Dragon 9:28, 8th Guardian

'Ailis! Gareth!' Anora kneeled to embrace twins who run to her arms. 'You are so big!'

'Sis! Ailis missed you.'

'I missed you more.' Gareth tried to climb on Anora shoulder and would fall if woman hadn't catch him.

'Whoa, wait Gareth. You two can't climb on me at once.' Mahria and Loghain approached three sibling.

'And what about us, Anora? Won't you greet your father?' Loghain stood few feets away with crossed arms. He smiled though. Anora looked at him then at Mahria.

'Welcome back. Wait chubbies, sis need to greet your parents.' Anora stood up and hugged her father then Mahria. 'How was your winter? Everything fine?'

'Of course. Where is Maric?' Loghain nodded.

'He's in his study with Alistair. Go to him, both of you. I'll stay here with twins... or maybe we will go play in my chamber?' Anora turned to twins and smiled.

'Yay!' Children started to jump in excitement. 'You have presents for us?'

'I got you a lot of toys!' Anora went with twins. Mahria regarded them until they vanished behind doors. Her smile faded away instantly. She silently went behind Loghain to King's study.

KING'S STUDY

'Loghain! Mahria! Sorry I haven't come to greet you but we lost track of time.' Maric stood up and approached Mac Tir's when they entered the room. After brief welcome he turned to Alistair. 'Son, go to Anora help her with twins. I need to talk with our friends... alone.'

'As you say, Father.' Alistair left them. Mahria looked at young man. He grew up, became more manly, and had even facial hair now.

'Your son become more handsome with each year, Maric.' She turned to King and smiled faintly. He regarded her with curiosity for a moment and sighed.

'You… ugh… no, it's nothing. I have something to tell you. Few weeks ago… Anora and Alistair approached me with a request. They want to get married. Logh-' Mahria giggled at that information. 'Somehow I think you knew about their affair, Teyrna.'

'Umm… yes… I found out that they were intimate…' Her face became pale and she paused. 'In Orlais.' Mahria turned her face and didn't say anything anymore. 'Maker's breath, Loghain… what have you done to her?' Maric watched Mahria for a moment. He noticed instantly that woman was in a great pain, her eyes were blank and haven't shine like they used to be. She was more like a ghost now. He wanted to do something for them, but Loghain forbid him to meddle in their marriage.

'Anyway, Loghain what do you think about that? Anora was betrothed to Cailan… and...' Maric swallowed hard. 'Cailan is dead. Anora was meant to be his queen and now Alistair want to marry her.' King sat heavily on his chair. Still he was in great pain after his elder son death. 'I… need to take care of Alistair now. I though he won't be an heir to the crown. I thought...'

'Maric, don't. What is done is done. Cailan was good boy, he could be a good king but that's in the past now. You still have Alistair and make him happy.' Loghain sat on the other side of desk. He regarded his friend for a moment. 'I think if Anora and Alistair wish to get married, we shouldn't oppose that idea.'

'You're right. We should move on. I think that… the ceremony should be held after the Landsmeet. Next day after the Landsmeet.'

'I agree.' Loghain looked at Maric and sighed.

'Teyrna?' Maric turned to Mahria. She opened her lips for a moment then shut them and only nodded. 'He will kill her… Damn you, idiot.'

Dragon 9:28, 22th Guardian and afterwards

Landsmeet proceeded smoothly as always. Nobles were really happy about Alistair and Anora marriage. Next day there was big ceremony. Whole Denerim gathered to watch young prince and his bride. After few weeks Mahria, Loghain and twins returned to Gwaren. In the middle of summer king with newlyweds came to them to pay a visit. They return to capital for winter though. Mac Tirs came to Denerim next year for Landsmeet as well. Still Loghain wasn't talking to Mahria. She was only happy when she was with twins. That was keeping her alive.

Dragon 9:30, 18th Drakonis

'Anders show us this trick with ice!' Gareth and Ailis stood on the seat of the carriage and watched as mage casted spell to make an icicle. He tossed it up and it exploded in hundreds tiny snowflakes. Kids shouted loud 'Whoa!' but Loghain calmed them down.

'Gareth, Ailis! Sit down! Stop that, Anders.' Twins sat down… but only for a moment.

'Mom, why we can't ride on mounts like you and dad?' Gareth pulled up and stood on seat again and lean out from the carriage.

'I told you, you two are too small for that. And stop that or you will fall on the ground' Mahria was riding on Da'asha next to the one side of wagon, on the other side Loghain was looking at Ailis, who played with dolls with Siria. Around whole family Sahra, Mahria's mabari war dog was skittering. Dog was constantly watching twins if they are all right. 'How about that? Next year mommy will buy you a pony and will teach you to ride, is that fine?'

'I want pony too, daddy!' Ailis jumped on her seat, again disregarding dolls and maid. 'White one with long hair like sister Anora's!'

'We will get you little ponies, I promise.' Loghain nodded to Ailis and smiled warmly. Twins were already five years old. Gareth looked just like his father, Ailis got some features from Couslands, although she had long black hair, curly like Mahria's, and blue eyes. Both had strong characters, they were stubborn and strong willed.

'How long we will ride, daddy? I'm bored' Gareth turned to his father and almost jumped on Ailis.

'Ouch, it' hurts!' Girl kicked his brother. 'Get out!'

'Don't kick your brother, Ailis. I told you many times!' Mahria shouted and frowned at her daughter.

'Come soldier, ride with me.' Loghain pulled his son on the saddle and seated in front of him.

'Mooom! I want to ride on Da'asha! Dad took Gareth. He is on Blacky already! Look!.'

'My horse is not Blacky, Ailis. Where did you get that name from?' Loghain chuckled. 'Take her, Mahria. She should know the feeling of riding on a mount.'

'You're spoiling them too much, husband. Sahra! Don't howl, Gareth is with his dad, look.' Dog dashed to Loghain's horse to make certain that boy is good. Even though Mahria nagged she took Ailis on Da'asha. Mahria felt utterly happy on such moments. When Loghain was warm to her, she knew it was feigned but nevertheless she was smiling and laughing. She also knew that her happiness will fade away soon after twins will be away.

Dragon 9:30, 20th Drakonis

'Sister Anora!' Twins dashed to Anora to embrace her. She hugged them and started to cry. Alistair and Maric were standing behind her and smiled at that scene.

'Anora, what's going on?' Loghain approached his daugher. 'Why are you crying?'

'Dad…' She started to cry even more. Alistair approached Anora and embraced her with one arm.

'Maybe I'll tell great news.' Alistair blushed slightly and avoided Loghain's gaze. 'Anora… she's pregnant.' Mahria jumped and trilled in happiness.

'Anora! I can't believe it.' She moved to her friend. 'Move chubbies, mom needs to hug your sister.' When twins moved to the side Mahria embraced Anora with care. 'I can't believe it… I'll be a grandmother in a such young age.' Both women started to laugh. After a moment Mahria backed to let Loghain hug Anora.

'I'm so proud of you, Anora. I can't believe it.'

'What did you think, Loghain?' Maric approached his friend and patted his back with great strength. 'That they read poems at nights in their chambers? We will be grandfathers, you old fart!'

'You may be old, I'm still young father. Right, soldier?' Gareth nodded vigorously and saluted to his father. 'See.'

'Maker's breath, Gareth, you will look just as your father.'

'And I will fight with orleasian like dad!' Gareth jumped in excitement near Loghain. Maric started to laugh at that.

'Don't tell me you told your son about your battles, friend.' Loghain only rolled his eyes.

'No, my dear wife told them those few times for their bed-time story. Now they are just babbling about River Dane whole day long.' Maric looked at Loghain for a moment. 'Did they reconciled already?' But then he looked at Mahria sad face. She looked into his eyes for a moment then smiled. But he knew it was all a lie. 'Sodding, stubborn idiot.' After a moment Teyrn Bryce and Teyrna Eleonora came to great hall.

'Ailis! Gareth!' Eleonora dashed to twins. 'Come to Grandma.' They came earlier than Mac Tirs and awaited them eagerly. After all the welcoming they went to dine together.

Dragon 9:30, 25th Cloudreach

GARDEN

Landsmeet as always went smoothly. Few days after Eleonora, Mahria and Anora were playing with twins and mabari in the garden. Mahria and Sahra were chasing twins. Her mother regarded woman with puzzled gaze. 'Tell me Anora. Why she looks like that?' Anora looked at Teyrna with distress. She knew that Mahria didn't tell anyone about what happened in Orlais… and what was happening now.

'What… do you mean?'

'You know exactly what I mean, Anora. Look at her. She's pale, her eyes are matt. The only moments she really looks happy are where twins are near… after that she fakes being all well and happy. But I know it's all a lie. Mahria won't tell me anything. She hadn't since she came from Orlais. And I know something happened there. I don't want to know, I don't want to take it out from her. But you know everything… Please talk to Mahria. Please.' Eleonora grabbed Anora's hand and looked into woman's eye. 'Please, Anora. Save my child.'

'All right. I'll talk to her.' Anora stood up and approached Mahria who was rolling around the grass with twins. 'Come, Mahria, I need to talk to you. Gareth, Ailis, mommy and sis will go now. Please stay with Grandma. Oh! And I think granny hid some sweets in her pockets. Better look for them. Sahra, mind the children' Anora patted the dog between it's ears. Twins dashed to Eleonora with wild screams. 'Come, Mahria, let's train with bows a little.'

TRAINING GROUNDS

'You are sure you can train?' Mahria asked with concern.

'Look who's talking. If I remember correctly you were jumping like an idiot and shooting at bull's eye to show off when you were pregnant with twins.' Anora chuckled and patted her still flat stomach. 'Do not worry, everything is fine.' Mahria took her position and aimed. 'Better tell me what's wrong with you, Mahria. How long are you going to keep that sick relationship with my father?' Mahria shot but missed. It was first time in a long time for her. She turned to Anora with shocked face.

'What?'

'Don't ask me what, now. Just look at you! You are pale, you look sick! What happened to that crazy Mahria who was always smiling? Who was proud and strong?' Anora grabbed Mahria's arms firmly. 'It's killing you, Mahria. He's killing you! Annul that marriage, get your freedom… forget, just simply forget.' Mahria slided onto the ground without power to stand.

'I can't… I love him too much. There are only three thing that keep me alive, Anora… only three things.'

'And what are those, exactly?' Anora kneeled next to Mahria and regarded her with concern.

'One are twins of course… two: those moments when we are with twins together… even though we feign that everything is allright… I cherish those moments. And last thing is… that he... sometimes he comes to my chamber and-' Anora gasped and interrupted her for a moment.

'What? You don't sleep together anymore? Why?' Anora looked into Mahria eyes and saw pure agony in them. The pain in those white eyes struck her.

'Your father locked doors between our chambers. He opens them only when he want to relieve himself. He just comes to me... and fuck me… without word, without love… without anything…' Tears started to roll on Mahria's cheeks. Anora looked at that with widened eyes. Her chest was aching at friend's sadness. 'But those nights also keep me alive, Anora. Thought that sometimes I can touch him, kiss him… gives me strength to move on.'

'Idiot. You're killing yourself, Mahria. Come. I'll call Anders, he will give you something for sleep. You need to rest.' Anora guided her to the room. As she said she called for Anders who brought potion to make Mahria fall into calm sleep. After that she went to Loghain.

LOGHAIN'S STUDY

Anora stormed through the doors and looked around. Teyrn Mac Tir was talking with Ser Cauthrien. She looked at the woman and pointed at the doors. 'Get out!' Cauthrien left without a word.

'What's the meaning of this, Anora?' Loghain growled at his daugher.

'You… you monster! How could you do it to her?! How?!' Anora screamed at her father. After what she heard from Mahria she was so mad at him. 'Go and fuck some whore in a brothel! But leave Mahria alone!'

'What?!'

'I said leave her alone or I'll personally go to Maric and ask for annulment of this marriage. How could you, father? How?' Loghain's expression shocked Anora. She looked into his icy blue eyes and found there only coldness.

'Anora, you meddled in my life many times. You were the one to set up me in this marriage. I told Maric once, and now I'll repeat myself one last time. You won't interfere in my affairs and marriage. I don't care what you think. This is my life.' He turned his back on Anora. 'That's all. You can leave now.'

'You know what? You'll regret it. She barely keeps it together. And one day, when she will just die you will regret it. You will look at her burning body on the pyre and will regret every day you cause her agony. I don't have father anymore.' Anora turned on her heels and left. Loghain stood up and approached a wall to hit it with his fist. Then he left his study and went to his chambers. As he was near the door they suddenly opened and Anders left through them.

'Anders? What are you doing here?' Mage looked startled at Teyrn and hesitated with answering. 'Anders! Tell me what's going on? Is my wife sick?'

'No… Your Teyrnship. She's… fine.' Mage approached Loghain and rubbed his neck with nervous gesture. 'Or maybe she is sick. I don't know. I gave her sleeping potion as Her Highness asked me. And when she fell asleep I checked on her.'

'Have you found anything?'

'No. Hed body is healthy… but...' Again Anders hesitated. 'But... Your Teyrnship. I heard that sometimes people die because something is causing them to lose will to live. And I think that's what happening to Teyrna Mahria now.'

'Shut up, Anders. That's a nonsense. Go now. I'll look after her from here.' When mage left, Loghain entered Mahria's chamber. He regarded that place for a moment as he hadn't saw it in daylight. It was messy and cold room. He looked at the bed where Mahria was sleeping. Her face was pale and she really looked sick, nevertheless her features were calm and still beautiful to him. Loghain sat next to his wife and sighed. 'I can't forgive you… now… please give me some time, love. I know I'm stubborn idiot… but I... maybe soon I'll try to talk to you. So wait and don't lose it. I forbid you to get sick like Rowan. I think... she fell sick and died because of me. I won't let you die like her.'

Dragon 9:30, 15th Bloomingtide

GARDEN

'Cheer up, Mahria, I can't stand that face.' Anora sighed and pinched Mahria's cheek. Women were sitting in the garden and regarded blooming flowers.

'I miss twins. It's two weeks without them. But it's good that mother took them to Highever. They should get along with Couslands as well. And Gareth really wanted to play with Fergus. Pity, my brother couldn't come for Landsmeet this year. I miss him.' They chatted for a while about family connections when suddenly servant came to Mahria.

'Do not worry, Sahra is constantly watching over them. Maker's breath, you should find some mate for that dog.' Mahria looked at Anora with interest and wanted to say something about that but she was interrupted.

'Teyrna Mahria, King is calling for you. Please come to King's study immediately.' Mahria looked at Anora for a moment then she stood up and went with servant.

KINGS STUDY

When Mahria entered Maric's study, he was talking with Loghain and Alistair. 'Ah, Mahria, come. I need to tell you something… Howe attacked Highever.' Mahria almost fall on the ground but Loghain was quick and caught her in his arms.

'Gareth and Ailis… Gareth and Ailis were there!' Mac Tir looked at white and terrified face of his wife and growled.

'Idiot! Don't scare her like that! Mahria, Howe tried to attack Highever. But our spy informed Bryce beforehand. And Maric's soldiers were quartered there. They outmatched Rendon's little army. Battle was held few miles away from the castle.' He lead her to the chair and seated carefully. Then kneeled and looked into her eyes. But those eyes weren't looking at anything. 'Twins are safe. Everything is alright.' Loghain's hand almost reached her cheek but he took it back and hanged loosely.

'Yes, anyway. Crows came with letter from Bryce an hour ago. They already on their way to Denerim. Next week your parents and children will come so don't worry, Mahria. Loghain… maybe take her to your chambers. She need to rest.' Loghain embraced Mahria tenderly and took her to their chambers. She was like a rag doll, she let him guide her without conscious.

MAC TIR'S CHAMBER

When they arrived to his room he seated her on the bed. 'I'll go to Anders, wait here.' He wanted to turn but Mahria caught his hand. Loghain looked at her again. Her eyes were fixed at some point but he was sure she wasn't looking at anything at all. Those eyes were empty. That made him scared. Loghain wanted to do or say something, still he remained silent.

'Don't go… I'm scared… I failed them again...' Tears of pain started to fill her eyes. 'I'm horrible mother… you were right. I just want to die.' Loghain regarded Mahria for a moment. Jolt of pain struck his heart. He sat next to her and hugged her. 'Maker's breath… she's really losing it...'

'Silly… we both agreed at Eleonora's request. Now please stop talking and go to sleep. I'll call Anders.' Mahria only nodded. 'Wait here, Anders will give you something and you will sleep.' He came with mage and after a while Mahria fell asleep. Loghain ordered Anders to stay by her side. Then he returned to Maric.

KING'S STUDY

'Loghain, it's you. How is she?' Maric pulled his head up to look at Mac Tir. King regarded his friend as he sat heavily and sighed.

'She's asleep. Anders gave her potion.' Loghain rubbed his eyes for a moment. Everything started to break out of control for him.

'May I say one thing?'

'Go on, Maric. But do not try to get me angry...' Loghain pulled his fingers from his eyes and looked at Maric.

'She looks like Rowan. Before she died. Maybe it's time to let it go, Loghain? Or just annul marriage. I don't know... She doesn't deserve such severe punishment. She… she's dying. Just like Rowan.' Loghain looked into Maric eyes for a second then turned his head. He felt ashamed. Everyone pointed him that what's he was doing to Mahria was purely wrong.

'I know… Maric. I know. Anora said that she won't last like that too long… Anders also said same thing... I made both Rowan and Mahria unhappy in their lives. Maybe Anora was right. Maybe I am a monster after all.' He put his face in his hands. Loghain started to feel heavy lump in his heart. Everything he did to Mahria was tormenting him now.

'Forgive her alre-' Maric started but knocking interrupted his talk. 'Come in.' Servant came to Maric study and bowed.

'Your Majesty, Grey Warden Duncan asks for audience with you.' Maric and Loghain locked their eyes for a while then Maric turned to servant and nodded.

'Bring him here.' After a short moment Grey Warden Duncan came with three other Gray Wardens. Two man, dwarf and elf, and human female, a mage. 'Duncun, long time no see. How are you? Those are your new recruits? I remember you said your looking for ones when we last seen each others.'

'Your Majesty.' Duncan bowed to Maric then to Loghain. 'Teyrn Loghain. Good to see you. Yes, those are Junior Wardens. Duran Aeducan.' Dwarf made a step and bowed.

'Your Majesty. My lord.'

'I remember you.' Maric stood up and approached dwarf. 'You are King Endrin's middle son. How is your father doing?'

'He's dead, Your Majesty.' Duran replied. His face saddened for a second.

'Dead? Maker… no wonder he didn't replied for my letters. How?'

'He was poisoned I think, Your Majesty. But everyone state's that he died from grieve. Now there is battle for a throne in Orzammar. A lot of shit if I may say that, Your Majesty. Beg my pardon, I shouldn't say that.' Warden Aeducan made embarrassed grimace and moved back.

'No need to apologize, Warden. And the rest?'

'Junior Warden Solona Amell from Kinloch Hold. I waited long time to recruit her. First Enchanter Irving wanted her to pass harrowing first. But after she passed it with flying colours I could recruit her. She's a splendid mage and healer.' Duncan gestured Solona to made step forward.

'Your Majesty, it's an honour. Your Teyrnship, I'm honoured to meet you as well. Legendary Hero of River Dane.' Young woman bowed deeply in front of two mens. They could notice a big blush spreading on her cheeks. 'I have read about Battle of River Dane and other your brave deeds, Your Teyrnship.'

'Don't mention that, my child, or Teyrn Loghain will snarl at you.' Maric chuckled and patted Loghain's arm. 'He doesn't like to brag about his heroic deeds. Even when his wife is telling that storied to his children he growls and frowns.'

'Maric...' Loghain rolled his eyes and growled.

'You see? That's what I'm talking about.' Maric grinned. 'Same old, Duncan.' Grey Warden smirked and nodded to King. Looking at Teyrn Loghain acting like that reminded him how he used to be when they first met. Nothing changed from that time.

'And last Junior Warden is Theron Mahariel from Sabrae Clan.' Duncan gestured at male elf.

'Andaran Atish'an, Theron.' Maric greeted elf in his tongue.

'Shemlen King knows our language?' Elf looked at King with suspicious gaze.

'Teyrna Mahria taught me some words.' Maric grinned to elf. 'Maybe you know her?'

'Mahria Cousland? She was friend of Keeper Zetrall from Maveal Clan. I met her once or twice. She's fine woman if I may say.' Elf changed his offensive attitude and relaxed a bit. 'I should apologize for my words, Your Majesty.'

'No need.' Then Maric turned to Duncand again. 'Tell me, my friend, what brings you here?'

'We-' Duncand started but then doors to King's study opened and Morrigan entered.

'My, my. Grey Wardens. My greetings.' Morrigan moved forward and nodded to Maric and Loghain. 'Your Majesty. Your Teyrnship.'

'Duncan, this is Lady Morrigan. My Arcane Advisor. Please, Duncan, continue.'

'Your Majesty. We're coming from Ostagar… Darkspawns started to gather in Korcari Wilds. And… we felt Archdemon… Blight is coming.' Maric, Loghain and Morrigan regarded Grey Warden with shocked expressions. Their faces became pale.

'What? So my Mother somehow achieved it… she broke the seal.' Morrigan sat heavily on the chair. Duncan looked at the woman puzzled.

'Excuse me, Lady… but could you repeat what did you say now?"

'Morrigan if you could explain to Duncan what you have told us.' Maric sat on his chair again and regarded whole room with blank expression. Morrigan told Duncan about her mother and that she was involved in previous Blights. 'That's how it is, my friend. We tried to stop that wretched witch but we failed miserably. And to think Cailan's death was for naught...'

'Prince Cailan is dead?'

'You have been too long in the wilds, Warden.' Loghain muttered and turned to Maric. 'Everything is crumbling… first Howe… now Blight. Maker preserve us all. What do you suggest, Duncan?'

'We need to gather an army… I don't know how long will take darkspawn to gather their forces… I already send messenger to Weisshaupt for reinforcements… but it's still not enough. I know there were Warden Treaties somewhere in the Korcari Wilds. I think we should go there and found those papers.'

'You don't have to go anywhere, Grey Warden. They are no longer there.' Morrigan replied with her mischevious smirk.

'What do you mean no longer there? Someone have stolen them? Tell me!' Duncan was offended by witch's words. He rushed to her but Maric stopped him.

' 'Twas my mother, who took them. Old seals were worn off. But I took them with me before I left Flemeth. I'll give those treaties to you.'

'Err… thank you… my Lady.' Duncan moved back and turned to Maric. 'Your Majesty, we need to think about strategy… Blight is upon us.'

'Yes… tomorrow we will gather in War Room… but now let's rest.' Maric dismissed everyone except Loghain. 'You were right, Loghain… everything is crumbling… but we will fight.'

Dragon 9:30, 16th Bloomingtide

MAC TIR'S CHAMBERS

When Mahria woke up she discovered Loghain sleeping in the chair in her room. That was strange for her. 'Umm… Loghain…?' He opened his eyes in a second and looked at her. She broke their gazes and turned her head from him.

'You're up. That's good. I have important news. And those are bad. Really bad.' Mahria's face became white. She turned her face to look at him again.

'What?! Something with twins?' She stood up too quickly from the bed and almost fall on the floor. Loghain was quick to catch her and seated on the bed again. He moved from her after that.

'No. It's not about the attack… there is another matter.' He turned to the window and hesitated. How he could tell his wife that Blight were upon Ferelden? 'Yesterday… after you fell asleep I went to Maric's study. And then… Duncan came with his fellow Wardens… He… he said that Blight… that Archdemon was awakened.'

'But… we killed Yavanna… Morrigan…'

'Yes, she was confused as well. Anyway… There will be Blight… here… in Ferelden.' Mahria gasped in disbelief. That was unimaginable… Then anger started to built up in her and need to protect Gareth, Ailis along with whole Ferelden as well.

'Sod with Blight! If so I can even become fucking Gray Warden and kill that bloody Archde-' Mahria clenched her fists. The thought that something endangered twins… especially something like the Blight, made her furious.

'I forbid. You have twins to rise, don't be-'

'Spoiled? That's what you wanted to say?' Mahria smirked, she stood up and looked at him with angry gaze. 'I don't care about myself now, Loghain. I just want twins to live in peaceful country not flooded by darkspawn and taint. That's hardly being spoiled, don't you think? I'll fight for my children… even when it will lead me to death. I can fight and you know damned well that I fight good. Ferelden needs it's best now.'

'Still… I won't allo-'

'You can't order me around, Mac Tir!' She yelled. It was first time in three years that she showed any emotions toward him. He felt relieved somehow, that she wasn't emotionless doll. 'You can hate me, despise me… of whatever the fuck you want to do… but I…I will fight.' Loghain sighed and turned to her. He nodded and regarded her angry face. Then he smirked.

'As a Commander of the army I allow you to fight, Teyrna. You are right. We need our bests.'

'And make me a Captain. I want to take archer's units in my command. I'll train them.' Loghain thought about that for a moment. That was good idea. Her skills she learned from dalish would become useful as no dalish elf would teach them to 'shemlens'.

'Fine, Captain Mac Tir. Now go and prepare yourself. We will meet in War Room with Maric later.' After that he left Mahria's chamber. 'She is right. She changed a lot. And now she will have some distraction with training… so she won't bury herself in misery.'

WAR ROOM

Mahria entered War Room and regarded Maric and Wardens, while they looked at her in shock. She knew only Duncan. 'Mahria, come here, my dear. Loghain's not here yet. You know Duncan, don't you?'

'Yes, Duncan, pleasure to meet you again. And… oh... Andaran atish'an, Theron Mahariel.' She moved to elf and bowed her head lightly.

'Andaran atish'an, Teyrna Mahria. Long time no see.' Warden Mahariel moved closer to her. 'When I heard you are here, I felt relieved… being around so many shems makes me frustrated.'

'I can imagine that.' She laughed. 'But please excuse my manners.' She turned to other Wardens. 'I'm Teyrna Mahria Mac Tir.'

'Junior Warden Solona Amell of Circle of Magi.' Young woman approached Mahria. She had white hair and green eyes. She was so young.

'So young and member of Wardens already? You must be a really powerful mage.' Mahria moved to Solona and shook hands with her. 'Do you know Anders by the way?'

'Anders?' Mage chuckled. 'Yes, I know him very well. He was my friend… and he tried to seduce me couple of times. He run from Circle seven times! And he was send to...'

'Gwaren.' Mahria ended Amell's statement. 'He's here, you know? After we will finish we can go to him. You will catch up. Now let me greet other Warden.' Mahria moved to last new Warden.

'Junior Warden Duran Aeducan, pleasure to meet such beautiful warrior.' Dwarf bowed and took Mahrias hand to kiss it. At that time Loghain entered the room and regarded scene with frown. 'I didn't know surfacers had women of such quality. I should have moved from Orzammar long ago.'

'Flatterer.' Mahria giggled. 'But… You say you're Aeducan? You are King Endrin's…?

'Second son, Teyrna. And my father is dead so...'

'Oh, I'm really sorry. Anyway let's proceed with meeting.' Mahria turned around to see Loghain, who was already in the room. He looked at her and dwarf with jealousy. She knew that look… but she didn't want to think about it and moved back and leaned on the wall.

'So Duncan, tell me what you need.' Maric, Duncan and Loghain started to talk about tactics and their forces. They agreed that in two weeks they will go to Redcliffe and then divide in groups to go to Dalish elves, Orzammar and Circle of Magi to get aid assured by treaties Morrigan provided. When they finished Mahria went to Solona.

'Wait for me outside, Warden Amell. We can go to Anders after I'll talk to King and Teyrn.' Mage nodded and all Grey Wardens left War Room.

'Maric. Mahria will be Captain in our army. She will train archers. She volunteered for that task.' Loghain said with serious voice. Maric looked at friend and then at Teyrna.

'That's good. She is the best with bow and she led soldiers into fights earlier. That was good call, Loghain. We need everyone now.'

'Mahria, tomorrow we will go to Fort Drakon. We need to start trainings as soon as possible. Do you need anything?' Loghain turned to look at Mahria but she avoided his gaze. That made him angry.

'Yes. But I need to talk to Duncan about that. I want Theron Mahariel to accompany me in trainings. Me and soldiers needs to get as much informations about Darkspawn as he can provide us.' Mahria looked for a second into Loghain eyes. 'If that's all please excuse me.' She left War Room. Duncan was still there, talking to warden mage.

'Duncan, can I take Theron to training with archers? It would be good if he could explain few things about those monsters...' Duncan agreed to Mahria's request and then she took Solona Amell to Anders.

ANDER'S ROOM

'Anders. Look whom I got you.' Mahria entered mage's room with Amell. He looked with wide opened eyes at fellow mage.

'Isn't it Solona Amell? My my, girl. So you became a Grey Warden...' He regarded Solona's warden armor for a moment. 'How are you? And how is your boyfriend Cullen?'

'Stop it, Anders.' Amel laughed and hugged healer. 'He's fine. And how do you know about…?'

'I heard something here and there you know. Still have friends in Circle who actually write to me.'

'And I heard you are a father to three children… Don't you think it's a little bit of exaggeration?' Solona and Mahria started to laugh for a moment. Then Anders turned to Mahria and noticed her stern look. 'Teyrna… is everything allright? Are you still unwell?'

'Anders… Wardens confirmed Blight...' Mage gasped and moved back in fear. 'I will send boat to Gwaren. They will take Rieska to Denerim and then she will sail with twins, my mother and Anora to Highever.'