that will please Greagoir."

"You would do that?" Connor's eye's widened.

"Of course I will. You are my son. I want to make up for the time we lost."

"I'd like that. I…want to meet my sister and my little brother."

"Little brother?" Teagan looked at Connor.

"Marlena is going to have a boy." Connor said with a certainty that Teagan had never encountered before.

"Connor lets just keep this between ourselves. I think Lena wants to be surprised."

"I will."

"So tell me about your studies."

"They're good. I like history and literature when I am not engaged in magical studies."

"I understand you favor the schools of Creation and Sprit."

"Yes. I want to help people and there is so much we don't know about the Fade."

"I'm proud of you Connor. I see you doing great things in your future."

"Thank you."

"How about we go find Wynne and Lena."

"I want to talk to Marlee about mages in the Grey Wardens."

"She will be more than happy to answer any questions."

Teagan stood up and looked at Connor.

"I am so happy I came to see you."

"I'm glad you came." Connor gave a relieved smile

Teagan reached out and hugged him. "This is going to be a new beginning for all of us."

"I'll show you where Wynne's study is."

Smiling they both left the room, both feeling more free from the past that chained them.

….

"I love the landscaping around the tower and the areas around the Spoiled Princess Inn." Marlena said between sips of tea. "The area has really changed."

"The changes have also made the mages happier. They have the freedom to stroll about the grounds now. Its amazing what a little sunlight can do for one's constitution."

"The mages look for relaxed and at peace. Teagan wanted to discuss arranging visits for Connor while we are here."

"I think…that can be arranged." Wynne said with a cautious smile.

Marlena set her cup down and looked at Wynne. "Good. Teagan and I want him to be a part of the family even if only on a limited basis considering he is a mage. We want him to get to know his sister and his new sibling."

"I think knowing that his family cares about him, will help him thrive."

"Teagan has never had a problem with Connor being a mage and wants to make up for all the time lost. Isolde and Eamon denied him the right of being a father to Connor."

"I'll never understand why Eamon did what he did." Wynne sighed. "At least he is answering to the Maker but what about Isolde? What happened to her?"

"I heard she was sent to some asylum that is hundreds of miles away."

"Do you get any reports or letters from the asylum on her care?"

"All I know is Eamon paid a huge amount of gold for her care after she escaped from the first asylum. Teagan has no idea where she is and doesn't care if she lives or dies."

"Its just good that she's locked away where she can't hurt anyone."

"Amen to that."

Marlena looked at Wynne and smiled. "This is nice, talking like this I mean."

"Yes. I missed you too."

"I was wondering…if you could take a small leave from the Circle around the time of the birth."

"Marlena if you are asking me to be there when your baby comes, I will be honored."

"I can't forget what happened Wynne but I can forgive. I want someone I can…trust. I know you will take good care of me when the time comes."

"Indeed I will." Wynne promised.

"Thank you."

"No Marlena. Thank you." Wynne took Marlena's hand and gently squeezed it before refreshing her cup.

"So, how do you think Alistair likes Fiona?"

"She certainly does not put up with his whining." Wynne laughed. "I think she's very good for him."

"I want him to be happy Wynne."

"I know you do. He just needs time."

"He's a good king. Ferelden is going to be a better place with all the changes he's made."

"I agree. It's just that he needs to believe in himself."

Connor appeared in the doorway and sat down on the chair across from them.

"Wynne would you go help my father? He is talking with Greagoir about arranging visits."

"Oh dear!" Wynne got up from her chair. "I better go rescue him. We'll be back shortly."

Connor looked at Marlena then helped himself to cookie.

"I guess…you are my mother now." Connor smiled shyly.

"Connor, if you don't feel comfortable calling me mother, it's perfectly alright. You can call me Marlee if you so choose. I want you to be part of the family and I want us to be friends."

"Why does your father call you Pup?"

"How…did you know that?"

"I saw him in the Fade."

"You…saw my father?"

Marlena wiped the tears from her eyes and went back to a moment during her childhood when she would follow Fergus around like a puppy. He was at the age where he wanted nothing to do with her but she would always pester him. Her father and mother would laugh at her antics while Fergus would always be frustrated. One day her father swept her up in his arms.

"Come on pup. Leave your brother be for now."

Her father took her to the kitchen where they both enjoyed some apple cinnamon cake. The nickname stayed and her relationship with Fergus improved as she got older.

"I didn't mean to make you cry Marlee."

"It's alright Connor." Marlena smiled. "Thank you for telling me and to answer your question, I got the nickname because I used follow Fergus around like a puppy."

"You use to follow around your brother?" Connor's eyes widened in shock.

"I wasn't always how I am Connor." Marlena laughed. "I nearly drove Fergus mad with the way I pestered him."

"Do you think Rowan will like me when I get to meet her?"

"Of course! When she gets older, she will write to you when you aren't visiting. And your new brother or sister will love you as well."

"What do you want? A boy or a girl?"

"Connor I just want a healthy baby, I don't care whether it's a boy or girl."

Marlena was picking a cookie from the plate and did not notice the small, knowing smile that formed on Connor's face.

"Is it true the Grey Warden mages wear pants when they are traveling?"

Marlena looked at Connor and saw his eagerness as he waited for her answer.

"Yes they do. The Warden Mages wear leather breeches, a simple shirt, and a cloak. There is an insignia embroidered on the cloak that identifies them as a mage and a warden."

"I'd like to see that."

"Would you like it if I arranged for a Warden Mage visit the Circle? I know they are building an outpost in Orzammar, they could stop at the Circle."

"You would do that for me?"

"Of course I would!" Marlena smiled. "You don't want to wear a robe do you?"

"No. I don't. And I don't see why mages can't wear different clothes when they are traveling."

"I'll tell you what. Once we get back to Redcliffe, I will compose a letter to Greagoir and the First Enchanter. I am not going to guarantee this will work, but in the letter I will point out the benefits of different attire for the mages and how they will not lose their identity by wearing it."

"Thank you Marlee!" Connor got up from his chair and hugged her. "You are the best! I just know they will listen to you!"

"You're welcome Connor." Marlena hugged him.

Teagan and Wynne came in the room as they were hugging.

"What did I miss?"

"Marlee is going to help me with something."

"Really?" Teagan kissed Marlena and put his arm around her.

"So did you straighten everything out with Greagoir?"

"Yes we did thanks to Wynne's intervention." Teagan gave Wynne a relieved look. "Thank you."

"All it took was a little compromise." Wynne smiled.

"What kind of compromise?"

"There is going to be some Templars stationed at the Chantry."

"Mother Hannah will certainly like that."

"Indeed she will. I'm just happy that Connor will be allowed the occasional visit to Redcliffe. He said no to Rainesfere but Wynne said she will change his mind."

"I'm not guaranteeing anything Teagan but I will try."

"We will have to come back to the Tower tomorrow morning before we head back to Redcliffe so I can sign some papers."

"That's wonderful. We can visit with Connor some more."

"Not to chase you out but its getting late and the last boat ride back to shore is in twenty minutes." Wynne said.

"We better get on our way." Teagan turned to Connor. "We'll see you tomorrow morning." Teagan said as he hugged him.

"See you tomorrow Father, Marlee." Connor smiled.

"Goodbye Connor." Marlee reached down and kissed him on the cheek before giving Wynne a hug.

Teagan took Marlena's hand and they left room.

….

Outside the tower entrance, Teagan put his arms around Marlena and kissed her softly at first but his tongue caressed her bottom lip asking for an entrance. She parted her lips and their tongues met for a long rapturous kiss that signaled what was to come this evening in their room at the inn.

"Well you are certainly happy."

Teagan looked over to the lake and saw that the boat was about halfway to the shore.

"I feel so foolish for being nervous."

"Yes you should be." Marlena teased.

"Alright alright!" Teagan chuckled. "You made your point. What are you going to help him with?"

"Your son is a free thinker. He knew that the Grey Warden mages wear breeches when they are out in the field. He does not want to wear a robe when becoming a full mage. I am going to compose a letter to Greagoir and the First Enchanter as well as arrange for one of mage Wardens to stop by the Circle."

"You don't know how much it meant to see the two of you hug and the fact that you plan to help him with this. Just when I thought I couldn't love you anymore than I already do. You go and do this."

"I've always cared about Connor. He's part of my family now. And I believe the mages need to change."

"You always have been persuasive Lena." Teagan pulled her against him.

The sound of the boat master whistling signaled the boat was coming to shore.

"Let's go back to the inn where I can show you how persuasive I can be." Marlena said as she kissed him before buttoning his coat.

After helping Marlena with her cloak, Teagan kissed her back. "I can't wait."

Braving the early evening chill, they headed to the boat arm in arm.

….

Isolde sat quietly by the fire as Paul and Jonah looked on.

"It's taking forever to get to Redcliffe." Jonah griped.

"We can't risk taking the main roads for long periods. People will know about the asylum burning down. They could recognize her. If it takes months to get to Redcliffe then so be it."

"The bitch is creeping me out." Jonah said between sips from a bottle and looking at Isolde. "She's been quiet ever since we talked to the merchant we came across."

"So Eamon's brother has become arl and remarried." Paul opened another bottle and began to drink from it.

"That merchant said he married the Grey Warden who slayed the archdemon."

Isolde screamed and lunged for Jonah and managed to get him to the ground before Paul knocked her out.

"Are you alright?" Paul exclaimed, helping Jonah up.

"She really hates this Grey Warden."

"You think so?" Paul said sarcastically as he dragged Isolde back by the fire. "It's almost like she is possessed. I've never seen a woman fly into a rage so quickly."

"What happens if this warden is there? I mean I heard the rumors about her."

"By the time we get to Redcliffe, we will have others with us. No hero is going to stop me from getting those riches!"