Dragon 9:30, 16th Justinian, continuation

CIRCLE TOWER, LAST FLOOR

On the last floor was Harrowing Chamber, every mage had to pass his Harrowing there. But now it was place of carnage. When everyone entered the chamber they regarded it incredulously. In the center bald mage with few abominations was surrounding a mage and turning him to yet another abomination.

'Do you accept the gift that I offer?' Bald mage took man's face into his hand and looked at him with a victory. Solona dashed to him but it was too late. Hostage tuned to a monster.

'Nooo!'

'Ah… look what we have here. I remember you, Amell. Irving's star pupil. Uldred didn't think much of you then, and I certainly don't see your appeal now…' Then he turned to Solona's companions. 'And who we have here? Teyrn Mac Tir? That's strange… Arl Howe said he will deal with you and the King.'

'Howe?' Loghain asked with hoarse voice. 'What about him?'

'He was the one, that approached Uldred. He wanted to free mages from the templars.'

'Maker's breath… is Howe responsible for all disasters in this country or what? If we will find out that he had his hand in the Blight I'm done. Really.' Mahria sighed. Uldred regarded whole party with curiosity.

'I'm quite impressed you're still alive. Unfortunately, that must mean you killed my servants.' Then he rose his brow. 'Ah, well, they are probably better off dying in the service of their betters than living with the terrible responsibility of independence.'

'Do not worry, Uldred, soon you will join them.' Solona snarled at mage and pulled her staff in front of her.

'Wait, wait, wait… let's not by hasty, Amell. I'm trying to have civilized conversation here.' Solona laughed at that.

'I don't care what a dumb fuck, as you, want to say. I'm still going to kill you.' She narrowed her eyes and hissed. 'Prepare to die!'

'Resistance!' He waved with his arms. 'Everywhere I go, resistance! How very inconsiderate! But wait… what do we have here? Why, it's first enchanter.' He gestured at First Enchanter Irving and started to babble. 'Come say hello to your old apprentice, Irving.' Solona looked at old men with concerne. She loved Irving like a father she never knew. He was her mentor, her friend. Uldred laughed at him, regarding his blooded robe. 'Don't mind the blood, Amell. He's had a… hard day.' Wynne approached Irving with a heavy breathing.

'What have you done to him?!

'Solona… Wynne… Stop him...' Irving started to talk, his voice sound like he was mustering all his will to say anything. 'He… is building an army. He will… destroy the templars and-' Uldred interrupted Irving talk with babble again.

'You're a sly little fox, Irving, telling on me like that.' Then Uldred turned to Solona and Wynne. 'And here I thought he was starting to turn.'

'N-never.' Irving growled.

'That's enough out of you, Irving. He'll serve me, eventually. As will you...'

'Oh, for Andraste's flaming tits!' Mahria shouted. 'Let's kill him already. I don't have whole day to waste.' Uldred looked at her with curiosity.

'I like you, my lady.' His eyes slided on whole body of Mahria. 'Your raw potential, with the strength of a demon behind it, would be unstoppable. I can do that - I can give you power, and a new life.' Mahria giggled at that.

'You can certainly go and try. Be my guest. We wasted far too long with that banter. My blade would like to meet with your guts.'

'Mahria, you really never cease to amaze me.' Morrigan tittered. 'You're right. Better kill that poor sod. I'm fed up with the tower already.' Uldred narrowed his eyes.

'I don't care what you say. That is what I've decided, and that is what will be done. That woman...' He pointed at Mahria who regarded Uldred with mischievous smirk. 'Will be mine.' Loghain growled at that.

'First you will have to pass by me, bastard. Everyone, attack that fool!'

'Fight, if you must. It will just make my victory all the sweeter.' After a second Uldread started to swell, he turned into big demon. The battle was tough, as abominations attacked them as well. Uldred… or rather demon in his body tried to turn other hostages into demons but at that time Wynne took an old scroll and shouted a spell.

'You won't win, Uldred! I have Litany of Adralla! Cullen use your skills on them!' She shouted. Templar nodded to Wynne and started to drain magical power from abominations and Uldred. When Wynne spell was in effect all abominations become stunned. Wynne casted that spell few times and it helped a great deal. Soon only demon who was standing was Uldred. They attacked him with everything they got. Loghain still remembered it's words 'That woman will be mine.'. Blood rushed into his head in fury. He jumped on Uldred and slid his sword up to the grip in demon's chest. That was final blow for the monster. It fall on it's back, with Loghain still pinned to it's chest. With one mighty swung, Mac Tir reclaimed his sword and descended from the corpse.

'That was something.' Mahria tittered and approached Loghain. She looked at body of demon with interest. Mac Tir regarded his wife, he hesitated only for a second just to take her into his arms and kiss abruptly. When they broke a kiss he took her hand and without a word pulled toward First Enchanter Irving. Old man stood up with much effort.

'Maker, I'm too old for this.' Wynne and Solona were next to him, their faces shown concerne.

'Irving, are you all right?' Wynne put his arm on her to help him to stand.

'I've… ngh...' Man grunted in pain. '... been better. But I'm thankful to be alive.' Irving looked around at everyone. 'I was surprised to see all of you.' His gaze locked at Solona. 'Sol, my child, I am glad you have returned.' Then he looked at Loghain. 'Your Teyrnship, I can't express my gratitude. You came here to help us, mages.'

'It's nothing, First Enchanter. We should move, will you manage to walk?'

'Yes. Come, the templars await. We shall let them know that the tower is once again ours.'

CIRCLE TOWER, GROUND FLOOR

They went downstair, when they reached survivors loud shouts of joy broke when mages and templars saw First Enchanter Irving alive. Soon they reached barred doors and went to talk with Kinght-Commander Greagoir. Knight looked at Irving in disbelieve.

'Irving? Maker's breath, I did not expect to see you alive.' Irving approached templar and smiled faintly.

'It is over, Greagoir. Uldred... is dead.' Cullen stepped forward to Knight-Commander.

'Ser, we killed Uldred and his abominations. Teyrn Loghain with his men cleaned whole tower. Everyone that survived seems to be fine.'

'Thank you, ser Cullen. I'm glad to see you alive as well.' Solona went to Cullen side and looked at him then at Greagoir.

'I believe order has been restored to the Circle. It's just sad that so many was lost.' She started to cry over loss of so many friends.

'We will rebuild, Solona.' Irving looked at Warden mage. 'The circle will go on, and we will learn from this tragedy, and be strengthened by it.' Loghain remembered words of Uldren and interrupted their talk.

'I don't think it was just mere coincidence. Uldred said that he was… influenced… by Arl Howe. You see... Howe attacked Castle of Highever. He wanted to kill my wife's parents and our children, who were there at the time. We have learned that Arl have sent a mage to poison Arl Eamon Guerrin of Highever… He said also that he wanted to become a King. It all sums up. He plotted big scheme to make Ferelden fall to his knees. What is the worst… that he done all of it in the time of Blight.'

'Blight?' Irving gasped in shock. 'That can't be...'

'Yes, Blight. We need your help. Both templars and mages… or we all will be doomed.' Loghain sighed and waited for Irving and Gregoir reply.

'You have our mages, Your Teyrnship, we will aid Warden's in this dire time.' Irving nodded lightly to Loghain. Then Greagoir also nodded in assent.

'I will send as many templars as I'll manage, Your Teyrnship.'

'Very well. Now… I think we should return to Redcliffe.' Loghain turned but Greagoir stopped him.

'Your Teyrnship, it's night already. We can offer you and your men guest rooms, to rest.' Loghain looked at Knight-Commander then at his company. They all look tarnished.

'Yes. That's far more better idea. All right! Let's rest and we will leave tomorrow.'

MAC TIR'S GUEST ROOM

'Maker's balls… and here I thought we will leave that place...' Mahria sighed while looking around. They were finally alone. Woman sat in the chair and started to untie laces of her gauntlets.

'What? You fear abominations of demons will swoop on us when we will be resting?' Loghain regarded his wife in curiousity. He felt a bit awkward, as it was first normal talk after all those years of silence.

'No… it's just...' Mahria looked at the ceiling in her usual way. 'The tower creeps me out. No wonder Anders run from here seven times. And he must be an excellent swimmer...' Loghain chuckled. A commotion broke behind the doors, Mahria stood up and opened them only a bit. She saw Solona dragging Cullen by his ear. Just like every mother punish her child when it's naughty. Templar howled in pain but Amell seemed to not care about it at all.

'Come, Cullen. We have to talk seriously. You tried to run away, but there is no running from me, idiot.' When Sol passed next to slightly opened doors of Mahria and Loghain chamber she noticed her friends face in the gap. 'Look, Mahria. I should rest but instead of resting I need to take care of that sod.' Woman exchanged smirks and Mahria waved Amell goodbye and locked the door again.

'What was that about?' Loghain turned to her, he was already off from his upper parts of the armor.

'Nothing. Just a bit of punishment Ser Cullen must endure right now.' Mahria giggled then she sat on the chair again and returned to untying her gauntlets. Loghain looked at her then kneeled in front of his wife.

'Let me do it.' He moved his hands to hers and started to take of her armor, piece by piece. 'I… feel wrong, Mahria… I don't know what to do. Those three years… I want to make it up to you. Please, say what I need to do. I'll do anything for you.' Mahria regarded him for a longer moment then she smiled.

'I want a bath.' He looked at his wife, trying to grasp what she had said just now. 'I'm all sweaty… covered in blood and Maker's only now what else. When I'll be clean I think we can figure something out.' Loghain send her puzzled gaze for a second then he laid his forehead on her laps.

'Maker… and here I thought you will say something serious. How stupid of me.' When he felt her hand on his hair, warm feeling struck his body. 'Fine, Teyrna. I'll wash you. Do you have any other demand from your humble servant?'

'I'll think about it.' He stood up and called servant to prepare bath for them. When tub was full of hot water and servants left he stripped his wife and took her to bathtub. 'And what about you?' She pointed at the lower part of the armor and greaves. 'Take it off.' When she looked at Mac Tir stripping her features saddened and she hung her head. He noticed change in her behaviour when he was already naked and eager to join Mahria in the tub.

'What…? Mahria? What's wrong?' Quite, stern face made him feel awkward again. 'Should I leave?'

'No. Don't go. It's just.' Woman glanced at his body and sighed. 'It's just that I haven't seen you like that for three years. There is this pesky little voice in my head that says 'it's a lie, Mahria…' and… I can't shut it.' Loghain only shook his head in reply and pushed her lightly forward.

'Move, silly.' He placed himself behind then pulled her back to his chest. His hands embraced Mahria firmly. Mac Tir nuzzled his face in her hair then moved it to her ear. A light bite on earlobe made Mahria shivered, but what made her shiver even more was his voice that whispered to her ear. 'I swear on Gareth and Ailis, that I've never lied to you and I will never push you away again. That was lesson for both of us.' She moaned quietly over the sensation of his hot breath on her skin. 'So that still works, huh? Now come, I'll wash you and then we will move to bed.'

'Aren't you tired?' Mahria asked between moans.

'I am… but I am not dead. I won't go to sleep peacefully until I'll make you mine again.' His hands moved on her stomach and breasts, washing them and caressing at the same time.

'I was always yours.' She stated while breathing heavily with pleasure. 'Right from the beginning. When my parent's conceive me in the camp at the River Dane. I was meant to be yours.' Loghain chuckled at that.

'Oh? So you were beside me there?' Mac Tir pulled his hands up to wash Mahria's arms and neck. 'You said once that you wanted to be there with me. But you were there, actually. In other form, but present nevertheless.' Mahria growled in feigned anger.

'I meant as an adult, Mac Tir. Not some blob in my mother's womb.' She turned her head and bit him lightly on the jaw. 'Can you imagine me on the battlefield? That would be something!'

'I can, trust me. I bet you would be called Hero of River Dane then. And I would be living peacefully live in your shadow.' When he finished washing Mahria's arms and neck he pushed her to the front and took care of her backs. 'You know? The expression on your face, when you killed that demon who looked like Rowan was… frightening… I thought you will kill me.'

'I was all ready and eager to do so, husband... Lower, Loghain, and scratch there a bit, I'm so itchy.' Loghain smirked and scratched her lower back. 'Mmm… yes… Anyway… I just lost it, fury took over me… the thought of kids... I miss twins so much.'

'We will reach Highever in four days. Gareth and Ailis are already there, I wager.' Mahria nodded then took bucket from the side of the tub. She poured water to it and spilled it on her head. Loghain took soap and spread it over Mahria's hair. When he finished he took the bucket and rinsed off the bubbles. Woman stood up to turn around and sit again, facing her husband.

'Give me those.' She pulled his braids to her side. Mahria quickly unplaited them and washed Loghain's hair. Then she cleaned his body with great attention. 'Done. We're clean and neat. So… what you want to do now?' Her hand wrapped around his hard shaft.

'Let's move to the bed.' Loghain stood up and left the then he helped Mahria to came from it. When she was standing on the floor she looked at her husband for a moment then jumped on him. Her legs and arms wrapped around his body as her lips claimed his. Sensation of Mahria's bare skin, her deep kisses made him groaning from pleasure. He couldn't restrain himself any longer so he slid her onto his hard cock and went to the bed. Loghain sat on it and started to move her waist up and down. Even though they were intimate over those three years, they felt each other indifference during their coupling. Now it was just like before their fight in Orlais. Everything returned back to normal.

'Lay me on the bed, Loghain. I want to feel whole your body on me.' Mac Tir pulled himself out of Mahria, then he took her into his arms and laid on the bed gently. She spread her legs in an invitation but he didn't enter her again. Loghain first made a deep kiss then moved his lips down, showering his wife's body with kisses.

'I want to take it slowly… I want to indulge that tiny body of yours. Mark it as mine so no one would dare snatch you from me.' His breath on her wet skin made her moan even more. 'Luckily it's so bright in here… those magical lights are really great. I can see you so well.' His mouth moved on her breasts, licking each nipple while cupping round flesh around them with hands. 'I want to remember again how you taste, smell and feel.' When he finished caressing her breasts he pulled up and took one of her legs, kissing it from the feet up to the thigh. Mahria looked at him mesmerized, her hands clutched on the sheets.

'Y-you talk too much.' She stated, panting heavily. 'Take me, love.'

'Not yet.' His head moved between her thighs, placing mouth on her womanhood. Sensation of his tongue, swirling around her most sensitive parts made Mahria's moans more loud and relentless. Soon she arched her body with her peak.

'Now you must… Loghain. Take me.' Her desperate tone made him chuckle.

'Oh… I don't know...' He pulled up and looked at her mischievously.

'Such a tease, Mac Tir.' She frowned and then closed her thighs. 'Fine. If you don't wa-' In a second he spread legs again and bend to shut her up with his mouth. While still kissing he entered her. Mahria gasped in pleasure. They broke a kiss. Loghain moved his head to her neck, biting it lightly, while his hips rocked to be in her deeper and deeper. Teyrna's hands moved to his back, scratching and clutching on his skin. Sensation of slight pain made him rock more eagerly. Soon both of them reached their end. Loghain wanted to pull himself up from Mahria but she stopped him by firming her embrace. 'Do not go.'

'You will suffocate if I'll lie on you.'

'No I won't.' Loghain turned his head to face Mahria. He noticed tears on her cheeks.

'Why are you crying, you crazy woman?' His hand moved to wipe them away.

'Because I'm utterly happy.' She smiled at her husband. That smile show so much love that Loghain couldn't even imagine. He regarded her face, it was more mature now. Those three years left its imprint on her features. But one thing returned.

'Your eyes are shining again, love.' Mahria looked at him, incomprehension of his words was clearly visible in her gaze. 'For those three years… your eyes were blank… were like those of dead people… At first I couldn't look into your eyes because I was mad at you… and then because I killed that spark in you. But it's here again. I'm glad, Mahria.' His hand caressed her cheek. 'Those white eyes of snow needs their spark.' She nodded slightly and smiled. To her discontent Loghain pulled up and laid on the bed. 'Come, Teyrna, we need some rest. In few hours we'll leave to Highever.' Then he pulled her body to his side. 'Maker, I can sleep peacefully again.' Soon they fall asleep, tangled in embrace.

Dragon 9:30, 17th Justinian

MAC TIR'S GUEST ROOM

Loghain was woken up by motion next to his head. He opened his eyes only to notice Mahria regarding his face with warm smile. Her fingers stroked one of his braids. 'So you watch me sleeping again?'

'Only for a moment. I knew you would wake up soon.' She moved her head to kiss his nose. 'I didn't have opportunity to look at your sleeping face for such a long time.' Mahria pulled herself to seat and yawned while stretching her hands up. Teyrn moved to her bare back to kiss it. 'Hey, hey! Stop it, we have to go. I want to go to Highever as soon as possible.'

'As you say, Captain.' Both of them left the bed and started to put their undergarment and armor on. While they were getting dressed they shared comments about fight from previous day. 'Mahria… can you teach me about mage's spells?'

'Huh?'

'You know a great deal about what mage's can do in a fight. And you used that knowledge… I recall you also suggested to Anders that he should put our weapons on fire when...'

'When Cailan was killed… yes, I remember.' Mahria knitted her brows and sat on the chair while strapping her greaves. 'Anders told me a lot about spells… and Morrigan... Solona too. It's useful to know about what mage can actually manage to do. I wonder why you don't know...'

'During the rebellion mages turned down on Maric's requests to join his army. I didn't have opportunity to see how they can fight. Now I saw how you ordered them and I'm highly impressed.' Mahria looked at her husband and smiled. Then she stood up and came closer to him to help with laces of his armor.

'I see. I will tell you everything I know… There is one thing I'm concerned about, Loghain.'

'What is that?'

'You said once, you send spy to Howe… so… how it happened, that he didn't know what Arl was planning with Eamon… or here?' Loghain was struck with that question. He looked at Mahria then started to wonder about it.

'That's very good question...'

'Something's fishy here… Spy only informed us about attacking Highever… you should send for him.'

'I will.'

MAIN HALL

'We need to leave, Knight-Commander. Please send mages and your knights to Redcliffe. King's army is quartered there.' Loghain shook hands with Greagori and turned to leave when Cullen draw near them.

'Ser, I would like to go with Teyrn. Please grant me permission to leave.' Older templar considered younger for a moment then nodded.

'But please don't think I'm doing it for you and Solona to be all close and lovey-dovey, ser Cullen. You have your mission there, you will assist Teyrn Loghain, is that clear?' Knight nodded eagerly.

'Ser Cullen, we will wait for you outside.' Loghain turned to young templar and send him pressing on gaze. 'Please pack your things and come to us.'

Dragon 9:30, 21st Justinian

HIGHEVER CASTLE, GREAT HALL

'Mommy, daddy!' Gareth and Ailis run to their parents with overjoyed faces. Loghain grabbed both of twins in his arms, Mahria hugged them from behind. Sahra was jumping around Mac Tir's family with happy barks.

'Mommy missed you so much, chubbies.' Tears of joy run on Teyrna's cheeks. 'I have great story for you, about your dad killing huuuuge demon!' Loghain put his children down and in instant they turned to Mahria, she kneeled to face twins. Loghain grunted at his wife but she only smirked and winked to him. 'Sahra, did you take care of my Pups?' Mabari barked in reply. 'Good girl.'

'Tell us, mommy!' Gareth jumped to his mother. His face looked at Mahria with plead. He was so alike his father. 'I want story now!' His demanding tone also was really similar to Loghain's.

'No, no, no. I'll tell it later. Now mom and dad wants to greet everyone else, you know?' Mahria pulled herself up and went to her parents. Loghain was walking behind her with twins. 'Mother, Father, so good to see you. And Highever… it's already six years. I missed this place a bit.' Couslands hugged their daughter. Bryce patted her arm and smiled.

'Six years, Pup. But I need to say your room is still the same as it was. We didn't touch anything.' Mahria laughed at that statement.

'Why? You thought I would run from Loghain?'

'You run from Highever… you could also run from Gwaren as well, no?' Bryce laughed back at Mahria. Loghain put his hand on Mahria's waist and pulled her closer.

'Like I would let her run from me.' Soon Anora came to the hall. She looked at Mahria and smiled warmly and gestured to her to come closer. When women were beside each other, they hugged firmly. Anora moved her head to friend's ear.

'You look better… did you two…?'

'Yes. Everything is back to normal now, Anora. I'm happy.' Anora backed from Mahria and regarded her face from closer distance.

'I see that. You don't look like a ghost anymore. That's good.' Then Anora went to her father. She looked at him first with serious gaze then it warmed up. 'Father.'

'I'm sorry, Anora.' Loghain looked at his older daughter with a bit of shame. She just giggled and embraced her him.

'Do not apologize. I'm really happy you reconsidered your behaviour.'

'I was a fool… I know.' He pulled her back and watched her belly for a moment. 'How is my grandchild faring?'

'Ugh. Don't even start… Now I know what Mahria was feeling when she looked at food.' Mahria patted Anora's back.

'Soon it will pass, silly goose. Do not worry.' Later everyone gathered in Great Hall for dinner. Mahria met with Nathaniel and his family, she chatted with his wife Bethany, Solona and Cullen. Then Mahria met with Rieska and her children. After the nightfall she related the story of fight with Uldred to Gareth and Ailis, Loghain was sitting next to her, growling from time to time or rolling his eyes while his wife was prating about his heroic accomplishes. When twins went to sleep they could at last go rest.

MAHRIA'S BEDCHAMBER

'So this is your room, huh?' Loghain looked around Mahria's bedchamber. After six years he still could see all signs of Mahria's presence in that room. Weapons hanged on walls, her books, old rag-doll. He noticed tapestry on the wall and approached it.

'We were here few hours ago.' Mahria replied while she was looking for her nightgown.

'Yes, but we were in hurry to change and refresh. Everyone were waiting for us. Now I can look around freely… Just to see me on the wall.' Mahria pulled her head up and blushed. She totally forgot about that. 'Hmmm… it's really detailed, I should say. Yet my depiction is still bad… they could at least made me handsome as a joke.' Mahria giggled.

'You are handsome, husband. At least for me.' She stood up and approached the wall with tapestry, stopping next to Loghain. Her fingers tangled with his. 'Father bought this for my birthday. Who would have guessed that I got tapestry with my own husband on it.' Her other hand moved to stroke tapestry in place where man was embroidered. She giggled and Loghain looked at her inquiringly. 'Oh, it's just that I remembered that Anora said once that I should throw it away… and hang paintings with naked boys… maybe I really should do that.' Man turned to her and took her into his arms.

'I won't allow it. And only naked man you can see is me. You should also strip, dear.' His head moved to her neck, his mouth started to kiss and lick it. Soon they were occupied with love-making. After they were done and were laying in embrace Mahria looked at husband with curiosity. He quickly noticed it. 'What is it?'

'When all of this will be over… and when we will return to Gwaren… can we think about another child?' Loghain looked at Mahria incredulously.

'What?!'

'I would like to have another child with you, Your Teyrnship.'

'Don't you think I'm too old for that, Mahria?' Woman shook her head in reply. 'Hmm… You know… when Anders told me that you were pregnant I felt strange. I mean… that I would be a father again. But I think I'm good with twins. I'm far better father to Gareth and Ailis than I was to Anora, I suppose. I can't imagine my life without all of you now. You really think we should have another child, Teyrna?'

'To be honest, I wanted to ask about it when we returned from Orlais… but… you know...' Mahria expression saddened. Loghain shook his head and embraced her more firmly to not let her think about that. 'Anyway… now I'm still taking precautions Anders gave me. I don't want to conceive child without your approval… and not in such dire time. But...' She was silenced by his hand.

'Hush. I agree. If you really want it, we will try.' Mahria smiled and kissed him deeply.

'Thank you, love.' She purred, her hand moved to stroke his chest lightly. 'I hope it will be more Cousland than Mac Tir… just this one… and what about more than one? We can flood Ferelden with Mac Tir offsprings.' Her eyes moved to look at his chest while daydreaming.

'Don't overdo it, Mahria. I'm not that young anymore.' Loghain chuckled and kissed her.

'Fine, fine… anyway, we better put something on. I bet twins won't let us sleep too long in the morning.' They dressed into nightclothes and soon went to sleep.