Aedan made his way back to the front gates of Denerim at nightfall, albeit his return to the capital was delayed considering recent events. The expression on his face explained quite clearly that he was in quite a hurry and did not appreciate being held up by the city guard's newly instated security protocol at this moment in time. He did not come this far just to be stalled again. The back-and-forth bickering between Aedan and the guardsmen was enough to attract the attention of Sergeant Kylon, the officer whom Aedan had met in the market district during the Blight almost a year ago. Once Kylon saw who was causing such a ruckus at this hour, he quickly stepped in.

"Apologies, Warden," Kylon said. "My men and I did not recognize you coming in. To be honest, we were expecting your arrival some time ago."

"No harm done, sergeant," Aedan dismissed in a slightly irritated tone. "But as you can see I'm in a bit of a hurry. Now if you don't mind as to allow me entry? It's urgent."

"Understood, my lord."

Kylon motioned his officers to stand aside to let Aedan pass. Some of the new recruits grumbled at their jobs being hindered, but knew when to hold their tongues to avoid speaking out of turn. As the guardsmen were escorting Aedan's horse to the stables, the Warden proceeded to his targeted destination: to his family at the estate. With the recent assassination attempts against him, Aedan became concerned for the safety and well-being of his wife Leliana and their son Adrian and was dead certain that whoever wanted him dead would surely go after them as well if they couldn't get the job done. Aedan wouldn't allow that to happen. Not again. He had already lost one family even before the Battle of Ostagar took place, before he became a Grey Warden. He failed to protect his mother and father, his sister-in-law Oriana and young nephew Oren from the disgraced Arl Rendon Howe's treachery—knowing he would show none of them any mercy what's so ever. His friends, his servants… all of them. Was being able to let go of the past easy for Aedan? Of course not. Nothing ever is. And to the Void to anyone who would dare stoop so low as to take away another. Like the eyes of a hawk, Aedan cautiously scanned every passing corner from each alley and every rooftop he passed while on route to his home in search for any signs of danger, his guard up and senses remaining on alert. Aedan felt his nerves race erratically and his breathing was much more shallow as he approached the front door to his estate.

'Calm yourself, Aedan,' he thought, taking a brief moment to calm himself down. 'Remember what grandfather Mac Eanraig always told you when you were a boy: if you allow your mind to become consumed by the dreadful clouds of stress and anxiety, whether or not it is voluntary, then you not only face the risk of straying too far from the path you seek but also the risk of losing everything you hold so dear.'

Taking a deep breath in, Aedan slowly exhaled as he checked his pulse. His heart rate was slowly returning to its original state, indicating that he was beginning to regain control of himself. Learning to take it easy and not fret too much about what was on his mind, Aedan reached for the handle and pulled it open before entering inside—but not before taking one more backwards glance outside. Determining that the danger hasn't presented itself yet, Aedan closed the door behind him; just in time as two elven maids greeted him.

"Welcome back, Chancellor," one of them greeted politely in a distinct accent not native of Ferelden—hinting that she hailed from Nevarra. "Mistress Leliana was inquiring about the time of your arrival. I assume that all is well regardless?"

"In a matter of speaking, depending on how you tend to perceive it."

The other one tilted her head. "Then I suppose that's our way of telling us that there some… unpleasantness in Amaranthine?"

Aedan shrugged, not in the mood to divulge any further. "As I said, it depends on how you tend to perceive it. Anyway, lass, you two said something about Leliana asking for me? Where is my wife at this very moment?"

"She was last seen heading into the bedroom after putting the young lord down for his nap, my lord. I believe that's where she's still is."

"Then I shall not delay her any longer than is necessary. You are dismissed."

The two maids curtseyed and left to their assigned quarters for the night, but only one stayed behind as Aedan motioned her over. As she approached, Aedan leaned in close to her ear and began whispering: "Have the guards' patrol rotations slightly altered for the night. And have them be wary of any potential trouble, but also keep it quiet. We don't want anyone causing any unnecessary ruckus." She nodded and went to perform her last duties. As both left the room, Aedan began resuming his march towards the bedroom. It was late, and everyone present was tired and yearned for a good night's sleep. Rumors abound that something was afoot was quickly met with silent reprimands, so although the guardsmen were rather suspicious of the sudden change in their formation they went along with it—noting that their lord must've had his reasons for doing so.

Back inside, Aedan had just finished removing his Grey Warden armor and changed into his night clothes. He cringed slightly as he felt a stinging sensation on his side; the wound he sustained from the failed attempt on his life was still raw and no matter much he tended it, it still caused him a slight deal of discomfort. Repeatedly striking himself at the site of his earlier injury to deaden the pain, Aedan felt his side go numb for a bit and made his way past his son's room. He could see the tiny infant was now just a slightly bit bigger than he was previously and it was only a matter of time before he could begin to actually have some fun with little Adrian. Aedan himself couldn't resist quietly opening the door and just take in the fact that Adrian is his son. His son. It seemed like it was only yesterday when Aedan was just sitting outside anxiously whilst listening to Leliana's screams during the delivery and the cry of their first child making his arrival to the world known to all. Reaching down, Aedan brushed his finger across the toddler's head—moving a few strands of red hair to the side, causing Adrian to stir in his crib and rub his eyes before going back to sleep seemingly oblivious of his father's presence.

"Sweet dreams, pup," Aedan whispered. "Your mother and I will be seeing you bright and early tomorrow. I promise we'll have fun together as a family this time. Just try not to keep us up all night again, alright?"

With that, Aedan smiled as he made his way out of Adrian's room and closed the door quietly so as to not wake him. All previous concerns briefly left his mind as he opened the door to his bedroom to see Leliana finished changing into her thin nightgown before she sitting down to begin brushing her hair. Aedan just stood there at the entrance leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, admiring the view and the beauty his wife was emanating. But mostly he just enjoyed watching her. Leliana's curves and hips were voluptuous even before and after she gave birth, her skin was as smooth as silk and her lips glistened in the candlelight as the moon shined through their window. As he sat there, Leliana put her brush down on the table and smiled.

"I'm afraid you'll have to be more subtle than that if you wish to continue staring at me like that without my knowing, dearest."

"So you knew I was here? Then I suppose there's no more use in trying to make myself rather scarce, even to you, Leli."

He pressed himself off the wall and made his way to Leliana, embracing her in a warm hug, placing a kiss on her head. Leliana sighed happily as her husband continue to hold her the way he did, strong to provide protection yet gentle enough to make her feel comfortable. She no longer cared that the red hair she brushed was getting messy again—there will be enough time to do so when the sun rises again before making the necessary arrangements for Adrian's first birthday set in the following weeks. What's more is that Aedan will be here to celebrate it with them. He placed another affectionate peck on Leliana's head, earning him one of her giggles.

"I missed you so much."

"As I you, Leli. These past few days have been… quite lonely without you and the boy."

"Flatterer."

Leliana took Aedan by the hand and set him down on the bed, only letting go to cover her mouth as she gave a big yawn. Her green eyes showed that the day has left her completely exhausted with having little room to rest; there was always something going on that demanded her immediate attention. Managing the staff, exchanging letters with Mother Dorothea and raising a baby while her husband is away most of the time simultaneously took an enormous strain from her—but like many who can hold their own in a fight, Leliana managed quite well though that didn't stop Aedan from feeling guilty of having her shoulder most of the burden at home and wished he could do more; but every time he makes an attempt to do so he would get the persistent "stare" from Leliana as if she's telling him that he shouldn't overdo it any further than he did during the Blight. He remembered very well what Leliana told him: "You've done so much for us and carried the weight of an entire nation on your shoulders, darling. I'm not asking you for more. No one is. You have done your fair share, so from now on we'll be doing everything we can so you can have a moment to yourself. After all, we're in this together. Just you and me, love."

Leliana's choice of words were rather convincing, tempting even. As both laid their heads back onto the pillows and under the sheets to go to sleep, Aedan's body shifted in one direction as he felt his side being quite warm. The groan that he bottled up accidently slipped out his mouth as he broke away from the embrace and stood up, so quickly that Aedan forgot that in the process he had accidently woke up Leliana. It didn't take long for her to notice Aedan placing his hand on his side and the disgruntled expression on his face to make her suspicious—for she what she saw afterwards was one the bard herself was not expecting at all.

"Maker's breath! Aedan, what happened?" Leliana exclaimed in shock as she noticed the red stain on Aedan's nightshirt. "You're bleeding!"

'Shit!' Aedan cursed. It seemed that while he was repeatedly smacking his side to make the pain stop he had perhaps unintentionally caused his patched up wound to re-open again.

"It's nothing serious."

Leliana looked at Aedan, her eyes mixed with suspicion and worry about his remark. "'Nothing serious'? Aedan Sarim Cousland, I've met countless people who lie before we met. Some of them do it rather poorly. But to hear one coming from you of all people? That is not like you at all! I want you to tell me exactly what happened this instant. Who hurt you?"

Aedan just looked at Leliana, eye to eye. Although she is known to being generally sweet and gentle natured Leliana can be quite serious depending on the situation, and she has a temper of her own as well. And with each passing moment, Leliana was in no mood for games. She wanted the truth, and she wanted it now.

"That's the thing, Leliana," he sighed. "I… don't know who my assailants were, or why they attacked me. All I know is that they wanted me dead for some reason." As he tended his wounds once more, Aedan took his time to explain what happened. Leliana just stood there, listening, taking in the information of what Aedan was telling her. The assassins, their perceived fixation with him, and even his concerns that Leliana and their son might become a target should the enemy find anything they might use as leverage… or worse. "I took down my fair share, even though one of them almost did me in right there. Whatever the reasons were for doing so, I do not know. But all I know for certain… is that they will not stop until the deed is done, and eliminate any and all who are possibly connected with me in some manner of fashion."

"Did you know what they looked like?"

"Most of them worse some kind of… ceremonial clothing unlike any I've seen in my studies. White clothing, silverite helmets covering the entirety of their face, goldish dark pants… and an insignia on each forearm bearing the mark of a serpent. Or a dragon, of some sort."

Leliana frowned. "Why? Why would anyone want to do you harm?"

"I don't know," Aedan shook his head. "It's possible that someone has a grudge against me for something that happened in the past, or this could be the rise of a new threat none of us are prepared for. That's why I was delayed earlier this morning, and why I had to change the patrol a bit. If the assassins decide to come here… then we must be prepared."

"Aedan…" Leliana said rather upset that the lifetime of happiness she wanted feeling like it's slowly crumbling away. Aedan took his hand and placed it on her cheek.

"Leliana, you know I've already lost one family to the horrors of the chaos Howe unleashed before I became a Grey Warden. How almost all my entire family was slaughtered like animals before my very eyes. I don't know what the reasons are them doing what they are, but I do know this: I won't let them accomplish their task. And I will not let them take you and Adrian away from me."

Leliana took her hand and placed it on Aedan's hand on her cheek. She looked sad at how much distress this seemingly new threat is causing her family. But as she placed her hand on Aedan's shoulder, her resolve soon found a way to make itself known as clear as day.

"No matter what happens," she said, "you're not in this alone. I will always be at your side. I'm not going anywhere, love. Even if the Maker himself tries to tear us apart. I promise you."

Aedan smiled. "Somehow, I believe you."

"Good."

With that, Leliana finished cleaning Aedan's wounds and draped it in a new set of bandages before the two fell into a deep sleep. Whatever the reasons for targeting the Hero of Ferelden directly, the assassins were in for quite the surprise should they try to make another go at him again—especially in a well-fortified position that is heavily defended. As he felt his eyes close, Aedan's mind drifted off into a place where none dared disturb him. Despite the constant dreams of darkspawn and archdemons, he had learned to block those thoughts out and regain a sense of control of his thoughts during his dream cycle.

##########

"Well? What news have you?" one anonymous figure asked from the shadows.

"The Warden was clearly stronger than we originally anticipated. It seemed he knew exactly that we were tailing him. He was ready for us, and when we sprung the trap, he slayed several of our best agents. I'm sorry, my lord. I take full responsibility for the failure."

As footsteps made its way towards the surviving agent, a hand reached out from the shadows and was placed directly on the assassin's shoulder.

"I understand."

The man for a moment felt a sense of relief. However…

"I understand… that you are a weak, incompetent fool. A failure, a disgrace to our homeland."

But before he could respond, the hand on the shoulder soon found its way around the man's neck before flicking a lightning-fast speed—letting a sickening CRACK! before the assassin slumped to the ground. Dead. A group of hooded men looked on in shock, some even whispering to the person standing next to them of what they had just witnessed.

"Vishante kaffas!" the mysterious man cursed as he stepped forth into the moonlight. "Need I remind you all of how important it is to be finished with any who dare pose a threat to our plans? Did I not stress enough how that such a failure costs us not only time but also forces us to alter our designs for the future?!" Grabbing his staff, his fiery temper had subsided as he grinned wickedly. "No matter. We've got plenty of time to adjust course, and… to find more suitable replacements. One that will hopefully give us the results we need… Brothers, sisters, the time to act is upon us! For too long the south has been riddled with chaos and discord. The false prophets have declared us heathens, monsters who are responsible for the plague known as 'the Blight'! We have been scorned, sneered at, our legacy torn apart by inferior beings believing they are the superior! They are nothing but soporati, slaves! The lot of them! More than 1400 years ago, our country was the pinnacle of what Thedas could truly become if bring the world to heel and take back the land that is rightfully ours! By our own hands, we shall see that dream become a reality. Who's with me?"

The cultists gave a loud, supportive cheer and began chanting.

"Na via lerno victoria! Long live Lucius Aurius! Long live the Venatori! Long live the Tevinter Imperium!"

Translation(s): "Vishante kaffas" = "You shit on my tongue.", "Soporati" = "sleepers (i.e., non-mages)", "Na via lerno victoria" = "Only the living know victory"