Dragon 9:24, 15th Solace

LOGHAIN'S BEDCHAMBER

Mahria woke up little before sunrise. It was still greyish outside. She sat and looked around unfamiliar room to lock her gaze on the man sleeping next to her. She regarded his sleeping face silently then laid back next to him. She reached his hair and stroked it carefully. She didn't want to wake him up as he looked so peacefully. Then new Teyrna moved closer and kissed his jawline and neck tenderly. Her hand moved to Loghain's chest and caressed it softly. As she couldn't see his face anymore she hadn't noticed her husband was awake for a while. He looked at her with eyes wide opened. 'That's strange way to say good morning. But nevertheless I approve.' His hoarse voice was still a bit numb from sleep. Mahria looked up and smiled.

'Mhm… I hoped I wouldn't wake you up until I reach more interesting parts.' She chuckled and moved even closer to his side while her hand was moving to mentioned parts of his body. He wasn't hard yet, but he felt it happen soon.

'It's extremely difficult to approach me without being noticed, mind you. You're too inexperienced to surprise a veteran like me, but if you want I can teach you few tricks.' Then his hand moved to her waist. 'I thought that you wanted to show me your courtesy only for our wedding night.'

'Perish the thought, husband. I want to show my courtesy longer than that. Much longer. As I find our wedding night more than acceptable.' She smiled and stroked his manhood more vigorously. His pleasurable growl was muffled by her hair as he leaned to kiss her neck.

'So you want a second round? I'm much obliged.' Loghain couldn't understand why he found resisting Mahria was so hard for him. Almost impossible. And he didn't want to resist any longer. 'Please, your Teyrnship, if I may I'd like to return the favour.' He pushed her lightly on the bed and then started to lick and suck her bare breast, he moved down to her stomach, making small circles with his tongue. After that he moved even lower and started to kiss and lick her inner parts. She moaned deeply, her breath was heavy from pleasure. He intensified movement of his tongue more and more until she arched her body. After that she grabbed him back to her and kissed. While they were kissing, Loghain entered her damp insides. He started to move inside her getting accustomed to yet familiar feeling. He was laying over her cupping her thigh with one hand while another was buried in her brown curls. Their eyes were locked while their bodies rocked in shared rhythm. Soon the rhythm was faster and faster. Mahria reached his head and brought it to her. They kissed and moaned together. Sensation of tongues dancing in their mouths was so intense that their end was reached few moment later. Loghain laid on her chest. He heard her heart beating fast under her soft skin. Mahria put her hands on his back, caressing man's skin covered with scars. She trailed every scar she could reach with her finger.

'That was soooo good.' She stated and kissed his head. Loghain lifted his head to look at her.

'Teyrna, it's all thanks to you.' Then he lift himself and turned to lay on his side. He grabbed Mahria and pulled her closer. She regarded him with warm smile and reached with her hand to his braid.

'Don't say it is only my doing, Your Teyrnship, you were also very committed to our… deeds.'

'Enough. Let's stop with teyrnshipping. Anyway, Mahria. I was quite surprised to discover you were trying to seduce me while I was asleep.' As he said that his hand moved to her waist, he hanged it loosely there..

'You pretend to be asleep, to be exact. Anyway, I think I grew tired again. Let's sleep, Loghain, it's still so quiet outside.' She yawned adorably and snuggled into his chest. Man smiled upon that and also went to sleep.

LOGHAIN'S BEDCHAMBER FEW HOURS LATER

Teyrns Mac Tir were still sleeping when someone knocked to the door. He knocked and knocked until Loghain sat up and spoken with grunt. 'Who's there? Bastards, I was still sleeping.' To his discontent his wife turned around and remained asleep. Her slender back raised his agitation.

'It's me Loghain.'

'What do you want, Maric?' Loghain frowned and came down the bed. He found his pants and put them on. Then he opened door and left to the corridor. While door were opened for a moment, Maric had a good look around the room, especially the bed.

'Oh. Oh my.' He chuckled. 'Here it comes.' Loghain thought to himself with anger. 'I see you HAD some fun with that wife of yours.' It was literally King's hobby to irk his friend. And now he had good opportunity. But Loghain didn't want to let him have his little fun.

'Yes. In the matter of fact I did.' Loghain replied coldly and turned his head too look at Cailan who showed at the end of the corridor. 'Twice.' Maric laid back a bit and looked at Mac Tir not believing what he just heard. At the same time Princ gasped. Younger Theirin looked into Loghain's cold eyes for a moment then turned his gaze. His eyes showed clear jealousy.

'Oh, Cailan, you're awake.' Maric turned to his son. As always he hadn't noticed his son's emotions. Or maybe he didn't want to notice them. 'That's good, let's go to eat some breakfast. Go and fetch Anora as well.' Then he turned again to Loghain with grin on his face. 'I hope, Your Teyrnship, that you will join us shortly. With the wife.' Then King turned on his heel and went down to dining hall. Loghain narrowed his eyes in anger and entered the room. All those emotions vanished when he saw Mahria sitting on the bed. She was yawning, one of her hands was covering her mouth while another stretched upward.

'Good morning, Loghain.' She stated with smile when she ended her yawn.

'Good morning.' He replied with rasping voice.

'Who were you talking to?' She asked with curiosity.

'Our beloved King, Maric the Savior… but I think Maric the Annoyance is far more appropriate for him to be called.' He sighed and shook his head.

'Hehe, you can be tease as well, Loghain.' She chuckled. 'As far as I remember you teased me few times last night… and in the morning.' She smiled at the memory. Then she stood up from the bed and approached her husband. He felt unrest building inside of him while Mahria was coming closer to him completely naked. She has stand up on her toes and kissed him swiftly. 'I'm going to wash and get dressed.' Then she proceed to leave but he caught her hand and made deeper kiss. When he broke the kiss he regarded her for a moment.

'Too quick. Longer one was better. Now you can go.' She grinned to him and ran to the door. While she was getting dressed he also proceeded to dress but was distracted by thought about last night… and early morning. He couldn't still believe what happened. But he was satisfied nevertheless. Especially when he saw Maric and Cailan shocked faces. Then he put on himself black leather tunic and brown pants. His high black boots shone from polishing. His tunic was girdled with golden belt with heraldry of Gwaren. He also put golden necklace of Royal Advisor on him. When he was ready he knocked to Mahria's room.

'Come in.' Loghain entered the room and saw Mahria trying to tie laces of the dress on the back. 'Could you lend me a hand with this?' She pointed helplessly at her bare back.

'Just a hand…?' He asked and walked to his wife.

'You lied to me.' Mahria chuckled when he lightly touched her back.

'About what?'

'About your courting skills. You said you don't know how to court a lady. Yet here you are, coquetting me in great manner.'

'My lady, I just try to be nice. I hardly can see my behaviour toward you as courting.' Loghain tied laces and put his hand on her waist. 'Done. Shall we go now?' He offered his arm to Mahria with faint smile. Then they went down to dining hall for breakfast.

DINING HALL

Loghain was disappointed by himself as he hadn't paid real attention to his new wife the day earlier. Today he wanted to compensate it to her and stayed by her side. He found it pleasurable to mingle between guests with her. Mahria was smart talker and good listener so guests enjoyed her company. They spend whole day attending to their guests. To their discontent Zetrall had to leave around noon. He didn't want to leave rest of his clan alone. After the nightfall guest gathered in dining hall to eat and dance. They formed smaller groups to share news and gossips. Mahria was standing alone with Loghain and talking when she noticed Arl Eamon Guerrin talking to Arl Howe.

'That's strange.' She watched them with curiosity.

'What is it?' Teyrn looked at her and then turned his head in the direction she was looking. 'Why you find arls talking to one another strange?'

'So you don't know? Howe hated Eamon. Now he's acting like Arl Guerrin is his best friend. Two months ago he stated that 'Eamon is just dumb idiot' to my father.' Mahria sighed and continued her talk. 'Sleazy guy. From beginning I though that there's something fishy about him. Nathaniel or Delilah are different. I don't know Thomas that well though. Such a pity Delilah's not here… I think Rendon wants to marry her now to Bann Teagan. That would explain his manners with Arl Eamon.'

'How do you know that?' Loghain looked interested at her.

'Please. Don't tell me you don't see what's happening here.' Mahria looked at husband with impatience.

'I see politics.'

'Oh, it's not only about politics. Just think about it. Our guests seems happy and overjoyed right now. But there is also fear in their eyes. Just imagine. Two most powerful land combined. Two most valuable votes in the Landsmeet. There wasn't such strong political power since Calenhad the Great united our country. They fear of the future now. Especially Eamon. Once he had power, but when you came to Denerim to be Advisor to the Crown, he lost some of it. Not to mention that you took almost all weight of ruling on yourself, don't deny it. Now Mac Tirs and Couslands are connected. Both our families share power second to the king.'

'To be honest, Mahria, I didn't assume they would be frightened by our marriage.' Loghain looked around with eyes sliding from one noble to another.

'Yes, I know you just find it an annoyance.' She chuckled and grabbed his arm lightly. 'Anyway. Eamon found himself in deadlock. In the meantime ask King Maric if Eamon talked earlier with him about our engagement... At any rate we need to finish our little talk now.'

'Your Teyrnship, Teyrna. Such a marvelous ceremony. I wish you best luck.' Arl Eamon and Arl Rendon approached them. 'Speaking of the devils.' Loghain thought to himself. 'Let the Maker send you nothing but happiness.'

'Thank you very much, Arl Eamon. Please have a chat with my husband, I need to go to the ladies.'

'Mahria, could you talk with Nathaniel a bit? He wanted to speak with you.' Arl Howe tried to touch her arm but she avoided it.

'If I find him I'll talk to him, yes. Excuse me, my lords.' Mahria left Loghain with men and went to search for Anora. She didn't have time to talk to her earlier. As she tried to find her Cailan stood in her way.

'Care to dance with my, Teyrna?' He smiled despitefully. 'Just one dance.' Then he took her hand and escorted her to dancing space at the end of dining hall. He caught Mahria's hand in his and put another one on her waist. They began to dance slowly between other pairs. 'I heard you have quite fun last night.' He said with his teeth clenched. 'Twice to sum it up.'

'That's not your concern, my Prince.' She avoided his enraged gaze.

'No? You made a fool of me, Teyrna.'

'Cailan, you made a fool of yourself without my help.' She lifter her eyes up in helpless gesture. 'I said it once and I won't repeat myself. I don't want to have anything with you.'

'But...'

'There are no buts. Now let go of me, I need to go to find Nathaniel and Anora.' She broke their dance and left. She spotted Nathaniel sitting by the table. He was alone and by his look one would assume it's better to let him sit by himself.

'Nate, don't torment yourself.' Mahria sat next to him. 'We wouldn't be happy together.'

'How can you be so sure?' He said with trembling voice. Nate eyes were red from drinking and lack of sleep. 'How could you let him touch you?' Mahria looked with pity at her friend. 'Oh, so Cailan already told him about my passionate wedding night... bastard, Maker please damn him to the Black City already.'

'Nate. I... I wanted Loghain to touch me... I wanted all of this for some time. After our friendly match in Highever. He was the only one fighting seriously with me. You hadn't done it even once, you hadn't acknowledged my strength. You just looked at me like I was fragile girl without my own mind.'

'You're wrong. I was just afraid. Please, run away with me. Let's go to Free Marches, we will be happy together.' Small beads of tears appeared on his cheeks.

'Nate... you idiot.' Mahria smiled at him and hugged him warmly. 'I can't. And I don't want to. I want to embrace my future here in Gwaren. With Loghain. Please, forget about me. And try to find your own place in this world. Remember this...' She moved back and looked into his eyes with serious gaze. 'I'll always remain your friend. Always.'

'Cheating on my father already?' Anora appeared in front of them and laughed.

'Girl, look at him.' Mahria turned her head to Anora. 'Call a servant. Nathaniel need a rest.'

'No I don-' Nate wanted to disagree but Mahria put her hand on his lips.

'Shut up, Nate. Or I'll really kill you. I swear, you behave like a toddler.' In the meanwhile Anora called servant, an elf with smart eyes. 'Please, escort Lord Howe to his chamber. If he will struggle just say Teyrna will punish him severely if he won't go get some sleep. Make sure he is asleep before you leave.'

'Of course, Your Teyrnship.' Elf bowed in front of Mahria then lightly lifted Nathaniel up and guided him to his room.

'Thank the Maker that tomorrow almost all our guests will return home. I'm exhausted.' Anora sat heavily next to Mahria. 'So... how-' Anora started a question but her friend interrupted her.

'Anora, I already said that I won't talk about my intimate matters.' Mahria replied with heavy sigh.

'So consider me as a stranger.' Young Mac Tir chuckled and patted Mahria to the arm.

'You're sick...' She regarded Anora for a moment then turned her head in other direction. 'It was good, I suppose.'

'You suppose? You wench, I was really afraid about you.' Anora sighed with relief.

'I wasn't disappointed. And let's talk about something else. Cailan danced with me... and again talked about...'

'Do not bother about it anymore. We are leaving in four days. He'll forget about you.' Anora waved her hand with disregard.

'In four days?'

'Yes. Uncle Maric want to be in Denerim for All Soul's Day.' Later both women had light talk about wedding and guests. After Mahria left Loghain he talked with Arl Eamon and Arl Rendon for a while then was snached by Maric. 'Eamon didn't snarled at you about your marriage, did he?'

'No, he wished me luck and we chatted a bit.' Then Loghain remembered what Mahria told him. 'Maric… did Eamon talked to you about my betrothal after we returned to Denerim?'

'Well, yes. He was angered by it. Why you ask?'

'Mahria pointed that out to me. I was aware that Eamon lost his power after you gave me position of your Advisor. After all he was close to you and Rowan. I assume he wished for my position. And now he's scared of Mac Tirs and Couslands unity. I was too perplexed to see it. But all nobility is frightened.' Loghain had been speaking in grave tone. 'They're losing much of power at Landsmeet on my and Mahria's behalf. To Couslands and you as well. Imagine what a commotion it made… what commotion it will bring even further.'

'You may be right but it's done now. And I know that we will manage everything, together, Loghain.' Maric put his hand on friends shoulder.

'Maric, one more thing. We need to take closer look at Howe. I don't like him. He's like viper, which can attack us in most unexpected time.' Loghain looked at Maric and narrowed his eyes. 'Let's dispatch unit of our soldiers to Highever. And some spies to Amaranthine. I want also one of our best spies to become one of Howe's trusted. I will stay for the winter here so I can't do it myself. I entrust you with this task.'

'Consider it done. If you're that cautious of him there must be something to it.' Maric face was also serious. Normally he was fooling around but this time he also felt that something lingers in the shadows. They stood awhile, regarded each other silently with deep thoughts until Maric brightened up. 'Let's go to Anora and Mahria, I'd like to talk to them.' Both of them nodded and went to women. 'Anora, my child, how do you find your new step-mother?' Maric smiled to Anora and sat next to her.

'If she won't scold me like she scolds Nate all the time, I'm fine.' She embraced Mahria with one arm and laughed.

'My mother is very pleased with her new grand-daughter as well.' Marhia giggled. 'Now we're one big family. Your Majesty you need to marry your son to Anora fast so there will be one big family reunion on the Landsmeet.' Then she waved her hand to Eleonora Cousland. 'Mom, come here, your grand-daughter want's a candy!'

'Mahria, I beg of you.' Eleonora came toward the group and shook her head. 'Anora, my dear, please forgive my daughter for being unmannered.'

'Please, Teyrna, no need for apologise. I'm so used to her behaviour that I can hardly notice it anymore.'

'Yes, yes. But you all still loves me. Where's Pa, mum?'

'I really don't know, dear. He mingled with guests and tried to avoid Rendon's upbraided gaze.' She chuckled. 'He had such high expectations about you and Nathaniel.'

'He would just try suffocate Mahria and make her bend to his will.' Maric sighed.

'I hardly believe that, Maric. Mahria's strong will wouldn't allow anyone to make her bend.' Loghain stated with certainty.

'You may be right. Anyway Anora, my dear, may I ask you for a dance?' Maric bowed and stretched his hand to his future daughter-in-law. She stood up and placed her hand in King's hand. Loghain regarded them silently and after a moment was struck with embarrassment. He didn't danced with his wife yesterday as he was too preoccupied.

'My dear Teryna, I think you also deserve a dance with your husband.' Loghain also offered his hand and looked with his blue eyes into Mahria's. She smiled at him and nodded.

'Sorry, mother. I have some marital duties to attend to.' Eleonora waved her hand. Then Mahria and Loghain went to dancing floor. 'I thought you don't dance.' They positioned themselves and started to dance. 'I need to learn so much about you, Loghain. If you allow it of course.'

'We will see.' He replied with a smirk. 'We have a lot of time to get to know each other.'

'Yes, we have. Oh!' He grabbed her firmer and closer to him. 'Isn't it inappropriate to dance like that?'

'I don't care.' Loghain blurted away. 'Right now I'm enjoying company of my wife. And I wonder...'

'Yes?'

'Eleonora said that your father was avoiding Howe. Why?' His eyes were burning with curiosity.

'Ah, yes. Well… they didn't part in good terms. After you left Highever my father had an argument with Howe. In his study. I just happened to hear it.' Mahria blushed slightly and looked away.'

'Oh, so you like to eavesdrop? Such a strange hobby for a lady.' He mocked her in good manner.

'And look who is teasing.' She hissed quietly. 'I like to know things.' She blushed even more.

'So they had an argument. And now he want to pay his way into Eamon. That would be valuable for Howe, maybe Arling of Redcliffe isn't Teyrnir. But it's rich Arling. And Eamon is connected to the Crown.' Loghain danced and thought heavily about that matter.

'Amaranthine's also big Arling. Maybe not as wealthy as Redcliffe, but nevertheless it has good position and status.' She replied with grave expression. 'But one things worry me. I know Arl Howe long time. And I don't like his desire for power. It's like sickness.' Mahria grimaced at that statement.

'Yes, one who doesn't want power at all is worthy to gain one.' Male Mac Tir stated while lost in thoughts.

'Someone like you.'

'I still don't want it. I'd prefer to be farmer like my father. To lead peaceful life on the farm and do not worry about politics, schemes and ruling the country.' She giggled at that statement. 'What?'

'We are perfect match. Anora's always pointing that I should go and plough some field.' Loghain also laughed at this joke.

'Teyrna, tomorrow I'll take you for some serious farming.'

'To be honest with you, Your Teyrnship… I'd prefer you do ploughing… and not necessarily a field.' He regarded her lustful gaze and smiled.

'Oh, so your bed manners with me won't end with our wedding night?'

'Did they end in the night?' She replied and he shook his head in negation. 'I didn't think so.' She smiled at him again. He watched her face for end of the dance in silence.

LOGHAIN BEDCHAMBER

After party ended and all guest returned to their accommodations in the manor or in inns. It was quiet outside. Loghain was sitting on the bed. He started to unbutton his tunic but then he buried himself in deep in thoughts. He brought back all the talks which occurred today. He didn't snapped out of his slumber even when faint knocking behind Mahria's room started. She entered silently to the room, already wearing her nightgown. It wasn't the same one she had on herself during wedding night but it was also very appealing. It was shorter, ending on her thighs. She didn't have any shawl this time so arms and shoulders were also visible.

'You're still with your clothes on?' She moved closer to him. 'Or did you wanted to go somewhere? Would you like me to leave?' She asked quietly. Loghain stared beyond with blank expression and said nothing. She waited a while then turned on her heel to go to her room. Mahria almost grabbed the door-knob but suddenly doors shutted with loud thwack. She found herself between Loghain's arms.

'Where do you think you're going?' He growled. Mahria didn't dare to turn around or move. 'Coming here, looking like that.'

'I came to check up on you… But then I just thought that you're tired… and didn't want to bother you.'

'To my surprise I find your presence not bothersome at all.' Loghain leaned his head to Mahria ear. 'Today you showed me that you really can be my ally. That you are not only skilled warrior but also smart and capable woman.' His silent hoarse voice was ringing next to her ear. 'You don't only see what lies underneath but you can also use it.' Mahria was stirred by his words. The urge to see his face won over and she turned around. She looked at him. Even though she have heard that Teyrn Mac Tir usually frightened people with his icy gaze and harsh demeanor, she wasn't intimidated at all.

'You don't have to flatter me, Loghain.'

'It's not flattery, Mahria. It's truth. Today I felt proud and… pleased, I think… to have wife of such quality.' His hand moved to her waist. 'I won't tell you you're beautiful, even though I think you are. And it's not about our lovemaking. Although you put new vigor in my loins...' He sighed and looked at her seriously. 'Just yesterday I took you for granted. But today I saw a bit of you and I liked it.'

'So we need to get to know each other.' She smiled at him. 'I'm honored you value me that much.'

'I won't give such treasure to anyone now.' He smiled and moved his head closer. 'It would be such a waste if you'd got marry to some fop without brains.'

'That's why I agreed to our marriage.' Then she looked away, with blush on her cheeks. 'I knew that there is more in you that one could see. I've heard what other tell about you. Scary Mac Tir who dwells on the past. With his River Dane's armor as his second skin. Freezing with one gaze.' She giggled. 'I find your gaze more setting on fire than freezing.'

'Yes? And here I thought that everyone in Thedas thinks that I'm unsympathetic brute.' He moved his mouth to her ear and bit it lightly. She gasped. 'My mission failed. I need to try harder with you.'

'Too late. It's irreversible.' After that they didn't spoke anymore. Loghain lifted Mahria and took her to the bed, where they had their way with each other, slowly and methodically, without shame or hesitation. To learn every inch of one another again.