"Good to hear it!" Lukaer said. He had no wife of his own, no woman he desired to have by his side. He rather liked children, however, so he had to live vicariously through his brother. "I shall have to send him a few new toy soldiers, I think. Or a sword and shield. I don't think he's nearly spoiled enough." Lukaer was glad to hear of his good health. Losing the boy's mother had been a hard blow to Mathieu, he knew. Losing his son would shatter him completely.
Lukaer nodded. "Darkspawn amassing. The Grey Wardens, too, and that seems as clear a sign as any. They have been traveling the countryside, from what I hear, looking for recruits in unheard of numbers. We are on the verge of another Blight, brother." Lukaer guided them inside, past the public rooms, not nearly as grand as a noble household in Denerim, but warm and well used. They moved to the family quarters and the main dining room, which had been the perfect size when all six of their family had been in residence. Now it seemed empty with only the two brothers.
Lukaer sat and motioned for Mathieu to do the same. "Are you hungry? You can't have gotten much rest during your travels, coming as fast as you did. I'm sorry I can't let you sleep, you certainly look like you need it. What have you heard in Denerim?"