Dragon 9:25, 11th Drakonis

'Few more hours and we will be in Denerim, at last!' Mahria stretched her arms and yawned. 'I'm really bored and fed up with Da'asha's back already.' She patted hart on the neck and laughed. 'Sorry, girl. You have such ungrateful owner.'

'Don't say such things.' Loghain smirked and patted her mount on the neck as well. 'You take good care for her. She looks pleased.'

'You thinks so?' She smiled at him. Loghain looked at Mahria and sighed. She was even more pale than she used to be. He didn't want to upset her so he still remained silent about her state. But he noticed that she didn't eat much and even when she ate a bit she was green on the face. After meal she was sneaking behind bushes or woods and throw all her meal up. He noticed that too. Nevertheless they were about six hours short from Denerim where she would rest properly. Loghain rode all the time beside Mahria and they were chatting about idle matters. Suddenly Mahria become silent and slided onto his side. Mac Tir caught her into his arms and moved onto his laps.

'Stop! Everyone!' He yelled and everyone pull over their horses. 'Mattus! Come here! Help me! Anders you come here too!' Both soldier and healer dashed to Loghain and took Mahria from his arms. Someone put blankets on the ground and men laid unconscious woman on them. 'Anders, what going on?!' Loghain was yelling at the mage with dismay.

'Let me check on her, Your Teyrnship.' Mage kneeled next to Teyrna and put his hands above her body. He casted spell and moved his hands around her chest and stomach to stop near her abdomen. He widened his eyes in disbelief. 'Maker's breath!' He shouted and looked at Loghain.

'What? What is it?!'

'Teyrna...' Anders hesitated for a while. 'She's with a child.'

'Wha-?' Loghain looked at healer in shock. He regained himself though. 'Somehow when you're telling me that I feel weird...' Mage stood up quickly and waved his hands in denial.

'Your Teyrnship, I swear… I...'

'I know. I know! Excuse me for a moment.' Loghain walked few feets from them and looked into the sky. 'Maker preserve me. Who would have guessed that I'll be father again. That she was… is pregnant. But she's so weak now...' He turned back to look at Mahria. She was lying on the ground unconscious. He started to fear about her. And a child. 'Holy Andraste, I beg you, make her healthy again. I can't lose her.' Then he returned to Mahria side.

'Your Teyrnship, if I may, I want to tell you something.' Anders moved to him a bit. Loghain looked at mage and nodded. 'Teyrna was in my clinic four times in two weeks before our travel. She wanted to know if she was pregnant but I couldn't confirm that. She was scared that she's ill. I couldn't confirm that either. That's a bit strange but nevertheless such things happens. I'm glad I could at last affirm her pregnancy now.'

'Thank you, Anders. I'm indebted to you.' Loghain bowed his head slightly. 'And now you'll remain with us until Teyrna will feel better. After that you'll be allowed to return home. I need you here right now.' He stood up. 'No time to waste, people! We need to go. Mattus, Anders, pull her up and give to me. I'll ride with her.' They pulled sleeping Mahria to Loghain when he was already sitting on his stallion. He nested his wife carefully between his arms so she couldn't fall again. With one arm he embraced her. 'Let's go. We need to reach Denerim before sunset.'

ROYAL PALACE, DENERIM

Maric was coming around throne hall. Messenger came to him earlier with news that Teyrn Mac Tir's party was sighted near the gates of the capital. He missed his friend a great deal and waited in anticipation to see him and his new wife. Anora was also waiting for her father and Mahria. But she was sitting by the table and looking at her uncle with blank expression. Suddenly guards opened doors to the hall. They looked with eyes wide opened as Loghain entered the room with Mahria in his arms. She was still sleeping. Anora jumped toward him with confused face.

'Dad! What's going on?' She looked at Mahria's face. 'What did you do to her?' Loghain only rolled his eyes and gasped.

'I didn't do anything. She was unwell for some time and she passed out few hours ago.' After hearing commotion Cailan came to see what was going about. Loghain looked at him for a second then turned to Maric. 'I just found out that she's pregnant.' Maric smiled and whistled. His face was telling 'I told you it will end like that!' all over it. Anora was shocked for a moment then she laughed and put her hand on Mahria's cheek.

'My, my. Who would guess...'

'And what did you though? You said yourself I need an heir. And here it is.' He frowned at Anora. 'Anyway I need to take her to bed. My chambers are prepared?'

'Yes, I ordered to clean them week ago. You can take her there.' Anora replied.

'Or maybe you want separate room for your wife?' Maric asked with broad smile. 'Here we go again...' Loghain thought to himself and sighed.

'No, she will stay with me.' He turned his face from Maric. King's mischievous smile made Loghain mad at that moment. He didn't want to explode so he went to his bedchamber and placed his wife carefully on the bed. He stripped her from her leather armor to leave only with smallclothes. Then he covered her with blanket. Anora came afterward. 'I'm too old for that.'

'Stop it, father.' Anora hugged him briefly and then handed him towels. 'Go refresh yourself. I'll keep an eye on her. Don't worry.' As Loghain left Anora sat next to her friend and poked her lightly. 'Wake up, silly sleepyhead.'

'Mmm.' It took a while for Mahria to wake up. But when she did, she mumbled and closed her eyes again. 'What a strange dream… I see blonde wench on my bed.'

'Very funny.' Anora leaned to Mahria and kissed her cheek. 'You're in the palace, my dear. You were sleeping when Father brought you here... I missed you soooo much!' At that time Loghain overheard noises in the room and returned back. He was already cleaned and in fresh clothes.

'Why you woke her up? She should rest!' He snarled at his daughter. 'Now go, Anora. I need to speak with Mahria. You two will catch up later.' Anora gasped but left without a word. When doors locked after her Loghain sat next to his wife. 'I have some news for you. And this is awkward...'

'What news?'

'Normally woman informs man about such matters… But this time I need to do that…' He hesitated for a moment… 'We're going to be parents.' Mahria looked at him with shocked expression. Then she pulled up and sat. Blanket fall from her body exposing her naked chest and stomach. She looked down at it for a moment then put her hand on her abdomen. Silent sobs reached Loghain's ears. 'Don't cry, Mahria.' He sat next to her. He couldn't see Mahria's face because her hair was blocking the view. 'You should be happy.'

'I am happy!' She moved her head upward and looked at her husband with overjoyed expression. 'I am so happy, my love!' She hugged him tightly and started to cry even more. Then she moved back and started to kiss him abruptly. 'I love you so much.' She said between kisses. She looked at him and suddenly fear struck her face. 'I'm sorry...' She turned her gaze of him and moved back, covering her body with blanket. 'I shouldn't say that. But… I want to be honest with you.' Her hands tugged the blanket aimlessly. 'I know that you only love Rowan… I don't dare to be replacement for her. I know I won't be one. But that are my feelings and I don't care what you or anyone will say about it.'

'Don't think about that.'

'But...' She looked at him for a moment.

'Just don't.' He leaned to her, took the cover from her and kissed her stomach. 'Just be happy. I am. A lot.'

'You are…?'

'It's hard for me to imagine that I will be father again. I don't know if I'll be good to him or her...' His hand stroked her abdomen lightly.

'You will, I'm certain about that.' Mahria hand moved to his braid and stroked it. Then she moved other hand and started to unbraid it. 'You said once that you wasn't good husband. Yet I find you a perfect one for me. And you'll be a great father. You raised Anora. She's such a fine woman. And you'll raise our boy to great man and great Teyrn.'

'Boy?' He wanted to rise his head up, but she stopped him.

'Don't move, I'm doing something here.' She giggled. 'Yes, I'm certain about it. I have little Teyrn Mac Tir in my belly.'

'How would you like to name him?' Loghain couldn't move much when his wife was plaiting his braid so he put his head on her laps.

'I'm not really good at this… I named my hart Da'asha, remember?' She laughed again. 'I think it'll be better if you chose name for him… But... Maybe your father's name?'

'Gareth?' He asked himself. 'Yes, Gareth. He will be strong and proud as his grandfather.'

'Gareth.' Mahria repeated after Loghain. She leaned to her husband and kissed him on the temple. 'I can't wait to meet him. Nine months sounds very long.'

'Indeed.'

Dragon 9:25, 12th Drakonis

ROYAL QUARTERS, DINING ROOM

'Teyrna Mahria, I'm delighted to see you here in Denerim.' Maric greeted Mahria at breakfast. Loghain forbid her to move after they arrived into the palace so she hadn't meet with King until morning.

'Your Majesty.' She bowed deeply and smiled. 'I beg for forgiveness that I couldn't properly greet Your Majesty yesterday.'

'Don't bother, my dear. You are in blessed state now. I would be damned by the Maker if I would whine about such thing.' He smiled at her and then escorted her to the table. Loghain walked behind them with an angry grimace on his face. Mahria was seated between Maric and him. 'Now tell me, Teyrna, how are you feeling? Do you need something? I can arrange almost anything for you.'

'No, Your Majesty, I'm fine, thank you.' Maric was good in courting anyone. He was literally oozing his charm everywhere he was. Most of people found it hard to deny his requests. But Mahria was vigilant. She didn't want to make Loghain mad at the beginning of their stay in Denerim. Anyway they sat behind table in royal quarters and started to eat. Loghain put few bits of Mahria's favourite food on her plate. King noticed that and started to fret.

'You want to starve to death that poor woman, my friend? She's pregnant, Maker's mighty will, add some more.'

'If she will eat half of it, I'll personally go to the cathedral and thank both Maker and Andraste for such a boon.' Loghain narrowed his eyes and looked at Maric.

'Your Majesty, please. I'm really fine with that amount. Lately I can't eat much because it ends with… anyway I don't want to embarrass my husband with nausea in Royal Palace.' She smiled faintly at Maric then turned her head to Loghain and winked at him. Teyrn smiled at his wife and started to eat in silence. Few moments later Anora walked to the room with broad smile.

'Good morning.' She sat next to her father but leaned forward to look at Mahria. 'How are you, my dear?'

'I'm fine.' Mahria replied with broad smile on her face. 'By the way, Anora, I'm sorry about sending my letter so late. I… I was preoccupied as always.'

'Yes, father wrote me that you were shot. Sometimes I wonder why he didn't lock you up in dungeons… I wonder also why your parents didn't do that long time ago.' Anora giggled and patted her fathers shoulder. 'Don't mind me. I'm just so happy that you are here. All three of you.' She rose up her cup. 'I'd like to make a toast to new Teyrn or Teyrna Mac Tir! May Holy Andraste bring him or her healthy and peaceful life!'

'To the little Teyrn or Teyrna! I hope that child will be more like it's mother!' Maric laughed and also moved his cup upward. At that statement Loghain just rolled his eyes and growled angrily.

'I should have stayed in Gwaren after all…'

'Don't say that, Loghain! I know you missed me.'

'I did?' He turned to Mahria.

'Um… No, I don't think so... I haven't noticed...' And then she smiled at Loghain with mischievous smile. Now she wanted to torment her husband as well. 'We were… too busy.' Maric spluttered into his cup and giggled. At that moment Cailan walked in to join the rest. He overheard Mahria's words and looked at her for a second. Then he regained himself and sat next to his father. They didn't noticed his stirr as all of them except Loghain were laughing.

'Good morning. Sorry for being late.'

'You missed our little fun, son. But it's not an end to it so do not worry.' They made fun of Loghain for a while and after they finished the meal they have talked about their winter. An hour later Maric stood up. 'Please excuse me, I need to attend some matters. Loghain can we meet in my study shortly?'

'Of course. I'll come there after I escort Mahria and Anora to the garden.' Then they left table and proceeded to their destination. When they were at the door to the palace gardens Loghain stopped. 'Anora, dear, can you go out alone? I want to talk to Mahria for a moment.'

'All right, father. I'll wait for you near rose garden.' She pointed the place to Mahria and left them. When there were only two of them Loghain moved closer to his wife and leaned his head to her ear. She sighed with pleasure at that. Her ears and hearing were very sensitive to him as always. And because of her state they weren't intimate for a long time now.

'You mischievous minx.' His hoarse, low voice drilled into her head. 'You had to join Maric little torment session as well? I would punish you but considering you state I'll be gentle to you. Only this time.'

'Mmm, my dear husband, after seeing immense load of fun our beloved King had with you I decided to join as well.' She smirked and then leaned to bite his ear. 'Such a pity I'm not as healthy as I would like to be.' Then they both turned their faced to each other and kissed deeply. When they broke apart they regarded each other for a moment. 'I'll go to Anora now. I don't want her to wait too long.'

'Fine. But watch over yourself, please.' Then he straightened and moved back a bit. 'When I don't see you around me I'm getting anxious.' He sighed heavily and frowned. 'But I need to go to Maric and check what that God of Destruction did to our country when I was away. I'll be in his study… Then I will go to mine. I have huge amount of reports piled on my desk.'

'Good. I'll come there later.' She kissed him quickly and exited to the garden. After that Loghain turned around and went to the King's study. He didn't noticed Cailan who was watching couple's chat from behind the corner. Prince clenched his fists and bitten lips in anger and jealousy.

GARDEN

'What took you so long?' Anora said to the approaching Mahria. 'I'm waiting here for ages.'

'There is something wrong with your flow of time, my dear.' Then she hugged Anora and giggled. 'I missed you so much, baby girl. How are you? Did you made any progress with our Prince?'

'In the matter of fact I did.' Anora smiled proudly at her friend. 'We got more intimate during winter.'

'Oh? So you took my advice at last. Splendid.' They started to walk through the garden. It was still cold and plants were leafless. But nice chilly air made Mahria feel better. Especially after breakfast.

'And you know what? I think uncle Maric want to marry Cailan and me this year! But let's not talk about it. I don't want to jinx anything.' Anora looked at Mahria stomach and put her hand on it. 'I can't believe you are with child so fast. I thought that I'll get a sibling in three or four years.'

'This year? That's great. Anyway… I'm shocked as much as you are. I feared that I might be barren.' Mahria's face became sad and she looked at the garden in silence for a moment. 'You know… I… there were few nights that we had been only sleeping… or when we were away from each other. And nothing was happening... And...'

'And…?' Anora asked when pause was too long.

'I love your father, Anora.' Mahria stated with serious gaze. 'Forgive me.'

'For what?' Anora smiled at Mahria and stroked her belly. 'I thought that I will have to beg for forgiveness to be honest. After setting you up in this marriage. But now? When both of you are happy? When you found someone to love? I'm relieved.'

'So you're not mad at me?'

'No, silly goose. That is your and Father life now. I'm too old to get jelous over him.' Anora then bended to Mahria's stomach. 'Your mother is a bit crazy. Your father is strange sometimes. But, thanks the Maker, you will have the best sister in the world.'

'Don't listen to your sister, Gareth. She's crazy too… and strange...' Mahria giggled and rubbed her belly. 'By the way… please let me introduce you to Gareth Mac Tir, Anora.'

'Grandfather's name?' She straightened herself. 'And how do you know it will be a boy? What if it will be a girl afterall?'

'Shut up. It is a boy. An heir to the Gwaren Teyrnir. I'm sure of it.' Anora laughed at Mahria's confident statement and hugged her again.

'I won't argue with pregnant woman. Have your way then. Anyway, pleased to meet you Gareth. My little brother.' Then they walked to the greenhouse where servants brought them some hot beverages and both women had their usual gossip session.

PALACE

Mahria was walking through the corridor as she tried to find Loghain's study. She knew it was somewhere near. While walked she came across Cailan. 'Ah, Teyrna Mahria. It's a pleasure.' Cailan approached her. His face was red with anger or other unpleasant emotion. 'So you are with child, huh? I was so thrilled about this news.' Although he said that his voice and eyes remained cold.

'Thank you, Cailan.' Mahria started to feel anxiety. He was closer with each step and with each step she wanted to run away. 'Umm… can you show me the way to my husband study?' He disregarded her request and stopped in front of her. Then he caught her in his arms. Smell of wine reached her nose. She struggled to break free from him. But she was still so weak. 'Let me go! You're drunk!'

'You know what you will do? You will get rid of this bastard. I'll annul your marriage. And you will be mine!' She looked at Cailan terrified. He had pure madness in his eyes.

'Let me go I said!' She struggled even harder to leave his arms. 'You're mad! Or too drunk to think clearly!' Suddenly his arms loosened the grip and Cailan was tossed to the wall. Mahria looked at her saviour. It was Loghain. He overheard her shouts and came to see what was happening. When he saw Cailan harassing Mahria, blood boiled in his veins.

'It's the last time you touching my wife, Cailan.' Loghain face was showing pure rage. If he could he would kill only with gaze of his icy blue eyes. 'And it's the last time I'm overlooking your stupid behaviour. Drunk or not! One more time and I'll kill you. I won't mind it, I swear.' He get closer to Mahria embraced her with one hand. 'Just think about your father… and our country. You're grown up now.' Then he turned his head from Prince and took Mahria away.

MAC TIR'S BEDCHAMBER

Mahria was still shivering from anger and terror. It was first time she was that weak and vulnerable. But she didn't fear for herself. She feared about the baby as she was already weakened by beginning of her pregnancy. Tears of powerlessness dwelled in her eyes. 'Here, seat.' Loghain escorted her back to their room without a word. He seated her on the bed and kneeled in front of her. 'I'm so sorry Mahria. I should have been there for you.' Woman looked at him and tears rolled on her cheek.

'Have you heard what he said?' Her voice was quiet and shaken. 'He...'

'Don't make me remember it again.' Loghain cold voice interrupted her as he didn't want to listen to those words ever again. 'Forgive me, please. I promised that I'll protect you from idiots yet you were harassed by one on the first day of our stay.' Then he wiped her tears away and moved his hand to her stomach. 'Are you all right? What about Gareth?'

'We're fine. But I don't know what would happen if you didn't show up on time.' She placed her hand on his and sighed deeply. 'It's the first time I couldn't protect myself. I couldn't fight back, Loghain. I just stood there without any power to push him away. I...'

'Hush.' Mac Tir hugged her and kissed her hair. 'You're not as defenseless as you think you are. I'll lend you my strength for the time being. And when Gareth will come out to this world, you will be twice more powerful than you used to be. I swear it to you.' Then he leaned back to look into her warm snowy eyes. 'For now Anders will accompany you everywhere you go without me. Is that fine?' She nodded. They regarded each other with care but that moment was spoiled by rumble in Mahria's stomach. 'Teyrna, it's time to feed our son.' She laughed and patted her stomach lightly.

'He will be just like you. He will sueprvise me until he will come out. Little General. Let's go, I'll try to eat something.' They stood up and proceeded to leave but Mahria grabbed Loghain by his arm. 'Don't tell Anora about that incident, please. She said she got closer to that bastard over the winter… He's lying to her but I don't want to spoil her happiness.' Loghain narrowed his eyes in anger but nodded in agreement. 'Maybe he will come to his senses. I'll pray for that.'

'I hope so. Today… Maric and I agreed on their marriage. He wants to marry them before his voyage. In three months or so.'

ROYAL QUARTERS, DINING ROOM

Mahria, Loghain and Anora were sitting by the table and waiting for King to arrive. They talked about upcoming Landsmeet, pausing from time to time when Mahria's stomach growl loudly. Both women giggled at that sound but Loghain was more and more irritated by Maric's lack of presence. 'Where is that idiot?' He growled and knocked on the table with his fingers.

'Uncle said that he got some letters and he will come here shortly.' Anora explained and patted Mahria on the arm. 'And I think it will bring no harm for Mahria to feel hungry once in a while. With empty stomach you will eat more.'

'Somehow I don't believe that.' She replied to Anora. 'I won't eat much, I wager. Every time I look on my plate I feel so bad. So bad that it hurts. By the way, where's Cailan?' Mahria hid her resentment toward Cailan from Anora. She wanted to act normally.

'He's sleeping.'

'In the middle of a day? Is he sick?'

'Umm… yes. He's sick.' Anora nodded nervously and Mahria knew why. He was probably sleeping drunk in his bed.

'Pity.' She put her hands on her abdomen and stroked it lightly. 'I won't let him near us ever again, Gareth, da'len.' After a while door to the dining room opened and King Maric entered. Behind him servants came with their food.

'I have good news!' He approached the table and waved with some papers. 'Teyrns Cousland will arrive in Denerim in one week. They already left Highever.' Mahria smiled widely at that news.

'My parents will come here, Loghain! We will tell them personally the big news!' She jumped on the chair in excitement.

'Stop shaking!' Teyrn snarled at Mahria but he wasn't mad at her at all. It was better when she was happy.

'All right, all right. I'm calm now.' Another loud growl escaped from her stomach. 'Maker's balls, that's really embarrassing.' Anora laughed again at that sound.

'Maric, we waited for you too long. Let's eat already!' King sat next to Loghain and they started to eat. Meanwhile Maric showed the papers to the Loghain.

'Look, this is the report I have told you earlier. Ships will be ready in three months.' His face was showing pure joy.

'I still say that's fool notion, Maric.' Loghain sighed heavily and pushed papers away. 'You should stay here, in Ferelden.' He didn't approve of his friend plans to sail to Free Marches. Especially to Wycome which was far on north. 'And why Wycome anyway? Kirkwall is much closer.'

'I have business there.' Theirin replied with serious face. He was hiding something from Loghain and Loghain knew it.

'That again! Why can't you tell me what is that business of yours already.'

'I can't.' Maric hit table with his fist. 'I told you many times. I can't tell anyone.' Both Anora and Mahria remained silent when men was arguing over Maric's voyage. Mahria wanted to distract them so she started to cough as she didn't want to listen to their yelling. 'Teyrna, I'm sorry. Are you alright?' King instantly regained himself and looked alarmed at Mahria. Loghain also turned to his wife.

'No. It's nothing. I just swallowed too much.' She feigned coughing for a moment and took her cup to drink. Loghain and Maric hadn't relapse to their arguing again. In the meanwhile Cailan came to them so they could move to rather pleasant topic.

'Ah, son! You're just in time!' Maric clasped his hands and stood up. He waited till his son will sit down and exclaimed in proud voice. 'Today Loghain and I agreed on your marriage. In three months you will marry Anora. Just before I'll leave to Wycome. You will become regent for time being.'

'Uh-huh...' Cailan was still a bit drunk but he regained his composure. 'I mean. I'm very happy, father. Anora, my dear, I can't wait to become your husband.' Woman smiled at him.

'Me too. I can't wait for that!'

MAC TIR'S BEDCHAMBER

After dinner Mahria went to her chambers to rest. She was really worn out by everything that happened that day. Loghain left her there with Anders so they had nice chat about magic and Circle of Magi in Kinloch Hold. After that Mage started to talk about his mouser. 'So I had a cat back there. He was such a amazing creature. I named him Mr. Wiggums.'

'Mr. Wiggums?' Mahria giggled and hit her bed with her hand few times. 'You have good taste for names, Anders! Just like me! I named my hart Da'asha, which means Little Girl in elvhen.'

'Hehe, that's great name, Your Teyrnship!' Anders laughed as well. 'And I want to name my next cat Ser Pounce-a-Lot!' Mahria rolled on the bed from laughter.

'That's even better one that Mr. Wiggums!' Mahria had so much fun with the healer. As he was very funny. 'I'll find you a cat, Anders! And you will name him Ser Pounce-a-Lot!'

'Thank you, Teyrna. I'll be honoured. He will be my feline knight!' They had their fun until Loghain entered the room.

'You are so loud.' He stated as he looked at both Mahria and Anders. 'I have heard you in the other side of the palace. Anders, you can go to your room now.'

'Thank you, Your Teyrnship. Have a good night.' Mage bowed to Loghain and Mahria and left.

'Had a good time?'

'Oh yes, I did. Anders explained to me about how Circle of Magi works. And we had this talk about cats.' Mahria smirked. 'What with that gaze? You're jealous?'

'Maybe.' After he changed to his bedclothes he climbed up the bed and laid next to his wife. 'But I'm glad you feel better.'

'I think that's because I don't worry if I'm ill or something.' Mahria smiled at him and moved closer to cuddle to his body. 'I'm relieved after knowing I'm pregnant and that you're happy about it.'

'Silly. How could I be not happy?' His arm embraced her body and his hand rested on her waist. 'What do you think about Anora's and Cailan?'

'I hope everything will...' Mahria yawned again. '... go smoothly. Let's just hope they will get along.'

'Let's not talk anymore. Go to sleep, sleepyhead. We need to get rid of those dark shades under your eyes as soon as possible or Bryce will nag that I torture you.'

'Fine, fine. Good night, General.'