Chapter 4 - Dragon 9:24, 2nd Solace

'Ah, Gwaren at last.' Maric stretched his arms and complained painfully. 'My butt is hurting from all this horse riding. What a shame we'll be too busy with organizing wedding to rest properly.'

'Oh, yes. As king you'll work your fingers to the bone, Maric.' Loghain sighed. 'All this madness is your doing so stop complaining.' They reached gates and were greeted by Gwaren's seneschal - Keidan.

'Your Majesty, Your Teyrnship. Welcome back to Gwaren. May Maker guide your ways.' Seneschal bowed and gestured towards Gwaren. 'Your Teyrnship, I have some urgent matters for you to attend to later.'

'Fine, we'll meet in the afternoon. Now we just want to go to my manor and refresh.' Then all party rode to Mac Tir manor. Loghain didn't want to live in estate of previous owner, Orlesian bastard. After rebellion it was rebuilt into barracks for his soldiers and Loghain build his own home on the hill next to Gwaren's harbor. His late wife have decorated it in her way. She spend all her married life in that house. First years of their marriage they spend on building the estate. Loghain also was busy in rebuilding and strengthening Gwaren then after Rowan's death he spend most of time in Denerim. Celia had been only once in Denerim during their marriage thus they didn't were very close. There was always something that stoon in a way to know her better. He prefered that way. He didn't want to build any relationship. But Maric said anyway that he was running away. 'After all this years… I'll get a new wife. New life.' Loghain wondered when he looked at the mansion. 'In house that's rather unfamiliar to me now. How many years since I really lived here? House of my dead wife. What a hypocrisy." As he entered his house middle aged elf approached him.

'Your Majesty. Your Teyrnship, long time no see. I hope your travel was safe.' His name was Mahren and he was one of his Night Elves. After rebellion have ended he really didn't have place to stay so Loghain offered him a job as butler.

'Mahren, stop with 'Your Teyrnship' talking. I said many times that you can call me by my name.' Loghain patted arm of the Elf. 'How preparations for wedding are proceeding? I assume you was informed beforehand.'

'Yes, crow was here two weeks ago. Whole town is speaking only about you and new Teyrna.' Butler nodded and smiled at Loghain.

'You hear it, Loghain?' Maric also smiled. 'Everyone are so excited.'

'Everyone but me you wanted to say.' Loghain disregarded Maric. 'Mahren, I hope you prepared rooms for King, Prince. Also contact local taverns and inns for rooms for guests. Our beloved King invited whole Ferelden.'

'As you wish. Just one word before I leave. Crow came today with note that Teyrn Cousland will arrive in one week. They're on their way.' Mahren bowed and departed to town.

'Anora, my dear. You'll be in charge of preparations. But I think you already know what to do. Come Maric, Cailan, I'll show you to your room.' Men walked up to second floor, Teyrn escorted them to their rooms and then retreated to his own. He wasn't here for seven months yet room was clean and ready for use. 'Two weeks… what a madness.' Loghain murmured to himself and started to unpack his belongings.

LATER, LOGHAIN'S STUDY

'And the last matter, Your Teyrnship.' Loghain and Keidan were dealing with urgent matters of Teyrnir for two hours and here it was finally ending. Senechal regarded Loghain but stayed silent.

'Yes…?' Loghain looked impatiently at the man.

'It's delicate, Your Teyrnship.'

'Is it about the wedding? I thought we have discussed everything.' Mac Tir was worn-out by all those preparations so far. Every time he thought he handled everything another pile of matters popped out.

'Oh, no no, it's about Anders.' Kaidan send guilty gaze at Loghain. Anders was healer mage sent to Gwaren two years earlier, after his seventh attempt of running from Circle Tower, Kinloch Hold. Knight-Commander Greagoir was so fed up with him that he agreed to send Anders to Gwaren as a healer. For his first year the mage was behaving and everything was fine. Anders had run his clinic and helped people a great deal. Problems started year ago when daughter of wealthy merchant admitted to be pregnant with him. After few months another woman claimed to be expecting a child.

'Don't tell me there will be another one I beg you.' When Kaidan nodded Loghain put his hands on his face, cracking up. 'I can't believe it's happening again. Who is that woman?'

'Luckily it's the same as before.' Nevertheless that attempt to cheer Teyrn up failed. Loghain frowned and looked at Seneschal with anger.

'I'm done, Kaidan. Sent him back to Kinloch Hold. I have enough of his debauchery.' As he said that he hit table with his fist. 'Like I have time or patience to attend such nonsenses.'

'There is problem, Your Teyrnship. This merchant, Alder, want Anders to marry his daughter. On the other hand Anders want to marry Rieska, the woman with he'll have another child. She's daugher of head of blacksmith guild, Luthias.' Kaidan spread his arms in helpless gesture. 'We're caught between two stools in this matter, Your Teyrnship.'

'All right. I think I have a solution. Let him marry this blacksmiths daugher as I don't need our craftsmen's to turn down on us. And tell this merchant to sod off. Like we don't have other merchants here in Gwaren.' Teyrn was at the edge. Dealing with such foolishness was last thing he wanted right now. 'And you can tell Anders that he will have to pay for merchant grandchild. I want him to understand that he's responsible.'

'As you wish, your Teyrnship.' Kaidan stood up and left Loghain's study. 'What a day… first day of my stay and I need to take care of such idiocies.' Mac Tir brooded. 'Just stay strong, Loghain, stay strong.'

Dragon 9:24, 9th Solace

Mac Tir was standing in front of his mansion. He was waiting for Couslands for a while. Messenger came earlier with news that they arrived at the town. His soon-to-be wife and her family were going to stay in his home for the event. That was really stressing him out. Bryce and Eleonora were his longtime friends and he hosted them several times here but now it was different matter. Now their daughter will stay here. As his wife. As new Teyrna. He wondered what cruel plan Maker had for him, what he did to deserve such unexpected and for now rather unpleasant boon. 'Don't fret, old fool. What is done is done. No sens whining about it.' As he was ruminating he saw Cousland party in front of mansion's gate. He approached toward them. 'Good to see you all sound and well, my friends. Come inside, you need to rest.'

'Greetings, Loghain. Thank you very much. We're whacked after long travel.' Teyrn dismounted his horse and after him Teyrna and both of her children did the same.

'Ah. This place didn't change at all.' Eleonora looked around with smile on her face. 'I'm so pleased to be here again. Though Celia is not around anymore.' Mahria trembled a bit after that statement. It was strange for her. She would replace late Teyrna and that was making her out of countenance. After brief welcome Teyrn showed them to their rooms. She regarded him silently. When she was alone she sat on familiar bed. She was here few times before. When Celia was alive. 'What did you get yourself into, girl.' She sighed deeply and stood up to. Mahria stood in front of window and saw Teyrn Loghain and Anora giving orders to some servants.

'Maker preserve me, just be calm, everything will be fine.'

Dragon 9:25, 14th Solace

It was a day before the wedding ceremony. Mahria was playing with her mabari, Sahra, when she saw King and Teyrn Loghain coming from the town. 'Now girl, sit down and be good doggy.' Sahra sat down as she was said to. Mahria patted mabari on the head and turned to approaching men. 'Good day, your Majesty, your Teyrnship. Lovely day isn't it? How was your stroll through the town?'

'As always, everyone were just literally swooping on us.' Maric smiled and waved his hand to show swooping gesture. 'But Gwaren is really something. After Loghain took this Teyrnir it blossomed.' Loghain growled a bit but Maric wasn't disheartened at all. 'There is a lot of merchants, especially dwarven ones. They sell good wares, you need to go look for yourself.'

'I'd love to, your Majesty. Maybe after ceremony I'll go for a walk myself. But know… if it won't offend you, your Majesty. I'd like to talk to Teyrn alone. We didn't have really time to talk and tomorrow it may be too late.' Mahria smirked and winked to the king.

'Oh yes, of course. I would be highly displeased if there would be any problems with ceremony because of me. Like a runaway bride.' Maric patted Loghain in the arm. 'Please excuse me. I'll go and rest a bit before dinner.' Maric left Loghain with smirk as he saw terror in his eyes.

'Umm… may we go to the garden, your Teyrnship? It's quieter there and we won't be interrupted. '

'Of course, my Lady. After you.' Mahria whistled at the dog and they went to the garden. After that they sat on the bench under huge oak. Sahra set up next to her owner and lay down. Mahria looked at her future husband with embarrassment.

'We didn't have opportunity to talk, your Teyrnship, and I think we should clear some things before the event.' She started but Loghain interrupted her.

'I know what are the circumstances if that's what you mean.' Loghain still couldn't make himself to look at young woman beside him so he gazed away. 'It's political marriage and I think you know that Anora was the one who brought this up because of Cailan and his… affection toward you.' He dared to look at her with corner of his eye. She was deep in thoughts and she look quite something.

'Yes… Cailan… that's one thing. Please forgive me for saying this, but I don't really care about him nor Anora. I just… wanted to know what you want from this marriage, your Teyr-.'

'Please, my lady, don't call me 'Your Teyrnship' as we're going to be married tomorrow, Loghain's fine.' He dared to fully look at her. His icy blue eyes locked in hers. She smiled to him and nodded.

'Fair enough, but you will stop with 'My lady' as well.' He also nodded his head. 'So we agreed on first thing. That was the easy part.'

'Yes. You asked what I want from our marriage…? I didn't really thought about it. Maybe you can tell me what you want from it?' Loghain artfully evaded answering her question.

'I just want freedom, I can be your wife, your friend and your ally. I just want to stand independently, as I think you would like the same. I won't interfere in your matters when you won't like to, and I want the same from you. And about the rest? I think we will work it out later on.' Her gaze was serious as her words. Loghain regarded her silently. He wanted to spot any lies beneath her earnest talk. But he caught himself believing her words.

'That's fair by me, Mahria. I'm glad you deal with the matter in wise way.' He felt a bit less tense so he answered her previous question. 'I think I want the same from you. Mind me I'm not a man who court a lady nor one who entertains her. I'm but a simple man, a soldier. Rather harsh one I think. I wasn't good husband to Celia so I can't assure you that now I'll do any better.' He smirked and looked at her again. She looked at him curiously with faint smile.

'I'll just have to cooperate with it.' The faint smile on Mahria's lips broadened. He regarded her and thought. 'Such a beautiful smile. Her smile is so similar to… no stop it. She's not her.' Loghain turned his head straight and looked at the garden. 'Anyway I'm glad we could clarify our things. I really wanted to have this talk before tomorrow's ceremony. Now I'm much more calm.'

'I'm happy I could help with calming your nerves, Mahria. I know that this occurrence is nerve-wracking. But, may it all be damned to Black City, there's no way out now. And I appreciate that you want us to be on good terms. Also, I think that about the rest we'll just have to figure it out on our own.' She put her hand lightly on his arm and then stood up. He felt warmth through his clothes. It was disturbing but in pleasant way. The moment didn't last long as someone was approaching. She took her hand.

'Your Teyrnship!' Blonde man came in a rush toward Loghain and Mahria. 'May I say how grateful I am for your help, Your Teyrnship?' He kneeled in front of Mac Tir and bowed.

'Anders…' Loghain growled in anger. 'Are you blind or it just escaped your notice that I'm a little bit busy right now?' At this statement Anders snapped out of his acknowledgments and looked around to lock his gaze on the woman next to the man.

'Ah, oh. Yes, I'm very sorry. My lady, a proper greeting is necessary. I am Anders. Gwaren healer.' Mage bowed to the lady.

'A pleasure.' Mahria looked puzzled at mage then at Loghain.

'Did I interrupt in something important? If yes I'll wait next to the gate. I beg for forgiveness.'

'Please don't bother. I need to go anyway. Thank you, Loghain, for the talk. Now excuse me. As I said I need to go to my mother now and help her with some preparations or she'll nag later that I'm no help at all.' She smiled at Mac Tir one last time and left. Loghain looked at her as she left. 'Maker's breath. It may be not so bad at all. With that smile of hers.' Then he looked at the mage again, displeased.

'Our amorous Mage came back to the town I see.' Loghain started with hoarse voice. 'One more child convinced by your loins, ser Mage, and I send you back to the Circle Tower.' Anders looked into those icy blue eyes of Teyrn and quivered.

'Of course, Your Teyrnship, I'll marry Rieska and everything will be fine, I assure you.' Anders nodded eagerly. 'By the way, Your Teyrnship, who was this beautiful Lady?' He looked back but there was no sign of Mahria, as she left already.

'Future Teyrna of Gwaren, Anders, I'm going to be married to her tomorrow. Sooo… don't think about her, don't look at her, just forget about her. Sooo, don't even think about it, is that clear enough for you?' Obvious threat leaped out from Loghain's mouth. He glared coldly at the healer and dismissed him with wave of his hand. 'If he'd get too cocky I would be embarrassed by having mage's bastard in my own house. Better scare him off in the start.'

NIGHTFALL, CORRIDOR IN BEDCHAMBERS QUARTER

Loghain was walking to Maric room when he noticed some motion in end of the corridor. He silently approached closer to the source of the unrest. As he approached he saw Cailan trying to hold Mahria. He hid in the darkness and observed the situation.

'Please Cailan, let go of me.' She hissed at young prince. 'I don't want any closeness between us. I said it few times already.'

'Just please answer my question already. Don't you want to be a queen? Not just a mere Teyrna?' He asked with husky voice and tried to put his hand on her waists.

'No. I'm going to marry Loghain tomorrow. I don't want to be your queen nor I want to engage in any intimacy with you.' Loghain narrowed his eyes. 'Bastard. I'll get to his arse one of this days.' He thought to himself angrily.

'It's about Anora, right?' Cailan moved back from her and looked at her sharply.

'Of course it's about Anora. It's about Anora, Teyrn Mac Tir, your father and my parents. But above all it's about that I don't fancy you Cailan.' She hissed at him again. Cailan looked at her in shock. 'I don't find you attractive whatsoever.'

'All women in Ferelden find me attractive. I don't believe you.' He stood up, looking cocky and proud of himself. 'Every woman in this country would sell her family just to have me.'

'Not every. You idiot. I'm one of them. Women who think that being prince is not everything to them exist, Cailan. Don't get too cocky.' Loghain almost gasped in shock but calmed himself.

'So who you fancy, my lady? Men like Nathaniel?' Cailan growled in anger. 'I know you have been laying with him. Several times.'

'That's not your concern. But I'll tell you. I fancy man like my future husband and sod off with anyone who want to argue with me about my tastes.' She frowned and waved her hand in 'leave me alone' gesture. 'Now go away because you won't get any courtesy from me, Cailan. And mind you, I want to remain your friend but if you pick up this subject again I won't be that nice anymore.' Then Mahria turned around and dashed to Anora's room. Cailan regarded her for a second then also turned and walked to his chamber. Loghain was so dumbfounded that he remained in his spot for several minutes. 'What did she said…? I'm dreaming or is it real…?' Then he retreated silently to his study.

ANORA'S ROOM

'I saw you have chatted with my father, girl.' Young Mac Tir stated as Mahria entered the room with anger written all over her face. 'I hope he didn't said anything bad to you.'

'Perish the thought, silly goose.' Mahria walked toward bed and sat next to Anora. 'I just wanted to… I dunno… explain some matter to your father. That's all. And it was good talk.' Anora regarded her with curiosity.

'Fine, fine. You looked good together, you know? I wouldn't even presume that. But it's fact.' Anora bit her lips with concern and bursted out. 'I just hope I didn't put you in something you'll regret someday. Nor I wouldn't like you to hate me.' Anora looked at Mahria saddened.

'Silly, tomorrow I'll become your step mom. Why regret such great possibility?' Cousland patted Anora to the back. 'If you won't behave I'll just scold you… and spank your butt.' Both of them started to laugh uncontrollably. After they stopped Mahria turned to Anora. 'So… tomorrow, huh?'

'Yes.' Anora looked back at her friend. 'You'll be a beautiful bride, you know?'

'Don't say such rubbish. With my masculine features and muscled body even prettiest dress looks inappropriate.'

'Oh, just shut it and go plough some field already.' Anora chuckled. 'Anyway… you look like goddess of fury and damnation. Who did you damned to the Black City for Nathaniel is not around at present? He will come tomorrow as I heard.'

'Cailan.' Mahria spit his name and looked at Anora. 'He was at it again. He offered me to become a queen… I just told him to sod off. Just suck him dry already.' She frowned and looked at her friend. 'That would serve both of you.' Then she shook her head and calmed down. 'Never mind, girl. I told him what I wanted for long time. I think there won't be any courting from him anymore.'

Later they talked about ceremony and guests, they were having fun. Anora wanted to relieve her and Mahria's tension after Cailan's wooing. She was near her until they parted to beds. 'Mahria, I just hope you'll be happy… as well as my father.'