Work Text:
Kieran is a serious child. Doubtless the old god soul has something to do with that, but honestly, given his solitary upbringing and his parents’ demeanors, who would expect otherwise? A solemn and thoughtful little boy, wise beyond his years, but still only a little boy. A sensitive, softhearted little boy, who still sometimes wants his papa in the wee hours of the morning.
Rodaine, not really asleep to begin with, rolls over and opens his arms as soon as he senses his young son hovering at the side of the bed. Kieran clambers up onto the mattress on short, chubby legs. He slips once, and Rodaine has to stop himself reaching out to catch him–Kieran is in a fiercely independent phase (which, ironically, is driving his poor mother to distraction), and would not appreciate a helping hand. Fortunately, it only takes one more try. He burrows under the covers like a nug in a nest, knees and elbows finding all his papa’s soft bits. Rodaine stifles his oofs and grunts and just lets his son get situated, then tucks the boy’s head under his chin as they lapse into comfortable silence.
“Papa?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“I believe that it would require a cetus, a high dragon, the Qunari Triumvir, and all seven Archdemons to defeat you in battle. You are the stuff that legends are made of, papa. You are my hero. I love you very much.”
Sometimes, Kieran says things that give his parents pause–prophecies, almost, his childish voice tinged with wisdom not of this world. Rodaine isn’t sure if that is what this is. He doesn’t care. His little boy’s innocent conviction cracks at his heart, and not for the first time since meeting the sweet, perfect child he somehow had a part in making, he feels tears in his eyes. At his back, he can sense’s Morrigan’s reaction, her soft intake of breath telling him she is just as moved as he is.
He has to try twice, clearing his throat, before he can manage to respond: “I love you too, Kieran.”
Kieran wriggles in contentment. His sharp little knees stab into his papa's gut again, and his papa wouldn’t have it any other way.