Dragon 9:25, 21st Kingsway

MANOR, DINING HALL

'So good to be here… far from palace… laze about whole day long.' Maric stretched his arms and looked at Loghain. 'Pity you have so much work here in Gwaren, my friend. Maybe you should rest a bit sometimes?' As always King was irking Loghain with his banter. They were sitting and eating breakfast and for Maric that was good opportunity to have his little fun with Mac Tir. 'Maybe we should go and hunt, my friend? You lovely wife need to a lot of food, especially meat, to feed that monster of yours inside her belly.' Loghain narrowed his eyes and growled angrily. He was at his limits for some time. Not just because his friend wanted to unleash Loghain's fury… Mahria wasn't sleeping well lately. She got numb after an hour of sleeping. And she woke him up every time to be turned on the other side. So now he felt that he will explode in any minute.

'Maric! Stop it or I'll personally drag you back to Denerim!' He hit his hand on the table with anger. 'One more word, and I'll kill you, I swear.'

'Ah, yes yes.' Maric cheerful chuckle made Loghain even more irritated. 'I won't say anything more.' Then he turned to Anora. 'You see that father of yours, my dear? He can't spot good joke even if it had kicked his arse.' Anora and Mahria just giggled at that statement.

'Loghain, please, let our King be. I find it terribly funny how he jokes with you.' Mahria looked amused at her husband. Sadly, he couldn't find anything funny in Maric's behaviour. But he calmed a bit.

'Eh, if you find his decorum funny at this time, I'll just let him be. But after our child will be born, I'll kick his arse with his jokes, I swear.' Mahria nodded and grinned to Loghain.

'Fine, I accept.'

'So I don't have anything to say in that?' Maric laughed at their chat. 'Fine, after Teyrna will bring your heir to this world you can beat me up severely for cheering her up.'

'Maker's breath. I thought I will be among nobles not savages.' Teyrna Cousland just sighed in disapproval at their conduct. 'And where are you going, Mahria? You should rest.' She frowned at her daughter when Mahria tried to stood up.

'I want to go outside to catch some fresh air.' After a moment Mahria was standing straight but suddenly she bent over the table. 'Ouch!' Her painful cry shocked everyone. In an instant all of them stood up. 'Andraste fla-... ouch! I think… I...' But she didn't end as she fell unconscious to Loghain arms. He was quick to catch her.

'Loghain, I think she's in labour. Maric, please go to Mahren and tell him to call the midwife and Anders.' Eleonora quickly regained herself from first shock and started to order everyone around. 'Loghain, Anora, let's take Mahria's upstairs to her room.'

CORRIDOR

Loghain was sitting alone on the windows sill for some time. Midwife was already by Mahria's side along with Anders and his nurses. Anora and Eleonora were also inside to help with everything. 'So it begun…' Everytime he overheard Mahria's painful scream he made a grimace and clenched his fists. 'Maker's breath, how could I let this happen?' He was brooding and blaming himself for his wife's pain. He looked at the staircase where he spotted Maric coming to him. King had two bottles with him… and two cups. 'What are you doing, Maric?'

'What? I'm trying to cheer you up a bit. I know you can't handle my jokes while being sober so I brought a backup with me.' Maric lift the bottles up with huge grin on his face.

'Are you a complete idiot? You want to get me drunk now?! When my wife is in labour? Did you lost your mind somewhere between Denerim and Gwaren?' He regarded Maric as he was pouring the wine to the cups. When he was done he took one cup and offered to Loghain.

'Drink. When Rowan was in her labour I drank to calm myself. It helped. And it will help you, trust me.' Loghain looked at his friend for a moment. Maric eyes were serious this time. He hesitated for a moment then took cup from his hands and drank all of it content in one quaff. Maric regarded him with surprised gaze. 'My, my… I was really right this time.' Another scream broke from Mahria's room.

'Did you heard that? How could I did it to her?' Loghain sighed and poured himself another glass of wine.

'As far as I know… she was willing to lay with you… so that's not entirely your fault, Loghain.' Maric leaned on the wall between the windows. 'So just shut up. Every woman screams in pain during childbirth. And they endure that pain because they are stronger than us. Do you imagine man giving birth to a child? He would just die from the pain. And… Mahria is the bravest from all women. She will give you beautiful child. I'm certain of that.' Loghain just regarded him in silence then nodded. Again he emptied his cup with one chug. And repeated this action several times later. After an hour he felt he is drunk already.

'And now you made me drunk, Maric. Splendid.'

'So it's my fault now? I haven't told you to drink that quickly. I think it's enough already. Luckily we drain those two bottles already and we don't have more. Anyway... trust me you will be all sober when it will end.'

'I certainly hope so… or else Eleonora will kill me… and then Mahria will kill me second time.' Loghain chuckled at that. Another hour passed when he could hear infant's cry and Anora went out to them with happy smile on her face.

'Father! It's a boy! Come with me to your room, Anders's nurse take care of him there right now.' Both men and Anora went to Loghain's bedchamber too look at Loghain son. Loghain approached slowly his bed to see small white bundle with only little face stick out of it. He could see flock of black hair at the end of it's forehead. 'Father, meet your so, Gareth Mac Tir.' Anora said with proud but trembling voice. He took carefully the crying infant to his arms with disbelief. Word son made Loghain feel inadequate... Strange... Awkward... So the screaming bundle in his arms. But he shook that feeling away and looked at it more warmly.

'She was right... I have a son.' Loghain said to himself like he wanted to get assured that it was truth. 'I have a son Maric, that's unbelievable.'

'Yes, my friend, congratulations.' Maric was smiling at him. 'I told you that you will be all sober up when you will hold him?' He giggled but Anora knitted her brows and looked at both of men with disappointment.

'You drank this whole time? Maker's breath... men!' As she said that another painful scream leaked from the room next door.

'Anora? What's going on? Why Mahria is still screaming?' Loghain looked at his daughter with wide opened eyes.

'Oh! I forgot to tell you… I was so happy about Gareth that I omitted the best part...' Anora clasped her hands and smiled widely at her father. 'Mahria… actually… she was pregnant with twins.' At that information Maric started to laugh abruptly.

'What?!' Loghain couldn't believe what his daughter said to him.

'Dad… please… just look at Gareth, he's not that big. He's normal. And Mahria's belly was huge. She was with twins all this time.' Maric was still laughing, bended over the armchair.

'Now you did it, Loghain! Your true masterpiece! Nothing less to expect from Hero of River Dane!' King said between his laugh.

'Shut it, idiot. I don't want to hear your stupid jokes now.' Loghain frowned and turned around to not look at Maric. He regarded his son with amazement. Gareth looked so tiny when he was laying in his arms. 'Sorry son, that from the start you have to hear idiocies of our King. But I'll defend you from him… or anybody else.' After some time another of Anders nurses came with second child.

'It's a girl, Your Teyrnship. Teyrna Mahria is giving birth to afterbirth now. Soon we can take infants to her.' She reported to Loghain as she was taking care of little Ailis. When she was done Loghain handed Gareth to Anora and took his younger daughter to his arms. She was crying helplessly but Loghain could only regard her with warm and loving gaze.

'I can't believe it, Anora. I have second daughter now.' Both Loghain and Anora looked at little girl. She also had black strands on her temple and forehead.

'They will have your hair, Father.' They regarded both twins for a moment when Eleonora and Anders came to the room. Teyrna Cousland approached them and started to cry as she was looking at her grandchildren with pure bliss over her face.

'Teyrna is healed and well, Your Teyrnship, midwife is taking care of her right now. Also… Teyrna want to see her children shortly.' Anders reported to him and looked at the babies. 'If I may I would like to congratulate you, Your Teyrnship. We were shocked to know that there were two of them inside of Teyrna Mahria's belly.'

'I'm also stunned myself, Anders… thank you.' They were standing there for a few moments when midwife, a middle aged woman with serious but warm face entered the room.

'Teyrna Mahria asks for you, Your Teyrnship… and for babies as well.' She stated then went to pack her belongings. Loghain without a word went to the room where his wife was laying on the bed. Anora went after him with Gareth in her arms. As they entered with two crying bundles, Mahria looked them with pale but happy face.

'At last I'll meet them.' Anora placed Gareth in Mahria's arms and left the room. She closed the doors behind her so both Mahria and Loghain could be with their children alone. 'Look, black hair… like yours… I need to feed them now.'

'Maybe we should call a wet nurse? You look really tarnished.' But Mahria only shook her head in a reply. She took covers from her upper body and started to breastfeed both at once. Loghain helped her with holding Ailis. Suddenly there was all quiet. 'I can't believe it, my love… there are two of them.'

'I can't believe it myself… who would have guessed?' He leaned to her temple and kissed it. 'Thank you. Ma vhenan.'

'How do you…? And why you reek with wine scent? Don't answer that… I don't want to know.' Loghain only smirked at her.

'About 'my heart' I had to ask Zetrall. He told me what that meant. You said that to me few weeks ago.' He kissed her again and regarded for a moment then his eyes locked on their children. 'It was pure luck that we also thought about girls name… if not she would be nameless.'

'Gareth and Ailis. Two at once.' Mahria looked at her babies with wet eyes. 'Mommy loves you both.'

'Don't forget about their father, Mahria.'

'Daddy also loves you very much.' Mahria added and started to cry.

Dragon 9:25, 5th Harvestmere

'Take care of my little brother and sister, Mahria.' Anora said that as she was hugging her friend. She and King Maric wanted to return to Denerim before winter will arrive to Ferelden for good. 'I'll miss them so much. Sadly I can't stay here longer. But I hope all four of you will come to Denerim for Landsmeet next year.'

'I don't know if I'll come with them. They will be still to small to travel.' Mahria replied to her with stern gaze. 'Maybe you will come for summer?'

'Of course. If you won't be able to come, I'll come myself for whole summer.' She smiled at Mahria and patted her arm tenderly. 'Thank you, Mahria. You made my father happy. Now we are one big, happy family.'

'Don't say such things, you wench… or I'll start to cry.' Mahria giggled but tears started to dwell in her eyes already. Soon Maric and Loghain approached them.

'Mahria. I'm really sad that I have to leave Gwaren. Now, when you are so happy and I would like to share this happiness with you much longer. But alas, I need to return to my duties.' He hugged Mahria warmly and then shook hands with Loghain. 'My friend, take care of your family. And come to Denerim in the spring for Landsmeet. I'll miss you terribly. All of you. But it's my time to leave. Anora, my dear, let's go.'

'Bye, Maric. Take care of yourself. And please don't destroy our country when I'll be away.' Loghain looked at Maric with a smirk.

'I'll certainly try to keep it in good shape.' Maric nodded and whole party mounted their horses. 'Farewell!' Moment later everyone were passing the gates. When courtyard become empty only with Loghain and Mahria standing there, he turned to his wife.

'What twins are doing?' He embraced her leaned to a kiss. She avoided his lips and turned to the manor.

'They were sleeping, but I'll go to check on them. Mother is with them now. Will you come to us?' She replied as she started to walk to the manor. Loghain looked at her back with disappointment.

'Later. I'll go to my study now. I have some reports to read.'

'Fine, we will be in my room. See you there!' She waved at him as she was entering the manor.

'Your room, huh?' Loghain sighed heavily and went to his study.

Dragon 9:25, 12th Harvestmere

Maric, Anora and the rest of the party were proceeding to Denerim. Or they think they did until Maric ordered to turn to Redcliffe. 'What's going on, Uncle?' Anora rode to his side. She haven't spoke to him much during their travel. Normally they were getting along very well. But since he postponed her marriage to Cailan, she distanced herself from the King.

'So you finally going to speak to me, my dear?' Maric sent her faint smile only to turn his gaze away and regain serious face once more. 'I want to meet someone, Anora. And I want you to be there when I'll meet him.'

'Him?' Anora became intrigued. She thought that she knew almost every acquaintance of Maric so far. He always wanted to keep her close when various noblemen or other people came to meet him. He said her decorum cause them to feel more comfortable.

'My son, Alistair.' Maric sighed and turned to Anora. He saw her shocked expression and before she could ask about anything he explained himself. 'I have second son, Anora. Only few people know the truth. Your father, his mother… Eamon took him to Redcliffe to raise him. But now… I… I think I want to take care of him. He's fifteen now. Do you think that he'll want to be my son again?'

'I do not know, uncle. I...' Anora felt that she's at hers limit. All things that happened after second Landsmeet made her feel confused. First was that Maric resigned to go to Free Marches… he postponed her marriage to his son… he started to spend more time with him… he even took witch as an Arcane Advisor. He changed. And now he wanted to meet with his bastard son. 'I don't understand anything anymore… you always trusted me and told me everything, Uncle. Since I came to Denerim we became close much more than normal father-in-law and daughter-in-law could ever been. But now I'm sure all of you keep something from me. I mean you, father and Mahria.'

'Eh… that's true. But I'll tell you everything after we set camp before night fall. Then you will understand.'

CAMP, NIGHT

'Do you understand now, Anora? I lived whole my life in lie and terror.' Maric was sitting on the tree stump. His face was serious as he said everything that happened. Anora was leaning on the tree few feets away. It was first time she saw the King looking like that. Being all serious and grave, he looked older for this short moment. As he was fighting his entire life to hide his burden and pain. 'I don't want to live in a lie anymore. I want to change. To have my sons with me. To fight that bitch and show her that I am the King here.'

'Yes, Uncle. Now I understand.' Her voice was numb as she was struggling to not to cry. 'We will go and take Alistair from that monastery and we will take him to Denerim. You will take care of him from now and I'll help you. Especially with Cailan… it will be quite a shock from him.'

'Yes, but he will have to come over it. He's strong. I know that I overlooked his behaviour… I didn't want to notice his feelings toward Mahria. Especially when he attacked her. I saw all of it. I was hiding when he grabbed her and told her to get rid of the child… twins to be precise. But thank the Maker, Loghain came and rescued her. I couldn't do anything but watch back then.' He took his face into his hands to hide his shame.

'Mahria hadn't told me about that… nor Father.' Anora frowned as anger started to built in her. Why her best friend hadn't inform her about such important matter. Maric saw that anger.

'Don't get angry on them, my dear. Just think what you would do if you were in her place. Would you go to Mahria and told her that her fiancee did such terrible thing?' He stood up and approached her. 'My dear child, just forgive them and forget about that. It is in the past.' He patted softly her arm and smiled with his warm and cheerful smile again. 'Let's go, we need to rest. Two weeks and we will arrive to the Chantry monastery where my son trains to be a templar. Just imagine what we will have to do to snatch him from Knight-Captain's grasps. Luckily we have Grand Cleric Elemena by our side.'

Dragon 9:25, 25th Harvestmere

CHANTRY MONASTERY NEAR REDCLIFFE

'I want to meet with templar recruit Alistair, Knight-Captain.' Maric and Anora were sitting beside huge oak desk. They were waiting for templar's Captain in his study for some moments and when he arrived Maric didn't want to beat around the bush. He wanted to achieve what he wanted in the quickest way and arrive to Denerim before it will get even colder and snow will block their way.

'Your Majesty, I don't understand why are you interested in that boy. I know he's Arl Eamon bastard but...' Maric growled angrily at him then said with hissing voice.

'I don't care what you think. Just bring him here, it's an order from the King.' Knight-Captain looked at Maric for a moment then stood up and bowed.

'As you wish, Your Majesty. I will bring him shortly.' After that he left. Some time later he came with young man as it was hard to say he was a boy. His hair was dark blonde, his face was really similar to Maric and Cailan. Anora glanced at Alistair for a moment then moved her gaze elsewhere. She didn't know how she should feel. Although somewhere in her mind she felt that she's betraying Cailan somehow. Maric stood up and approached Alistair silently. Then he turned to templar.

'I want to talk privately with him. Please, leave us alone for a while.' Man was reluctant and hesitated for a while but nevertheless he left the study. Maric locked his eyes on his son again and smiled at him.

'Alistair, do you know who am I?' Young man looked at King with wariness. He parted his lips as he wanted to say something. He wavered for a moment to reply to Maric.

'You are Maric the Saviour. King of Ferelden.'

'Yes, that's right. Do you know anything else about me?' Maric was still regarding his son warmly with encouraging smile. Alistair looked into his eyes for a short moment to turn his face and blushed. He hesitated again with his answer.

'You are my father.' His faint voice ringed in everyone's ears.

'That's right, son. I am your father. And I came to take you home with me.' Alistair clenched his fists after Maric said those words. Anger arose in him as he was left for fifteen years to be alone. He desperately wanted to have parents. But now, when he saw his father… he was only but furious at him.

'Now you want me? When I found home? When I found peace here?!' Maric just smiled at him sadly.

'Yes. And I always wanted you. There were just circumstances...'

'What circumstances?! How father can abandon his own son?! How?!' Alistair eyes were wet from angry tears as he was shouting on Maric. But his father only sighed and moved closer to him to hug him.

'I was wrong, Alistair. I was living in a lie that bloody witch implemented in me. But now I see clearly and I want to ask for your forgiveness. I want to be your father. I want to get to know you. I want you to know how much I love you and how I missed you all this time.' Maric soothing voice calmed Alistair. Yet he started to cry even more as he was too overwhelmed by what was going on. 'Please, forgive me, son. Please let me be your father.' He moved back to look at his son and wait for his reply. But Alistair only nodded as he was speechless.

'Good. You won't become a templar. You will come with me to the capital and then we will start to get to know each other, is that alright with you?' Again young man nodded. 'Splendid. Oh, Anora. I forgot about you, my dear. Alistair, this is Anora Mac Tir. She's betrothed to you older brother, Cailan.' Anora only nodded her head lightly as she was still uncertain how to act.

'Mac Tir?' Alistair red eyes regarded Anora for a moment then widened. 'You are daughter of Hero of River Dane! Such a pleasure, my lady! Such an honour!' He kneeled in front of Anora. She looked sterned at young man and blushed lightly. That wasn't introduction she was expecting. She smiled a bit and finally replied.

'It's a pleasure, Alistair. Nice to meet you.'

'All right, children, we need to go. There is month of travel before us.' Maric smiled broadly at both of them then went behind the door to call Knight-Captain to the study. When templar was there he turned to him with serious face again. 'I want to take my son to Denerim. He won't become a templar.'

'What?!' Man was shocked at those words. 'You can not do that!'

'I beg you pardon? I think you forgot who am I. I am King Maric and that's my order! Alistair isn't Arl Eamon son, he's mine son. And I want to take him to Denerim. Or should I contact Grand Cleric Elemena about that matter and your behaviour?' Maric angry face made a stir in Knight-Captain.

'No, your Majesty, that's not necessary. Go pack, yourself Alistair. Umm… I mean, Prince Alistair.' Young Theirin opened his eyes widely again then laughed at him. He nodded and dashed to pack his belongings quickly. He felt so happy.

Dragon 9:25, 11th Haring

TWINS ROOM

Mahria was taking care of the children in their room. Soon after King left Mahria ordered Mahren to prepare this room for twins and her. She didn't want to get help with her babies from the maids or wet-nurse as she did everything by herself. With small help from Eleonora she managed to learn how to be a mother quickly. Now they were sitting there as she was breast feeding Gareth and Ailis was sleeping in the cradle. Suddenly Loghain entered the room. 'Oh, Gareth, look who came to us, it's daddy.'

'How are you? I see my little princess is sleeping.' He bend over the cradle to regard his daughter for a moment. 'My, my.' He turned to look at Gareth. 'Isn't that boy eating too much?'

'Hush, he need to grow as big and strong as you, my dear husband. Let him eat.' Mahria chuckled and looked at Loghain for a moment. Then her gaze returned to her son.

'Mahria, will you come to my study later? I need to-'

'Oh, I don't know… I don't have time. There is still much to do.' Mahria replied quickly. Loghain only sighed and turned around to leave.

'Fine. I'll come again later to see you.' As he left Teyrna Cousland growled angrily.

'What is it, mother?' Mahria turned to her mother. She was surprised by Eleonora's behaviour.

'What are you doing, stupid?' She hissed at her daughter and stood up to approach her. 'Why you don't want any help from maids and wet-nurse? You don't have to do everything by yourself, you know? Twins won't run from you! You will be their mother for whole life.'

'I don't understand you, mum. What are you talking about? I don't want any help. It's better for my children that I will take care of them myself.'

'Eh… listen. Because I think you don't understand...' Eleonora sat next to Mahria. She observed her daughter for some time and now she was at her limits. 'I know that you have twins now. But you have also husband. And for three months you were only rejecting him. Maker's breath I raised you with help of maids. I used wet-nurse help so I could spend some time with Bryce alone. You can't bury yourself with diapers and left Loghain alone.'

'But...'

'There is no but, my lady! You love him I know that.' Eleonora's eyes were oozing with anger. She couldn't believe that her smart daughter became so blind.

'How do you-?' Mahria wanted to say something, anything but her mother kept to interrupt her yet again.

'I'm not blind, Mahria. I saw how you looked at Loghain in Denerim. It was first time your eyes showed so much love for a man. And he loves you too. I know him for a long time. But that's not the point. He misses you. Although he won't say that. No men will admit that. But that's the truth. You distanced yourself from him to be with Gareth and Ailis. Just think about him for a moment. He is there. Alone. Because you moved here, like an idiot. You don't spend any time with your husband at all. Not to mentions sleeping together. Maker's breath… here I thought you were a smart girl.' Mahria was staring at her mother like she was huge dragon, not woman. And thought that she was telling her truth struck her mind. She moved to this room to be with twins all the time. She rejected any help as she rejected him… for a long time. She pushed her feelings toward him and replaced them with constant worrying over twins. But they were growing healthy and sound. And then she found out that she miss her husband. That she really want him to touch her again. To hug and kiss her again. That she miss talking to him.

'You are right mom. I… can you call wet-nurse tonight?' Eleonora smiled at her daughter and nodded.

'I'll call her. And I'll take care of twins with Siria, don't worry. I raised you and Fergus. I know how to take care of children. And I want to take care of my grandchildren now.'

'Thank you, mom. I'll go and wash myself. See you tomorrow.'

MAC TIR'S BEDCHAMBER

Loghain entered dark and empty chamber with huge sigh. Every day he wished that Mahria would actually be here. With him. But she was too occupied with twins now. Nowadays he only saw her when he went to children room. She was always there. At the beginning Mahria slept in her room with them… although she said once that her bed was uncomfortable. But after Maric left she ordered Mahren to change that room for children chamber. It was on the other side of the manor. Mahria stated that Loghain shouldn't be woken up by babies cries. But, although he wouldn't say that aloud, he prefered them to be closer. Now he lit few candles and sat next to the small table. He took one of River Dane's armor gauntlets to polish it. He was deep in thoughts so he didn't hear when Mahria stepped into the room. She grinned mischievously behind his back as she was silently approaching him. When she reached him and placed her arms around his neck Loghain jumped in surprise. 'Ha! It's first time I had sneaked upon you.' She laughed and then hugged him firmly behind his back. She placed her head on his shoulder.

'Mahria…?' He gasped in disbelief. His hands moved upward to touch hers. 'It's really you.'

'Of course, silly. What did you expect? A desire demon?' She giggled into his neck. Hot sensation from her breath made his senses vexed. She moved his hair from his neck and started to kiss it lightly. Each kiss made him shiver. Mahria felt it and smiled to herself. 'Mother was right.' She found his pulse and licked softly. He let pleasurable growl from his mouth. 'Someone is in need here… I think… let me check.' Her hand moved downward to his manhood. It was hard. 'Oh yes, someone's really in need here.' As she said that Loghain gasped as he was at his limits. Without a word he pushed her from him and stood up. He approached her quickly stopping for few seconds to exhilarate her look. She was standing in front of him, in her short nightgown. Look of her bare legs and shoulders was too much. Look of her chest falling down and going up in heavy breathing was truly too much. Urge to have her right here, right now, without any courtesies, was manipulating his body. So he didn't hesitate any longer. He pulled her up and both of them fell on the bed. Mahria laughed at him but he silenced her with deep kiss. It was first time for her to see Loghain acting like that. Like he wanted to reclaim her for himself again, he was intoxicated by Mahria. With one move he took her nightgown off to admire her body. Her breast was bigger now, he took them into his hands and cupped. Then leaned to lick them. With one hand still stroking her breast and nipple, he moved another one between her thighs. She was already wet and hot there. He stroked her and licked in so many places that she couldn't think clearly anymore. Mahria could only think about one word, so she repeated it feverishly. 'Loghain.' She was at her limits. She wanted to feel him inside of her again as she realized it was almost five months since they were intimate. She pushed him away to look into his icy blue eyes. He regarded her with such lust in his gaze that it was really too much. But it were just seconds because Mahria pulled his head to her and kissed abruptly. When she broke a kiss she again looked into his eyes. 'Take me, Mac Tir, I need you. I love you. I can't wait any second longer.' He only grinned in response. He was still in his clothes, he only opened his breeches and released himself to put it in her. Familiar sensation reached them and they both started to rock in shared rhythm, as it was only yesterday that they were this close with each other. Loghain was moving slowly no to rush anything. He looked at Mahria, leaning on his stretched hands above her. He wanted their gaze to lock... But she had closed her eyes and arched her head back as she was buried in her pleasure.

'Look at me.' She didn't respond nor opened her eyes. He growled angrily and repeated that more peremptorily. 'Look at me, Mahria. Now.' She snapped from her bliss and opened her eyes. Her head slowly turned to him. It was firs time he ordered her in bed. And she found herself like it, yearn for him more. With heavy breathing and wide opened eyes she looked into those icy blue eyes. They were cold, possessive and demanded everything from her. But that coldness stirred more heat in her than anything else. Loghain was still moving slowly in her, teasing as she wanted more, faster, stronger. But her moans and cries didn't made him go faster nor stronger.

'Faster, please...' She begged him, clutching her hands on his arm and chest. 'Loghain, I want...'

'No. Just look at me.' He demanded again. Lust and possessiveness in his eyes made her almost cry in pleasure and helplessness. She wanted to turn her face from him, to run away from his gaze that made her on fire. But he moved his hand to the end of her neck and held it gently. 'No. I want you to look into my eyes.' He felt he is at his limits but he didn't want it to end. Mac Tir pulled Mahria up and seated her astride on his laps. She used this moment to turn her head and close her eyes but it was futile as he turned it to face him again. 'I said something, Mahria, look at me.' She opened them at his demand. His faint smirk of satisfaction made her mad but she couldn't fight back. She could only gaze at him and moan even more intensively.

'I can't Loghain, please. I'm going crazy.' He narrowed his eyes and then moved his head to her ear. With his low, hoarse whisper he made her shiver and moan even louder.

'If that's so, we will go crazy together.' Then he took her faster, grabbing her waist to move her up and down on him... And soon both of them reached peak of their lovemaking. Mahria fall into his arms, gasping and still trembling from pleasure, beads of sweat were covering her body. When she regained her voice she spoke to him.

'I'm sorry, my love. I'm so sorry for being so dull.' She snuggled into his chest. 'I completely forgot that you are here. That we are husband and wife. That there is something more than our twins. Thanks the Maker, mother snapped me out of my stupidity.' With one hand she reached his hair and stroked it gently. 'Like an idiot I wanted to do everything by myself. Even when you came to us… to be with us I only thought about Gareth and Ailis hardly noticing you. Yet you were still there. Day after day you came, you looked at me, at children. You held them with love. And I didn't notice anything.'

'Hush.' He silenced her and moved her back to look at him again. 'I don't want to talk now. I want to take you into my arms and go to sleep. I haven't sleep peacefully for few months now. Firstly because you woke me up ten times per night at the end of your pregnancy and later because you weren't' here at all. Let's sleep, Invader.' She giggled at his honest talk. And nodded with warm smile.

'As you wish, my General.'