BioWare owns all but my character's and her dog's names. : )
Warning! This chapter, and maybe the next, is going to be more of a fluff one. We have had so much emotional turmoil, drama and near death experiences I thought it might be nice to have a little break before I ramp it all up again. After all we have a Winter holiday, everyone is together and we have the new arrivals to the Theirin line. Let the fun begin.
And as always, thanks so much for your support, your reviews, your putting me as a favorite. You all rock my world. : )
Blessings!
Kai woke up to gray murky light coming through the bedroom windows. She was still in the birthing room, so maybe she hadn't done the "let's go comatose" routine she seemed so fond of, for which she was extremely grateful. She didn't think the others would be able to tolerate pouring broth down her throat again. She rolled over to see the twins both awake and making little chirping noises as they tried to suck on Zev's fingers. Apparently, he had taken Morrigan's place sometime in the night. He was laying under, Maker finally, the covers while leaning on one elbow while watching them. Kai took a moment to enjoy watching one of her best friends in the world with a look of awe and wonder on his usually guarded face.
"I can't believe they're mine, either." Kai watched him start as he had not heard her rouse.
I can, they are beautiful like their mother," Zev smiled at her.
"On that we can completely agree," Alistair's voice held love and pride. "I'm glad I got Morrigan to come. I didn't think she would, since we never liked each other. I may have to change my mind on that now. Not a raging bitch, just a bitch." Alistair laughed.
"She will be heartbroken to hear it I am sure," Kai retorted with a mental smile of her own.
"Kai, I...," Zev voice cracked. "I am glad you did not use my dagger after all, dear friend." And Zev touched her cheek. She had such good friends, how blessed she was. She knew what it must have cost Zev to hand the blade over to Leliana, knowing what it was for.
"I am glad we didn't use it either, Zev." She put her hand over his on her cheek and gave him a smile.
"I think they are hungry, no? I will fetch Wynne or Fiona, since this is your first try at this?" Zev threw back the covers and got out of bed to get dressed. Before leaving to fetch Wynne or Fiona, he gently pulled her up and piled pillows behind her back so she could sit up. She felt as if her body had been beaten with a pillow with rocks in it. Zev kissed her forehead and left the room.
Feeding babies was quite a learning experience. Kai was so grateful that she had Fiona and Wynne helping her, or she didn't know what she would have done. The twins could have starved before she figured it out. Kai did have a moment of intense sadness that her own mother was not the one helping her, Maker that was difficult. This sadness was the only blight on an otherwise very blissful and happy moment.
When it seemed the little ones had had their fill, been burped, changed and re-wrapped in blankets only to fall asleep once again, Wynne had suggested that Kai get dressed and walk downstairs. It was Winter Solstice, and by Wynne's calculations the twins had arrived on and little after midnight today. So, it was a birthday and a holiday all in one. The others were all downstairs waiting to see her and the babies and to celebrate.
Kai put on the same sort of simple woolen robe she had been wearing since her belly got too big to be comfortable in leggings and a tunic. That and doeskin slippers for her feet, and she was ready to go. She leaned on Wynne taking careful steps, as she just felt tender all over. Fiona followed carrying one baby in each arm.
She could smell the wonderful smells filling the hunting lodge from the kitchen, and they made her realize just how hungry she was. She hadn't eaten much since yesterday morning, and her stomach grumbled to let her know it. They made their way downstairs to the dining hall where she had been introduced to Fiona.
The hall had been decorated with evergreen branches and holly. Candles glowed and the fire roaring in the fireplace kept out the chill of the snow still falling outside the windows of the lodge, making faint hissing noises as the flakes brushed against the glass. She walked in the doorway to see those she loved, her extended family. They were all here. It made her heart swell. She just wanted to grab this moment when all their eyes turned towards her, and she could look on each beloved face.
Her brother came forward first and caught her in a big bear hug. "If I had known that having a little sister was going to scare the years off of me, I would have told Mother and Father to adopt a Mabari." She could feel him grinning into her hair.
"Ah, but then you wouldn't get to play doting uncle, now would you?" Kai snuggled into his chest.
"Always a catch," he laughed and grabbed her chin tilting her face upwards so he could look her in the eye. "I am so proud of you, little sister." He kissed her before releasing her to help her sit in one of the big chairs by the fire. Kai laughed, it was the same chair they had tried to sit her in before, but this time she was able to settle into it. Fergus covered her legs with a blanket, and Zev put pillows behind her back yet again.
Fiona sat in the chair across from her as she had done just yesterday, really, just yesterday? It felt much longer to Kai. Oghren came and looked at each infant and turned to her, "Why is it that all newborns look like old, bald dwarves? This calls for a celebration, Warden; let's bring out a keg and some mugs! Come on, 'Uncle Fergus!'" Oghren smacked Fergus on the back before winking and walking away towards the kitchens. Fergus shrugged at her and grinned before following the dwarf with Zev quietly slipping in behind.
Shale came next and put a giant stone finger out with surprising gentleness to touch each baby. "It has done well, I think, for something squishy." And with that Shale put herself behind Fiona's chair in a sort of guard stance.
Sten came next and looked down at them and then at Kai. "Kadan, you have done well, but I am not surprised." He simply stood with his hand on her chair. Leliana bounced up and kissed Kai with a big smacking kiss then wrapped her arms around Sten, who was too taken aback to do anything but grumble under his breath.
Wynne placed herself next to Leli who was still gripping Sten, and he seemed to be, if not comfortable with the bard's hug, at least getting used to it. Argus, her Mabari, gently snuffled the little bundles and quietly woofed at Kai. "Thanks, Argus, I think they are great too." She patted him before he lay down in front of the fire. It was Morrigan who walked to Kai's chair and sat herself on the floor next to it, settling with the boneless grace of a cat. She said nothing, she just tilted her head to lean on the arm of the chair, and Kai stroked her hair.
Teagan spoke next, "May I say, they are beautiful like you, dear lady?" He took her hand and brushed it with his lips, casting a look of longing? at her. Oh, boy. Teagan had been very attentive and caring, and he seemed to want more from her. She was going to have to do something about that. He deserved a person who could give him her whole heart. Kai's heart was already given. She would only disappoint them both. She gave an internal sigh. However, this was a holiday, and that problem could wait for another day. Today was for living, laughter, and love, as the saying on her family's garden gate went.
Eamon came and looked at both babies, touching each gently. He looked at Kai and smiled. Isolde had followed her husband but asked if she might hold one of them. When Kai nodded, Fiona let her take one of the twins. Kai could see the longing on Isolde's face and knew that Isolde was missing her own son, Connor, who had been sent to the Mages' Circle for training. Kai now understood why Isolde did what she did and why she wanted to keep her son with her. Kai didn't think she could bear to part with her children, either. Kai made a mental note to tell Isolde again how much she appreciated her saving her with the Ashes and how she understood the woman more. Apparently, the darkspawn would be holding ballroom dances in the Deep Roads, Kai gave a mental snort.
Fergus and Oghren returned toting a couple of kegs, and Zev followed with a tray of wine, mugs, and...cookies, Kai laughed. It was all so wonderful, like old times, except they weren't stuck outdoors in tents. Everyone was here even if not in physical form.
"Come to the Fade in your dreams tonight, and I will show you physical," came Alistair's teasing voice. Letch, she told him, but his voice made her tingle with love.
Fergus and Oghren proceeded to pour mugs of ale or wine. Wynne snatched one mug of ale and pressed it into Kai's hands. When she raised an eyebrow in question, Wynne simply told her the hops in beer were good for milk for growing babies.
It was Morrigan who broke the silence. "I see you all staring at me, I am not blind. Nor am I a dream from the Fade. Yes, I have returned and yes, I mean to stay, so do not let your eyes linger over long, I will not be ogled," Morrigan spoke as Wynne handed her some wine.
"Since the swamp witch came back and helped the Warden, I have no problem with not squishing its head like a lemon. But I will keep an eye on it as it can apparently turn into a bird. If I see one feather, then squi-ssh," Shale growled from behind Fiona's chair.
Sten merely touched Morrigan briefly on the head before Leliana bent down and wrapped her arms around Morrigan's neck and hugged her like she had hugged Sten. Morrigan's face registered annoyance, but her hand came up to pat one of the bard's arms encircling her neck.
"Oh, I am so glad we are all together again!" Leli wiggled with glee, causing Morrigan to roll her eyes and snort. Kai figured she should make introductions to Fergus who had not met the witch yet.
"Fergus, may I introduce a really good friend, Morrigan. If it weren't for her, I might not be sitting here, and not just because of yesterday, either. Morrigan, my brother Fergus," Kai pointed to her brother.
Fergus bent down to kiss Morrigan's hand. "Then I owe you a debt of gratitude for saving my little sister, dear lady."
"Did the witch actually blush?" Alistair's voice sounded incredulous, "Oh, my!" Kai merely laughed at him, but it was something to think about. Morrigan seemed at a loss for words or even for a dismissive motion, she simply nodded. Kai cast a sideways glance at Fergus and Morrigan, smiling to herself.
Kai was roused from her musings when Oghren's gruff voice broke the silence. "So, what are you going to name the little ankle biters, Warden?" Kai did a check with Alistair, and all he had to say was 'perfect.' "My son is Duncan Bryce Maric Theirin, and his sister, if this is okay with their grandmother, will be Fiona Eleanore Theirin." Kai looked at Fiona for confirmation.
"I would be honored," Fiona's voice broke as tears formed, but she was grinning from ear to ear.
"Well a toast, then, to the little pike twirler's and the Warden's progeny" and with that Oghren raised his mug, downed it and belched, wiping his face with his sleeve. Everyone looked at him for a moment and then laughed. "Cheers!" resounded across the hall, and they drank a toast to the newest members of the Theirin line.