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Blessings!

King Cailan in his tent at Ostagar. His Master of Wardrobe, a stoic man who had been with the king before he was king, is helping Ferelden's ruler change into more comfortable clothing before meeting with Loghain and then going to drink and spend time with his men and the Grey Wardens. King Cailan is composing a letter to Queen Anora.

Anora,

After my meeting with Duncan, and her, I made my way back to my tent. Spending time drinking with my soldiers and with the legendary Grey Wardens has its benefits. Thanks to Bernardo, Duncan's second, I knew when to expect Duncan and his new recruit. I had the elven messenger that runs errands around camp watch for signs of him, giving the servant the Warden Commander's description, so I could time it perfectly to meet him at the gates.

You will never believe whom Duncan had in tow. It was none other than Bryce Cousland's little spit fire, Kaidana. I know I told you had I met her when she was but ten years old, her hair all down and covering her shoulders like black rain, a dirty pink dress, boots, chasing her brother around in a garden. She was such fun, she and her brother Fergus had been stealing apples from the royal orchards. And she soundly whipped some of the nobles' sons. She was such a delight, and we stole strawberries from the royal gardens. That was one of the happiest days I have spent.

I know you must remember her from my father's funeral, I introduced you to her then (or rather you burst in between us and introduced yourself, did you not my jealous one?). Looking back on that event I can see why you were envious. All the potential for womanhood was just waiting to blossom into the flower of beauty I met today. My father adored her, and she him. Kai was one of the few who were truly sad to see my father gone, and because he was Maric, not just because he was king. He wasn't just her king he was her friend. As he was more, he was my father. I like to think that bonded us beyond that day in the garden.

I didn't recognize her at first today. I saw a young woman, sleek black curls in leather armor with a sword strapped to her back and daggers at her waist. She looked different, not just that she was now, what twenty? But there was some deep sadness around her eyes that was there at my father's funeral, but it was much more pronounced. It was when Duncan went to introduce her, and I looked into those big blue eyes that I realized who the new recruit really was.

And the girl has grown into a stunning young woman. My father always said that Eleanor Cousland was stunning in her youth, and her daughter must take after her mother. She is, well... glorious. All of that budding possiblity stood there in front of me. And the Dalish tattoo she had on her face only enhanced her attractiveness, along with her being a Grey Warden. You know how I feel about the Wardens.

But it was the stunning news about her mother and her father that has me writing you. I will be delaying my return to Denerim, my wife. Kai and Duncan informed me that Arl Rendon Howe has attacked Highever castle, killing all but Kai and Duncan. I paled to hear it, Anora. Bad enough that Howe has disobeyed his king and did not bring the troops he as he was ordered to do. But he attacked and killed one of my most loyal, and trustworthy subjects. Not only that, I considered Bryce a friend as he had been to my father before me.

I cannot let this stand. Once the darkspawn are vanquished, I will be turning my armies toward Amaranthine to deal with Arl Howe. Your skillful handling of the intricacies of daily governance are greatly appreciated, my sweet. Please continue on as you have and Ferelden shall achieve its glorious place in history.

Your heroic husband,

Cailan