Over two weeks had pasted and Anders had still not recovered. A war was being fought inside him and the strain on his body was beginning to show. Some days it would seem like nothing more than a fever and other days he would be withering in agony. Marian was terrified. This night had been particularly difficult. Anders had a high fever, shivered, moaning in pain and gone in and out of consciousness. In the late hours of the night he had finally seemed to calm down and she had fallen asleep beside him.
"Wake up, love."
She heard his voice while he gently stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. She opened her eyes and looked into his warm brown eyes.
"Good morning... how are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling much better... I think the worst is over."
She sat up and felt his forehead to find out if he still had a temperature. She gasped as she saw his forehead. The brand that had been burned into his skin was gone. She grabbed one of his arms looking for scars she knew would be there. They were all gone. Anders stared at her with a confused look.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
"Your scars… they have healed… all of them."
He placed his hand on his forehead trying to feel the brand, but it was gone. He stood up from the bed a little too quickly as he began to waver, but Marian got up on her knees and supported him. When he was stable once more he went to the looking glass on top of a small drawer in the corner of the room. He stood the starring at himself, his hand rubbing where the brand had used to be. He was shaking as Marian went up behind him and held him tight. He turned around and tears were forming in his eyes as he smiled. She placed both her hands on his cheeks and gently pulled his head down to allow her to kiss his forehead. He then pulled her close, each other's faces burrowed in each other's necks. This nightmare they had both lived through these past four years was finally over. When Marian finally pulled away from his embrace she dried his tears with her small fingers. He took her hand and kissed it. She gave him a soft gaze.
"What about the taint? Can you feel any difference?"
"I don't feel different, but since there aren't any darkspawn around it is hard to tell."
"Is there any way to find out without jumping into the nearest entrance to the deeproads?"
"I suppose the only other options are the wardens, but I am not sure I would be welcome there."
"Alyssa said that we would always be welcome at soldier's peak. Then I will also have the opportunity to deliver the ashes in person."
"How did you even meet her? I thought the two of you never met."
"We didn't… After you were made t… tranquil… I found Isabela. She knew I needed to hide so she contacted Zevran in the hope that he would knew of some place where I would be safe until I recovered. He then contacted Alyssa. She is so kind Anders… She took such good care of me and comforted me. I don't know what I would have done without her."
Anders' expression turned sad.
"I wonder what she thinks of me..."
"She thinks highly of you, love. I am not sure she will ever accept what you did in Kirkwall, but she cares greatly for you and Justice. When I thanked her for helping me she told me that had she known nothing about me other than that you loved me, she would do anything to keep me safe."
"Alyssa always had a sense of the dramatic. So the wardens then?"
Marian nodded and kissed him. They then got dressed and went down stairs to the others. Marian had told them they didn't have to stay, but Susanna had insisted that she should not be left alone, when Anders was so sick. Phillip had no difficulties other than nausea the first couple of days. Susanna had even let him test his templar abilities on her to see if they still worked. They did despite that there wasn't any lyrium in his bloodstream. The extend of the chantry's desire to control was truly disturbing. Anders had truly been right, when he said that the chantry had replaced one form of oppression with another. Susanna found herself wondering of it would be different this time. Would they succeed in finally making a just society or would there be another war in a thousand years? Was the history of Thedas doomed to repeat itself over and over? Not a reassuring thought. Perhaps if accurate records of what had happened were made, this would change. From Andreaste's time they only had very few records and all of them were in the hands of the chantry. Perhaps this time they should be kept where all were allowed to see them maybe that would keep history from repeating itself. When they saw Anders they were all in chock. The brand had always been the one thing that they could never undo. The eternal proof that templars had taken power over them and now it was gone. Susanna had noticed that some of Phillips scar were missing, but hadn't given it much thought. Susanna stood up and hugged Anders and then Marian, while Phillip was smiling. Since he had seen the unconditional devotion Anders had for Marian he had been much more at ease around him. They had even been on friendly terms, but he was still suspicious of Marian. He really didn't like this game she seemed to be playing, but what lengths wouldn't he go through to protect the once he loved... to protect Susanna. Maker, he loved her. Seeing what she was willing to do for him had touch a part of him he didn't knew existed. He felt a little ashamed of admitting it to himself, but thank the maker for Anders' determination to start this revolution. Had he not Phillip and Susanna would never have met and even if they did they would have no change of being together. At least now they had a chance, however small it might seem. After sitting chatting for awhile Marian had to bring up a subject that saddened her.
"We are going to leave in a few days, when we are sure Anders is well enough."
"Where will you go?" Susanna asked. She had become quite fond of Marian during these past weeks.
"We are going to visit some friends near Highever, but they live in secret so we must go alone."
"I understand. We have decided to go to Denerim. We heard rumours that they announce a new decree regarding the right of mages. Wouldn't miss it for the world."
"I hope it states "And from now on all mages will be allowed to have their own harem"." Oran mused.
"Oh Oran... You make the case for mages so well. What would we do without you?" Phillip remarked his voice dripping with sarcasm. Anders gave a smirk and Marian chuckled slightly.
"I know. For years to come I will be the mage everyone else will strive to become. It is difficult to live up to, but such is my burden." Oran laughed.
"Have you heard any information about what this decree will contain?" Anders asked.
"Not yet, but I will give you the address to where we will be staying and we can keep in touch." Susanna answered.
"Thank you. We would like that." Marian smiled.
-OOO-
After making Lea feel so uncomfortable with him, Sebastian had done his best to regain her trust. He had held back on her lessons and instead used his time just spoiling her and making her happy. She was very fond of animals and when Sebastian had taken her for a tour in the city she had fawned over a litter of kittens. He had of course gotten one for her. He enjoyed spending his time with her, in his mind he started fantasizing that she was his flesh and blood. It was consuming him this love for her. Making her smile filled his heart with a serenity he had struggled to achieve even as a brother of faith. What was this hold she had on him? Was it the fact alone that she was Marian's daughter? Lea should have been his. Had Marian only seen reason when Anders destroyed the chantry, killed him and supported the templars. Then she would be vicountess of Kirkwall, Princess of Stark Haven, the mother of an heir to the throne and alive with him. Instead she chose the life of an abomination, a life as a fugitive, mother to an orphan and death. He would not fail again. He would get through to Lea and protect her from every mistake her mother made. Sebastian was reading a story to Lea and though he was not Varric she listened intensely to every word passing his lips. They were interrupted when Sebastian's bodyguard Drea entered. He then asked a guard to take her to Varric.
"Excuse the intrusion, my lord."
"It's alright. What can I do for you?"
"I wanted to know when to set the next phase in motion. The girl has been here for over a month, isn't it time to inform Anders?"
"No."
"But, your grace..."
"I will tell you when it is time. Do we have an understanding?" He snapped.
"Of course... my apologize."
She turned around and left the room. He had changed over these past six weeks. His desire for revenge on Anders was now replaced by fear. He was afraid that Anders would find out that Sebastian had his daughter. He was afraid that Anders would take her away, afraid that Lea would reject him as her mother did. She was just a child, but this hold she had on him was frightening, rewarding and blissful all at the same time. He ever wanted to let her go and if that meant never getting his revenge on Anders then so be it. In a way this would be a form of revenge. Anders would search all of Thedas looking for his daughter and never find her. But what would Sebastian do about Varric, Fenris and Isabela? He couldn't keep them as prisoners forever, but could he kill his former allies to keep Lea hidden? Would it even work if he did? He sunk down in a chair trying to get his mind around what to do.
Drea went back to her quarters. She had been in Sebastian's service for over three years now. She was a noble in Stark Haven, but was trained as a bard. She was only the third daughter so her dowry wasn't very large, her father had decided that she needed to learn some skills that would let her excel in other areas. Drea had been fascinated with Sebastian since she met him. He was so fervent in believe, kind and brave, but she knew that the chance of the Prince of Stark Haven marrying the daughter of a minor noble was unlikely. She had later discovered another reason for this being impossible. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her black armour was covering everything, but her green eyes and pale skin. This armour had been commissioned by the prince himself. She removed her hood revealing her long red hair and her lightly freckled face. She was very pretty, but that didn't matter. Sebastian had recruited her for her skill of course, but mostly for her eyes. Drea had seen him starring at the picture of the champion often enough. Her features were hidden so only her eyes showed. This way Sebastian could pretend that Drea was her. It had been enough for a while, but now. Since the little girl had come his affections had been redirected at her. This obsession of his was hurting her and she found herself jealous of a four year old. She looked so much like her mother. Jealousy was burning in her veins and she wanted to be rid of the intruder. She decided that since Sebastian would not take action she would. She decided to contact the guard captain in Kirkwall.
-OOO-
They were closing in on Soldier's Peak. It had taken almost five days for Anders to recover, but now they were finally on the move and getting closer to their destination. Words could not explain how wonderful it felt to have her Anders back. In Kirkwall Anders had always seemed so lost and to the outside world it had always seemed like he needed Marian more than she did him. The truth was that she had relied on him since the beginning of their friendship. He was her guide, her confidant and her advisor. After losing both her father and Carver she had felt so lost. She had the burden of keeping her family safe, but after Carver's death she did no longer trust her judgement or capability. She needed Anders to confirm, what she was thinking and deciding was the right thing. After Bethany was taken to the Gallows this became even more evident. Until that point in her life her father and Bethany had been her only confidants. She loved her mother, but she was always so worried and she didn't want to burden her further. After they moved to Kirkwall, Bethany became depressed and worried as well. When she was taken to the Gallows, Marian felt more alone than ever. Anders filled that whole with his presence alone. He was the only one who could heal her body, soul and heart. After losing him, she had been desperate. Justice had tried his best to make up for the loss, but it wasn't the same. Having Anders at her side once more she dared to hope for the first time in years.
"You need to tell him."
"No, Justice... I want him to find out on his own."
"It is not just to keep things from him like you do."
"Please, let me do this my way."
Anders looked at her with a smile.
"You are talking to Justice aren't you?"
"Yes... we have a difference of opinion. He is a good advisor, but I am a terrible listener I'm afraid." She blushed.
"That sounds familiar." He smiled. Then his face got more serious almost sad. They were almost at Soldier's peak.
"Anders, what's wrong?"
"I can feel the wardens..."
They exchanged sad looks and Marian had to try hard not to cry. If he could feel the wardens then the taint in his blood haven't been cured. She could lose him again in only a few years and worse she could lose her children even before they would have been given a chance at life. They got to the keep and were stopped by two warden recruits.
"I am senior warden Anders and this is my... wife. We are here to see warden-commander Amell."
"Yes, she has been expecting you. Ian, will you take their horses then I'll go find the commander?" One of the recruits answered. The other one nodded and took the horses. They followed one of the recruits inside and were asked to wait in the hall. Marian smiled sheepishly at Anders.
"Wife?"
"Yes, I... lover or partner seemed so insufficient. We might not be married, but that is what you are. And since we do have two children it might be about time that I make you decent and marry you." He smirked and pulled her close.
"You know that is the poorest proposal I have ever heard. Besides who says that I want you?" She teased.
He was about to respond by kissing her senseless, when he was stopped by a woman running down the stairs and throwing her arms around Marian. Alyssa then turned to Anders and gave him a very long hug. She then suddenly stopped and looked at him with a curious look.
"I am so happy to see you both... Anders? Did you take the ashes?"
"Yes, I did... But it didn't work. I am still able to feel the wardens." He replied sadly.
"I am not so sure. The taint... I don't sense it in you. We need to get some samples of your blood to Avernassus. But first there is someone I would like you to meet." She smiled.
They were let into the common room, where Duncan was reading. He stood up when he saw his mother and went towards them.
"Aunt Marian." He smiled. Duncan had only met her a few times, but he had always taken a liking to her.
"Anders this is my son, Duncan. Duncan, this is Anders. He is a gray warden."
Duncan very politely greeted Anders and gave Marian a shy hug. Alyssa then looked at him.
"Where is Justin?"
"He went to the kitchen for an apple. He will be right back."
Alyssa asked them to sit down at the table and Marian told her about their journey. Alyssa was the only one except for Merill who knew the identity of The Tranquil. Anders was so pleased that his old friend had gone through such lengths to protect his love. He didn't feel worthy of such a friendship, but Alyssa said that he was being silly for thinking such thoughts. He in returned argued that she was foolish for blaming herself for what happened between him and Justice. It was clear to him that it was a burden that she had carried around for many years and she truly felt relieved that he didn't blame her. Apparently Alyssa had been just as afraid that he wouldn't consider her a friend at Anders had been of her. Justin then came into the room and looked intensely at the man he had never seen before. He then turned his gaze and started smiling.
"Mother..." He almost whispered and went towards them. He looked a little like Duncan and Anders rejoiced that Alyssa had gotten two such fine boys. Alyssa and Marian stood up as the boy came running towards them. Anders turned around as the boy ran towards then women. Anders was puzzled when he saw that Justin was hugging Marian who had lifted him into his arms. She held him close and kissed his hair. Then it dawned on Anders. Marian smiled at him.
"Anders, this is Carver Justin Hawke."