First time father

With the birth of heir and heiress for both countries, there is no doubt about the political situations regarding the lines of succession, allowing Anora and Celene to finally breathe easy. With you revealed as the father, you were welcomed by the common people acknowledging you as one of the few who truly cared about their plight, who ended the widespread chaos caused by the Venatori and eliminated the greedy nobles.

Congratulations from all over the land reached Skyhold, whether by crows or ambassadors bearing great gifts. One letter from Fergus mentioned that he and the family will travel to Skyhold in the near future to see the babies for themselves, mentioning that Oren was excited about seeing his little nieces and nephews.

As for you, you were learning the ropes on how to be a father to your new children. Luckily, Morrigan was there to teach you the ways of childcare.

“Morrigan! He’s crying for some reason!” You bawled, “What do I do!? He doesn’t want any milk from his mom!”

“Calm down and pipe down!” Morrigan sternly rebuked, “He’s not hungry, he’s just tired! Now come on!”

With practised ease, Morrigan hushed the babe and slowly rocked him to sleep, before gently setting him down in the crib Blackwall fashioned for you as a wedding gift.

“Duncan was crying because was tired?” You muttered, scratching your head in embarrassment.

“Honestly, you’re like a green recruit in the ways of childcare,” Morrigan stated, making you wince, “Babes cannot go to sleep themselves, so they need a parent’s help. I lost count of how many times Kieran wailed in the middle of the night.”

“Wow, mothers really do have it hard,” You commented.

“Now you realise, you dumb oaf?” Morrigan retorted, not that she meant anything bad.

Morrigan, being the de facto nanny of your kids, barred both royal and Inquisition servants from taking care of the babies unless necessary, citing the importance of strengthening the relationship between parent and child - luxuries that Kieran lacked when he was born with his father.

Kieran, bless that boy's heart, never held a grudge against you, and was eager to meet his new siblings.

“Right, that’s that,” Said Morrigan, “‘Twould be prudent for you to spend another few months mastering the basics; one month alone is insufficient.”

“Yeah, I know,” You said, “Anyway, I guess I gotta-”

“Lord Inquisitor, I beg your pardon, but Duchess Briala and Empress Celene wish to speak with you in private,” Said a messenger, falling to a knee in respect.

“...go to sleep now,” You whisper to yourself, “Nevermind, where are they?”

“At the Winter Palace in Halamshiral, Your Worship,” Said the messenger.

“Alright, take me there,” You said, mentally grumbling at the timing.

“As you command,” Said the messenger.

Morrigan sighed and said, “Don’t let me keep you.”

-

“Let me get this straight, Tevinter is in the midst of an upheaval?” You asked.

“As hard as it is to believe, yes, Aedan,” Said Celene, “No one loves Tevinter here, but from rumours and hearsay, the Venatori are plunging all the Imperium into a civil war which is consuming all their strength.”

“My spies confirm thousands of Elven slaves desperately fleeing the Tevinter Imperium to safer pastures, though I cannot say most of their journeys end happily,” Briala mentioned sadly, “Furthermore, I hear strange news of a Dalish clan taking refuge near the city of Wycome.”

“Wycome is Free Marchers territory,” You mentioned, “And far as I recall, the ruling Duke of Wycome isn’t very favourable towards Elves or the Inquisition in general. A ‘travesty against the maker’, is what he calls us.”

“That is simply a facade, Inquisitor,” Said Celene, “My bards confirm he is working for the Venatori.”

“Then that clan is in danger,” You mentioned, “Tell me, what of Viscountess Hawke in Kirkwall? How’s she handling things?”

“She’s got a stable lid on things, all things considered,” Briala began, “But she is facing stiff opposition from some of the more conservative nobility who are gaining traction.”

“And here I thought they supported her ascension to Viscountess?” You asked.

“That was before she began to make policy changes that gave Elves and Dwarves a better chance at life in the city, and she has begun reforming the magi as well,” Said Briala, “Funny how such things elicit such a change in attitude.”

“Yeah, that’s the thing about us people; we aren’t normally comfortable with change,” You stated, “Did she ask for help or anything?”

“Not as of yet, but she has been planning to request the Inquisition’s aid due to possible hostile overtures by some of Kirkwall’s neighbours,” Said Briala.

“...Okay, we’ll kill two birds with one stone,” You stated, “And it looks like I’ve more work ahead of me, joy.”

“It’s alright, Aedan,” Celene reassured smilingly, “You’ve been doing all you can to care for our children, it’s alright if your duties call you away.”

You kiss Celene lovingly on the lips.

“Oh, what did I do to deserve such a great wife like you?” You muttered, “Anyway, I have to go now. Take care.”

“Maker bless you, Aedan,” Said Celene