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How do I say goodbye to what we had?
The good times that made us laugh
Outweigh the bad.

I thought we'd get to see forever
But forever's gone away
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

I don't know where this road
Is going to lead
All I know is where we've been
And what we've been through.

If we get to see tomorrow
I hope it's worth all the wait
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
~~~ “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” – Boys II Men
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“Say your goodbyes. You’re with me now,” Duncan stated. “You’re life here is over.”

I nodded at him before turning to Soris. I embraced him in a huge hug as he thanked me for saving his hide.

“I did what had to be done,” I replied as I pulled away.

He smiled, “You always do. I’m going to follow your example. No more daydreaming. I’m going to marry Valora.”

“Be good to her, cousin. I need to see father, Nesi and Shianni still. Take care and make lots of babies.” I punched his arm lightly before strolling away. I skirted the vhenadahl on my way back to the only home I’d ever known.

Father was standing outside, sorrow written all over his careworn face. He told me he knew my mother would be proud of me, but he had hoped for grandchildren and family gatherings. Fate works in mysterious ways. I’ll miss you, father.

He hauled me into his arms, hugging me tightly. I felt a bit of wetness dripping against my collar. My father had been reduced to tears. I sucked in a deep breath as I promised him all would be well. Pulling away, I entered the house for what seemed like it would be the final time.

I felt a poignant ache shoot through me as I glanced around the house I’d grown up in. I remember how hard father worked as a servant of Bann Rodolf’s and how mother always did her best to make this place warm and cozy. So many good memories, swept away like dust in the wind.

Valora was sitting at the table, waiting for Soris. I knew he’d be along at some point. I figured he was giving me time to say my goodbyes. I knelt beside her, wishing her and Soris the best. “Be good to him,” I whispered as a wan smile crossed my face. I gave her a hug before straightening.

She called out to Nesiara who was still with Shianni. I could hear her soft voice as she helped Shianni change out of her bridesmaid gown and into her normal clothing. My throat went dry as I went over in my head what I wanted to say to her. I didn’t want to lose her. But I knew what becoming a Grey Warden meant.

As she walked toward me, I met her halfway, sweeping her up into a tight embrace. I buried my face in the crook of her neck, exhaling a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. We stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, for what seemed like an eternity.

“You’re leaving, aren’t you? Becoming a Grey Warden?” Her voice was soft. Her brilliant eyes shone like stars, glittering with unshed tears.

I kissed her, pouring into it everything I wanted to say but couldn’t even begin to find the words for. My heart ached for what I was losing, but this was the price for keeping everyone I loved safe. “I’ll be back for you,” I promised as I gazed deeply into her eyes.

She shook her head, “No, you won’t. You won’t be able to have a wife or a family. You have to leave us behind.”

“Love, I could never leave you behind. I swear to you, I will be back. If there was time, I’d marry you. I’d give you my name. I want you to stay here.” I pleaded with her with every fiber of my being. Grabbing her hands, I led her into my bedroom and from beneath a floorboard I pulled a pouch of coins. It wasn’t much, but it was everything I’d saved in anticipation of this day. I gave it to her, insisting she not return to Highever.

She nodded as tears stained her lovely cheeks. I wasn’t sure what more I could say, so I let actions speak for me, bestowing upon her one last kiss. “You have my heart, and I’ll keep with me the memory of your sweet caress.”

She excused herself so I could speak to Shianni. I hated to see her leave. I wanted more time with her. I wanted a lifetime, but for now that was not to be. I prayed to the Creators that they granted me that chance.

I shared a final tearful farewell with Shianni, her words echoed in my mind as I dug out the leather armor I’d stolen from the lower market. “They’ll write legends about you someday. When the world was at its worst, there you came with fire in your eyes. I’ll never forget that, cousin.”

Take care, Shianni. Try not to get yourself into any more trouble that you can’t get yourself out of. And never forget that I love you.
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That's all for this 24 hour period. Just a little further to go to finish out the Beginnings. Next up, Ostagar.