DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING

Note: I'm back! I'm sorry it took so long things have been really really crazy. In this chapter we see some more of Hawke's siblings so I wanted to mention that Carver and Hawke are friends. I always liked Carver better as a friend instead of a rival. I liked Bethany that way better as well so I decided they would be close as well. We also see major Fenris, Leto, and Hawke.

Marian closed her eyes for a moment before running her hands through her choppy hair and intertwining her fingers at the back of her neck. After letting out a long sigh she made her way downstairs to see Varric looking at her apologetically and Leto looking between Marian and Fenris before settling on Marian. No one spoke for a long moment until she heard a familiar voice and gasped in surprise.

"Hello sister."

Stepping toward her Carver enveloped her into a gentle hug before pulling back. He held her for a long moment and she felt herself smile. When he did she noticed something else she hadn't before. Standing behind Carver were a group of people she immediately recognized and looked from each face wondering why they were here. Zevran was standing proud and winked at her ignoring the glare Fenris was sending him, her cousin Charade who was offering her a gentle smile stood next to him, Donnic was standing near his wife and she looked as surprised as Marian was although she should have known Donnic would come for Aveline, Martin stood by Isabela and was holding up a tar bomb grinning, Tomwise who was holding a box, and lastly there was Worthy.

"What…when…..how….I don't understand."

She finally said forgoing her previous attempts to speak. Carver shook his head grinning before speaking.

"We've been recruited."

He said pointing to Fenris. Turning to him, unable to hide her emotions she said.

"You did this? So you didn't…"

Nodding shortly he raised his hand cutting off what she had been about to say but not before Marian noticed the pained expression on his face. Noting the tension between them Carver decided to speak again.

"Fenris managed to find all of us without Meredith and her spies noticing. He even managed to sneak me into the city. He said he had to find people that wouldn't betray your secret."

Glancing at Martin she raised an eyebrow and his grin faded and he frowned at her.

"You gave me a new life Hawke. I got a legitimate business now thanks to you. Besides you could use my unique skills. I'd never tell that bitch about the lad. I give you my word."

Marian said nothing still in shock but finally nodded before turning to Donnic who was arguing with Aveline in hushed whispers. Feeling her gaze and glaring at his wife he said.

"I'm staying. I don't give a damn what I'm risking being here. My place is with my wife and friends and I'm not leaving!"

Pausing he looked at Aveline and said softly.

"You know me better than that love."

Meeting Aveline's gaze and seeing her sigh in defeat she nodded again holding her hands up letting him know she was on his side before addressing the group.

"Thank you. You don't know what this means to me that all of you are here."

"We all owe you in one way or another cousin. How could we not help you?"

Marion offered a small smile and opened her mouth to speak but Bodhan cut her off.

"We've discussed it and we want to fight as well. This is our home and we will defend it. We love you and Leto. Were family too."

Leaning down she gently kissed Bodhan's cheek making him blush scarlet before asking.

"I truly cannot change your mind?"

They shook their heads in perfect time and she nodded before changing the subject.

"We should plan our attack, but..."

She trailed off hoping someone would pick up on what she was trying to say. Fenris and Carver understood first because they looked at Leto then back at Marian silently asking what she wanted to do. After thinking for a moment she sighed before turning to her son.

"Would you like to train Leto?"

She asked knowing it would tire him enough that he would nap and then they would be able to talk freely. Leto looked at her for a moment trying to discern if this was a trick or not. After a moment he nodded before asking what she wanted to train with and she replied that they could train with whatever he wanted ignoring the panicked looks from her servants. It turned out they were worrying for nothing as Leto instantly ran upstairs and came back with a sword on his back and dragging Marian's on the floor as it was too heavy.

Her friends were surprised to say the least, but no more than Carver and Fenris. Fenris had taken to looking at Marian in shock and confusion and finally it was Carver that spoke.

"You've trained him on the sword? Fenris told me he was a mage?"

Leto scoffed shaking his head before replying.

"Mother taught me both. I'm not just a mage. I'm a warrior too just like father. She says I'm even better than you were at my age and I think she's just as good as father."

He grinned at Carver and Marian shook her head hearing the challenge before turning to look at Fenris. He had the most curious look on his face but if she had to guess what it was she would say it was a mixture of thankfulness and respect. Then he registered the rest of Leto's statement and offered her a small challenging grin. Blushing she turned to see Carver raising an eyebrow at her interrupting the moment and she grinned back before replying herself to both men.

"It's true."

Withdrawing his blade Carver asked if Leto wished to train with him and he bounced up and down before Marian held up a hand and said it might be a good idea if they show him how they trained together first. Leto instantly agreed and Marian adopted her usual stance which made her friends furrow their eyebrows in confusion. Smiling she reminded them that Leto was shorter than she was so this was easier on them. Leto watched her carefully before swinging in a wide arc and Marian easily dodged it before adopting a squatting position and began giving him commands and advice. For the most part she didn't need her sword but when she did use it she went half speed and was careful not to hurt him and by the end of the better part of a half hour Leto was panting and had sat down wiping his brow as Marian said how proud she was of him. Fenris had been watching quietly and finally spoke softly surprising the group as they had thought he was still angry with her.

"Who taught you to use a sword?"

Her smile faded and she answered just as softly.

"I taught myself."

He opened his mouth to speak but Leto cut him off.

"Mother didn't use her magic until I was three. She used swords and staffs for fighting unless she was on a mission. She never used it in the house. Not until she began teaching me better control of my powers."

Seeing his mother's shocked expression he said quietly.

"Bodhan told me."

Turning to Fenris once more he spoke again.

"Mother always showed me both. Being a warrior is just as much a part of me as it is to be a mage."

Bodhan was looking at Marian apologetic and sheepishly but Fenris was beginning to look pained again. His expression was such that it was bringing tears to Marian's eyes so she turned quickly drawing everyone's attention away from him and onto her. Leto smiled at her before stretching out his arms up to her silently asking her to carry him but turned for a second and demanded that Carver would train with him when he woke up. Carver had agreed immediately and Marian silently shook her head before picking him up she carried him upstairs knowing he was tired and put him to bed. Fang had quickly followed her to protect him and once he was settled she returned to her friends and said.

"Why didn't I send him somewhere safe. I'm the worst mother in the world to have him here for what's going to take place."

It was Varric who spoke.

"Hawke their was no where for him to go. Everyone who can be trusted is here. Where could you have possibly sent him? No one could take care of him the way you can and from what I've seen if your in danger he tries to protect you he probably would have found someway to get into even bigger trouble. As awful as this sounds...he's safer here than anywhere else. At least here we can protect him."

Shaking her head she thought for a moment before saying.

"The only place he could really hide is in the wardrobes or under the bed if he stays in my room. I think he'd be safer in the wardrobe."

Pacing back and forth she turned sharply when she heard Isabella speak.

"Hawke...if he stays in the room...you...you know you can't be in there."

Seeing her expression she began speaking quickly fearing she'd lose her temper.

"They know you'd die for him. If your in the room they will know that's where he is. It could get him killed. I know thats not what you want to hear...but its true. If your in another room it will draw their attention away from him because that's where they will think he is."

Marian closed her eyes for a long moment until she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up she saw Carver looking at her gently.

"She's right sister. This could save him."

Feeling tears well in her eyes she said.

"I want to protect him. If I'm not there he could..."

Turning she looked at Fenris who had the same expression on his face. Looking at her apologetically he finally nodded and she felt a tear fall before nodding her head in agreement. After a moment she remembered that Tomwise had a box with him and after finding out what was in it she grinned widely and began detailing her battle plan.

"I want Aveline, Varric, and Tomwise in the bedroom with Leto. Tomwise use your "talents" and make sure that everyone who goes in that room is instantly incapacitated. Varric let Bianca loose and shoot everything you see and Aveline defend Leto with your life do not let anything get near the wardrobe."

After they nodded she quickly told Isabella, Donnic and Worthy they would be in her mother's room before explaining how she wanted the group to place themselves downstairs.

"I want them to think Leto is in the library downstairs. There's plenty of chests and he could hide in any one of them or behind the shelves of books or statues. It would make the most sense. In the main room I want Zevran, Martin, Bodhan, Sandal, Orana Anders, and Fenris. Charade and Carver your with me. Gamlen if you choose to fight you can join them in the main room if not please hide somewhere safe. Is everyone clear?"

Everyone nodded until they heard.

"No."

They turned to Fenris to see he was only looking at Marian. Frowning she looked at him confused. Meeting her gaze steadily he said.

"I'm staying with you."

"Fenris..."

He held up a hand cutting her off.

"I will remain at your side."

Feeling her cheeks warm as she looked into his eyes she felt herself nod and his body relaxed. As the tension began to leave the group began to discuss attack plans and strategies and Marian noticed the day was quickly fading. The group had become quiet and somber and she felt a thick tension fall over the group until the silence was broken by a loud yell and realizing it was Leto Marian ran up the stairs as fast as she could not realizing that Fenris had almost cut her with one of his gauntlets because he was right behind her. Entering the room she saw Leto tossing in the bed eyes screwed tight and his yells became more desperate. Quickly sitting on the bed Marian gently shook Leto trying to wake him up. After a few attempts his eyes flew open and he instantly molded himself to his mother crying into her chest before pulling back and held his hand out to his father. Fenris hesitated a fraction of a second before sitting on the bed next to Marian and removing his gauntlets. Holding his son's hands as gently as he could he met Marian's eyes over Leto's head and saw her eyes welling with tears. Holding his gaze she mouthed.

"Thank you."

He nodded before looking back down when Leto hiccuped loudly. Speaking softly he asked.

"What were you dreaming?"

Leto's head snapped up at the question and he smiled before hugging Fenris as hard as he could. Raising his arms and wrapping them around Leto he raised his gaze to Marian confused before he realized why Leto was so happy. Fenris had finally spoken to him. Smiling encouragingly at him she remained silent for a moment before repeating what Fenris had asked. Pulling back he began to tear up again and spoke so rapidly she was afraid he'd hyperventilate.

"I saw you die mother! There was so much blood and father...father couldn't save you! He couldn't save you because they stabbed him and he was bleeding so much and I don't want you to die and leave me mother and I've just gotten to see father!"

She shook her head in quick denial.

"I will never leave you Leto and neither will your father. We are NOT going to die. None of us will."

He looked at her for a moment disbelieving for a moment until she asked him gently.

"Do you remember what I told you the first time you asked about your father?"

Scrunching his nose in a way that reminded her of herself he thought for a moment before nodding quickly.

"You said, you and father love me with all your hearts and will never ever leave me and one day we will all be together again. Forever and always."

Seeing Fenris so quiet he turned to him and added.

"She said you would come back always return to us."

He remained quiet for a long moment before saying softly.

"Nothing is going to happen to your mother or I tomorrow. We have a lot of help in taking her down."

Grinning Leto blew his nose on his sleeve and Fenris smiled against his will seeing Marian cringe. Still hugging his mother Leto began to calm down as she spoke softly to him and he began to ease back into sleep. After his breathing was quiet and even Marian turned to Fenris and said softly.

"Thank you for comforting him."

"He's my son. When I heard him screaming I..."

She looked at him knowingly.

"Your heart jumped in your throat and you felt as if you'd aged five years?"

His face relaxed completely and he nodded before asking.

"Is it always this way?"

She thought for a moment.

"When your worried?"

She nodded. Thinking for a moment she said.

"I thought you were still mad."

He exhaled sharply but remained calm.

"I am."

"I deserve that."

He nodded but said nothing. Hearing a tentative knock on the door and Orana's worried tone they stood up and opened the door before motioning that Leto had fallen back asleep. After leading her downstairs to the group she nodded when she asked if he was alright. After assuring them he was fine, Varric asked.

"Does he have nightmares often?"

Marian shook her head. The group was quiet until Anders spoke and Marian instantly felt her anger grow and she wondered if there would ever be a time in the future that he didn't piss her off.

"You are the biggest hypocrite I've ever met."

Hearing gasps behind her she shook her head silently telling them to be stay quiet. Fenris had already taken a tense stance and was trying to remain calm as well. Seeing her ignoring him he spoke louder and Marian clenched her fists so hard her nails were drawing blood.

"You always say accept who you are and that magic is a gift. You love mages and help so many! You've saved countless mages from horrible fates and yet you yourself didn't use magic for three years in your home. Were you ashamed Hawke?"

Seeing tears in her eyes he pushed forward.

"That's it wasn't it? You were ashamed to be what you are? Your a traitor to the mages."

Marian remained silent only speaking when Fenris had Anders by the throat. She couldn't hear what Fenris said but she was close enough that she heard Anders.

"Its all your fault. You made her hate what she is. She's just like you."

Fenris stepped back in shock and Marian hit Anders so hard that blood spurted from his nose before he fell to the ground. Leaning over him she said.

"Give me one reason we should be friends with you. After you could treat us this way.""

He shook his head in the negative before replying.

"Because I love you and you need all the help you can get tomorrow."

Glaring at him she said very quietly.

"I do need your help but if you say one word I will not hesitate to do what I said I would before. That you love me is irrelevant because nothing will EVER come from it."

Seeing his face she felt a small measure of satisfaction at hurting his feelings because of how badly he'd hurt hers and Fenris, but she felt guilty as well. Surprisingly it was Orana who broke the tension by saying she was going to start dinner and the group offered to help grateful to get away from the three. Anders had finally fallen silent and Marian and Fenris weren't talking either. They heard laughter from the kitchen but didn't move to join them until finally Anders stood up and after looking at Marian for a long moment stalked away to the kitchen. Sighing in relief Marian sagged in her chair before saying softly.

"I really hate him sometimes."

Fenris offered her a rare grin.

"I hate that bastard all the time."

Grinning she was about to say something when Leto interrupted and she silently wondered if they'd ever get to talk without being interrupted by someone. Hearing him speak she brought herself out of her thoughts and listened to him.

"I hate that bastard too."

Turning to Fenris she saw him trying to stop a smile. Shaking her head she instantly reprimanded her son.

"LETO CARVER HAWKE."

Hearing his full name he instantly apologized for using the foul language and she nodded turning when she heard her brother behind her.

"You named him for me?"

He asked shocked. Seeing the expression Fenris had on his face she shook her head.

"Nope. I named him for Fenris."

Rolling his eyes at her he said.

"You know what I meant."

Rolling her eyes back she nodded and said.

"Yes I gave him your name as well."

Looking hesitantly at Fenris she saw his face was unreadable and she looked at the floor guiltily. It was Carver who spoke and Hawke was surprised that it was to Fenris not her.

"I really have tried to change."

Fenris was silent for a long moment remembering the last time he had said that and what he had replied. Looking at Carver he said quietly.

"I know that."

Offering Fenris a smile Carver said nothing else knowing that for now that was enough and he was surprised when Fenris chose to speak again.

"I think Marian chose a good name for our son."

The trio was silent until Marian interrupted.

"Thank you Fenris."

Carver was still to shocked to speak but he nodded in thanks to which Fenris returned and Leto grinned at all of them before he remembered what his mother had said and began bouncing excitedly and saying.

"Mother you said uncle Carver and I could train!"

Closing her eyes for moment she let out a small sound that made Carver laugh but finally she nodded in the affirmative. Clapping his hands together he studied Carver contimplatingly for a moment before asking.

"Do you know how to use a staff?"

Carver thought for a moment.

"I've never really tried."

Leto pouted for a moment but then grabbed his sword and said.

"Sword it is then uncle."

Carver nodded before attempting the position that Marian had adopted earlier only to fall on the ground and wince at the feel of his armor scraping his skin. Marian snorted and he turned to glare which made her do it again and then he looked to see Leto was doing it to. Both failed to hide their laughter and finally Carver joined in before trying again. After three attempts and various pointers and laughter from the group he finally managed it. Seeing Leto smile encouragingly at him he swung slowly and cautiously on to have Leto swing hard letting him know he didn't appreciate the caution. Fully grinning now Carver fought with more gusto but made sure that he didn't hurt his nephew. This continued for about an hour until finally Marian grinned at Leto and yelled out.

"Leto swoop."

Carver looked at his sister who smiled knowingly and Leto took advantage and dropped low swinging his feet to hit Carver's calf knocking him off balance. As soon as he stumbled Leto pressed his advantage and swung knocking Carver's blade back then swinging again. After a few more minutes he could tell that Leto was tiring and Marian could tell too because she stopped them despite Leto's protests and after she'd fed him dinner he'd fallen straight asleep not complaining. She'd let him sleep knowing she'd have to wake him up early but not wanting to upset him at the moment. After she'd put him to bed she'd suggested that everyone get some sleep or spend time with their loved ones and was pleased to see that most of the group had split off into couples. Varric had taken Merrill by the hand and led her to the fireplace, Charade had surprisingly disappeared with Zevran, and Carver had disappeared with Isabela. Shaking her head silently she searched for Fenris only to find him waiting in her room.

He took a long time to meet her gaze but finally said quietly.

"I'd like to stay here tonight if its alright but I'd like to remain here."

Marian nodded before taking the heavy blanket off of her bed along with her pillow and handing it to him before telling him she was going to go to bed. After wishing her goodnight he settled down and she adopted her protective pose with her son. Knowing Fenris was there made her feel safer but she was unprepared for the dream she had. Feeling fear creeping up her spine she felt a cold sweat take over her body but she couldn't shake herself awake. Screaming silently she prayed she would wake up. But she didn't. The images in her mind became worse and she let out a whimper not realizing she'd done it. Fenris of course had been awake in an instant and was by the bed silently watching her to make sure she was alright but only interfered when she whimpered again. Shaking her gently he knew he'd scared her when she shot up in bed clutching her chest. He saw sweat pooling on her brow and she had looked around the room frantically before turning to see her son and then finally Fenris.

"Are you alright?"

She nodded not speaking before looking to Leto again then back at Fenris. Seeing her panic he asked.

"Can I help?"

She shook her head still not speaking but finally she shook her head again as if to shake her thoughts away and she said.

"It must be the stress and Leto having a nightmare as well. I'll be fine."

Fenris regarded her silently before saying.

"Having nightmares doesn't make you weak."

She nodded before asking.

"I don't think I can sleep. Would you like to talk? I know your still angry and you have every right to be. I should have told you about Leto long ago."

He sighed.

"Yes. You should've."

They fell silent and didn't speak for a long while. She was hoping he would but it seemed neither knew what to say. Eventually she did fall asleep again and he slept for a few hours as well but woke much earlier than she did and noticing the first strays of light coming into the sky shook her awake.

"Marian. It's time."

So i know there's a lot of filler in this chapter but i did want to see character development and relationships develop as well. I also wanted to give you guys an extra long chapter. The next chapter is the battle and we see seriously dramatic events trust me you don't want to miss it!