Elle, darling,

I know you wrote mostly for your mother's sake which was the proper thing to do, but I find the need to send my own reply. The entire house was relieved to learn of your survival. We have too many to mourn.

You didn't reveal anything directly, but I know you, Elle. Do not fall prey to doubt. You must stay strong. Keep your faith in the Maker and His Bride. Andraste chose you for a reason. We might not yet understand what that reason is, but She had one.

The family cannot yet openly support the Inquisition, but I hope to sway the tide soon. Do not take that to mean that I personally do not support you; I do. Very much. I always knew you were meant for something great. And I am thankful that it has turned out to be more than a soulless marriage into an insipid, but important family.

Maker watch over you,

Papa

Eleri,

I am, of course, glad to know that you survived the terrible tragedy at the Conclave. We are all still reeling over the death of the Most Holy Divine. Such tragedy. It is almost too much to bear. You brother, Liam, visits almost daily to console with me. If only Tristan would undertake the journey and return home.

Naturally, we mourn your aunts, Sister Wenna and Mother Alys, your Uncle Peder, and your cousins, Ser Luk and Brennan. Your brother Garen's party was delayed so he was not in attendance. We have requested he return home. At least until his superiors within the Order regain their senses and return to the embrace of the Chantry where they belong.

I trust you strongly refute this nonsense that you can speak for Blessed Andraste. Not even the greatest of the Reverend Mothers would presume so much. What trouble have you become entangled in?

I worry greatly about this Inquisition that has begun. They say it was declared by the right hand of the Divine, but the Chantry doubts that it was ever sanctioned and has declared it heretical. Be wary, my daughter, and do not place your faith where it is undeserved.

Lady Margot Therese Trevelyan

Eleri's arrow hit the target again and again. Her trainer demanded more speed, but no matter how quickly she drew, she did not miss. Atop a crate with only the drone of the captain's commands as a rather ineffective distraction, the exercise wasn't much of a challenge.

The problem did not escape Cullen's notice, he just didn't have a solution yet.

"She'll never learn anything that way," Varric commented.

Cullen crossed his arms and did his best to ignore the dwarf. Eventually he would tire of talking. Possibly. Hopefully.

Varric chuckled. "Your man is used to standing in the rear with a full division of archers and plucking away from a distance. That's all well and good with an entire army, but it isn't what we're doing."

"And you could do better?" He silently cursed himself for responding.

"No." Varric shook his head. "I wouldn't even know where to start. I'm just telling you your man isn't helping."

Cullen sighed. He hated that Varric saw the problem. "I know."

"Well, that was unprecedented. Did the Commander actually just agree with me? The world really has fallen into the void."

"Don't push it," he growled.

Varric laughed loud enough to draw Eleri's attention along with half of the training yard. She smiled brightly at them while the man attempting to train her scolded her lack of attention. Varric waved as Cullen looked quickly away. She returned the greeting and then rolled her eyes before returning to the drill. "I've gotta say, she's doing a hell of a job putting up with us.

Cullen wanted to ignore the obvious bait, but found he couldn't. Eleri Trevelyan was rapidly becoming a weakness. "What do you mean?"

"She's done everything you've all asked of her and not a single one of you has stopped to find out how she's really feeling about it all," Varric explained. "How many people do you think she knew at the Conclave? How many of them were family? The Seeker has been so wrapped up in starting this Inquisition and Nightingale is battling her own grief. What's your excuse, Curly?"

Muscles rippled over his jaw as he struggled for a response, but Varric had wondered off before he had an answer.

Sister Leliana,

I need a favor. The Herald needs combat training I cannot provide and you would be superior to the man she has been working with. She is good with a bow, but she has no experience using it in close quarters. I seem to remember that you do.

Commander Cullen

Commander,

I would be happy to assist Eleri. We will begin on the morrow.

Leliana