Chapter 3 - Correspondence

Author's Note: The letters featured in this chapter would be the highlights of those exchanged between Emilia and Nathaniel during these years. They would have written many, many more.

Also, I hope the formatting is clear enough. FFnet isn't very friendly with that sort of thing, and I struggled to make this chapter come out clearly on this site. I put a horizontal break between letters and put the date in bold at the top of those which jumped forward in time.

- 9:22 Dragon -

"Correspondence for you, messere," one of Ser Rodolphe's servants approached Nathaniel with folded parchment, kept closed by a wax seal.

Upon examining it, Nathaniel immediately recognized that the seal was that of the Cousland family. "This is from Highever?" he asked as the servant began to depart, already knowing the answer. The servant simply nodded and took his leave.

Since Nathaniel's departure from Ferelden several months ago, he had received a number of letters Amaranthine, but until now, nothing had come from someone other than family. Being a squire in the Free Marches was hard work; letters from back home were a welcome break from his training. As Nathaniel opened the letter, his eyes flickered to the bottom to see who had written it. Nathaniel expected to see Fergus' signature, but instead, he found Emilia's.

Nathaniel,

I'm sure the last thing you want while being squired in the Free Marches is to be interrupted by letters from some obnoxious fifteen-year old girl, but too bad. That's precisely what will happen. And you had better write back, because if not, you'll hear about it for the rest of your life.

It was good to see you again at Fergus' wedding. A bit weird, but good. I know things have been awkward between us the past few years with you being a man and me still being a girl. I would apologize, but it's not like it's something I have any control over. When you return from your training in five years, though, things will be different. I'll be a woman.

I feel that writing each other during this time will allow us to remain close, despite the distance. And the best part about letters is you don't have to worry about how to act around me, right? Let's just keep each other informed on how things are going. I hope my letters prove to be more than just the ramblings of a teenaged girl.

Things around Castle Cousland have been quiet since the wedding. It's nice having Oriana living here. And although Fergus isn't having to travel to Antiva much anymore, father's been keeping him busy. Grooming him to be teryn. You know how that stuff goes. Between Ferg's wife and his duties, we hardly get to spend time together anymore. He did promise to take me hunting soon, though.

Anyways, that's enough for one letter. I look forward to your reply.

Your friend,

Emilia Cousland

Nathaniel took a fair amount of time in considering his reply before committing ink to parchment.

Emilia,

You needn't concern yourself with interrupting my training - you know how stubborn and focused I can be. But I will gladly take the time to read and reply to your letters at the end of the day. And not because you threaten me (you don't).

It was good to see you at Fergus' wedding as well. No apology is needed, just as I won't give one, either. We're certainly in an odd place these years. Perhaps they'll be easier with me in the Marches.

I agree that correspondence is a good idea. Though I doubt you'll change much in my absence; you've always been as stubborn as I.

Training is going well so far. Ser Rodolphe keeps me busy. Military lessons, chores, training exercises, you name it. It might be fun if he weren't so dull. The man lacks any sense of humor. If he sees this, I'll probably be in trouble. Oh well.

I hope you and Fergus have fun hunting. I'm sure you will.

Your friend,

Nathaniel Howe

- Approximately one year later, 9:23 Dragon -

Nathaniel,

Fergus and Oriana just had their first child (I know - that was fast!) - a boy who they named Oren. He was born with a head full of dark hair just like they say Fergus was. Being an aunt is special; I've gotten to hold my nephew more than a few times. I wish you could meet him. Fergus does too - he sends his regards and says he misses you.

Your mother comes to visit a lot now, and Delilah is often with her. We've been spending increasing amounts of time together, and have even become friends - can you believe that? It turns out we enjoy a lot of the same books, which gives us something to talk about. I can tell she misses you. Thomas has been driving her crazy, but that's what siblings are for, right?

I hate to tell you bad news, but 'Lilah (that's what I've been calling her) also mentioned that your parents have been arguing even more as of late. Perhaps that's the reason for so many visits. She told me not to tell you, but...well, there it is. You didn't hear it from me.

This is somewhat embarrassing, so I'm not sure why I'm telling you this, but I got into some serious trouble last week. Here's what happened:

One of our mabari, Olivia, is due to give birth soon. I went to check on her one day just after dinner. It was dusk - my second favorite part of day only to dawn, you know.

Anyways, I caught some young man, about your age, but blonde, stealing the scraps of food that was fed to the mabari. I felt horribly sorry for him. He had such kind eyes. He wasn't trying to take anything else, so I told him to stay put and that I would get him more food.

I went into the kitchen, stole a towel, and wrapped the leftover bread and cheese from that night's supper in it. As I headed back outside, I overheard some heavily armed men talking to father. They were Templars, Nate. Looking for that man, who was evidently a mage. When the Templar leader assured Pa that this mage was no malificar to worry about, only a slippery one who had an affinity for escaping, I decided to help him (you know I find magic amazing and think it's awful that mages are trapped in a tower). I ran back outside, gave him the food, and told him to run - that I would distract the Templars.

The mabari keeper told Pa what I did after the knights finally made it out back to check. I have to be more careful about others being around. Learned my lesson on that the hard way.

I really do hope he got away - that my actions were worth it. I'm on kitchen duty for a month as punishment. And I hope that I don't lose my pick of the litter over this.

I swear I'll grow up soon.

- Em

Em,

Send Fergus and Oriana my congratulations on their son. I look forward to meeting him someday.

I'm glad to hear you've been spending more time with Delilah. Sounds like you've grown up a bit - a year or so ago you wouldn't have even considered calling her a friend. I'll bet you'll both learn a lot from each other.

Thank you for telling me of my parents. Maker knows none of my family mentions the tension in the rare letter they send me. Delilah at least is good about writing me, but she never says anything negative. I'll pretend I know nothing of it for the sake of your relationship with my sister - but truly, thank you for letting me know.

And that is...quite the story. I can't say I would have done the same.

Apologies on the brevity of this letter - Ser Rodolphe has demanded that I finish reading "Siege and Occupation Tactics According to Chevalier Tradition" by Ser Viscount Michel Lafaille (such riveting literature) as soon as possible, but I wanted to write to you tonight.

- Nate

- 9:24 Dragon -

Dearest Emilia,

My sincerest apologies that this letter is late for your seventeenth nameday. I suppose you're almost a woman now, aren't you? I hope you and Delilah enjoyed your trip to Denerim.

We've just returned from the most wonderful Grand Tourney in Tantervale. You should have seen it, Em. The whole city was decorated in blue and gold and people filled the streets dancing and singing. It was marvelous. You would have loved it. Perhaps someday I'll take you.

Believe it or not, I ended up stumbling into an archery contest. Literally. I almost got hit by a stray arrow. Ended up winning, though - I know you're not surprised.

Ser Rodolphe insisted I participate in the grand melee. Not my favorite, but I did alright - took out my fair share of competitors before being defeated. I couldn't use stealth in a setting like that, and you know being sneaky is where we Howes excel. Anyways, I suppose my training has paid off; I surprised myself with how well I did. I think Rodolphe was hoping I would do better, but he still gave me some coin for it. I spent most of it on ale and cakes, as well as a replica sword - a keepsake of the event. I did save enough to get something for you, though. I'm not sure why I thought about you when I saw this musical bronto toy, but I did. Something about being tough yet sweet at the same time, I suppose. I hope you like it.

The tourney was easily the best time I've had up here in the Marches, if not my life. The best time that didn't include yourself of course, my lady.

Yours,

Nathaniel

My Nathaniel (you did sign your last letter "yours"),

I'll forgive you for missing my nameday just this once. The Grand Tourney is a fair enough excuse. Seventeen is just a silly number - Mum says I already act like I'm all grown up. I think she's proud, but also that part of her wishes I could stay her silly little spitfire-girl forever.

'Lilah and I had the best time in Denerim. I still can't believe I had fun doing some girly things. The best part of the whole trip though was that my father surprised me with the most amazing gift - a week's worth of lessons with the duelist Isabela! And she said I have natural talent! (I know she wasn't lying because I overheard her saying it to one of her peons when Pa and I were not supposed to be around.) It made up for some of the less fun girl stuff, I suppose.

I would have been surprised had you attended The Grand Tourney without winning an archery contest, my dear. And I'm proud of your progress in your training. Glad to hear all these years spent away is not for naught.

I'm happy you enjoyed the tourney, it sounds lovely and just like my kind of time. I suppose I'll allow you to take me someday.

Ale, cakes, and a sword replica sound like a perfectly fine way to spend money to me. And I love the bronto - your sentiment is surprisingly sweet. I could do with more of that. My mabari Oliver loves the little song it plays. He barks happily when I wind it up. I wish you could come visit us.

Yours,

Emilia

- 9:25 Dragon -

My Emilia,

Ser Rodolphe still hates my affinity for archery. He's started something new to try to deter me from it. Each time he catches me practicing it in lieu of the sword he has me clean the stables. It's completely worth it, though. He still hasn't bothered to get to know me well enough to know that I'll never be a Chevalier like him. I'll always be shit with a shield.

We recently made a trip to the court of Starkhaven, where I had the pleasure of meeting the royal family. One of their sons, Prince Sebastian, also has an affinity for bows. He still has room yet to grow, though. I gave him some pointers.

I've just heard the terrible news of King Marric's disappearance. Although it is horribly unfortunate, something good does come out of it. Father insists I attend Prince Cailan's coronation and wedding, much to Ser Rodolphe's dismay. He hates interruptions, and a trip all the way to Denerim is the "worst kind."

But I think it's the best kind. It's been far too long since I've seen my family, Fergus, and you, my love. I can't wait to see you there.

Yours,

Nathaniel

Emilia clenched the letter to her chest, whilst a grin sprawled across her beaming face from cheek to cheek. Elated, she sighed. He used the words "my love." The young woman had already been looking forward to the coronation and royal wedding, but now she simply could not wait.

A/N: Oh boy - I wonder how much different this wedding will be from the last! I would also like to give a huge thanks to those who have left reviews/comments - it really helps keep me going and always brightens my day. :)