Family of Five
8 August, 9:34 Dragon
I asked Prince Sebastian and Aveline to put out discrete inquiries about families that may want to adopt a child – or twins, in the case of Alia and Cailyn. Ali and I learned as much as we could from the children, especially how they ended up in Kirkwall. Anders has been a fountain of information for Ali and I as we learn how to help the children begin to grieve about the loss of their families.
9 August
9:34
Guess what? Mille, Seana, and Aiden may not be orphans!
Each says they were separated from their parents as their villages were evacuated, but that they were not overtaken by darkspawn.
Seana is from Harper's Ford. During Howe's attack, the Highever detachment in Harper's Ford evacuated the city in the dead of night to save the people from Howe's troops.
Millie and Aiden are from Dragon's Peak. Bann Sighard ordered an evacuation just before Archie made an appearance.
I have written to Teagan to see if he can help find their parents.
14 August
9:34
My meeting with Aveline was very productive. She had a list possible lieutenants and she, Donnic, and I designed a structure that assigned lieutenants to certain geographic areas of Kirkwall. The lieutenants have been delegated the authority to investigate and resolve cases, which includes how to deploy their sergeants and guards as needed. Additionally, there will be a senior lieutenant, whose jurisdiction includes crime that crosses multiple geographic areas of Kirkwall, such as gang-related activity, like the Coterie and the Carta, or in the case of a serial killer like Quentin. The senior lieutenant is also a buffer between the Captain and the other lieutenants.
In case you were wondering, Donnic is the Senior Lieutenant and I am his senior sergeant.
If Edwyn had told me when we while we were in Lothering, that I would be designing a city-guard command structure, I think I'd have stuck my fingers in my ears and repeatedly shouted 'I'm not listening. I'm not listening.'
You know that is exactly what I would have done!
When I look in the mirror I don't really recognize this Alistair. I don't mean to say I don't look like me, but…it's just, I look like another version of me.
Let's start that again.
When I look in the mirror I recognize me, but I feel different. I am not looking at the Alistair from Ostagar, or Warden Commander Alistair. It's a very different Alistair, a better Alistair. This Alistair feels more sure of himself.
If that makes any sense.
18 August, 9:34 Dragon
Thank the Maker for Varric! He has been vetting couples wanting to adopt one of the 'fledglings' – his pet name for the kids.
We have found that there are some really underhanded and nasty people in Kirkwall. I have had Varric keep a record of each one of them, which we will turn over to Donnic.
For example, there was one 'couple' who were specifically interested in Aiden and Min (they are both 6). Varric discovered the man and woman were not married. They were siblings and blood mages, who, along with 10 others who were trying to reestablish a cult called The Last Night. According to Varric, The Last Night worship the old god Lusacan, God of Night. This cult was known for ritualistic murders during a Free Marches Grand Tourney.
From my limited knowledge of blood mage, the blood of children is more powerful than adults, and blood of boys and girls provide different kinds of power. I was sickened when Varric told me, just recounting it here makes me feel ill.
Our plan for the potential adoptive parents is dependent upon the child, but we have at least outlined some steps (Step 1, and 2 are really tests, and are set in stone).
Step 1. Dinner at the estate the whole clan. This will help us get a sense of how they are with kids, generally. But really it's for the group to assess the potential adoptive parents. The kids have all been through a lot together and have become rather adept at sensing troubled waters. If they pass this test, then it's on to Step 2.
Step 2. Ali and I visit the parent's home and talk about that child's situation and past. We also get to know the parents better.
Step 3. We take the fledgling to the parent's home to visit.
Step 5. The parents have an outing with the fledgling
Step 6. We wait a week then talk the child about they want to do.
It turns out that Jansen and wife, Calia, want to adopt the twins Alia and Cailyn. We had them come over for dinner per Step 1, and they were relaxed, warm, and kind. Jansen, who has been sober since I reopened the mine, has a great sense of humor and Calia is so sweet. Alia and Cailyn were so comfortable with them they were sitting next to them before dessert, and gave them hugs when they left. The rest of the children unanimously approved.
Ali and my visit went well. Jansen and Calia live in a nicer part of Lowtown (affordable now that Janson was making a good wage at the Foranora). Because their lives were more settled and successful, they want children, but cannot have children of their own.
I have a really good feeling about this match.
1 Kingsway
9:34
Alia and Cailyn left with Jansen and Calia. It was a nice sight to see. Jansen held Cailyn's hand and Alia held Calia's.
I just noticed the similarity in names Calia, Cailyn, and Alia…seems like fate.
Anyway.
Fortunately, the rest of the kids were in various parts of the house because Marnie began to tear up - 'both the happy kind and the sad kind of tears' she was quick to tell me. We sat in the side yard swing for a while before coming back into the house.
Cricket was waiting for us and gave us each a hug.
15 Kingsway, 9:34 Dragon
The best anniversary gift ever. We are adopting Cricket!
Since Alia and Calia left, he's become a bit melancholy, and when the subject of adoption comes up, he becomes very sad. Alistair and I asked him about it. He said that he didn't want to leave us, that he wanted us to be his Mom and Dad.
My heart burst with joy as I hugged him close and kissed his tears away. Alistair hugged us both and we all cried happy tears.
I was worried about what the other children would say, but it seems that it wasn't at all a surprise to them, and they are happy for us.
30 Kingsway
9:34
It has been a very hectic month! Min was adopted by Donnic's sister Maeb and her husband Lachlann. Jake was adopted by a nice family in Lower-Hightown, Gavin and Isla Kinnaird
I know, there is no such thing as Lower-Hightown, but there is no Midtown here. Just High, Low, and Dark. Yeah, I know…Kirkwallers! However, it is an accurate description. The people are not nobility, they live well, but modestly.
Anyway.
Having come to Kirkwall from Starkhaven a number of years ago, they were contacted by Sebastian. Gavin, the father, is an artisan and merchant. They have a successful shop in Hightown that sells hand-worked leathers. He also supplies leather armor to the city-guard and scabbards to the Templars. I hear his leather work rivals Antiva's.
What do you think Zev would say about that?
1 Firstfall, 9:34 Dragon
Walter isn't sure about being adopted and neither is Siobhan. The issue they have is that they don't want to be separated. It's not at all a romantic issue. Their relationship is like Beth and Carver's, save for the parts when Carver was an ass. It's a strong familial bond that they don't want to lose if they are adopted by different families.
Alistair and I talked to Cricket about it. He just looked at us and smiled. "So when are we adopting Siobhan and Walter?"
I loved the use of "we"
Siobhan and Walter are thrilled, too.
~oOOo~
Snuggling on the sofa, Alistair said, "In one year we went from no children to three"
"Everyone thought we were crazy"
"Well, Aveline and Isabela thought we were crazy. I think that was the only time they ever agreed on anything."
Marnie laughed. "The Slattern and Lady Man-Hands." Then she turned to look at Alistair. "I never thought we were crazy. I felt like we were blessed."
"I know we were."