Dragon 9:30, 22nd Justinian

MAHRIA'S BEDCHAMBER

Gareth and Ailis stormed through the doors with wild shouts. Mahria woken up and looked at twins who jumped on the bed. 'And who we have here, hmm?' Ailis climbed on Loghain and laid on his chest. Gareth sat between his parents and smiled happily.

'Daddy, wake up.' Girl poked father's nose few times. 'Wake up.'

'Yes, wake up, daddy.' Boy tugged Loghain's leg forcibly. 'Daddy there is tapestry with you. From the story mommy was telling us. Grandpa showed us.' Loghain sighed and opened his eyes.

'Maker, you two are just like your mother. Waking me up just after sunrise.' He put his hands on Ailis back and started to tickle her. Girl laughed at that and squirmed in attempt to break free from tickling. 'Princess, why you don't want your daddy to rest, huh?'

'They are my children, husband. They won't let you sleep too long. Just like I won't allow that.' Mahria chuckled and sat up. 'So what are you two been up to?'

'We wanted to play, mommy.' Gareth moved to sit on Mahria laps.

'And what about breakfast?'

'We ate. And now we want to play.' Mahria regarded her son with warm smile. He was really looking alike Loghain. She even ordered to grow his hair to neck length and started to braid similar braids like his father have. With that look she couldn't say no to his pleads.

'Oh, Gareth, you're just like daddy.' She rubbed her nose in his. 'We will play, but first daddy and mommy needs to dress properly… and eat something. We'll play then and later mom needs to take your father somewhere. Now go find Sahra, you two.' Ailis kissed Loghain's nose then quickly stood up and ran after her brother to find mother's mabari. 'Time to get up.' Mahria jumped from bed and started to change into dress. 'Get up, Loghain.'

'Just a second longer...' Mahria pulled cover from his body, he growled at that. 'Why I can't rest just for a moment?

'Because we don't have time for it, Loghain. I want to spend as much time with you and twins as possible.' She sat on the bed with cover in her hands, crumpling it with nervous demeanor. 'I… I'm just scared I won't see them again. Everything with Howe and Blight… it's too much. We need to talk to my mother… she have to take them from Ferelden… if...'

'Mahria… they will be safe. I promise you, Eleonora will take them to Kirkwall. I already talked with Bryce about that matter.' Loghain put his arm around her back. 'Maybe it would be better if you stay with them?'

'No… it was my decision to fight. I asked you to make me Captain of your army… I need to see that to it's end. I won't back away from that. It's my duty.'

'When you say 'duty' now… I'm starting to hate that word. For whole my adult life I was concerned about my duty toward Ferelden… I was proud. But when you say that, I hate it.' After a moment he stood up and started to change from his bedclothes. 'Fine, Teyrna. Let's go and face our rambunctious rascals. By the way… where you want to take me to? You said to Gareth you want to go somewhere with me.'

'I won't tell you. It's a surprise.' They went to main hall to eat some breakfast then spend almost whole day with Gareth and Ailis, Anora also came to be with her father and rest of the family. In the evening Mahria went with Loghain to stable and they saddled Da'asha and his black stallion. When they sat on the mounts Mahria giggled then spurred her hart. 'Chase me!'

CLIFFS NEAR HIGHEVER

'What it this place?' Loghain looked around with curiosity. They came to large clearing between the woods, only one side of it was ending with cliff. The magnificent view on the see was breathtaking.

'This is my favourite place. I often came here with Anora for gossip sessions. We could talk privately. And when I came here alone I could have some peace… moment of solitude.' Mahria left Da'asha to let her feed on the grass and moved forward to the cliff. 'This is my beloved place, Loghain. And… I asked Anora here to find me husband.'

'Huh?' Mac Tir walked to his wife and took her hand.

'It's truth… although I didn't have you on my mind. Someone… anyone… and she said that she will try. And on next day I was betrothed to you. Everything went so fast from there.' Mahria sighed and regarded see, not saying a word for longer moment.

'So Anora's plan was invented here? Then I like this place even more.' He moved behind Mahria and hugged her, his head leaned on her neck. They were standing there and contemplating when Loghain talked again. 'I still feel strange.'

'Strange? About what?'

'Talking to you… those three years… we didn't talk much… only week ago we barely talked to each other, and now you behave just like you used to be. I need to say I rather feel awkward.'

'I don't want to remember what was bad, Loghain. Really, I don't. There is too much of shit around, especially now.' Mahria extracted herself from man's embrace and went to sit next to giant rock. He proceeded to sit next to her, observing her face whole time. 'I said it earlier. I can't be mad with you. You are my hero, my husband, father of my children. I just forgave you, you forgave me. Although there is this feeling in my heart. That you still want her… not me.'

'Silly, I…'

'Hush, I know. I really do.' Mahria turned her head to the sea. 'I don't want to talk about it. Soon we will leave Highever. We will have to fight. I pray to the Maker that we will survive… that Gray Wardens will slay the Archdemon. And we will peacefully return to Gwaren. But now… I want to spend every last moment with you, being happy and loved.'

'I promise you that I'll make you always happy, Mahria. I know I made you miserable but that ended in the Circle. I won't ever leave your side.'

'Loghain, promise me one thing. That you won't die, you won't leave me. I won't allow you to die before me. You just can't.' She bit her lips, trying not to shed any tear.

'Crazy woman.' Loghain shook his head and pulled her to sit astride him. 'You know that I'm older. I won't live that long.'

'No, I refuse. You must keep living until I'll pass. Then you're allowed to die, to join me.' Mahria put her face in the hands. 'I know you will manage to do that for me.' Loghain chuckled at her talk.

'Oh, yes. Famous Hero of River Dane will just win death itself. I'm not that powerful or capable, Mahria. It's not mystical creature from fairytale. I'm just a man.' Mahria pulled her hands from face and looked at man with certainty in her eyes.

'I think you are wrong here. Because you don't want to admit it. That you are more than everyone else. You are, Loghain. Just give yourself some credit.' She put her hand on his cheek and caressed it with light manner. 'I believe in you more than in Maker himself. I always did. So just promise me that.'

'That's blasphemy, my dear wife. I should take you to the nearest Chantry.'

'Promise me, Loghain.'

'I swear to you, I won't leave you alone. Until the day you'll die.' Mac Tir regarded his wife then smiled. 'Remember how we sat like that after your parents left Gwaren?' Mahria nodded, she tilted her head, uncomprehending what he wanted to say. 'Back then I was a bit ashamed by your youth, strange ways and new situation whatsoever. But now, regarding those romantic circumstances, I'd like to have you, here. Now.' He kissed Mahria abruptly, soon their caresses caused him to get hard and all ready. She could feel pressure with her pelvis. And she was as eager as him.

'In such romantic sce-mmmm...' She moaned as Loghain bend to kiss her neck and bit earlobe. '... scenery… it's so unlike us.' He groaned and disregarded obvious tease. With one hand he slid her smallclothes to the side to make himself free entry, then freed his hard shaft from his breeches. Mahria moved up just to slide on it with loud gasp. 'But I love it.' Man grabbed her waist firmly and helped her move up and down on him, looking at her flushed face. Mahria looked into his icy blue eyes, now burning with passion, lust and love. 'Don't look at me… with this gaze… I feel I'll burn in an instant.'

'You make me feel the same, Mahria. I need you, you are my air. Without you I'll die. You are my treasure. Mine and only mine.' His hoarse, low voice ringed in her ears, make her melt even more. They exchanged sweet words until feeling of orgasm was near. Loghain took matters in his own hands, pulling her body up and down more eagerly and strongly. After brief moment they reached their ends. Mahria put her forehead on his, locking her eyes with his, hands reached his head, grabbing it firmly from boths sides, like she wanted to be sure all of that is true, that he is right here. 'What's with that serious face?'

'I'm just assuring myself that we are here.' She sighed and stood up, she adjusted her smallclothes on right place then sat next to him. 'Give me your braid, Mac Tir.' Man laid on the grass with head on her laps. Mahria's hands soon started plait and unplait his hair in trained manner. Loghain's chuckle made her stop. 'What is it?'

'I just remember your first visit to Gwaren with your mother. And Arlessa Howe was there too, with Nathaniel. Celia invited all of you for summer.' His hand teared blade of grass. He rolled it between his fingers. Loghain looked up to meet confused gaze of his wife. 'I was coming down from my chamber, when you dashed in front of me, trying to chase after Nathaniel. You two were four or five. Anyway... you tripped on the carpet and fall on your face. That had to hurt, I wager, you only stood up and rubbed your nose...'

'I don't remember that...' Mahria knitted her brows. She really tried to remember that but it all was foggy.

'That's not all… then you turned to look at me… you jumped in terror, bristled like wet cat.' Loghain laughed at that memory. 'Maker… I remember my wife when she was four years old… and I was like twenty six or so...'

'Don't tell me that men doesn't wish for young, appealing wife to share bed with.' Mahria laughed. 'I got better memory with you… I was twelve back then... do you remember when Anora and me climbed that huge tree in palace garden? We wanted to toss pebbles onto study's window where Cailan had his lecture… but we made a mistake in calculations and throw them onto your's study window. You emerged from it and yelled at Anora. I was so frightened back then! That was first time I got down from the tree that fast.'

'Yes, I remember. Your face was white. And your eyes were round like plates. You two were lucky that your mother got around you two… or else I would get down there and spank your arses.' Loghain wagged his finger at his wife. 'I bet it was all your's idea.'

'Not at all! Anora wanted to call Cailan to play with us. But… Holy Andraste… I have only frightening memories of you from my childhood… how, for Maker's pants, I got into that marriage?'

'I hope you're not that frightened of me now...'

'Now? Not at all. With few exceptions… Like when Maric informed everyone at Landsmeet that he want to go to Orlais… then he turned to me and wanted to know my opinion… after Landsmeet finished I was so afraid to go to you!' Mahria shivered at that memory. 'I was regarding your back… and your hand which almost broke backrest of your chair to shreds… Pretty scary...'

'I was so mad then. And that was justified! Because of that idiot I lost you for three years.' Loghain clenched his fist on the grass he was holding. Mahria moved her hand and gently extracted blade of grass from his grasp. Then started to tickle Loghain's nose.

'Sometimes you say such stupid things I don't know how I should relate to them.' She bended to kiss his forehead. 'I was… I am… and I always will be yours.' She sighed and returned straw to Loghain, retracting to plaiting his braid again. 'So, Commander, what are the plans?'

'Tomorrow we will go to Zetrall with Warden Mahariel and Warden Amell. You know where his clan has it's camp?'

'Yes. Three or four hours from Highever.'

Dragon 9:30, 23rd Justinian

MAVEAL CLAN CAMP

Dalish hunters spotted shemlen party approaching their camp but as soon as they spotted Mahria, they come out from their hiding with gentle smiles. 'Andaran atish'an, ma falon.'

'Andaran atish'an, Abatheal, long time no see. How are you faring?' Mahria dismounted her hart and came closer to elf.

'Same old, ma falon, same old. Come, I bet Keeper will be pleased with your arrival. Teyrn Loghain, it's a pleasure as always…' Abatheal turned to their companions. 'And your friend are…? Sabrae Clan?'

'Andaran atisha'an. That's right. I'm Theron Mahariel from Sabrae Clan. Now, a Grey Warden.' Warden elf bowed slightly to Abatheal.

'Abatheal Serrill. Welcome to our camp.' Then elf looked at Amell.

'Grey Warden Solona Amell.' Abatheal regarded both Wardens with curiosity.

'I have heard about Grey Wardens… to see you here in flesh... that's something else.' Elf turned and gestured toward the camp. 'Please, come.' Abatheal guided them to Zetrall. Keeper was talking to his wife when he spotted Mahria and Loghain and smiled widely.

'Look, who's here, Balame.' Elven woman turned and also spread her lips in a smile.

'Da'len! Andaran atish'an! Come! You need to see my grandson!' Balame dragged Mahria to the back of the camp while Loghain greeted with Zetrall and introduced Wardens to him.

'So you are from Sabrae Clan, yes? It's really strange that Keeper Merethari allowed to recruit you.' Zetrall regarded dalish Warden for a moment.

'Duncan saved my life, Keeper. I and my friend, Tamlen…' Elf grimaced at the memory he wanted to share with Keeper. 'We found strange mirror in the ruins… tainted mirror…and the ruins… were underground, yet with elvhen trails. It was really strange. Tamlen gone missing… I pray to the Creators that he just died and didn't turn into darkspawn.' After a moment Mahria returned to the rest.

'Huh, Balame is really happy. Strong child, Zetrall, you must be proud.' Elf nodded. 'Have you talked already about…?'

'No. Not yet. We've waited for you.' Loghain turned to his old elven friend. 'Zetrall… there is Blight upon us… we need aid of Dalish clans.'

'Come again?!' Elf turned abruptly to Mac Tir, leaning on the aravel with one hand, trying not to fall on the ground. 'Blight?!'

'Yes.'

'Creators… I need to inform other clans… what with children… and elders?' Zetrall started to pace around with nervous manner. His clanmates, though they didn't heard what he was talking about with shemlens, started to feel nervous too. Mahria looked around the camp. Then she stopped Zetrall from walking, grabbing his arms and looked into his eyes.

'Ma falon, aid us with your hunters, warriors, mages… and send everyone else to Highever. My mother will take care of them, I promise.' Elf regarded her and laughed at that.

'Mahria, da'len, shemlens won't help us, don't lie to me.'

'You are my friend, Zetrall. My mother and father, though they didn't approve that I went to your camp, they started to like you and elves. Because they grew to understand. I don't care what everyone else think, you are here in Ferelden, all of you are one of us. Just like dwarves or qunari… em… tal-vashoths, right? So please, trust in my words and help us. You helped Loghain during rebel… now we need your help again in much more dangerous threat.'

'I don't know...' Zetrall was confused… he regarded his clan… children, elders, women and men. 'Fine, Dalish clans will aid Grey Wardens and King's army. But I need your word, Mahria, that rest of my clan will be kept safe.' Mahria bowed deeply to that reply of Zetrall.

'I promise you, Keeper, that my mother will protect your clan.' Then elf turned to Grey Wardens.

'Have you contacted Sabrae Clan? Or should I send hunters to Keeper Merethari?'

'I already send messenger, but if you can spare hunter or two to go to my Keeper, it would be much appreciated.' Theron Mahariel crossed his arms and regarded Zetrall. 'I think my Keeper would be much more pleased to talk with dalish rather than shemlen messenger.'

'Fine. Loghain, I'll get my men ready in three days. Then we will arrive at Highever castle and we will be at your disposal. I trust your commanding.' Loghain shook his hand with elf. Huge sigh of reliefe broke from his mouth.

'Thank you, my friend. Who would have guessed that we will fight again?'

'Creators send us strange fate, friend. But back then we were much younger… I just hope everything turn to good.'

WAY BACK TO HIGHEVER

Mac Tirs and Wardens were travelling back to the castle when scared woman approached them. 'Oh, thank the Maker! We need help! They attacked the wagon; please help us! Follow me! I'll take you to them!' She gestured with her hand to the back and run away. Whole party regarded woman and went after her. She run up to blond haired elf, who was standing in the middle of the road. Elf watched them for a moment then put his hand higher to make some sing, at that moment armored people emerged behind the rocks and other hiding places. 'Mac Tirs die here!' He shouted and battle started. Even Though elf was experienced in fighting, rest of his men were just some minor thugs. Loghain's soldiers, wardens and his wife soon get rid of them. Mahria was fighting with elf leader and soon she knocked him down. He laid on the ground unconscious. Mac Tir approached him and tugged his armor to wake elf up.

'Mmm… what? I… oh.' Elf regarded everyone, absent-mindedly. 'I rather thought I would wake up dead. Or not wake up at all, as the case may be. But I see you haven't killed me yet.' Strong antivan accent was showing where elf came from.

'Shut up, elf. I have some questions.' Loghain put his feet on elf chest, making last one unable to stand.

'Ah! So I'm to be interrogated? Let me save you some time.' Elf smirked. 'My name is Zevran. Zev to my friends. I am member of the Antivan Crows, brought here for sole purpose of slaying Teyrn Loghain and Teyrna Mahria Mac Tir. Which I have failed at, sadly.' Mahria chuckled at that and regarded elf with her mischevious smile.

'I don't feel sad at all, elf.' Loghain growled. 'Who hired you?'

'A rather taciturn fellow in Amaranthine. Rendon Howe, I think his name was? Yes, that's it.' Mac Tir turned to his wife, they exchanged concerned glances. Then his gaze locked at Zevran again.

'You know that your contractor is dead? You were going to see him?''

'I wasn't. If I had succeeded, I would have returned home and the Crows would have informed your Howe of the results… if he didn't already know. But now he won't know at all.' Zevran sighed. 'If I had failed, I would be dead. Or I should be, at least as far as Crows are concerned. Still no need to see Howe then.'

'Are you loyal to Howe?'

'I have no idea what his issues are with you. The usual, I imagine. You threaten his power, yes? Or rather.. threatened. Beyond that, no I'm not loyal to him. I was contracted to perform a service.'

'A service.' Mahria laughed at that. 'Maker, you're funny fellow. A service...' She looked at elf with curiosity. 'And now that? You've failed that service.' Elf also laughed.

'Oh, that's between Crows and Howe… or was. And between Crows and myself.' Mahria approached closer and squatted next to Zevran.

'And between you and us?'

'Isn't that what we're establishing now?' Elf regarded Mahria with faint smile on his lips. She nodded to him. 'Then unless you're quite stuck on cutting my throat or something equally gruesome, perhaps you'd care to hear a proposal?' Mahria moved her head up to look at Loghain. He nodded and then turned to the Crow.

'We're listening. Make it quick, though. We don't have much time to waste.'

'Well, here's the thing. I failed to kill you, so my life is forfeit. That's how it works. If you don't kill me, the Crows will. Thing is, I like living. And you obviously are the sort to give the Crows pause. So let me serve you, instead.' Loghain chuckled at his proposal.

'To let you kill me and my wife later? What's to stop you from finishing the job later?' Loghain took his feet from Zevran chest and stood behind Mahria, who was still squatting next to elf.

'Teyrn, to be completely honest, I was never given the much of a choice regarding joining the Crows. They bought me on a slave market when I was a child. I think I've paid my worth back to them, plus tenfold. The only way out, however, is to sign up with someone they can't touch. Even if I did kill you now, they might kill me just on principle for failing the first time. Honestly, I'd rather take my chances with you.'

'Tell me, Crow, why we would like you service?' Mahria stood up, still eyes locked on elf.

'Why? Because I am skilled with at many things, from fighting to stealth and picking the locks. I could also warn you should the Antivan Crows attempt something more… sophisticated… now that my attempt have failed.'

'More sophisticated…?' Mahria grimaced. 'Tell me, those Crows… can they harm… my family for example?'

'Oh, no no. They are not just some thugs from back alley. They have contract for you, my fair lady, and for your husband. They won't be bothered by anyone else as it would harm their… reputation.' Zevran winked at Mahria. 'As for me… I could also stand around and look pretty, if you prefer. Warm your bed, perhaps? No?' Loghain angry growl startled Zevran. 'Sorry, poor joke.' Mahria laughed and pointed at her husband.

'I have someone else, who warms it just fine. So that would be no.'

'Haha, I like woman who knows exactly what she wants, I really do.' Elf face became serious, his gaze moved to Loghain. 'So what shall it be? I'll even shine that armor of yours, Teyrn. You won't find a better deal, I promise.' Mac Tirs locked their gazes then Loghain make gesture with his head to move from Zevran. When they walked away they started to talk quietly. Solona came to them.

'What do you think, Loghian?' Mahria looked at eld then at her husband. 'I think it would be a good deal.' Solona regarded her then lift her brow up.

'I don't really know… in one hand I'd like just to kill that sod… but in this time we are rather in need of skillful men.'

'What? You want to take assassin with us? Does that really seem like a good idea?' Amell looked at elf and sighed. 'He wanted to kill both of you...'

'He wants to help now.' Mahria shrugged her shoulders then waited for Loghain's decision.

'We could use him… And if he will start to act suspicious, we will kill him.' Man sighed and regarded both woman for a moment. 'I will put him under Wardens custody, Warden Amell.'

'Hmmm. All right, all right. I see your point, Your Teyrnship.' Then Solona turned to elf. 'Welcome, Zevran… Having an Antivan Crow joining our cause sounds like… a fine plan... I hope.'

'Oh? You are another companion-to-be, then? I wasn't aware such loveliness existed amongst adventurers, surely.' Amell grimaced and turned to Mahria.

'Or maybe not.' Mahria smirked at Solona and patted her on the shoulder.

'Sorry. You got another burden on your back.'

'First idiot Cullen… now this.' Mage shook her head and let a big sigh. Loghain moved to elf and stretched his hand to help him stood up.

'I hereby pledge my oath of loyalty to you, Teyrn Loghain, Teyrna Mahria, and to Wardens; until such a time as you choose to release me from it. I am your man, without reservation… this I swear.' Elf bowed to them.

'We will see about that. Now, we wasted too much time here. Let's return to Highever.' Loghain took Mahria by her hand and escorted his wife to Da'asha, then he mounted his horse.

Dragon 9:30, 25th Justinian

Mahria was walking down the corridor when she overheard argue behind doors leading to Hawke's family chambers. The loud voice, she heard was familiar to her. 'Nathaniel?' Woman moved to the doors a bit to eavesdrop a bit. 'Garrett I think you should fight with us. Your mage skills are superb to no one.'

'I can't Nate, I need to take care of mother and Carver. Bethany and your son as well. Everyone going to the battle but who will protect those who will remain here?' Voice of Garret Hawke ringed in Mahria's ears. She spoke to him only once, when Nathaniel presented Hawke's family to her. She hesitated for a moment then entered the chamber.

'Sorry to interrupt.' She looked around to see Nathaniel and Hawke's family, without Bethany who was in Garden with her son and other children.

'Eavesdropping again, Mahria?' Nate shook his head in disapproval. He knew too well that Mahria always wanted to know everything.

'Sorry, bad habit of mine. I was just passing by.' Mahria closed the doors and approached everyone. 'Nate… one man won't change anything. Maybe it will be better if Hawke will stay and protect them, if you say he's such excellent mage?'

'You see, brother-in-law? Teyrna agrees with me. I'm not suited to fight, Nate.' Mahria looked at Garrett, he was younger than her and Nate, twenty-five or so, first child of Leandra and Malcolm Hawke. As she overheard Leandra eloped with apostate and two of three conceived children from that marriage happened to be mages. Garret was tall, handsome, with strange red mark on his nose, which made him look wild and appealing. But Mahria wasn't really interested in his features.

'I don't know...' Nathaniel paced around, thinking deeply. 'And what do you think, mother?' Leandra looked at Nathaniel with stern face. She really didn't want to send any of her child to certain death.

'We are not nobles, Nathaniel. We are common folks, that don't know how to fight. And Garrett will secure our safety, especially Bethany and little Malcolm's.'

'See, Nate. Children needs protection. If I may ask, Hawke, please look for my children as well… and Rieska's children. Maybe you don't know Anders, but I'm sure you will like him. He's splendid mage and healer.' Mahria smiled at memory of Anders, she missed that silly man. Garrett came closer to Teyrna and took her hand into his.

'Of course, Your Teyrnship.' He moved hands up to kiss Mahria's palms. 'Such beautiful woman shouldn't worry about anything. Me and my lil' brother will keep an eye on everyone.' Hawke winked at woman but she send him unamused gaze.

'Yes… well, thank you.'

Dragon 9:30, 26th Justinian

MAC TIR'S BEDCHAMBER

'Have you packed everything?' Loghian looked around room to check if they took everything that they will need during their travels. He looked at the tapestry depicting him and thought deeply. 'I will fight again… Maker, your jokes are the best, and to think my wife will fight as well… She is born from that time… from battle of River Dane… and now I will fight beside her. Against darkspawn.' He was so deep in thought that he didn't hear Mahria was calling to him. He snapped out when she tugged his arm.

'Loghain, I'm ready… we need to talk with twins.' Mac Tir turned his head to Mahria. She was all serious and grave. To think they will have to say goodbye to Gareth and Ailis, that they might not see them again, it was devastating. How he wished that Mahria choose to stay over fight. That she would protect twins and raise them after his death.

'Wait a moment, I need… I want to ask you one last time. Wouldn't it be better if you stay, Mahria? With children? The thought of losing you. I can't.' Woman lips made a warm smile and she hugged him.

'I can't do that, love. Not now. Mother will take care of them. I asked that man, Garrett Hawke, to look after everyone… We will fight for their future. If anything happens, they will know that both of their parents died for them and for their country. For our country and our people.' Even though they were already with armors, they still could feel each other warmth. Mahria embraced him, moving her hands to his head, diving fingers in his hair. Loghain also put his hand on her brown hair and started to stroke it. 'Let's call children. Soon we will have to leave.'

'Alright… bring them here. I want only four of us to be here.' Mahria broke their embrace and went toward doors, she opened them but didn't cross door-frame.

'And what about Anora?' She turned to Loghain and waited for his reply.

'I'll talk to her later.' Mahria watched him for a moment, thinking, but then nodded and went outside. After short moment she came with Gareth and Ailis. She seated twins on the bed and both Loghain and Mahria stood in front of them with serious faces. Ailis regarded her parents for a moment then started to talk with feigned cry.

'Daddy, mommy! I promise we didn't want to broke that vase! It was all Gareth's fault!' Her brother slapped his forehead and shook head with disbelief.

'Stupid! Every time you need to blurt everything out!' Gareth then turned to his father with innocent face. 'Dad, I swear… it's just because Sahra was jumping all over and...' Both Mahria and Loghain couldn't contain themselves and started to laugh. 'You're not mad, daddy?'

'Soldier, we don't even know what vase are you talking about.' Loghain chuckled at his son. Gareth turned to Ailis with eyes wide opened, she also turned to his brother. Both twins didn't know what to think anymore.

'So… it's not about the vase… is it about, umm… something else we did?' Gareth's gaze become terrified. Both of twins were just like hurricane and every time they played with Sahra, things tend to broke.

'I suspect you two have done something more than breaking the vase, Soldier, Princess.' Twins hung their heads over Loghain grave gaze. 'But this time I'll overlook that. It's not Gwaren after all… and I know your grandmother lets you do whatever you like here in Highever.' Young Mac Tirs moved their heads up and regarded their parents with uncertain smiles. 'Anyway… your mother and I, we need to leave you here. For several months. There is war, a Blight, and we need to fight.'

'Can't we come with you, mommy? Daddy?' Ailis eyes moved from Mahria to Loghain with real tears dwelling in them. She already didn't like that they were separated for so long, and those few days she could spend with her parents together were a miracle to her.

'No, Princess. You need to stay here.' Loghain kneeled in front of his younger daughter. His hand moved to caress her little cheek, wet from tears. Gareth also started to cry. 'Both of you will have to behave now. Listen to your Grandmother. Be good.' Mahria kneeled next to Loghain and brushed hairs of both her children.

'Listen, if anything happens… both of you… will go with granny to Kirkwall, you will sail there with ships. Anora will be go with you, uncle Fergus, and Rieska with Lili, Elna and Marcus. You need to take care of everyone. Because you are children of Teyrn Mac Tir.' Mahria watched her children reddened and wet eyes, her heart broke into small pieces. 'Gareth, you will become Teyrn someday. You need to be strong, you need to protect everyone. Do you understand?' Boy nodded to his mother, but still wept.

'Soldier, if we won't return, take care of your sisters.' Loghain couldn't brace himself not to cry. It was first time for him that to say goodbye was so hard and painful. He loved Anora and twins more than anything in the world.

'What do you mean...' Gareth started and AIlis finished his statement.

'... that you won't return?' Loud sobs broke from twins mouths. 'You can't leave us! Daddy, mommy!' Both children jumped from the bed and hugged firmly their parents. Loghain and Mahria became speechless. All four of them embraced and stayed silent, except sobs who rang in quiet room. After some time Loghain have spoken.

'Gareth, Ailis. We need to go. But I promise you, I and your mother will do everything we can to return to you. Is that fine?' Children looked into his eyes and nodded. 'That's good. Now, you promise me that you will behave.'

'Promise.'

'Remember that we love both of you very much… good, now I need to go to your older sister, stay with your mother.' Both Loghain and Mahria looked at one another with wet and red eyes. 'Come later to Anora chamber.' Then Mac Tir left to speak with Anora, while Mahria was talking to twins. Later she took them to their father and sister.

ANORA BEDCHAMBER

'Anora, please stay safe. I know you can't watch over twins in your state, so just keep yourself in good health.' Woman nodded to her father and hugged him.

'I will, father. You too, keep yourself in good health, and try to protect that crazy woman, your wife. Just return to us in one piece, I beg you.' She started to cry. 'I love you, dad. I know I didn't tell you that much, but I do.'

'I know, Anora, I know. I feel the same.' Man embraced his daughter and rubbed her back gently. 'I don't know what future will bring, if I'll be able to meet my grandchild. But tell him or her that his grandfather cared for him or her.'

'You will tell him or her by yourself, dad.' Her cries became even more intense. 'I don't want to tell stories about you to my child, I want you to tell them. Or Mahria, she's good at that.' Loghain chuckled at that.

'You're right. She really enjoys torment me with those nonsenses. I'm really glad you chose me for her husband. I bet when she asked for finding one you immediately came up with me, near that cliff where you had your gossip sessions.'

'Huh?' Anora looked at Loghain with shocked expression. 'How do you-?'

'Mahria told me when she took me to that place. I thought that it came solely from you, but now I know it was plan made up both of you.' Anora smiled at her father and wiped her tears.

'She didn't know I meant you… until next day. She was frightened a bit. But it worked great. I'm really happy.' After a moment they overheard twins approaching Anora room. 'Hear that? Gareth and Ailis are real rascals, just like Mahria.'

'I pray they will grow out of it.' Woman laughed and hugged her father one last time. When Mahria entered chamber with twins they spend one more hour, talking and laughing then went to courtyard to farewell Loghain, Mahria and everyone else.

COURTYARD

'Bryce, take care of yourself, darling.' Eleonora was hugging her husband and weeping. 'Come back to us swiftly.'

'As you say, my dear wife. Fergus take care of your mother.' Teyrn Cousland looked at his son. Fergus patted father's arm and nodded.

'I will, Father. But… won't it be better if I came along? Or you'd stay here and I would go instead?'

'No, you are heir of Highever. Couslands are here for thousands of years, I won't allow or lineage to end because of mere Blight.' Hard gaze of Fergus father assured young man that there is no sense in argue over that. He knew that it's important to keep Ferelden on it's feet after the Blight.

'Fine, father. I swear that I will take care of everything.'

'Good boy. Oh, Loghain and Mahria are coming.' Bryce moved Eleonora back and turned to Mac Tirs. 'All set and ready. We can leave at any time now. Soldiers and dalish elves are gathered outside the town. Nathaniel you're ready?' Howe kissed his wife and little son quickly then nodded and mounted his horse. Mac Tirs farewelled quickly, twins started to cry again along with Anora. Mahria and Loghain couldn't stand this sight any longer so they sat on their mounts. After a second or two Mac Tir ordered to leave.