Dragon 9:26, 10th Cloudreach

ANORA'S CHAMBERS

'Hey, you wench! Would you-' Mahria bursted into Anora's chamber to see her and Alistair bending above some papers. 'Oh, I'm sorry… where are my manners?' She giggled and regarded them with interested gaze. 'Lady Anora, Prince Alistair. Would you like to go with me to training ground? I'd like to train with my bow a little. And I don't want to do it alone.' Alistair grinned at that plan. He was fed up with tutoring already.

'But Alistair need to finish-'

'Stop being such a spoilsport, Anora. He want's to go. Am I right, Your Highness?' Mahria smirked to Alistair, he nodded eagerly.

'Ugh, fine. Let's go. Just let me change to some more comfortable clothes. Alistair take those papers to your room. And we will go fetch some bows from the armory. Mahria go to training ground and wait for us there.'

'Fine, fine. But make it quick.'

CORRIDOR

Mahria was walking towards training ground when Cailan blocked her way. 'Teyrna, may I say how appealing you are after giving birth to those two bastards?' He moved closer to her. Mahria was shocked only for a moment.

'Cailan. You're at it again? Haven't I told you something about your behaviour? Loghain also made himself clear about that.' She clenched her teeths with anger. 'I thought that we explained it already.' Meanwhile Anora and Alistair overheard their conversation and hid behind a corner.

'I don't care what you told me.' Cailan was approaching her with mischievous smirk. 'All I care about is taking you to my bed. I order you to be my mistress now. Every woman in Ferelden belongs to me! And I can take whoever I want.'

'Pfff.' Mahria gasped and started to laugh. 'Like I care what you want. And I don't want to touch you, Cailan. Just thought about you and me sharing bed makes me vomit.'

'Vomit, you say? So maybe you need stimulus? How about I'd harm those two little cubs of yours?' Mahria's face became red of fury. She dashed to Cailan and hit his face with mighty blow, then she kicked his groin with her knee. He didn't have slight chance to parry those blows. Cailan just sank onto floor with painful growl. He couldn't believe that Mahria dared to attack him.

'One more time you'll threat my children, Cailan, and I'll kill you. I will. You can be sodding heir to the crown but I won't care… I will cut your balls and cram them into your throat.'

'Bitch, you'll regret it.' Cailan gasped as he was squirming on the ground.

'Will I? I don't think so, Cailan. Remember that I'm Teyrna of Gwaren now. And my voice is really important on Landsmeet. You won't threaten me as you did last year. I'm twice powerful now. So better find some other point of interests, as I don't want to be one.' She detoured next to him and went to training ground. In same time Anora was standing in her hideout with pale face. Her hand was covering her mouth as she didn't want to let a single sound out of her lips. Tears welled up in her eyes. Alistair regarded her with shocked expression. He took her hand and pulled to the back.

'Anora, I don't-'

'Don't talk, Alistair. Just take me from here. Take me to the garden, please.' She could only muster up a faint whisper. He nodded and went with her to the garden, still holding her hand tightly. When they were there, she started to cry. 'Why, Maker, why?'

'Anora, don't cry.' He hugged her lightly. 'I didn't know Cailan is such a bastard. Maker damn him.' His hand reached her hair and stroked in calming manner.

'Did you hear what he said? He threatened small children. He did.' Her face was showing misery just to be replaced by anger and hatred . 'He threatened my little sister and brother, Alistair. He will regret it, I swear to you.' She wiped her tears away and make few deep breaths. 'Nevermind. Let's go to Mahria. But don't say a word about what we saw. I'll talk to her later.'

TRAINING GROUNDS

When Anora and Alistair reached their destination, Mahria was already shooting arrow after arrow with angry manner. She moved from right to left, she jumped sometimes, each arrow pinned in the center of the bull's-eye. Alistair looked at her movement with wide-opened eyes. 'That's what I call mad skills.' Mahria turned to Alistair with angry expression but quickly changed it to smile and laughed at his statement.

'Thank you, Alistair. Just wait till I'll show you how I shoot movable targets.'

'Show off.' Anora shooked her head and proceeded to aim at the other bull's-eye.

'Someone is jealous of my mad skills? You should train more, you wench. And learn from me… your father's teachings are visible. It hurts my eyes.' Mahria smirked and went to take small pouches with dirt and handed them to Alistair. He looked at Teyrna with puzzlement.

'Toss them up as hard as you can.' Alistair regarded one of the pouches then did what he was asked for. He shouted with surprise when Mahria's arrow hit one.

'Whoa! I can't believe it. They taught us in Monastery how to use a bow… but now I think it was just a child's play.'

'Because they just messing with you. I was taught by Dalish elves how to aim and how to move while aiming with a bow. It's different level than human.' Mahria smirked and aimed at another bag. She moved few feets back and nodded to Alistair. He tossed another one high. Mahria jumped to the right and shot it with extreme speed.

'Amazing.'

'It's nothing. Here, try my bow. It's present from Dalish Keeper, pure ironbark. I'm sure you haven't ever hold such bow.' Mahria handed her bow and leaned on the hoarding surrounding the training grounds. Anora used that opportunity to talk to her friend. She moved close to Mahria and leaned to her.

'I saw your and Cailan's argument earlier.' Mahria turned her head to Anora in an instant. She regarded woman with shocked and ashamed expression. 'I know also what he did last year. When you were pregnant.'

'How?'

'That's not good question, Mahria. Better is: why you haven't told me about it?' Anora looked with heavy eyes at Mahria.

'I… I was ashamed. And you were so happy about getting close to that idiot. I didn't want to spoil your happiness. I was also… frightened and powerless that time. I thought you will be mad at me… you will detest me.'

'You silly goose… He spoiled everything. And I would never be mad at you. It's not your fault. What make's me mad is that you weren't sincere. But Maric told me that you had your reasons that time. I understand.'

'Maric? How-?' Mahria was shocked at that information. She wanted to know more but Anora interrupted her.

'He saw you two. He wanted to do something but felt powerless at that time. Now Maric wants to change his behaviour after what Lady Morrigan revealed to him. I'm glad.' Mahria looked at Alistair aiming. She regarded prince for a moment.

'Now try to move, Alistair. To right and left.' Then she turned her head to Anora again. 'You know what's the worst in that situation? That you have to marry that sodding bastard.' Anora put her face into hands in desperation.

'I know. I... Will...' Her muffled voice shown so much pain that Mahria couldn't help but to hug her friend.

'Don't, Anora. Just do not think about it. There is still time.'

'For what? You think he will change?' Anora looked at Mahria above her hands. Her eyes were full of tears. 'That idiot is fucking every woman in this country. Beside you… and me.'

'Anora… maybe we will talk to Maric and Loghain? Maybe-'

'No. I don't want to be more humiliated than I already am.' Anora looked at Mahria with serious gaze. She didn't want to avoid her duty toward Ferelden.

'Oh for fuck sake, Anora! Fuck duty, fuck Cailan. You deserve to be happy!' Mahria knew that Loghain implanted in Anora huge feeling of duty and responsibility, but that was too much.

'No. I'll see it through. Even if I'll have to suffer. Maric counts on me. He counts on me more than on that damned idiot.' 'Anora's stubbornness.' Mahria knew that convincing is almost impossible. 'Like father, like child. Eh. Damn you, Mac Tirs.' Mahria just shook her head and watched as Alistairs tries to walk side to side and aim at bull's-eye. 'Let's not talk or think about it anymore. Come, I want to practice. And later we will go with twins to Rieska and Anders.'

MAC TIR'S BEDCHAMBER

After practice Mahria had some fun with Gareth, Ailis and Anders kids, that made her weary. She was too tired to join everyone in the supper so she ate in her chamber and waited for Loghain to return. When he did, she told him about what happened with Cailan. 'Why you didn't come to me, Mahria? Why you're telling me such an important thing now?!' Loghain was pacing the room around with nervous matter. 'He… Maker's damned will, he threatened my children!'

'Our, to be precise.' Mahria stated as she was regarding ceiling with blank expression. She was sitting next to the table and tugged her sleeve aimlessly.

'Do not jest, woman!' Loghain regarded her with angry face. His eyes were oozing with fury. Mahria sighed and moved her head down to face her husband.

'There is more...'

'What? Just tell me everything.'

'Anora knows about what happened last year. Maric told her. He saw it. And revealed it to her… What is far worse... She's still willing to marry that damned bastard. It's entirely your fault, Loghain. You raised her to be thinking more about Ferelden that herself.' Loghain stopped to move and looked at Mahria with even bigger fury.

'Now it's my fault?! That she's not as spoiled as you are?! She knows that she have duty! That she must think about something more than only her whims!' He muttered curse and only words Mahria could understand was 'spoiled bitch'. She feigned laugh at that, but her face wasn't showing amusement at all.

'It's first time you insulted me. Go on. I do not care anymore.' Mahria waited for a reply for a longer moment but it never happened. Loghain thought to himself that she will start her arguing again. He even started to count. But she didn't say anything. She just stood up and started to change into her nightgown. 'I'm tired. I'll go to sleep now, if you permit.'

'Fine.' Loghain turned on the heel and left the room with loud bang on the door. Mahria went to sleep. It was late night when she was woken up by her husband who laid heavily on the bed. She turned to him and then smell of alcohol reached her nose.

'You drank? Seriously? That's your way to calm yourself now?'

'Just stop talking.' He growled at Mahria. Loghain thought that she will return and go to sleep but that wasn't exactly happening now. Mahria narrowed her eyes in anger.

'Oh, yes. I forgot. I'm spoiled princess who should just shut the fuck up.'

'You know what? Before our marriage I led peaceful life and...' Mahria gasped at that and sat up. She didn't let him finish.

'Oh! So that's what you thought about. Fine! Tomorrow go to soddin' Elemena. Go to her and annul our marriage. Take Maric with you, I heard she's particularly vulnerable to his charm. You won't have problems in-...' She wanted to end but suddenly Loghain's hand blocked her mouth.

'Maker's balls, woman. Just let me finish what I want to say.' Loghain took his hand from her, laid on bed again and sighed. 'Listen now. I led peaceful life and was unaware of my mistakes. I raised Anora just like you said. She knew from the start that she will be a queen. That she will marry that bastard. That she must serve Ferelden. She is like me, she's stubborn, strong and won't deny her duty. That's what I was proud about. But now I see that… that this will bring her only suffering. Do you think I'm good with that? She's my daughter!' He sighed again and regarded Mahria in silence for a moment. 'You were right. You were also right that you were spoiled princess… but you changed a bit. Thankfully. You are smart woman. And you are brave to point me my own mistakes.'

'Loghain… I...'

'One more thing. Don't interrupt me.' He looked at her in dim light of the moon. 'I don't know how should I act now. Maric proposed that they should get married this year. Now I want to postpone it for one more year.'

'That's smart decision. I agree.' Mahria nodded and moved closer to lay down and hug Loghain. 'You are soddin' General sometimes but I trust your decisions. I… I don't want to be spoiled princess anymore. And… I want Anora to be happy. I know it's normal for nobles to have arranged marriages but for us it was the best deal ever.'

'Yeah. Although I should write letter of complaint to Bryce about few things… Anyway... You know? I thought you will explode earlier… I even started to count. But when I reached one you just changed to your nightgown and went to sleep. I was impressed.'

'You were counting? Seriously? Like… every time?' Mahria glowered at him. Loghain laughed and embraced her tighter.

'Oh, yes. And every time I passed one you started your wild shouts. The timing… That was amazing.' He nuzzled his face in her neck and bit it. 'You are truly Goddess of Fury. But now, my goddess, please let me sleep. I'm drunk a bit.'

Dragon 9:26, 15th Cloudreach

Teyrn Cousland and Fergus came day earlier and now they had family reunion. Bryce was holding Gareth and talked to Loghain and Eleonora. Mahria was sitting with Fergus and they exchanged informations about their winter. 'So how did you manage to destroy the gate, Fergie? It's unimaginable!'

'I don't know myself. I messed with lever I think. Hehe.' Fergus was holding Ailis. Little one was looking at young man with interests. 'But. Sis, it's more unimaginable you have children now.'

'Ah, yes. I'm relieved that Ailis likes you. Both her and Gareth only looked at Loghain and Anora and I feared they will accept only that side of the family. But look, she stares at you with awe. By the way. Are you searching for some wife already?' Mahria grinned to brother and smack his arm.

'Shut up, idiot. If mother hears that word she will start to looking for one even now.' He looked startled at his mother. Like she could overhear their talk. 'Ugh. I was so happy that she was away for such a long time!'

'Don't fret. You will be future Teyrn of Highever. That's huge responsibility.'

'You want to turn to our beloved mother?'

'Nah, I just want to have some fun.' She grinned to him. After a moment Anora and Alistair came to the chamber. 'Anora, Alistair! Come here.' Anora approached them, Alistair kept his distance though. 'Look, Ailis likes Fergus. She's not Mac-Tirs challenged at all.'

'Pff. Ailis, looks who is heeere!' Woman sang to Ailis. Anora's little sister moved her head in instant to her and stretched her hands. 'Come here, my sweety.'

'Argh. See that? Cousland's are worse to them.' Mahria sighed and turned her head to Alistair. 'Come here, young prince, meet my brother. You are almost same age so you will get along well.' Young Theirin came closer with embarrassment all over his face.

'Umm, nice to meet you, I'm Alistair.'

'Hi! I'm Fergus. Little brother of that crazy girl. Ouch!' Mahria smacked Fegrus head. 'You are so impolite!'

'She should plough the field. I told that many times.' Anora stated still looking at Ailis with pure love.

'Anyway. You two! Tomorrow we will go to train with bow and swords. I need to stretch my bones a bit. And you can learn something to.' Mahria stood up and went to Loghain side.

'Have you seen my sister's skills, Alistair?' Fergus also stood up and approached Alistair.

'Yes. I was really amazed. She showed me few tricks already.' Alistair nodded vigorously. 'It's really something else. I was trained to use a bow… but her skills are really… stunning.'

'Yup. That's dalish training for you.' Fergus grinned and also nodded. 'She ran away from Highever few times.' Then Fergus explained to Alistair how Mahria met with Dalish elves. Meanwhile Mahria was talking with her parents and husband.

'Next week there will be a Landsmeet. We need to prepare.' Teyrn Bryce made a gesture with his head toward Alistair. 'I presume that Maric will show his younger to everyone at that occasion?'

'Yes. He's really eager to show off. But I really think he should keep Alistair with low profile.' Loghain sighed and shook his head with disapprovement. 'I bet Eamon sets his sights on Alistair already. Combining Eamon with Howe would get unexpected outcome.'

'Dad, do you know anything about their cooperation? They were sticking together on our wedding and last year on Landsmeet.'

'I don't. Rendon doesn't speak to me. He sends letter from time to time. But nothing particularly important.' Mahria turned to Loghain and they regarded themselves for a moment with concerned gazes.

'Nevertheless they should be observed.' Mahria sighed. She was feeling anxious about that two nobles. Something was whispering to her that their connection might bring something bad.

'Maybe. Anyway, we will discuss matters of Landsmeet on 22nd. Now we should just take our time. Don't you think, Gareth?' Bryce looked at his grandson to notice he was sleeping in his arms. 'Look, little sleepyhead. I think we have bored him. Take Pups, Mahria. They need some rest.'

Dragon 9:26, 22nd Cloudreach

LOGHAIN'S STUDY

Before Bryce came to Loghain's study, Mahria and her husband wanted to have private chat and prepare themselves for a Landsmeet. This time Loghain took his armor form Gwaren and put it on for Landsmeet. Mahria was standing in front of him and wiping some nonexistent smutch from it. 'Stop it already. I polished it myself yesterday.'

'Hush. You need to look perfect today. What they will think of me if you will go to Landsmeet dirty?' Mahria moved her head closer to his chest and breathed on cold silverite. Then she started her wiping again. 'I wonder why you took your armor this time… You think there will be uprising? Or maybe orleanians will invade us today?'

'The only invader I see, is you.' He grabbed Mahria's arms and moved up to kiss her. When he broke a kiss he put her down and moved back. 'Stop it, woman. It's already shining like new. Better look at your chestpiece, it's dirty.' Mahria bend her head to look over her silverite chestpiece with Gwaren heraldry.

'Where? I don't see anything.' Loghain chuckled at that. She moved her head up with unamused grimace. 'Youuu! Don't mock me, Loghain Mac Tir!'

'Sorry, sorry. You were so occupied with our armors that I couldn't help but tease you.' He put his hands on her waist and moved closer again. Then he leaned to her ear and whispered to it causing Mahria to shiver. 'You look so appealing today. This dress, cold silverite which emphasise your nice curves. I'm really lucky bastard, am I not?'

'Your Teyrnship, you should behave. My father can come in a minute.' She whispered to his ear and bit his earlobe. 'We can meet after my husband will go to sleep, Your Teyrnship.'

'I'd like that, my fair lady. We will meet in my chambers at night.' They mocked themselves for a moment just to stop when footsteps toward Loghain's study became louder. Moment later Bryce came in and their started debating.

'Like I said, we need to keep a close eye on Alistair.' Mahria stated when they were debating over Landsmeet. 'Anora is really close to him. We should tell her to watch over young Prince.'

'I can imagine how Eamon will react. He lost all after Loghain appeared. Now he's losing his final power up his sleeves.' Bryce smirked at that. 'And all is in our grasps. Now I think union of my and Mac Tir's family was the best idea for Ferelden.'

'Bryce, don't get so cocky. My friend, just think how everyone will react if King will be surrounded by my family and Couslands.' Loghain sighed at that. He knew that he will be buttered up by everyone. That made him annoyed.

'I know already. Those piss-off's wanted to send their daughters for Fergus already. That will be pain in the arse in the future.' Bryce just rolled his eyes. 'Anyway… let's continue with other matters.'

ROYAL PALACE, GREAT HALL

Mahria entered Great Hall with Loghain. Like last year, their appearance made commotion. Everyone greeted them with smiles but Mac Tir's knew it's just a facade. Loghain escorted his wife to the balcony with Gwaren heraldry and then proceeded to sit on his chair beside now empty throne. After a while King came in with Cailan and Alistair. Cailan sat on the other side of the throne and Alistair just stood behind his brother. 'How is it Loghain? Are everyone here?'

'No. I think Eamon is late… and I don't see Arl Urien and Bann Alstefanna.' Loghain regarded whole hall to stop for a moment on his wife. She was combing her hair on a finger and looking at the ceiling with blank or rather broody expression. But suddenly she looked back at him and winked. After that he smirked and looked back at Maric. King giggled. 'Courting your wife on a Landsmeet, my, my… you are so naughty lately.'

'Stop it, idiot. Now's not a place for your game. Look, Urien and Alstefanna are already here. 'Where is your brother-in-law, tell me?'

'Hmmm… we had fight over Alistair today. Maybe he won't come?' Maric regarded whole hall with curiosity. 'I certainly hope he won't show himself.'

'You had a fight?' Loghain leaned to King and wanted to hear about it but Maric stopped him.

'I won't tell you. Not here.' After a while Eamon showed up. Maric gestured toward guards to lock the doors. Then he stood up and greeted everyone with his warm smile and charm. 'My friends, as always I'm so pleased to see you all here. I hope winter was good to you and everything is well on your lands. Today, before we start I have an announcement. Maybe some of you know that I have second son. Please, meet Alistair Theirin. My younger son.' He moved to Alistair side and pushed him lightly in front of the dais. Mahria regarded him with sympathy as he looked embarrassed. His cheeks were flushed with blush. Whole all was speechless for a moment, then faint whispers pealed out from the crowd. Mahria regarded them for a moment. Then she approached front of balcony and exclaimed.

'I am Teyrna Mahria Mac Tir nee Cousland, I speak for Teyrnir of Gwaren! We welcome you among us, Your Highness!' She bowed deeply to Alistair. After her Teyrn Bryce did the same. Soon after whole nobility welcomed Alistair. His cheeks were even more red.

'I would to thank all... especially you, Teyrna Mahria.' Maric turned to Mahria and bowed lightly. 'You are true friend, Teyrna.' Mahria nodded her head and winked to both Loghain and Maric as they were looking at her. 'But let's proceed to more mundane matters now.' Soon they had their normal Landsmeet with voting over important thing to Ferelden. After it had finished Mahria went from her balcony to Loghain.

'You did it again, my dear wife. I'm so proud of you… sometimes.'

'Yes, yes, sometimes... especially when you want to show off.' Mahria made offended grimace and turned her head.

'Don't say such things. Fine! I'm always proud. You are so good with politics. I'm just glad I'm not alone in this shit anymore.' Loghain sighed and put his hand around her waist. 'Anyway I think we need to be more concerned about that young man now.'

'I will talk to Anora. Trust me, she will be happy to keep an eye over him.' Mahria stated while looking at Alistair. She has reticent smile on her face and Loghain noticed that.

'Why I have this feeling that you keep something from me?'

'It's nothing, my dear husband. Just a hunch.' Then she moved her gaze on Howe. 'Have you noticed that Howe came with Thomas this time? Where is Nathaniel? I wrote to him several letters but he didn't replied to any. It's almost a year since we have talked.'

'That's strange...' Loghain looked at Arl Rendon who was talking to Eamon. He was with his youngest son, Thomas. 'Maybe we should ask him?'

'At the party we will have occasion to ask. Ugh. I don't really want to get close to him but I'll do that for my friend.' Mahria regarded Howe for a moment then moved her eyes on Cailan. Man was leaning on the wall in the corner. She sighed and grimaced at that view. 'When will we go to Gwaren? I really want...'

'Don't look at him.' Loghain put his hand on Mahria cheek and pushed her head to look into his eyes. 'I don't want those beautiful eyes of yours to look at that piece of crap… I think six weeks from now. I need to inspect barracks and other places. After that we will be free to go.'

'Fine. But hurry. I want twins to be raised in Gwaren, not Denerim.' Mahria turned to look at Alistair and Maric again.

'Trust me, me too.'