14 Wintermarch, 9:32
To Knight-Commander Meredith,
From Maeve,
I hear you're up and about again, good. I'm sorry I wasn't there, but I'm sure you've heard the details of what happened by now. I had to get out of the city for a while, recover my balance. Won't lie and say that Elthina's decision regarding the funeral didn't inspire me to stay either.
We weren't able to catch Smith. Someone must have gotten ahead of us, warned him, because he and Bethany Hawke vanished just before we docked in the city. From what we've heard, about a quarter of Ferelden's new Wardens vanished along with them. The Arlessa is trying to hunt them down, but between you and me I've got zero hope we'll see them anytime soon.
Right now I'm planning on staying in the Hawke estate for a year or so. Get away from the distractions and chaos. I know you're probably not happy about that, thinking something about responsibilities, but I'll remind you that you're the one that gave me a title very much against my will.
Anyway. Elowen and company are still loyal to you, even if they currently hate Elthina's guts. You can rely on them. Remember that, even if everything else in that stupid city goes to hell again. I'm not planning on leaving Amaranthine, so we can write as often as you like.
Maeve, Lost-Elf-With-Unwanted-Titles
Post-Script; If I can get over my addiction to wine, you can get over yours to Lyrium.
Post-Post Script; And I don't mean just until you're better. You know what that blue crap does to Templars long term.
Post-Post-Post script: I know it's not your Order's purpose, but please watch out for the Qunari. They're dangerous. If not for me, then do it for Petrice.
29 Wintermarch, 9:32
To, Dame Maeve,
From, Knight Commander of Kirkwall,
Maeve. Knowing you as I do, you will have little tolerance for more condolences. I shall spare you them, and say instead that this world is a less worthy place of our Maker's love without the Revered Mother.
While I am disappointed in your absence, I entirely understand under the circumstances. I similarly understand your inability to capture Smith for interrogation. That is similarly disappointing, but in truth I did not expect anything else. You have already done more than any other by slaying those Wardens who attacked us, and you shall have an Order of Merit waiting you for your actions.
You will find a second letter attached to this. Send it forward to Kinloch Hold. It contains the details of my arrangement with your Alienage, and advice for the Templar Commander there.
As you say, I have no doubts of the faith or the loyalty of the Baroness, who has already visited me in person several times. Her attitude, and yours, toward the Grand Cleric could use some adjustment, even if I must admit my own distaste for the decision regarding the Revered Mother's funeral.
Regarding your post scripts, you have an ally in the matter in the Knight-Captain. I am... considering the use of Lyrium. I find myself considering little else these days, though I distract myself with my duties and recovery. As for the Qunari, Dumar has begun to think as you do, as does the Guard Captain. I will pray on the matter.
I trust our correspondence shall continue during our respective recoveries,
Meredith, Knight-Commander, etc.
Post-Script; You earned that title through faith and blood. I shall hear no complaints of it, or the next time we meet we shall be meeting in the sparring arena. Even half crippled, I am certain I can make you regret your flippant words.
Post-Post Script; Maeve... I am very fond of you. Be wary in Ferelden. I shall be most displeased if you are to die in some foolishness there.
18 Guardian, 9:32
To Warden Maharial,
From Merrill,
I hope this letter gets to you before you get to Ferelden. If not, I guess seeing me will be a bit of surprise for you!
I missed you, Lethallin. I'm sure you heard of what the Keeper did once we made it across the sea. I can explain! Don't worry! I'm perfectly safe, and I've got it all under control. I'm staying with Hawke, and she says we can come visit you whenever you're here and have some time for us.
Oh, that reminds me, I have a new sister. Her name is Maeve. She's an Elf from a lost city from the far north! It's very interesting. She's very dangerous, and very protective. We've been protecting each other ever since I was forced to leave the clan.
I'm babbling on paper. I didn't know that was possible.
I do need to talk with you, about Dalish matters. I need something from a clan, something for my work. I don't know if they'll even talk to me if I go to them without you. Will you help me, when you have the time? Please?
Merrill
27 Guardian, 9:32
To Arlessa Marian Hawke of Amaranthine,
From His Royal Majesty, Alistair Theirin of Ferelden,
Hawke! I'm told that my nameday is coming up soon, and that I'm to invite everyone to some kind of fancy party. How about
The final word is a scribble, and a different pen takes over,
Marian,
You will arrive in Denerim as soon as possible to assist me with the preparation, and introduce me to your latest house-guest. The situation with Denerim's Alienage is growing worse, and if she any insights on how to deal with it I would greatly appreciate them.
The three of us will get the real work done while my lord-husband and your brother indulge in their usual vices.
Anora, Queen of Ferelden, Your Friend.
I fána
Mortals tracked time by the passing of their... sun, they called it. The bright ball of light that traversed their world. It couldn't claim to understand the importance of it, but they seemed to put a great deal of stock in the coming and going of the light.
Its home had no such thing. No rhythm to track.
The great currents of magic swirled and bellowed on their own accord. Mortals came and went. Spirits rose and fell. All on their time, in their own natures, by their own wills.
...mostly.
It began to understand the passage of time when it witnessed change. The Elvhen whose dreams it visited, who had begun to explore its home in flesh, became... different. It did not know how long such a change took. In that era it remained uncertain how to measure such things, and it was slow to understand the concept of change to begin with.
Yet once It did... It saw the shifting desires of those mortals it encountered. More and more longed to remove the blood writing from their faces. Others times it had to bat aside Spirits of Rage lured by violent desire, learned how to wield its power to drive off those that which would claim what belonged to it.
It did not understand the mortal concept of 'morality' then, or else it would have known what was coming. What was happening.
It would have been better prepared.
The first sign of what came was the death of the Elvehn the others had named Mythal. One of those few mortals that had transcended its mortal shell, to become near to that of a proper being.
Spirit of Desire remembered the death-scream well. That singular howl of rage, of betrayal, of all consuming fury that had roared through its home. The scream had scattered wisps, birthed a thousand Spirits of Rage, elevated another into Betrayal. The first Elder it ever encountered.
It had been a foolish little spirit then. It felt the shockwave, saw what arose... and then simply continued on. Continued to slip into dreams, to nibble on the desires of the mortals who visited. Drifted through the currents when it was well supplied with power, with what others called mana.
It was drifting when it learned a new concept: apocalypse.
The howl of Mythal's death was paltry compared to the roar of the Dread Wolf's Veil. Of the spells woven to hurl the Evanuris beyond. Of the discordant screams of thousands of spirits being torn asunder, of as many mortal souls vanishing as their breaches into its realm were shattered.
It watched the great constructs of the Elvehn shatter without the power of both realms to sustain them. Watched the mortals end their own lives when they became trapped between worlds. Heard the fury of a million souls blaming the great wolf.
Watched that Wolf weep, even as its resolve did not break.
"It had to be done."
Spirit of Desire gazed down from its currents as the world it once knew ended.
As a new one began.