This letter is folded into four, stained a little bit with rust and rubbed in a couple of places. The signature is quite fancy, and it is stamped with the Grey Warden insignia.
"Warden Anders,
I am going to ignore the fact that you are currently away without leave, breaking practically every Warden statute and completely disregarding your oaths.
The Commander was probably less than truthful about her position. We have mostly rebuilt since the battle, and things should be getting easier, but she looks more and more drawn every time she returns from an excursion.
She has been taking to her bed earlier in the evening than she used to, and eating very little. She and Nathaniel have been going on missions alone on occasion, and I do not know where to.
I fear that they are planning something very serious.
Since your Champion vanquished the Arishok, things have gotten increasingly tense in relations with the Qunari throughout Thedas. There are also problems with the Orlesians. King Alistair was here not long ago. He came to speak to the Commander, but, as usual, she would not see him.
He spoke in stead with Nathaniel, and then with myself. The man looks exhausted. He said he had received some kind of intelligence from that Crow - Zevran, I think - and had been after the Commander's assistance in following it up.
Nathaniel asked her for him, and initially she showed interest. However, when it was confirmed that it would be unlikely for the assassin to show his face at any point during the mission, she declined. A wise decision, in my humble opinion. We are having enough problems by ourselves without our best sword gallivanting off on a fool's errand with her ex-lover.
That is most of the news. The Commander's Mabari had puppies not long ago. She gave one to Nathaniel. He seems to have appreciated it.
Be vigilant, my friend.
-Seneschal Varel of Warden's Keep"