Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Note: I apologize for taking so long to update. I really hope you all like this chapter. I had ideas for how I wanted to do this but I couldn't decide entirely so its taken longer than I intended it to.
Marion remained silent for a long moment and the group alternated between looking at her and Leto to looking at Fenris. Raising her gaze to his she said quietly.
"Yes Leto is a mage."
The silence stretched on for what seemed like forever until Anders began to laugh. The group watched him look directly at Fenris and say in between breaths.
"Well that's perfect isn't it? You couldn't ask for better irony. The woman you love and your own child are both mages. You hate mages and magic because they've tortured and ruined you all your life and now you can't escape it and you will be near it forever. It has tainted you and you cannot escape it."
Faster than even Fenris could move Hawke was on him and had him pressed into the ground. Without thinking or missing a beat Anders shocked her with electricity and she fell onto the ground only to get up again albeit slower and in a manner of moments she and Anders had begun to fight. She heard her companions calling out to her and she yelled for them to stay back. Anders responded right away still feeling hurt and rejected and not very long after they had begun to fight Justice had taken over and Leto had been scared. Crying out to his mother, he began to walk toward her only to hear her yell for him not to move and received a blow from Justice to her head that had it ringing in a manner of seconds. Glaring at him she swept his legs out from under him and sent a freezing spell at him, effectively stopping him long enough for her to pin him. Feeling him struggle she put all her strength on him and placed her staff over his throat. Justice had left his body and Anders had taken over once more and he stared at her silently and she was not surprised to see hurt in his eyes. Speaking lowly she said.
"If you say one more word about Fenris or my son I swear to the maker I will kick your ass and will not stop. I am a mother and a woman and I don't care what you say about me. You will not say anything about them."
Anders said nothing but seeing the look in her eyes he finally nodded defeated. Moving her staff from him she stood slowly and heard him ask softly as he rubbed his throat.
"Do you require healing?"
She spun and looked at him to see if he was serious before shaking her head and saying.
"Don't bother. I'll heal myself."
Before walking to Leto not looking at anyone else. Leto was quiet for a moment before looking to his father. Fenris was looking murderously at Anders and when he felt eyes upon him he turned to look at Hawke and Leto. Hawke felt herself meeting his gaze and wanted to weep with joy when she saw his face soften a fraction before going into his hard mask again. Most people wouldn't take that as a good sign, but Hawke knew he still cared. His eyes only softened like that for her and she knew in time he would come back to her and their son. He just needed time. Thinking about what Anders had said she felt her anger begin to rise again. Fenris hated magic yes, but Hawke and Leto meant him no harm. They would never torture or hurt him in any way if they could prevent it. Surely Fenris knew that. Feeling blood seeping down her arm and knowing Leto would see it she quickly moved to her pack and saw Anders doing the same to his belt. Pulling out a healing potion he began to drink it and Marion quickly rummaged through her pack finding she had two left. Swearing silently she thought quickly and drank one before sitting back on the ground and closing her eyes. Feeling a body sitting next to hers she opened one eye to see Leto's face right next to hers. Smiling she pulled him onto her lap and hugged him placing her head on top of his. They didn't move for a long while until finally Leto began to squirm and they heard Marion let out a small laugh before letting him go. She was feeling very tired after the long day, fighting Anders, and then the healing but she forced herself to stay awake knowing she needed to think about what to do. The group remained silent still until Merrill finally broke the tension saying nervously.
"The Templars."
Frowning Marion turned to her after surveying the area, only to see the rest of the group frowning in confusion as well. Merrill offered her a small smile before repeating what she said and continuing her explanation.
"You said the Templars know you have a son."
Marion nodded still confused and she smiled before saying.
"Kerran was the only one who was left alive at the warehouse."
Understanding what she meant Aveline nodded before turning to Marion unwillingly and speaking herself.
"Do we know for certain Kerran reported to Meredith?"
Marion looked at the group silently contemplating for a long moment and turned to Leto. He was watching Fenris again before he turned to her and offered her a small smile. Hearing Sebastian call her name she turned back to the group and asked.
"Can we honestly say that we believe that none of the Templars would bring news of this magnitude to Meredith? They had time to consult her before leaving the city. Meredith would also have much to gain from finding out this information. I can say with complete surety that I believe they have. "
"She's right. The Templars would use any information they had against any of us. Hawke most of all because she's the Champion. They know how close she is to mages and they also know that we've helped mages in the past."
Isabella broke in tapping her fingers against her chin. Marion closed her eyes for a long moment thinking only opening her eyes when Leto spoke.
"Mother? Are you all right?"
Offering him a gentle smile she nodded before holding out her arms and he went to her confused but sensing his mother's need to have him near. Hugging her tightly he said softly.
"It will be alright mother."
She kissed the top of his head before speaking to him and the group.
"I don't want to take any chances. I'm going to enter the city at dawn while the Templars are still sleeping."
Sebastian and Varric agreed instantly while Aveline and the rest remained quiet. Finally they nodded their agreement. Marion felt panic welling inside her but outwardly showed nothing. She knew the Templars would have reported to Meredith and didn't know how she would be able to protect her son. Fenris now knew of his son and that he was a mage. She knew how hard that would be for him. He hated magic with everything he had and he would surely be thinking of what Anders had said as well. She sighed softly shaking her head. She had no idea if Fenris would be set back by this and continue believing that they shouldn't be together or if he would ignore it. Feeling her son hug her again she smiled down at him before saying wearily.
"You should sleep Leto."
He shook his head stubbornly.
"I'm not tired. I want to stay up with you."
Shaking her head she reminded him he'd fallen asleep earlier and he could do it again. Seeing Aveline smiling, she felt her smile grow wider. She knew Aveline was smiling against her wishes but she was smiling. Leto followed her gaze before offering Aveline a smile as well before turning back to his mother and asking.
"Is the reason you want me to sleep that you want to talk about things you don't want me to hear?"
Varric snorted and covered his mouth before looking at Marion who said nothing for a moment before replying.
"I am planning on resting not long after you do."
He frowned and she was reminded so much of Fenris that she had to fight to keep her face impassive. It was hard sometimes. She loved Leto so much, and she loved Fenris. She'd never stopped. When Leto smiled or frowned and his face looked so much like his father's sometimes she would have to fight not to show how much she missed Fenris. She was reminded of his absence everyday. Even more so now. Pulled from her thoughts at Leto tugging on her arm she looked down at him and saw her favorite smile.
"Then I want a story so you have to talk to me first."
His face was stoic and serious and she knew he wouldn't relent. Sighing again and feeling weariness taking over she relented and asked which one he wanted to hear. Her companions were still silent although Merrill and Varric were smiling watching her being a mother. Isabella was grinning as well and Marion knew she would be writing this story with Varric although she wished they wouldn't. Having gotten his way Leto was smiling and had tucked his knees under his chin, much like she did, thinking before saying.
"I want to hear the story of how uncle Donnic thought you were interested in him."
Hearing Aveline gasp in surprise and her companions look at her in shock she met Fenris' gaze and saw he was looking at her with an unreadable expression and she began to laugh when she realized what the group thought before raising her hands and shaking them to let them know it wasn't what they thought.
"At the Hanged Man. Remember Aveline?"
She said in between gasps. Aveline thought for a moment before nodding and the group relaxed before listening to Hawke tell the story. Leto watched with rapt attention throughout the story and interrupted numerous times with questions to which Marion patiently answered and when she was done Leto smiled before asking for another story. Hawke shook her head and said he needed rest and ignored his frown and placed one finger at each corner of his mouth making him smile until he batted her hands away sighing dramatically before yawning. Seeing his mother smile knowingly he nodded and made a whistling sound just like Marion and her mabari quickly scampered over from where he was sitting with Sandal. Marion hadn't seen him when she found her son but realized if they'd taken him and the servants they would have gotten Fang too. Taking the pack he placed his head on it before turning on his side and holding out his arm. Instantly Fang curled into his arms and after moving a little more Leto settled in and attempted to sleep. After a long moment of silence he opened his eyes and held his hand out to his mother who took it and watched him for a moment concerned by the seriousness in his eyes.
"What happened today will happen again won't it?"
Marion started to shake her head but stopped herself and she nodded.
"But I will keep you safe. I won't let anything like this happen to you ever again. Not while I live."
He nodded before wiping his eyes. When he stopped he looked at her once more and she saw his innocence and vulnerability and she wanted nothing more to ease his fears and protect him.
"Do you promise?"
He asked in a small voice. Marion nodded and felt tears escaping her eyes.
"I promise. I am sorry that I wasn't there to protect you today. I should have been."
He said nothing for a long moment.
"But other people needed you too mother."
"Other people are not as important as you. Your the most important person in my life."
He smiled before saying sleepily.
"I forgive you mother."
Before closing his eyes and rolling over on Fang who let out a small bark making him laugh before moving back to his original position and fell asleep. Marion watched him silently for a long time and felt tears escaping her eyes once more. Sebastian broke the silence this time asking.
"Hawke?"
She lifted her gaze to him after wiping her eyes.
"Why did he call Donnic uncle?"
She smiled and said softly.
"In every story I've ever told him. I said you all were my family. I told him that Aveline, Isabella, and Merrill were my sisters, and you and Varric and even Anders were my brothers. All of you are as true a family to me as Bethany and Carver."
Her companions were silent for a long time until Varric said.
"And yet you didn't trust any of us. Or even Fenris."
Instantly she shook her head.
"That's not true."
Varric lowered his gaze not answering and that cut her to the core. She knew they wouldn't believe her and she didn't blame them but it was never trust. Isabella held up her hand before Hawke could answer and said.
"Right now that's not important."
Varric's head snapped up and he looked at Isabella as if she'd lost her mind. Isabella looked at Marion and said.
"What happens now?"
Marion shook her head.
"I can't help Kirkwall and protect my son at the same time. I have to protect my son. "
Bodhan stood up before saying.
"I failed you today. I am so sorry."
Marion shook her head and said.
"I failed my son today."
Merrill spoke gently.
"You didn't know this would happen."
Marion nodded.
"No I didn't. But I should have been there to protect him."
Bodhan spoke again this time with Sandal nodding his head in agreement.
"Train us."
Hawke smiled at his bravery but remained silent. Opening her mouth to speak she quickly closed it. After thinking for a long moment there was one way she could think of to keep her son safe, but she knew she had no right to ask. Not after what she'd done to her friends. Because she'd told the truth they weren't just friends, they were family. She knew eventually she'd tell them why she'd done it but Isabella was right now was not the time. Pulling her knees to chest and leaning her face onto them not caring that her companions were seeing her vulnerable.
Feeling hands on her shoulders she looked up to see Aveline bend down and wrap her arms around her in a hug. Merrill quickly bent down on her other side and hugged her from behind. Merrill spoke first by saying.
"Were still angry."
Hawke let out a small laugh that they could hear had tears in it. Finally they pulled apart and Aveline wiped her eyes before saying.
"We should rest tonight and we will be able to decide what to do with a clear head tomorrow."
The group nodded and positioned themselves around the fire while Hawke moved next to her son. She watched one by one as her companions fell asleep save for Fenris. He was silent as ever but watching her. She kept his gaze for a long moment until he closed his eyes. Looking down at her son she quickly closed her eyes and fell into an uneasy sleep not realizing Fenris had reopened his eyes after she had.
Feeling hands shaking her she quickly woke to see the sky still dark and looked confused until she saw Isabella. Sitting up she watched her wake the rest of them and after explaining that it was almost dawn Hawke nodded before gently picking up Leto and placing his head on her shoulder. He had woken up for a moment until Marion had told him they were going home and that he needed to rest. He had nodded and in a matter of moments was asleep once more. Walking carefully they entered the outskirts of the city and Hawke gently woke Leto up. He protested sleepily and Marion felt horrid.
When they asked why she'd woken him she explained if anyone was awake and hunting them Leto would hide better among the dwarves than on her shoulder. Leto had nodded first and went to stand in between Bodhan and Sandal with Fang behind them and they entered the city each alert but no one more so than Marion. They passed the empty stalls and courtyards and had thankfully made it to her mansion safely. Before entering Marion waved at them to stay outside. Isabella and Varric had refused and went inside with her to check that it was safe and it was. Marion's suspicions spiked at this. What was Meredith planning?
Her friends had come in hearing it was safe and Leto was barely managing to stay awake. Marion picked him up and said she was taking him to bed and they followed her to finish their talk. After he fell asleep once more Aveline spoke.
"We will stay with you and help protect Leto."
Hawke remained silent a long moment before shaking her head in disbelief. Her companions had the same notion as they were currently staring at Aveline like she had lost her mind. Thinking for a moment Marian shook her head again before saying.
"That would arouse more suspicion than anything else would."
Seeing their confusion she gave a weak smile before continuing.
"Aveline you have guard duty and you know they depend on you, as does the city. Sebastian you have the Chantry, Varric you know you have the Hanged Man and without you we wouldn't know anything. You maintain the spy network and right now were going to need information more than ever. Anders has his patients and after last night I really don't want him here,"
Anders opened his mouth indignantly only to shut it when Fenris touched his sword and glared at him silently daring him to speak. Hawke smiled at his fear. She knew she shouldn't but she did. It was obvious that Anders was afraid of Fenris on some level and even more obvious to her who would win in a fight. Looking back to the group she continued.
"Merill has the alienage, Fenris has his own life and Isabela…has the Rose."
"Thanks for that Kitten."
Isbela snapped playfully surprising Hawke with Merrill's nickname. Marian smiled before checking to see that Leto was still asleep before turning back to them and saying wearily.
"Meredith would notice any change and what would happen if you all suddenly stopped living your normal lives? Aveline, the city depends on you. You can't abandon it any more than I could."
Aveline's face became resigned in understanding but Varric broke in after shaking his head slowly from side to side to get their attention.
"Well maybe its time for a change. That's what you said last night wasn't it?"
She smiled at the look in his eyes. She'd seen it often over their years together as friends. He was planning something. What the group didn't know was that she was forming a plan in her mind as well. They spoke for a while longer until Sebastian insisted she rest and they'd talk more when she woke. After arguing for the better part of an hour she finally agreed and her friends agreed to take turns watching so that they could rest as well. Settling into the bed she frowned when she realized she'd have to wash the sheets but quickly decided she didn't care as her head hit the pillow. Forcing her head back up she said quietly.
"Delaying the inevitable is both dangerous and foolish. I need to make a decision and when I wake I will not be delayed."
Her companions looked at her stubbornly but nodded and she offered a weary smile before laying back down and she quickly fell asleep. Her companions noticed that she slept uneasily until Fang had jumped on the bed and curled into her side. She was placed in between her son and her mabari each protecting the other. After what seemed like only moments Marian felt herself waking out of habit and after giving herself a moment to adjust she got up and ignored her friend's protests. After asking the servants to bring her hot water, she went downstairs and made breakfast for her son and carried it upstairs before bathing quickly and changing. Fenris had remained in the room and still had remained silent. Her other companions had taken guard spots around the mansion and she vaguely wondered how they were arranging to sleep.
Glancing at Fenris again she opened her mouth to speak only to have him hold up his hand and say.
"You'll wake him."
Instantly she lowered her eyes and let out a discouraged sigh. She had waited for him to say something to her and when he finally did, he was asking her to be silent. Pulling a chair next to the bed she sat quietly waiting for her son to wake up and realized with a start she must've fallen back asleep because Leto had jumped onto the edge of the bed and began poking her shoulder trying to wake her and she shook her head before attempting to place her arm over her eyes only to have him pull it down and yell.
"Mother, wake up!"
She shook her head and recognized Merill and Varric's signature laughs and knew her friends must've reentered her room. After a few more attempts she sighed before saying.
"Leto. Let me sleep for a while longer. Please."
Instantly he shook his head and Marian sighed. She was mentally and physically exhausted and her muscles ached. She had realized begrudgingly that Sebastian was right. She did need rest. Thinking for a moment she said.
"If you let me sleep I'll give you a sovereign."
Leto grinned shaking his head.
"That's bribery mother and besides you buy everything for me. I have no use for a sovereign."
Pausing he said.
"A sovereign?"
Marian grinned back before flopping back on the bed.
"I'd promise you a bag of sovereigns if you'd let me sleep."
Seeing him shake his head again after thinking a moment, they both laughed upon hearing Varric and Isabela ask if they could have the same offer. Shaking her head she stood up before running a hand through her hair. It was easy to manage because it was so short most times she didn't even have to comb it. Grabbing a change of clothes for Leto she had Orana, Sandal, and Bodhan bring fresh water for him and made Leto take a bath. Hearing Leto swear loudly she chuckled softly before reprimanding him and reminding him that he was far to young to use such foul words. Looking up she noticed Fenris watching her with his eyebrows furrowed in confusion at his son's behavior and she smiled again before pointing. Leto re-entered the room with his hair sticking in all directions and he glared at the group as they laughed. Daring to look once more at Fenris she noticed his face had softened completely and his mouth was upturned slightly in the corners. Sitting cross legged behind Leto she combed his hair listening to him speak the entire time.
"I want to train today mother."
Seeing her expression he instantly rose his voice.
"You promised mother! You said as long as were more careful this time we would be alright."
Marion looked to Bodhan and Orana for help but they simply smiled and shook their heads. Rolling her eyes she finally nodded and admitted.
"Yes I did. But Leto I think maybe it might be too soon."
He shook his head adamantly before frowning and saying.
"Mother. You promised you would train me! I want to work with fire today."
Instantly Hawke shook her head in the negative and Bodhan and Sandal sighed in relief while Orana had begun shaking her head until she noticed that Marian had said no. Her friends were now looking between them and Varric had finally opened his mouth to speak but Leto beat him to it.
"Why not mother?"
It was Bodhan's turn to interrupt as Marian had been about to speak.
"Because last time you attempted to learn how to wield fire with control you set the curtains, the books, and your mother's hair on fire."
Her friends let out surprised gasps before laughing. All except for Fenris. His face was unreadable once more but Marian smiled when she saw his gaze rest on her hair. Speaking firmly now she said.
"I'll consider it. For now I need you to eat something. I left a plate for you by the bed and after we need to speak about what happened last night."
He remained stubbornly still until Hawke said.
"I used apples."
Leto looked at her for only a moment longer before scrambling over to the plate and he remained perfectly behaved while he ate. They quickly noticed that he had Marian's manners and ate very neatly. That was one of the things her friends had regularly teased her on and she had explained that it was her mother's teaching that had led her to behave that way. Pausing in his eating he set the plate aside before asking.
"When I set him on fire. Right? That's what you want to talk about right mother?"
Marian nodded silently choosing her words carefully.
"You were provoked. I understand. I was as well. Someone we care about and love was being repeatedly insulted and that is wrong."
He nodded slowly before turning to Fenris to see if he would say anything only to turn back to his mother when he didn't.
"Can you tell me then why I want to talk to you about it?"
He thought for a moment before nodding.
"You're upset with me because I broke the most important rule you made for me. Right?"
He asked when Marian didn't respond. Finally she nodded.
"Never use your magic to inflict pain upon others for pleasure. I understand that you were angry but you should never want to hurt anyone with your magic. Magic is a gift and it should be used to help people not hurt people. You have not mastered control over your magic. If you had been more powerful you could have hurt Anders or killed him."
"But you kill people with your magic, and father with his sword. Isn't it the same? And he insulted father he shouldn't be allowed to just say those things and get away with it!"
She shook her head.
"Your father and I fight to help people. We take no pleasure in killing other people and I did not say it was alright for him to say those things. I attacked him in anger as well. The only difference is, I did not set him on fire until he electrocuted me."
She said winking before thinking for a moment she rectified her last statement.
"Well your father might have when he killed Denarius...but that's not the same. The circumstances are not the same as they are with you. You must not use magic to hurt people only in defense. Do you understand me?"
He nodded and said quietly.
"I'm not apologizing."
Hawke spared a glance at Fenris who was glaring at Anders. Ander's had turned red and clenched his fists but said nothing and Marian shook her head before saying.
"We'll finish this conversation later for now I need to..."
Before her voice trailed off and she grabbed her staff and Leto at the same time quickly clapping her hand over his mouth when she heard the door downstairs creak. Instantly Fenris had drawn his sword and pulled Marian and Leto tightly to him protectively and despite herself Marian found her heart beating in triple time. She had watched silently as Varric, Isabella, and Sebastian had disappeared in the shadows and left the room while Aveline, Merrill and Anders had taken to guarding the door and window to the bedroom. Hearing Isabella and Varric exclaim in surprise, Marian made to stand up until Fenris tightened his grip and growled.
"Do not move."
Hawke instantly stilled only moving when she heard Sebastian call out that it was safe. Fenris had finally released his grip on his son who had hugged him before nodding when his mother said for him to remain behind her quietly with Aveline and Merrill. Walking quickly down the stairs her mouth dropped open in shock seeing the knight captain. She looked at Varric in confusion only to see him shrug. There was a figure next to him in a cloak and hood and Isabella quickly explained that he had asked them not to remove it and he had surrendered peacefully so they had not attacked him and abided his request.
"What are you doing here?"
He ran a hand through his hair before saying quietly.
"I'm trying to help you. Meredith knows you have a son and she wants to use him against you. As well as any of your companions who interfere. She will use whatever means she can to discredit anyone close to you and leave them destitute or dead. She plans to lure you into a false sense of security then attacking with the full force of the Templars when she thinks you will least expect it. I am risking my position and very well may be risking my life to bring you this information."
Hawke frowned in suspicion before asking.
"When does she plan on attacking me?"
He answered immediately.
"One weeks time. She planned to make you believe that she had not discovered that you have a child, " Here she saw him looking around the room for a glance of him and was grateful she had left him in the room with Aveline, "Then she will attack your mansion at dawn. That way you would not have time to escape. I am the only one she has confided in about this."
She nodded before asking what she knew everyone wished to know.
"You could be lying to me right now. How can we trust you?"
Not waiting for an answer she walked down the stairs to stand directly in front of him and invading his space she asked.
"How far would you go to save a child? To save the city?"
He took a step away from her faltering under her stare he said quietly.
"I believe that Meredith is losing her mind. I have seen things I wish I had not and know it is her doing and I could never sit by and watch someone attempt to murder an innocent child or leave him with no family or life to speak of. I would not wish to see such acts committed."
He gestured to the figure in the cloak.
"I have proof that you can trust me and I'll prove myself to you now."
Turning to the figure next to him, he offered his hand and Marian watched the figure clutch the fingers instantly trusting. He gently tugged her foreword before pulling back her hood. It was a woman and she was beautiful. Every person in the room had gone silent except for the gasp of shock that Hawke had been unable to suppress. Her eyes went wide and she gasped before reaching out shakily feeling warm fingers hold hers. Opening her mouth to speak she found no words could come out. Finally she tried again and whispered.
"Bethany?"
So that's a bit of a shock right? Stick around for the next chapter! I already have an idea of what to do so I don't believe it will take so long to update this one. So I hope you all liked this and please review!