Update 3/2/15

Marian-

There are three roads ahead of us. On one, things remain unchanged but also I fear unsustainable. Two, we call in his highness and have Fereldan interfere in the Marches- you know better than I the political ramifications. The third...

Change can be affected swiftly, and irreparably. A single person can do this and then hide in a powerful organization, assuming he has back-up to mitigate the aftershock of those actions immediately.

Your thought?

-Nathaniel

- ***. :::

Damn it, Anders!

I know what is right as well as you...

Vigilance is a terrible burden. It means we see what must be done long before anyone else. Thanks to your work with the Champion we have been prepared.

I left Denerim early this season. Alistair was disappointed I could not stay longer after the Landsmeet, but understands the dilemma. He and Morrigan had been asking me to let Leandra stay for the spring in hopes of introducing her to more of court life (excellent idea actually). The timing works in our favor.

The Wardens must stay neutral. We cannot fight a war for this cause. However we do have a long arm, and plans can go into motion.

Stay safe.

Tell Nate I love him and will see him soon.

-Mari

- **. Weeks Later :: -

"The Circle has failed us, Orsino. Even YOU should be able to see that." Anders' voice was low and condemning, a boom in the square. "The time has come to ACT! There can be no half measures. There can be no turning back."

Carver had to admit even he was affected by the words, and he'd helped in crafting and rehearsal to ensure they were adequate. Only Nathaniel stayed still, reserved and pensive in his gear from before the Wardens. At least he seemed reserved until the fireburst erupted from the Chantry. Then nobody could hold back their shock- even Anders looked horrified by the extent of the blast.

As Kirkwall went crazy, Orsino panicking and Meredith screaming about annulment, Carver took his charge. "It is time," he announced. "The mages were doomed already- a quick death now, or a slow death later. I do not blame them for choosing to die fighting, but I WILL stand with them."

Orsino stared, realization dawning as he looked at the Hawke boy. "I...don't know if we can win this war Champion, but I thank you."

"Get back to the Gallows Orsino. Warn the mages. Now."

As the Enchanter ran to aide, Carver turned to where he'd last seen Anders sitting on a barrel. Now he was not alone, Nathaniel having joined him on one side, and on the other standing a painfully familiar blaze of red hair.

"Marian?"

"Hoped you'd be here. Afraid you might've wound up on the wrong side of it all. Elthina's on her way to Ostwick along with the Chantry sisters, all went as planned."

Isabella stood with Carver, gape-mouthed. "Your sister shows up at the oddest times."

"Mari..." Yes Carver had known another Warden agent would show up but... "What are you doing? Isn't the Order supposed to stay neutral?"

"Why I'm here." She gestured down to her clothing, very noticeably devoid of Warden trappings much like Nathaniel and Anders. "Right now, I'm just your sister. If you need my help against the Templars, just say the word."

"Me too," a very bright voice added as it came around the corner. Carver smiled as his twin came into view. "Orsi...the First Enchanter thought you could use a hand."

Carver laughed. "So the Hawke siblings, together again, just like old times? I like it. Mari, Bethy- you're with me. Nathaniel too if you don't mind? Bella, get the others to your ship. Sorry to crash the party but we all need to get out."

Isabella leaned forward and kissed him deeply. "So I finally find someone I want to be with and the Templars go crazy trying to kill everybody? Just my luck. I'll get them safe but promise me I'm not going to lose you."

Carver squeezed her hand. "I'll be there. Watch out for Merrill, and make sure she does the same for you."

"Dareth Shiral, ma'vhenan," Merrill called, leaping in for a kiss of her own. "Home will be waiting when you're done."