Everything is fine…until it isn't
The 3rd Day of August
Year 9:40 of the Dragon Age
To: Hawke and Golden Boy
I heard the good news from Curly! Glad the chantry finally got its collective heads out of their asses. After being in Tevinter with PRINCE Golden Boy, pretending not to know where you are is a lot harder to do. Not impossible, of course, just more difficult.
To Golden Boy: Don't worry. While I am sorely tempted, you will remain Golden Boy; I will not call you Prince Charming. I find it amazing that both you and Curly were templar-trained, but, unlike you, he definitely has a tell. More than one! Someday Curly is going to play Wicked Grace with the wrong person and lose his clothes!
Give the Hawklings my love and tell them that their Kirkwall Uncle misses them.
I miss you both, too. Now that this business with Meredith is over, perhaps I can take a trip to see you and the flock.
Yours,
Storyteller
10 August, 9:40 Dragon
To Knight-Commander Cullen Rutherford
Kirkwall
Dear Cullen,
Thank you for your letter. I am relieved beyond words to no longer have that hanging over my head. However, I am worried about the mage-templar-chantry relations. Things are quiet here. Please let me know if you hear of anything that could change that.
Fondly,
Marnie
11 August, 9:40 Dragon
To: Varric Tethris
Kirkwall
Dearest Varric,
Cullen wrote that Sister Nightingale and a Seeker Pentaghast will arrive in Kirkwall at the end of August. Do not, under any circumstances, try to hide where I am. Cullen does not think they pose any threat, but I would hate for you to have an unnecessary run-in with one of the Seekers of Truth.
Yes, I mean it!
Ali and I miss you very, very much, and would love to have you come for a visit.
Siobhan and Cricket send their love.
Love,
Marnie with a p.s. from Ali
p.s. If you had insisted on calling me Prince Charming, I would have made it my mission in life to teach Cullen not to have a Tell. Miss you, brother! - AT
3 Kingsway, 9:40 Dragon
I am so glad to no longer be hunted for killing Meredith. Until I read Cullen's letter, I hadn't realized how much that had been bothering me.
As I said to Cullen, it's been a quiet year here in western Ferelden. After so many years of crazy, bad weirdness, I treasure it.
Lily is definitively her father's daughter. She's only a little over two but she already loves the horses and always wants to be in the barn. When Alistair puts on his boots in the morning, Lily asks excitedly, "Daddy can I go barn see horses, too? Please Daddy!" Lily has both Ali and Dennet wrapped around her fingers, and they are more than a bit indulgent.
Her being in the barn however, necessitated a larger version of the "Lily Pack" because you cannot let a toddler run loose in a horse barn. Of course, Ali is strong enough to use the Lily Pack while doing certain barn chores, like feeding the horses. Other chores, such as mucking out stalls or anything involved with grooming the horses requires him to be unencumbered. If Lily wants to remain in the barn, which she typically does, I stay with her. Grooming absolutely fascinates our little girl, and as a true test of her love for the horses, the smell of horse dung doesn't seem to bother her in the least.
The day before yesterday, Sunset had a foal. Ali let her name it. Lily looked at the tan foal and said "Biscuit."
Sunset and Biscuit are doing fine.
~oOOo~
"Ever since Lily was old enough to help you groom Biscuit, they have been almost inseparable. Lily is very serious about competing in Ferelden's Dressage competition when she is old enough."
Alistair grinned. "Just like Siobhan—our two-time winner."
Marnie pulled out a new set of journals. "I had hoped all of 9:40 would be would be calm and peaceful. But, as always, the storm came from another damned letter."
Alistair gently stroked Marnie's face. "At least we were able to celebrate our anniversary. I cherish every single year, every single moment, with you."
Marnie smiled, "And I, with you"
~oOOo~
10 Kingsway
9:40
So we get this note from Edwyn:
... … … … … … … … … …
8 Kings, 40
Cousins,
I have left the Wardens, so don't look for me there, or anywhere, as I do not wish to be found. No, I am not experiencing the Calling.
Please don't worry.
Sorry for the brevity and mystery. I promise, when I contact you again, it will be in person and I will explain everything.
Yours,
Edwyn
... … … … … … … … … …
That was all he said. When someone tells you they don't want to be found AND not to worry, there is only one reaction…worry. Which Marnie and I are doing.
Worrying
A lot.
And then we received Cullen's letter
... … … … … … … … … …
8 Kingsway, 9:40 Dragon Age
To: Lord and Lady Theirin
Redcliffe Farms
Ferelden
I wish I could include good news with this letter, but things are souring quickly. You recall that the Chantry dissolved the College of Enchanters last year. There was an uprising of the mages in the White Spire. I cannot speak directly about the uprising, except that it was not against the will of the Divine. Unfortunately, many mages were killed. After that catastrophe, Lord Seeker Lambert Van Reeves canceled the Nevarran accord.
The College of Enchanters voted to separate from the Chantry, and then Van Reeves dissolved the Circle of Magi.
The templars' loyalties are divided, loyalties that often have more to do with power than with faith. Some are following the Seekers, and some are supporting the Divine. The Mage-Templar war and the Orlesian civil war have claimed many innocent lives and neither shows signs of slowing.
While Ferelden has been well-shielded from this, I fear that may not continue. Because there is no Circle of Magi, there has been talk about mages seeking safe harbor in Ferelden, which is why I am bothering you at all with this news.
Please stay safe my friends.
Yours in Service,
Cullen
... … … … … … … … … …
16 Kingsway, 9:40 Dragon
First Edwyn disappears, then Cullen tells us that the mages and templars are slaughtering each other in a free-for-all. Meanwhile, the civil war continues in Orlais.
Yesterday, however,, Ali and I celebrated our 9th anniversary. We spent the night at our campsite. I'd say we slept under the stars, but we did very little sleeping.
19 Kingsway, 9:40 Dragon
Ali, Dennet, Elaina, and I had a long talk about the mage-templar war and what we would do if it became necessary to leave the farm. Dennet, Elaina, and Seana would go to Dennet's sister's home in South Reach. Still, Dennet said he doubted he would ever willingly abandon the farm. Ali and I feel the same way. However, Ali and I have to protect our children. So, if the worst happens, the Palace would be the best place for us to go. We have our own apartments there. It's defensible and we can get a ship from Denerim's harbor to just about anywhere in Thedas.
Maker, I hope that won't be necessary.
~oOOo~
Marnie shook her head and sighed. "Sometimes, I think the Maker is a real ass."
"Do you want to continue to read?" Alistair asked.
"Do you?"
"I asked you first."
Marnie shrugged. "In for copper, in for sovereign. I remember getting Leliana's note about her and the Seeker wanting to talk with me. It sounded important, but I would never have guessed what happened when they arrived."
~oOOo~
23 Kingsway
9:40
I may never forgive Leliana. She and a Seeker named Cassandra Pentaghast arrived yesterday. Apparently, the Divine is holding a conclave to bring the mages and templars together. At the same time, she is planning to revive the Inquisition—just in case the conclave doesn't work. Guess who they asked to be the Inquisitor? If you could talk you would say, "Marnie" and I would nod my head. Of course if you talked, I would probably run screaming…
Anyway.
Lily was down for a nap when they arrived, so Marnie suggested that we meet in the study. She showed Leliana and Seeker Cassandra into the room. When I was about to enter the Seeker barred my way with her hand and told me that their business was with the Champion only. I heard Leliana gasp, "Cassandra!"
The Seeker's hand still barred my way.
Marnie looked at the Seeker with cool implacability. "If you are here to speak to the Champion, this meeting is over. The Champion no longer lives here. I am Marnie Theirin and the man you are so rudely barring from the room is my husband, Alistair. If you have a request of either of us then please take a seat; if not then I bid you good day."
The Seeker didn't move. Marnie stood up, arching an eyebrow. "If you continue to bar my husband from this room, then this meeting is over regardless of who you are or what you want to ask. You have three seconds…two…one…"
Seeker Pentaghast stood aside to let me in.
Leliana said soothingly, "Of course we want to speak with both of you, Lady Theirin. I apologize for the misunderstanding."
During the Blight I had heard Leliana use that tone when some of the people we encountered didn't want to talk with me or Edwyn. She would use that soothing voice to get them to talk. It wasn't genuine, it was manipulative, and I was not happy hearing it used on my wife.
~oOOo~
"Later, Leliana told me that she thought barring my way was the most asinine things she'd seen Cassandra do."
Marnie chuckled. "Yes, and telling me that I was really their back-up choice was the second most asinine. Remember?...
…... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... . ... ... ... ... ... .. ...
Leliana said, "We need an Inquisitor. Someone who people respect. We need someone who isn't part of the Chantry, circles, or templars. We need you."
"No. I'm sorry, but no. I washed my hands of this mess when I left Kirkwall. I am a wife and mother, living the quiet and peaceful life that I treasure. You'll have to ask someone else."
"We did. The Warden has vanished." Cassandra said.
Leliana glared at her partner.
"Lucky for Edwyn. You tell me how much you need me? I'm not even your first choice. Just keep going down your list. I'm sure you will find someone else."
. ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... . ... ... ... ...
Alistair shook his head. "The meeting went downhill from there."
Marnie nodded yawning. Then she stretched. "I think it's bedtime. I'm bushed."
Alistair nodded. "We seem to be making good progress."
"On the journals or the crates?" Marnie grinned.
"Both." Alistair gestured to the remaining crates. "Soon we'll be able to use that balcony again."
"I never understood why the builders didn't make the balconies connect."
Marnie fell asleep quickly, but Alistair couldn't sleep. His mind was filled with the memory of the rest of that visit…
…... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... . ... ... ... ... ... .. ...
"Please?" Liliana said. "At least come to the conclave. Your presence there can still make a difference."
"No, thank you. If I am not going to be your Inquisitor, I am definitely not attending this Conclave."
Cassandra stood up, her jaw was set and she was clearly angry. "You killed the Knight-Commander. Furthermore, you knew the mage who destroyed the Chantry. You need to explain everything to the conclave!"
Marnie stayed seated and looked at the Seeker coldly. "The mage had a name, it was Anders. The Divine was to set him free if he could be separated from Justice."
"You still need to explain—"
"Explain what?" Marnie interrupted as she rose from the chair and glared at the Seeker. "Explain that Meredith was going to carry out an illegal right of annulment on innocent mages? Explain that she was a bat-shit crazy bitch? Explain that she was out of her mind on red lyrium?
"Do you even know what red lyrium does to a person? It eats at your mind until reality no longer has meaning. You become paranoid, to the point of complete insanity, and the Knight Commander made a damned sword out of it! She brought a metal statute life to attack us. I just put her down like the rabid dog she became. Does that explain it well enough? Cullen was there, did he not tell you?"
"Yes, he did." Leliana said softly.
"Then make him the Inquisitor!"
Cassandra shook her head. "No. He commands our military forces. The Divine wants you."
"No. The Divine wants the Warden-Commander. Regardless, even if I was the first choice or seventh choice my answer would still be no. This meeting is over."
The Seeker looked offended. "You cannot just ignore the Divine!"
"Oh that's rich! She ignored Kirkwall until the mages had been oppressed to the point that they were turning to whatever they could to end their suffering! Once Meredith refused to replace the Viscount, the Divine should have bestirred herself and removed Meredith, or better yet, made Elthina do her damn job and remove Meredith! If the Divine had done so, the chantry would still be there and innocent mages wouldn't have been slaughtered! Now, you and Sister Leliana both, please leave. We. Are. Done!"
Cassandra crossed her arms. "You owe it to the memory of those slaughtered mages to explain what happened."
As soon as the Seeker said, "owed it to the memory of those slaughtered mages," Marnie's shoulders sagged and the fight left her eyes. She sat down and put her head in her hands. After several minutes, she said. "How long will I need to stay at this Conclave?"
Cassandra answered, "As long as it takes."
Marnie ignored the Seeker and told Leliana. "I will remain as long as it takes to explain things to the conclave and then I'm leaving."
"That will be fine. Thank you!" Leliana said.
"When do we leave?"
"The conclave is set for 1 Firstfall. The Divine would like a chance to get know you better – how about the 20th of Harvestmere?"
Marnie stood up and nodded. The defeat sounded in her voice as she excused herself in order to tend to Lily.
…... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... . ... ... ... ... ... .. ...
"If I'd had a sword in hand I think I might have run Cassandra through." Alistair whispered to himself, then rolled over and curled up behind Marnie.
The following evening, after Lily went to sleep, they snugged on the sofa. Marnie said, "You know, I heard you threaten Cassandra after I left the room."
"I was really angry. I could feel how you hurt were. How all that misplaced guilt just landed on your shoulders. I saw it take the fight out of you."
"You don't need to explain. I actually enjoyed hearing you dress them down."
~oOOo~
24 Kingsway
9:40
I am a bit more collected than yesterday. I had to stop writing, or I think I would have thrown you into fire. I doubt you'd have wanted be burned as the Seeker's effigy.
I will never understand why I persist in talking to you like a person.
Anyway.
Once Marnie left the room, I stood toe-to-toe with the Seeker, literally. "Marnie does not need to explain why she killed Meredith. She does not need to rehash what she went through that day. Not for you, and not in front of the Divine, like a guilty child. How dare you place that weight on her shoulders!"
I told the Seeker that I didn't want her near my wife before 20th Harvestmere. I said, "If I see you before that, I will forget that I know you and treat you like a trespasser."
That Seeker wasn't one who was easily intimidated, but I am rather intimidating when I'm angry. Leliana spoke to the Seeker, who nodded to me and left the house without saying a word. Then I turned to my "supposed friend" and said, "Leli, how could you let her do that to Marnie? To me? She's my wife, my heart, and my soul."
Leliana apologized for Cassandra, and explained that she can be very aggressive in defense of the Divine. Leli tried to assure me that neither she, the Divine, nor the Seeker think what Marnie did was wrong.
I mentioned the Chantry and Templar ruling that Marnie "carried out the Maker's justice" and asked why that wasn't enough. Apparently, because of the schism, truth and fiction are becoming harder to separate. I made Leli promise to protect Marnie and make sure that she isn't taken to task over Meredith.
I asked her who they would try to persuade to be inquisitor. Predictably, she said that it was in the Maker's hands.
~oOOo~
AN: Thank you for reading! Thanks to my beta ElyssaCousland.