Chapter 64

Dearest Ali-bear,

I hope you are well. Alas, I am unable to come to the keep as I promised. I am so sorry, but the Grand Cleric herself wishes to speak with me. I will tell you all about it once I have had my audience.

Is it true the darkspawn have not retreated? No matter, I'm sure you have it under control. Wish I could be there, killing darkspawn beside you. Perhaps you could save some for me?

(All right, that was a joke. Do not spare them. That would be silly.)

You are always in my thoughts. Especially when I'm alone at nights.

Love, Leliana

P.S. Maybe you could consider growing some roses around your keep? That would make it so much prettier, don't you think?

Dear Leli,

Your letters always make grin for a week. All the new recruits won't stop passing comments. My dignity is in a shambles but it's so worth it. You don't have to apologise for working hard. I'm frankly thankful you aren't here. Oghren is a Warden now, you see, and he's... the same as ever. I look forward to hearing what you've been up to.

The darkspawn seem to have formed warring parties, led by speaking darkspawn. I know, right? Will wonders ever cease? I've had enough of this carry-on if I'm being honest.

(Don't worry, I'll save you a few.)

I have no idea how to respond to this. Damn you and your risqué talk, woman. Keep me in your thoughts, though. I'll keep you in mine.

Sincerely, Alistair

P.S. You know what? That's a pretty good idea. After we deal with this mess, I'll get someone to plant a few rose bushes. It'll help remind me of you, too.

Dear Warden-Constable,

Such a heavy title. How very dignified. If people laugh, you can punish them. You'd be well within your rights. I'm afraid I can't divulge my work over letters. You understand. When we meet again, I'll be sure to tell you. I do so look forward to that.

Oghren is a Grey Warden?! But what about settling down with Felsi? He seemed so earnest!

There are talking darkspawn now? How does that work? That sounds so... ridiculous.

Oh, you know you love the risqué talk, Warden-Constable. Come now, don't be shy. Tell me what you would do to me if I were there right now.

Lovingly, Leliana

P.S. That is very sweet of you, Alistair.

Leliana,

Yeah, laugh it up. I don't punish people. That's Aedan's job. He quelled a minor revolt in a matter of days. It was amazing. And I understand. Your house on the Waking Sea coast it'll have to be.

Oghren... has a child with Felsi. They had a falling out and he came to the Wardens. Aedan and I had a long talk with him about it. He agreed that he hadn't done right by them and decided to be more involved with his child. Write letters and such. Aedan's been oddly quiet ever since. I can't blame him either. Nathaniel Howe, Rendon Howe's older son, is also in the Wardens. He snuck in to kill Aedan but got beaten and conscripted instead. Took a while, and a visit to his sister, to convince him that his father was a monster. Poor lad. Was out of Ferelden when it all happened. Thought his dad was a hero.

Ridiculous as talking darkspawn may be, it's very... sinister. I'll tell you more about it when I see you.

And you are a very bad person.

Love, Alistair

P.S. I'm nothing if not sweet and thoughtful. It's what makes me so great.

Dearest Lovenugget,

Oghren's news is upsetting, but at least he's making an effort for the child. If nothing, that's encouraging. I wish him all the best.

The keep seems like a rather lively place these days. Who would've thought that a Cousland and a Howe would get along after everything that happened? I hope Aedan is all right. I have heard tell of a woman of Morrigan's description crossing the Frostbacks into Orlais. Witnesses say she was with child. In a recent correspondence, Zevran tells me that he caught a glimpse of a woman who may have been Morrigan in the southern wilderness of Ferelden. He was very sure it was her. Perhaps that will cheer Aedan up?

I have no doubt. Please take care of yourself, Alistair. Don't take any risks you don't have to.

Oh, yes. I have been very bad. Is the Warden-Constable going to punish me? I am in sore need of discipline.

Kisses, Your Thirsty Lover

P.S. Mmm. You are as adorable as ever.

My dear Princess Stabbity,

I'm sorry it took me so long to respond. We were kind of under siege, so that was a thing. It involved darkspawn and the Deep Roads and all sorts of Warden-y shenanigans. I think we were better off during the Blight. Don't worry. We're all fine.

I told Aedan what you told me. The man took off for the Korcari Wilds with Barkspawn almost as soon as the words were out of my mouth. For his sake, I hope he finds her. Though I can't imagine Morrigan as a mother. I doubt it was Aedan's child, anyway. Wardens are lacking in that department. But I'm now in charge of the keep until he comes back. Everything I ever hoped and dreamed, let me just tell you.

I shall do nothing of the sort. Stop this.

Sighs, Your Hopeless Boy

P.S. Meet me in your cottage in a month. I'll discipline you there.

A/N: The next chapter will be from Aedan's POV. As expected.