Dragon 9:27, 13th Justinian

'I miss them so much.' Mahria was sitting on the deck of the ship with really grave face. Loghain was next to her, with also unamused expression. They were on the sea for one day.

'I knew it will be like that, Mahria. I told you that we should stay.' Nevertheless he put his hand on her back and rubbed her neck gently. 'Do not worry, Eleonora will give them whatever they will demand. I bet, that when we will return both Gareth and Ailis will be as spoiled as you were.'

'But maybe we should send Anders with them?'

'For what? Your mother said that there is good healer in Highever. Anders is needed here. That's why I asked him to come. But, Maker's breath, what are you babbling about? They are strong and healthy. And only thing that could happen are skinned knees. Anora was the same, trust me, and she didn't need healer at all.'

'Something about me?' Anora came from her cabin. When she overheard that Maric will go to Orlais she couldn't let such occasion to slip away. She also demanded that Alistair should came along.

'Tell your step mother, my dear daughter, how did your knees looked like when you were child.' Loghain sighed and pointed at Mahria.

'You silly goose! Stop worrying. Your mother will take good care of twins. Better than you.' Anora mocked her friend a bit then saddened as well. 'I miss them so much.' She sat on the other side of Mahria.

'Pff.' Loghain chuckled at that. 'She said exactly same thing as you, Anora. By the way, where is our beloved King?'

'He's with Alistair in their cabin. I hope they will come quickly so we won't have to brood too long.' Anora replied and leaned her head on a hand. 'How long we will sail exactly?'

'Around two weeks.' Loghain replied and grimaced when he spotted Morrigan entering the deck.

'Good day to you, Your Teyrnship, Teyrna Mahria, Lady Anora. 'Tis fine day.' She approached Mac Tir's with her normal, mischievous smile. 'Teyrna Mahria, why so sad?'

'She misses the twins, Lady Morrigan, so am I.' Anora replied to witch's question. 'Enough, let's stop that, Mahria. I won't stand two weeks of brooding.'

'Come, Mahria, I need to talk to you. In private.' Loghain stood up and took Mahria to their cabin. When they were there he seated her on the bed and started to pace around small space. 'Listen to me, and try not to get angry. I don't want everyone to hear our fight.'

'Hmm?' Mahria regarded him with one brow raised up in curiosity. 'We haven't fight in long time. I tried to restrain myself… it's strange you say it now.'

'Just listen. I want to be assured you will behave.'

'Seriously, Loghain? Seriously?' Mahria shook her head and sighed. 'I know, love. I won't embarrass you. You will be proud of me, I promise… You should rather be concerned about Maric… I think.'

'Good. I'll talk with Maric as well.'

'Maybe he will be good. Makeing fun of greatest hero of Ferelden won't bring any good to country's reputation.'

'I'm not greatest hero… please avoid referring to me as such. Ehh… still can't believe we're doing this.' Loghain looked at Mahria. She smiled to him faintly.

'Me neither. But no sense in whining now. Ah! If I may suggest… try not to say 'bloody orleasians' or such when we will be there.' She giggled. 'I feared that those would be the first two words of twins.'

Dragon 9:27, 27th Justinian

VAL ROYEAUX, HARBOUR

'Maker, I will be doomed.' Loghain sighed and shook his head after he left the ship. King's party arrived in the morning to the docks full of people waiting for them. Mahria was just behind him and she hardly keep herself from laughing out loud.

'Hush, husband, or I'll start to laugh like a maniac. That would be highly inappropriate.' She looked around at the city. Far in the distant she noticed high edifice of Grand Cathedral, one and only building that hulked over rather low buildings. 'It's so flashy. I don't like such style.' She whispered to Loghain. Meanwhile King was greeted by older man who wear strange flashy mask. Mahra looked at people to see almost everyone wore masks on their faces. 'What the-?'

'Do not ask me.' Loghain whispered and sighed. 'Can you remind me why I am here?'

'Ah, and this is famous Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir, Hero of River Dane. Such pleasure, Teyrn.' Older man bowed slightly. 'I am Duke Prosper de Montfort, I'm here on behalf of Empress Celene to greet you and bring to her palace.' As almost all Orleasians he also had this strong accent in King's Speech. 'And this is Teyrna Mahria Mac Tir nee Cousland, as I presume, such marvelous beauty, I'm speechless.' Mahria only bowed to Duke and remained silent. Then he turned to the King again.

'Your Majesty, we prepared few carriages and horses for you. Please choose whichever you like.'

'I will go in carriage with Anora and my son. How about you Loghain?'

'We will take horses.' Loghain replied shortly with a growl. Mahria nodded silently.

'And, Duke Prosper, I would like to ask for carriage for those two people.' Maric pointed at Morrigan and Anders. 'They are with me. I want them to come as well. As for my servants and soldiers, please find them suitable place.'

'As you say, Your Majesty. Now, please come, Emrpess Celene is waiting eagerly for your arrival.' Maric, Anora and Alistair sat in the carriage, in front of it Duke Prosper mounted his horse, and behind it Mahria and Loghain did the same. After them was carriage with two mages - Morrigan and Anders. When they entered the city Mahria was shocked to notice that a lot of people gathered on the sides of the road to greet King Maric and his men. She looked at her husband but he remained grave and unamused. After a while of silent riding Mahria decided to speak.

'Good that we decided to put on our armors. At least we look dignified.'

'Like I care. But… you look very good. I need to thank Luthias for that masterpiece. I hope they all will die from envy.' Loghain smirked to her for a moment to return to his grave demeanor.

'Flatterer. I wonder what they are really thinking about yours. It's chevalier's armor after all.'

'Now it's mine. It's a prize and I won't hand it to anyone.'

'I bet they would get offended if they knew what we did with it.' Mahria almost giggled but by biting her lips she hid it. 'I'm going to shut up.'

'That would be wise of you, yes.' Loghain was riding with his face and gaze locked on the carriage so he didn't noticed how city looked like.

'Everything is so flashy and exaggerated here. Maker, I prefer our Ferelden style and architecture… really. Oh, did you see that woman? She was hugging small dog. And it wasn't a puppy… Sahra would eat it with one bite, I wager.' Mahria started commenting surrounding. Loghain listen her for a while but he grew tired of it quickly.

'Mahria, my dear, please… stop talking. I really don't care.' Rest of their ride to Empress palace remained in silence. The palace was huge, exaggerated, too flashy and embellished with far too much pieces of art. Both Loghain and Mahria regarded that with unamused gazes on the contrary Anora and Maric were excited. Duke Prosper guided them to the Great Hall where Empresse Celen were awaiting them with some orleasian nobles. Herold acclaimed their names loudly.

'King of Ferelden, Maric the Savior!' Maric started to walk towards Empress Celene with Alistair. 'Prince Alistair Theirin.' Afterwards Mahria and Loghain were introduced. 'Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir, Teyn of Gwaren, Hero of River Dane, Advisor to the Crown.' They could overhear murmurs from gathered nobles. 'Teyrna Mahria Mac Tir nee Cousland, Teyrna of Gwaren, wife of Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir.'

'Stating the obvious… Maker's breath.' She whispered to Loghain but he just growled in response. They walked behind Maric up to the dais where Empress was awaiting them.

'Lady Anora Mac Tir, daughter of Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir, betrothed to Prince Cailan Theirin.' Anora started to walk as well. When all of the ferelden party gathered at the dais Empress Celene greeted them. She also had strong orleasian accent in her King's speech.

'Welcome, You Majesty, to Val Royeaux. I'm pleased to have you hear.' She bowed slightly to Maric. He smiled and also bowed.

'It's an honor, Your Majesty. I postponed that pleasure for too long. And please, call me Maric, if it won't offend you. Friends of mine call me that and I wish to be friend with you, Your Majesty.' Maric as always was oozing with his charm. He took Celene's hand and bend to kiss it.

'Of course, Maric. And please, call me Celene. It will be easier than adding Your Majesty in whole our talk. In the end, we are in the same position in our countries, we should be friendly with each other.' Celene nodded and turned to Loghain. 'Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir. I'm delighted to see such a hero here in Orlais. We are in love with stories of battle at River Dane. You are the hero in Orlais as well.'

'Pleasure. But don't call me such, Your Majesty, I don't feel as a hero.' Loghain stated with cold voice. He didn't want to befriend anyone, especially Empress Celene.

'Humble as always, that friend of mine. Please excuse him, Celene. He doesn't like to brag about his bravery. Although whole Ferelden adores him.' Maric like always wanted to irk Loghain, not to much but he did it nevertheless. He couldn't stop himself. Mac Tir only sighed lightly and remained speechless.

'And this is beautiful wife of Teyrn Loghain. I was informed that you left your little twins in Ferelden. Pity, I'm sure they are sweet and beautiful babies.'

'Your Majesty.' Mahria bowed deeply in front of Celene. 'It's as you say, Your Majesty. We have twins, Gareth and Ailis. As their mother maybe I'm not objective at all, but I find them the most beautiful in the world.' Mahria smiled at memory of her children and felt a bit of longing.

'I understand, Teyrna. I know every mother just adores her children. I hope someday I'll have mine as well.' Then she turned to Anora. 'Lady Anora, I'm delighted to see such refined lady. Your father must be so proud.'

'Your Majesty, it's an honour.' Anora bowed as deeply as Mahria. Then she smiled at Celene. 'I hope he is.' Empress nodded with smirk and then turned to gathered nobles.

'Today is glorious day for Orlais and Ferelden. We need to unite our countries and assure that we will never turn from each others again. Let the past be just a painful memory to both of our countries, but let future be bright and peaceful. Remember that ferelden's showed us that we aren't as powerful as we thought. That love for a country is strenght more powerful than having thousands of chevaliers at disposal. I, Empress Celene, declared friendship between Orlais and Ferelden but I want now assure King Maric that we are true in our words.' She nodded at masked servant who brought pillow with paper on it. 'This, Maric, is my will. It's proclamation of peace between Orlais and Ferelden.' Another masked servant came with quill and ink. 'My dear friends, watch as it's remarkable event. I and King Maric will sign it together.' Then she signed proclamation with bold moves. After her Maric came and signed is as well.

'Thank you, Celene. I appreciate it.' Maric nodded and kissed her hand again.

'It is I, who should thank, Maric.' Celene smiled at King. Loghain regarded whole situation with doubts. He doubted that this was true at all as he considered all orleasians lying bastards. 'And now please have a rest. Servants will escort you to your chambers. In the evening we will have banquet to honour your arrival.' Theirins and Mac Tirs were guided again through the flashy corridors to Guest Wing of the Empress palace. They found all they baggage in each room. Anders and Morrigan were already there in their chambers waiting for them to come.

PALACE, MAC TIR'S GUEST ROOM

'My, my. Everything is flashy and exaggerated. Their city… their welcome… even this room. Look at those furnitures. They ornamented them with gold. Maker, for what?' Mahria was looking around their room. She looked outside from the window to see nice garden and place with chessboard. 'Oh, look there is chessboard in the garden. Maybe we could use it?' Loghain remained silent whole this time. He only snarled in the reply.

'Oh, don't be such a grumpy bear.' She jumped on the bed and gasped.

'What is it?' Loghain looked at shocked expression of his wife.

'Come here.' Mahria patted the empty space on the bed. He sat next to her still doesn't know what she was so confused about. 'Lay here.' She patted bed again.

'We're in our armors, remember?' She only frowned and pointed at the bed. When he did as she asked he widened his eyes in amazement. Above the bed was placed a mirror. 'That's… kind of kinky.' Mahria smiled with lust. Her hand crammed between his armor to rub him. 'Look… just look. You can see me doing it.' Loghain noticed her tongue licking her lips and her hand moving vigorously. After a while she backed her hand and moved to him to start untie laces of his armor. 'We don't need it anymore.' Loghain looked in disbelief in mirror then at his wife who struggled to take of his silverite pieces from him in a great speed.

'And how about yours, Teyrna?' Loghain tried to restrain himself but spending two weeks on the sea without being intimate due to seasickness made it impossible. They took of each other armor and tossed them on the floor. Each time some part of silverite armors fall made a loud 'clank!' noise. When they were naked Mahria pushed Loghain on the bed and leaned to kiss him, then she started to move down on his body showering it with kisses. Her hand was rubbing his hardened length until her face was near it. She paused and looked at Loghain.

'Look up, my love.' She started to suck him as her hand was stroking his chest, finding each scar and scratching it lightly with her nails. His growls and moans made her assure that her idea was good. After some time he stopped her.

'Wait, or it'll be too late for me. Now's your turn.' Loghain pulled Mahria up the bed to place her where he was second ago. 'Look there.' He pointed finger at the mirror. And started to repay for her favour. Mahria was looking as his broad back was sliding down on her. First kissing her breast and suckin each nipple. She could see him only from behind but somehow it was more mesmerizing than looking in normal way. Her moans and cries intensified when he reached her more sensitive parts. Just view of him and sensation he gave her with his tongue made her cry in pleasure and yearn for more. Mahria watched as his hand was travelling across her breast and stomach.

'Take me, Loghain… I can't take it any longer.' He moved quickly to her side and entered her. From the beginning his movements were rapid and strong. She could still admire his strong backs as he was rocking inside of her. Mahria wrapped her arms around him, clutching her fingers on his hair. 'Aaah, Maker, that view makes me go crazy. Let's turn around.' They rolled on the bed so Mahria could be on top. Loghain looked into the mirror to see slender body of his wife riding him vigorously. 'You like it?' He turned his gaze onto Mahria face.

'I like it better to look at you.' He replied with hoarse voice and moaned. 'You are far more beautiful than mere reflection. Now come here. Let me look at you.' Loghain pulled himself to sit and took Mahria's waist in his hand. He helped her to move on him. Soon they ended still looking into each other eyes.

'I want one above our bed in Gwaren.' Mahria stated when they laid on the bed. Regarding each reflection with satisfied smiles.

'I won't bring orleasian mirror to my house. Forget about it.' Loghain shook his head with negation to her demand.

'Did I say anything about orleasian mirror? You can buy one in Ferelden. It was just… really... ' Mahria nuzzled her face next to Loghain's ear. 'It made me so horny when I looked at your back when you were fucking me.'

'Maker's breath woman. You are crazy and lecherous!' Even though he said that he pushed lightly her face from his ear and moved his mouth to her ear. 'But to be honest looking at you when you were… preoccupied with me down there was also… really appealing.' Mahria shivered as always when he whispered to hear.

'So will you buy one?' Mahria gasped as he was still breathing to hear ear and on her neck.

'Maybe.'

PALACE, GARDENS

Mahria and Loghain were standing behind King when banquet started. Anora and Alistair was near them as well. Both Celene and Maric made short speeches to the guests then they started to chat with some nobles. Mac Tirs and Alistair stood few feets away and looked around nobles from Orlais. Alistair was really embarrassed. He was still new to those kinds of things. Anora saw his abashment. 'Ali, try to cheer up. They won't eat you, I swear.'

'You are used to it, Anora. Ugh… and why everyone wear those masks? I feel uncomfortable seeing them looking like that.' Loghain bended to young Prince and whispered to him.

'Some stupid orelasian custom, Alistair. Don't think about it.'

'Teyrn, it's really creeping me out. And they talk in orelasian… I don't understand anything.'

'Me neither… Anora also do not know orleasian. Only Mahria can understand them.' Loghain replied to Alistair to cheer him up a bit. He also felt awkward.

'I would rather be more oblivious of that, husband. They say such stupid things that I would like to unhear them.' Mahria shivered and grimaced. 'You know… my tutor said that in Orlais nobles like their Game. And by the Game I mean scheming, assassinating one another things… like using bards and all those strange things to gain power. Thanks the Maker and Holy Andraste that in Ferelden we don't have such thing.'

'Let's don't talk about that, Mahria.' Anora looked around startled. Like she was expecting murderer in the corner.

'Do not worry, Anora. They do it only with each other.' Mahria patted her friend's arm and giggled. 'Who would want to assassinate such lovely young woman as you?'

'You little...' Anora narrowed her eyes and hissed. Soon they were approached by some barons and comtes. Nobles from Orlais wanted to know about Ferelden. Mahria and Anora do the talking as Loghain didn't want to get acquainted and Alistair was too ashamed to talk. After some time Celene gathered everyone to listen to her.

'My friends. In two weeks Grand Tourney will be held. And it would be an honour to add champion of Ferelden appointed by King Maric to fight for their country in the Tourney.' Whispers broke from the crowd. It would be the first time to see champion of foreign country taking his chances in that event. 'Maric, please choose one warrior to fight our chevaliers. I'd like to show my too much conceited chevaliers that ferelden warriors are better than them. You don't have to choose now. We have time.'

'Of course, Celene. That's really thoughtful of you. Be sure that I'll choose someone suitable.'

Dragon 9:27, 2nd Solace

King Maric and rest were sightseeing through Val Royeaux for four days. They were in Grand Cathedral and met with Divine Beatrix III, then Duke Prosper took them to The University. Maric was really impressed about it. After all the sightseeing they had two days free but still Mahria woke up with sunrise. She looked into the mirror above to regard sleeping Loghain. His calm face made her smile warmly. Then she turned to look into real one not reflection. 'Wake up.'

'Mmm… what is it?' Loghain mumbled with still closed eyes. 'Do not tell me you want sex. I'm too tired. Four days of running around this damned city made me really weary.'

'I'll surprise you. I don't want that. Let's eat breakfast and play some chess outside. Later it will be too hot for that.' Mahria sat on the bed and stretched her arms. Loghain opened his eyes to regard her motion, as he always found it really appealing. 'Do not look at me like that. And you say I'm lecherous one.'

'Fine. Come, crazy. Let's lazeabout for one day.' They changed and ordered breakfast. Loghain finished first so he stood up. 'I'll go outside. Take pieces and come quickly.' Loghain left. Mahria finished her meal and looked for chess pieces, when she found them she left the room to see Alistair coming from Anora room. She hid behind door-frame and waited till man would vanish in his room. Then Mahria went to Anora's chamber, she entered without knocking.

'Mahria… wha-? You saw… Your face says everything.' Anora was lying on the bed, covered with bedsheet but Mahria could easily tell she was naked. She looked at her friend with blushed face. 'I… please… don't tell anyone.'

'My, my… Anora. I'm pleased that you found someone better than Cailan… but Alistair?' Mahria approached the bed and sat on it. 'Are you sure it's good decision to bed another prince?'

'I… I don't know. But I like him a lot. He's charming like Maric and he has good heart. He always care about me and my needs.' Anora was tugging cover lying on her body.

'Anora, I don't judge you. I'm happy for you. We will talk later, alright? Your father waits for me.'

'Fine. I'll tell you everything later.' Mahria left Anora's room with broad grin on her face. 'Two lovebirds… Maker, your decisions always amaze me.' Then she went to the garden. Meanwhile Loghain was waiting for his wife. He regarded roses, the only beautiful thing he found in that palace. When he heard footsteps he just sighed.

'Mahria, what took you so long?' He turned around but it wasn't her who approached him. Three man was moving closer with mischievous smirks.

'Look boys, isn't it Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir…? Hero of River Dane with his shiny armor.' One of man, who wore most flashy clothes and mask exclaimed with vicious voice.

'That's me. And who are you?' Loghain rose his brown. His reply was said with hostility as he didn't want to talk to any orleasian.

'I'm Comte Maynard de Delacroix.' Man crossed his arms. He looked at Loghain like at piece of crap. Mac Tir realised after a second that he knows that name.

'You are relative to that commander I killed, yes? So what now? You demand revenge? A duel perhaps?' Loghain smirked. 'Poor bastard, you wouldn't stand a chance.'

'I'm his son. I demand that armor of yours! And I think I will stand a chance. There are three of us, Teyrn. We have weapons. After we finish with you we will take care of that nice wife of yours. I bet all stories of her being a warrior are exaggerated. All your women are good in one thing. Sucking our cocks.' Loghain looked behind him. He smirked and shook his head.

'Poor, sodding idiot.' When he said that one of Comte's man fall heavily on the ground. Second later another fall. Delacroix wanted to look around and see what was happening but he found it impossible. Blade on his throat and blocked his movement.

'So you think we're good only at that, my dear whatever your name was?' Woman voice rang in orleasian ear. He trembled with fear. Then she speaked in his language. 'I think I need to correct your views on that matter. Please tell me how would you like me to repay for such kind words. Should I cut your throat or a dick?' Another dagger moved to his manhood.

'Y-you are low, Teyrn. Y-you l-let your woman to f-fight for your n-name?' Although Comte Delacroix shivered with nervousness, still remained cocky.

'My wife doesn't fight for me now. She fight for her own namesake. I'll deal with you afterwards.' Loghain looked at that scene with faint smile. At last he found something he was amused with.

'So, which it will be, Comte? I'm waiting.' Mahria's blade cut a little man's throat, and he cried in pain when it pierced also his breaches, almost cutting hole in it. After a second Mahria moved that dagger to man's buttock and pierced it with strong blow. He bended and fall on the ground in pain, Mahria backed few feets and smiled at Loghain.

'He's yours, love. I had my share of fun.' Mahria wiped blade in Comte's cloths and hid both daggers in hidden pocket in her long boots. Loghain approached man, pulled him up and took off his mask. When his face was visible he hit it with one mighty blow.

'I think we are even now, Comte. Now please excuse us. My dear, shall we?' Mahria gracefully passed by beaten man and took Loghain's stretched arm. She smiled at him and soon they sat next to chess board. 'First time since we came here I had so much fun.'

'You always amaze me, Loghain. Truly.' Mahria looked at Loghain with eyes radiating with pride and happiness. 'Who was that sodding idiot by the way?' Loghain bent over chessboard and started to put pieces on it.

'Son of bloody commander I took my armor from. Nice, isn't it?' Mahria nodded. Soon after everyone in palace found out about Mac Tirs little encounter. At dinner Empress Celene apologized to them about Comte's behaviour. Later when Loghain and Mahria were sitting by the table and eating Maric came to them.

'So, you two made quite a spectacle. Everyone is mesmerized with both of you. Loghain… I think you would be the best champion on Grant Tourney. I'm going to choose you.' Maric looked at Loghain with fear. He expected that his friend start to yell on him but nothing like that happened. Loghain just looked at Maric and nodded. 'Wait… wait! You agreed? Just like that?' Mahria also looked at her husband with widened eyes. 'Oh Maker… oh Maker… he will really fight in that tournament!' She thought with excitement, she started to daydream about Loghain fighting chevaliers so she didn't noticed that Loghain tugged her arm.

'Mahria!'

'Wha-... What? Where is Maric?' She looked around to see Maric standing with Alistair and some nobles and chatting with them. 'That was a dream or you really agreed to be Ferelden champion?'

'No, I did. Really. And I think your wild imagination took you to Tourney already.'

'You know me too well, beloved.' She moved to his ear, her hand stroked his back with light manner. 'I won't let you sleep whole night long because of those fantasies.'