Update 2/24/15

Carver Hawke very pointedly avoided explaining anything to his mother when he arrived hot on Bethany's heels. Bethy was near tears and rehashing the events would do nothing to help matters. Instead he told the woman who raised him to pack quickly, that it was time to leave Lothering.

When Marian was asked about, Carver wisely said nothing and ignored Bethany's whimper. Leandra took the hint with silence and hurriedly grabbed her belongings before they ran. There were few directions unfortunately, and Carver knew the path was not safe.

"We have to get to Gwaren," he sighed. "We'll cut through the Wilds."

"The Wilds? Brother..."

"There is no other choice." Saddened, embarrassed, Carver turned to the two women to travel with him. "We have been in woods and forests before now. We can do this."

Leandra nodded, and Bethany bit her lip. All three knew they had made it before because of their father and his guidance. With neither him nor Mari this was a much more dangerous proposition. It was also their only chance at getting out of Lothering. For Bethany's sake, and now Carver as well, they had to take the chance.

They were lost in the Wilds for days, picking their way through and trying not to walk in circles. It was only moderately successful. Then the darkspawn numbers showed in full, and it was battle after battle. Carver lost count of the beasts he slew, and could feel Bethany's magic reaching consistently to keep both he and their mother moving. They kept pushing onwards, forever in the direction they hoped was Gwaren.

They met the warriors on the fourth day and learned the fate of Cailan's army. Any hope Carver had until that point that Marian may have survived evaporated in that moment, but he pushed the sadness back heartily. When they were safe there would be time to mourn. Until then, his orders were clear: protect mother, and Bethany. He accepted the two extra swords to that end, pleased to have back-up in spite of the Templar training.

It wasn't until the ogre Carver truly panicked. It was a strange sensation, panic, and instead of pushing it back he let it swell into anger. He had a duty. He would stand in this beast's way. Lunging forward, he faced the ogre, ignoring Bethany's shouts. The other man was with him, assisting as Carver lunged up for the head and slew the beast. When he looked down, he saw the man was dead, and their entire group, was surrounded. He caught his breath, looking at the three women, and determined to at least go down protecting them. He took his sword and pushed in front, feeling Aveline with her shield step in place beside him in a silent accord.

Which is precisely when they heard the roar and saw dragon fire. Carver watched the creature destroy their enemies and spared a moment to consider whether or not he could defeat a dragon. He decided the answer was no. As far as he knew, that feat hadn't been performed in ages and he did not relish the chance to be the first now. Luckily the beast transformed before him and he eased. Humans he could handle- though what manner of woman could become a dragon?

"Well well," the strange arrival greeted smoothly. "What have we here? It used to be we never got visitors to the Wilds, but now it seems you arrive in hordes!"

Carver swallowed back a retort. He had never been diplomatic himself, but he knew better than to enrage a powerful mage. At the very least she was that, and likely more besides. "I apologize for the intrusion then," he managed between gritted teeth.

"Intrusion? Without my intervention you would have perished. You still may." She seemed to consider their group a moment before turning away, adding, "If you are attempting to flee the darkspawn you should know you are headed in the wrong direction."

Carver gaped at her retreating form, heart beating in his ears. They were lost and in grave danger. He couldn't protect his family on his own, and Aveline seemed taken by grief now that the reality had hit that her husband was dead. Thinking quickly, he took hold of his pride and asked for aide. "And you're going to...what? Just leave us here?"

The woman spun on her heels. "Why not? I spotted a most curious site: a mighty ogre vanquished. Who could perform such a feat? You were not as I expected and my curiosity is sated. You are safe. For the moment. Is that not enough? Or must I spread myself thin for you as well as all the others who enter my domain?"

"Your domain? Who are You?"

"I have many names. Witch of the Wilds some say, to others Asha'bellan'ar. You may call me Flemeth, as the others I found do."

"Others?" A glimmer of hope rose again. "Who else have you seen?"

"Two wardens I found in the remains of Ostagar," Flemeth offered, and Carver frowned. So it was true. Mari was gone, if all that remained of the camp were two Grey Wardens. Flemeth seemed to see his face fall and turned to leave again before murmuring, "Is it fate or chance...I can never decide." She spun again, this time with a flourish. "It seems fortune smiles on us both today. I may be able to help you yet."

Carver wasted no time in showing his interest in her possible dealings. Anything to save his family and move on from these forsaken Wilds. The proposal accepted, he followed Flemeth's lead; within days they had reached Gwaren, and started their journey to Kirkwall.

The boat ride was a nightmare, and the requirements to get into the city even more so. Yet Carver and his band endured, gaining entrance in spite of their uncle's lies by taking up with a crew of mercenaries.

Two days later, Carver was spending time around Lowtown and his uncle's home when a strange elf tapped his shoulder and whispered the name "Hanged Man" in his ear. Curious, Carver tried to follow but immediately lost the woman in the crowd. Instead, he found himself in front of a tavern with the same name. Inside it smelled strangely, and from the chatter he believed the swill they served likely tasted worse. He went to the barkeep and ordered a drink. Within minutes one of the patrons, a man surprisingly agile for his build, pressed against Carver drunkenly while pressing a letter into his pocket. Finishing quickly, Hawke rushed back to his uncle's home and read the words in private. By the time he had finished, he felt a mixture of dread and relief all at once.

It was from Marian.

- Letter Contents -

Carver-

I do apologize I have been unable to write until now little brother. The situation has greatly changed you see, and I have had little time to process what life has given me. I pray for your safety, and that of mother and Bethany, and hope this letter finds you in Kirkwall.

You probably have been concerned. First my capture, than the battle...so many things to tell you.

I am a Grey Warden now. Can you imagine? I don't know how I managed, how I survived becoming one, but here I am. It burns like fire in my head much of the time, but my companion says that will ebb in time. I hope he is right. He isn't right a lot, but these things- Wardeny things- he does seem knowledgeable having gone through it recently himself. He is my only guide anyhow.

I wish I could explain the state of Ferelden right now, but it is complicated. Ugly. I am glad if you made it safely out brother. I will try to be safe, but you know me. I make no promises.

Look the real reason I am writing is because I know they will say...things. They won't be true, but the rumors alone could break mother's heart once she realizes who I am and what I must do (and mum being mum she WILL figure it out). I have become the villain for now in order to do the most good. It wasn't my choice. I'm doing all I can to turn opinion back to my...OUR favor as quickly as possible. Bethy- dear Bethy- I don't believe she'd know what to think. You though have always been my companion, so you know. You know me better than anyone brother, now that dad is gone. You know I'll do whatever I must to help my own. My one regret is I must be so far from you to do so.

Take care of them Carver. I can't anymore, and depend on you fully to follow father's charge.

If you wish to reach me, use the Jenny courier at the pub you are directed to. They will know how to reach me and mine.

My love to all three of you.

-Marian