Of course. I'm not expecting you to simply forgive what has happened. Just that you know... I am here. If you wish it. For whatever it is you may want to do or say.

I understand your meaning. I did not think we would either, but it seems I am getting a second chance at things so I would like to make sure to do them right this time. Including with you.

Then perhaps we can speak without the pretense?

[He smiles a little sadly.] No need to call me that. I am no longer king, nor do I have any desire to be.

--- sit down? [It's an offer so hopefully Anora can sit on one side of her father with Maric on the other. He hopes the support and comfort of them both together, rather than apart, will be a bit more helpful.]

[Maric doesn't let Loghain turn from them. Instead, he pulls him in so that he might find support and police in his shoulder and his embrace.] Hush. No apologies needed. [A kiss is pressed to the crown of Loghain's head before he looks back to Anora with a bittersweet smile.] Perhaps we should ---

(( #ooc maric is delighted to be her second dad ))

--- I hope we will be able to see more of each other. Not with titles in the way, this time. And as family, if you're agreeable to that, of course.

[Maric squeezes Loghain's hand in a show of support, but makes no comment on the tears he knows are there. His eyes remain on Anora, warm and happy.] I'm glad to hear that. I was worried he may have told you of some of my foolishness when we were younger. But he speaks fondly of you often and ---

As I wish we could have the first time. [He pulls Loghain in and kisses his nose despite the grumpy demeanor he's mostly met with. He knows too well what's under it.] Had... I not been needed as kind, I would have lived my days happily in a little house with you anywhere you wanted.

Maric smiles, knowing how important this is for Loghain. "It's nice to meet you again, Anora." They have met before, of course they have. However, this context is vastly different. Maric is not king, for one. Nor does he have any desire to be or will he concede to being again.

You have a fair point. It's simply amusing that they asked. [He leans in to steal a kiss then.]

--- it's from you. I will wear it more proudly than anything else.

[Smiling, Maric traces his thumb over Loghain's bottom lip.] That we are and I could not, would not ask for more. Though I suppose this means you will have to get me a ring. [He leans up to kiss Loghain with a happy hum.] Simple will do. Fake gold will do. I care little of the kind as long as ---

--- around his head. Like a god reborn and maybe in some ways that's true.] I want everyone to know and I want to hold you and kiss where everyone can see. I refuse to hide again. I love you so much, Loghain, my lion.

I thought it would be. Once. When we were much younger. I was so certain I would be able to change the ending and marry you like I so wanted. Age and the world took that, but I won't let it happen again. [ He smiles and reaches up to cup Loghain's face, his own long hair a halo on the pillow ---

--- many more kisses after this. He'll make certain of it.]

[The joy of it all has him laughing into the kiss, but trying so hard to kiss Loghain back. He's breathless with it all. The kiss, the happiness, the hope, the laughter. It makes his cheeks rosey even as his laughter messes the kiss up and makes it quite... silly. But that's okay. They'll have ---