Chapter 8

Author's Note: I don't own my Dragon Age, just Emily and Siobhan.

The next few weeks passed and Emily started showing more. Siobhan managed to keep her companions at bay only allowing Anders to come by the estate. Between Anders, Bodhan, and her they planned to keep Em as calm and protected as possible. Bodhan found out how many months along she was and figured out that Alistair was the father. He paced back and forth debating whether to tell Zevran and Leliana that Emily was pregnant, but in doing so would betray not only Emily, but Siobhan and Anders trust in him as well. Anders told him stress would not be good for her or her twins. He decided to tell them, but also that it would be Em's decision whether Alistair would be told or if she would return to Ferelden. He watched as Siobhan met with Varric, Fenris, and Merrill. Anders was still at his clinic before stopping by the Amell estate to check on Emily. Siobhan typically kept him out of their jobs on Emily's checkup days. She just had to dodge questions mostly by Varric on where he was and why they were meeting at the tavern lately.

Bodhan watched as he saw them depart making his way where to two cloaked figures were sitting. He ordered a pint of ale from Edwina to get up the courage to tell relayed what he knew that she was entering her fifth month of pregnancy. He told them that according to the healer that's been supervising her care according to what he knew it was virtually unheard of grey wardens especially a female to even have babies and carry it full term. Leliana started to cry, as she realized that if they weren't careful they could not only risk Emily's life, but her unborn children as well. She cursed Eamon and even Alistair under her breath as they essentially drove Em to leave Ferelden. The three talked as to what to do next as they had to report to Teegan, but given Emily's delicate condition, she took priority over Teegan, Ferelden, and Alistair. They sent word that they were following leads and would have more information within a few weeks. Before he left, Bodhan told them he would not bring up Alistair or returning to Ferelden to Emily, as it's her decision what to do. He also said by now Teegan has probably told Alistair where she is, and neither have come or sent for her .Emily had confided in him why she left him was because he would need a heir she wouldn't be able to provide, so Eamon convinced him to break things off. Emily needs to know that Alistair wants her for her, not because she is carrying the future heirs of Ferelden.

Meanwhile, back at the Amell estate, Anders was finishing examining Emily. The twins were developing normally and still showed no sign of the taint. Oddly Emily's taint levels seemed to be decreasing as well. Sandal and the two mabaris were sitting close by, as they seemed to sense there was something strange about him and refused to leave Emily's side while Anders examined her. Siobhan quickly did the jobs, as she wanted to return home as she feared leaving Em alone in Ander's care for too long. The spirit of Justice that Anders had merged with seemed to be trying to take control of Ander's body and mind more as of late. She and Varric even had a bet going on who would turn into an abomination first, him or Merrill, who was an elven blood mage.

In Ferelden, Fergus had successfully extended his time at the palace in Denerim by another week, but knowing the following week he had to return to Highever .He secretly hoped that his sister was somehow on her way back to Ferelden. He decided to write a letter to her letting her know he was alive and that he missed her and that she needed to quit blaming herself for what happened at their family's castle. Alistair told him that she had nightmares of that night and blamed herself for not seeing through Howe or his guards. He finished it, and would send it when Teegan sent his response to his contacts' letter. Teegan had just returned from Redcliffe where Eamon had taken a turn for the worse as of late. He probably wouldn't live past another winter, which presented a problem. With both Eamon and Isolde passed on, the only heir was their mage son Connor and him. His only solution was that he and Fergus would take turns coming to Denerim to help Alistair out. Fergus looked relived at the suggestion. As they were talking a raven flew in with what Teegan was waiting for. It was written in Leliana's hand, she wrote that Emily was fine, but she'll have more news in her next missive. She also stated that Alistair needed to figure out where he and Em stood, as they knew he would have to make the first move as Emily loved him, but with her stubbornness and unforeseen circumstances will make it harder for her to return soon. The last lines caused concern on the two men's' faces. Alistair walked in at that moment; he knew Fergus wouldn't be concerned about Eamon's coming death. Honestly, with the way Eamon schemed to get Emily out of Alistair's life he wasn't sure he would mourn him either. He asked to look at the note and was now concerned along with them. He promised once the winter was over, he and one of the two men would be on a ship bound for Kirkwall. Either Fergus or Teegan would have to stay behind and be regent while they were gone. Alistair finally said what both men had wanted to hear that he was going to go beg her forgiveness, and tell her that he loved her and wanted her for his wife .He then said that heir or no heir she would be his queen, and should've been all along. She would also be his advisor freeing the two men to return to their respected lands. Alistair did make one request that once Highever castle was rebuilt that it wouldn't look like it was before, as he knew it would be difficult not only for Emily but Fergus as well. He put on his chainmail, and went to go spar with a few of his knights. The two men had the biggest smiles on their faces as Alistair finally admitted to not only them, but himself what they and every citizen of Ferelden, noble and commoner alike that there was only one woman for the king. In one of Teegan's first acts as chancellor he personally wrote to each noble family all over Thedas that Alistair had chosen to rule alone, he had a duty to uphold, but marriage was out of the question. Thanks to Leliana and her network of bards the Ballad of the Wardens reached all corners. It told of their unending love and devotion to one another. Word also spread that had it not been for a certain noble from Redcliffe's interference their queen would not only come from one of Ferelden's prominent families, but the one woman who united a nation and saved them all. Between Leliana and Teegan they made it clear that any hopes of a marriage be it political or otherwise was not going to happen unless your last name was Cousland.