Added 2/26/15

Marian should not have been surprised to see Zevran again, especially here. He kissed her cheek and shared a wink all the while keeping his eyes glued to Nathaniel. She wondered precisely what her former assassin was up to only a small bit. The annual gathering in Denerim took precedence after all, and this year was a special occasion. Scant months after the attacks by darkspawn ravaging the city, King Alistair was set to announce the line of succession. This would be the official proclamation, and Marian knew he was nervous. This is when he would state Morrigan's pregnancy and announce his intention to return inheritance rights to mages that passed their Harrowing. It was a huge risk, but a needed one if he truly planned to back reform.

Which may explain Zevran's presence. Leliana was sadly absent, a call from the Chantry coming to her and pulling her away, meaning Mari and Zevran were Alistair's political lines of defense. Marian could only go so far, having to remain in some spotlight as she reported the troubles in Amaranthine; Zev could stay behind and quietly observe. It would be a good if comfortably close arrangement.

Zevran whispered into Marian's ear as he pulled away. She nodded with a pleasant smile and waved her hand. Two porters disappeared, leaving just Mari, Zev, and Nate.

"I thought I mentioned alone," Zevran tisked.

"Consider Howe a semi-permanent shadow," Marian offered. "He's my second. What I need to know, he needs to know."

"Oh?" Zevran looked between the two, and even with their faces perfectly passive his next movement was to blink and burst into a knowing smile. "Oh cara, I see."

Nate lifted his eyebrows as Marian choked back a laugh. The male recovered first, forcing a calm as he asked, "What are you talking about?"

"You know, Alistair asked to to check out Howe's little pup here. Thought that you might be in danger once I uncovered his past. The whole set-up sent a warning sign that he might be trying to kill you." Nathaniel shuddered, shaking his head. "Imagine my surprise to see that the two of you are... licking lampposts in winter."

Marian groaned. "We aren't to that yet, Zev."

Nathaniel about choked at her comment, but not as much as when the elven assassin responded, "Yet? So you want to?" Nathaniel found his cheeks burning bright red.

Marian however just shoved her friend good-naturedly. "Stop. You'll embarrass me." She then crashed into a chair nearby. "Besides, none of that means he hasn't been trying to kill me."

Nathaniel about snapped. "That was... not recently."

Zevran replied by turning to the other man and glaring. Then he made a great show of flipping onto Marian's lap. "You seem to have a soft-spot for men who want to see you dead, cara."

She shrugged and pushed him off. "So what if I do?"

Nathaniel eyes the two by the chair, realization hitting quickly. "How is it you two met?"

Marian stood then and went to Nate, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I believe when we met I did mention some of my best friends tried to kill me. Zevran is an Antivan Crow."

Nathaniel let the amusement fully hit his face. "I must have looked an idiot if you'd dealt with him." Then, almost uncomfortably, he asked, "Is he the one you... mentioned?"

"Oh, so my little cara mentioned me! I am honored."

Marian could have avoided the entire uncomfortable scenario quickly unfolding deftly no matter what. Luckily there was already a plan in place, and keeping to it meant she was free. "Well gentlemen, I have a dress fitting, but do enjoy getting acquainted."

As soon as she left, however, Zevran walked right up to Howe's son and met him straight in. "If you choose to harm her in any way, you know the King will not have to pay me to take you down."

Nathaniel gulped. "That is... understood."

"Then that's settled. And you really should bed her. The experience is most enjoyable."

- 000

Alistair's first official Landsmeet as King went better than it should have all things considered. Marian was considered the belle of the ball once more, this time measured words being her weapon instead of an actual weapon. The vote was hardly unanimous on mage rights, but enough to push it through with Queen Morrigan's influence.

Now it was ended. Marian went back to the apartments allotted to Amaranthine and poured herself a glass of wine before disappearing onto the terrace. Nate was moments behind her, wrapping around he waist and gently setting his chin on her head.

"Not as exciting as the first from what I understand," he commented.

"Not quite. Not nearly as much swordplay." She sighed. "Is it sad if that almost makes it more tiring?"

"I always hated these things, but it did go better than most of the controversial ones." He looked down at her, the pale blue of dress fabric clinging to her arms and flowing smoothly. He hadn't seen her in a dress before this trip, and had to admit it was quite the vision. Even so he couldn't help pulling her nearer, wrapping her tightly.

"I don't suppose I'll ever again be allowed to leave this all behind. Not that I would want to. It would disappoint Alistair immensely."

Nate chuckled, the vibration singing into Marian as well. She finished her drink, turning to her companion. "I need bed."

Nathaniel looked her over, as if considering. "Before that, I did have something I needed to say. Another... consideration, you may say, since you so honored me last time I asked."

"Well I must say you've peeked my curiosity." Marian set the glass down, stepping forward to take his hands in her own. "What do you wish me to consider this time, serrah?"

Nathaniel almost lost his nerve, but pulled it back to himself. It was Marian, and she wasn't going to ridicule no matter what.

"It has come to my attention that I may have done something rash, Commander Hawke. I went and fell in love. With you."

Mari blinked. "Oh. Maker, Nate, that's one hell of a consideration."

After a pause, the male Warden admitted, "I guess it is." What he hadn't expected was a passionate kiss to be forced on him at that point, this one full of a longing he had rarely- if ever- known Marian to possess. He soaked it in, letting his hands roam her back and lower. Her response was to simply lift a leg to prove a further point, making him moan himself.

"Mari..."

"I need you, Nate. I think I may love you too." She pulled at his top, forcing his closer and into another intoxicating embrace.

Nathaniel found his mind made up. He picked Marian up in a bridal-style carry, heading into the main bedroom, eyes locked on her the entire way. And when he lay her on the bed, he saw a completely different side to the usually confident Warden Commander. Here she was muted, pliant; Nate ran his fingers over her body, undoing her clasps and brushing the skin as it was revealed. She just shuddered, arching into his touch.

It was a very strange experience. Marian was completely submissive, following his every lead. Nate used the occasion to explore her completely before guiding her to reciprocate. Mari did so with a steady hand, and definite interest, but she didn't take any lead herself.

When the morning came, Marian was curled into his arm, eyes wide open and watching him. "Morning love," she greeted, fingers running in his hair.

"Good morning." He pulled her in, eliciting a squeal. "Was that enjoyable?"

"I... did."

Nathaniel smiled, the last bit of uncertainty leaving him. "It was not what I expected."

Mari blushed. "About that. I've had a lot of pressure since I was a child, and since I first becoming an adult it's been kind of... assumed I'm in charge." She shrugged and kissed his cheek. "If it's a problem I can work on that."

"No. No, I don't mind at all, love. If it helps, then this will be one place you are never asked to take the lead." Then, wrapping his arms around her, Nate rolled until Marian was directly beneath him. Mari took a deep breath and let him lead her once more.

000 -

Mama-

Sorry it has taken so long! It just now occurred to me that I have written Carver and Bethy, and yet never written you personally. I guess it was just easier to imagine you hearing word ofu me through them rather than explaining my own actions. Cowardly? Nope not me...

I think of you, all of you, so often it hurts. I wish I could come to you, listen to your stories like we did and have you or Bethy braid my hair like you used to. I miss those days. I miss the freedom I gave up when I was recruited to this thing which is bigger than myself.

I met someone. Two someone's, actually, who I hope you will accept into the family for very different reasons. First is a man I am sending who knew Cousin Illy. He reminds me of pa. A lot. I can't tell you who he is but you'll know. He shares my birthday too- can you imagine! It's like he's my lost brother (I DIDN'T have a twin you gave up to the Chantry, did I?). I hope you receive him well. I would have come myself, but duty calls.

I met...someone else. Another man, but who is very different in some ways. He and I shouldn't have things in common, but we do! And...

I think I love him mama. How am I supposed to know? How did you know, with dad?

I miss you. Maybe in a few months I can take some time away and see you all. I hope so.

Until then, I am ever your loving daughter.

-Mari

- Return Letter -

My sweet, dear daughter-

A mother knows her children. I knew what you didn't tell your sister, or even your brother. You were prepared for the worst; I am glad it did not find you.

I know the man you mean. He's a wonderful boon, and were he my son I would happily declare it. I definitely would have remembered that. And you know how your father felt about the Chantry! If that had happened we'd have abducted him back. As it is I fully accept him as if he were. Bethany cares for him, by the way. He seems to find her too saccharine for his tastes, plus I heard something about "will not make out with the Commander's little sister" under his breath.

As for you my dear, if you believe someone worthy of you I am sure I approve. As for knowing if it's love...if you are asking, then you already know the answer. I hope he brings you joy.

Come to Kirkwall, even if for only a day. Bring your man. I'll have your family waiting for you.

-Your Mother