Leaning heavily against the table Lenya took a deep breath, sinking into a seat, the bodies of six elven women slumped on the floor, their vibrant life forces sacrificed in the spell. She had enough mana to turn the bodies to energy, storing it within the crystal of the amulet she wore. No point in wasting energy when in the days ahead she would need as much as she could get. She gave herself a moment to recover before she turned to the pieces of parchment covered in her notes. Events, places and timelines; the possible futures that saw her sister free. She shuddered painfully, as much as Mythal was a fragment now of what she had been, there was no future outcome where she survived if she drew Mythal to her.

Soran had repeatedly failed to find Jayden's dreams let alone enter them, it seemed the bond protected him even as he slept and she could not bait him with Maric if his dreams could not be influenced. She had assumed the bond made him immune to blood magic meant to influence the mind, but it was or had become much more. Whatever it was now, the bond was a fortress protecting his mind from assault or subtle attempt to enter, but she was not giving up. That was why she had spent days searching the future for some hint of what could breach the bond. She had found only one way so far and even she was not prepared to summon a demon, not yet at least and in her searching she had witnessed the many possible courses of the Blight and Jayden's chances of survival altered from one viewing to the next. The First Warden's failure infuriated her anew.

However there was an alternative; a future where her sister's spirit was freed without confrontation with Mythal and without need for Alric's descendent. Her greatest hope now lay with Fenris and a slight alteration she could make to his brands. However only one future succeeded with Fenris alone and so many things would have to be perfect to ensure they had enough power together, not least of which was getting a mage hating former slave to help her and she needed to get to him before he reached Kirkwall, because if he met Sophia Amell there would be no action she could take that would bring him to her side.

She would have Soran continue to attempt to infiltrate Jayden's dreams and if her plan with Fenris failed and Jayden survived the Blight she could take a more dangerous course of action. Slowly she ran her fingers through her hair, seeing the future was as much a curse as a help, so many unseen influences working beneath the surface, but for now she believed she had seen enough and with Fenris's brands she was sure she could free her sister.

Taking a sip of the restorative tonic she dragged herself from the seat and retired to her bedroom, barely finishing the tonic before she sank into much needed sleep. Her dreams played out the futures she had seen, her death at the hands of Mythal repeating over and over until she woke screaming. Heart pounding, her body covered in a sheen of sweat, Lenya slowly calmed her breathing. Slumping back onto the bed she sighed softly, just a little more time and her sister would be free and she could finally live her own life again. This lifetime was the last chance for her, there would be no more daughters to swap bodies with, she had seen that clearly enough. Shuddering she allowed herself a moment to give into her frustration and fear and let tears spill down her cheeks. She didn't recognise the person she was anymore, she had sacrificed so much of herself to free her sister, in a way they had both been trapped and now it was as much her own freedom she sought as her sisters.

Unable to sleep further Lenya eventually slipped from the bed, washed and changed making sure there was no hint of the distress she was experiencing. Fenris could change everything for her, but if she failed, there was always the descendent and the lure of Maric, she would never give up, not until her last breath. Leaving the room she traversed the maze of corridors finding Soran in the huge library. As she approached he closed the tome he was studying.

"You have need of me?" At her nod he rose, returned the tome to its shelf and followed her to her rooms; he had realised it was the only place she was confident they would not be overheard.

"I will be leaving today to track down Fenris. Once I make contact I will need you to adjust his dreams to ensure he seems me in a favourable light, nudge him towards feeling protective of me. Have you been successful in reaching him through his dreams?"

"Yes, the brands make it difficult, though I have found a way in. How will I know when you have reached him?"

"Calling Crystals would be beneficial, but I would not have him be suspicious of me so I will allow you to enter my dreams to communicate. Know that I will have protected myself, I will know if you attempt to influence me or change my dreams and you will not like the result of that."

Soran nodded suspecting the spells she would use and knowing they could leave him senseless or worse without his magic. "How often do you wish us to communicate?"

"Each night, I would ensure our link remains stable."

"As you wish."

"And you are sure you can influence Fenris in the way I need."

"It will be as you say."

"Very well, and have you confirmed his location?"

"He is currently in Hunter Fell in Nevarra, though how long he will remain there …"

"Long enough you will see to that." Lenya glanced to the window thoughtfully. "On horse and with magical assistance, the worst case is it will take me two weeks to reach him. You will give me two days before dispatching the slavers, three groups should be sufficient, a few days between sending each one. Should we need to adjust things I will inform you."

"And if Magister Aurelian wishes an update on progress?"

"Tell him everything is in hand. Now leave me I must prepare."

Bowing Soran left the room relieved that his contact with her would now be within dreamscapes, he did not trust her, though he would be a fool to trust anyone in Tevinter. Making his way back to the library, he returned to the tome on infiltrating dreams, now he would have access to hers he needed a way to move undetected to get Aurelian the information he demanded. The Magister wanted the secrets of her magic and Soran knew if he didn't get them he would pay the price.

xXx

Gazing out of the window of her bedroom Bethany sighed softly, her hands gently resting on her bump. "Are you even alive Alistair? Surely I would know if you were gone." She glanced to Kolby who sat up and rested his head on her knee. Running her hand over his head she smiled slightly. "I would know it Kolby, but he's a Warden now so how do we get him back?" She glanced at the dagger he had given her when they had parted, an heirloom for their child, but she prayed he would be able to give it to their child himself. Sighing in annoyance with herself she stood and grabbed her cloak heading into the main reception room seeing Sophia speaking to Brother Sebastian. He was nice enough; a little too pious for her liking and a little too interested in Sophia than a Brother had a right to be.

"I will do what I can Brother Sebastian." Sophia stated gently.

"The Chantry is as always grateful for your generosity." With a bow, he turned and left.

"Wanting more money?" Bethany asked curiously.

"Do people ever come here for anything else?" Sophia muttered giving an apologetic smile. "You look like you are going somewhere."

"I need to get out of my head for a little, care to join me?"

Smiling broadly Sophia grabbed her own cloak, checking the daggers concealed in her boots and held the door open for Bethany. "Where do you have a mind to go?"

"Somewhere different; somewhere unusual."

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "You saw my invitation to the Black Emporium?"

"Oh please Sophia, when I asked Varric about it what he told me sounds marvelous. Please!"

"Very well, but put your hood up I would rather not have us gain too much attention."

"Varric said it is owned by Xenon who bargained with an Antivan witch of the wilds for immortality and is over three hundred years old!"

"You do remember Varric tells tall tales." She stated closing the door behind them, glancing at Kolby thinking there was no way to disguise the huge mabari, but few would be stupid enough to start trouble in his presence.

"Yes but he said this is real, only Xenon forgot to bargain for eternal youth."

Sophia smiled slightly; Varric had given her the same information when the mysterious invitation had arrived. She had been curious, but duties had kept her busy until now. "Well I suppose we shall find out the truth for ourselves in a short while."

"Varric also said there is a golem security guard."

"So I've heard." They continued on in silence for a short time as Sophia made sure she guided them down the right alleyways and through the cities underworld. "Ah, here we are."

As they entered Bethany stared wide eyed at the golem, glancing to Sophia who was holding her invitation. The golem moved aside and they slipped passed, Kolby giving an inquisitive sniff before moving on. Both women stopped unable to prevent their stares seeing the Antiquarian in the centre of the room upon a chair, as ancient and immobile as Varric had suggested. "Oh."

Gathering her wits Sophia gently tugged Bethany over to the side where several benches and barrels overflowed with schematics and trinkets, behind Xenon were armour and weapons of fascinating and unusual design.

Bethany ran her fingers over the fine materials hesitating at the Royale Sea Silk, gasping at what she realised were dragon scales. Forcing herself to focus she moved over to the lists of potions, scanning them in the hopes of finding something that would help her to free Alistair from the Wardens. Her hopes faded quickly. She glanced to Kolby who was sniffing the various barrels, but she was always in his line of sight.

Sophia gave her time to herself, instead moving over to the weapons locking on a pair of stormheart daggers; lyrium carved into the blade and the pommels carved into wolves' heads. Carefully picking them up, they felt as though they had been made for her. Not entirely sure how to go about purchasing anything Sophia moved as close to Xenon as she could. "I wish to purchase these daggers and a bolt of the Royale Sea Silk." She smiled at Bethany's gasp of delight.

"Urchin!" Xenon yelled.

Sophia had no idea how he could speak without moving, wondering what magic or device had been employed, turning as a young boy appeared sorting out the material and taking the coin after carefully counting it.

"It costs so much." Bethany gasped.

Sophia nodded to Xenon and they left. "More than worth it; besides now I have made my first purchase next time I will get to see the really rare items." She smiled at Bethany's surprised glance. "He wished to size me up and I him. This will be a very useful acquaintance. And now perhaps we have someone else who can look into Alistair's situation, I presume you found nothing in the potions on display."

Bethany turned to her startled. "You deliberately left the invitation where I would see it didn't you?"

"I had hoped Xenon might be able to help, but I didn't want you to think I was poking my nose into your business. I did however wish to remind you that you are not alone and there is always hope."

Bethany smiled broadly and linked her arm. "Soph you are family and I am grateful for any help."

"In that case I will tell you I have Varric with his ear to the ground for any news from Ferelden, particularly about the Wardens. As soon as he has anything you will know."

Bethany sighed softly. "I just wish I knew where Ali is and what he is doing. As a Warden he will be right in the middle of it." She shuddered painfully. "Soph he has to make it home to us. We can't lose anyone else."

"He will." Sophia soothed. "From all you have told me of Alistair I believe he will do everything in his power to return to you."

"I hope so and thank you; you didn't have to buy the material as well, I certainly can't afford it."

"I wanted to, besides you really need some new clothes, that baby of yours is making you outgrow everything we get you."

xXx

Escaping to the garden Anders could still hear Gamlen's bitter griping about people taking advantage of him and his home. He heard Sophia's voice as she returned, her tone so soft he couldn't make out the words, but whatever she had said shut Gamlen up. Moments later he heard the slam of a door suspecting Gamlen was off to the Blooming Rose where he had spent most of his evenings since he had quit as foreman of the mine stating it was a 'bloody health hazard'. Sophia had remained calm until the point he had accused her of trying to kill him. She had torn several strips off him and in anger she had told him he was a guest and if he wanted to be considered family he had to contribute. This had led to a bitter argument where Gamlen spat that Leandra contributed nothing, bristling at the retort that his sister had not gambled away the fortune and house to slavers. The last week they had walked on eggshells around each other, but Gamlen was not one to let his bitterness be quiet for long. He glanced up as Sophia wandered into the garden with a bottle of wine and two glasses.

"Can I join you?"

"Of course."

Smiling Sophia sat on the bench and sighed. "I almost wish that giant spider had eaten him."

Struggling to suppress the smile Anders took the bottle and filled both glasses. "He's an ungrateful fool."

"He feels wronged and seeing Leandra mixing with the nobility that have shunned him is bringing his envy to the surface."

"He's exhausting. I'm just glad he doesn't know about myself and Bethany, or we would have Templars at the door."

"He wouldn't dare!" Sophia growled.

Anders couldn't help but smile; Sophia was generous, caring and as fierce as a dragon, at times she reminded him of Jayden.

"That is a sad smile."

"I was just thinking how well you and Will would have got on."

"You think he would have liked me?"

Anders chuckled softly. "I think he would have adored you. Maker I miss him, Airyl too."

"He must have been quite a man to have a wolf as a companion."

"He would deny it, but I always thought he was special and he had a way with animals, said it was from his grandfather. I mean Airyl loves … loved him, but horses too. There wasn't a horse that didn't take to him. He told me once a wild halla settled next to him, head on his knee would you believe."

"A Halla!"

Anders nodded before lowering his head. "I should never have left. I should have gone to the battle, been with him."

"He wanted you to survive Anders; just like he wanted Garrett and Carver and the rest of the family to survive."

"I should have been there for him."

"You can't do this to yourself, it will drive you to madness or despair and I don't think he would want that."

"I just feel so guilty all of the time."

Sophia gently took his hand. "What would he say to you if he was here?"

"That I have nothing to feel guilty about. That he made a choice knowing the potential consequences." Draining the glass Anders poured himself another. "Damn him he was so determined to do what he saw as his bloody duty." He stood and began pacing the garden. "I didn't ask for him in my life." He suddenly snapped. "I didn't want to care about anyone else I'd already lost enough, but damn him he just … he …" He shuddered, startled when Sophia wrapped her arms around him, resting his cheek on her shoulder, tears spilling. "I'm sorry." He whispered.

"Don't be. I still spend some nights crying about Dylan. I mean he's alive so it's not the same, but I haven't seen him since we were children, Maker I'm not even sure what Circle he is in, what Circle any of my brothers are in."

Anders looked up sharply, brushing the tears from his cheeks. "Maker I'm an idiot. I didn't even make the connection."

"Connection?"

"Dylan!"

Sophia's eyes lit up. "You know him?"

"Not really, I mean I knew him by sight but I don't think we ever talked."

"Well now I know where he is, it's a start."

"Sophia I … look he was part of the army at Ostagar. I … I don't know if he survived."

The colour drained from her face and Sophia turned away struggling to breathe; to know where her brother had been and have that torn from her in one breath was too much. She turned as she felt Anders hand on her shoulder.

"Sophia I only know he was at Ostagar, he could still be alive."

Sophia gave him a rueful smile. "And I was supposed to be trying to make you feel better. Do you know anything about him … I know you said you didn't speak, but …"

"Best damn elemental mage in the Circle." Anders stated confidently. "Good with plants too. He kept his head down to stay out of the Templars way as much as possible, probably why we never got to know each other; I was a bit of a rebel. I'm sorry I didn't know him, but Will did. He was put in charge of training, getting everyone used to magic and I think Dylan was involved in growing the Wilds Flowers at the Circle for Will."

"So they might have known each other quite well then?"

Anders smiled warmly. "Will had nothing but praise for him. I don't know what your brother thought, but I know Will thought of Dylan as a friend."

Sophia gave a tearful smile, leaning against Anders as they had another glass of wine.

xXx

"What's on your mind Pixi?" Varric stretched and turned in his chair with a smile. It was unusual for her to visit so late.

"How did you know I was here? I can sneak up on anyone, but you!"

"I'm gifted. So tell me what has you in my rooms this late in the evening?"

Leaning on the table Sophia met Varric's curious gaze. "Anders knew of my brother Dylan; he was in the Ferelden Circle."

"Was?"

"He apparently joined the army. He … he was at Ostagar." She gave him a weak smile. "I just thought since you are keeping your ear to the ground about Alistair, you might see if there is any word on Dylan. I'm not expecting there to be, I mean he's a mage and assuming he survived he is probably back in the Circle, but …"

"I'll see what I can find out."

"Thanks Varric."

"No problem."

xXx

Taking her tea having been unable to sleep and heading into the library liking the comfortable chairs next to the fire, Bethany hesitated seeing Anders already there, his gaze locked on the staff that had been a gift from his brother after the terrible incident with the Templars; though at the moment due to the spell of concealment it looked like a stick. "Is it alright if I come in?"

"Of course." Anders carefully put the transformed staff in his boot. "Most comfortable seats in the house, I think that's why Sophia is always here, when she's home that is."

"And it has nothing to do with having a house full of people."

Anders smiled slightly. "I suppose that might have something to do with it."

"You were looking pretty intently at the staff."

"I was just thinking about … you know Will just gave it to me as a gift. He had it made especially, but said it could just be a stick for all he knew." Swallowing painfully Anders stared at his hands. "You know when we stumbled across each other … literally, we didn't trust each other, but he got under my skin and in time I came to realise we had been in each other's lives without ever meeting, both trying to help a person the other loved." He sighed softly. "Maybe that means we would always have met, I just wish … I wish …" He glanced up as Bethany rested her hand over his.

"He knew you loved him."

"But at times I was so cruel to him. I tried to push him away because I was so damn afraid."

"And he forgave you." Bethany soothed. "He wouldn't want you to torment yourself; he would want you to have the best life possible."

Smiling slightly Anders sighed softly. "I know."

"I miss him too." Bethany stated softly. "And I know Carver and Garrett do too. I'll never forget seeing how Huff and Puff reacted to him, I knew right then he was one of us." She returned Anders smile. "He might not be with us, but I believe he will be watching over us, Airyl too."

"I had better stop feeling sorry for myself then." He met her gaze. "How are you doing … about Ali I mean."

"I miss him, sometimes so much I think my heart will explode, but I have Kolby and …" She gently stroked her bump. "And this little one. I believe that Ali will make it through the Blight and he will do as he promised and find a way home to us, but sometimes I feel that hope slip away and I am so afraid, but I have all of you and Sophia is just like a big sister and she's looking into how we can get Ali out of the Wardens and she said Varric is trying to get news from Ferelden, especially about the Wardens."

"Sophia and Varric have certainly made life a lot easier than it might have been in this nightmare of a city. So where did you go today?"

"We went to the Black Emporium." She grinned at Anders surprised look.

"It's real?"

"Yes and so is Xenon, everything Varric said about him is real."

"That is disturbing; was there anything interesting?"

"Everything! Potions, materials, weapons and I'm sure I saw a tiny bear nosing around a barrel of socks, but I can't be sure, maybe it was just a really big rat." She returned Anders smile. "You don't do that enough you know."

"What?"

"Smile."

"Garrett told me the same thing. I'm trying really I am."

"I know, I just want you to know we love you and we loved Will too." She smiled as Anders hugged her. "Are you going with Garrett to the Bone Pit tomorrow?"

"Someone has to keep an eye on him. Do you have a letter for Malcolm?"

"Garrett has it and one for Carver too."

"You must miss them."

"I do, but I understand Carver staying with dad, besides he's really angry with mom, I am too. She goes to parties and flirts with other men while dad lives at a mine."

Anders gazed at her compassionately. "Bethany …"

"I hate her Anders, she forced us to come to this awful place and she is having fun with her noble friends while dad is stuck at the mine and I'm terrified to leave the house alone and every time you go out I'm terrified you won't come back." A painful sob left her lips as she sank into Anders arms as he moved to her.

"We won't be here forever Bethany."

"I want to go back to Ferelden. I want to be with Ali!"

"And you will, but let's get this baby born first alright, make sure you are both healthy."

Forcing herself to calm Bethany nodded leaning against his chest, feeling Kolby press gently at her side. "I miss Ali so much." With a sigh she blinked sleepily. "I'm going to go to bed. Wake me before you leave tomorrow, promise."

"I promise." Anders watched her leave the room, Kolby as always at her side, leaning on the doorframe watching until she had gone into the room next to the stairs. "Sweet dreams." He murmured, returning to his seat and retrieving the staff. Allowing a slight smile he put aside for a moment his grief and allowed himself to remember the better times they had shared.

xXx

It was early evening when they reached the Bone Pit and easing open the door of the healers hut and his father's current home, Garrett yelled for help with the precariously stacked boxes of healing supplies he was carrying. He grinned as his father moved swiftly to his side taking each box and setting it on the table; before hugging him.

"It's good to see you Garrett."

Grinning as his father looked him over he put down his pack. "I've only been gone a few days."

"Indeed, allow a father to have concern for his son. Carver is eager to see you, the miners opened up another cavern and there were more spiders. Thankfully they were all carrying the antivenom, but I need to make more and Carver wants to do another sweep before the men set up in there. Is Anders with you?"

"He's with the rest of the supplies, you know how light fingered some of the men here appear to be."

"Of that I am well aware. Have to keep this place locked up tight. We really need to find out who the light fingered culprit is."

"Well Anders and I have had some thoughts on that. Anders said we could cover a box with a powdered root he managed to get hold of don't ask me how. He said no-one will notice it on the box, but once it comes into contact with skin it stains and is a nightmare to remove. Worth considering, but let's get the cart emptied first."

"How is Bethany?"

"Healthy, but she misses you. She wanted to come with us, but mom doesn't want her travelling out here, she said it is too dangerous and then of course brought up Flemeth's warning which had Bethany in a fit of anxiety for the rest of the day. Thank the Maker for Sophia because she did what the rest of us couldn't, just walked in the house and had Bethany's mind on something else faster than a heartbeat. The woman is a bloody blessing. Here before I forget." He passed over a sealed parchment. "Bethany said she wants a reply letter as soon as possible and preferably longer than the last."

Malcolm chuckled and tucked it into his tunic. "I shall do my best to oblige and your mother?"

Garrett nipped at his lower lip. "Mom is fine. She has been visiting with some old friends, Lady Cybil in particular, attending her parties and being reintroduced into Kirkwall society and meeting new people."

Malcolm nodded slightly. "Is she settled, happy?"

"I guess so. Dad I wish you would speak to each other; it's been over a month now. Sophia said there is a tunnel going from one of her merc bases just outside the city to Darktown and there is a passageway to the house cellar from there. She is happy to give you a key to use so you can come and go without being seen."

"That will be useful to see Bethany more often, especially as her pregnancy progresses."

"And mom?"

"Garrett your mother and I … coming here … I'm not sure there is any going back."

"There won't be if you don't talk to each other."

"Garrett I …"

"Dad talk to me please."

"Your mother knew what coming back here would mean for me, I made it clear many times over the years, she knew coming back here would be a death sentence for me. We could have gone to any other city in the Free Marches, contacted her brother for aid, but no, she demanded we come here no matter the consequences. I thought … I thought once we reached here she would truly understand the danger, but this is her home Garrett, your mother is tired of running and I can't blame her for that. She wants the life she gave up to be with me, let her have it Garrett. Let her be happy."

"And what about you?"

"I have my children and my work and for the moment at least my freedom."

"Dad …"

"This isn't something you can solve Garrett and while I love you for wanting to, don't take that on. Your mother and I will always love you and your brother and sister no matter what happens between us."

"I just want you to be happy."

Malcolm patted his shoulder. "That doesn't necessarily mean your mother and I being together."

Garrett wished he could find a way to heal his parent's relationship, but some distances it seemed were simply too far to bridge.

xXx

Smiling warmly Anders clasped Carver's arm as he raced over to the cart.

"Please tell me you brought some of those spiced buns Varric gets from Maker knows where."

Laughing Anders nodded. "In the covered basket." He shook his head as Carver grabbed the basket and snatched out one of the buns taking a large bite.

Sighing contentedly Carver gave Anders a slightly guilty look. "How's Bethany?"

"She has good days and bad. She misses you."

"I miss her too." He smiled as Anders handed over the letter. "She does like to write." Breaking the seal he scanned the contents his smile fading to a frown. "So mother has been to another party."

Anders winced at the bitterness of his tone. "How's Malcolm?"

"Dad's putting on a brave face as usual. I can't believe mother is being so selfish." He bit his lip as a hand gently gripped his shoulder turning to see his father. "Anders brought buns."

"I see that. Why don't you go and see Bethany."

"I'm not leaving you here alone!"

"He won't be alone." Garrett stated put his arm over his brothers shoulders. "I'll stay."

"Neither of you have to stay." Malcolm stated plucking a bun from the basket. "I am perfectly capable of looking after myself." He raised an eyebrow as his sons gave him that look as though he had said something crazy. "Just unload the cart." He muttered taking a bite, grabbing the basket before Carver could take another and carrying it into the hut.

Grabbing several boxes Carver hurried after him, managing to grab another bun grinning at his father before darting back out to help his brother and Anders bring in the rest of the supplies.

xXx

Pulling away the cobwebs Carver glared into the cave. "Bloody spiders." He could feel Garrett smiling a step or two behind him and pushed down the flare of anger, it wasn't his brother he was angry with. He saw the shadow and caught the spider as it leapt, driving his sword deep and slicing it down the middle.

"Nice." Garrett grinned, glancing around the cave for others.

"Lots of practice." Carver muttered. He turned as Garrett caught his shoulder. "How can she be going to bloody parties?" He spat furiously.

"I don't understand it either, but this is how it is."

"It's like she's forgotten dad; like he really is dead!"

"I know it seems like that …"

"I hate her." Carver growled turning when Garrett said nothing, realising his brother wasn't happy with their mother any more than he was.

"Dad doesn't want us to interfere." Garrett stated softly, pulling at another web.

"I'm thinking of going back." Carver stated softly.

"To Ferelden?"

"To Gwaren, that's where Will told us to go. We basically deserted Garrett. I feel so damn guilty every day about it. Bethany is safe over here, or as safe as we can make her and you and Anders will watch over her and Sophia is great."

"You think I don't feel guilty?" Garrett muttered.

Sighing Carver turned to his brother. "Everything has gone wrong here Garrett. I don't even know mom anymore, dad is miserable even though he is trying not to show it. Bethany hates it here, well apart from Sophia. Maker if it wasn't for her I dread to think what would have happened to us." He glanced to Garrett. "I know what Flemeth said, but once the baby is born …" He hesitated.

"I know Bethany intends to go back too. Once our nephew or niece is born we can talk about it then. For now, let's just work on keeping everyone safe."

Sighing Carver nodded, knowing Garrett was right and in his heart he knew he would never forgive himself if he left before the birth.

xXx

Ladling out the thick mutton and vegetable soup that was one of Sophia's specialities, Malcolm filled four bowls watching his sons and Anders tuck into the food as though they hadn't eaten in days. He smiled to himself knowing he would be the same, he had no idea what she did, but the soup was about the best he had ever tasted. "So, what news?"

"Bethany went to the Black Emporium with Soph." Garrett murmured as he chewed on the freshly baked bread.

"The Black Emporium, now that takes me back."

"You've been?" Garrett stared at his father, his spoon hovering near his mouth.

"In my youth; fascinating place, but dangerous to. I imagine Sophia will ensure your sisters protection."

"So what did you get from there?" Carver asked curiously.

Smiling Malcolm tapped his nose.

Laughing Garrett continued eating, the relaxed atmosphere taking over and the pain of a split family was suspended for a few hours.

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed.