Tears

2 Firstfall, 9:40 Dragon

I received a note from Ali. It was short and to the point. I teared up as I read it. Happy tears.

"Come home safe. You hold my heart in your hands. I love you."

I'm already packed to leave, because tomorrow after I speak to the Conclave I am getting on Sure Foot and heading home!

3 Firstfall
9:40

It was mid-afternoon when my templar senses flared. I looked around and a giant hole had ripped open in the sky. As I ran to gather Siobhan and Cricket into the house, I realized two things: The tear was in the veil, and it was right over Haven.

Maker, help Marnie and keep her safe.

4 Firstfall
9:40

Siobhan, Lily, Cricket, and I are on our way to the Palace, as we had planned.

A special messenger caught up with us as we were leaving. It was a quick note from Walter: Teagan has been chased out of the Castle and he, Teagan and Kaitlyn are heading straight for the Palace. We all know that the tear is directly over Haven, but there has been no word. I am going crazy with worry, but I have to focus on our family and get them to safety. I promised Marnie. Even so, Lily knows I am upset at something and is asking for her mommy.

8 Firstfall
9:40

I can barely breathe.

When we arrived at the palace Fergus took me aside. He had received carrier bird a short missive from Roderick Asignon, Grand Chancellor of the Chantry. According to the Chancellor there had been a massive explosion at the conclave. It destroyed the Temple, killing the Divine and everyone in attendance.

I refuse to believe Marnie is gone. I cannot believe it. I would know, I would feel it, wouldn't I?

9 Firstfall
9:40

I could not keep the news from Cricket, Siobhan, and Walter. They all feel like I do: That somehow we would have felt it if she was gone.

I know that sounds insane, but well, you know how it is with me and Marnie. We are soulmates.

11 Firstfall – who cares what year!

MARNIE IS ALIVE!

Thank the Maker for Varric's note:

Golden Boy,

Marnie is alive! She is the sole survivor of the Conclave. More info to follow, if Leliana will lend me another raven.

Varric

I read the note to Siobhan, Walter, and Cricket. Later, Walter took me aside and said, "Dad, you need to go to Haven. I can take care of things while you're gone." It was as if he could read my mind, because then he said, "Yes, Cricket and Siobhan agree with me."

13 Firstfall
9:40

I spoke with Teagan. He and Kaitlyn will take care of Lily, and with Walter, look after Siobhan and Cricket.

As an aside, Lily is much calmer because she is absolutely besotted with the Royal twins, even though they are a year younger. She spends a lot of time in the Royal nursery (either Kaitlyn, Siobhan or Walter accompany her). In the meantime, I spoke with Fergus who is giving me all the resources to get to Haven as fast as possible. He believes, rightly so, that the Chantry is in disarray and taking up the title of Prince Alistair will cut through the crap. Additionally, I am his representative at Haven and have the power to act accordingly.

14 Firstfall
9:40

This morning I received a letter from Marnie.

… … … … … … … … .. …. …. …

My love,

I pray you are safe at the palace and that you received Varric's note. Please stay out of western Ferelden. I have been…changed somehow…I have a mark on my hand that closes fade rifts. These rifts are tears in the Veil that are springing up everywhere. Demons pour out of them until the rift is closed. This mark is needed to close these rifts which I am doing as we figure out what we are dealing with.

Some call me the Herald of Andraste, some call me a miracle, some call me a murderer.

I just want to be Marnie Theirin again. I want to go home.

In case I don't get another chance to write, know that my life with you has been the greatest blessing I have ever been given.

I love you with every fiber of my being. Know that. Tell our children that I love them. When Lily is old enough…you know what to do.

All my love in this life and the next. If this is my last letter, know that I want you to go on, Lily needs you.

Till I see you at the Maker's side,

Marnie

… … … … … … … … .. …. …. …

If I had any doubt about going to Haven, this letter would have ended them.

I leave at dawn tomorrow.

~oOOo~

AN: Thanks for those who have been following along and for your reviews!

Note: Carrier pigeons can travel about 600 miles in day. According to the Pigeon Control Resource Center "The longest recorded flight in the 19th century taking 55 days between Africa and England and covering 7000 miles."