Carver Justin Hawke. Anders remembered now. He was the first of the twins to be born. He had been far stronger and larger than his sister so those first few weeks Marian had been the one to take care of him. Anders had taken care of Lea because she was so little and needed a lot of healing. That was why he remembered her before Carver. Even when he was born Carver had looked as much like Anders as Lea had Marian. His first name, Carver, was after Marian's dead brother. His middle name Justin, was Marian's idea. He was named after... Justice. Anders stood up and walked over to Marian who was carrying Carver in her arms. Anders closed his eyes trying to resolved himself. He then looked in to Carver's brown eyes and couldn't help, but smile at the resemblance.
"Hello Carver or is it Justin? I'm Anders."
"Only mother calls me Carver, but I don't care. Are you a mage?"
"Yes I am. How did you know?"
"Sigrun told me about you. Do you want to see me throw a fireball?"
"Fireball?" Marian gasped.
"Not in here you don't, young man. Take it out to the ring. He discovered his powers about three months ago. Fire is apparently his thing." Alyssa said in a strict but kind tone as she smiled.
"Do you want to see my magic, mother?" Carver asked Marian.
"I'd love to."
"I have been training with swords." Duncan commented clearly feeling left out.
"I would like to see that as well."
"Duncan, why don't you and Justin go down to the ring and we will be right there." Alyssa smiled at her son. The boys then ran off. Anders sat down completely overwhelmed. Marian sat down next to him and stroked his back. She had wanted his meeting with Carver to be a surprise, but now she questioned the wisdom of it. She should have listened to Justice. She could feel Justice stir. Carver and Lea was as much his children as they were Anders and Marian's. Justice was swelling with pride when he had felt his son's presence. He could feel that the boy was both strong and proud. A true warrior despite his mage abilities. Marian couldn't help, but smile as she sense Justice's emotions. Alyssa broke the silence.
"He is so much like you, Anders. Funny, teasing and he has a talent for mooching cookies from the kitchen staff. You wouldn't believe all the trouble he gets into. He set Avernassus chair on fire a few weeks ago."
"Was anyone hurt?" Anders asked concerned. He remembered when he discovered his own powers. He had nearly burned his father's barn down to the ground and he had been far older than Carver.
"No no... With all the wardens here they are never alone long enough for something serious to happen. Besides it was my son who encouraged him to do it." She shook her head while smiling.
"He has been living here since I got captured?"
"Yes, my love. When I fled from Nevarra I brought Carver here. Alyssa was kind enough to take him in." Marian smiled while holding Anders' hand.
"I have done my best to raise him. He and Duncan are like brothers and I have raised them as such. Alistair and I have done our best to treat them both as our own flesh and blood. I love Justin... Carver like he was my own son, but he has always been aware that Marian was his mother. To the outside world however he has been my child. He and Duncan looks a little like each other so it wasn't difficult to make people make that assumption." Alyssa smiled.
"How can we ever repay you for everything you have done for us?" Anders said as he looked up at his old friend feeling more undeserving of her friendship than ever.
"You have brought me the possible cure for me, my husband and child. In addition to that you have given me the honour of loving your wonderful son for almost four years. You owe me nothing."
Anders stood up and hugged Alyssa. He then took Marian's hand and asked to be shown to the training grounds. As soon as they got down there Anders jumped into the ring. He was determined not to miss more of his son's childhood. Marian stood outside the ring with tears in her eyes. Seeing Anders instructing their son in use of magic was something she had only dared to dream of these past years. Alyssa got up next to her.
"I was thinking... I'm leaving for Denerim in a few days. Would you mind staying here taking care of the boys? It might give you both a change to get to know your son."
"We would like that."
"I don't mean to intrude, but what are your plans? I hope you will stay in Ferelden, I would hate to be cut out of Justin, I mean Carver's life. I love him so dearly."
"We haven't really talked about it, but we really don't have anywhere else to go. We need a fresh start with both our children."
"Well, for now you can stay here. Anders has to have some examinations done by Avernassus anyway. If you can send for your daughter she will be welcome here as well."
"Thank you, Alyssa. You must be the kindest person I have ever met."
"Runs in the family I suppose. I will try to bring Bethany back with me, when I return from Denerim."
Their conversation was cut short when Carver conjured a fireball that complete incinerated the target dummy. Anders laughed loudly and lifted Carver up over his head. Carver was grinning from ear to ear and Marian could truly she the resemblance between father and son.
"What have I created? Now I have two of them!" She grinned.
"My sympathies... I don't know which is worse, two times Anders or two times Alistair." Alyssa grinned.
-OOO-
Another dinner party. Time had certainly changed her, but for the better. She had so much in her life now. It had purpose, meaning and love. She felt lonely though. It hadn't been the same since Hawke left Kirkwall and at times she even missed Isabela's rude comments. She looked at the time. Where was Donnic? He should have been home almost an hour ago. She had put her five year old son to bed early because of their guest and now her husband might be late? She feared for a moment that his patrol might have gone poorly, but he was with one of the healers she had employed in the guard. Hawke had once told her that by locking up mages Thedas was keeping one of its greatest assets from being used to its full potential. She never fully understood that until now. This past year the amount of injuries had been cut in half in part because of the mages assistance. She looked out the window and finally saw him coming towards their house.
"I'm sorry love, but an important message came as I reported back to the Barracks. I thought it best to bring it home with me."
Aveline kissed him on his cheek and then opened the letter.
"To Aveline Vallen, Captain of the Kirkwall city Guard.
Your friends Fenris, Isabela and Varric Thethras is currently being held hostage by Prince Sebastian Vael. He is also in possession of the terrorist Anders and Marian Hawke's daughter, Leandra Hawke. If our terms are not met she will be killed.
To have you friends returned safely to you, I request that you inform Anders were his daughter may be found. He is asked to come to Stark Haven alone and unarmed, if he has his daughter's best interest at heart.
A well meaning friend."
"Well meaning my ass!" Aveline grumbled. She handed Donnic the note and his expression turned grim. How many times hadn't he and Aveline taken care of Lea while Varric had important business? Lea and their son had grown up together.
"Do we know where to find Anders?" Donnic said his voice full of concern.
"No, but I know who to contact in case something like this should happen. I will have to leave tonight I can't trust this to anyone else. No one is to know anything about this. Will you excuse me to our guests?"
"Of course love. Be careful."
Aveline quickly packed and put on her armour. Not the city guard armour, but one of her old once. Within the hour she kissed goodbye Donnic and said goodbye to their son. Hopefully this wouldn't be a pointless endeavour.
-OOO-
"We have to get out of here." Fenris sneered. Being locked up in this castle for two months was begging to make him highly agitated and had him brooding more than usually. Sebastian was constantly keeping Lea from them and they couldn't risk escaping without her. Isabela was getting restless. She had tried to seduce the guards, but without any success and she was beginning to wonder if Sebastian had employed eunuchs for the task of guarding them. Varric had his hands full whenever Lea was allowed to see them. Sebastian had tried his hardest so turn Lea against her father by telling her about all his worst qualities. Varric's job was in turn so cleanse Sebastian's vengeful words and tell her what Anders' reason for his actions was. Maker Varric hated Sebastian at the moment. This wasn't something a four year old should hear. He had tried so hard all her life to keep the ugly truths from her and give her a good impression of her parents. Her parents were good people. They were just placed in difficult situations. Thankfully Lea's trust in Varric made Sebastian's explanations seem to have less merit. After Lea had been told that her father was alive she had become increasingly curious about him. Varric and Isabela took turns describing his personality and his looks to her and despite Sebastian's attempts, to make her father a villain, Lea had created her own heroic image of Anders. Varric couldn't decide if she was naive or a hopeless romantic. Though considering what her father was like probably a bit of both. Then again she was only a child. He had to keep reminding himself of her age, because of all the weight Sebastian was increasingly putting on her young shoulders. "That son of a bitch!"
"I know, Fenris, but we need a plan and a good one." Isabela grumbled.
"To bad the guards has so high standards." Fenris smirked sarcasticly.
"If you two are done bickering, perhaps we should try to come up with something useful."
"We could challenge Sebastian to a game of riddles and make "how do we get out of here?" one of the questions?" Isabela shrugged.
"Oh, come on. Hawke used to stuff like this all the time. We must have learned something useful."
"Last time I was involved in a prison break was in Orlais and Talis is not around this time." Fenris remarked.
"If I can get out of here, maybe I can sneak into that Drea-womans office. She must have some plans or something over this blighted castle." Isabela answered.
Varric and Fenris agreed and tried to find out how to distract the guards.
-OOO-
If the past four years had been the stuff of nightmare than this past week had been the sweetest dream Marian and Anders had ever had. They spend as much time as they could with the boys. Anders and Carver where getting close and Marian was surprised how easy it seemed for them. They five first months of their twins life Anders had been a caring father, but seeing him now, interacting with their son was so much more than that. He was kind and teasing but also firm. Marian felt herself falling in love with him all over again. But even in midst of all this happiness something was still missing... Lea. Marian longed to see her. She tried to imagine what she looked like, what her voice, her laughter. Was she kind or mischievous, defiant or obedient? Marian had to laugh at the last thought. She couldn't imagine any child of Anders' being obedient and definitely not one who had also been raised by Varric. Marian longed to hold Lea in her arms, but she also feared taking her away from the life she knew. She imagined the tears and heartache Lea would feel being taken away from Varric and everything that was familiar to her. But Anders and Marian could not live in Kirkwall and Varric never wanted to be anywhere else. Marian was standing in the bedroom that had been provided for them at Soldier's peak and starring into the fireplace deep in thought. Anders had just put the boys to bed and was standing in the door just watching her. She looked just like the first night he had come to her estate. The night where he had finally confessed how deeply he loved her. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist as he rested his chin on her shoulder.
"What are you thinking, love?"
"I was thinking about how wonderful this past week has been."
"It has been wonderful, but you looked sad. Tell me what is the matter?"
"I was thinking about Lea... and Carver... and you... The thought of losing all three of you to the taint..." She paused trying hard not to cry.
"Shhh... it will be alright, love. Avernassus said he would have the results by morning. He has been able to prolong his life for this long, if anyone can find a cure it's him."
She turned around in his arms and kissed him deeply. His arms were the only place in all of Thedas where she could find comfort. She felt a little guilty after all had Justice had tried to do for her. His advice and kind words had helped, but nothing cold compare to being in Anders' embrace. They were interrupted when Carver appeared in the door with watery eyes. Anders went over to him and lifted him into his arms.
"Bad dreams?"
Carver nodded.
"Do you want to sleep here tonight, sweetheart?" Marian asked.
Carver nodded again and Anders carried him to the bed. This had been happening almost every night this week. Carvers nightmares were terrible. The darkspawn taint gave him restless nights and he was hardly ever well rested. This made it difficult for him to control his powers and keep his focus. Anders had told Marian that he was worried that Carver would lose control over his powers because of it and both of them were reminded of Anders' experience with Coryphaeus.
"Marian, give Carver the medallion."
"Why?"
"I will be able to keep some of the nightmares at bay and give him the guidance he needs. If he has the medallion I will always be able to protect and watch over him. Then you and Anders will not need to worry so."
"Are you sure about this, Justice?"
"Yes... Let me keep your son safe. That is the least I can do."
"I will miss you."
"And I you, but it is not like I will be gone. I am here for you, whatever you need."
Marian took of the medallion and placed it around Carvers neck. She sat down beside him on the bed and took his hand. She then pressed the symbol that allowed Justice to show himself. Anders looked at Marian with surprise, but kept silent. Carver was surprised and a little scared, but Marian gave him a comforting smile while Anders softly stroked his hair.
"Carver, this is Justice. He is a spirit of justice and a very trusted friend of both your father and I. He lives inside of this medallion. Since you where very little he has protected me and now he is going to protect you."
"I will do my best to guide you and keep you safe. As long as you wear the medallion I will make sure no harm ever comes to you." Justice said in a gentle voice.
"Are you a warrior?" Carver said as he pointed at Justice's armour.
"I am a spirit of justice, but I have been both a warrior and a mage."
"Can you teach me? I want to become a great warrior and defend people."
"And rescue damsels in distress?" Anders chuckled.
"Eeeeeeewwww... No!" Carver objected with a disgusted look on his face that made both Anders and Marian give a small laugh.
"I will be able to help you train those abilities as you become older, yes." Justice answered.
"Awesome... Will you be able to keep the nightmares away?" Carver asked a little more concerned.
"Not all of them, but some. Another thing, it might be wise not to mention me to others. It is a secret. Will you promise me to keep it?"
Carver nodded and then yawned sleepily. Marian tucked him in and after saying goodnight to Justice she made him retreat back into the necklace. Hopefully it would help their son. Anders was concerned what effect Justice would have on Carver, but reminded himself, that this was not a joining like his had been. This was in many ways no different than when Justice was still separated from Anders. With the taint in his blood at such a young age, Carver would need all the discipline he could get.
-OOO-
The next morning Anders and Marian went up the tower to speak with Avernassus, while Carver and Duncan were receiving their lessons. A couple of years ago Alyssa had employed a scholar to tutor the boys in a number of different subjects. She had made it a point that it was important that they had a proper education, so they would have more skills than just "smashing things to bits" as Alistair had put it. Marian was very grateful for this. They went up the final set of stairs and before knocking on the door to Avernusses' study, Anders took Marian's hand and squeezed it lovingly.
"Come in... Aahh there you are. You will be glad to know that the results I have found are most interesting indeed."
"Does that mean that Anders is no longer tainted?" Marian asked apprehensively.
"No, but the taint has been purified of its corruption."
"What does that mean exactly?" Anders asked.
"Well over the years I have used blood magic to hold back the corruption in the taint. The taint itself gives wardens increased stamina, strength and the ability to sense each other. But within the taint there is a corruption, a virus you might call it, which damages our bodies. It is this virus I have held at bay using blood magic. The ashes you have taken however have cures the taint of this virus."
"And it is the virus that makes us experience the calling? So how long do I have left?"
"Well, that is always the question isn't it. From what my research shows you won't experience the calling. As for how long you will live I will leave that up to your own stupidity."
Anders didn't even bother to respond to the insult, but instead hugged Marian tightly who had wrapped her arms around his neck and given a loud gasp of excitement. When he released her, he kept one arm around her waist.
"What does this mean for the children?"
"If they take the ashes they are going to be fine, but I found something even more interesting. It seems that after you taint was purified your developed a new kind of resistance to the taint. Using the Architects research I have been able to make a potion using your blood sample. I believe that adding your blood to the joining potion, will purify it. This means that not only will all who go through the joining likely survive, but they will afterwards not have to go through the calling. They will still have the nightmares of course, but that is insignificant."
"Will you be able to make a cure for all the wardens?"
"Possibly, but this will take time and I don't have long left. I will have to use my final days to instruct Jowan in my methods, so that he will be able to continue my research."
There was a knock on the door and junior warden Ian appeared in the door.
"I am sorry for interrupting, but there is an Aveline Vallen here. She claims to know you."
"Aveline?" Marian gasped as she smiled and ran out the door. Anders smiled and went after her. Over the last week he had regained what seemed to be the finally pieces of memory that had been lost. When he came down to the main hall he saw Marian hugging Aveline tightly. His smile faded however when he saw the grave expression on Aveline's face.
"Aveline what is wrong?" Marian asked concerned.
"I think we should sit down. It's good to see you Anders." She gave Anders a quick hug and then sat down. She handed Marian a letter. As Marian read it her eyes started filling with tears and rage was written all over her face.
"Love?" Anders said quietly as he stroked her back. She handed him the letter and as he read it he became more and more furious. Had he still been merged with Justice, he would have taken over by now.
"That self-righteous bastard!" Anders growled loudly.