Dragon 9:24, 15th Solace

LOGHAIN'S ROOM

'Don't tug so much.' Loghain frowned at his friend. 'Did you forgot how to strap an armor?'

'Just stop fretting.' Maric disregarded him and continue to tie up laces of the armor. Loghain chose to put on his Armor of River Dane, as he named it. It was enchanted with magic, a real masterpiece. He recovered it from damned chevalier commander after Battle of River Dane and somehow grew a sentiment to it.

'How long?' Loghain sighed and looked at Maric obviously fed up with his clumsiness.

'It's done.' King patted the man in the arm. 'Now let's go or we'll be late. No running, mind me.'

MAHRIA'S ROOM

Finally the day of the ceremony came. Servants were running in every direction to tie up everything. It was utter chaos. But Mahria wasn't aware of it as she was getting ready in her room. Her mother and Anora accompanied her in getting her dress on and tying her hear. When they finished they've stand in front of Mahria to admire their efforts. She looked stunning. Her silk dress was double-layerd. First layer emerald green, draped her thighs and hanged loosely at the end. Second layer was white, it was partially hidden beneath the first one, only visible at the center of dress. Upper part of the dress was fitted to her slender body, showing how well it was shapen. Mahria usually hid it, ashamed of her curves and nice breast. While wearing armor they weren't visible at all. As always her mother ordered to embroider laurel wreaths on sleeves and neckline as well as bottomline. Her hair was pinned up to show her long, graceful neck. Then they put on her cloak with Highever heraldry and mother put on her a necklace with emerald to finish off.

'How do I look?' Mahria asked uneasy. 'That bad…?'

'That good, silly.' Eleonora approached her daugher and hugged tightly. 'My beloved Pup.' A slight sob reached Mahria's ears. 'Today you will leave my nest to start your own.' Then Teyrna Cousland started to cry.

'Mom, don't cry.' Mahria's eyes were also wet. 'You said for long time that I'm getting too old. I'm 25, mom. I should be marry to someone at least 5 years ago. But I know I was embarrassment to you. I hope I wont' be anymore.'

'My child, don't say such rubbish. I'll always be proud of you.' Mother stopped her crying and smiled to the daugher. 'May the Maker guide you your entire life. May Andraste watch over your marriage.' She put her hand on Mahria's cheek and brushed it lightly. Then Anora approached both of them.

'We need to leave. Carriage is waiting.' They went downstairs and left mansion. Carriage was really waiting for them. They were last as everyone went to the chantry earlier. The ride was quick and with a short time Mahria was standing with her father in front of big building - Cathedral of Gwaren. Guest were seating on the benches inside already. Next the altar Loghain was waiting for his bride with Maric and Reveared Mother. Both men were wearing full armour and looked serious.

'She's here.' Maric pointed at the doors. 'Let's begin.' Then he retreated to sit beside Cailan, Anora and Teyrna Cousland who came there just moment earlier. Loghain regarded him with grave expression. His icy blue eyes then moved to Anora. She smiled at him to encourage her father. Loghain lift corner of his lip in faint smile. 'Madness.' He thought to himself. After that he looked at the end of the building. Mahria was walking towards altar escorted by her father. As she was closer he looked at her and almost set his jaw ajar in disbelief. Here was coming his bride and he found her so perfect at that moment. He regarded her slender body and thin waist, as well as well-shaped breast. 'Why I haven't noticed her shapes earlier…?' He asked himself in his head. As Mahria and her father approached him, Teyrn Bryce handed daughter's hand to Loghain's.

'Please, take care of my daughter.' Bryce smiled at Loghain and retreated to his wife.

'Now, let's begin with prayers.' Reveared Mother started her chant. After that bride ang groom had to exchange their vows. After Teyrn pledged his vow he walked to Mahria's back to take off her cloak and put his, with Gwaren heraldry - a wyvern - embroidered in gold. It was sign that he'll take her under his custody. Then it was time for a first kiss. He leaned to her and briefly put his lips on her for a quick kiss. The soft sensation stirred him but he calmed quickly. Then Reveared Mother put her hands up and blessed newlyweds.

WEDDING RECEPTION

Wedding reception was held in front of Loghain's mansion. Thankfully garden was really big so all guests fitted there just fine. Loghain mingled with Marric to attend everyone. He hadn't time to attend to his new wife though. After some time he retreated from crowd and leaned behind the oak.

'Here you're hiding.' Familiar voice ringed next to him. He looked by his arm to see Mahria. 'Avoiding me just after our wedding?' She smirked at him and walked closer to stand in front her husband.

'Perish the thought, Teyrna. I was just trying to...' He started but she interrupted him.

'I know exactly what you were trying to do as I'm trying the same. To escape. It's too crowded for me. I'm exhausted and don't want to listen to any idle talk for a while.' She paused to look at him. 'And I wanted to get away from Arl Howe as he's literally crying over my marriage to someone else than Nathaniel. Nathaniel also looks tarnished. Erm... But I don't want to interrupt your rest. Please excu-.' She turned to leave but she halted to see he reached her hand.

'Please don't go. You can stay.' Loghain said hoarsely and locked his eyes with hers. Then his icy eyes become sterned. 'If you like, that is.' She only smiled at him.

'Food will be served in a moment. Your gauntlets may be in a way. Let me take care of them.' She leaned to him and started to undo ties. As she was working on ties he remained passive and quiet. 'This armor is… is marvelous.' She exclaimed and touched cold silverite on his chest. 'And you take good care of it.'

'It is my prize after defeating Orlesian commander.' He stated but somehow he knew that she was familiar with the story of his deeds.

'I know, of course. It's my favourite bedtime story. Father was bored with it after he related it to me for thousands of times.' She smirked. 'Done, I presume it's way better now?'

'Yes, thank you. Mahria.' He looked into her snowy eyes just for a moment to turn away. 'Let's return to others. And go eat, you look hungry.'

'Ah, yes. I couldn't make myself to eat today. But now I'd like to eat, yes.' Loghain offered his arm and escorted his newlywed wife to their seat at the top of the table. Before the meal was served King Maric as Teyrn Bryce made a short speech and raised a toast for bride and groom. Just moment after all guests went silent as loud ruckus started by the gates. Loghain stood up and went to see what's the matter. Mahria looked at that direction. Then familiar neighs come to her ears. 'Dalish harts? Here?' After that she also stood up and dashed to the gate. She reached gates alongside with her husband. At the gate they saw 4 elves on the harts and one addidtional hart with no rider. It was Keeper Zetrall of Dalish, who was acquaintance of both of them. When they saw who was there both of them started to talk the same time.

'Zetrall, long time no see.' Loghain exclaimed. The same time Mahria also greeted the elf.

'Andaran atish'an, Keeper Zetrall.' As both Mahria and Loghain spoke they looked at themselves.

'You know him, Mahria?' Loghain's eyes were wide opened.

'She does, yes.' Zetrall dismounted his hart and walked to the couple. 'Loghain, I came to bring our regards and best wishes. May Creators smile upon your marriage. And when I heard who is your bride I was even more happy.' Then he patted Mahria's arm. 'I know this girl since she was seventeen, right Mahria?'

'Ma serannas, Zetrall. I'm happy to see you again, Keeper.' She smiled at him. Loghain looked at both elf and his wife confused. 'How can she speak Dalish?' He thought to himself.

'Your elvhen still sound really good, da'len.' Zetrall smiled back at woman. 'Anyway. I came here to bring you wedding presents. Abatheal, bring our gifts.' Then young elf named Abatheal came to the Keeper with two identical bows. 'They are pure ironbark. I asked our craftsman to carve your and Mahria's heraldry on them.' Then he gave each one a bow. Loghain looked at it. Both arms of the bow were carved with laurel and at the center there was depiction of a wyvern.

'It's beautiful.' Mahria gasped while looking at the bow. Then she lift her head. 'Ma serannas, ma'falon.'

'Don't thank me yet, da'len. I have another gift just for you.' Zetrall looked then at Loghain. 'If I may of course.' Mac Tir nodded in approval. 'I once promised you, da'len, that on the day of your wedding I'll give you the offspring of my finest hart. And here she is.' Then she gestured with his hand at the hart without a raider. It was graceful mare with red mane and white lanes in her croup. 'She's only one year nevertheless her horns are impressive, don't you think?' He stated while looking at Mahria. Woman approached the hart and carefully touched it's head.

'She's… I don't know what to say.' Mahria was speechless. When she was younger she had run away few times from the castle of Highever. One time she was lost in the woods and hit on Dalish camp. Although she was scared at first they took care of her. And then she befriended them. Whie

'Zatrall, I'll be honored to welcome you at the wedding banquet. Please come and join us.' Loghain gestured toward the gate. Then he guided Zetrall to the table and seated him beside himself. King Maric also knew the elf as he was once Captain to the Night Elves. They talked a bit when Loghain's curiosity took over.

'Zetrall, could you explain to me how you know my wife?' He asked. Zetrall looked at Mahria and they exchanged smiles.

'My elves caught Mahria once in the woods where we had our camp. She was lost and scared a bit when my men surrounded her. They brought her to me. And when I looked into her eyes I immediately realized whose daughter she was. Oh, that reminds me that I need to greet Teyrn Bryce. Da'len, if you could tell rest of the story to your husband.' After that Keeper wandered off to talk with Teyrn Cousland. Both Maric and Loghain looked at Mahria fascinated.

'Heh, that's funny story. When I was young I run away from Highever to get to know world a bit further than just my father's lands. Every time I got scolded though.' She smiled warmly at that memory. 'As Keeper said, I was lost in the woods and that how we came to know each other. I stayed with the Dalish for two weeks. Learned their tongue and their ways a bit. After that we have met few more times more. But it was long ago.'

'Teyrna, you're quite amazing. You're a lucky man, Loghain.' Then Maric looked at the guest and spotted Anora. 'Who is that man with Anora, by the way?' He pointed at Loghain's daughter and blond man. Mac Tir looked at the direction and growled.

'Excuse me. I have to kick someone out of here. An unwelcomed guest.' He dashed to his daughter and Anders. Mage crashed at the wedding and was really happy to mingle between guests and court beautiful noblewoman. Bad luck he hit upon hosts' daughter at that time.

'Anders!' Teyrn said with voice trembling of anger. His icy eyes were sparkling with ire. 'Get out or I'll send you to the dungeons. Go to your clinic and better stay there for next month.'

'Your Teyrnship!' Anders yelled with fear. 'Please forgive me. I'll go. I won't do it ever again.' Then mage run away like he was on fire.

'Who was that, father? Funny fellow.' Anora asked with a smirk on her face.

'Idiot who's making every woman in this damned town pregnant by just a gaze.' Loghain hissed in anger. 'Better watch out or you'll have mage child.' Anora chuckled and went to the table. 'What a day...' Loghain thought. 'And it's not going to end.' Then his thought moved to approaching wedding night and chill ran down his spine.

LOGHAIN BEDCHAMBER

Maric came with Loghain to his chamber to help him with his armor and torment him about wedding night. With a big grin on his face he asked inappropriate questions about what Loghain would like to do with his young wife. Nevertheless Loghain disregarded him with icy gaze and silence. King reached a conclusion that there is no fun with him and left, leaving friend in grave thoughts. As he was brooding over his misery he didn't notice that door to the bedchamber of his new wife has opened and she entered. She silently approached him. Finally he looked at her. She was in a nightgown. He saw only bottom part of the nightgown as shawl covering her arms and upper body hid the rest. But judging by the bottom, fabric of her attire was almost transparent. It made a stir inside of him but he didn't said nor shown anything. In the meanwhile Mahria inspected the room and approached the wall with big map of Ferelden hanged there. She looked at it in silence, touching some parts or tracing roads or rivers with her finger. Then she went to look at the shield with heraldry of Gwaren on it, also hanged on same wall.

'I'm surrounded by dragons and wyverns now.' She stated.

'Is that a problem, Teyrna?' He asked rather coldly. He felt out of place and anxious. There he was sitting in his bedclothes, trying to look calm, stately and on the other side of the room was his newlywed wife. Almost half his age, young and so appealing it hurted.

'No. I just… I wanted to say that from beginning of my life those marvelous creatures surrounded me.' She smiled to herself at that thought. 'My parents convinced me in the camp before battle ar River Dane, you know. Dragon heralded that battle. And I was born in the first year of Dragon Age.' She walked to the bed and lay down. 'Now I'm Teyrna of Gwaren, wife to Hero of River Dane who's crest depict wyvern. It's just… I don't know… a strange fate. I think.'

'Ah. I see. I saw that dragon. At River Dane. She was flying above valley, roaring from time to time. Such a magnificent view. And when I looked at her I thought to myself that she will bring me luck.'

'Do you think that now? About today's events?' She asked with curiosity in her snowy eyes. Loghain looked away and stayed silent. After brief moment he stood up and went to pour some brandy.

'Do you want some? It's Antivan brandy.' He offered her the drink as he needed one for sure.

'Yes, please.' She answered and took one cup from his hand. 'Too much of antivan right now.' She chuckled and drank a sip.

'What?' Loghain asked with incomprehension.

'I have too much of antivan wares by me right now. The brandy… and… this.' She took off her shawl to show her nightgown in full view. Loghain gasped in shock. Not only bottom was transparent but whole nightgown. He could see her nipples behind fabric as well as slender stomach and graceful curves of her waist and thighs. Loghain turned his head to other direction. He felt warm sensation on his neck as well as in loins.

'Please forgive me, Marhia, for gawking like that.' He was ashamed by himself. 'Rest now, I'll sleep in the armchair.'

'Such a pity.' She said with faked sadness. 'Anora ordered this piece of clothing from Antiva especially for me and my wedding night some time ago. Before we were even engaged. I had high expectations. Like how I'd seduce my husband in our first night. Alas, I didn't do well nor this nightgown. My husband doesn't want to touch or look at me.' Loghain dared look at Mahria. Her head was hung and she was looking at her hands. Her fingers were playing with laces of the nightgown.

'My lady, I don't really grasp what you...'

'My lady again?' She chuckled. And stood up. 'I see I need to practice my courting with you, husband.' She approached Loghain in seductive manner.

'Mahria, I'm pleased with your manners with me… but…' He tried to back off while she was getting closer to him. His gaze again locked on her chest then lower parts. 'But if you'll insist on seducing me like that I'm afraid I won't hold back.'

'Oh, that attitude I like.' She smiled and leaned to him. Her face was near his. Scent of her body vexed his senses. Sight of her round lips was so tempting, he hesitate only for a second. Loghain grabbed Mahria's arms and pulled her to his knees. Then without a word he started to kiss her feverishly. After lips he kissed her cheek and neck then leaned to kiss her chest. He almost got there with his lips but suddenly withheld. He realised what he have done and doubts grew in his head. 'Why?' He blurted the question.

'Because I want to. Not for duty. Not for pleasing you. It's a desire you stirred while we dueled in Highever.' She stated breathing heavily. He looked into her snowy eyes in disbelief. 'So don't hold back anymore.' Her willingness, lust in her eyes proved to him she wasn't lying.

'I… it was long since I was with a woman. Especially such woman as you. I don't know...' Even before Celia's death he wasn't really engaged with his late wife in bed activities. He rejected Celia long time and after her death he had few women lay with him. Loghain thought that it will be better for him than engage himself in futile intimacy. But know it was different.

'Oh? Such woman as me? Care to explain?' Mahria interrupted him. She straightened her back and looked at him.

'You are remarkable woman, Mahria. Strong-willed, brave. You know what you want yet you long for recognisance. I saw that in your eyes that time in Highever. But it doesn't weak you it makes you stronger. And...' He hesitated to tell what he overheard last night. After a while of regarding her he continued. 'I saw your argument last night. With Cailan. It was brave to stand up to someone like him. Even though you lied about fancy someone like me.'

'It wasn't a lie.' She murmured silently. He looked in her eyes waiting for her to continue. But she only touched his face lightly, like it was too fragile to withstand any pressure. She traced lines of his jaw, cheeks, nose and temple. Like she was memorizing every inch of his face with her fingers. She took one of his braid in her hand and stroked gently. His blue eyes regarded her in fascination. 'How can she be so strong yet so delicate… soft… and fragile.' He thought to himself, his lust grew in every minute as she was touching him tenderly. And suddenly he realised that urge to have her is stronger than any doubts. He lifted her and moved to the bed. She smiled at him warmly as he positioned above her.

'If you allow, my Lady. I'd like to try this nightgown of yours.'

'Of course, Your Teyrnship, do as you like.' They mocked themselves with honorifics and regarded each other with curiosity, wondering what will happen next.

'So it's antivan fabric, yes? Such lecherous nations they are.' Loghain slided his hand on her waist and thigh, gripping each of them firmly. 'You said it was a present from my daugher? And she bought it for you long ago?'

"Ah yes.' Mahria chuckled. 'Anora made a joke with it. When she handed it to me she said that Nathaniel would lose his conscious if he saw me dressed like that.' Then she looked at Loghain startled. 'Oh, and… I think you already know but I'm not a maidan anymore. I had few more lovers than Nathaniel to be precise. Sorry to disappoint you.'

'Don't worry, Mahria. I couldn't care less about it.' His hand moved up her body to her chest. He cupped her breast through silky fabric with one hand as on another he kept himself up to look at her. Then he leaned to her lips and kissed them, still cupping her breasts. Mahria wasn't motionless herself and stroked his arms and back. As their kisses intensified Mahria opened her mouth and let him slide his tongue between her lips. She showed him her willingness so he started to untie laces of her nightgown. When her breast came out he started to move down, licking and kissing her neck. Slowly, inch by inch, as he reached her breasts. Kissing and sucking each nipple he heard her gasping and moaning quietly. Her body intoxicated him, as he compared it to Rowan's. 'Rowan.' Her name struck his mind. He stopped and lifted himself a bit. 'She's not Rowan. She's not. Who is she?' With thoughts dashing through his head he freezed. Mahria looked up to see why he stopped unexpectedly.

'What's wrong? Are you alright?' She asked concerned. But there was no response. She put her hand on his cheek. Her touched reached him. Loghain looked up into her eyes with odd gaze.

'Who are you?' Mac Tir touched her face. Moved his rough fingers onto her lips, cheeks. He touched her hair in incredulity. 'Who are you?' He asked again with strange, hoarse voice.

'I'm Mahria Mac Tir.' She replied with strength in her voice. 'Teyrna of Gwaren, wife of Loghain Mac Tir.' At that statement he snapped out of his grave thought about Rowan. 'Never again, Mac Tir. Never again compare Mahria to her. As she is someone so much different.' Mahria's warm gaze soothed his confusion. Her warm yet snowy eyes melted his anxiety. He looked into those warm eyes and began to understand her words. 'It wasn't a lie.' she said to him. Then Loghain leaned to kiss her again. Feverishly with passion and lust. He took of her nightgown and started to move down yet again, tracing her bare skin with his lips. His hand reached her smallclothes and with one firm move he took them off. When he had free access to her inner parts he reached them with his hand. He found out that she wasn't bluffing while saying that she fancy him. She was as eager from the beginning as he was right now. Another proof of her wanting him was her moans and cries. They were stimulating his lust even more to the point where he just wanted to be inside of her. Loghain stood up and took of his pants. Then moved back to Mahria. She looked at his manhood and smiled.

'I hope you're not disappointed.' He asked hoarsely and placed himself on her.

'Oh no, no. On the contrary, I haven't expect that… Much.' With emphasizing her words she spread her legs in an invitation.

'So above everything else you're also a flatterer.' He smiled back at her and put his member inside of her. Mahria made deep, long moan as he also growled in pleasure. Such a long time passed since he felt sensation of woman inner parts wrapped around him. He started to rock gently inside her and soon she proceeded to move alongside with him. Her hands moved up to wrap around his neck, her fingers grasped his hair. Then she started to stroke his back with one hand. That hot sensation caused him to move faster as he was overwhelmed by pleasure. 'I want to look at you.' As he said that he lifted her and placed astride his laps. They looked into each other eyes for a moment then Mahria leaned to kiss Loghain, caressing his back and neck with her hands. He felt his end is near so he speed up his movement inside of her. It wasn't long when both of them reached their climax with loud moans and growls.

'That was… unexpected.' He stated when they laid on the bed, tangled in an embrace. His hand stroked her arm and neck softly. 'Unexpected but good. Almost too good.'

'What did you expect from this night?' She grinned and looked into his icy eyes.

'Oh. To be frank I really thought I'd sleep on that armchair. And I presumed that if anything would happen it would be embarrassing and quick.' He stated and laughed. 'You are really amazing woman, Mahria.' She only smiled at him and nestled herself in his arms, covering them with a blanket. Soon they were both asleep.