Brand new chapter 2/26/15

Marian held the back of the group for once. She was a little surprised when Nathaniel fell into step beside her, eyes forward following her gaze.

"Ah," he stated with a slow nod.

"And what does the great Warden Howe think he has figured out?" Marian questioned, a small smirk at the corner of her lips. A knowing grin was pulling at his, and the levity only made him more charming...

She forced herself to stop thinking and listen to his answer: "You're concerned about your mage."

"I don't own Anders Nate, but yes I am. Have you been listening at all? If I didn't know better I'd suspect the spirit was... I don't know, courting?"

Nathaniel let out a laugh. "There's a thought." Marian joined, though much quieter. "I doubt there is any worry Marian. I've heard Anders as well."

As he stated that, Marian overheard the snippet of this latest discourse.

"He's not a slave!" Anders practically yelled in frustration. "He's a friend. He is also a CAT!"

"A cat that lacks freedom."

Marian sighed loudly, turning to Nathaniel. "I suppose you could be right," she admitted. "Besides, there are bigger issues. Like why we are finding a new breed of darkspawn, and how to keep Amaranthine afloat in this political mire. Doesn't mean this doesn't concern me."

Nathaniel seemed to consider her for a moment, then stepped ahead with the other two and began his own conversation with Justice. Anders slowed immediately and wrapped an arm around Marian's shoulders.

"Nice walk here, sis."

Marian nodded. "Hey Anders? I never asked but... why sis? Not that I'm not flattered but I don't get it really."

Anders went quiet, and Mari immediately regretted asking. Before she could retract the question she caught the answer. "Mages aren't allowed family ties or connections. I always wondered what it might be like to have a sibling, dreamed about it at times in the Tower. Thought about having a mother, father... a sister." He shot a sad smile as he added, "If it bothers you I can stop. I know you have a family..."

"No." The answer came very quickly, though without regret. She thought of Bethany, if she had wound up alone like that. "I just didn't know. You know I don't mind. Like I don't mind... anything else you do." The hush hung in the air, a secret between friends. "Any luck there by the way?" The last was quieter, with a glance to ensure neither of their companions noticed.

"Think so. Remember that last spell we tried..?"

The discussion went like that a while, Marian and Anders both checking the whole time to ensure neither Nathaniel or Justice paid attention. Those two were debating the nature of demons and possession, which was fine by Marian for the moment. It gave her time to hear her friend out and give him permission to do something crazy.

Crazy was good. Usually.

000 - Three days later - 000

Crazy was not good, Marian groaned from where she had hidden under her covers. Not good at all. It had been two days since it had happened, and she still felt like someone had grabbed her and thrown her underwater for hours on end. From what Anders had described, that wasn't a bad description either.

The last thing Marian had remembered before waking up at the Keep was the sensation of falling and Nate calling her name as the latest darkspawn horde was dispatched. Then it had gone black, though she could almost recall someone picking her up with a quick kiss on her forehead.

The explanation had not been forthcoming. Not until she awoke here with Anders still beside her, apologies out before the questions had even been asked. That was when Marian figured out what had happened, without him even saying it directly. She had simply taken his hand and told him it was alright.

Unspoken was a promise he wouldn't do it again.

Even the forgiveness and understanding couldn't help that Marian was going to be unwell for a few more days unfortunately. She felt best hiding here in the dark, though she was still rarely alone. Anders was an obvious visitor, concern keeping him nearby and his attempts at offbeat humor ensuring their friendship didn't suffer. Ohgren popped in a few times, not surprising considering how long they had been traveling together, but his presence tired Mari out very quickly.

The surprise was Nathaniel. If Anders wasn't there, he was, though he tended to remain quiet and let her rest. It was actually very calming to have him there even in silence, whether he was reading or just being there with her. Many times Marian drifted off only to wake with him holding her hand. Even if it confused her she refused to bring it up since as soon as he noticed it was withdrawn.

When four days had passed since the incident, Marian determined she was going to go crazy staying here. It appeared she was alone for the moment, so she warily pulled herself up and out of bed. It wasn't so bad. She hardly even felt...

Just as she let go, her legs wobbled a bit and she started to fall. Luckily, a pair of arms wrapped around her in a rush as a familiar voice with an annoyed lilt asked, "Just what are you doing, Marian?"

Gulping, Marian Hawke turned to look her savior in the eyes. She saw not frustration but concern, and suddenly she really did feel unable to stand. "I could really use some air, Nate," she managed, not breaking the eye contact and very aware of his arms wrapped around her waist. They stood that way for a moment quietly before the young Howe picked her up and headed for the door.

"Umm- Nate?"

"As unsteady on your feet as you are? Anywhere you go, I'll help."

Marian was about to protest, except two things. One, his expression told her he was serious and not about to listen to complaints; two, his arms were surprisingly comfortable and she recognized he had been the one to grab her when she fell on the field days prior. With a sigh, she chose to simply rest her head on his shoulder and enjoy the moment. "As you wish then."