Chapter 3 - Dragon 9:24, 14th Bloomingtide

KING MARIC ROOM

'Uncle, may I have a word?' Anora slipped to Maric's chamber silently.

'Anora, my dear. Yes, of course. Come, tell me what's the matter.' Maric showed Anora to the small table and sat on the other side.

'Uncle, do you remember our conversation from two months ago?' Anora asked without any prefaces. Maric looked at her for a minute, sterned, then he open his eyes wider and nodded.

'About Loghain marriage and his heir, I assume?'

'Yes. I found perfect candidate for my fathers future wife.' She spoken without any trace of doubt.

'What? Who?' King blurted away.

'Mahria Cousland.'

'Erm." King looked upon Anora in disbelieve. 'Isn't she betrothed to Nathaniel?'

'No. I mean… not yet. And I think she would be perfect match for my father. She's strong, she's a warrior, and she's willing to produce an heir to someone.' She pointed bluntly. 'But we need to act quickly because of Arl Howe. While we're here in Highever, you should speak with Teyrn Bryce about the matter. As fast as possible.' Anora was really pragmatic woman. She acted quickly and without doubts or hesitation. She was all like her father. That's why Maric trusted her judgments.

'If you say so. I'll speak with Bryce tonight.' Maric sighed. 'But your father is all on you, my dear. If I'd approached him with this matter he would just grunt at me and disregard with one of his icy glares.'

'So we have an agreement.' Anora stood up and prepared to leave. 'Just tell me when you'll go to Teyrn Bryce so I'll catch up with my father.' Then she left to her room to prepare for a big battle.

TEYRN BRYCE STUDY

King was sitting next to big desk in Bryce study. He was watching as Teyrn strolled from one end of the room to another.

'It's a strange request, Maric.' He finally stopped and looked upon his sovereign.

'Indeed it is.' He nodded and shifted in his chair. 'Look, Bryce, I know you planned that Mahria will inherit Highever. She would be a splendid Teyrna, I know it. But just look at other options, other possibilities. Fergus can also be a Teyrn. And Mahria will be spared of futile battles on surname heritage. As I'm certain that sooner or later Howe woudl like to elevate his own. I know that the oldest one takes Teyrnir regardless of gender. But. Mahria is a female, her name would be secondary to hers husband. And Fergus will keep Couslands name. Another thing: just imagine the power of two Teyrnirs combined. You'll have enormous power at the Landsmeet as Mahria will be speaking for Gwaren loudly but in whispers also for Highever.' Maric spread magnificent views of the future in front of Teyrn Bryce. He knew that Cousland was shocked at first by his request but he also saw great possibilities for him and his children if he would agree.

LOGHAIN ROOM

Meanwhile Anora was sitting on her father's bed and frowning. She had a hard time convincing her father to her plans. They have argued for half an hour. Teyrn was just sitting next to small writing desk in his chamber, growling and mumbling swears silently. Then he hit the desk with his hand and gnarled angrily.

'What's the big scheme of yours, Anora?' He lifted himself and walked toward his daugher. 'I know it's your and Maric sophisticated plan to torment me.'

'Father, it's not like that. I told you many times before. You. Should. Remarry!' She emphasized last words with her fists hitting the bed. 'Gwaren doesn't have an heir! I won't inherit it as I'll be a queen some day. Nor my children will. Just think about it. Think about yourself and Teyrnir. There are people there who count on you. Besides, you can't be all alone to the end of your life. And Mahria is great match for you. Not to mention that such strong political marriage will gain us power on Landsmeet.'

'Ah, yes. Splendid.' Loghain snarled yet again. 'Just tell me the truth behind all of it. I know you're hiding something.' Anora regarded her father silently then she turned her head to the window.

'It's about Cailan, dad.' She blurted. 'He's taking an interest in her. I saw it with my own eyes. And I won't allow it!' She stood up and grabbed his hand. 'Ok, now's time for puppy eyes.' She thought to herself and smirked but only inside her head. 'Dad, please, he can't be snatched by my best friend. I just need her to be taken away from his grip.' Then she looked into her father eyes. She even gathered all her wits to release a tear or two. And that was the moment she knew she had caught her father. From now he would do anything for her.

'Eh. My little girl.' Loghain embraced Anora lightly. 'If that's what it is I'll do it for you. But still I think it's a fool notion.' As he hugged her and stroked her hair she was smiling to herself in a victory. As they stood embracing themselves Maric knocked to the door.

'Yes?' Anora regained her composure and opened the doors.

'How is it?' King asked with a smile. 'All set? We're good?' Then he entered the room with a smirk on his face.

'Father agreed on our proposal.' Anora nodded. Loghain exhaled and looked upon his friend.

'I assume you have talked to Bryce already.'

'Of course, my friend, I came to take you to him. Let's conclude our little arrangement.'

'Pff. Little arrangement.' Mac Tir hissed and waved his hand helplessly. Before he left he turned to his daughter. 'Anora, consider it done. But! It's last time you play with my personal life, you understand?' His daughter nodded and pushed him lightly toward door.

'I understand. Now off you go. Teyrn Bryce shouldn't wait that long for you two.'

AGAIN TEYRN BRYCE STUDY

'So terms of our agreement are following: my daughter will become your wife Loghain, she will be stripped of her heritage after her death as long as no other heir for Highever will be produced. Your payment for the marriage will be in lowering fees for our merchants and expanding our trade further, as for me I'll do the same. Now about Landsmeet. We will debate each matter together for gaining similar approach.' Teyrn count out terms while Loghain sat on the chair with his head hung. 'That's it.' Loghain pulled up his head and nodded.

'I'm fine by that, Bryce. But tell me… are you sure about all that? This is your daughter, for Maker's breath.' Bryce looked at him sternly.

'I just think that will be better for our families and lands. Beside politics I think you will be good for her.' Teyrn of Highever looked at Loghain with serious face.

'Of course, she deserves it.'

'Yes she does.' Bryce agreed. 'That's why I am willing to give you my precious little girl. I know you Loghain. I know that you're proud, earnest man. Tomorrow at breakfast we will announce your betrothal. Now forgive me, my friends, I need to go to Eleonora to tell her about our deal and get my share of scowling.' As he left Loghain turned to Maric who stood silently by the window all this time.

'I hope you're satisfied.' Mac Tir stated and put his hand on King's arm.

'Yes. In the matter of fact I am highly pleased with myself.' He smiled upon Loghain. 'It's time for you to take care of Gwaren and yourself. Now let's get some beauty sleep as females would say.'

Dragon 9:24, 15th Bloomingtide

Mahria entered dining hall not expecting what event will occur shortly. She sat next to Anora and started to eat. Few moment later King stood up and walked up the dais in end of dining hall.

'My dear friend. Today is splendid day. I have important news to share with you. Teyrn Bryce, Loghain, please come here.' As both men approached King he continued his speech. 'I didn't come here only to inspect my vassals but to strengthen the bond between each lands in Ferelden.' Everyone at the table watched Maric and wondered what it's about. 'We need to take care of our country unity and make it prosper greatly. That's why I thought about how to unite my dominion. And I found best solution. By marriage.' He looked at the table to see shocked expressions. Maric smirked at this view. 'So now I hereby inform you about betrothal of Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir, Teyrn of Gwaren, Hero of River Dane, Royal Advisor to the Crown, and Lady Mahria Cousland, daughter of Teyrns of Highever.' All gathered in dining hall gasped in disbelief. 'Lady Mahria, please come here.' Mahria's eyes were wide open, she stood up and came to the King. Maric took her hand and approached Loghain. Then he grabbed his friend hand and put it on Mahria's. 'Her hands are so soft.' Loghain looked at her hand now resting in his own. 'And so tiny. Yet she wield a sword with them like a stick. Amazeing.' His thoughts were interrupted by Maric. 'Now some formalities. Bryce if you may.'

'Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir are you willing to take my daughter as wife and take care of her as I was taking care of her since she was born?' Bryce proceeded to Loghain and asked him with serious face. Loghain frowned at the start but then he regained his normal cold expression and nodded.

'Yes, I will.' His hoarse voice didn't let out his anger over all this madness. 'Lady Mahria Cousland.' Mac Tir started his speech avoiding Mahria's confused face. 'Will you take me as a husband and be my wife in not distant future?' Young woman looked at Teyrn then at King Maric to stop her gaze at her father. He nodded and put his hand on her arm.

'Y-yes. I will.' Mahria's voice was shaking. Her eyes looked back at Teyrn Loghain. Although she was confused, she bowed to him. 'It will be an honour, Your Teyrnship.' Mahria took back her hand as Loghain did.

'Now, now! In two months we will attend wedding in Gwaren! I think around 14th of Solace all invited parties will gather there. We'll send crows to arls and nobles immediately. Anyway. Let's celebrate!' Maric clasped his hand and gestures toward table. 'This is glorious day for Ferelden.' While walking back to table Mahria looked at rest. Her Mother and brother were smiling lightly while Arl Rendon and Nate looked crushed. 'Poor Nate...' she thought to herself. Anora winked at her smiling. 'We need to have a serious conversation, girl.' Mahria narrowed her eyes and looked upon her then she sat down with youngsters.

'That was… unexpected.' Cailan started. One could feel slight disappoint in his voice. 'I didn't know my father and uncle had such plans for this trip.'

'I know! I was shocked too!' Anora easily faked her surprise. 'You'll be married to my father. Can't believe that...'

'Umm. Yes, I'm quite confused myself.' Mahria nodded.

MAHRIA'S ROOM

Everybody talked only about unexpected engagement to the end of the day. Even servants were at it. Mahria couldn't stand the talk so she retreated to her chamber to read and calm her thoughts. Soon Anora joined her.

'Hi, girlfriend.' She entered her room and locked door. 'I hope you're not mad at me.'

'I… no… I'm just confused.' She closed book and turned to Anora. 'You're quite fast with dealing things.' She whispered. 'Are you sure that I should marry your father? It's your father, Anora, Maker's breath.'

'Don't worry about that.' She sat beside Mahria and patted her thigh. 'Just spare me talking about your intimate moments with him and I will be fine.'

'Stupid. I would be too ashamed. I could tell you about my men. But that? Too much.' Mahria brightened up. 'So I'm going to be your stepmother, eh?' She let small chuckle. 'My child, you need good spanking.'

'Oh no, mother! Just spare my buttocks.' Anora laughed and waved her hands in defensive gesture. Both started to laugh. After a while Mahria serious look came back at her face.

'Poor Nate. That was a hard blow, wasn't it?'

'I suppose. But he'll be good. Don't worry. He will be always your friend.'

'Certainly hope so.' Young Cousland sighed and turned her head to look out the window. 'I'll leave Highever in two weeks. So I was said.'

'Yeah. In two months from now you'll be Teyrna of Gwaren. Still, I think you're much more suited for ploughing field than being noblewoman.' Anora again patted her on the lap. 'My dear. I'm going to sleep. Tomorrow we're getting back to Denerim. Uncle Maric changed his plans to stay longer due to unexpected betrothal. After we reach Denerim and inform everyone, we're going straight to Gwaren.'

'Ah, so the wheel is already spinning, huh?' Cousland shook her head in disbelief. 'Good night, dear. I'll also call it a day. What a day...'

Dragon 9:24, 15th Bloomingtide and afterwards

King's party gathered up quickly and proceeded to Denerim. After their leave residents of Highever castle were also in rush to prepare all necessary things for wedding and travel to Gwaren. Mahria didn't have time to talk to her future husband before his departure so she was anxious. She hoped she could have few words with him in Gwaren. Everything happened so fast. Too fast.