Sebastian felt his stomach lurch again. The week at sea had not been kind to Isabela's ship. Twice they had hit bad weather and it did not look like it was going to get any better. He sighed and pulled himself out of the bunk he was lying in. Nothing he seemed to do helped the seasickness.
"Maker I hate traveling by ship." A soft giggle made him open his eyes. Leigh was leaning against the door jam. "Hawke, how can you stand this rocking?"
"I have been traveling by ship for years now...plus Anders is very good at curing seasickness. I wish you would let him help you. You would be far less miserable."
"You think I am being stubborn?" She pushed herself off the doorway and crossed the small cabin to sit next to him. Her hands moved slowly and began to glow. "What...?"
"Just hush for a moment. I might not be as gifted as my dear husband, but I can at least take the edge off." The prince's blue eyes went wide, but the queasy feeling began to lessen. "Is that any better?"
"Aye, thank you." Leigh sat next to him in silence for a few moments.
"Sebastian...when we get to Ferelden..."
"I want to see my daughter. Do I not have the right?"
"You do have the right, but I wanted to warn you of a few things. Meghan is a mage and she still is learning to control her magic. If she gets startled or upset sometimes her spells go awry."
"Why would she be upset that I am there?" Leigh buried her face in her hands and rubbed her temples.
"She knows you only in the Fade. Seeing people in the flesh is different. She is a shy girl."
"I have told her that I am her father."
"I know, but she also thinks Anders is her father...I don't want you getting upset if she does not warm up to you right away."
"I can't promise that. I should have been in her life long before now. I am not happy that Anders...that he has gotten to see her, hold her, raise her. I have missed so much."
"If I could change it I would, but at the time you wanted to kill both of us. I never wanted to hurt you Sebastian." The prince gently squeezed Leigh's hand and used the other to lift her chin up to look her in the eye.
"I know, it is just...I find myself jealous of the man all over again. He has seen her first smile, heard her first words."
"I...Sebastian I am so sorry. I never wanted it to be like this."
"I don't think either of us wanted this. Tell me one thing, does he treat her like his children or..."
"He loves her Sebastian. When she was a baby he was the only one she would calm for, the only one she wanted to hold her most of the time. They have a connection that I will never understand."
"But you are like her."
"She is a healer like Anders and Bethany. I am a destroyer. Fire, ice, stone and lightning those are my specialties."
"Anders can destroy things as well or did you forget the explosion at the Chantry." Leigh sighed and shook her head.
"He had to use a combination of ingredients to make that explosion. I can do it without help if I put my mind to it. Meghan has the ability to heal almost anything, even the Blight. Her magic is the purest I have ever seen. I know you have seen her work magic in the Fade, but to see it in person...Maker it is breathtaking." Sebastian smiled seeing the joy on Leigh's face talking about their daughter. "I should let you try to get some rest. We still a at least three more days before we hit land. If you feel sick again come find me I will try to ease it again."
"Thank you." Leigh nodded and took her leave. She made her way through the cramped halls of Isabela's ship to her room. She found Anders sitting on the cot. He was reading over scraps of parchment and did not notice his wife standing only a few feet from him. His brow was furrowed deeply and she could hear his teeth grinding.
"Bad news?"
"This is from one of our spies in Orlais, it says Miranda never made it to the safe house. Neither did the others with her." Leigh felt her eyes begin to sting and she lowered herself to the cabin floor. She and her cousin had a less then friendly relationship in the beginning, but over the last year they had become friends. Miranda had been a great help with Meghan and her training. To think she was gone made Leigh's heart ache. Anders rose from their cot and sat himself next to his wife. His arm wrapped around her and pulled her close. "I'm sorry love."
"We all knew this war would have it's share of casualties...I never thought she would be one of them."
"Neither did I." Both sat on the ground in silence for a while. There was no words to take the hurt away and neither of them wanted to try.
OoO
Carver paced the dock waiting for his sister's return. He had not been in Denerim at the time Leigh decided to go to Starkhaven. If he had been, he never would have let her go. Even with Anders going along with her it was dangerous. Carver did not trust the Prince of Starkhaven, but he was not sure if it was just his over protectiveness towards his sisters or if the prince was untrustworthy. Bethany watched her brother pace and sighed. She wanted her older sister back home too, but she understood why Leigh left.
"Carver you are going to wear a rut into the wood if you keep pacing." Carver let out a low snarl, but came and sat by his twin's side. "She will be here soon."
"She never should have gone in the first place. What in the name of the Maker was she thinking? She has children now, a family that needs her, she can't keep running off and save the world." Bethany let out a small giggle as her brother gave her a sour look. "It's not funny Beth."
"I seem to remember years ago you use to wish she would just go away so you did not have to live in her shadow anymore. Now you want her around. My how things have changed."
"Well thinking both of you were dead changes a person. I missed so much while I was here and you two were in Kirkwall. I don't want to lose anymore family. It's bad enough Miranda..." Bethany nodded somberly and took her brother's hand. She raised her eyes to the horizon and spotted a dark shape heading in their direction.
"Carver look!" Carver jumped off the crate he and Bethany had been sitting on. It took the ship a good twenty minutes to make it to the dock, but once they saw the white haired elf in the crow's nest they knew their sister was home. Isabela's crew tied the ship to the moorings and put down the gang plank. The pirate was the first to saunter down from the ship and was greeted by a crushing hug from Bethany. "Isabela how are you?"
"I am well Kitten, we hit some rough water, but nothing I couldn't handle. Choir Boy though did not fair as well. He was sick most of the journey."
"Sebastian is here?!" A dark chuckle from the top of the plank made Bethany look up. She saw Fenris and Anders holding the prince up between them. He looked green.
"Carver could you help us get him down?"
"What's that prig doing here?"
"Carver Hawke! Help them get him down off the plank now." Leigh's voice echoed over the entire dock and her younger brother flinched.
"Maker, you sounded just like mother." Leigh glared at Carver and crossed her arms over her chest. "Alright don't have to pull out the crossed arms. I'm going, come on princy you're almost on dry land." Anders shook his head and handed the rather piqued prince to his brother in law. He heard Leigh let out a huff before she joined Anders going down the plank. She did let out a soft giggle watching Sebastian kiss the ground and praise dry land. Bethany did not want to break the homecoming, but she wanted her sister to know that their cousin was gone.
"Did you hear about Miranda?"
"Yes, Varric gave Anders the message. How many did we lose?"
"All in her group, ten in all. The Divine...she had them displayed on the border as a warning. Cullen and some of the other Templars took a chance and retrieved the bodies to give them a proper funeral." Leigh nodded and stayed silent. Anders wrapped his arms around her, but also was quiet. "I'm sorry Leigh."
"We knew there would be losses Beth...I...I want to see my children." Bethany smiled and nodded leading the group back to the palace in Denerim.
OoO
Arden watched her grandchildren play in the king's garden. Drea had been trying to stand on her own for a week now, but the older woman thought she was waiting for her parents to return. Karl played knights and dragons with Duncan and poor Tovis was the dragon. The one who worried her was Meghan. The girl had been very quiet in the last week. She had woken one night from a terrible nightmare and had been melancholy ever since. The little girl was sitting away from the others playing with Ser Pounce a Lot and her own kitten Tally.
"Meghan, would you like to come and sit by me for a while?" The little girl shook her head and held her kitten closer to body. The small black ball of fluff mewed and pawed at the girl's auburn curls.
"I want my Da." Arden sighed. She wanted her son home as well. Bethany had filled in training Meghan in Anders' absence, but Meghan had questions that the woman could not answer. The last tantrum had caused quite stir when Meghan set the practice room on fire. The Queen had assured Arden it was alright and no harm was done, but the older woman still worried. Meghan was only a child, so much younger than most mages that come into their power. It was frightening to think what could happen if the child ever turned on someone. Arden was so lost in her own thoughts she did not see Leigh and Anders quietly come through the door just in front of her.
"Mummy!" Karl stopped mid swing of his wooden sword and charged straight for his mother. Leigh knelt down a took the boy in her arms holding him tight. Arden held Drea and stood up to move towards her son and Leigh.
"Oh my little one I missed you." Anders stayed a little bit back and kept his eyes on Sebastian who had also come into the garden. Meghan rose to run to her father, but stopped dead when she saw the white armor of the prince. Sebastian smiled shyly and knelt down.
"Hello lass." Meghan looked over Sebastian's shoulder and met Anders' gaze. He nodded and motioned for her to go to Sebastian. Meghan eyed him cautiously and slowly extended her fingers out to touch Sebastian's face. Her eyes looked him over, seeing his skin matched hers. Small fingers combed through the prince's auburn hair inspecting it closely, comparing it to hers. Lastly she looked into the man's eyes and saw the same bright blue staring back at her and she gave a small smile.
"Who is he?" Karl's voice broke the silence and made Leigh gulp a breath. She had not realized she had stop breathing as she watched Meghan and Sebastian.
"He is Prince Vael of Starkhaven, Karl. He is a friend." The young boy narrowed his eyes and continued to stare at Sebastian.
"I don't like him." Anders gave a small chuckle and quickly turned it into a cough. Leigh shot her husband a withering look.
"Arden can you take Karl and Drea to the kitchen? I think I heard that the cook made fruit tarts."
"Of course my dear. Come on lad." Karl heard food and ran after his grandmother. He paused at the door and looked back to his twin. Leigh saw something pass between them, but neither uttered a word. Meghan nodded and Karl turned to leave.
"I'm sorry Sebastian, Karl is very protective of his sister."
"They are twins, yes?"
"Yes, Karl is the older of the two by a few minutes." Sebastian rose to his feet and settled himself on one of the benches that lined the garden. Leigh took the seat next to him. Meghan sat in her lap and hugged her mother tightly.
"Do I have to go Mummy?" Leigh looked down at her daughter and raised and eyebrow.
"Go?"
"With my father. Do I have to leave?" Leigh blinked back tears and opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Sebastian shook his head while placing his hand on the little girl's shoulder.
"No Meghan, your home is here with your brother and sister. I am not here to take you away." Meghan smiled a little and got down off her mother's lap. She quickly hugged Sebastian before running to Anders. Sebastian watched his daughter wrap her arms around the blonde mage's neck and kiss his cheek. A pang of hurt ran through him, but he did not let it show.
"Is it alright if I take her to the kitchen to join her siblings?"
"I think that would be a good idea love. Sebastian and I should go find Queen Ashlyn."
"Go get your kitten sweetheart and we will go." Meghan jumped from Anders' arms and scooped up the small black ball of fluff. Before she could turn around Anders had picked her up and placed her on his shoulders. The little girl squealed in delight.
"She does love him, doesn't she?" Sebastian had to turn away or his face would betray his feelings. Leigh had warned him this would happen, but he had hoped that Meghan would have chosen him over Anders.
"Yes and he loves her very much too. She is a very lucky girl."
"Why because he excepted another man's child?"
"No, because she has two fathers who would do anything for her. Most girls would kill for that." This statement made the prince smile and nod his head. "We should go and find the queen. She will want to see you and hear what you know about the Divine's plans."
"Aye."
OoO
Ashlyn Theirin stared at all the parchment in front of her. Most held good news of allies pledging support, but a few gave very grave news. The last one she had read was from Ser Cullen. It stated the condition of the bodies of their lost group. Most showed signs of torture and slow deaths. That in itself made the woman angry, but the fact that Miranda Amell's body was not among the group worried her much more. A soft knock on the study broke her from her thoughts.
"Come in." Isabela poked her head in the door before she entered.
"You looked stressed Queenie." Ashlyn smiled in spite of the dull headache she was getting. Isabela always had a way of making her laugh, even when there was nothing to laugh about.
"Being the one of the rulers of a country that opposes the most powerful woman in all of Thedas will cause a bit of stress Izzy."
"I thought you were the most powerful woman in Thedas, or maybe Hawke, not that old bat?"
"She is not that old and as far as most are concerned she is the Maker's chosen to lead his worship. I fear that she might still sway some countries to her side and we will lose this war."
"Who has yet to take sides?"
"Starkhaven, Kirkwall, Rivain, and Antiva."
"Hmm, well you have Rivain if I have anything to say about it. Most of my people are tired of being called heathens for our more risque ways. Zevran has all but taken over the Crows in Antiva so you have them as well."
"So he finally did it?"
"You can ask him yourself he is here. As are most of your allies."
"What of Hawke and Anders?"
"That's why I am here kitten, I brought them home. They ran into some of the Seekers in Starkhaven and had to play hide and seek for a bit."
"Thank the Maker. Without them...you know I really don't want to think about that. Could you gather the rest and have them meet in the throne room? I will be along shortly." Isabela smirked and gave a bow as she left. "Did you hear all of that?" A crow flew down from the rafters and changed into a dark haired woman.
"I did. You have not lost your touch Warden. You were always very hard to fool."
"Your perfume gave you away Morrigan. I have not run across to many people that use deathroot and nightshade as a perfume." The witch smiled and embraced her friend. "I'm surprised to see you here with Flemeth still lurking around."
"Tis she who sent me here. She found us not too long ago. We...came to a accord for now."
"What of your child? Is he safe?"
"Yes, she would not dare hurt him or take him from me. She fears what will happen if she does."
"You will have to fill me in on that later. I have to go meet with all of the leaders of this little rebellion." Morrigan gave a chuckle and followed Ashlyn as she left her study. "I am not sure Alistair will be happy to see you."
"I care not for what he likes or dislikes. I am here to see if this Champion of mages is as powerful as they say she is."
"Did Flemeth put you up to this as a way to keep her off your back and away from your son?" Morrigan gave a dark chuckle and shook her head.
"Flemeth fears this Champion, but also respects her, as she respects you. Not many people can say that and as far as I know there are only two alive that hold her respect." Ashlyn smirked and pushed the do to the throne room open. Alistair was sitting in his throne at the end of the long chamber. Surrounding him were nobles, dwarves, elves, mages and others invested in this war. Ashlyn saw his eyes narrow at the sight of their old companion, but he said nothing as the women walked closer. Morrigan went and stood off in the shadows while Ashlyn sat next to her husband. Alistair rose to his feet and addressed the crowd.
"I thank you all for coming here today. I know this war is weighing heavy on all of our minds. Our borders have been closed for over three years, but our trade with the dwarves and our help from other countries has kept Ferelden alive."
"What of the other countries will they not join us in this war to put pressure on the Divine? She is threatening their lands too!"
"I understand your worry, but we have yet to hear from a few of the others." Ashlyn could see Alistair's worry, even if he did not let it show on his face. His eyes showed her his fear and hopelessness. Isabela and Zevran stepped forward and Alistair's eyes perked up a bit.
"Both Rivain and Antiva stand with Ferelden Your Majesty. I have many ships ready to do what needs to be done. We can transport almost anything, from supplies, troops or well anything."
"The Crows stand at the ready to do whatever is wished of us."
"You also have Starkhaven and Kirkwall standing at the ready." Ashlyn lifted her gaze and saw that Leigh and Anders had finally arrived. The person who marched in behind them nearly bowled her over. Sebastian Vael followed after the Champion and her husband. The loud murmur of the nobles and the others gathered in the throne room.
"Prince Vael, it is good to see you again."
"And you as well Queen Theirin. I pledge my support and bring a message from Aveline in Kirkwall. She and her men are ready to lend aid as well."
"With all of you we should be able to make the Divine see reason and stop this war before it truly begins." A dark laugh sounded in the chamber and all eyes turned to Morrigan. She stepped into the middle of the room shaking her head and tsking Alistair.
"You can not reason with a demon Alistair, surely you know this. The Divine will hope to weaken all of you then send a legion on demons to feast on what remains. The only way to beat her is to kill her." Most of the nobles had no idea Morrigan had at one time been a member of the Wardens' group that saved them years ago. Most sneered at the scantily clad witch before one blocked her way.
"Who are you?" Leigh gasped and took a step forward. Her voice was a low whisper of surprise.
"Shade?!" Morrigan smiled.
"It is good to see you again Hawke. I had worried you had met your end during the Blight, but it seems my mother had other plans for you."
"Your mother?"
"The one who saved you from the horde, the one you saved from death a year later."
"Maker, you're Flemeth's daughter. If I had known..." Morrigan put her hand up to silence the younger woman.
"It had to be this way. She had to save you or all would have been lost." Anders stood behind Leigh ready to move against Morrigan if he had to. Something about the woman's eyes made him stop. A flash of memory came to him and his eyes went wide. She was the same girl that had led them to the hut in the woods when Leigh was suffering from the cold.
"You're the one who led us to that hunting shack all those years ago?" Morrigan looked up at Anders and narrowed her eyes. She was trying to figure out if she knew him or not.
"And you would be?"
"Anders, Leigh's husband."
"Hmmm, so you became tied down by another mage." Leigh sighed and shook her head.
"No same mage from before. We found each other again."
"He's the one you helped? The years have not been kind to him then." Anders glared and let out a annoyed huff.
"Now there is no need to be rude. You're no spring chicken either."
"Why do women insist on finding foolish men to be with? I would have thought you would have done better Hawke." Leigh smiled and took her love's hand.
"He is my match in every way. Foolish or not, I love him." Morrigan rolled her eyes, but said nothing more. "Why are you here?"
"As an apostate I have a stake in this war too. I have come to help if I can." A loud mirthless laugh sounded from the throne and Leigh saw the king rise from his seat.
"Your type of help is not needed Morrigan. The last time you helped you wanted a high price."
"Still bitter I see." Leigh had never seen Alistair with the cold look of hate he had on his face right now. He normally was a jovial man, witty and quick with a optimistic remark. This was a side of him she was not sure she ever wanted to see.
"I was never bitter Morrigan." Ashlyn cleared her throat and gently pushed Alistair back a bit.
"Fighting amongst ourselves will get us nowhere. We have already lost good people. I will not turn away help if it is freely given."
"Nothing she ever does is for free."
"Alistair enough. We have things to discuss that need to be hashed out now. All of our allies are here and we need to make a plan." Alistair's shoulders sagged a bit and he nodded sheepishly.
"You're right my love, let's get to this."
OoO
"Maker, I am glad I am not a noble. How can Ashlyn stand all of that banter and ass kissing?"
"She's been a noble all her life right?" Anders flopped down on the bed and rubbed his temples. The entire meeting gave him a raging headache.
"Yes, but..."
"She is just use to it love. There is a lot at stake should this fail. All of the nobles are scared." Leigh laid back on the bed next to her husband and stared at the ceiling. "I can't blame them, I'm not sure if we can..." Anders put his finger over Leigh's lips to silence her.
"We can, it will end Leigh. It has to or it will become much worse for everyone. She won't stop at just imprisoning mages. The Dalish, dwarves and all who have stood against her will suffer. We can't give up now, not when we are so close to ending this." Leigh nodded numbly and melted into him.
"I guess I am just like every one else, I'm scared Anders. If this fails..."
"It won't. Our children will grow up in a world that is free of the Chantry's oppression."
"Speaking of our children, I want to see them. I did not get a chance to spend much time with them today between Sebastian and this meeting."
"They should be in their room." Leigh stood and pulled Anders off the bed and headed for their children's room. Slowly she opened the door and smiled seeing her two oldest playing with their toys and her youngest sitting in her grandmother's lap. She noticed that Sebastian was sitting in a chair off to the side of the room. He was watching Meghan as she dressed her doll. Her kitten sat curled in her lap asleep. Anders moved passed Leigh and sat next to Sebastian and watched the children in silence. Leigh made her way over to Arden and held out her arms to take Drea.
"Thank you Arden. I know we were gone a long time."
"They are no trouble dear. It is a Gran's job to spoil her grandchildren. What you and Leo are doing is important, not just for mages, but for everyone in Thedas."
"I know, but it is taking me away from my children. It makes my heart ache to be away from them."
"They will understand when they are older. For now they know they are loved." Arden's eyes fell on Sebastian before turning back to Leigh. "So that's the prince."
"Yes."
"He is not what I expected. When he came in here I was expecting him to bark orders, but he just sat down and watched the wee ones. Meghan even went and sat on his lap for a few moments till hr kitten decided to paw at her toes."
"I'm glad she is warming up to him. She is so shy around people. It took her months to warm up to Miranda." Sadness etched itself across Leigh's face and she felt Arden gently pat her arm.
"Bethany told me she is gone. I did not tell Meghan yet, I was not sure what to say."
"Cullen sent word that they found all of her group save her. I want to hope..."
"But it is likely she is gone too."
"She deserved better than this."
"They all do my dear. If not for what you and the others have accomplished there would be many more deaths. You have become the hope of all mages."
"Let's hope there faith in me is well placed or this will be the shortest war in history." Arden nodded sadly and the two women sat in silence as the children played. Leigh raised her gaze to Anders and saw the same worry in his eyes. She began rising to her feet to join her husband next to Sebastian, but the startled cry of Meghan made her jump. Anders reached the little girl first, followed quickly by the prince.
"Sweetheart?"
"Mimi is in pain." The girl's face was pale and she began to cry. Anders wrapped his arms around her and let her cry into his shoulder. Sebastian looked lost.
"Hawke, who is Mimi?"
"Miranda Amell, my cousin. She was helping train Meghan."
"How can she know she is in pain?"
"Meghan has a connection to everyone she loves. She has a stronger one with those who have spent a lot of time with her. It is part of her talents."
"Maker!"
"I tried to warn you that there was going to be a lot that was hard to understand. As far as we know Meghan is the only one of her kind ever to be born. Most Somniari are like me. We are warriors, destroyers and in very rare cases we can be healers. I learned how to heal from Anders and the spirit that is joined with me. Meghan is a far stronger mage than I will ever be, but her magic is...innocent, pure, it is nothing like I have ever seen."
"Is she a danger?"
"No, she is too gentle and shy to hurt anyone. We think...she is a spirit of Purity made flesh." Sebastian jerked his head and stared at his daughter who was still clinging to Anders. The scrolls he had read not more than a few weeks ago came to his mind. The last page stood out the most. The words from it flowed out of his mouth and he began to understand what Andraste's daughter meant.
"When the virtues stand up against her as one she will not be able to stand. Purity must be protected or all hope is lost. Compassion for one's enemy is the greatest gift one can give in seeking justice. Courage and fortitude are needed to show one's valor in the darkest of times. Above all else faith is needed. Faith in yourself, your allies and the Maker himself. This is the only way to defeat Strife."
"What?"
"It was written on the scrolls Elthina gave me. It was the last words given to both Mercy and Drea by their mother. She named all the spirits that would be needed to stand up against Strife or people that embody those virtues. You and Anders embody Compassion and Justice. Meghan is Purity..."
"Maker you're right, but how do we find the others?"
"That I don't know, but we have to try and find them. Strife must be stopped and the Chantry must be returned to the way it was meant to be. Our world has been in darkness too long, it is time for the Maker's light to shine again." Leigh smiled and put her hand against Sebastian's cheek.
"I think we have found Faith. I have never met anyone that embodied it more." A blush flushed the prince's skin and he turned his eyes back to his daughter. She had calmed a bit, but still had her face buried in the crook of Anders' neck. He was not sure if he was the embodiment of Faith, but he would do all he could to protect his daughter. He knew that Hawke and Anders would do the same. Sebastian made his way over to Anders and Meghan. Anders raised his head and slowly handed Meghan over to her father and the girl curled her tiny frame into the prince's arms.
"I promise that we will make this right Meghan. You have my word."