Dragon 9:26, 1st Wintermarch

GWAREN TOWN

Mahria was strolling the town with Gareth in her arms. Loghain was walking behind her with little Ailis sleeping in his embrace. They were greeted by citizens and wished good year. Mac Tir's proceeded to Anders clinic to get a check up on twins. When they entered the clinic mage dashed to welcome them with broad smile.

'Teyrn Loghain, Teyrna Mahria, I'm honoured to see you here.' He gestured toward his study. 'Please come in. Mashka, come with us, we need to check up on little Teyrns.' One of the nurses went with them to the room located on the upper level of the building. It was warm and cozy place with a lot of magical stuff and potions. After healer examined twins he approached Mahria and Loghain with his normal warm smile. 'Everything is fine. They are growing big and healthy.'

'Thanks the Maker, I can pass good news to my mother. She constantly worries about something related to our babies.' Mahria let a huge sigh and chuckled. 'One problem solved. But anyway, Anders, we would like to invite you and Rieska for a First Day feast to our manor. I'll send a maid to take care of your children.'

'But wouldn't that be a-" Anders felt ashamed. Normally people detested mages. Although he gained good reputation in Gwaren after he saved Teyrna and assisted her and Teyrn Loghain, he could feel that citizens were still sometimes suspicious of him.

'Perish the thought, Anders. We are really grateful to you. You're helping us a great deal. Even three days ago you healed that husband of mine. I really appreciate it.' Mahria grinned to the mage. He nodded to Mahria and accepted the invitation. After that Mac Tir's returned to the manor.

MANOR, DINING HALL

Mac Tirs invited to the party some Gwaren's nobles, wealthy merchants and head of the blacksmith guild, Luthias, who came alongside with his daughter and Anders. Zetrall also appeared on the feast. He came with his wife, Balame and two hunters. After everyone gathered, two roasted rams appeared on the table alongside with other delicious dishes. When all of them were full Loghain stood up to make a small speech about new year and wish best of luck. Then Mahria, Zetrall and Balame distanced from everyone to talk privately. 'Da'len, we're moving our camp near Highever next month. Will you go to Denerim for spring? We can meet there.'

'Oh yes, we will be there. I'll inform King Maric that you will come. But why you're moving? You were staying on Gwaren lands for so long.'

'Three of our women are pregnant now. We want to move north for warmer climate.' Balame replied with huge smile. 'My boy will have his first child in the summer.'

'So Sevath is hunter and married already?' Mahria whistled in approval. 'And he will be father soon too. My, my.' After some time Mahria ended her talk with elves as they wanted to return to camp. She farewelled with them and proceeded to talk to Rieska and Anders. 'My dear, how are you?' She asked when she sat next to mage and his wife.

'I'm fine, Tey-... I mean, Mahria.'

'I have to ask something both of you.' Mahria looked at them with warm smile. She wanted to take Anders and his family to Denerim. 'Would you like to go to Denerim for Landsmeet? I want assistance from Anders and I'll feel much safer with healer mage.' Rieska looked at Anders puzzled for a moment. He nodded to her and replied to Mahria's plea.

'It will be an honour, Your Teyrnship. If we can be of any service, you can count on us.'

'Thank you, Anders. I didn't want to separate your family for so long again. And Rieska, my dear, we will go to Denerim market together. I'll show you some nice wares.' They talked about Denerim and their travel. It was enjoyable evening.

Dragon 9:26, 8th Drakonis

Mahria was outside with twins. Her mother and Siria were playing with Gareth. Ailis was in her mother's arm, looking around with amazement. Snow already melted and it was sunny day of early spring. Loghain was in the city attending to some matter and Mahria wanted to wait for him to return and show how twins are regarding world outside with their little faces showing so much interest. She didn't have to wait too long. Loghain appeared in the gate and smiled at his wife. He approached Mahria to take Ailis from her arms. His daughter stretched her little hands to her father as soon as she spotted him. 'My little princess, did you miss me?' Ailis made an attempt to relpy to by saying 'Ghoo'.

'Did you see that, mother? Both Ailis and Gareth are only concerned about their father. We don't count. We are just servants.' Mahria sighed. Eleonora just shook her head with amusement. Her daugher always became jealous when twins were showing their pure awe of their father. Loghain smirked at her words.

'Look, princess. Your mother is so jealous. We should say: no-no to her behaviour. But wait, princess, dad need to supervise his soldier now. Mahria take her for a moment.' He handed Ailis to Mahria and approached Siria to take his son now. 'How is it, soldier? Everything in order?' Gareth smiled wildly when he was in Loghain's arms. He also let 'Ghaaaooo' from his mouth. 'That's good. You can be dismissed now. Mahria, I need to talk to you, let's go to my study.'

'Ah, fine. Mother take Ailis.' She handed her daughter to Eleonora and approached Loghain. 'Shall we?'

LOGHAIN'S STUDY

Loghain escorted Mahria to the chair behind his large desk and proceeded to seat on his. He regarded Mahria with blank expression for a while. 'So… I made a good bargain today. There are two ships in Gwaren harbour. They will sail to Denerim in end of the month. Captains agreed to take you, twins, and rest to the capital. You will leave around 29th of Drakonis.' Mahria looked at her husband like she was seeing him for the first time. Anger started to build up in her.

'What…?'

'I'll repeat: you will sail to Denerim. On a ship. With Gareth and Ailis.' Mahria narrowed her eyes and started to breath heavily. 'Here we go… Explosion in three… two… one...'' Loghain thought to himself. As he counted to one Mahria stood up and shouted at him abruptly.

'Are you out of your mind?! Me?! On a ship?!' He rolled his eyes and looked at his wife with 'are you serious?' gaze.

'It's not about you, my dear, it's about twins. It's still cold… they can't go in carriage. They are too small.'

'Ugh! They are ferelden as I am one! We don't sail! Fuck! Do you hate me that much?!' Mahria clenched her fists and started to move from one place to another in fury.

'Oh yes, I do all of it just to show you how much I hate you and our children. Maker's breath, woman. Are you gone mad that much?'

'And why didn't you tell me earlier about your plans?' Mahria hissed with voice full of poisonous tone. 'Didn't I told you that I don't want to be ordered around? And above all, you want me… ME! To sail on soddin' barge.'

'Plans? I just happened to know today, that two big boats arrived in Gwaren. I thought that it would be better for you. The voyage will take only four days. I just have your and children's safety and comfort on my mind.'

'Don't give me those bullshits, Loghain! Fenedhis! I hate you!' Mahria stormed out of the study. She didn't want to look at her husband. She avoided him the whole day. But even though she was angry, she knew that sailing to Denerim would be better for little ones. It would take only four days to get there. Later she felt stupid for her behaviour.

MAC TIR'S BEDCHAMBER

Loghain came to bed really late. He thought that Mahria won't be there, so he didn't really have any reason to return to bedchamber. How he was wrong! When Mac Tir entered the room his wife was already there. Sitting by the small table, polishing her sword with slow movement. She didn't turn to face him, as she felt ashamed. 'You were right, Loghain. I… I'm just too short tempered and stupid sometimes.' He just regarded her back from a while then started to change into his bedclothes. Without a word he climbed up the bed and laid there. 'He's angry… imbecile, why do you have to explode every damn time? Just bite your tongue and shut up already. Idiot. Just look how ungrateful you are. He did everything to be assured that you and twins will have quick and comfortable voyage. Mahria, I'm disappointed.' Mahria finished polishing the sword while brooding all over. Then put weapon back to ornamented box, she bought to hide her most cherished present from Loghain. Mahria extinguished candles and started to strip then proceeded to change into her nightgown, unaware that he was staring at her from the gap between his arm, now lying on his eyes. Woman laid on the bed, keeping distance from his body. 'Sooo… you won't talk to me?'

'I'm tired. I want to go to sleep.'

'Huh… fine. Good night.' Mahria was laying with awkward feeling in her stomach. She felt guilt all over her. And she had to let it go. She pulled herself to sit and moved to Loghain a bit. 'I'm sorry, my love. I'm just sodding ungrateful idiot. I shouldn't say all those things.' But he disregarded her and turned to the other side. Mahria moved her body even closer to him. 'Just tell me what made you so angry that you don't want to talk to me. And then you can be offended as long as you want.'

'You are stubborn, woman.' With huge sigh he turned to her with cold face. 'What cracks me the most is that you didn't think that maybe it was really hard to rent two entire ships for you. That I'm the head of the family here and I need to make decisions for all of us. I know that you don't want to be ordered and I gave you your freedom. I let you do whatever you want, but from now on just think about others. About twins, about me a little. You are stubborn and spoiled as hell… you think only about yourself. Stop being so self-centered! We had argued over such bullshits and I backed down every damn time… But that ends here! I know you're young but you need to stop your shit already.'

'Am I that bad wife?' Loghain sighed again and sat on the bed. He looked at Mahria for a moment and pushed her lightly on the pillow. Then he laid on his side next to her.

'Shut up, I want to sleep.'

Dragon 9:26, 28th Drakonis

'All set, Teyrna Mahria. We have packed all the chests and packs on the ship. With your permission, I'd like to return to the manor now.' Mahren bowed to Mahria lightly. 'And I want to wish you safe journey, Your Teyrnship.'

'Thank you, Mahren. Please keep my home in good shape. And don't forget about Sahra. I hope we will return here in the middle of the summer. Good bye.' When Mahria checked that everything is in order, as well that Anders and his family was already comfortably sitting on the ship with her mother she went to Loghain who was holding Ailis in his arms. Next to him Siria was holding Gareth, it was tough work because little one wanted desperately to be held by Loghain as well.

'My dear husband, soon you will have to keep them from fighting over you. Come, Ailis, dad need to give some orders to his soldier now.' She took her daughter from Loghain's embrace so he could have share of hugs with Gareth.

'Come, soldier. Listen to your commander. Take care of your mother and sisters. You maybe don't remember your older sister, Anora, but she waits for you eagerly in Denerim. Be good boy. Dad will arrive there week after you.' His son in response mouthed loud 'Ghoo! and caught his braid in his fingers.

'Look, he likes them too. No, no!' Mahria tried to stop Gareth as he started to pull them to his side. 'You will tear it away and your mother won't have her fun anymore.'

'Let him be, Mahria. Bye soldier, we will meet soon. Siria take him and Ailis on the ship.' They handed twins to the maid. She left instantly to board the vessel. Mahria was standing with awkward feeling. Loghain was silent and distanced from her after their fight. She didn't knew what to say, so she started with an apology. 'Loghain… I'm sorry about earlier. I know that I'm stubborn and spoiled. And I think about myself too much… Forgive me.'

'I accept your apologies. Captain is giving signal to ship out. I'll be in Denerim in ten days. So wait for me there.' He came closer to his wife and nuzzled his face in her neck. That was his first caress after their fight. She felt utterly happy.

'Oh… I don't know… maybe I'll talk captains into going to Antiva… that would be nice. Or maybe to Orlais. Ouch!' She felt a light bite on her neck.

'I forbid.' Loghain pulled his head up to face Mahria. 'I will take Da'asha with me… and I'll miss you a bit, you crazy woman.'

'I'll miss you a bit too, General.' After that they kissed and Mahria went to board a ship.

Dragon 9:26, 2nd Cloudreach

ROYAL PALACE

Anora was in a rush after messenger came with information that ships with Mahria and twins are on the sight. She gathered servants and proceeded to leave the palace. Suddenly Alistair run to her with puzzled but happy face. 'What's going on?'

'Oh, Ali. I'm so happy! My step mother and my little siblings are coming to Denerim. Want to come with me to the docks to greet them?' Anora and Alistar get really along. She wanted to distance from him for Cailan's sake but she found it hard to do. He is really nice young man, maybe not that smart but good tutoring would settle that matter. She was taking good care of him. And now he was looking at her happiness and excitement with warm smile.

'Sure, I don't have anything to do...' He replied but Anora sensed he's lying.

'Don't you have lecture about Theirins history now?' She looked at him with suspicious gaze.

'Maybe...' A small blush appeared on his face. He didn't want to disappoint Anora in any way.

'Nevermind. I'll explain your lack of presence later. Come on. We need to hurry.'

DENERIM, DOCKS

When ships anchored Mahria felt relieved. Although Anders used his magic to ease her seasickness, it was still unpleasant experience. As soon as she could, she left the ship with Ailis in her arm, she felt huge relief. Anora spotted her in instant and dashed to her sight. 'Awww, Ailis, you are so sweet. Come to your sister!' She took baby from Mahria's arms with pure bliss on her face. Ailis regarded her older sister and started to laugh and make 'Ghoo' sounds.

'Maker's holy shit, those children are Mac-Tir's challenged. But! You wench… no 'Hi, Mahria' or anything?' Mahria looked at Anora with a smirk.

'Hush. I have to look at her. Andraste's flames, you are so sweet Ailis! I love you so much.' Meanwhile Alistair approached Anora. Teyrna Eleonora left the ship with Gareth and Siria. Soon after Anders and his family were also on the docks. 'And there is Gareth! Here, you wench, hold my sister. Teyrna Eleonora, how are you? Can I hug him?'

'I'm fine, Anora. Here you go.' Eleonora gave Gareth to Anora. Boy also was mesmerized by his sister. He smiled and babbled his child talk to her.

'My little brother. Look Alistair, it's future Teyrn of Gwaren. Such a big persona in small body.' Alistair stood behind them and regarded Anora with warm smile. Mahria looked upon his face. It remained her the face of Nathaniel Howe while he looked at her. 'I sense major crush in the air...'. When Anora asked for him he hesitated to approach but after a while he moved closer, ashamed a bit. 'Where are my manners... Teyrna Eleonora, Mahria, please meet Alistair Theirin, second son of Maric.'

'Nice to meet you, Your Highness. I'm Teyrna Eleonora Cousland of Highever.' Woman bowed slightly to young prince. 'Mahria told me about your arrival at the court. I'm honoured to meet you.'

'Such a pleasure, Prince Alistair. I'm Teyrna Mahria Mac Tir nee Cousland. This is my mother.' Mahria pointed at her mother then continue her speech. 'And those are my and Teyrn Loghain's twins, Gareth and Ailis. They won't say nor bow to you, though.' She chuckled at her little joke.

'It's a pleasure. Anora told me about you so much. I feel like I know you for a long time already.' Alistair also bowed to the ladies. 'And I'm excited to meet skilled warrior as you, Teyrna Mahria. Would you like to share some stories about your fights? Lady Anora was really reluctant to say anything.'

'Oh, that silly goose wasn't really interested in those. I'll tell you later. I think King Maric will prepare grand party to celebrate our arrival so we will have time.' Mahria grinned to young men. 'Anyway let's go to the palace. I'm fed up with boats.' When they were riding carriages to the palace, Mahria leaned to Anora. 'Did you prepared some chambers for Anders and Rieska?'

'Yes, I did as you asked to. They have two rooms in the guest quarter of the palace. They are really comfortable and will suit them. Em… how do you find Alistair?'

'Hmmm… I don't know yet. He looks like good and polite young man… But appearances can be deceptive… like you for example.' Mahria giggled and patted Anora's lap.

'I missed that sense of humor.' Anora also started to laugh.

ROYAL PALACE, GREAT HALL

'Teyrna Mahria, Teyrna Eleonora… and… who have we here… Loghain's twins. I'm so pleased to see you all here. Except Loghain. He wrote to me that I have to behave until he will reach Denerim.' Maric approached his guest with happy face. 'But, Mahria, if he won't know anything he won't get mad, will he?' Mahria winked her eye on king.

'We can share some secrets, Your Majesty.'

'Mahria, please, I told you many times to call me Maric.' He looked at Mahria seriously until she nodded and agreed. 'And who is that big girl and boy? Maker's mercy, you will be huge as your father. Oh, Mahria, how do you find my son, Alistair? Come here, son. Let me show you to everyone. I'm so proud of him, Mahria.' Maric put his hand around Alistair's shoulders, that caused small blush on boy's face.

'Father...' Mahria looked at embarrassed Alistair and giggled.

'Do not worry, Your Highness. When my husband will come to Denerim you will be grateful that our dear King doesn't ashame or irk you like he does with Loghain.'

'I can't wait for that, Mahria.' King replied to that with laugh. 'I'm already prepared to have my share of fun with him.'

Dragon 9:26, 10th Cloudreach

Loghain was really happy when he saw walls of Denerim. His whole travel was full of rain and mud. He was all wet and wanted only to take a bath. Preferably with his wife. When he reached the royal palace his family and Maric was already waiting for him. 'Loghain! My dear friend! Do you want to change to a fish?'

'Maric. So nice to see you.' Mac Tir voice was full of frustration. He combed wet hair with his fingers to calm himself. But as always Maric presence and his manners made it impossible. 'I hope you had good winter and hadn't damaged our country too much.'

'No… I was good King. I swear.'

'Somehow I don't believe it... Anora, my child, good to see you.' He hugged Anora lightly as he was all wet. 'And my dear wife, how did your voyage passed?'

'I'll never board a ship again, mark my word, husband. Even Ander's magic didn't help with seasickness. But twins were enjoying it a lot. Somehow.' Mahria kissed Loghain on the cheek as she struggled with Ailis. When little one saw her father she wanted a hug.

'I'm sorry, princess, I can't hug you. Dad is all wet and cold.' He brushed Ailis head and placed a soft kiss on it. Siria was standing behind Mahria with scuffling Gareth, she also struggled to keep him in her arms. 'Oh, soldier, I hope you have good reports for me.' As always Gareth replied to him with loud 'Ghoo'. 'Very good. Commander approves… By the way, Maric, where are your sons? I'd like to meet Alistair.'

'Sorry Loghain, but you will have to wait. Cailan is inspecting barracks and Alistair is with his calculus tutor now. Better go and refresh yourself, we will have huge feast in the evening… to celebrate your return.'

'Fine, fine. I'll go to my chambers now.'

'Wait, Loghain, I'll go with you. Anora take Ailis from me.' Mahria handed her daughter to Anora. Ailis regarded her older sister and smiled. 'Look husband, your children loves only Mac Tir's.'

'I haven't heard your nagging about that for two weeks… Maker preserve me.' Loghain shook his head and sighed. 'Come, Teyrna. I need a bath.'

MAC TIR'S CHAMBER, BATH

'Mmm… so good. I can endure harsh life. But to be honest I prefer to be dry and clean.' Loghain was lying in the tub while Mahria was sitting on the edge behind him. His head was resting on her thighs. 'You really don't want to join me?'

'Nah. I don't want to make Maric wait for us… I bet we would start our welcoming here to end it in bed.' Mahria was stroking and combing Loghain wet hair with her fingers. 'I missed you so much, General.' She leaned to kiss his forehead from above.

'You will show me how much? Tonight?' He looked at her with a smirk.

'Maybe… but finish your bathing now. Twins weren't particularly pleased with your welcome manners. I think they are demanding your attention now. I'll go and fetch them from Anora. She's crazy about her little sister and brother.' Mahria stood up and left. Soon after Loghain put dry clothes on, she came with two children in her embrace. 'Look, chubbies, daddy is here.'

KING'S QUARTERS, DINING HALL

'Loghain! My friend! I thought that you will be later… laaaateeer. You are quick.' Maric greeted Mac Tir in his normal manner. Teyrna Cousland, Mahria and Loghain entered King's dining hall together. They left twins with Siria so they could peacefully attend to Maric's celebrations. 'Teyrna Eleonora, beautiful as always. Let me escort you to your chair.' He took Mahria's mother hand and seated her next to Anora. Anora was already waiting for them with Alistair and Cailan. They were sitting with awkward silence. Older one was shocked when he learned that he has younger brother. He didn't want to get acquaintance with him much. Two men weren't getting along so there was awkward silence whenever they were together. Anora felt relieved when Eleonora joined them.

'Teyrna, so nice to see you. How are twins?'

'Fine. I haven't seen them much now. Just briefly. Siria is trying to get them to sleep. Maker preserve her.' Older woman chuckled. 'Gareth don't want to go to bed so early recently.' Both women started to chat about Ailis and Gareth. It was their favourite subject nowadays. Meanwhile Maric gestured to Alistair to come to him. Young man stood up and approached his father with blush on his face. He have red about Loghain's heroic deeds but meeting the person was something else.

'Alistair, please meet Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir. He is my best friend.' Alistair bowed to man, trying to keep his composure. It was difficult though. 'Loghain, this is Alistair. But I think you know that already.'

'It's a pleasure, Your Teyrnship. I'm stunned to meet famous Hero of River Dane in person.' His voice was shaky. His head was still low.

'Don't bow, Alistair. I'm just normal person. I hope you enjoy living in the palace despite your father's strange behaviour.' Maric gasped at that talk.

'Hey! I'm not strange. Say one more word and I'll make sure to be more annoying than I usually am.'

'Be careful, husband.' Mahria giggled. 'Maric is prepared for everything this time.' Loghain just rolled his eyes and growled.

'Anyway, where are my manners?' Maric started to raise his hand when Loghain replied to that.

'You lost them long ago, Maric. Somewhere in the Korcari Wilds, I wager.'

'Such a tease! My dear Mahria, please explain me how you get along with that man all the time?' He took Mahria hand and escorted her to the table leaving angry Loghain. When Mahria passed next to young prince she leaned to him.

'Now you know what I was talking about.' She grinned and walked away with the King. Alistair chuckled at that statement but as he looked back at Loghain he regained himself and returned to his seat. Loghain shook his head with nervous manner and proceeded to sit as well.

'Let's eat, my friends! And, Mahria, please tell us the story about those bandits you had encountered in the winter. Loghain didn't wrote me much and I'm thrilled to hear it. Especially from you, my dear.' Mahria looked at Loghain for a second to get assured he made that angry face of his. She giggled when her predictions were correct.

'As you wish, Maric. Alistair, please listen, here's another story of my fights. And you are lucky because it's also about famous Hero of River Dane!'

'Maker's breath, when you two combine it's insufferable.' Loghain grunted and disregarded both of them.

'Yes, yes. You're wife is really good at mockery. Almost as good as me. But, please Mahria, go on.' Teyrna Mac Tir started her story of the hunt and fight with the bandits. She described her fight and Loghain in a great detail.

'My, my, old friend. I wouldn't suppose you are still good with a sword. I should better watch out.' Maric laughed when Mahria finished her story.

'You should. But Mahria didn't tell you everything. After she beheaded that poor sod she started to laugh like maniac. Now I know why Nathaniel referred to her as Goddess of Fury. Blood and dead bodies everywhere… and Mahria laughing in the middle of it all. That was quite a view.' Loghain turned to his wife with mischievous smirk.

'Andraste's holy pyre, Mahria. I'm so ashamed by you. You are from Cousland lineage! Try to behave sometimes!' Elonora shook her head and placed her hand on eyes. 'Just wait till I tell your father about that.'

'Mother...' Mahria hissed and then turned to Loghain. 'I hope you're happy now.' She narrowed her eyes and send furious glance at him.

'Very much, yes. I said something in Gwaren. Better stick to it.' Mahria nodded lightly and withdrawn from her stance. She didn't want to make Loghain mad at her again. She suffered after their fight over sailing with ships, as Loghain was so cold and indifferent to her then. Woman leaned to her husband and whispered to his ear.

'As you wish, love.' He only nodded at her with faint smirk. After the supper Loghain turned to Maric.

'Thank you for such nice welcome, Maric, but I think we will go to rest now. Have a good night.' He stood up and took Mahria hand. 'Let's go, Teyrna.'

'Good night.' Mahria said and stood as well. They went to their bedchambers in silence.

MAC TIR'S BEDCHAMBER

'So I did misbehave again?' Mahria stated after Loghain closed the doors. 'I'm-...'

'Silly, you think you can mock me like that without a punishment?' He pulled her up and tossed lightly on the bed. 'Now you will show me how much you missed me and how much you are sorry.'

'So you planned that all along? That's dirty.' She giggled. Loghain moved above her and regarded for a moment.

'Shut up now. You'll talk when I'll allow it.' He claimed her lips with his. When they broke a kiss Mahria pulled her head to his ear and whispered.

'As you say, Usurper.'