Pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together, no? I'm enjoying reading the reviews to the last chapter. I love writing moments that make a person experience a strong feeling whether it be surprise, sadness, or happiness. There's still more to come, so I hope you guys continue reading. Thanks for sticking around!

They finished another dance together, and Hawke was laughing freely. There was a healthy flush to her cheeks and it warmed Anders heart to see that she was happy again. He led her back to their table and ordered another round of drinks. Hawke smiled and clapped in sync with the music of the next dance. When the drinks came, Anders saw that Hawke had not even touched her first mug. "Is the ale not your liking?" Anders asked her. "I can have them bring something else."

"Water will be fine," she said, pushing the full mugs toward him. She waved to Merrill and Isabella as they passed by their table, dancing and singing. Well, Isabella was dancing and singing, and Merrill was falling over but she was learning. She didn't really have much of a choice but to follow Isabella's lead, but it seemed she was enjoying herself all the same.

He turned back to Hawke. As much as he had to admit that he was ecstatic to see her outside of her home with a smile on her face, there was something off about her. Her aura had changed, and there was a shift in her energy. Since he had merged with Justice, his own powers had evolved and Justice's presence enhanced his abilities. He could sense people and their auras much like a Grey Warden could sense Darkspawn.

"Is there something the matter?" he asked. Now that they were away from the crowds, he could easily tell that she was hiding something. Her demeanor was different, and the light that normally surrounded her had doubled in intensity.

She looked down and clasped her hands over her midsection. "I'm not sure, but I wanted to talk to you about something."

Anders looked at her hands then to the untouched mugs of ale. Recognition hit him, and he did his best not to cause a scene. Instead, he slid his hands under hers, pressing his palms firmly against her stomach. He sensed it. There was another energy that mixed with Hawke's. It was almost insignificant, but it was there and he had no doubt that the aura would shine brightly when it was introduced to the world.

Hawke's hands were trembling over his and when he looked up to see her face, he saw nervous tears running down her cheeks. "Am I…"

"Yes," he answered in a whisper. He could feel knots in his throat and stomach. Anders felt many things in that moment. Jealousy was probably the strongest emotion of all. "You're a mother."

She clasped her hands over her mouth and she closed her eyes, releasing even more tears. He was surprised when she let out a nervous laugh and hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry to put this on you," she sniffed. She pulled away and wiped away her tears. "I've been in a fit for the last couple of days, and I had no idea where I could go to seek guidance."

"Does he know?" Anders asked, keeping his tone as even as possible. It was hard to determine whether Hawke was happy to be carrying Fenris' child, and he wasn't even sure how he felt about it himself.

"No, I haven't heard from him," Hawke said sadly. "I don't know where he is, but that won't keep me from having this child." She lovingly caressed her stomach and sniffed again. "Fenris may not love me, but that won't keep me from loving our child."

Anders didn't know how to respond, but it was becoming more difficult to bury his feelings. But perhaps this was his chance to become a bigger part of her life. "If you'll allow me, I will help care for him… or her," he offered.

Hawke blinked in surprise then shook her head. "No, Anders. This is not your responsibility," she said. "I will not leech off of others. But there is one thing I will ask of you."

"Anything," he said.

She gave him a beautiful smile. "May I visit your clinic tomorrow? I would like to discuss various ways that I can keep my child healthy."

He knew that she wouldn't take him up on his offer so early, but maybe with time, she'll come to love him. Fenris was gone and Hawke was left to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. But she didn't have to do it alone. Anders nodded, "feel free to stop by anytime."

XXXXXXXX

Anders added the last ingredient to the potion and smiled in satisfaction when it turned a pale blue color. "Perfect," he said. He could feel Hawke's curious eyes on him and he couldn't help but admit to himself how cute she was, sitting on the edge of her chair completely restless. He turned to her and showed her the crystal glass that held the simple potion he had mixed for her. "This should help with your odd cravings, and it should also help you calm your nerves. I've seen this kind of behavior before in first time mothers. Such anxiety."

Hawke stood to her feet and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Anders," she said. "Maker, I have no idea what I would do without you! You've been such a great help to me the last week," she said beginning to sob. "I can never repay you."

Anders held her close. Her hair smelled of rosemary and he noted how smooth her skin was when he rested his chin on her bare shoulder. She had accepted his advice when he suggested that she not wear heavy armor until the child was born. And he even received a bonus because when she had visited him, she was wearing simple yet elegant gowns that fit her still sensually curved body. Every day he saw, she became more and more beautiful, and the aura around her only made glow even more. "I require nothing from you. You saved my life, you know? This is the least that I could do for you."

Her body started to tremble and she sobbed quietly. "Anders…" she sniffed. "Tell me that I'm strong. Tell me I'll be all right."

Anders pulled away just enough so that he could stare into her eyes. "You'll be more than all right, Hawke," he said. He wiped away her tears. "I'll be here for you." He leaned in to kiss her, but as soon as his lips touched hers, he heard a crash by the door.

"What was that?" Hawke asked in surprise.

"Stay here," Anders said, grabbing his staff and making his way for the door. He opened it roughly, but he saw no one around. "Hmmm, maybe it was the cat that I've been leaving milk out for." He returned to Hawke, but she kept her distance from him. It saddened him that she clearly did not feel the same way he did.

"I can't Anders," Hawke said, hugging herself. "If I were to be with you, you deserve to have me wholly, and I cannot give you that. My heart is still with Fenris, and that wouldn't be fair to you."

Anders took the risk and it didn't work in his favor. At the very least he was given a genuine answer from her and as much as the truth hurt, he was grateful that he received at least that much. "And my heart is with you," he said to her. "But, I will respect your decision. In truth… I'm not sure how much of myself I can give to you considering that Justice is a part of me, but I would never lie to you or abandon you." He shrugged his shoulders and plastered on an awkward smile. "But I don't want you to ever feel that you are never wanted or cherished. If that bastard doesn't come back, I'll steal you away. I am, after all, that charming," he was only half joking.

Hawke smiled. "Thank you. You have no idea how much I appreciate that."

He opened his arms once more, knowing that it will be the last intimate hug they would share. She accepted his offer and this time she was much more relaxed. "I promise you, Hawke. Everything will be fine for you and the little one. I'll see to it."

XXXXXXXXXX

Ander frowned, almost becoming dizzy as his eyes followed Hawke. She was walking around in circles in the courtyard of the Amell Estate. "If you continue to stress yourself out, your child will make you highly uncomfortable."

"But I can't sit still!" Hawke said anxiously. "I can't believe he's here. I mean, I had hoped, but I never prepared myself for when I would next see him." Sparrow was lying close to Hawke and his ears perked up when her voice was raised. "Sorry, boy… just too nervous." The Mabari whined a bit, but then he rested his head on the cool ground once more. It was amazing that the Mabari immediately attached himself to Hawke when he too sensed the growing child in her belly. The hound grew overly protective of Hawke, growling at any stranger that came near her.

"You knew he was coming back eventually," Anders said. His arms were crossed against his chest and he was leaning against the stone wall next to the entrance of the courtyard. "I know that magic runs in your family and Fenris, regardless of how much he hates magic, is tied to it because of his markings at the very least. It's not uncommon that you two may have bonded in such a way."

"I never considered that," Hawke said, suddenly stopping. Her light lavender dress rustled quietly as a soft breeze blew through the courtyard. "I assumed my feelings were of desperation."

Anders shrugged and used his foot to help push his body away from the wall. It was now his turn to pace. In his studies, he had read that the bonds of magic between lovers and family were different in that lovers could only sense certain things only during the duration of the relationship. He had not heard of the bond lasting longer than a few days when there was an immediate separation between the lovers. "It could be your child or it could be the lyrium that is infused into his body. Regardless, have you thought about how you are going to tell him?"

"Well, I've never held back in our conversations before," Hawke said thoughtfully. "He just lost his sister, so I'm wondering how he'll react. I should give him more time to think before I visit him." She absentmindedly rubbed her belly again. "What will he think of him or her?"

"Her," Anders said.

Hawke whirled around and her eyes went wide. "A girl?"

Anders couldn't keep himself from smiling. It was amazing how innocent Hawke was. She had killed dozens of Darkspawn, downed an Orgre, and taken on the crime of Kirkwall, but when it came to motherhood, she was a complete mess and every little new experience shocked her to no end. "Yes. When you stopped by the clinic yesterday for those herbs, and wanted me to check on the little one, I could feel her presence. Her aura is strong enough for me to sense that she is indeed a female spitfire just like her mother."

"You should have told me!" Hawke said laughing. She looked down at her stomach and whispered to her daughter. "You're going to be like me, eh? Maker, mother will have a fit."

"I wanted to wait until I could give you this," Anders said, handing her a small pouch.

Hawke reluctantly accepted the gift. "Anders, you've already done so much…" she opened the pouch and out fell a tiny silver bracelet. It was engraved with Dalish markings and the circular band was connected by one single tiny ruby. "It's beautiful Anders."

"It'll protect her," he said, happy that Hawke approved of the present. "She'll still go hungry if you don't feed her, and she'll cry up a storm if you ignore her, but the bracelet will keep her from becoming ill."

Hawke leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Thank you," she repeated over and over again. "I can't wait to give it to her." She lightly pressed the bracelet to her stomach. "Your first present, little one."

Sparrow jumped up and trotted over to Hawke. He obediently sat down next to her and he barked happily. "Yes, you'll have to chase away more boys when the time comes," Hawke laughed.

Anders knew the Mabari would be busy, especially if the child acquired her mother's natural beauty.

XXXXXXXXX

"Hawke!" Anders yelled. He saw a Qunari preparing to throw a spear at her, and he let loose a ball of fire and threw it at the warrior. Hawke and Aveline and the remaining guards were fleeing the Qunari compound. When she was next to him, he grabbed her hand and followed Aveline. "Simple escort, Andraste's ass! I knew that bitch born pirate was going to be the end of us!" Anders cursed, keeping a look out for more Qunari.

Aveline was just as irritated as he was. She made sure that the surviving guards were behind her as they ran deeper into Lowtown. When they were able to catch their breaths, Aveline searched the streets. "It looks like they are heading for the Keep. The Viscount is in danger, Hawke."

"Then we go to save him," Hawke stated.

"You go home," Anders ordered. "I will not accept that you will just jump into the middle of war between city and Qunari when you are not even of Kirkwall."

"You saw what they are capable of, Anders," Hawke countered. "What's to stop them from taking over the entire city? They don't care for the citizens here, and that includes my family."

"I'd rather that you and your family flee before that happens. Don't endanger yourself," he implored.

But no matter what he said, Hawke already made her decision. For the sake of her family, mother, sister and daughter, she fought her way to Viscount's Keep. Varric joined them a short time later after helping save the Hanged Man from certain ruin from several Qunari. The addition of Varric's skill made Anders feels slightly more at ease. Slightly. He had a horrible feeling that something was going to go very wrong.

When they reached the Keep, they met with Orsino and Meredith. After more pointless arguments, and Hawke intervening with their diatribes, they finally decided to work together with Hawke in the lead. Orisno suggested that he and his mages could create a diversion to distract the Qunari that were blocking the only way inside the Keep.

Anders kept watch as Hawke was briefly reunited with her sister, Bethany. "I'm glad to see that you're well," Hawke said after hugging her sister.

Bethany's smile disappeared for a moment. "Hawke…" she whispered, glancing toward Hawke's abdomen.

"I'll be careful," Hawke assured. "You know me better than anyone," Hawke said cupping her sister's cheek. "I'm not going to run away when the ones I love most are in danger."

"Please be careful, sister. I will be praying for your safety," Bethany said. She lightly touched Hawke's stomach and gave one last look to her sister before she ran to join Orsino and the other mages.

When the Qunari were baited, Hawke and the others made their way to the entrance of the Keep. Anders made one more attempt to stop her.

"Stop endangering yourself," he pleaded. "Please, Hawke… each decision you make…"

"If I don't try to stop this, our future is destroyed. You know as well as I that they must be stopped. I'm fighting for a future free of turmoil and fear. Whether that involves mages, templars or Qunari, I have to protect her. I'm fighting for our future. There is no other way."

"But she-" Anders choked out.

Aveline pushed against the heavy doors of the Keep. "Bethany will be safe so long as we can stop the Arishok. Hawke, we need to move forward. I can hear the nobles screaming for their lives in there."

Anders wanted to scream that the she they were discussing was neither Hawke's mother or sister. But he promised Hawke that he wouldn't say anything, and he hoped that he would not regret holding his tongue.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Anders coughed and gasped when his lungs begged him for more air. The last of his power entered Hawke's body and he collapsed, barely able to use the edge of her bed to keep himself from falling down completely. He had nearly drained himself of all of his energy to help her, but it was hardly a noteworthy sacrifice considering what Hawke had given up to save them. Her face and lips were still bruised, but the gash on her cheek was healed and wouldn't leave a scar.

Her body was another matter. It sickened him greatly when he had to work quickly but delicately to detach parts of her armor from her body. The beating it received from the Arishok caused many indentations and there were several areas that had been pierced through completely. The jagged edges of the armor tore into Hawke's body. But none were so heartbreaking as the wounds he found on her torso. He spent nearly two or three hours healing broken bones and skin, but the biggest wound Hawke received was something he could not repair.

"Anders…" came her weak voice.

It was amazing she was even conscious. He admired her stength. Anders hushed her, rubbing his thumb across her brow. "You need to sleep."

She strained to lift her hand, but she managed to place it on her stomach. "I can't feel her energy anymore…" she said with trembling lips. "Is she…"

"I'm so sorry, Hawke," Anders said with grief. He had never seen anything so sad and disheartening in his life. Just two days ago, Hawke was giddy with glee, coming up with names for her child. She had even gone shopping in the plaza to pick out materials to transform into various clothing for her daughter.

"I knew," Hawke started as the tears rolled down her face and neck, "I felt her leave me." She lifted her hand much like she had when the Arishok towered over her. "It was her…"

Anders grabbed her hand and bought her fingers to his lips. "I had my suspicions," he said softly. "The magic that runs in your blood mixed with the magic from Fenris' family possibly conceived a powerful mage."

"Fenris' family?" Hawke asked. She was too weak to turn her head and look at him and her voice began to crack.

"Yes," Anders nodded. "When we met his sister, I could feel magic around her, pouring from her. It seems she is a mage and though Fenris does not possess those abilities, it is entirely possible that his children could be magic born. More so, if he had children with you."

"I see," Hawke cried, gripping his hand tightly. "So that light. Was that her?"

"I will not pretend to understand the bond between mother and child. But I believe she used all her power to save you," he said.

Anders felt his heart break even more when Hawke cried herself to sleep. At first, she was hysterical, and all he could do was hold her and wait for her to pass out from exhaustion. When he was satisfied that she was comfortable, he left her room and proceeded downstairs to speak to Fenris.