[Found at the writing desk in Hawke Estate at the start of Act 2]
. . .
Ser Tethras,
I didn't want to mention it, but I've noticed that in our past few letters you've been addressing them as 'Sunshine.' While I do not directly oppose the idea, I am curious. Why that particular name? Why not simply ask for my real name?
I'm sorry that this letter is not more about your books. But this has been an issue that has been sitting on my mind for awhile now. I'm very curious and I am eagerly waiting for your answer.
-S.H.
Sunshine,
Oh, no well thought out analysis of racial divide between the denizens of fictional Kirkwall? Not even a mention of the suave younger brother in The Dasher's Men and his possible romantic partner should there ever be a second novel? (Which, as you know, will never happen if it doesn't earn my publishers a good bit of coin.) For shame, my friend. For shame.
However, I am not a man without poetic explanations on certain matters. So allow me to put it this way, by answering your question with another question.
Do you know why the sun sets red? Depending on how poetic you are, there are a lot of answers to that. But all those scholarly types will tell you that it's because light is made up of a whole bunch of colors. Red, as luck would have it, is the color that travels that furthest. And you know what else travels rather far? Your letters to me, penned entirely with red ink.
Yes, I've noticed Sunshine. I happened to notice it after the letter where we discussed our favorite colors. Coincidentally, around the same time, purple ink became the shortest, most costly fad in Kirkwall. A whole crate of the stuff got dumped off at my office and now I return fan letters solely in that color. Funny timing, right? The fact that purple is your favorite color must make this mistake one of your favorites, I'm sure.
Now, I bet you're sitting there and thinking 'What does this has to do with my question?' And you'd be right to assume that it has very little to do with it. Perhaps you could use your skill of reading between the lines to truly see what I mean. Let's start with that bit about light, shall we?
I don't get to see much light in my office. Apparently these stuffy dwarves that cling to the (lack of) glitter from Orzammar despise the sunlight. Makes them shrivel up like prunes, or something. It's very boring. So boring, in fact, that I've started to bring my mail with me just for something to do. Occasionally, I'd find a letter or two from fans of my books; people who just want to say a few words of thanks, or give a very unwelcome opinion. And, of course, there's you; who only wanted to clarify some context and wished to know more.
Reading your letters feel like a good dose of sunshine after a long day in an underground cavern. All authors love to blab about their work- it's encoded in their blood. But it takes a real feat to get a writer the blab about themselves as well. I don't know how you did it, and I hope you burned that one letter I sent to you about that embarrassing scar. Not even my drinking buddies know that story and I'd like to keep it that way.
I've written far more than I intended to with this letter. Moreover, you have a talent for reading between the lines. Perhaps I need not say much else? I eagerly await our next correspondence, Sunshine. Never doubt that for a day in your life.
Truly yours, Axel L. Tethras
(An official looking note has been attached to the envelope. It contains the stamp of the Thedas Department of Personal Mailing and Business Correspondences.)
To Whom It May Concern,
In light of recent events regarding the Fifth Blight, your letter to Lothering can not be sent to its intended address. Should we receive word that its intended receiver is available, we will redirect your letter to their new address or next of kin. Thank you for your understanding.