This series began as a prompt fill from the Dragon Age Pairing Generator of "Leliana/f!Cousland, Letters" but will cover other letters sent to and from Elissa in the months and years following the end of the Blight. All events and characters mentioned throughout the series coincide with my continuity from A Warden's Duty, building on a combination of my gameplay and fic and Bioware's own canon.
23 Haring, 9:31 Dragon
To Her Majesty, the Warden Commander Elissa Cousland, Queen of Ferelden,
I must admit, I never expected such a mouthful of titles to head a letter to such a dear friend! My ship was forced into port in Jader to wait out some rather bothersome storms on the Waking Sea, so I'm writing this from the comparative comfort of a private room in an inn near the chantry here. I have a clean bed, hot food and baths, and a warm hearth. And no more tossing on the waves, at least for a few more nights, so I can actually sleep at night, as well! You can't hear me laughing now, of course, but I really DO dislike sailing. Those boats on Lake Calenhad were pleasant enough, but the open sea I cannot abide! We'll be on our way again soon enough, though; just as soon as these storms have run their course.
There is something I do think you should know, my friend. Not long after arriving here I was summoned to the chantry by the Revered Mother. It seems they wish me to lead a company into the Frostbacks so that they might confirm Brother Genitivi's most recent… research. Were the dragon you faced still present, I would have warned them away at all costs, but as it was the best I could do was convince her Reverence that I was on my way to Val Royeaux on important business for you, to request access to the Divine's libraries to research the Blights. (Luckily, one of the Grey Wardens who came to Denerim just after the great battle was not only on my ship, but is staying at the same inn I am. He accompanied me to the chantry, and impressed upon her Reverence that my mission was of the highest priority. Without him, I doubt it would have been as simple to turn down the "offer" made to me.) In any case, I don't believe the Chantry's attempt to reassign me, as it were, was a malicious one but you and Alistair should be aware nonetheless that they will be sending adventurers, and possibly even pilgrims, into Haven soon.
Ah! But speaking of your love, have the two of you made suitable progress toward your heir? I know you were drinking those potions of Wynne's during the Blight, but now that you are safely married, I imagine that you have set them aside, yes? I know that you'll be serving as Warden Commander as well, of course, but were you to have a family I'm sure your First Warden would forgive you for leading from Denerim instead of dour, dreary Amaranthine! You must let me know as soon as you do, so I can return to Ferelden and spoil the darling prince or princess appropriately!
Unfortunately, I must end this letter all too soon; it is well past midnight and I must be up at dawn to meet with the ship's captain to find out when he intends to set sail again. I'd rather not give up the comforts of dry land, of course, but I really must get to Val Royeaux as quickly as I can. I assume you'll be at Vigil's Keep by the time the couriers reach eastern Ferelden, so I'll have them deliver this and any future letters there—let me know if you return to Denerim, or travel anywhere else, and I'll try to have any future letters reach you as quickly as I can.
Your dearest friend,
Leliana