Sister Nightingale,
I have received the message from your agents, and I appreciate you warning me of Corypheus. I heard what happened at Adamant fortress and I cannot believe that Clarel and the Orlesian Wardens would even do such a thing, even if the necessity of their actions were rightly justified. Even so, I was very pleased to learn that the Inquisition has given the Wardens a second chance. Despite the need to shed blood for their cause, all of Thedas will still need us when the next Blight comes. Hawke has also informed me of Stroud's loss. A shame. I've known him since I became Warden-Commander of Ferelden ten years ago and was proud to have called him "friend." His Worship, Inquisitor Trevelyan, has mentioned that the Venatori magister, Erimond, was responsible for deceiving the Wardens into thinking the Calling was real and nearly destroying our order. Despicable. I hope he gets what's coming to him.
Regardless, my letter to you is inform you of my current progress. I am well, and while the quest to find a cure for the Calling proves to be difficult, I am confident that such a remedy will be discovered. Rather than allow such foul magic eventually lead to my death, I remain determined to find a way to negate this Calling and save all the Grey Wardens from its effects. Weisshaupt may perhaps call it an impossible task, but what do they know? Have they even tried? We know that it has been done before as seen with individuals such as Avernus and Grand Enchanter Fiona. The Calling is a vile disease that plagues our order, a cycle that will not cease. And it is why I must break the cycle, even if I have to defy Weisshaupt and risk death in the process to do it.
With that in mind, please accept the gifts attached to this letter. I hope it serves you and the Inquisition well.
I have also included a personal note for you as well.
My dearest one,
I know I wasn't there for you at Haven when Divine Justinia was killed and I've hated myself for not being at your side when you needed me most. There's nothing harder than to accept the fact that the people you care about are now gone. For that, I offer you my sincere condolences and pray that she is now at the Maker's side.
Have faith, my love, for it is your greatest strength. No more must you mourn Justinia's loss, Leli. Take the pain and the guilt, acknowledge it, and let go. Do not look back, and do not falter; for in the days and months to come, you must muster every ounce of strength you can possibly carry and you must be prepared. I know you can do it. You are without a doubt one of the strongest women I have ever met.
(And the most beautiful.)
You are always in my thoughts, Leli, and I must let you know how much I miss you. Nothing gives me more heartache than the thought of not being able to wake up beside you, to hear your voice, to see your smile and feel the touch of your skin… When Highever fell to Arl Howe, I lost everything and everyone I loved. I was at my lowest. But when I met you, I had never felt so alive. So complete. Do you remember the first night we spent together? Our night? It made me realize just how much you meant to me. You helped put the shattered pieces of my life back together, made me whole again. When I asked for your hand, I was glad that you said "yes." I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you, no matter what life threw at us.
Pray for me, love. When I find a cure to negate the effects of the Calling, I will come home to you. For good, this time. And nothing will come between us ever again.
Forever yours,
Lord Aedan Sarim Cousland of Highever
Warden-Commander of Ferelden