My Beloved Marian,

After the Qunari assault on Kirkwall, I thought it best to return to Starkhaven immediately. No doubt my city will fear a similar attack, and having already suffered a Qunari invasion in its past, I am not sure my cousin Goran would be up to the task in comforting our people. This course of action however is also not without risk; there are many that do not wish me to return, those that are already attempting to remove my cousin and would enjoy the opportunity to do away with me as well. I must check in with him, and those that are still loyal to the Vael family, see if there is even a chance of me retaking the throne in the future.

I am in Wildervale, and have hired some mercenaries to assist me in my travels. They are not nearly as colorful as your companions, but I suppose I'll have to make do with what's available to me. Believe me when I tell you that I am safe, and am taking every precaution in this endeavor. Unfortunately I can not risk staying in one place for long, so I can not wait for you to reply. I have written this letter to you on my last night here, and will have it sent by messenger in the morning before I depart.

I hope you are well. News is slow but steady on Kirkwall's rebuilding, though no one has mentioned the fate of the Viscount's seat yet. I imagine Meredith is taking charge with her Templars until that mess can be sorted out. I fear for your safety, and pray the title of Champion bestowed upon you comes with some assurance of protection. At least for now.

I have been praying to the Maker for guidance in this matter for over a year. Whether He wished me to remain with the Chantry, or take my rightful place as Prince of Starkhaven. He remained silent for a long time, offering no clear path or resolution for the choices that were before me. When you asked me what would happen if you died, if you would have a place at the Maker's side, I answered you in truth; you would not die that day. I realized that the answer to my questions was in my confidence that you would survive that battle. The Maker would not abandon you, and in your triumph was the sign I had been looking for. I must do this to create a better future for us both.

My heart is yours, and I can not give myself completely to you while I remain a brother in the Chantry. My place is in Starkhaven, and I must begin preparations to make that happen should I have any hope of a future by your side. I pray that you understand the urgency I felt in this matter and why I had to leave so soon. If it is the Maker's will, then it must be done now, so that I may commit myself to my people, and to you.

Be strong Marian, I shall write again soon.

My Beloved Marian,

We arrived in Tantervale two days ago. Slightly difficult to remain inconspicuous here, as the city guard don't take kindly to mercenaries or strangers. I have been able to connect with some old friends who were kind enough to take us in, keeping us out of sight until our departure tomorrow.

My heart was filled with joy in hearing the news that you were doing well. The city is buzzing over how you forced the Qunari out of Kirkwall. You may be Champion there, but you are also increasingly becoming a hero throughout the Free Marches. There was also talk of Fenris; it seems he made quite the name for himself when he was in Tantervale. Remind me to ask him about it when I return.

The closer we come to Starkhaven, the more I hear about the suffering my home has endured. The destruction of the Circle was worse than what those who fled to Kirkwall had told me. So many innocent lives lost, many families still in mourning. What disheartens me more is word that trade has subsided, alliances between our neighboring cities are wavering, and my cousin has done little to correct the situation. In his defense, he was not raised to rule, but I fear his advisors do not have Starkhaven's best interests at heart. I would not dare to share my plans with you on how I will get in to see him, but rest assured, I know Starkhaven and her secrets well.

I do not know if I will have the opportunity to write again before my return. Once I know the situation in Starkhaven, get a feel for what I will need to reclaim my home, I shall return to you. We will have much to discuss, plans to be made, and I will need to inform Elthina of my decision. You have waited so long for me, my sweet Marian, and I pray you will wait just a little longer.

Dearest Father,

Each day becomes more exhausting than the last. Between the rebuilding of the city, the social obligations, and the dozens of letters I now receive daily asking for my help on one matter or another, I am becoming overwhelmed. After Carver returned to the Templars, Varric was kind enough to help me sort through some of the mess, but I don't think I have had a day to myself since the Qunari left. I also regret that my letters to you have not been as frequent as they once were. I consider myself lucky if I manage to get out of whatever frilly dress I am forced to wear before falling asleep.

The tension between the mages and Templars grows stronger every day. We are still a city without a Viscount, so Meredith has been placed in charge, and I hear rumors from Anders that Orsino wants to take this opportunity to fight back. I have a suspicion that Anders has been encouraging him, or at least some of the mages, but I'm waiting until I know more before I talk to him. He's already mentioned to Varric about how my title as Champion can help the mages in the city, but he hasn't dared ask me yet.

I haven't heard anything about Isabela. I'm guessing I never will, which still saddens me. I thought that maybe she would come back once all the Qunari had left Kirkwall, but no. I asked Varric if he had heard anything, and all he'll say is, "you know Rivaini Hawke, she's fine no matter what port she's in." I think he knows more than he's telling me, but he's hoping I'll just let it go and forget about her. I wish it was that easy.

Thankfully Sebastian has written, but it has been a while since I've heard from him, and that worries me. I know he said he wouldn't be able to write, but knowing he's in Starkhaven has my mind racing with all sorts of situations that could've gone horribly wrong. The waiting is the worst part, but I am trying to remember that he has the Maker on his side, and should he get into trouble, he knows the best ways out of his home city.

As much as I want him back in Kirkwall though, I am still equally as apprehensive. Everything between us changed with that kiss. It was the line he was hesitant to cross, but he did. I am trying not to hold it against him that he chose that day to leave on his quest, but I felt a little better when Aveline told me he had checked on me before deciding to leave. I don't know what will happen when he returns, but I do miss him, and hope it is soon.