AN: Rewritten as of 11/16/22
Aedan didn't know how long they ran. Ever since Ostagar, they've done nothing but run. Everytime they found a moment to rest, the Darkspawn would descend upon them. Attacking them when they least expect it and from the most unlikely of places. They either fought them off if they could or ran. Ignoring the pain they felt in their legs and feet. The exhaustion from fighting and running. Their fear of death at the hands of dark creatures kept them going. Along the way, they warned anyone they passed that the horde was coming. Telling them to flee north and seek refuge elsewhere before the Darkspawn arrives. They joined the column of survivors and offered them food which was much needed. Thankfully, the horde had stopped their pursuit or they had lost them but the survivors didn't stop running. Fearful that if they did, the Darkspawn would suddenly appear out of nowhere and slaughter them all like cattle.
The young Teyrn wanted nothing more than to lay down on a soft bed and sleep but he didn't exactly have that kind of luxury. Nor do any of the survivors around him. Sleep deprivation was getting to them and more than once Aedan had to stop fights before it could escalate further. Reasoning with them as best as he could but even he could feel the exhaustion getting to him. He was becoming more irate and prone to yelling. More than once he almost wanted to join the fights rather than stop it but he knew that if he did then they would all perish. So he kept it in and in doing so only built up his frustration to the point of breaking.
"Your Lordship. Look!"
Aedan set his eyes towards where Dairren was pointing at and saw a group of armed and armored men take down what appeared to be a knight. One of the men wielded a dagger and stabbed the knight between the plates of his armor before sliding another dagger through the slit of the knight's helmet. The men cheered as the knight ceased his struggles and fell limp before those around him proceeded to loot his corpse. Unaware of Aedan and the others' presence.
"Dairren. Ser Alton. Ser Bryer." He called out. "To me! Iona, stay here with the others!"
He didn't wait for the Elven lady-in-waiting to reply as he unsheathed the family sword and ran towards the bandits. The two Cousland Knights and his Squire caught up to him as he drew nearer to the bandits and engaged them in combat. Some of the Cousland Guards at the front of the column of survivors saw this and quickly rushed to the aid of their liege. Even Carver joined them.
The battle was short and the bandits fled upon seeing the soldiers only to be cut down before they got far. Their bodies joining the corpse of the knight they killed. Aedan wouldn't admit it but he sorely needed the release. He wasn't sure if he would be able to remain level-headed if he hadn't found a release for his pent up anger and frustration sooner. Still. There was a bit of anger remained but he can think more clearly than before.
The Teyrn of Highever sighed and wiped his blade clean of blood before sheathing the family sword and turned to look at Lothering. Seeing the villagers start to gather outside their homes.
"Loot their corpses." He ordered. "Take the fallen knight's body with us to the village. We'll find out who he is and send his body back to wherever he hailed from."
"As you wish, Your Lordship."
Aedan then turned to the column of survivors.
"We've arrived at Lothering. We rest here for now. You all deserve it."
Without another word, the Teyrn of Highever made his way down the steps leading away from the Imperial Highway and walked into the village. The survivors of Ostagar following closely behind the man that had led them away from the slaughter after they were abandoned by the Teyrn of Gwaren.
Aedan immediately spoke to the Revered Mother, Ser Bryant and Elder Miriam about the situation and what had happened at Ostagar. The King and the Grey Wardens' deaths. Loghain's betrayal. How the horde outnumbered them. Everything. They informed him that Teyrn Loghain's army passed by two days ago and they had assumed that the battle was over. With the arrival of survivors and refugees, their assumption was proven wrong. Elder Miriam was quick enough to help the refugees. Offering then shelter. The Revered Mother allowed them to take refuge in the Chantry while Ser Bryant ordered his Templars to help however they can. Of course, their help didn't come without a price. Thankfully, it was simple. In exchange for refuge, the survivors and refugees agreed to do quests posted on the Chantry as well as help around the village.
As the survivors and refugees settled in, Carver left to see his family. Grumbling about his sister as he left. Aedan would look for Marian soon but first he needed to tend to his people. Not just the ones from Highever but the survivors as well. There were no Arls, Banns or Lords and Ladies with them. Only soldiers and camp followers. They looked to him to lead them when they fled Ostagar. Those who doubted him and accused him of being a liar or a coward were silent. Showing him a hint of respect after he helped them in defending their rear as they fled Ostagar more than once. Staying to fight against the Darkspawn that ambushed them time and again.
Aedan knew he wasn't responsible for these men and women but he could not find it in himself to abandon them. Not after what Loghain did. No. He will not abandon them. He would look after them as if they were his own. He knew his father and Fergus would have done the same or at least he that's what he thought they would have done.
Once the young Teyrn was done tending to his people, it was already half past noon and he began to walk around the village until his feet brought him back to the tree by the stream. He sat down and leaned back on the trunk. Closing his eyes and allowing himself a moment to rest. His body sorely needed it.
'Just a quick nap.' He thought to himself. 'Just... a quick... '
And with that, Aedan was asleep.
(Line Break)
Marian couldn't help but let out a small laugh when she found Aedan asleep by the tree near the stream. He took her advice of bringing a weapon, sure, but that didn't mean he could sleep alone in the dead of night. What use is a weapon if he's already mauled to death by a bear before he could even use it?
The raven-haired Mage-in-hiding reached out a hand and was about to wake him up but Aedan suddenly woke up with a start. Sweat trickled down the side of his face. His hand had unconsciously gripped the handle of his sword but he didn't draw it. His breathing was heavy and his eyes frantically looked at his surroundings before landing on Marian who had pulled her hand back and was staring at him with barely noticeable caution.
"Marian?"
"The one and only."
Marian allowed herself to relax a bit and crossed her arms while cocking her hips.
"Bad dreams again, I take it?"
She watched as Aedan let out a sigh and nod his head.
"It's the same old nightmares but now I find myself in Ostagar. Everyone around me is cut down by monsters. I'm starting to think I'll never have a moment of peace. Even in my sleep."
He looked up at her and she could see his eyes, so haunted, held pain. So much pain.
"My brother is gone. Lost to the Darkspawn. As the Last Cousland, I now carry the mantle and the responsibility of Teyrn of Highever. I wasn't ready for this, Marian. I'm not meant to lead. I was never meant to lead."
Marian's shoulders slacked as she looked down at the young Teyrn. She was sure he was no older than her yet the look in his eyes felt like it belonged to someone twice his age. Everything that's happened this past month had clearly aged him and not for the better. He was thrown into the wolves when he wasn't ready. Forcing him into doing everything he can to survive and live up to his responsibility as Teyrn. He had no one to support him. That much she could see. There are his subjects and friends but they can never replace the family he lost.
The ravenette sat down beside him and looked at the stars in the sky. She always found them pretty as a child. Even now they fascinate her.
"Maybe you aren't ready for this but despite all of that, you try your best to live up to your responsibilities. You could have given up and I'm sure it has crossed your mind but you didn't. You could have abandoned Ostagar and ran. Instead, you were one of the last to leave the ruins. Protecting the others and giving them time to escape. Carver told me everything. How you saved his life from a Darkspawn. Fought side-by-side with soldiers in the front lines rather than keep to the back and far away from the danger. You put the safety of others above your own when you fled from Ostagar. Some of these soldiers aren't even from Highever. If you ask me, I think you've done a good job of being Teyrn so far. You've led them away from death."
"Perhaps." He muttered and looked up at the stars as well. "But... I don't know how long I can keep doing this, Marian. To lead in a time of crisis when I barely even know what I'm doing. I sought out the King to bring Howe to justice. But Ostagar has shown me that the Blight is a much bigger threat than any of us could fathom. If the Blight is left unchecked then Ferelden will fall. I know this now yet in my heart I still long for revenge against Howe. My duty is to Highever and Ferelden yet I want nothing more than to kill Howe. End his miserable life. What kind of Teyrn puts his own revenge over the safety of the kingdom?"
Marian turned her gaze away from the stars and looked into Aedan's eyes. The anguish and uncertainty were clear to see.
"That's not something to be ashamed of, Aedan. It's expected. Howe killed your family. It's natural for you to feel that way. Besides. When have you ever put your revenge above others? From what I've been told, you were more focused on protecting those who cannot rather than thinking about the millions of ways you can kill Howe. If you had put your revenge over their safety then you wouldn't have bothered to put yourself in danger to buy them time to escape in the first place. You could have fled to wherever Howe is and killed him but you didn't. Actually. I'm sure those survivors are glad you didn't. They may not have gotten out of Ostagar alive if you did."
Aedan turned away and contemplated on her words. He thought back to everything he had done during the Battle of Ostagar and found that she was right. Instead of abandoning the others to their fate, he remained behind and bought them time to escape despite knowing that he may very well die in doing so. His heart yearns for revenge but it also yearns for the safety of others. Protecting them when they could not. He killed Darkspawn after Darkspawn with the intent of allowing more survivors to leave Ostagar with their lives. At first, he wanted the Blight to end so he can get to Howe as soon as possible. Now he wanted the Blight to end so others would be safe. If he had been selfish, he never would have cared about any of that.
A small smile graced his lips and he looked at Marian. Something on her face caught his attention and he hadn't noticed it the first time they talked. There were barely noticeable freckles on her nose and under her eyes. He wouldn't say it out loud but he found her cute at that moment.
"Thank you, Marian." He spoke in a soft tone. "It seems I owe you another favor. I didn't mean to dump all of my problems on you."
"It's fine." She replied. Voice just as soft as his. "I like your voice."
Aedan blinked as his heart fluttered at her words. Shaking his head, he stood up and held out his hand for her to take which she did. He found he quite liked the feel of her hand in his. Once he pulled her up her feet, Aedan didn't release her hand. Earning a raised brow from the ravenette. Instead of letting go, Aedan bent down and kissed the top of her hand before offering her a smile.
"Again. Thank you. Until we meet again, Marian."
The young Teyrn bid her goodnight before making his way back to the village. Her face was still tinged with a bit of red as she watched him go. When she was sure that he was far enough away, Marian proceeded to smack her head against the tree.
"Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. 'I like your voice?' What are you? Six? You could've done better than that. Ugh. I just hope Carver doesn't hear about any of this."
"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."
Marian jumped in her feet and spun on her heel towards the voice. Her hand taking out a knife she kept on her person wherever she went. Her eyes landed on the person approaching her and saw that it was none other than Sister Leliana.
"Maker's breath, Sister. I'm going to die from a heart attack if you keep doing that." Marian put the knife away and looked at the Sister. "How much did you hear?"
"Not much. Your mother was looking for you and I volunteered to find you. Imagine my surprise when I saw you sitting comfortably next to a certain nobleman. I didn't want to interrupt so I kept myself hidden but within a reasonable distance."
A mischievous smirk found it's way into the Sister's face.
"You two were so adorable."
"Oh shut up. It's nothing like that. Besides. He won't be here forever. He'll be leaving soon. No use getting too attached."
The smirk never left Sister Leliana's lips as she raised her hands in mock surrender. Marian shook her head and stomped past the Sister. Making her way up the path leading to her home. Much to her annoyance, Sister Leliana walked beside her and hooked their arms without warning.
"Maybe we can do something about your clothes for the next time you meet. A little tear here to show some skin. Maybe wear something a little tighter below to accentuate those rather toned legs of yours. Put a little sway in your hips too. That will certainly draw his attention."
"How do you even know about my le- Were you spying on me?"
That got a giggle from the Sister who looked at Marian's accusing expression with mirth. The ravenette broke free from Leliana's grasp and tried to leave but the Sister caught her wrist and pulled her close. Marian blinked when she found herself inches away from Leliana who stared at her with barely concealed amusement and began to recall the memory of what happened a couple of months ago.
"You were a little drunk one night and decided it was a good idea to take a late-night swim in the stream without your clothes on. I happened to be passing by when I saw what you were doing and brought you out of the freezing water before you froze to death or drowned."
Leliana used her free hand to caress Marian's cheek before her fingers trailed down her jaw until they were under her chin. Tilting the ravenette's head slightly. Marian could only stare into the Sister's eyes which took on a teasing look as they became half-lidded. She barely managed to hear the redhead's voice.
"I must say, Marian, you have quite the physique, mon beau petit corbeau. It's a shame you wish to hide such beauty from the world, ma chérie~"
Marin didn't know whether to feel disturbed or aroused with what was going on. Her body certainly felt it should be feeling the latter. What she did know was that she had to get away from the redhead. She tried to pull away but Leliana had a surprisingly strong grip and the ravenette struggled to free herself but could only to sigh in defeat as she failed. Sister Leliana giggled in amusement at her attempts to escape before linking their arms once more and continued on about how she can make her catch Aedan's eye. This was so not how she thought her day was going to end.
'Maker, kill me now.'
(Line Break)
The day after they arrived in Lothering saw Aedan knighting Dairren for bravery in the field of battle. Telling him that he had earned his spurs. Celebrations were cut short when more and more refugees as well as Chasind wildmen began entering the village. Seeking refuge from the Blight. This served only to prove that Aedan was right when he said that the Blight would reach Lothering soon and the Darkspawn would descend upon the village. The Teyrn spent much of his time speaking to the Revered Mother, Ser Bryant and Elder Miriam about the possibility of the villagers leaving Lothering and take refuge in Denerim or some place else. Once the Darkspawn arrive, they will show no man, woman or child mercy.
Things took a turn for the worse in the following days as tensions between refugees and the villagers steadily rose and the village was slowly overflowing with more and more refugees. The Chantry was already packed full. Then came the arrival of a knight named Ser Donall who informed them of Arl Eamon's illness and his wife, Isolde's, orders in sending out Redcliffe Knights to search for the Urn of Sacred Ashes. It just so happens that the knight the bandits killed when they arrived was a Redcliffe Knight. His belongings, left unopened, was given to Ser Donall who left Lothering shortly afterwards.
A day passed before a messenger arrived and announced for all to hear that Teyrn Loghain has named himself regent and appointed Arl Howe as Teyrn of Highever and Arl of Denerim. The previous Arl of Denerim, Urien Kendells, was found dead by Arl Bryland who King Cailan had sent back with an escort to Denerim to find out where Arl Kendells was. He also banned the Orlesian Wardens or the Grey Wardens in general from stepping foot in Fereldan soil. Blaming the death of the King to the Order of the Grey Wardens as a whole. Claiming that bringing them back from exile was a mistake and the late King's trust in them was foolish which eventually led to his death.
Needless to say, Aedan was furious of Loghain's actions and the villagers of Lothering as well as the survivors of Ostagar and refugees witnessed the young Teyrn finally reach his breaking point. He manhandled the messenger and demanded why Howe was made Teyrn of Highever. Fearing for his life, the messenger told Aedan that Howe found out that the Couslands were plotting to overthrow the Theirins and place Bryce Cousland on the throne. Howe was asked to join them but he killed the Couslands for their treachery.
In Aedan's mind, he couldn't comprehend the length that Howe would go. The lives he took. The lies he spread. Stabbing those that trusted him with their lives in the back. And all for what?
The messenger was allowed to leave with his life but someone or something had to bear the brunt of the young Teyrn's rage as Aedan cursed Howe and Loghain.
The Teyrn left to scream and rage in the fields alone. His mind may be consumed by fury but he had enough self-control to steer clear from the village to release his anger. Some feared he had lost his mind while others could only imagine what the young nobleman was feeling. But it was expected by some people. Namely Ser Bryant and Dairren. The Couslands were firm supporters of the royal family and had never once turned their back on the Theirins. Since Loghain proclaimed himself regent, he can't have Cailan's supporters causing him trouble so he appointed someone who opposed the Couslands as the new Teyrn. Neither the regent nor the new Teyrn knew that the true Teyrn of Highever and the Last Cousland still draws breath.
Later that night, Aedan knelt before the stream. The Cousland Family Sword lay in his lap. Stained with the blood of those he had slain. Even though he had cleared out the nest of giant spiders, his rage still remained and Aedan could do nothing but glare at his reflection though it is not his face that he sees in the water. No. He sees the face of the man he hated the most in the world. The one who destroyed his family. Rendon Howe.
His fury was almost unbearable. Aedan dared not to risk the safety of the others by returning to the village proper in such a state. If he lashes out, he may just end up hurting someone or killing them. So he isolated himself from the others. Doing his best to put out the fires of his rage or lock it away but he found it hard to do so. No matter how hard he tried, the rage remained and it would remain for as long as Howe draws breath.
But he calmed down enough to think about recent events.
He had been thinking of Loghain's reason for naming Howe Teyrn of Highever and he came to the conclusion that the old war hero did so because his family were firm supporters of the Theirins. Now that they're dead and he was regent, Loghain installed someone who he supports him or someone he can control. Howe was the former. Aedan figured that Howe supported Loghain after the man gave him Highever and Denerim. With Howe by his side as well as half the Bannorn, Loghain was the most powerful man in Ferelden. Aside from the ones who openly opposed him like Bann Teagan, the rest of the nobility would think twice about going against him... if they weren't Fereldans.
Even with Howe holding lordship over Highever, Amaranthine and Denerim and supporting Loghain, nobles have already sided against Loghain's regency. The messenger had told them that Bann Teagan Guerrin did not accept Loghain's regency and walked out of Denerim alongside other nobles. The country was split in half. Looking at what Loghain was doing, the Teyrn of Gwaren was forcing the nobility to submit to him. You don't force Fereldans to submit. Doing so was just asking for a fight.
The royalty and nobility of Ferelden has a distinct sort of relationship, if you will. The royalty's power was derived from the support of the land and the people. It was not uncommon to see the ruling monarch ask and work for the support of their nobility. If you aren't popular with the land and the people, then your rule was bound to be short-lived. No matter what you do to try and preserve your rule, it would end sooner or later.
While mulling over these events, a sudden thought came to him. The Landsmeet.
The Landsmeet. It was the official legislative body of Ferelden. During a Landsmeet, the nobility has the power to overrule the ruling monarch on any matter of the law. The nobility doesn't tend to use it when the King or Queen are popular among them and the masses. After the stunt he pulled by taking over the regency, Loghain was not very popular to the noble class of Ferelden right now.
Aedan can call for a Landsmeet to return the regency to Anora. She was supposed to be the regent before Loghain took it from her. The Landsmeet would also be the best place to convince the rest of the nobility to shift their focus on stopping the Blight from spreading across Ferelden as well as allow the Grey Wardens to enter the land once more. Orlesians they may be but it is the Wardens' duty to stop the Blight. Aedan would see to it that their Order succeeds.
It could work but first things first. He needed to take back Highever from Howe first. Appealing to Loghain is out of the question. Aedan had to take back his home by force. So he made his decision. He was leaving for Highever tomorrow.
A part of him hoped that the people of Highever would welcome him back and not throw him to the wolves or in this case bears considering the heraldry of the Howes and Amaranthine. Once Highever is returned to the Couslands, Aedan will do what he can to convince the other Arls and the Bannorn. He can appeal to the Bann of Storm Coast -his grandfather- Fearchar Mac Eanraig. Mother was the heir of Storm Coast and with her death by Howe's hands, Grandfather would want revenge. Aedan was confident he can convince the Storm Giant to help him take back Highever.
There was Arl Bryland. He can count on his father's friend for support. He too hated Howe for his treachery. More so now that Howe was spreading lies that the Couslands were treasonous.
The Arling of West Hills was close to the Wilds. No doubt they are already encountering Darkspawn incursions on their borders. Arl Wulff is a good man and a friend of his Grandfather's. Maybe he can be convinced to support him in the Landsmeet as well.
The Arl of Edgehall? That would be a problem considering Arl Fergus Lendon is dead and had no clear heir. Dying just before Ostagar. His half brother, Gell Lendon, is in exile and the man's right to rule the Arling was stripped from him when he was exiled. That leaves the neighboring Banns in charge. What can he do to persuade them?
Bann Teagan, perhaps? He opposes Loghain and his nephew was the late King Cailan. Aedan remembered Father being in good terms with the Bann and his brother, Arl Eamon. Hopefully, they would support him in the Landsmeet.
Bann Alfstanna? She was the same age as Fergus and she is a close friend of Arl Bryland. Maybe Arl Bryland can convince her to offer her support?
Bann Loren? Aedan wasn't quite sure about that one. Dairren's father would choose to give his support only to the side that has the higher chance of winning. He did it during Maric's Rebellion when he joined only when the rebels were about to win and that was something the nobility have scorned him for ever since.
"Hey."
Aedan didn't need to look over his shoulder to know who the voice belonged to. He had grown familiar to it in the past couple of days. Every night for the past few days, they would meet by the stream and talk about nothing and everything. It was something he cherished. An escape from all of this madness around him.
Marian wordlessly sat down next to him and hugged her knees.
"Carver told me what happened today. I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to apologize for, Marian. You're not the one who killed my family and made them out as traitors or abandoned the King and so many others to the Darkspawn."
Even a deaf man could hear the venom in his voice. Still he tried to calm himself. Especially in the presence of a lady. No. A friend. Yes. Marian is a friend. Wait no. It didn't feel right just calling her a friend. He didn't know what to call her but it he knew it wasn't just friend.
After taking a deep breath to calm himself down, Aedan removed his gaze from the water and looked to the stars.
"Even in death, he refuses to give them peace. He would sully their name by accusing our family of treason. We've been nothing but loyal to the Theirins after Arland the Tyrant's rule. Loghain knows that."
"Maybe that's why he named Howe as Teyrn of Highever." Marian cut in. "He knows your family is loyal to the Theirins so he placed someone that wasn't loyal in control of Highever. Loghain's already Teyrn of Gwaren before he became regent. If the Teyrn of Highever was someone who opposed him then more nobles are likely to rally under their banner than Loghain's. But if the Teyrn of Highever was someone who supports him or a puppet he can control then the nobles would think twice of defying him. If I were I noble, I would rather not get on the bad side of the man with the most power in the country."
"I came to the same conclusion as well and I now know what my next move is."
"And what would that be?"
Aedan stood up and wiped the family sword clean of blood before sheathing it. He turned towards Marian and tilted his head down slightly to look at the ravenette in the eyes.
"I would be leaving for Highever tomorrow to take back the Teyrnir and my home from Howe. Once I reclaim Highever, I would do my best to earn the support of the nobility then call for a Landsmeet to remove Loghain from the regency and place power back to Queen Anora. Then I'll convince them to focus all efforts in stopping the Blight. Maybe even letting the Grey Wardens back in. Even if they're Orlesians."
Marian stood up and crossed her arms before cocking her hips as she looked up at Aedan.
"Sounds like it's one monumental task. Are you sure you can do it?"
"It's not a matter if I can or cannot, Marian. I have to." The conviction in his voice and the steely determination in his eyes as he said those words made her heart skip a beat though she wouldn't admit it.
"I will not see Ferelden fall to the darkness. I will give my all to end this Blight and see Ferelden survive. This I swear on the blood of my family."
Aedan watched as Marian lowered her head. Her hair shadowing her eyes. The ravenette was silent and the young Teyrn was starting to get worried. He was about to grab her attention but was stopped when Marian let out a sigh.
"Fuck it." She whispered. "If this is the last time we'll be seeing each other then might as well give you a parting gift. I was planning on doing this anyway before you eventually leave."
He wanted to ask what she was talking about but didn't get a chance to as Marian suddenly threw herself at Aedan and captured his lips with her own. His eyes widened to the size of dinner plates and he stumbled back a bit but he managed to steady himself and wrap his arms around Marian's waist while she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his torso. She bit his lower lip and he allowed her entrance. Their tongues meeting halfway. One of his hands trailed down the small of her back and settled on her ass before giving it a firm squeeze. Causing Marian to buckle and pull away. A string of saliva trailed between them as she pulled back.
The moonlight shining down on her while her half-lidded eyes looked into his. Aedan firmly believed that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
"Not yet." She whispered. "Follow me."
Marian untangled herself from Aedan and grabbed his hand before leading him away from the stream. The young Teyrn allowed himself to be dragged by the ravenette towards the windmill that stood atop a mound of earth. They walked up the mound and stood in front of the door of the windmill before Marian took out a key from her pocket and unlocked the door. She pushed open the door to reveal a simple bed on the far side of the room.
Aedan stepped inside after Marian and looked around him. The only source of light being the moonlight from the window above. Aedan heard the door lock behind him and he turned around just in time to catch Marian as she threw herself at him once more. This time he was prepared as they immediately locked lips and his arms wrapped around her waist before walking backwards towards the bed. He sat on the edge of the mattress as Marian straddled him. Grinding her hips as their tongues battled for dominance. She suddenly broke the kiss and proceeded to remove her red top before throwing it carelessly on the floor. Revealing the gray bustier she wore underneath.
Marian smirked when she saw his eyes locked firmly on her chest and reached behind her back to begin undoing her bustier. The ravenette, however, didn't expect the young Teyrn to suddenly tear off her bustier. Freeing her breasts which Aedan immediately started to fondle and suck.
'Heh. Of course he'll go straight for that. Men.'
The young Teyrn played with her breasts for a bit more before pulling away and started removing layers of his clothing until he was wearing nothing but his trousers. Marian could see his erection was begging to be released so she decided to spare him the torture and removed herself from Aedan before kneeling down and grabbed the waistband of his trousers. The moment she pulled off his trousers, Aedan's erection sprang free and Marian liked what she saw.
The ravenette rose to her feet and removed her own trousers which was quickly followed by her underwear before dropping both on the floor alongside the other clothing they discarded. She traced circles on his chest with her finger before pushing him down on the mattress and placed herself on top of him. Marian reached down and grasped his erection firmly before aligning his member to her entance and slowly lowered herself until the tip of his cock was inside her inner walls. She stopped, ignoring his protests, and looked him in the eyes.
Aedan saw this and propped himself up with his elbow while his other hand reached out and gently held the back Marian's head before slowly pulling her into a kiss. He sat up while she placed her hands on his shoulders as he opened his moutb and deepened the kiss. Savoring the taste of her. Engraving it in his memories before pulling away.
Their eyes met before Marian lowered herself entirely onto Aedan's cock until the head reached the entrance of her womb. She bit back a moan but failed to do so while Aedan grunted in pleasure when he felt her tighten around his length. Truth be told, he almost went over the edge right then and there. Still. He persevered and controlled himself. Not willing to release this early in their love-making. Not when he wanted to do so much to her. To satisfy her.
The two locked lips once more before Marian started grinding her hips back and forth. Aedan, meanwhile, thrust his hips and made an effort to match her rhythm. Her moans and gasps served only to encourage him as he hit her in all the right spots. The sound she made was music to his ears.
The rest of the night was spent losing themselves in their passion and they loved every second of it.