Chapter Text
“Kieran,” called Morrigan, and she felt Alistair stiffen beside her, “Come here a moment.”
“What are—“ Alistair started, but his jaw audibly clicked shut when Kieran approached. The boy smiled at Alistair, then at his mother, eyes wide and gentle.
“Yes, mother?” he asked, and Morrigan knelt slightly, bringing herself eye-level with her son. She placed her hands on his slim shoulders, mouth twitching in what could hesitantly be called a smile.
“This is Alistair,” she said, shifting to give Alistair an even look. His eyes were wide, matching Kieran’s (his son’s, Maker—) and he took one shaky step forward.
“Er,” he said, quietly resisting the urge to slap himself – great first impression, Alistair, well done – “Hello.”
Kieran smiled widely. “Hullo, Alistair,” he replied, and held out his hand for Alistair to shake. Alistair blinked once, twice – had Morrigan taught her son (their son) manners? – before he snapped to attention and shook the boy’s hand, smiling in return.
“Alistair is your father,” said Morrigan, tone disconcertingly matter-of-fact, and Alistair felt all the air rush from his lungs as Kieran blinked up at him, taking this information in.
“Oh,” said Kieran.
“Yes,” choked Alistair.
“May I go back to the garden now?” asked Kieran. Morrigan nodded, and the boy smiled and hugged her with a quick “thank you, mother!” Then, unwrapping himself from his mother, Kieran threw his arms around Alistair’s middle as well, tacking a “thank you, father!” on. By the time Alistair realized what was happening, Kieran had let go of him and run back to the garden.
“You look like a fool,” said Morrigan, tone easily flowing back into the usual derision Alistair had become used to, all those years ago, “Pick your jaw up off the ground.” Alistair’s eyes swiveled to her, insult of his own on the tip of his tongue, but the look on her face stopped him in his tracks. She smiled, barely, golden eyes twinkling at him. Quickly as the look was there, it was gone, Morrigan turning and gracefully making her exit. Alistair stayed where he was, heartbeat roaring in his ears.