Chapter 24

The next day, Marlena and Teagan stood outside by the inn with Connor and Wynne.

"It's settled then," Wynne smiled. "Connor will be allowed to visit every few months. I wish Greagoir would have consented to the trip to Rainesfere but I am surprised you got as much as you did."

"I guess you will have to work your charm on him," Marlena winked.

"Easier said than done," Wynne laughed.

Teagan turned and looked at Connor, putting his hand on his shoulders. "I wish we didn't have to go."

"It's alright," Connor smiled. "I understand and Redcliffe isn't far."

"No its not," Marlena put an arm around him. "We will both write to and you will be visiting next month. And when we come back from Rainesfere, after the baby is born we will send for you with or without Greagoir's consent."

"Thank you Marlee," Connor said before turning to Teagan. "And thank you, Father."

"Connor," Teagan bent down and hugged him. "I promise this will be a new beginning for all of us."

"I know."

"Wynne, I will see you next month and I am happy you will be coming to Rainesfere with us," Marlena said as she hugged Wynne.

"I look forward to coming to Redcliffe and Rainesfere," Wynne smiled. "I still want you to take care of yourself. I made these potions for you and if you need anything do not hesitate to send me a message."

"Oh believe me Wynne," Teagan promised. "Lena will be taken care of."

"Goodbye Connor," Marlena said as she hugged him. "I promise to read that note you wrote for Rowan as soon as we get back." Marlena kissed him on the cheek before Teagan helped her in the carriage.

….

Wynne and Connor waved as the carriage rode away.

"Wynne, do know where my mother is?"

"All I know is that she was sent to an asylum Connor. I don't know which one."

Wynne watched as Cullen and the other templars assigned to Redcliffe's Chantry rode away on their horses.

"You don't have to worry about your mother coming for you," Wynne said in a reassuring tone.

"It's not me I'm worried about." Connor said as he walked toward the boat that was waiting to take them back to the tower.

….

Marlena opened her eyes and saw Teagan smiling at her.

"We're almost home, just maybe another hour on the road."

"Good," Marlena smiled. "Rowan will be awake. We can have supper with her and tell her about Connor."

"And then the rest of the evening will be ours." Teagan looked at and she could see the desire in his eyes.

"You know the way Greagoir treated me during the meeting it's like he assumes that just because I am no longer a Warden and am married, that my opinions no longer matter. He's going to regret that the next time he chooses that tone with me."

"I almost feel sorry for Greagoir," Teagan chuckled before pulling her close to him. "I know I am going to appreciate and enjoy you ruling beside me. I know together we can create the strongest arling and bannorn in Ferelden."

"I'm looking forward to it," Marlena said as she rested her head on Teagan's shoulder.

…

It was the late afternoon when they arrived back at the castle. Rowan was out for a walk with Britta and ran to the carriage as Teagan helped Marlena out.

"Papa! Mama!" Rowan squealed. "You are back!"

"How's my sweet girl!" Teagan scooped Rowan in his arms and Marlena gave her a kiss. "Were you a good girl for Britta?"

"She was a very good girl," Britta beamed.

"That's wonderful to hear," Marlena smiled softly. "Britta, you can have the evening off. We'll put her to bed after supper."

"We will be retiring after that," Teagan added. "It was a long ride and we just want to relax."

"I'm sure you do," Britta chuckled.

Marlena laughed as Teagan's cheeks turned a light red.

"I'm starved," Marlena said as she tenderly brushed the hair out of Rowan's face. "What is for supper?"

"Chicken!" Rowan clapped her hands. "And potatoes. And pie!"

Teagan set Rowan down and she started to jump up and down.

"Let's go freshen up then." Marlena said as she took Rowan's hand.

…..

That evening after supper Marlena and Teagan sat in the sitting room with Rowan sitting between them.

Teagan gave Marlena an anxious glance and she took his hand.

"So Rowan, do you know where we went to?" Marlena asked.

"You went to a circle," Rowan said as she played with a doll. "You went to see Connor."

"Yes," Marlena laughed. "We went to the Circle where most of the mages live."

"Wynne lives at there now," Rowan replied. "I like her. She made a rainbow with her hands once and whirled it around me."

"Yes Wynne lives there. She is one of Connor's mentors."

"What is a mentor?"
"It's like a scribe my sweet girl," Teagan explained. "She is teaching Connor."

"Can Connor make rainbows?" Rowan looked up Marlena and Teagan.

"He can do a great many things." Marlena said. "But there is something about him that you need to know Rowan."

Teagan picked up Rowan and set her on his lap.

"Connor is not your cousin Rowan." Teagan said. "He is your brother."

"You big brother," Marlena added.

"You mean you are Connor's papa?"

"Yes I am," Teagan said softly.

"Rowan, it's difficult to explain. All we can tell you now is that Connor is your brother and he is looking forward to meeting you."

"He is?"

"Connor is coming to visit next month," Teagan smiled. "He also wrote you a note. Would you like your mother to read it?"

Rowan nodded and Marlena reached for the folded parchment ad opened it.

Dear Sister,

You do not know me but I remember you. The last time I saw you, you were about two years old. I remember a little girl with yellow curls running circles around me. I know by now, Father and your mother have told you that I am your brother. I can't wait to see and play with you. Wynne taught me the rainbow trick and I promise to do it for you when I come to visit. Marlee told me you like cinnamon cake. It is my favorite too.

If you ever see a boy with yellow hair in your dreams do not be afraid because that is only me looking after you.

Love

Connor.

Marlena wiped her yes and set the parchment down and saw Teagan blink away his tears.

"Can I send him some pictures I drawed?"

"I think Connor would love getting some pictures that you drew," Teagan gently corrected.

"And when you get older and learn how to write, you can send him letters." Marlena added.

Teagan and Marlena exchanged knowing glances when Rowan let out a yawn.

"How about we go upstairs?" Teagan suggested. "Your mother will read you a story before bed."

"Alright," Rowan yawned.

Teagan stood up and gently picked up Rowan and followed Marlena to the stairs.

…

Marlena found Teagan sitting on the bed as she came in the room.

"She's finally asleep and Britta is with her."

"That good."

Locking the door, she sat on the bed and wrapped her arms around him.

"What's the matter?"

"We told Rowan that Connor is her brother but it made me realize how we will have to tell her everything when she gets older."

"Yes we will have to do deal with that when the time comes." Marlena agreed.

"How will she handle knowing Connor's mother is responsible for the murder of her mother and brother? And how will she be able to accept Connor when she knows his conception is the result of her father being drugged and essentially…raped?"

"Teagan, I can't argue there will be a great many things that will be hard for her to digest when she gets older but didn't you and Kaitlyn used to visit Connor? We can tell Rowan about how her mother accepted Connor for what he was."

"And what about what Eamon did to you?"

"We will have to deal with that as well but we will be together when that moment arrives. Rowan has her mother's kind heart and she is very smart. She will learn how greed and ambition can make someone take the wrong path and do the wrong things."

"And Rowan will learn how two friends can find love." Teagan said before leaning over and kissing her.

"Indeed she will." Marlena smiled when she could see his relief.

"I've been doing some thinking about when Rowan gets older," Teagan said. "When the time comes, I want her to be able to learn to defend herself. When she is old enough to make a decision regarding her training, I will bring in warriors but if she prefers to train as a rogue it is only fitting that you as her mother and former Warden Commander train her."

"Teagan, I will be happy to train her if decides to learn the ways of a rogue, I know Leliana will be glad to help as well but what about our other child?" Marlena picked up his hand and placed it on her belly.

"Something tells me he's going to be a warrior just like his father." Teagan said as he kissed her.

"So we're having a boy?" Marlena laughed. "Do fortunetellers run in the Guerrin family?"

"Connor told me when you were with Wynne. I guess he senses it and when I whispered it to Wynne, she just smiled. " Teagan looked in her eyes. "Are you upset?"

"No," Marlena smiled softly as she caressed her belly. "I've always said I don't care either way and I already have a daughter. Rowan will be upset. She really wanted a sister."

"We just won't say anything," Teagan said as he unbuttoned her dress.

"I'm planning to tell her how important her role will be as the older sister."

The dress dropped to her ankles and Teagan reached down and kissed her belly and caressed one of her breasts making Marlena mewl with pleasure.

"It's a good thing we are home," Marlena let out a sigh as she collapsed on the bed. "The innkeeper certainly gave us a funny look as we were leaving."

"We were a bit loud," Teagan chuckled before assaulting her naval with his tongue.

"At least no one can hear us he...here." Marlena gasped when feeling Teagan explore her folds after slowly sliding down her damp smalls.

Soon he found her jewel and his tongue flicked it back and forth as his deft fingers delve into her, finding that spot that made her thrust her hips even more.

"Oh Sweet Maker!" Marlena reached for his hair and thrust her hips harder. "Don't stop."

Teagan looked up briefly and grinned. "I loved how you woke me up this morning you naughty minx."

"Its one of my duties as wife to see to your pleasure," Marlena rolled her hips against his fingers.

"You don't serve me my love," Teagan said as he climbed on top of her. "We share everything, and that includes…. pleasure."

His traced over her lips then into her mouth and she tasted herself on him as he sucked on her tongue.

She wrapped her legs around him as he thrust into her.

"Oh Maker I love how you do that." Teagan groaned.

She moved her hips in sync with his thrusts, squeezing his manhood rhythmically.

Teagan cupped a breast, sucking her nipple as, he thrust faster. Marlena arched her entire body, as she screamed her climax and Teagan moaned when feeling her clamp around him as he spilled into her.

Marlena sighed and Teagan grinned when seeing her thighs lightly quivering in the aftermath as he pulled out of her.

Pulling her to his chest, he chuckled when she kissed his nose.

"I told the servants we will be sleeping late," Marlena said.

"Good," Teagan grinned. "The night is still young."

"Mmmmmm," Marlena moaned. "I like the sound of that."

"As well you should," Teagan said before kissing her.

….

The next several weeks Marlena and Teagan settled into a comfortable routine. When he was not at the castle or at the village, Teagan would travel to the various villages, townships, and farm holds under his rule. Marlena would host tea parties and receptions and would be at Teagan's side in the main hall during Court. She wasn't surprised to see that some of the lords and banns were just as self righteous as the ones in Amaranthine. It touched her when Teagan consulted with her on several issues affecting the arling and she was able to settle some disputes for him.

They had a true partnership which only made their love grow stronger. And everyday Marlena spent with Rowan was a joy to behold.

The month went by fast and Connor's visit was soon upon them. Teagan's apprehension was soon diminished when Rowan ran to Connor as he stepped out of the carriage.

"Hello Connor!"

"Rowan, you are a lot bigger than I thought you would be," Connor smiled.

"I am almost five!"

Teagan took Marlena's hand as Rowan hugged Connor and he embraced her back.

"Did you get my pictures Connor?"

"Yes I did," Connor grinned. "They're on the wall in my quarters."

"You have your own quarters now?"

Wynne looked Connor and gave him a nod.

"I had my harrowing a few days ago, I am now a full fledge mage of the Circle."

"He is one of the youngest mages to pass the harrowing at such a young age," Wynne said proudly.

"That's wonderful news!" Teagan hugged Connor.

"Congratulations," Marlena kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you," Connor blushed. "I still have to do lessons but now I get to help with the younger apprentices.

"Well let's get you settled in your room," Teagan said.

"Come on Connor," Rowan took his hand and led him inside as Teagan followed.

"Wynne, I don't think Teagan knows what the Harrowing is," Marlena whispered.

"I know," Wynne said. "You're going to have to explain it to him."

"I'll tell him later," Marlena took Wynne's hand and squeezed it. "How are you?"

"I should be asking you that," Wynne smiled. "You have…grown since I last saw you. Are you well?"

"I'm not the size of a bronto yet," Marlena laughed. "And I am doing well. I am taking care of myself and those potions have helped."

"I'll make a batch for you when I'm here. When do we leave for Rainesfere again?"

"In six and a half weeks."

"You will be half way into your seventh month then."

"Yes," Marlena said.

"You know its not really healthy traveling when you've reached that stage. Perhaps you should reconsider traveling and have the baby here."

"Well I'll do what you think is best Wynne," Marlena said. "I got a letter from Sandra and Fergus the other day. Sandra's mother is not doing well and has moved into Castle Highever so they can't make the trip to Rainesfere. You will have to be there with me when I talk to Teagan."

"I'm sure your well being is more important over where you will have the baby. And you know having your baby here could help diminish the bad memories."

"That's true," Marlena agreed. "And Connor could be here."

"So shall we talk to him after supper?" Wynne smiled.

"Yes," Marlena agreed. "I don't want to jeopardize my baby while traveling and besides, it is safe here."

"Indeed it is."
"I'll have your bag brought to your room. You must be hungry."

"I am hungry," Wynne said.

"Then let's go to the dining room then."

Heading inside, Marlena handed the bag to the servant and then led Wynne to the dining room.