Chapter 25

Marlena and Wynne watched as Teagan paced around the study, the disappointment on his face clearly evident.

"I know you wanted me to have the baby at Rainesfere, but Wynne says its not really healthy for a woman to travel during the final months."

"Its really for the best Teagan," Wynne said in an encouraging tone. "You will be able to travel after Marlena recovers from the birth and several weeks after the baby develops a routine."

"Kaitlyn and I did travel to Denerim six weeks after Rowan was born," Teagan remembered.

"And we will do the same." Marlena promised.

"Alright," Teagan let out a defeated sigh. "I certainly do not want your health or the baby's jeopardized. The minute you are well and our son is strong enough, we will be going to Rainesfere."

"Thank you for understanding," Marlena said as she kissed him.

"And how do you know you're having a son?" Wynne said as she a raised a brow.

"Connor," Marlena smiled. "We don't mind so please don't say anything to him."

'Well I am just relieved you are not upset that you won't be surprised."

"Wynne, I've dealt with enough surprises to last me three lifetimes," Marlena laughed.

"Yes I suppose you have dealt with far more than most people have," Wynne sighed. "I have to say, the both of you look relieved."

"We are," Teagan said as he put his arm around Marlena. "We will never forget the sons we lost. This child represents our beginning."

"Yes he does," Marlena said as she caressed her belly. "I just want to have a nice and quiet life with Teagan and my children."

"Well both of you deserve it," Wynne smiled.

"The only task I have left is gathering all my journals and notes to send to Brother Genitiviti. He sent me a letter the other day expressing his desire to write a book about me after he finishes the one about my family. I agreed to his request because I trust him to write the truth. We've also agreed to meet in Denerim for some talks when we go for the winter."

"Genitiviti is a good man," Wynne agreed.

"I trust him," Marlena said. "And I want my time in Antiva to be told by me and nobody else."

"Marlena I know I will likely be in your book and I want you to know I will harbor no ill will for what you say about…my involvement with what happened." Wynne looked away.

"Wynne, I forgave you a long time ago and I promise that section will not be vindictive," Marlena said as she took the woman's hand.

"Thank you," Wynne smiled.

"We're happy to have you in our lives Wynne," Teagan smiled. "You will always be welcome here."

"Thank you Teagan."

Rowan walked in the room, holding her rag doll as if she was holding an infant.

"Look at that Teagan," Marlena remarked. "She's holding her doll, the way an infant is held."

"Did you teach her that?" Wynne asked.

"No," Marlena laughed.

"Darling," Teagan said as he picked up Rowan. "Did Britta teach you how to hold your doll like that?"

"No," Rowan shook her head.

"Excuse me Father," Connor said as he stood in the doorway, "Supper is ready."

"I'm starved." Marlena said. "What are we having?"

"Roast boar, candied yams, and apple pie," Connor smiled.

"Let's go eat," Teagan grinned when catching Marlena lick her lips.

He set Rowan down who immediately ran for Connor who picked her up.

"We'll be right there." Connor said.

…..

Connor waited for the three of them to leave and knelt beside Rowan.

"How did you learn how to hold your doll Rowan?"

"My other momma told me how," Rowan said.

"You have seen her?" Connor asked.

"I saw her in my room," Rowan said. "She told me to be a good girl for my new momma and to be a good sister."

"And she taught you how to hold the doll?"

"She told me it is what big sisters do."

Not wanting to upset his sister, Connor took her hand and smiled. "And this is what big brothers do; now let's go down to supper."

…..

The next morning, Wynne and Marlena were chatting in the sitting room while Teagan was out with Connor.

"You know it's nice to be here," Wynne said as she set down her tea. "There was an incident at the Circle recently that was quite unsettling."

"What happened?"

"The Templars brought in a body of an abomination. They had information that this man seemingly had no magical abilities. He just started to become…unstable and killed one of his children. The other ones got out and ran to the town's chantry. The templars confronted him and he literally changed before their eyes."

"But I thought only mages became abominations."

"From searching the house, it turned out he was a mage. The templars found an old diary. There was no record of him being at the Circle. He had somehow learned to suppress his abilities to the point where he could live normally without being detected."

"But he killed one of his own children."

"It's not good for a mage to hide their abilities," Wynne said. "You have to let them out. By denying what he was and not getting any training, it made him more susceptible to be being possessed by demons."

"What will happen to the other children?"

"By the time I get back to the Circle, they will be there. They are to undergo testing to see if they have any abilities."

"What about their mother?"

"From we learned she's been dead for two years. It's just been the man and the children."

"That's terrible!"

"If any of the children possess any magical abilities they will stay at the Circle while the others will be sent to live with relatives."

"That's very sad," Marlena remarked. "Its like those magical energies built up and destroyed him from the inside out."

"That is exactly what they did and we think…. Isolde may also be a mage."

Marlena choked and set down her tea cup. "I knew there had to be a reason why you were telling me this."

"Connor and I have been waiting for the right moment and when Teagan was not around."

"It's a good thing too because he wants to forget Isolde. You've seen the wing that is closed up. He wants that wing demolished and rebuilt so that it's completely different than what it was. What brought this on?"

"Think about it Marlena," Wynne said. "Isolde hired an apostate to try to teach Connor to hide his abilities."

"But she never showed any signs. And how did she learn to hide her abilities?"

"Remember when she said magic ran in her family? I suspect at a very a young age her family could have brought in some mages that repressed her abilities and I also think they made her…forget."

"But deep down, a part of her probably did remember," Marlena said. "She was terrified at losing Connor to the Circle but was also willing to sacrifice herself."

"And when Connor was sent to the Circle that was when everything changed. She started to become more unstable. Eamon sent her back with Teagan and Kaitlyn to avoid public embarrassment since he was chancellor."

"But she did not turn into an abomination when she killed Kaitlyn and Michael."

"And that's what I am worried about. Whatever is inside her may be dormant now but there is no way a staff and common guards could handle her if something happens."

"Wynne, Teagan does not know where Isolde is. He never asked. All I know is what Fergus told me. She was taken to some asylum located near the Orlesian boarder."

"Thank you Marlena, this information will help."

"What do you intend to do?"

"I will research the area you mentioned and send missives to any of the asylums I find. I also plan to discuss this with Greagoir because he will know where the nearest Chantry is."

"And what about Connor; what is his concern?" Marlena asked. "He misses her?"

"Isolde stopped being a mother to him the minute he was sent to the chantry so it's not about that. He just wants to understand her and what happened to his family."

"Wynne, if Isolde does have something inside her…she has to die. Does Connor know this?"

"Yes. And believe me he has no reservations about it."

"Please let me know what you find," Marlena said. "As you can see, I am in no condition to do anything and even if I could help I know these revelations would upset Teagan so I am not going to say anything for now. He's still not that thrilled I am having the baby here."

"Thank you Marlena. If we discover anything, you will be the first to know."

…

** At the Palace **

…..

"Ugh," Alistair groaned. "I really don't want to go to Orzammar."

"It's not as if we're venturing the Deep Roads," Fiona said in a relieved tone. "It's a very good political move to strengthen your ties with Bhelen and I have the utmost confidence in Sighard being your regent while you are away."

"I know," Alistair sighed. "It's just that I hate the food there."

"Alistair, you are king and it's not like we will be traveling to Orzammar by foot," Fiona reminded him. "You will be bringing a cook and isn't true that Bhelen has a taste for some human cuisine?"

"That's right," Alistair laughed.

"You will likely only have to endure eating nug a few times," Fiona teased.

"Ewww," Alistair groaned. "Remind me to bring extra cheese."

"You know Redcliffe is a stop along the way," Fiona remarked. "It would make for a nice rest and Marlena will have had her baby by then."

"Um I don't know about that Fiona," Alistair said nervously. "That could be…awkward."

"Nonsense! You are king and you need to get over this awkwardness. There is nothing awkward about visiting the Arl and Arlessa of Redcliffe. Didn't you have a nice supper with Sighard's daughter the other evening?"

"I did enjoy myself," Alistair admitted.

"Good, I don't want to hear any more self doubt," Fiona said. "I shall write to Marlena to let her know."

"Do you think…she will let me see the baby?"

"Of course she will," Fiona smiled. "Mothers always like to show off their babies."

Alistair had his head turned and did not see Fiona briefly look away.

…..

**** One Month Later ****

Marlena looked up from the letter she was reading and took a sip of her tea.

"Fiona and Alistair will be stopping by Redcliffe on their way to Orzammar in a few months."

"Alistair is going to Orzammar?"

"I know. I'm surprised too but Fiona says it's for diplomatic purposes. Alistair will even have to participate in the Proving. She said he's not looking forward to eating Nug."

"I know what they look like but how do they taste?"

"Oh Maker," Marlena shuddered at the memory. "Like a boiled shoe."

"I hope he realizes he can bring a cook," Teagan chuckled. "I know I would."

"Fiona said he's been dining with Sighard's daughter," Marlena smiled.

"Really now? I bet Sighard is thrilled."

"I met her once and she seemed really sweet," Marlena smiled. "I'm happy for him."

"I am too," Teagan said. "If they're coming in a few months, I will let the staff know. I'll make sure the North Wing is prepared and there's room in the barracks for his knights."

"The baby will be here by then," Marlena smiled.

"And I can't wait to show our family off." Teagan grinned.

"Your son is kicking now," Marlena said as she took his hand and pressed it to her belly.

Marlena looked at Teagan and reveled in the elation on his face as he felt the baby kick.

"Maker! Our boy is going to be quite the warrior when he grows up!"

"Have you thought of names for our son?"

"I have. Derrick or Liam."

"Derrick Guerrin. Liam Guerrin. Those are two very strong names."

"I know your nephew is named after your father but I thought Bryce would make a wonderful middle name."

"It… does indeed," Marlena said before giving Teagan a kiss.

….

*** The Birth ***

…

"I don't want to leave you," Teagan protested.

"Teagan you are the Arl of Redcliffe, you need to do your duty. "Wynne is here along with the nurses. I'll be fine."

"I'll be with her," Wynne promised. "And you should be back by nightfall."

"Oh I'll be back sooner than that," Teagan declared.

"I'm not going anywhere," Marlena laughed.

"Alright," Teagan sighed. "I'll go deal with those freeholders."

He bent down and kissed her.

"I'll help take care of her Father," Connor said. "And Rowan too."

"Thank you Connor," Teagan smiled. "You are the man of the house until I return."

"I'll see you soon," Teagan leaned over and kissed her again before leaving the room.

Wynne shut the door and rushed back to Marlena.

"How long have you've been in labor?"

"An hour," Marlena grimaced. "I love Teagan with all my heart but he's been hovering over me for the last week."

"I'll get the nurses and Britta," Connor said. "I'll take care of Rowan."

"Thank you Connor," Wynne said as he hurried out of the room.

"So are you ready to see your son?" Wynne asked as she Marlena sit up.

"I can't…wait," Marlena winced. "I not only want to see him, I want him out of me."

"You are not the first mother to be that has said that and you certainly won't be the last," Wynne laughed.

…

Teagan arrived at the castle that evening and found Connor in the main hall talking with Ser Perth.

The minute he saw them smiling he knew Marlena had the baby.

"Makers Breath!" Teagan dropped his coat. "He's here!"

"Congratulations, your Grace," Ser Perth smiled.

"She had him a few hours ago, Father," Connor grinned. "He's perfectly healthy."

"And how is Lena?"

"Exhausted but happy."

Teagan ran up the stairs and open the door.

"Lena!" Teagan rushed to her side and kissed her.

"Would you like to hold your son?"

Teagan looked up to see Wynne holding a small bundle that she gave him. He gently lifted up the blanket and saw a rosy pink face looking up at him. The baby cooed as Teagan gently touched his tiny hand with a finger.

"Maker! His eyes are different colors," Teagan marveled at the Green and Hazel eyes staring up at him.

"That usually goes away in a few weeks," Wynne said.

"I think he has your chin," Marlena smiled.

"Better that than my nose," Teagan said as he gazed at his baby son. "He's…magnificent Lena."

"Can we come in?"

Teagan turned to see Connor holding Rowan's hand.

"You can come in for a few minutes," Wynne said firmly.

"Come see your little brother Row," Connor said as they walked to Teagan.

"I wanted a sister!" Rowan frowned.

"Rowan, remember how you said you like having me as a big brother?" Connor asked as he knelt down.

"Yes."

"Our little brother is going to need his big sister. I won't be around all the time and it will be your job to teach him things, to play with him and to protect him. Do you think he can do that?"

"Yes, but will Papa and Mama forget about me?"

"Never!" Teagan scooped Rowan in his arms. "You are my sweet girl."

"Teagan is right Rowan," Marlena reach up for her hand. "We are going to be surrounded by boys now. And I will need you more than ever to help me."

"I will help you Mama and my brother too," Rowan promised. "But what is his name?"

What do you think of Liam or Derrick?" Teagan asked.

"Leem!" Rowan said excitedly.

"Liam," Connor chuckled as he corrected her.

"Liam Bryce Guerrin," Teagan said proudly then looked at Connor. "How would you like to hold your brother?"

"Can I?" Connor looked surprised by Teagan's invitation.

"Of course you can," Teagan gently handed him the baby.

"LB," Connor said thoughtfully.

Teagan squeezed Marlena's hand as they watched Connor and Rowan look at their new brother.

"LB," Marlena smiled. "I like that."

"Alright now," Wynne said. "It's time for you to go. You can visit with your mother tomorrow."

Wynne took the baby and Connor led Rowan to the doorway.

"I'll be down in a bit," Teagan said.

Wynne set the baby back in the cradle and followed them out the door as Teagan kicked off his boots and climbed in bed beside her.

"Oh Lena," Teagan snuggled up against her. "Just when I thought I couldn't be any happier. He's so perfect and seeing him Connor and Rowan…it just filled my heart."

"We have a beautiful family Teagan," Marlena said sleepily.

"Yes we do," Teagan said, caressing her cheek as he watched Marlena fall asleep.

Teagan closed his eyes, relishing the soft cooing sounds his son was making.

…

Isolde walked quietly with the mage as Jonah and Paul sat with the other mage.

"I hate this traveling by foot," Paul complained. "If we had horses would already be at this Redcliffe."

"Will you shut up already?" Jonah growled. "We have to travel by foot and have to go through the woods so we don't get caught. Word has probably spread that the asylum has burned."

"And what about those people she strangled?"

"We burned the bodies, so there's no evidence."

"It's a good thing you found us," the mage remarked. "That woman is very unstable but we will be able to keep her under control."

"Yes thank you and your deal is fair," Jonah said, trying to hide the fear in his voice. "We only want enough to get a ship out of here."

"Yes," Paul agreed. "You can have the rest, Marcos."

"And that's all you're going to get," Marcos laughed. "I probed the woman's mind. There are no templars in Redcliffe so picking off the village will be easy. I keep getting an image of a Grey Warden."

"Yes, the Hero of Ferelden married the new Arl."

"Getting some of her blood will be worth the two hundred or so miles we have left to travel."

Paul and Jonah both had fear in their eyes as they stood up to pack up their bedrolls and clear the camp before traveling again.

….

To my fabulous readers, I am sorry for the delay between chapters. Been trying to focus on one story at a time, I have a strict beta reader, and real life got in the way. Thanks again for reading.