A CMDA gift for the amazing HotElf for 2021.
The Written Word
9:30 Dragon, 14 JustinianFrom General Loghain MacTir
To King Cailan Theirin of Ferelden
Cailan,
Duncan is outstanding when it comes to recruiting. As intimidating as he is, he has a certain way with people when it comes to persuading those who seem lesser, at least in our eyes. The Cousland girl fits into the Warden blueprint completely from everything he's told me. Man, woman, or otherwise, Duncan somehow inherently recognizes who would be qualified to join us in this chaotic and savage world. Whether it is combat, spirit, or self-awareness, he always picks the most worthy subjects.
Let's hope these recruits are more than cannon fodder.
And, yes, it pains me to say these things about him. I hope you have a good laugh at my expense.
I will be in Ostagar by month's end.
Regards,
Loghain
9:30 Dragon, 15 Justinian
To Eamon Guerrin, Arl of Redcliffe
From Teagan Guerrin, Bann of Rainesfere
Brother,
Why are we listening to Cailan? He knows so little. And his father… Maric's impulsiveness often worried his advisers. Cailan is his father's son in that particularly dreadful trait. Look at what happened with Rowan because of Maric's foolishness. I know Cailan was just a child, but what does he know of wars, Grey Wardens, or duty? Everything to him is a game, like a child playing at King, and he thinks he can outwit the enemy. Alas, this enemy cannot be outwitted. The darkspawn are relentless, cruel, and bloodthirsty. Maker help us.
In other news, I understand Duncan, the Warden-Commander, has recruited some very promising conscripts, like Elissa Cousland. Sadly, the Couslands were slaughtered by Howe's evil treachery, but their daughter is quite the fighter. Her courage must be Maker given for her to journey to Ostagar to train with the Wardens after such a devastating and bloody end to her family. Luckily, her brother was away from home at the time. Maker willing, he will survive the darkspawn incursion and reunite with her someday.
I hate to say it but thank the Maker Anora has her head on straight. Most days, anyway.
All my best to Isolde and Connor.
Best regards,
Teagan
9:30 Dragon, 19 Justinian
To General Loghain MacTir of the Ferelden Forces, Teyrn of Gwaren
From King Cailan Theirin
Loghain, my friend,
Duncan is correct. Elissa Cousland is glorious! She is everything we could have asked for. She's strong, a fighter, and unequally matched in wit and cunning. Rather a flirt as well. Now that she is here, I have Alistair showing her the ropes, as it were. They are quite the pair. I believe he is smitten with that lustful kitten. She is not at all interested and he can't take a hint. But they both need much training before the assault on the darkspawn. By the time you arrive, I will have two fearsome warriors to show off.
Looking forward to your return. I'll bake a cake in your honor.
Safe travels,
Cailan
9:30 Dragon, 24 Justinian
Loghain MacTir, Journal Notes, Southron Hills heading southwest
I find the Cousland girl to be an interesting choice for Warden conscript. Perhaps if she holds onto the anger and fury she possesses due to her family's slaughter, she will succeed. One can hope.
What to say as far as Cailan and Alistair go? So many concerns and questions. Cailan is but a child in his motives. Alistair is only a mere step behind. What to do with them? And I don't believe this is even a true blight, but Cailan's vanity demanded it so. I wish I could consult you, Rowan. I always thought Alistair had promise. You would've liked him, I think. But I will never say that out loud. However, I shall do my best to make his mother proud, whomever she is.
Until my next entry, dear Rowan.
9:30 Dragon, 22 Justinian
To Teagan Guerrin, Bann of Rainesfere
From Arl Eamon Guerrin
Greetings Teagan,
I agree with your assessment of our King, but what are we to do now? The battle is imminent and that is that. All we can do is pray we have the forces to withstand the horde of darkspawn about to descend on Ostagar. Elissa Cousland could be our only hope. I recall her father speaking of her intelligence and maturity, far beyond her years. She comes from a long line of brave and worthy soldiers. Keep the faith, Teagan.
Please stay safe while you fight your bravest and most dangerous fight yet.
Your brother,
Eamon
9:30 Dragon, 3 Harvestmere
To Ser Nathaniel Howe
In care of Ser Rodolphe Varley, Free Marches
My dearest Nathaniel,
I am so sorry I haven't written in ages! Between becoming a Grey Warden and the crazy lot I am in command of out here in the wilds, I haven't got time to brush my hair-it's a bird's nest, I tell you. Remember that day at Highever when we sat under that giant apple tree, and you brushed the knots from my hair after we spent the day riding? Sometimes I wish we could go back to those simpler times. You and I were a perfect pair! Are we still? I think so.
You can't imagine these people I'm traveling with. An assassin from the Antivan Crows (though I rather like him as he's taught me some amazing skills), an apostate mage with a crazy mother, a Bard who is really just a spy, a gross dwarf from Orzammar, some old lady mage whom I neither have the time nor the patience to listen to with all her "sage" advice, as she calls it. Oh, and a Qunari! Now there's a strange fellow. Keeps to himself mostly, so that's a bonus. And then there's Alistair, the guy I met and trained with at Ostagar (and what happened there in Ostagar is a story over many ales someday. Lots of death and destruction.) Boy is he handsome! But not my type. Too goody two shoes for me. No Passion, no dirty mind, unlike someone else I know. Wink, wink! Alistair was trained to become a Templar by the Chantry and that's how he learned most of his martial skills. Alas, he was ill-suited to a life of religious devotion. Still, you have more passion in your little finger (no pun intended) than he has in all of his tall, muscular glory. Too bad. But the assassin, Zevran… he's a whole different kettle of fish. Not that he smells like fish! On the contrary, he smells of exotic spices and tattoo ink and herbal tea and clean hair. I think I'm going to let him give me a tattoo. Where, though, is the question? Perhaps you'd like to weigh in on the part of my body to have him administer the ink?
But enough about me! How are things at Chevalier Varley's estate? (If that's how one addresses a chevalier) I hope he's not riding you as hard now that he sees what talent you have. I do miss our archery practice. That moment when you step up behind me and place your leg in between mine with a light touch on my arm to position it for the best shot. I get chills just thinking about it. I'm afraid I'm rather rusty with a bow these days. (I almost wrote lusty instead of rusty!) The spy, Leliana, is our archer, and so I stick to the swords and daggers I love so much. I always use the dagger you gave me, and I affectionately named it Mini Nate. It serves me well, as you do. Haha!
Oh Nate, I feel so lonely sometimes. I miss you terribly. No one understands me here, except maybe Zevran, though I think he tolerates me more than understands me. Oh well. I'll be using my wiles to change that soon enough! A girl can only be chaste for so long. Unless you want me to wait until we meet again? Oh, I'm such a tease, aren't I? My apologies. You know I love you like jellied pigs' feet!
I've got to go for now. Our blasted mabari is barking at Alistair again. I have no idea why, but every night around sunset, he barks at him or his tent until the entire camp comes to see what the commotion is and then the mabari goes off and falls asleep on the edge of camp. Damn smart dog, I say!
Your best friend and favorite lass,
Elissa
9:30 Dragon, 23 Harvestmere
To Elissa Cousland, Grey Warden
In care of Weisshaupt Fortress, Anderfels
Dear Liss,
I was very happy to hear from you. I do worry over your safety with all the strange and distant lands you must travel to. I am faring as well as can be expected under the circumstances. Furthermore, I noticed you did not mention my father's role in the events at Highever. To say I was not completely shocked by the castle sacking is the truth, but to murder in cold blood? I never would have dreamt that of him. I am humbled you haven't seen fit to throw me to the wolves, along with all things Howe. I am forever grateful for your faith in me and kindness. This you must believe beyond a shadow of a doubt. I had no knowledge of what was to pass.
I am thinking of traveling to Amaranthine in the future months. My sister is there in the city, and I would like to salvage some of the family heirlooms I loved as a child. Surely you must remember me speaking of the ancestral heartwood longbow, passed down from generations of Howes? Simply called the Howe Bow, with the Howe crest. Although now, I think I shall remove the crest since the Howe name has been so disgraced thanks to my father.
Your companions certainly sound like an entertaining, if not odd, group. Careful with the assassin, Liss. The Crows are a treacherous lot. Are you sure he wasn't sent to kill you? I'd be wary, were I you.
As for tattoo placement, I suppose it depends on the image or pattern you choose. Don't let him near your neck. Or back. Or thighs. Or, well, you can imagine my thoughts. I suppose I'm not a true fan of tattoos after all. My apologies.
I must go, as Ser Varley awaits my arrival in the great hall for discussions of my future. Again. Hopefully, this missive will find you in a somewhat timely manner, as I have no knowledge of where you will travel to next. Some nights I lay awake and reflect on the past. Our past. But knowing you, I should be thinking of the future, so I shall endeavor to make plans for life, our life after all this is over. Maker go with you, my dear. I miss you more and more each day.
Yours,
Nathaniel
9:30 Dragon, 17 Haring
To Nathaniel Howe
In care of Ser Rodolphe Varley, Free Marches
Hello Nathaniel!
Do you have any idea how long your last letter took to get to me? An eternity! But it was very much worth the wait. You can't imagine the smile on my face when it was handed to me. I felt like the entirety of Thedas and its troubles just melted away.
Loghain is a thorn in my side. No. He's more like a broadsword in my side. I'm heading to the Landsmeet to end the civil war and seize control of the crown and its armies from Loghain. I've petitioned the assembled lords and ladies of the Bannorn to acknowledge Alistair as the rightful ruler of Ferelden, who, as you may have heard, is Maric Theirin's bastard son. Some kind of gossip, eh? That will unite the remaining armies of Ferelden with the forces I've gathered with the Grey Warden treaties for our final onslaught against the Blight. Maker, I'm starting to sound like Loghain!
Anyhow, a tall order for sure. But I have faith. Oh, I almost forgot, Zevran WAS sent to kill me but swore loyalty to me instead. I haven't lost an ounce of charm! But in reality, his life was forfeit because he failed in his task for the Crows, so joining us really saved his life. (And, by the way, Loghain and your father were the ones who hired him. Not to rub salt in the wound, but I thought you should know.)
I, too, dream of the past, and the future. Maybe we should settle in Amaranthine. After all, the estate is yours now. And be proud of your name, damn it! You can change what people think of the Howe name. Not that I care. I'd take your name even if it was Titsman.
I will write again after the Landsmeet and the battle is behind me. I'm having a faithful squire dispatch this to you so it arrives as fast as possible.
Wish me luck, Big Nate!
Much love and lust,
Elissa the Fearless
9:31 Dragon, 23 Wintermarch
To Ser Nathaniel Howe
In care of Ser Rodolphe Varley, Free Marches
Well, Nathaniel, I can now say that I've seen and heard it all. At the Landsmeet, Loghain lost his head, literally, his blood spewing all over his daughter's pretty, gold dress thanks to Alistair. AND Alistair is now King and he is going to marry Anora right before his coronation! An old Crow friend of Zevran's did try to kill us all as we headed deeper into Denerim, but we killed him, obviously. The alienage was a bloody mess with hundreds killed by darkspawn. I executed Rendon Howe in the dungeons and let me tell you how satisfying that was. Am I a bad person because I smiled as the blood drained from his face? I think not, the bastard. We also met up with an amazing Grey Warden named Riordan who had been imprisoned in the dungeons. He didn't make it, but he helped us with the Archdemon, crippling one of its wings and grounding it before he perished. Good thing too, or we'd all be hanging out with the Maker, wherever he is. Is it the Fade? Or no, that's only for "special people."
Before the beheading, we had to rescue Anora from deep in the castle too. Maker, this is all out of order, but you get the drift. Plus, I had to kill Urthemiel, you know, the archdemon dragon-looking critter in Denerim (and about fifteen thousand darkspawn as well) AND I had very little faith in the ballistae all around Denerim proper and Fort Drakon, so it was an all-hands and swords on deck kind of thing. I don't know how many times I had to be revived by our mage. Oh, and speaking of Fort Drakon, we had to escape from there, too! Alistair is quite the formidable tank out there in battle, and boy does he look great in his gold kingly armor. Zevran saved my life countless times and I owe him more than I can ever repay. I think he had a little crush on me, but I told him my heart belongs to another. He asked if it was Alistair and I just laughed, leaving the question out there in the ether. I should never have let him give me that tattoo on my thigh. Ha! I think you're going to love it, Nathaniel. Trust me, I had you in mind when I came up with the design.
So, now they call me the Hero of Ferelden. What a joke. I didn't do it alone. As far as I'm concerned, we are all heroes.
I have to get all tricked out for the coronation now. Anora herself picked out a lovely light blue gown, to match my eyes, she said. Bah. I wanted to wear my leathers, but that was considered a high offense.
I can't wait to see you. Let's meet in Amaranthine sometime around mid-Guardian. I have all kinds of loose ends to tie up here, and I must spend time with my companions before we all go our separate ways. I wish you could have met them. They would adore you, as I do.
Don't bother to write back to me. Just be there in Amaranthine or else!
I Love you,
Elissa
9:31 Dragon, 3 Wintermarch
To Nathaniel Howe
From His Royal Highness, King Alistair Theirin
Ser Howe,
I am requesting, no, insisting, you attend my coronation on the 23rd of Wintermarch. I do this for Elissa, whose friendship with me is invaluable, coupled with her service to her country put her on the highest pedestal in my realm. She misses you and loves you unconditionally, and I would like your presence to be my gift to her. I dispatched one of my finest units to bring you this invitation and to escort you back to Denerim.
Please do not disappoint me. It is a surprise for Elissa. So mum's the word!
Regards,
King Alistair
"Nothing like a coronation to bring out all the pastries and gossip one can ingest." Zevran moved his lips to Elissa's ear. "May I have this dance, my Warden?" Zevran asked.
"Oh yes! You don't mind if I rest my nose in your hair while dancing, do you?" She nuzzled his neck for an instant before he could answer.
"Of course not. Far be it for me to refuse such intimacy from the Hero herself," he said with an air of seduction. He took her hand and led her across the marble floor to a spot just next to the musicians.
"Oh, Zevran, as much as I adore your hair, it's just not the same as my Nathaniel's hair. Or chest. Or hand. Or bum." Elissa dropped her head onto his shoulder.
"Careful, I cannot bear to see you weeping like a lovesick puppy over some rogue from the Free Marches. Enjoy the moment, my friend. This kind of party only happens once in a lifetime."
"You're right, of course. I think I'm just tired of all this grandeur. I wish I were anywhere but here."
"I know how you feel. Antiva calls to me day and night. But Antiva will be so dull without you to brighten it. Even with the Crows trying to hunt me down, it will lack the excitement of being at your side." With that, he dipped her as far back as she could bend.
In the distance, she saw an upside-down version of a tall, dark, and handsome man. "Zev, who is that man coming towards us? He looks a bit like… Lift me back up!"
Zevran pulled her straight up and she tore away from him, straight into the welcoming arms of her beloved. She kissed him as if she were starving, her breath coming in short, sharp little gasps between kisses as her arms engulfed his broad shoulders.
"What are you doing here? How did you—I mean what did you—Maker, what in the Void is going on?"
Nathaniel pursed his lips and squinted as if to feign anger. "And it's good to see you too. You're looking well, Elissa. Battling darkspawn agrees with you it seems." He peered around the great hall, cool and composed. "So where are all the fancy foods and the dancing girls?"
She punched him, hard, on the upper arm, but he didn't flinch. He simply gazed into her eyes, knowing his life would never be the same again.
"I can't believe you're really here," she said.
"Thank your friend, Alistair. It was meant to be a surprise gift from him."
"Really? That is the sweetest thing! He truly is a kindhearted man." She looked around the room and spotted Alistair, Zevran, Leliana, Teagan, and Elissa's brother toasting to something with very large mugs in their hands. "For now, come with me and let me introduce you to my friends. You already know my brother, Fergus. I don't think any of them really believe you and I are a couple. Or that you exist at all!"
"You'll find out later just how real I am, my love."
"Of that, I have no doubt. I can hardly wait to be alone with you," she whispered. "Oh, quick. Look at my tattoo." She lifted her skirt to reveal her right outer thigh. A tattoo of an apple with an arrow through it and the initials NH and EC above and below the arrow respectively. "You like it? Just like that big old apple tree we carved a similar picture into years ago."
"Surprisingly, I do. But I'll examine it more closely later to be sure," he said with a wink. "Now, give me one more kiss before we head over to your adoring fans."
She kissed him with all the longing and delight instilled in her heart, enjoying the feel of his warm mouth against hers and the caress of his hands on her flushed cheeks. Then she pulled away and took his hand in hers.
"The first person you have to meet is Zevran. He saved me from near death so many times I can't even count and he was—is a dear friend whom I shall miss terribly," she said with a hint of sadness. But then an amused smile grew on her lips. "In fact, if I didn't love you so much, I'd be going to Antiva instead of Amaranthine!"
He laughed at her pluck. "I guess I'm the luckiest, most loved man in all of Thedas."
"I guess you are," she said and squeezed his hand. "Always have been."