Glaring at the refugees filling the Gallows courtyard, Michael hadn't imagined there would be a worse indignity than having to share a single cabin with his parents and another family for the duration of the journey from Gwaren to Kirkwall, but he had been wrong. What was worse was being forced to wait in this holding pen of sorts while someone else decided if they could enter the city. Only those with links to Kirkwall that could be proven were being allowed to enter and they had none. He hated being this close to mages and the Templars eyed them suspiciously and with contempt, especially after his fathers failed attempt at bribery. His father had petitioned the Viscount himself when coin failed to buy them entrance, but that letter had been sent two days ago and they were still here. This was all the Mac Tir's fault and his hatred of them twisted inside him like a knot. The other noble families who had left with them were having no better luck which was the only consolation he had. They had even started talking about returning to Ferelden as the word was that other parts of the Free Marches were becoming just as strict with refugees. Only the thought of Loghain's fury had stopped them from returning.

He gritted his teeth remembering their departure from Gwaren along with several of the other noble families who, like them, had no intention of manning the walls simply due to having taken the preventative. Luck in a way had been with them, the alarm bells had rung out as they were making their way to the dock. They kept to the shadows like criminals, almost holding their breaths as the guardsmen raced past them leaving only two guards at the docks for them to contend with. His fists clenched as he remembered the two young soldiers drawing their weapons clearly having been given orders that they were not to leave Gwaren. They had refused the bribe his father offered and he had drawn his own sword. It was his mother who had astonishingly stepped forward speaking quietly to both young men. He couldn't hear what she said, but both Guardsman gave her an uneasy nod and stepped aside. It had taken nearly three weeks due to stormy weather to reach Kirkwall, the only destination the captain would consider, despite his father's requests to go to Ostwick. It had taken them three days of arguments for the captain to admit to having a prior altercation with the dockmaster there and that put an end to the matter.

A familiar face suddenly caught his eye and he pushed away from the wall startled to see Matthew searching the crowds before spying him and waving. Matthew's family had left relatively quickly after the battle of Ostagar was lost, his two older brothers having lost their lives there. He suspected Matthew's parents were afraid of losing their only living child and he vaguely remembered they had family in Kirkwall. While he had never considered Matthew part of his inner circle, he had allowed him to accompany him, enjoying the adoration of a lesser noble.

"Michael!" Matthew reached him smiling in relief. "My father just found out about you being here, he and my uncle were having lunch with the Viscount and the Viscount asked if he knew your family. Of course, he said yes and vouched for you. The Viscount gave his personal permission for you to enter the city under the proviso you stay with my uncle, for a few weeks at least so that there are no issues of favouritism, the city is in a delicate balance at the moment. I have a ferry if you want to get your parents, even with permission the Templars can be … difficult."

Hurrying over to his parents almost dragging Matthew with him he gave a quick explanation. His mother was graceful in her acceptance of the help, while his father was more abrupt, wanting to leave the Gallows as quickly as possible. To his relief the Templar merely glanced over the letter from the Viscount before allowing them to pass.

An hour later Michael was bathed, in fresh clothes and as the lunch bell sounded, he found himself seated between his parents at a large, exquisitely carved dining table with Matthew's family enjoying the most luxurious meal he had ever had. Matthew's uncle as it turned out was a very influential noble, not to mention very rich. His mansion had more than enough rooms to accommodate them. He longed to know what had been said in the private conversation between his parents and Lord Gerrin, but his parents were being tight lipped about it. He watched as his mother charmed the older man before their first course was finished. She was currently talking to Lady Vevien, Matthew's mother, as though they had always been the best of friends; it amazed him that his mother could sound so genuine. He turned his attention discreetly to Lord Gerrin who was talking to his father. Matthew had told him he was a widower of several years and had no intention of taking another wife, Helena has been the love of his life and with the loss of their son in his infancy due to sickness he had no heir and had turned his attention to his brother's family. It was not hard to see that his affection had been transferred to his only surviving nephew. Michael realised in that moment if he was to survive Kirkwall, he was going to have to be very good friends with Matthew.

xXx

Leaning on the balcony of his room Michael stared out over the gardens of the mansion. It was an impressive estate and if he was honest, it was far more impressive than their own in Gwaren. He knew it must be eating at his father as much as it was eating at him. It chafed at him that they were relying on the good will of Matthew's family, but his mother had spoken to both of them regarding their need for allies for without them they would still be in the Gallows. He turned hearing the knock forcing a slight smile as Matthew peered inside and gestured for him to come in.

Joining him on the balcony Matthew gave a hopeful smile. "Is your room alright?"

"It is." Michael stated, being as charming as he could. "It is very kind of your uncle to let us stay."

"He might seem a bit gruff at times, but he is a good man and once I told him we were friends he was more than happy to help. I … I hope you do not mind me saying we are friends."

Michael smiled and draped an arm over his shoulders. "Matthew, we are friends." His smile deepened in satisfaction at Matthew's delighted smile.

"I could show you around Kirkwall if you would like."

Nodding, Michael followed Matthew downstairs, it would be sensible to find out as much as he could about Kirkwall and those of influence here.

xXx

Crossing the market Matthew winced and hurried towards a stall in the corner.

"Who are you trying to avoid?" Michael demanded, glancing around curiously.

"Carver Hawke, he was on the same ship as my family when we left Ferelden. We had only just found out my brothers were dead and I covered my grief in being insulting and overbearing. I am ashamed of how I acted." He flushed at Michael's raised eyebrow. "Just because he is a commoner, I had no right to treat him like dirt."

It took everything in him not to snap at Matthew; instead, Michael leaned against a wall and smiled slightly. "You remind me a little of Jayden." He held back the smirk at Matthew's flush.

"I …"

"Relax Matthew, my disagreements with him were when we were children." He smiled as Matthew relaxed. "It does get me thinking though, he is squiring in the Free Marches, I wonder if he is close by."

Matthew glanced at him cautiously. "You want to contact him?"

"It was just a thought; with the Blight it makes our childhood disagreements seem foolish and I wanted to clear the air I suppose."

Not entirely convinced, but not wanting to say so, Matthew shifted slightly. "Well, if you want to find someone, my uncle always goes to Varric Tethras. He is dwarven, but my uncle enjoys his storytelling and his books."

"A dwarven storyteller can find people?"

Matthew shrugged. "Varric is in the merchant business and he and his brother have contacts and businesses in a great many places. I would bet you gold he could find him."

Nodding thoughtfully Michael nodded. The first step in dealing with the menace that were the Mac Tir's was finding Jayden. Once he had his location it would be simple, he was sure to arrange for an accident to occur, or perhaps a similar fate that had befallen Nathaniel Howe. His smile widened at the thought and without an heir, with luck Loghain would be killed in battle with the Darkspawn and then once they returned to Ferelden his father would take his rightful place as Teyrn. "Who is that with the man you are avoiding?"

Glancing up Matthew flushed slightly. "That is Lady Sophia Amell."

"He works for her I suppose."

"Not at all, they are family. Though Lady Sophia is very generous and has employed a great many refugees in her mine, providing housing and an onsite healer. I also believe she has opened her own home to refugees."

"Why in the Void would she do that?"

"To help."

Michael shook his head. "I cannot imagine my father doing something like that."

"My uncle is doing it for your family." Matthew stated softly.

Michael felt a flush of anger and only just kept the acid from his tone. "True enough." He forced a smile. "Now, tell me, how does one get to speak to Varric Tethras?"

xXx

Having turned in after evening meal pleading exhaustion, which was the truth, Mave slowly ran the comb through her hair, glancing in the mirror at her husband who was lying on the bed with a scowl on his face. "Why the scowl? Our circumstances are better than we could have expected."

"Better! We have fallen to living on charity!"

"And whose fault is that?" She continued to comb her hair, watching the shock on her husband's face.

"You cannot be blaming me for this!"

Mave deliberately put down the comb, stood and walked to the foot of the bed looking down at her husband. "Your actions led us to this; to having to leave our home with the likelihood we may never return!"

"I will petition the Landsmeet if Loghain attempts to prevent us from returning."

"Do you think any of the nobility will look any more favourably on you stealing the preventative from the soldiers?"

"I did not know …"

"Do not lie to me again! I knew the moment you spoke to Captain Marcus that you were lying to him and you had lied to us all. You told Colin to steal those vials and then you blamed him!"

"I was trying to keep us safe!"

"And what about the soldiers who are risking their lives to keep us and Gwaren safe?"

Tyran stood and gently took her hand. "I could not bear to lose you. I just wanted to keep you and Michael safe."

Pulling her hand free, Mave shook her head. "You wanted the preventative and used us as accomplices. You have brought shame to us!" She ignored his stunned look. "I have spent our married life weathering the storms of your bitterness and spite and the perceived injuries to your ego. I have had enough! You have forced me from the home I loved. My family is still in Denerim! But you did not think of them."

"Mave."

"No! You have been selfish all of your life and this is the result. You will treat Matthew's family with the respect they deserve. They certainly did not have to help us get into the city, nor did Lord Gerrin have to open his home to us. Our coin will not last forever so you will look for another source of income just as I will."

"I will not have you demeaning yourself." Tyran growled.

"You have left me no choice. Michael too will have to earn his way, but you can be the one to tell him that!"

"Those damn Mac Tir's!" He growled.

"Loghain made you steal the preventative, did he?" Mave glared, her voice like ice. "You have spent all these years since the occupation blaming Loghain and his family for any ill that had befallen you. It ends now! I will not suffer it anymore. You are responsible for your choices and what is more you would make a dreadful Teyrn!" She watched in surprise as her husband's shoulders slumped, all of his pride and bluster leaving him.

"You really think that badly of me?"

Sighing Mave settled next to him. "You are insufferably arrogant and you accept little responsibility for your own life, but I know you love Michael and only want the best for him."

"I love you too, I always have." He tentatively reached for her hand afraid she would pull away from him. "I always knew you never wanted the marriage, but I thought if I provided you with a good life you would change your mind about me. I am sorry I failed you."

"We have no choice but to make a fresh start, I expect you to be the role model Michael needs. I expect you to provide for our family in an honest way and I expect you to behave with at the very minimum civility to those helping us." Slipping into bed Mave blew out the candle, her husband climbing in, but staying at his side of the bed. Heart pounding Mave listened to his breathing until he started to snore, only then did she allow herself to relax. She had never been so direct or blunt before and while terrifying it had also been thrilling. She knew she would need to ingratiate herself with the local nobility to begin to build allies and was sure Lord Gerrin would help with that. Whether her husband and son took the opportunity or not, she intended to create a new life for herself and she would no longer stand silently in the background.

xXx

Settling onto the bench in Marcus's garden, Leandra smiled as he sat next to her. She had spent more time with him since their announcement than with her children due to how difficult they were making it to be around them. Bethany had not spoken to her, Carver was being sullen and difficult and Garrett looked hurt whenever she tried to speak to him about it.

"I had hoped they would be getting used to the idea."

"They are angry with me for moving on." She smiled as his arm slipped around her waist.

"They must have been close to their father."

"Bethany especially, they have a … had a special bond." Sighing softly, Leandra rested her head on his shoulder. "My children are old enough to have their own lives, I have sacrificed enough. I love you and I am going to marry you even if they never accept it." She remembered Flemeth's surprise to see Malcolm and realised if Anders had not been there when Malcolm was struck with the fever he truly would have died. Swallowing painfully, she flushed at the callus thought that it would have been better. Still now she had a new life and once Bethany realised just how much coin it took to bring up children she would come around. Alistair was gone and the sooner she came to terms with that the better.

"Give them time, they will come around. Perhaps we could all share a meal together tonight, give them a chance to realise I am not an ogre."

Nodding Leandra leaned into his kiss, forgetting about struggle and pain and simply enjoying being in the arms of a man who could give her all she had ever wanted and more.

xXx

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Bethany gazed at the twins who were sleeping. Wiping the tears from her cheeks she took a shuddering breath; everything seemed so overwhelming. Her mother had insisted they get to know Marcus and last night they had all had dinner together. It had been a nightmare that Bethany had been grateful to escape when the twins started fussing and she retreated with them into their room. She had felt so exhausted that when the twins had fallen asleep, she hadn't been long behind them. She had woken several hours later to her mother's disapproval that she had not returned to the table. It had led to harsh words from both sides. Her mother had told her she had to give up on Alistair, he was a Warden and could never be there for her or their children. She bit her lip, stifling the tears as she remembered her mother saying perhaps it would be better if he didn't survive the blight, then she could get on with her life. She had felt a surge of rage so intense that she had slapped her mother, leaving them both stunned. Leandra has walked out without another word leaving Bethany shaking with rage. Her brothers and Sophia had tried to support her, but they couldn't bring Alistair to her. Realising tears were flowing again Bethany gave into it and buried her face into the pillow to muffle the sounds of her weeping so she wouldn't wake her babies. Sleep finally pulled her into its folds and she dreamt of Alistair as she usually did. Sometimes her dreams were passionate, others they simply held hands as they watched the children, but this time she dreamt of a darkness that was chasing him. His armour was gouged with huge claw marks and there was blood on his face and sword. She saw him fall to his knees in exhaustion and screamed at him to get up. The darkness was so close to him now and Bethany tried to run to him, but the faster she ran the further away he was. Collapsing to her knees she sobbed in despair. She watched as he looked up and saw the fear in his eyes before the darkness engulfed him. Waking with a scream Bethany was startled to find Carver holding her, Garrett sitting on the bed next to her, Anders and Sophia gently soothing the twins.

"You were screaming." Carver murmured, wrapping a blanket around her shivering body.

"I was dreaming of Ali. He was so afraid and the darkness was chasing him and he was too exhausted to keep going. It … it took him."

Carver held her a little tighter. "Ali will make it out of this."

"We don't know that!"

"You can't give up on him, not for a single moment. You have to believe he's coming back to you, because you know how much he loves you and he will find a way."

Slumping against her brother she nodded. "I'm just so tired."

"I know, but he would never give up on you and you can't give up on him."

"Maybe he has." She sniffed dismally. "Mom said he would have had no choice but to accept he is a Warden. She said he … that even if he survives, he will know he can never come back."

"Mom is wrong." Carver stated fiercely. "Just because she gave up on her and dad doesn't mean you give up on Ali. Besides, even if it means being on the run from the Wardens, he will come back to you."

"How can you know that?"

"Because when we were children, he risked the Templars so you could escape them. Then he was ready to fight them when Anders was curing dad. He married you knowing and accepting what life with a mage might mean, because he loves you so much, he couldn't bear life without you. A man like that doesn't just give up on his family." He smiled seeing hope flare in Bethany's eyes.

When Bethany finally fell back to sleep with a little magical assistance from Anders, Garrett and Sophia, holding the twins who were still fussing, headed into the library and settled onto the comfortable chairs, Carver and Anders joining them a few moments later.

"Leandra's insistence that Bethany find another husband has her on edge. Perhaps I should speak to her." Sophia murmured, gently rocking Emma.

"Actually, I've asked dad to." Carver stated, he shrugged as they looked at him. "Mom hasn't listened to any of our subtle hints. Maybe it's time to be more direct."

Garrett nodded in agreement, trying to ignore the squirming anxiety in his gut, focusing on his nephew, grinning as Nicholas gurled and nestled against him.

xXx

Standing at the fireplace arms folded, Leandra stared at Malcolm feeling distinctly uneasy by his presence. When he was at the mine, she could almost convince herself he was dead and she disliked the rush of guilt she felt seeing him. "Carver said you wanted to talk."

Leaning against the edge of the dining table Malcolm nodded. He had wanted to do this a little more privately, but Leandra had looked horrified when he had suggested they go into the bedroom. If he was in any doubt, that told him the relationship was truly over. "Leandra, I want you to consider Bethany's health, both physically and mentally; pushing for her to remarry has our daughter deeply distressed. You have to stop Leandra, for her sake."

"I see."

"Surely you see how exhausted she is, she loves the twins of course but children at that age are rarely easy and you cannot expect her to give up on her husband until there truly is no hope."

"Wardens do not leave the Order. He is as good as dead to her. I am simply trying to secure her future. She could have stability and wealth if she were not so stubborn."

"What is that, if the man she is with is not the man she loves."

Leandra's eyes narrowed. "Love does not put food on the table or care for the children, especially if that person is not here and can never return!"

"Maker's sake Leandra!" He took a calming breath. "This is about Bethany and what she wants. You will stop harassing her, at least until she knows one way or the other about Alistair."

"And you think eligible young men will just wait around for her!"

Anger blooming in his chest Malcolm stood up straight. "Back off Leandra, or so help me I will let Marcus know I am very much alive and let's see how willing he is to wait around for you! Let's see how quickly that wealthy lifestyle you seem to crave of late slips through your fingers!" He sighed as she paled. "I did not come here to fight or threaten, but Bethany is my daughter and while you may think you know what is best for her, in this you are completely wrong. Concern yourself with your own relationship and leave Bethany to make her own choices."

"I wonder why I ever loved you!" Leandra muttered spitefully.

"Because you were bored with your life, you couldn't stand your betrothed and I was exciting to you." He watched the flush spread across her cheeks. "I have said what I came to say, goodnight, Leandra."

Inwardly seething Leandra watched Malcolm leave via the cellars, she knew he was serious that he would tell Marcus he was alive risking all that would entail. He would risk anything for his children, especially Bethany. For a brief moment she considered getting a message to the Templars telling them where he was, horrified by the thought, her anger draining. Hurrying to her room she sat at the dressing table gazing at her reflection. She looked younger than she had in years and she felt it, but was it worth the chasm growing between her and her family. Sighing softly, she shook her head, her children were grown, she couldn't bear to return to the life Malcolm offered, always running or hiding. She stood; they had been going to wait to get married until the children were more amenable but she realised that might never happen. Pulling on her coat she headed to Marcus's estate wondering how quickly they could arrange the ceremony. Perhaps living apart from her children could give them a little distance before their relationships were irreparable and if it was too late, then at least she would have a better life with Marcus.

xXx

As the carriage approached her family estate, Rosslyn felt an increase in anxiety, soothing Gawain who was reacting to her change of mood. "All will be well my darling."

"You have nothing to fear." Edward stated gently as the carriage passed through the gates. "They love you and they will love Gawain, just as I do."

"I am an unwed mother, not something that will be looked on kindly for our family."

Grinning, Edward shrugged. "The Chantry has had enough coin from our family over the years to keep its nose out and since we must act as though Cailan's life was lost to the Darkspawn, I imagine they will be a little gentler on a woman grieving the loss of her love."

"I hate that we must deceive everyone."

"As do I, but it is a necessary action, especially given the circumstances."

Rosslyn swallowed painfully knowing if they failed, Cailan would have to be locked away for the rest of his life for everyone else's safety.

As though reading her thoughts Edward leaned forward slightly. "It will not come to that; they will succeed and he will be free to announce himself. You must simply act as surprised as everyone else when the announcement is made."

"And your men?"

"I vouch for their discretion."

As the carriage stopped Rosslyn took a shaky breath, smiling as Edward opened the door and stepped out, turning back to take Gawain and help her down.

Normally she would have protested such help, Edward realised then just how nervous she was when she accepted his help gratefully.

Forcing a smile Rosslyn moved towards her parents who were waiting on the steps, feeling her heart flutter as they moved to join her, their gazes fixed on her son.

"Rosslyn he is beautiful." Her mother crooned as she kissed her cheek. "May I hold him?"

Gawain gazed at his grandmother as he was passed into her arms before giving her a smile that charmed her instantly.

"He is beautiful indeed." Her father stated, gently hugging her. "It is good to have you home at last, come inside."

Once in the salon Rosslyn sank into a comfortable chair watching as Gawain transfixed both of her parents.

"See nothing to worry about." Edward murmured with a mischievous grin.

Oswald sat next to his daughter and gently took her hand. "Please forgive me." He smiled at her shocked expression. "I spoke poorly when we last met. I should never have given you an ultimatum of marriage or the Chantry. I just wanted the best for you and I behaved like a fool."

Flushing Rosslyn shook her head. "My having Gawain had nothing to do with what you said father."

Helen frowned slightly. "We are thrilled Gawain is here now, but you are more than aware of the herbs to use should certain circumstances occur."

"Those herbs did not work, mother."

"Ah."

"I was not seeking intimacy from a new friendship, but the attraction was there on both sides and we acted foolishly perhaps, but I do not regret it, nor do I regret Gawain."

Oswald cleared his throat. "And the father? You mentioned complicated circumstances in your letter."

Swallowing anxiously, Rosslyn gazed at her son. "Gawain is the son of King Cailan." Feeling their shock she glanced at them cautiously, her parents casting each other concerned glances.

"Oh Rosslyn." Helen moaned softly. "Word has reached us here that he lost his life at Ostagar."

Remaining silent, Rosslyn glanced at her hands, looking up startled as her mother embraced her, Gawain in Edward's arms.

"My darling I am so sorry."

Oswald shifted uncomfortably; his gaze locked on Gawain. "Perhaps that should not be made known for Gawain's sake. We cannot be sure how Queen Anora would react to such news given she and Cailan were yet to have a child of their own."

"Father I …"

"Have no fear Rosslyn, we will keep you and Gawain safe. By all accounts Anora is a reasonable woman and a skilled diplomat, I am sure should the truth become known we can come to some arrangement."

Helen snorted slightly. "Should the truth be known Arl Eamon will demand Gawain be returned to take the throne with himself as Regent until he comes of age." She flushed slightly at her husband's raised eyebrow. "But of course, that is unlikely to happen." Sighing, she turned to her daughter. "Were you really afraid we would not accept him."

"The circumstances … I … I never imagined. I did not know how to react myself and I think for the first time I was truly afraid." She met her father's gaze. "You once told me I was fearless, but I think that is because I have always felt secure, the thought of losing you and of being a mother. I … I panicked."

"Children are precious Rosslyn." Oswald stated gently, his gaze continually shifting between his daughter and grandson. "While we cannot replace his father, Gawain will always know he is loved." He smiled at Rosslyn's cautious gaze. "It is of course true I hoped you would be married, but sometimes the heart overrules us and we take a different course. If I had followed the duty dictated to me by my father none of you would be here, but I loved your mother and we married in secret so no-one could part us. Our parents of course created a lavish ceremony realising what had been done could not be undone and I have certainly not regretted it."

"Nor I." Helen stated flushing as she smiled, before she turned to her daughter. "I think the best thing to do is for your father and I to field any questions regarding Gawain's father. We shall simply say he was a brave man who lost his life at Ostagar. We shall give no particulars and we shall frown upon those who are too curious in your time of grief."

"There are few who would risk your mother's displeasure." Oswald stated smiling slightly.

"Thank you."

"Well Caroline and the boys are due any moment, your nephews have driven their mother to distraction with their excitement about meeting their cousin, but before they arrive tell me Edward, I see a twinkle in your eye that tells me you have found a lady of interest."

"Mother!"

"Tell us everything."

"Shouldn't you be concentrating on Rosslyn and Gawain."

"I am." His mother chuckled, taking back Gawain and bouncing him gently. "That does not stop me enquiring about my son's life."

Edward rolled his eyes. "There is nothing to tell mother."

"Edward, just tell your mother who has caught your eye, you know she won't stop." Oswald glanced at his wife fondly.

"Fine, but there is nothing to it. I simply spent some platonic time with Lady Ellowyn Cousland and found her to be very pleasant company."

Helen's eyes lit up. "Lady Ellowyn is said to be a great beauty and quite skilled with daggers and I believe poisons."

"All true, but she is grieving the loss of her parents due to treachery and it would be foolish and inappropriate to pursue more than friendship."

"Perhaps in time." Helen stated softly.

"Indeed." Oswald smiled, taking the hint from his son's pleading gaze. "While I am glad you are all here, I would know more of what is happening in Ferelden."

"It is not good." Edward stated, giving a brief overview of the events as he understood them. "I intend to return with more men."

"Edward!" His mother gasped in alarm.

"If it is not stopped in Ferelden it will spread. I would rather offer whatever aid I can to stop it there, rather than have to meet it at our own door."

Oswald nodded. "We will discuss it later Edward, I agree with you that we must do what we can to help stop it, better there than on our own shores."

Rosslyn chuckled as her nephews suddenly raced into the room with huge smiles, both in a race to reach her first, stopping just short of her gazing at Gawain with excitement. Gawain for his part stared right back and then gurgled and gave a beaming smile. The boys gave quick hugs to Edward and Rosslyn before directing all of their attention to their cousin who was still in his grandmother's arms.

"We will show you our favourite places." Gavin said excitedly.

Caroline grinned. "He is adorable."

xXx

Genevin looked at her sister with disapproval. The rest of the family were in the garden, but they had remained inside to talk in private at her request. "A bastard child Rosslyn, how could you bring such disgrace to our family?"

"For Makers sake."

"You acted like a common whore and this is your punishment, but it is not yours alone, we must all bear it."

"Gawain is not a punishment!" Rosslyn snarled. "He is my son and I am grateful for him every day!"

"Then you are a fool, you will be lucky to find a man willing to take on another's son, father will no doubt have to pay a fortune to get you married."

"The father of my son is the only man I would ever have married." Rosslyn hissed in fury.

"And yet he did not marry you. What promises did he give you to get you into his bed; I thought you were smarter than that sister. I thought your trouble would come in defending one of your friends, I never imagined your downfall would be stupidity over a man. It is fortunate he is dead or father would have had to pay him vast sums I imagine to marry you." Genevin gasped in shock and clutched her cheek, the heat and stinging of the slap leaving her speechless.

"You will not badmouth him, my son or me, or by the Maker you will live to regret it!"

xXx

Helen sighed deeply as she saw Genevin stride to the carriage that had brought her, not even looking in their direction as she slammed the door and yelled at the driver to get going. "Well that clearly did not go well."

Nuzzling Gawain's nose Caroline smiled slightly. "I would say by the handprint on her face she said one to many insulting things to your mummy. Not a clever thing to do." She laughed as Gawain giggled. "Well, you pay no mind to your Aunt Genevin, she is as grumpy as they come and too pious for her own good."

"Caroline." Her mother cautioned softly.

"Mother, you know it is true. Ever since she put on those robes you would think she was the purest of the pure." She glanced back to Gawain smiling conspiratorially. "And she certainly is not that."

"Caroline!" Helen snapped. "She is still your sister."

"Well tell her that, she never visits or writes and the last time we spoke for any length of time I wanted to slap her myself." She glanced up smiling as her father gently squeezed her shoulder.

"I know she can be difficult …" Helen sighed softly, exhausted with attempting to defend her daughter, smiling as the children raced over and hugged her, realising she was becoming upset. "Go play." She urged, kissing them both and giving them a little push in the direction of their uncle. Glancing at her husband she forced a weak smile, she loved her children, but Maker they liked to twist her in knots at times.

xXx

After the evening meal Edward joined his father in the study. "Father, I do mean to return to Ferelden."

"I know, I would be joining you myself, but your mother has expressly forbidden it." He gave a rueful smile. "She is right of course; my sword arm is not what it was. I would likely be more of a liability than a help."

"Nonsense." Edward stated fiercely, but he still felt relieved that his father would be staying out of the fighting. Ellowyn's loss of her parents had brought home to him how devastated he would be if his father was killed.

"Your mother was quite determined you would be staying here too until I pointed out that despite your denials, we both know you want to return to Lady Ellowyn's side." He smiled at the flush colouring his son's cheeks. "Ah, so you do like her."

"Father!"

"Fine." Oswald smiled smugly. "Whatever your reasons, I know nothing will stop you from returning. You have your own men of course and I will send twenty of my best with you. If you can give me a week I will send word to my friends, they may be willing to send soldiers."

"Do you really think so?"

"Jacob might well go himself and Samual is unlikely to pass up the opportunity to send more men than I am. We cannot send them an army, but I will damn well make sure you have a chance of coming home."

Swallowing painfully Edward moved to his father and hugged him tightly.

"And if you want to be on your mother's good side when you return, perhaps consider being betrothed."

Edward stared at his father before they both burst out laughing.

"Go on now, spend time with your mother, I have letters to write."

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading, it is always appreciated.