Birth

Marian's pregnancy developed smoothly, Leandra used her own experience as a mother to give her advice on what to expect, how to deal with less pleasant symptoms, and generally make life more livable. Her work with Athenril went equally well, she made contacts and earned respect among the seedy underground, for even hampered as she was, she was still a formidable opponent with her elemental magic, and her silver tongue did what magic and blade could not.

Aveline had stayed true to her word and had worked with them for the first 6 months, until enough money was earned that Marian would no longer be required to work for Athenril, and could spend the final month of her pregnancy resting and preparing for the babe. Carver continued the work, happy to do it without his sister there. He had always hated being in her shadow, and hated that she was at risk in her delicate state.

Gamlen had been the least pleasant part of the whole affair, insisting that he wanted repayment for all the lost sleep he would have due to a babe he never agreed to. Leandra scolded him often, ever the defender of her family.

When the babe finally decided to be born it was early spring, and Marian paced in the cool rain to try and distract from her labor pains. She had been told by many experienced mothers that moving around in the early stages of birth could help accelerate the process, and to simply follow what her instincts told her she needed in that moment. When a gush of bright red blood flowed down her legs.

"Mother, is that normal?" Marian turned to look at Leandra, her fears confirmed by the expression on her face.

"No, some blood is but this much... You need a healer. Do you have strength to walk up some stairs? There's a place here in lowtown that helps us refugees, I know they have a healer."

"I... I don't think I can..." She cried out as a contraction seized her, more fresh blood gushing out of her with it.

"Alright, you just wait here and I'll run and ask if the healer can come to you. Be strong my girl, you'll get through this." She kissed her on the forehead and then lifted her skirts and bolted with speed Marian hadn't seen from her since she was a younger woman. She was back soon enough, breathless but smiling. "They sent...their runner...to get him from his clinic. He'll be here..." She said between pants for breath.

-

Anders was out of breath from running, and was shocked when he saw who was standing there waiting for him. "Marian!? What are you doing here? You were in Lothering, I was so certain that the blight would've..."

"Anders!" She was equally surprised to see him, but then cried out in pain as another contraction hit her, with blood to match. "We can talk after, but please, I need help!"

"Of course, I'm sorry. Let's get you inside and laying down so I can get to work." He scooped her up with ease and carried her inside, laying her on the cot and towels that Leandra had arranged for her.

He set to work with his magic, healing what was hemorrhaging inside of her, and casting rejuvenation on her to build back her strength after the blood loss so she'd be able to get through these final stages of birth.

"It's yours, Anders..." Marian said weakly, grabbing his wrist to get his attention.

"I-...Are you serious?"

"Yes, you're the only one I've been with, so, yes, I am quite serious."

"Oh... I'm sorry that I wasn't with you. I let the templars take me to protect you, but if I'd known..."

"You're here now. Please, continue to be here. Carver will kill you if you leave me again."

"We wouldn't want that. Where's Bethany? I'm surprised she's not here for you, you seemed close."

"We were... But she didn't make it far out of Lothering..."

"I'm sorry, sweetheart." He leaned in and kissed her forehead, causing Marian to smile before she threw her head back, letting out an animalistic groan from low in her gut. Anders went back into healer mode and went to check her progress.

"The baby is crowning, you're almost there. Just keep breathing and pushing with your contractions."

She did as he said, sobbing as she went through the worst pain so far, then suddenly the pressure was released. She wiped her eyes and sat up, seeing Anders holding the babe in his arms, smiling and crying as he checked over the child.

"W-Well? Did I do a good job?" She asked jokingly, still a little breathless.

"You did amazing. She's a perfectly healthy little girl, all fingers and toes accounted for." He handed the baby to her after he finished wiping her off, still smiling tearfully. "I'm afraid you're not quite done, there's still the afterbirth but...meet your daughter."

"Our daughter, Anders. I couldn't have made her by myself, and without your help she and I both could have been lost."

"You did all the hard work, Marian, not I." He stared at her and their child as she put her to the breast, trying to get her to latch on. He smiled to himself, feeling warmth deep in his bones. A child, a partner by his side. They would have a lot to discuss, he wasn't the same man he had been all those months ago, but he was stronger now, with Justice and his increased strength and stamina from the joining, he could ensure that no templar ever tore his little family apart.

"Well, what are you going to name her?" Leandra interrupted his thoughts.

"I had been thinking Elizabeth, for a girl. For Bethany..." Leandra nodded her approval of the name, tears in her own eyes.

"And the rest? She can't just be Elizabeth. Is she to be a Hawke or...?" She looked to Anders expectantly.

"I...I am only Anders. I don't have a family name to pass on. I never thought I'd need one." He replied bashfully. "But, I would like it if her middle name was after my Mother. I haven't seen her since I was taken by the templars, she's the only part of my life before the circle worth remembering. Her name was Lillian."

"Elizabeth Lily Hawke. Sound good to everyone?" Marian asked tiredly as she got the girl to latch to her breast. Both parties agreed that it was perfect, and after Elizabeth had finished feeding, the cord was cut so Elizabeth could be swaddled and handed to her grandmother while Marian went through the rigors of the afterbirth.

The door slammed open, startling the babe and causing her to cry. Carver came in with his sword drawn, eyes wild.

"I saw a trail of blood leading inside, what happened?! Wait is that...Oh Maker, sister you gave birth!" He set down his sword and ran to check on Marian, then stopped in his tracks when he recognized the extra body in the small living space.

"You!"

"Me?"

"You have some nerve! You put a baby in my sister, run off, and then show up for the birth?!"

"Hey! I'm a healer here in Kirkwall, I had no idea I was going to be a father, or even that your family was here until I was called to help with a refugee who was having a complicated birth! Now that I know I'm not going to abandon them!"

"Yeah? Well!...Well good! I'll kill you if you try to."

"Yes, well if you're done shouting at me, I'm sure your niece would appreciate the quiet."

"Right. Right. Sorry, err... baby."

"Her name is Elizabeth." Leandra chuckled, walking over to him with the now calming baby, holding her out to him.

"Yes well, nice to meet you Elizabeth. If your father ever does anything to hurt you, you tell me. Uncle Carver is here to protect you." Marian rolled her eyes and patted Anders on the arm, smiling sweetly at him. He took her hand in his and squeezed it. He prayed that she accept him now, because seeing her like this, their child, the look of affection in her eyes, he wanted nothing more than to stand by her side.