My darling Duke,

My meeting with the Empress's new Arcane Adviser is concluded and I can scarce hide my amusement; a lowly hedge witch, draped in old, beaten black leather and with hair so frightfully 'styled' it boggles any right-thinking mind. As to what Celene sees in her - or the advice she is sure to dispense in my absence, I cannot say. I worry, my dear - truly I do. This witch is no mage as I am sure you have garnered from my words alone, she was not taught in a Circle but reared out in the backwater wilderness of the Ferelden Korcari Wilds by Chasind wild folk no doubt.

You asked me when last we spoke what I make of this Inquisition that seeks to seal the Breach and to that I can honestly still not say. One of their agents, in fact, the agent; the Herald of Andraste bade me welcome to join as long as I am willing to offer my services and I am. I will not sit and wait idly when there is an enemy out there to confront and destroy - especially if it means I can help to keep this world with you in it, safe.

I leave for the village of Haven shortly, my dear, I write only to warn you of the changing climate of Celene's court, I have no doubts that of which you already know about but I urge you to take mind and keep yourself safe.

With respect and affection, Vivienne.

- A letter written to Duke Bastien from First Enchanter Vivienne.

Inquisitor,

No one is more frustrated than I that my business for the Grey Wardens takes me away from the troubles of my country, my charge; alas I cannot aid you in this battle quite just yet - assuming it lasts longer than my confounded business, that is.

I hear you have this 'Corypheus' on the run - quite right, he is a posing magister from what my people say and I agree. No godhood can be achieved from cracking the world you seek to rule like a chicken's egg. I have every faith that you will lay waste to this creature and be hailed as a hero as I once was and you have my steadfast hopes that you do...I fear for the future of Ferelden if you fail. Terrified, actually, much of what I cherish is nestled in those lands and I would beg of you, please...Keep my country safe if you are to dwell there.

My husband writ me of your meeting, taking on the rebels as allies? I would advise caution, Inquisitor - although I have known many good mages in my life I have also met my share of power-mad monsters that wear the faces of friends and foes alike. Your wisdom in recruiting Lady Vivienne of the Orlesian court speaks well of you, however. I would heed her counsel where I you, she is a talented mage if a little grasping and is at the very least rational, unlike that of some of her peers.

Look to the Wardens if you have need to, I shall do all that is in my power as Commander to bolster some of your ranks - the Wardens technically should not be involved at all but since this is neither a normal or a political crisis I think we can bend the rules if only a little.

I must beseech you now, look after my country and my husband as I am powerless to shield either at the moment. Good luck to you, my friend, you have my sympathies in the coming battles both public and personal, my own experiences tell me that you will need it.

Yours, Melody Cousland, Queen of Ferelden and Commander of Ferelden's Grey Wardens.

A hastily written message is scrawled at the bottom:

Leliana, I'm keeping Harding- if you want her back, you'll have to find me again.

Another note has been added beneath in a flowing hand:

Challenge accepted, Melon.

- A letter from the Queen of Ferelden to Inquisitor Lavellen and Sister Nightingale.

Mel,

My agents have been scouring the lands in search of you, I don't know if this letter will reach you in any fashionable time to help - if it all - but still, I must try.

The Inquisition is in its infancy, all though we have acquired a fortress and a leader, we have been hit hard by the Red Templars and the enemy known as Corypheus. I would ask aid of you since we are in your kingdom and trying to mend the sky; please, Mel - anything you could do would be a marvelous boon and might even raise morale.

Tales of our adventures are often told in Skyhold's tavern and it brings a smile to my lips to hear them but not tell. I sit quietly in the shadows of the rookery and listen to the men gossip, ten years on and they still talk of you and all you did. Although not alone I know you would say, ah, you have always been humble - well, good at hiding your pride, I think...Despite my new comrades I find myself missing my old ones, the nature of this letter is not to simply beg for aid; you have been gone some time now and our correspondence has waned.

I worry for you and ask you write me back if this letter finds your hand. I pray for you and all our old friends scattered to the winds in this world and the next and I hope that you are safe and well. Rest easy in the knowledge that I look out for your interests and precious things here in your absence as all good friends should.

With love, Ana.

- A letter found in Leliana's study.

Lady Amelia,

While I find your twittering about as interesting as watching moss grow on a rock, I must now ask you - again - to bring your infernal musings about my business to your flock of gabbling fools to a halt. I am the empress's adviser of no small talent and I think even your limited mind can wrap itself around the meaning behind those words.

'Tis not beneficiary to your health to cross me and mine.

- M

- A letter found in the Arcane Enchanter's suit.

Ogs,

I am not joking you when I say this: stop replacing my wine with your filth. I drank it once and once was enough! It's taken me ten years to get the taste of that bile out of my mouth and if you do it again I'll make you gargle darkspawn piss.

- A note found in a very smelly satchel.

Your Eminence,

I beg of you to reconsider your choice in advisers and replace your newest one with swiftness and severity. She is an infamous apostate and none other than the one that fled the battlefield at Denerim during the Blight. Yes, my lady, she is in fact the witch, Morrigan. While I don't doubt she may have helped during Ferelden's troubled times I do doubt her motives as to why she's here and her loyalties to you, my lady. I urge you to wait for references from Queen Melody - she alone knows the true nature of the black one you have taken to your side in these dark days.

We are using all of our resources to locate her at this time. Please, mistress: caution.

A note has been added at the bottom in an angry hand:

Foolish little man. If he does get the reference he so seeks I think he may find it surprising. I say let him have it. That is - of course - if he can locate his quarry. I wish him luck where I have had none.

- A letter unsigned found in Empress Celene's solar at Halamshiral.