"Three? Now?! B-b-but the Hold Spirits said--"
He sighed at her dramatic reaction, "I have plans for my pets, Phoenix. Their destiny will be even greater than your own. You will save the Avvar people, and they will strengthen them. Unite them. But with the emergence of the Red Goddess I've had to alter my plans." She assumed the 'Red Goddess' was the voice in the red lyrium.
Yet she was fixated on her Lord's words, as something from the depths of her mana flared. Even if she had just found out that she was to be a mother, a fierce protective rage surged up. Taking a deep fortifying breath, she glowered at him with matching glowing eyes, "Your pets are my children. They are not yours!"
Unaffected by her heated anger, he waved a dismissive hand at her, "They may not be mine, no, I cannot sire offspring, but they will bear my mark. Do my bidding. As their mother served me, so too shall they. I will be watching them grow very closely, Phoenix. If I were you, you and your husband should prepare them--"
She cut him off, "Prepare them for what?"
He closed his eyes and growled dipping his head in reserved fury. If possible, the room grew colder, making her shiver. "Do not interrupt me, mortal! You may be my Herald, but remember to whom you speak!" Turning, he strode back to the dais, growing once more to his full size before sitting himself down on the frosted throne. "The Avvar need to be united to combat this new foe. If the Lowlanders fall, we cannot. Your offspring must bring the smaller Holds of the Basin to heel. Only then can the land be safeguarded against the coming scourge."
Instinctively her heart ached to know her children were to have such a violent destiny. She placed her hand on her belly almost wishing they could stay safe within her; let her do Hakkon's will for them. She had a mind to ask him. Evelyn was already a hardened warrior, yet as she looked at her Lord's face, there was no smugness just a grim seriousness creasing his sharp-angled features. She recalled how he gave her purpose and had always come to her aid. If he was to do the same for them, perhaps it wasn't the worst fate.
"And the price you ask," Hakkon tilted his head in question at her words. Each one of the god's gifts came with a condition; for the mark, she promised to complete the prophecy; for closing her wound in the battle against Axlan, it was his claim to her children. "Our... relationship has always been give and take, so what will you ask from them for your favor?"
"You are already paying for it... partially, that is." It was her turn to raise her eyebrows for more insight. He sighed as if it was obvious, "You will pass part of your potent mana down to your children – well, the two mages. Your power will lessen, but theirs will grow in turn. They will support the Thane in his conquest, as will I."
"Why not just unite the Basin yourself? Why must my children do it?"
"Being the offspring of The Lion and The Phoenix, their blood will be as close to sacred as mortals can get. The Avvar will remember your actions and your husband's strong leadership, making it easier for them to bend a knee to the first High King of the Frostbacks."
"And if they don't surrender?" She swallowed thickly.
"Then it's the sword." They frowned in unison for the same reason. They could not afford to kill other Avvar for they needed manpower to fight and protect their land. "I know what you're thinking, Phoenix, it's one of your redeeming traits to me. My guidance to you is to raise them well. Consider it my last request of you." Evelyn gave him a sly look as if she didn't believe him, making the god's laughter shake the room. "Now, away with you! I don't wish to speak with you again until you have secured your victory over the prophecy!"
With a gesture of his clawed hand, the God of War expelled her from his icy realm, her vision fading to black before waking in the Fade.
***
On the training grounds one summer morning, Bran asked Cullen to give him a few hard swings to test his shoulder's strength. Itching to get back on patrol, his younger look-alike followed a strict recovery regime set forth by Ilara. Astonished by the results, Cullen has teased his brother that that was what happens when you listen to those who know better.
"I forgot to ask," Bran cut in as their swords clashed together, "any word from Evie yet?" It had been a month since the party went into the Deep Roads. His constant messages to Svarah for any word on their whereabouts had been fruitless as she had no sign of them. The Thane had assured him that everything that could be done was being done, with a constant watch on the entrance to the caves. Yet, Cullen couldn't leave the Hold for it would be without leadership and anyone could make a power grab with him gone for weeks. Besides, even if he did go after her the Deep Roads were so vast that it would be impossible to find them.
"No," he sighed out heavily. His jaw flexed in frustration and he tried to ignite their bond marking. It glowed faintly for two heartbeats before turning black again. He had no idea what it meant, but he clung on to the hope that since it was still lit she was still alive. Somewhere.
"Cullen! Bran!" He landed one more strike on his brother's shield before looking up to see Mia striding briskly toward them. Her neutral expression didn't hint at the news she was heralding, but Cullen's brow creased anyway. There were very few reasons why she'd come over here to speak with them -- and all were unpleasant.
Branson panted beside him as she drew closer, "Is everything alright Mia?"
Coming to a halt and slightly out of breath, their eldest sibling smiled lightly, "Come, we have happy tidings!" She led them away from the training grounds and over to the healer's hut. Inside were Ilara, Rylen, and Rosalie. Their younger sister was seated on a bench patiently waiting on them.
The Thane's eyes widened feeling nervous, despite the grins, "What's the news? Ros?"
The petite blonde was positively glowing, "It's early, but... I'm with child!" She squealed out excitedly. Relief and joy washed over the Rutherfords as they embraced their sister and shook Rylen's hand. While his best friend had been married previously, he had not sired a child yet, something he wanted just as much as Cullen.
To mate and strengthen the blood of the clan was one of the duties of Avvar men. From a young age, boys were taught the importance of mating with multiple partners. Life was dangerous in the Basin between wars and the deadly wildlife, and more people meant more laborers and warriors. Numbers had been dwindling in recent years due to Despair and the prophecy, truly threatening their people's existence.
Illara's light blonde hair swayed around her shoulders as she grasped a clay pot with wet soil in it. "We'll know in a few days for sure, but I believe I was able to sense the child's heartbeat." Tilting the pot, with a grin, Cullen knew the pot was filled with wheat and barley seeds. It was a pregnancy test; after burying the seeds, the woman urinated on it for several days. If the barley grew, it meant the woman was pregnant with a male child. If the wheat grew, it meant the woman was pregnant with a female child. If neither grew, the woman was not pregnant.
A thought suddenly paralyzed him. His eyes grew large and he swore he stopped breathing for a moment. Intuitive as always, Ilara sensing something looked at him with concern, even going so far as grasping his hand to shake him from whatever it was that seized him, "My Thane, you've gone cold. Are you alright?" She placed a healing hand on his forehead and guided him to a chair as he remained unresponsive.
"Cullen?" Mia's voice mimicked Ilara's tone as she bent over the chair to examine him. "He's pale." The others quieted, looking at him with worry creased in their brows despite the light atmosphere.
Cullen willed his scarred lips to move, "If Ros is pregnant, then…" He lifted his wide eyes off the floor looking into those of the faces all around him as realization set in.
"Then so is Evelyn," Rylen finished his phrase in quiet astonishment that turned the room once again into a joyous ruckus for all except the Thane.
Rosalie squeaked out another ear-piercing screech as the men clapped him on the shoulders jolting him, but Cullen's mind was far away. Memories of Kattrin and Ninne were the first to flood his mind making his blood run cold. Both times it was the same, pure happiness for nine months followed by heartbreaking torment. The same well wishes of 'it won't happen again,' and 'This time will be different' were spoken with reassurance to him. He didn't know how to feel anymore, for even though they defeated Despair, he still felt hesitant to follow his emotions down the same path. He didn't notice when the room grew quiet as they watched him sit there statuesque as a prisoner of his mind.
His gaze fell on his bond mark again, and with everything in him, he tried to feel his wife's presence through the magic. Flexing his muscles he opened and closed his fist trying to make it glow. His breathing hastened with frustration as the magic refused to comfort him.
Realizing he was dragging down the levity of his sister's big moment, he shook himself, trying to rid his body of tension. "I'm sorry. Ros and Rylen, I'm overjoyed by your news. Let's all celebrate tonight at my home. Mia, think you can manage it?" The elder Rutherford nodded and smiled reassuringly, looking around to the others. He knew that she was considering saying something more of his news, but seemed to think better of it. "If you'd excuse me, there is an urgent message I need to send."
Slipping out of the hut, he smacked right into Dhara and Cassandra, but it was the copper-haired mage who he made physical contact with. "Apologies, Thane! Is yer sister inside still?" He nodded and stepped out of her way as she rushed past. As the door flapped shut, he heard the two of them scream joyously once more.
Hurrying to the Great Hall to pen a message to Thane Svarah, he realized Cassandra was matching his long strides, "Cullen, why do you look displeased?"
"You've heard the news?" She nodded in affirmation. "I'm not displeased, I'm sick with worry. I…" He stopped dead in his tracks gazing directly into his longtime friend's eyes, "I need to do something or I'll go mad. I can't feel her, Cassandra!" He shook his wrist at her face. She nodded, clearly knowing what he was distressed about without him having to say.
"I'm sure the news came as a shock despite having shared a bed. Why don't we spar? Get rid of those dark thoughts and refocus your mind."
"After I send a message to Thane Svarah."
"Cullen, you've sent dozens already. The rookery is all but empty and each time she replies that she hasn't had any sign of our Lady. We need to have faith in her and her destiny. By Hakkon, the woman is not defenseless!"
He sighed heavily, "I know that! I just want her to come home where I can protect her! That woman is… is…" His anger bubbled to the surface, but realizing they were being stared at by those in the market, he quickly began walking again. Bounding up the stairs to the Great Hall and all but taking down the doors, his head warrior shut them quietly and stood watching him. He paced like a caged lion, "Gods, she could be months into her pregnancy and out there using her magic and fighting darkspawn!"
With a sympathetic look, his dear friend walked over placing a hand on his shoulder, "Many blessings to you and your wife. This time will be--"
"Don't."
Her eyes conveyed concern as well as cheer, for she knew why he could not bring himself to be happy at this moment. "Allow me to send the message, you go be with Rosalie. I'm sure the Augur will be announcing their news… and yours."
"Yeah." He massaged the back of his neck.
"I'll catch up with you after to spar, and Cullen," he looked over to her, "if you can't be happy at your own news, then celebrate Evelyn's other victory. This is another part of the prophecy your wife has defeated, taking us ever closer to the end of all this."
He stared blankly at her processing the words for a moment. He felt his face relax and soften, "You're right. Thank you for your council." Cassandra bowed her head and left to send the message.
Stepping out of the doors of the Great Hall, he heard Dhara's voice echoing out through the Hold as she began to gather the clan to share the news. Taking a fortifying breath, the Thane stood atop the stairs waiting for the Augur and crowd to gather before him. Locking eyes with the mage as she all but skipped like a youngling through the crowd, he laughed inwardly which helped with the acting he was going to have to do.
Dhara's smile was bright as she approached him, standing close so the others could not hear, "May I announce yer joyous news, Thane? This is a day worth celebratin'!"
He gave her a long pointed look, answering dryly, "She's not here to share it. It makes no difference."
She balked at him, "Makes no difference? Why Thane, ye both have brought life back to our people, and not just the clan but all Avvar! How many of our people have waited to have children? Prayed to Skymother every day to bless them. Ye had the wisdom to see what needed to be done, this babe is yer reward from the gods! Don't ye see? The child has Divine protection; The Lady of the Skies blessed her womb Herself and Hakkon would let nothing befall The Phoenix." He could not help but be drawn in by her words of hope. "Our Lady of Redhold is a hero as are you. Without yer strength, Evie would've left us. Ye've proven yourself of noble heart, one worthy of her love. Celebrate this with us, for Evie still fights our enemies, and prayers and offerins' to the gods will strengthen them to aid her. The Hold Spirits have told me just before hearin' Ros' news that Hakkon had visited Evie again."
"And?"
"We shall speak with them after this. They... are still trying to understand themselves what was said." He swallowed hard feeling his gut twist.
A sudden urge to want to have his Eve in his arms overwhelmed him. He wanted to tell her how much he loved and needed her. Korth's beard, she was carrying their child! He had believed Kattrin was his sun; their love burning with a bright and blissful naivety. Cullen knew now that their love was built on a foundation of sand; that one day when things became too much it would give way taking them with it. Even so, after she died he plunged himself into an eternal night, one Ninne could not navigate. But Evelyn, was his moon; the dark was nothing to her for she had already dwelled in it while in the Circle. It was there they met and while she provided the light, he blazed the trail and together they escaped into the twilight.
Their love was built through crisis, and in the uncertainty of it all, it was the one thing he was sure of. Its foundation could not be moved. With his thoughts calm, he touched the magic of his bond once more. There was no frustration this time, just the serenity thoughts of her brought him. And with that, the tattoos brightened with the glow of embers. A warm tingling sensation spread as if he felt her hands caressing him. Closing his eyes swore he could feel her mana's warmth as he was enveloped in the feeling of... home. Then the mark flashed, blinding him.
Despite knowing he was standing before the Hold, his mind transported him into a waking dream. He was suddenly in their bedroom. The low glow of the fireplace was hidden by her body as they lay in bed, truly acting like the moon eclipsing the sun. Shifting closer to her beneath the soft furs, he hooked his legs in hers pulling her back flush against him. His wife's soft skin was a contradiction to the firm muscles that lay beneath it with a scattering of freckles and scars. He inhales smelling the vanilla and embrium of her scented oils before placing his lips and tongue on her neck and tasting it. Evelyn stirs, rolling to face him.
Surprised to see him, her hands pat him checking if he's real. Her rich chocolate eyes survey him as she speaks to herself, but he can't hear it. Cullen smiled, stroking her face and circling his arm around her naked waist. Evelyn takes his hand gliding it down her front until it settles on her belly. The ethereal red glow of her magical marks cast a haze about the foggy dream, though the message was clear as day.
The dream in which they inhabit has no sound beyond that of a mystical hum, so he doesn't hear his own voice respond but feels it as he nods, "I know!" The most resplendent smile spreads on her beautiful face. He savors their joy for a moment before claiming her mouth, hoping that through the bond's magic, she feels his ardent passion.
He fights her when she pushes him away with an urgent resolve. Now cupping his face, her lush lips start to move but he's having trouble focusing on the words when she grapples him closer with her legs.
Grabbing his chin harder, commanding his attention, he concentrates more on the movement of her face. Her face is calm but there is a seriousness to her alert eyes, speaking to him slowly with emphasis on her annunciation. Her mouth repeats the same syllables but he can't make any sense of them except for one word – three.
"Three. Three what?"
She nods back and smiles, mouthing something else but it's too hard for him to discern as the vision dissipates taking him back to the present. Silken? Villain? Hillmen? Or chill-something? He was too relieved to have connected with her across space and time to dwell on it. Did she feel him? Was she reaching out to him too?
"Thane? Are ye with us?" He blinked feeling the flush of his face. No one seemed to have seen the flash, as Dhara waited patiently for him to respond. She must've seen the change in his demeanor, for she wore an odd grin. Calling Ros and Rylen forward, she looked for his permission to begin. Still unraveling the meaning of his vision, he absently nodded. Once they were all in position, the Thane raised a hand for silence out of muscle memory before the vast majority of the clan who shifted with anticipation.
Once all were quiet, Dhara began, "The gods rejoice! Our Hold Spirits…" A sudden burst of colorful magical energies flew about the sky in a magnificent display from the vent of the Augur's hut. "Aye, they too are overjoyed at the news I have the honor of sharin' with ye. First, the Lady of Redhold had yet again taken' one step closer to fullfillin' the prophecy! Behold, the proof before our very eyes!" The mage motioned to Ros, "Let us congratulate the Master of the Hunt and Rosalie Rutherford as the gods have blessed them with a child!"
The clan gasped in shock before crying out in praise of the gods and of the Phoenix. Cullen watched as couples embraced with words of whispered hope, some held their hand up to the skies in thanks, and others cheered the couple standing beside him.
Allowing himself to get caught up in the moment, he went and embraced the two of them, for truly in in heart he felt no one deserved more happiness. They had seen Cullen through the worst this life had ever thrown at him. Rylen was already a brother to him, and now he was to officially become kin. It dawned on him then if it was their care of him that brought them together... Whatever his issues, the Thane pledged at this moment that he'd make sure they had everything they, and their child, could ever want to start their new life together.
When he parted from them and the roar of the clan quieted once more, the Augur spoke again, "Clan brothers and sisters! Let us not forget that the prophecy states that only when the Phoenix has conceived, can the bellies of our women swell once more." At the attention, for once he blushed a bit, but stood tall, remembering both Cassandra and Dhara's words. There was a quiet pause of suspense as Dhara intensely met the eyes of the crowd, "If ye were amazed before at the God of War's favoritism towards our firebird, the Spirits have told me that the Lady of Skies directly blessed her womb with Her waters."
The Augur looked to him for confirmation and the Thane added, "It's true. I didn't witness the Skymother's blessing, but I was there afterward when The Phoenix told me of it. She said The Lady appeared in her reflection, bidding her to touch her mouth to the water. When she did the cold lips of the goddess met her own sharing her gift." A quiet astonishment swept through the crowd as he paused to let them digest the news. "The Lady of Redhold is three months pregnant, she told me so through our bond."
Three, that's what it had to have meant. Evelyn was trying to share the news with him; what else could it be?
From within the gathering, he could hear a few of the women excitedly proclaim that they too could be with child. Their families crowded them with a contagious spirit that he had not seen for years. When the clan's attention turned back to him, he continued, "We will celebrate and give proper thanks to the gods in two days. And for those of you about to head over to the healer's hut to see if you're with child... may the Lady bless you and don't break down their door!" There was a collective laugh which quickly saw the clan scatter like spilt sand.
Left standing beside the Hold's Augur, they both seemed content to linger before duty called them back. "My Thane," Dhara's voice was soft, "the Hold Spirits await our presence."