5/13/15

Merrill, Carver, and Isabella were happy to drop their passengers at the port in Amaranthine, but they realized they could not stay. Constant movement was Carver's best friend right now as the word came out- Seekers were on the look out. Varric departed with the others, promising to create a trail. He would be just loud enough, and had enough contacts he would be safe.

Bethany struggled with what to do. In the end however, she decided to accept an offer from Marian to stay as a lay-mage at Vigil's Keep. There were tasks they needed assistance on, and it would allow close proximity both to the ports and to news sources, letting her keep an eye on the others from afar. The added benefit at the end of the season became clear: once Autumn grew strong, Marian and Nathaniel's daughter Leandra returned home, and Bethy instantly cared for the girl.

Marian stayed only through Winter that year however. As Nate and Bethy made for Denerim and the annual meetings, she turned the other way.

000 $

Marian was not the most calm woman as she moved up the stairs to Soldier's Peak, her guest behind her. She crossed the bridge and hesitated at a very familiar door, turning to her odd companion before taking a deep breath.

Before her hand could raise, the Architect knocked on the door for her. Mari just glared.

"You hesitated," was the only response he gave her. She opened her mouth to protest, then realized she had nothing to say. Delays would get them nowhere.

Avernus opened the door at that moment, saving the Warden Commander from requiring further discourse. Instead she looked at the very old mage and took a deep breath.

"I have a strange request." And with that, Marian Howe explained her needs and went against her better judgement in volunteering to let them use her to test the results.

00 - Time Passes-0

Two years passed, with word from the wayward warden scarce. Carver was more talkative, piracy agreeing with him. They were striking blows at the Templars from sea, capturing their ships. Carver became captain in place of Bella as the apparent pirate queen grew her force and became admiral over nearly a half-dozen ships on the seas, though she always made her berth with Carver and Merrill. Bethany loved getting their letters.

Anders has mellowed tremendously, though his work became more complicated. Officially the Wardens disassociated from his task. Realistically, he was helping funnel both mages and templars towards free places and create peace where possible. By spreading the true story of Meredith's corruption it was hoped that the fighting could be mitigated even as Circle after Circle declared freedom. Another problem had come up in his task, however- one he now worked as tirelessly to resolve as the abuse of powers he'd seen before: the forced lyrium addiction. It became a pet project after he saw a few templars die at his feet, suffering the withdrawal. He wasn't apt to let it stand.

When the Seeker captured Varric, Bethany's concern grew. When months passed with no further word of him she panicked. Luckily, another letter came to the Keep at the same time. An invitation with Marian's name on it, even if nobody had seen her for nearly the two years. Bethany looked at the request and made her decision.

Which is why she knocked on the Warden Commander's office door shortly after. Nathaniel had been acting in that capacity, liaising with Marian by letter when possible. He looked tired and apprehensive, though Beth accepted that was likely what happened when your partner disappears for years to talk with old enemies.

"Nate? Do you have a moment?"

He brightened at her voice as if it was a drop of sunshine. "Of course sister. How can I help?"

"We got a summons from the Divine." She set the letter on the table. "There is to be a conclave. Mari was their first choice, of course, but since she is unavailable I thought I might go in her stead."

Nathaniel looked at the note. "There's time. I'd rather send Anders..."

"No." Bethany stayed firm, having considered the options. "He would end up either questioned or killed at worst, and making a scene at his arrival at best. I was there too you know. I can speak for the mages at Kirkwall. For the first Circle to rebel. For... for Orsino." His name hurt still leaving her mouth, the betrayal so rich in her mind, but she had practiced her steadiness. She was ready.

Nathaniel considered her, and Bethy straightened under his assessment. Finally he sighed. "I'm tired of fighting you Hawke women anyway. Go to the Temple of Sacred Ashes then, but keep writing, so I know you are safe. I don't want Mari getting back and throwing a fit because I let you walk into danger."

Bethany heard the conviction. Marian WAS coming back. She had to. Bethany recognized the tone but wisely said nothing about her brother-in-law trying to convince himself of something uncertain. "I will," was all she said, a promise. She wouldn't disappear too.