Called onto the Carpet
Juliette shut her office door, and made a bee line for her desk. As she came to the side of her chair, she spotted the letter that Varel had mentioned.
She picked it up and ran her hand over the back, seeing that he had been right, it was indeed Alistair's private seal. Turning over the letter, she recognized the handwriting as his. Her heart began to thump in her chest, as Juliette sat down and opened her letter.
Juliette, it began, I realize that when we last spoke it was not easy for either of us. As such, let me start by saying that I think of you often, and regret any discord between us.
Juliette paused, "Discord?" she muttered, "You broke my heart!" she shook her head and continued reading.
I hope that this finds you safe and well. I understand that your recruits have proven to be skilled fighters. As I am no longer the one covering your back, this brings me much relief.
"Interesting," she whispered, and read on.
I am pleased with the reports your seneschal has been sending. It seems that you have truly brought a sense of stability to the area and for that I am most grateful. I knew when departing that night, after the darkspawn had left the keep in shambles that you were facing a monumental challenge but, as usual, you succeeded where most would have failed.
Juliette sat back against her chair. She was getting a headache, wondering where Alistair was really headed with all this flattery.
I must admit though, that as more information regarding the darkspawn known as "The Mother", and "The Architect", and your choices thereafter, have left me gravely concerned.
"Here it comes," Juliette said.
I will ultimately be the one defending your decisions, and many questions are being raised. I want you to come to Denerim and meet with me as soon as possible. You need to fully explain your actions as well as your next steps.
"Damn it!"Juliette yelled at the letter. "Damn it, damn it, damn it!"
I hope that you can depart immediately, and look forward to your safe arrival. May the Maker watch over you.
Alistair
"Andraste's ass!" Juliette yelled. She stood up and paced, then returned to her desk and read the letter again. "Fully explain? Explain myself? Of all the pompous…" she trailed off, and threw the letter down on her desktop, and resumed pacing her office. Juliette snarled as she heard a knock at her door, "WHAT?" she bellowed. The door opened and Anders put his head though the opening.
"Wow. Who pooped in your porridge?" Anders asked, as he watched her marched back and forth.
"Mighty King Alistair had summoned me to explain myself about The Architect!" she snapped out.
"Oh. Yikes. Well, you had to see that one coming, though right?" Anders said. "I mean, you did negotiate something of a treaty with the darkspawn, didn't you? Can't imagine why that might raise a few eyebrows," and he wiggled his own.
Juliette narrowed her eyes, not masking her annoyance at his flippancy. "Did you want something Anders, or shall I just kick you back down the stairs?"
Anders smiled. "Why are you so worried, anyway? We all know the King has a soft spot for you."
Juliette turned on him and charged. Anders tried to back pedal out the door. "Ouch!" he yelled as she grabbed the back of his mages robe. "Watch the velvet!"
"OUT!" and she slammed the door shut.
Anders stood outside the door, gathering his dignity, and straightening his robes. "Fine, be huffy about it!" he yelled at the door.
He smile was bright with the news of this development, and he ran to find Oghren, anxious to share his tale.