Dragon 9:26, 23rd Cloudreach

MAC TIR'S BEDCHAMBER

Mahria woke up in the morning. Last day was really tiresome. Especially because Maric held grand party after Landsmeet for everyone and both Loghain and Mahria had to mingle and chat idly with nobles. Only one good thing was that she met famous Grey Warden Duncan. But Loghain didn't want her to talk much to that man. When Mahria woke up she sat and remembered one thing. With a smirk she moved to sleeping Loghain and stroked his chest lightly. He started to wake up. 'Your Teyrnship, you forgot about our meeting. Your wife left already. We can be alone now.'

'What?' He opened one eye for a moment. His voice was still numb. 'What meeting?'

'Don't tell me, Your Teyrnship, that you forgot. I waited till my husband will fall asleep then waited for you for ages.' She moved to his earlobe and licked it lightly, whispering to his ear with lustful voice. 'I really wanted to meet with you, Teyrn Mac Tir. I heard so many about you.' Her hand reached to his manhood and rubbed it gently. 'Mmm, and rumors about you being big here and there were true.'

'You little minx. To wake me up like that.'

'I beg for forgiveness, Your Teyrnship. You can punish me however you want.' Mahria firmer her stroking on his already hardening shaft. 'I'll do whatever you will command me to.'

'I don't have time for that, Mahria. Maric wanted to meet in the morning.' He pulled himself to sit and kissed her forehead. 'Thank you for waking me up, my dear. And for a reminder.' Then Loghain stood up from the bed. At the same time Mahria just fell down on it and rolled on her stomach.

'Duty, duty… bloody bastards.' She muttered to herself with anger. Loghain overheard that nevertheless and regarded her slim legs and appealing curves of her bottom. 'I bet Maric still sleeps, he drunk so much yesterday... But have it your way...'

'Sod it. You may be right... And if he's awake...he can wait for a moment.'

'Moment?' Mahria gasped when Loghain climbed up the bed and took off her smallclothes. He grabbed Mahria by her waist and pulled it up. With one hand he stroked her inner parts and with other he propped on the bed. Man bended to her back and started to bite tenderly or kiss it by turns. Her loud moans pleased him so much that he was at his limits. He entered her from the back without a word. When they finished Loghain stood up, still not saying anything. He started to put his clothes on when Mahria turned to him.

'I hope you feel better now.' She stated with blank expression on her face. Loghain looked at her concerned.

'And what about you? Was it that bad?'

'It's not about sex, Loghain. I… I just want to return to Gwaren.' Mahria sighed and looked at the ceiling. 'It's nothing. Go to Maric.'

'No, until you will explain yourself. What's going on with you?' Loghain sat next to her while putting his breeches on. 'Lately you are really stressed out. You just keep staring at the ceiling and brooding around. Is it about twins? You are concerned that Cailan might do something? Or is it about Anora?'

'About everything I suppose. This time in Denerim... it's not as pleasant as last year. I just have this strange feeling that something is really wrong here. Like with Howe... He didn't tell me where is Nate... And there is also Eamon...' Mahria moved to embrace his backs. 'There are a lot of matters that are making me nervous. And they're piling up.'

'Listen to me. We are in this shit together. So just talk to me. And return my crazy Mahria back. I do not like that broody one at all.' Loghain turned to her and kissed softly. 'We will talk about it. Maybe not now as I need to go. Would like to play chess later?' Mahria nodded to that. 'Good. Now better go and check what twins are up to.' Mahria brightened up and nodded more vigorously.

GARDEN

Mahria and Anora were sitting with Anders and Rieska. Anders was holding his son and Mahria and Anora were keeping twins in their arms. 'We will go to Gwaren in six weeks. I can't wait for that. Pity that we will have to go by boat again.'

'Do not worry, your Teyrnship, I'll cast that spell against nausea and you will feel better.'

'That's not about that, ser mage. It's about that constant rocking… and it's strange to walk.' Mahria shivered. 'Ugh. But I need to cope with that. Twins will have to come to Denerim with us every year and the best mean of transportation for now is boat for them. Three more years and I think they will be good to go in the carriage.' They chatted about boats and other things until servant came to Mahria.

'Your Teyrnship, I have a message that dalish keeper, Zetrall came to the palace. King Maric asks for your presence.'

'Ah, yes. Siria please take Ailis.' Mahria handed her daughter to the maid and went to the palace.

MARIC'S STUDY

When Mahria entered King's study, there were already Loghain, Morrigan, Zetrall and Maric in there. 'Andaran atish'an, Keeper. Err… What's going on?' Mahria stated with concern as everyone faces were serious.

'My mother left Ferelden.' Morrigan made few steps toward Mahria. 'Zetrall just came with that information.'

'Umm, is it bad or good?'

' 'Tis I would like to know myself, Teyrna.' Witch sighed and turned to the Keeper. 'So your people don't know where she could left? Are you certain of that?'

'I told you, Morrigan. Messenger from Sabrae clan came to us with information that Asha'bellanar left Korcari Wilds. She moved south. But to where, they don't know.' Zetrall leaned on the wall. He's normally warm face was grave now.

'Maybe she went to Antiva?' Maric sighed and turned to Morrigan. 'She wanted to send me there.'

'That may be so.' Morrigan nodded. 'But somehow I think it's too simple. Anyway I won't go anywhere. I will remain by King's side. 'Tis more important than chasing my mother.'

'Maybe she want's you to chase her?' Loghain's hoarse voice ringed in silent room. They regarded him for a moment and nodded.

'That is more acceptable possibility in fact.' Morrigan turned to the King again. 'Nevertheless I'll remain here, Your Majesty.'

'Thank you, Lady Morrigan.' Maric send her warm smile. Then he turned to the elf. 'Zetrall my friend. Mahria said that your clan is moving next to Highever. I hope your winter will be much more bearable than in Gwaren. Especially without Loghain being close. He's making winter even colder.' They changed topic to Zetrall's clan and after that Mahria took Keeper and Loghain to the garden. She wanted to show the elf how big twins got.

Dragon 9:26, 1st Bloomingtide

Mahria and Loghain went to celebrate Summerday. After the procession they came back to Royal Palace. Loghain left her to go to King's study. Mahria waved to him and proceeded to go to their children. She was slowly walking through the corridors when she run into something unbelievable. She shouted in shock. In front of her Maric and Morrigan were kissing feverishly. They stopped when they overheard her shout. 'Umm… I haven't seen anything. Maric, Morrigan, please excuse me.' She dashed next to them with big blush on her cheeks. After a while Morrigan catched up with her. 'Oh, Lady Morrigan.. you didn't have to interrupt your… deeds.'

'Teyrna Mahria, I think some exple-'

'You don't have to explain anything to me, Lady Morrigan. I'm not in a position to judge anyone. Especially Maric and you.'

'Yet I'd like to explain. Please, come with me.' Morrigan took Mahria to her chamber. She pointed at the chair next to table. Mahria sat down and Morrigan sat next to her. 'You see… 'tis just a loneliness. I think. Two lonely people want to share some intimacy. No love, no feelings. Just sex.'

'I understand.'

'Anyway… it won't be like with your husband and you. Trust me. 'Tis different with me, Teyrna. I'll never be as powerful as you. I don't want to be. You are noblewoman, you have your position… and burdens coming along with it. I don't want that. That's why I prefer to stay in the shadows.' Morrigan regarded Mahria with curiosity.

'That's wise words, Morrigan. Please call me Mahria. We have some secrets now. I know I can't tell anyone. Especially my husband about that.' Mahria smiled at the witch. 'And it would be better if you two remain in low profile with that… relationship. If I may suggest.'

'Of course. To be honest I casted spell that should scare everyone from that place. But alas, some are more resistant to that. You are really remarkable woman. Strong in both muscles and mind.' Mahria nodded to Morrigan to thank her. ' 'Tis be better to hide our little affection, that's true. Especially from Teyrn Loghain. If you are so strong minded, he might be too.' Mahria giggled at that.

'Yes, Maker preserve us all, I don't know what would happened if he changed his mind and wanted to come with me to play with twins.' Mahria hesitated a moment then asked her question. 'Would you like to go with me to them? I think you saw them only briefly.'

'I don't really like children… but for you, Mahria… why not? And you know? I'm a shapeshifter. I can change into animals. Maybe your children would like to watch a bird from a close?' Mahria nodded and they went to have some fun with Ailis and Gareth.

Dragon 9:26, 5th Justinian and afterwards

Loghain finished all his work in Denerim and Mac Tir's could return to Gwaren. Teyrna Eleonora returned to Highever to Mahria's content. Mahria sailed with a boat with Anders and his family. She took Anora and Alistair along with them but before autumn finished they returned to Denerim. After that Mahria and Loghain had peaceful winter. Ailis and Gareth started to say simple words… and when they passed age of one year they learned to walk. Both Loghain and Mahria were proud of twins. During winter Mahria to Loghain discontent started her patrolling again. He dragged her to blacksmith to take measures and ordered the finest medium silverite armor Luthias could craft. Although she nagged a bit, she was happy. It was better to have good and protective armor, light almost as leather one so she could aim with a bow effortlessly. Loghain let her help with Gwaren matters so they spent more time together working. That strengthened their bond and they were more dependant on one another.

Dragon 9:27, 28th Drakonis and afterwards

'I don't know how I got into this.' Loghain shook his head in disbelief when he boarded a ship to Denerim. 'I'm Ferelden! I do not sail in boats.' Mahria and Siria with twins in their arms went after him.

'I said exactly same thing one year ago, my beloved husband. And you only shouted at me that I am spoiled idiot. Please indulge me and answer, who is spoiled idiot now?' Maharia giggled to herself. 'Do you hear that, Gareth? Your daddy is spoiled.' Gareth looked at his mother with similar grimace as Loghain.

'Da-da?' He asked with curious voice.

'Yup, da-da is spoiled and likes to fret all the time.' Mahria giggled again. Loghain took his son from her arms and frowned.

'Do not listen to your mother, soldier. Let's go to look how those sailors are preparing to ship out from the harbour.' And they left to watch how men started to set sails on the mast.

'Siria, my dear. You will help Rieska now. Have you seen Anders?'

'Yes, Your Teyrnship. He's still in the harbour with his family.' Mahria nodded and turned her gaze to look for the mage.

'Fine. Please go to them. Have a good spring. Please take care of Rieska and her children.' Siria bowed to Mahria and places soft kiss on Ailis forehead.

'As you wish, Your Teyrnship. Little Teyrna, please be good to your parents. Siria will miss you.' Ailis replied to the maid with 'Sii-a' and turned to look after Loghain. 'I wish you luck, Your Teyrnship. We will wait eagerly for your return. Farewell.' After a short time Anders boarded the ship and they could sail away to Denerim.

'Good day to you, Teyrna Mahria.' Anders approached Mahria with broad smile. 'Such a pleasant day for a voyage.'

'What are you so happy about, my good ser mage?' Mahria raised her eyebrow with curiosity. 'Are you that glad that you're leaving wife and children behind?'

'Perish the thought, Your Teyrnship.' Anders smile fainted and he moved step back. 'I'm happy to be of service to you and your husband. That's all. And I really want to buy supplies from Wonders of Thedas. That's really all, I swear.'

'Good. I would be terribly displeased to hear you are happy to leave Rieska and children, you know?' Mahria frowned for a moment then she brightened up. 'But please tell me, what did that templar wanted?' Mahria overheard that some templar came to Anders clinic few weeks earlier. She was curious if he wanted to take Anders back to Circle. Luckily Loghain, with great help from Maric, get papers from Grand Cleric Elemena that Anders can stay in Gwaren to work in his clinic and live with his family.

'Ser Cullen? He was nice. I remember him from the Circle. He is in love with one of the apprentice. I remember how he always started to talk to her with shaky voice. Hilarious! Oh, and... he just wanted to check if everything is good. If I don't use blood magic to hold Rieska by me. I think I would have to use it to get away from her in the first place.' He started to laugh but when he say angry face of Mahria he stopped instantly. 'I'm sorry. Bad joke.'

'Yes, a terrible one. Tell me how is Ser Pounce-a-Lot?' Mahria gave Anders a cat after it turned out that mouser in the manor had littered.

'My brave knight? He's growing big. But Lili and Elna are terrible to him, Marcus is even worse. I told Rieska to watch over that poor animal when children plays with him.' After some time ship was ready to sail off. Anders went to his cabin, leaving Teyrna alone. Ailis was sleeping in her arms and Mahria could look last time at Gwaren. Her eyes ooze with longing gaze. Loghain approached her and put his free hand on her waist. With other hand he was still embracing firmly his son.

'You miss Gwaren already?'

'Of course. I love this place. It's land of my beloved husband. It's land that my son will inherit someday. It's place full of you and twins. Only place where I can be happy and peaceful to the fullest. Of course everywhere I am with you and pups is good, but Gwaren is the best.' Loghain leaned to kiss Mahria forehead and smiled.

'Do not worry, love, we will come here in two or three months.' Mahria smiled to Loghain then turned to Gareth.

'Hear that, Pup? Your father will nag about sailing with ship in two or three months again. That will be fun.' Gareth smiled seeing his mother laughing to him. Loghain couldn't do anything else but roll his eyes and sigh.

'Have you packed our armors?'

'Of course. I sense big war coming in Denerim. A lot of orlesians and stuff.' She mocked Loghain with a broad smile, but he only growled in reply. Their voyage took them five days. Loghain fret at the beginning but taking care of twins and try to muster his composure due o seasickness made him forget about nagging. When they reached Denerim, Anora and Alistair came to pick them up from Denerim docks. Soon after their arrival, Teyrns Cousland along with Fergus came to the capital. They waited for Landsmeet calmly. To Mahria content, Cailan kept his distance from her and her family. She enjoyed this stay.

Dragon 9:27, 22th Cloudreach

'Wake up, sleepyhead.' Mahria learned above Loghain. Today was the day of Landsmeet. Although they had already met with Bryce day earlier to talk over the matters of the gathering , she wanted to wake up early to be ready and fit. Loghain sat and looked for a moment around to notice it was still greyish and dark outside.

'Are you mad? It's too early. Go to sleep, you crazy woman.' He laid back and closed his eyes again. Mahria wasn't discouraged by his talk. She started to tug his arm softly. He disregarded that and replied with mutter. 'I won't leave that bed until sunrise.'

'But I don't want to sleep anymore.' She whispered that to his ear. 'And if you don't want to leave my bed until sunrise I demand something in return.'

'Maker's breath, Invader, go to sleep.' He put his arm to cover his eyes and disregarded her again. But Mahria was stubborn woman, especially when it comes to bed related matters. She moved her hand to his manhood and rubbed it until it become hard. After that she inserted herself under the cover and untied laces of his breeches to lick and suck him. When she overheard his moans and growls she knew that she won. 'Mmm, you are crazy. But I can be woken up like that every damn time.' When he said that she moved her hand to rub his sack. Trick from Antivan book. That was always effective. He uncovered her and grabbed to his side. 'Invader, I don't know what to do with you.'

'Oh, I think you know, General.' She giggled and took off shoulder-straps of her nightgown. Then she pulled material down from her breast. He regarded her bare chest for a moment then slided down on the bed to take each nipple in his mouth.

'I should be still sleeping.' He stated between sucking each.

'Yet you're awake.' She replied with trembling voice and moaned. Loghain took off her nightgown and started to kiss and bit lightly her rib cage.

'There is Landsmeet in few hours… to think we are having sex on such important day.' He still mocked her with feigned resistance while kissing her stomach.

'I think you don't care anymore.' Mahria giggled when he reached that part of her stomach which was very ticklish. 'That tickles. Don't.' But he didn't stop so she released herself from his arms and jumped to the other side of bed.

'Now you're running? I won't allow that.' Loghain in an instant pulled himself and laid over her. He took her legs up to take off her smallclothes and then stretched them out to have free enter into her inner parts. After he entered her and started to rocking slowly Loghain looked into Mahria's eyes. 'I still don't know why I, an old man, cope with your naughty behaviour.'

'You old? You are like a stud, like a bull. I can't imagine how you behave earlier. But now you are so vigorous and passionate, you turn me on fire.' At that statement pushed himself in her harder. 'Mmm. That's what I'm talking about.'

'Better stop the talking.' Before she could reply he claimed her lips. Soon Loghain started to move harder and faster in her to reach their climax. After they end their lovemaking Mahria and Loghain covered themselves and waited for sunrise. He regarded her to notice she was looking at the ceiling with face buried in deep thoughts. Her fingers were stroking her hair. 'You're doing it again. What is it this time?'

'It's nothing.' She sighed.

'You know? I feel so good when you have this broody face after we have sex. I just love it.' He stated with unamused voice. 'Haven't I told you to stop?' She turned her face to him and smiled.

'Maybe when you give me such pleasure I just happened to acquire higher knowledge? That's why I think about strange thing after we're done?' Mahria moved to him and nuzzled her face in Loghain neck. 'Sorry. It was good. I love you. It's good that we have still time.' When they noticed first rays of sun they got up and started to change. Loghain put his River Dane armor and Mahria put on black dress with golden ornaments embroidered on it. As always she put her silverite chestpiece with wyvern on top of her dress. They helped each other with laces and strapping on then Loghain gave Mahria her sword and he also took his and stick it through the belt with Gwaren's wyvern. 'Ahh. Why you look so good?' Mahria leaned on the wall and regarded him for a moment. 'Every time we are here and you wore your insignia of Royal Advisor and your armor… you look great.'

'It's not about looks you know. And you repeat yourself. Every year you say same thing. Nevertheless I prefer to look dignified in front of those morons.'

'You look dignified even in your breeches only, trust me. I think it's because of that face of yours. And… I repeat myself because I can see you looking like that only once a year.' Mahria crossed her arms and started to circle around her husband. 'You only wore your armor few times a year, only around Landsmeet.'

'We live in peace. So I don't really need to wear full plate armor all the time.'

'It's peace only because of you, you know?' Mahria hugged him from the back. 'Anyway let's go eat something. It would be highly inappropriate to let our stomachs growl on the Landsmeet.'

ROYAL PALACE, GREAT HALL

Loghain sat beside Maric's throne after he escorted Mahria to her balcony. King was already waiting on the throne placed at the dais in end of the hall. Next to him Cailan was sitting on his chair and regarding gathering nobles with unamused gaze. When everyone gathered and guards closed doors Maric stood up. He moved his hand up to silence the audience. When it became quiet he regarded them with a smirk then moved closer few steps. Mahria looked at Maric and suddenly feeling that there is something wrong increased it's ringing inside her mind. 'There's something wrong. He acts… strangely.'

'My dear friends! I hope you were well in the wintertime. I welcome you on our annual Landsmeet. Before we will take care of mundane matters… I want to share some important news with you. Yesterday I got letter from Empress Celene. She invited me and Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir for Grand Tourney helded in Val Royeaux. And I intend to go there with our beloved Hero of River Dane.' He pointed at Loghain whose face first shown shock then started to get red from anger. He regarded Maric for a moment then moved his head around to look at everyone to end on Mahria's shocked expression. She looked into his eyes and shook her head. Mahria knew exactly what will happen. She moved her lips to state silent 'do-not,-stop' but he didn't gave a damn about that.

'Are you an idiot?!' Loghain stood up and dashed to the King. He grabbed him by his tunic and tugged it with anger.

'Teyrn Mac Tir, I think you forgot who you are addressing to.' Maric stated with clenched teeth. 'Calm down. It's an order.' Loghain backed from Maric, gazing at him with fury. He sat down but still eyed King from time to time.

'My friends, I know that… it's rather… unexpected. But on the other hand Empress Celene send many informal invitation to us. This time, however, it was formal... for me and Teyrn Loghain. Please have in mind we made peace with Orlais, officially. We can't turn down such thing as we are not as strong as Orlais. It would be stupid to show them our lack of favour or hostility. What do you think of it? Teyrna Mahria?' Maric turned to her. She looked at him with wide eyes and thought to herself one thing. 'Fuck!'. She swallowed hard then replied with trembling voice.

'Um… yes... you're right, Your Majesty. We can not antagonize such country as Orlais. We should maintain peace. That would be also a great opportunity to see their forces and politics with our own eyes.' Mahria locked her eyes at the King. She was too scared to look into Loghain's. 'Fuck! Andraste's flaming cunt! He will kill me. For sure… but I didn't have a choice. Maker have mercy on me.'

'That's good that you're saying with our own eyes, Teyrna, as I want you to come as well. I heard that you speak orleasian. Teyrn Bryce, you gave Mahria splendid education.' Maric nodded his head in appreciation to Mahria's father who was standing on opposite balcony to his daughter. His eyes were oozing with disbelief and incomprehension of what was going on exactly. Loghain shivered with anger and pulled himself up again.

'You want to send my wife as well?! Maybe I'll give you twins too, huh?!' For Loghain it was too much. He was so angered that he didn't care about anything anymore. 'That's amazing idea, Maric! Take my twins to amuse those bastards! Look! Those are children and wife of Hero of River Dane. SO MUCH FUN!' Everyone regarded Loghain as he was shouting on the King. No one dared to say anything.

'And that's what I feared for all this time.' Mahria thought to herself. She moved back to lean against the wall. 'Shit!'

'Loghain, we will talk later. Now shut up and sit.' Maric narrowed his eyes and gestured toward Loghain's chair. 'Please.' Rest of the meeting passed by with taking care about Ferelden matters. When Maric finished the Landsmeet and nobles gathered in smaller circles to talk over what happened at the beginning, Mahria was still standing on the balcony. She was too scared to move. She saw that Loghain stood up and turned his back at everyone. His hand was pressing on backrest of the chair, she wondered how it witstanded that without breaking into pieces. Meanwhile Maric came to her balcony and placed himself next to Mahria. 'Afraid of going to him now? I am, to be honest.'

'No wonder. And it's your fault. Maric, please tell me one thing… why?'

'I just got this letter last night. I didn't want to go to you chambers. To disrupt whatever you done there. And… I was thinking whole night about whether go or not. You see, I was deflecting that matter for long time because I thought Cailan will take care of it after my… you know.' Mahria nodded. She knew why he wasn't interested in getting involved with Orlais. Just before his death? No sense in that. 'But times have changed. And we can't be ignorant of them anymore.' He turned to her and look at Mahria with serious face. 'I need both of you there. Please, help me, Mahria.'

'Maric... I can't leave twins… they are too small. Please, don't ask me that.'

'Mahria it's too important. I need you and Loghain with me. Your mother can take care of them for two months I suppose? We will sail there with my ships. I was assured they are quick. Two weeks of voyage and then one month in Orlais. That's all.' Mahria turned up her ceiling to regard it with blank expression. She sighed and nodded.

'I know… Fine. But you will have to talk to him. I can be there if you want… but I don't want to be strangled.' Maric giggled at that.

'He wouldn't lay single finger on you, my dear. I rather fear about myself… really.' He offered his arm to her and smiled. 'Come Teyrna, let's face the demon already.'

KING'S STUDY

Mahria and Maric took Loghain to King's study. He remained silent. They seated him by the desk and Theirin started to talk. 'Loghain… listen to me, I-.'

'You are bloody idiot, Maric. Truly.' Loghain just growled. His eyes were expressionless. 'I won't agree to your plan. And you won't take my wife anywhere also. That's final.'

'Listen to me, you old fart!' Maric crossed his arms and started to shout. It was first time, Mahria saw King that angry on Loghain. 'You will go! And Mahria will go also! Because it's my order! Because it's our duty! You were the one to always brag about duty toward Ferelden. So now prove yourself and do something!'

'Oh! So I did nothing to our country at all, yes? I gave everything for this country! I put up with your idiocies from the start! My father died for you! I gave Rowan to you! I supported you all this time!' Mahria shivered when Loghain mentioned late Queen but she didn't say anything nor changed her expression.

'We need to secure our position, Loghain! And to do that we need to go to sodding Orlais!' Maric wasn't himself anymore. He paced around the study with angry growls he let from his mouth. 'We can't just close ourselves to other nations. It doesn't work that way!' They argued for a longer while until Mahria was fed up and shouted at both man.

'Stop! Both of you, imbeciles!' They looked at woman with wide opened eyes. 'What is done is done! Maric already said he will go! With you and me! If he will go back on his decision now, he's reputation will be destroyed.' Her angry face warmed and she approached her husband. 'Listen Loghain. I know you don't want to go. I do not want either. I do not want to leave twins and go to those bloody mongrels. But it's done. And it's our duty.' She sat on his laps and put one hand on his cheeks. Loghain didn't want to look at her but when he felt her warm touch on his face he looked into her eyes. They were warm and loving as always. 'I won't do anything against you.'

'Is it some kind of scheme? Why you have supported this moron on the Landsmeet?'

'I had to. Do you imagine what that idiot would do without our support?' Mahria smiled lightly.

'I'm still here. But don't mind me and go on, insult me more. I'm just mere king...' Maric sighed and went to seat on his chair.

'I don't want to go… but I'll go nevertheless. And it's last time… remember my words, Maric. Last time I do something like that without you notice me beforehand.' Loghain regarded Maric until he nodded with agreement. 'We will return quickly. I don't want to be there any longer that it's necessary. Remember I must leave my children and country for you, Maric.' He put his hand on Mahria waist and rubbed it to calm himself. After a moment he turned to Maric again. 'One more thing. You will send more soldiers to Highever.'

'More? What do you mean, Loghain?' Mahria asked with surprise.

'After our marriage you said that Howe is longing for power. I talked to Maric back then and we agreed that Highever must be secured. We have our spy in Amaranthine, he is close with Arl Rendon. Twins will go to Highever with your parents while we will go to Orlais.' Mahria nodded to that, she knew why Loghain didn't want twins to be in Royal Palace... with Cailan.

'But they can stay here, Loghain.' Maric sated but Mac Tir shook his head.

'No. I said something and it's final. They will go to Highever and you will send troops with them. That's my condition. When are we about to go?'

'In three weeks.'

'Allright. Come Teyrna. I need to talk to Bryce.' Mahria stood up from Loghain's laps and they went to talk with Teryn Cousland.