Dearest Father,

So I met with the King of Ferelden today. Odd thing to write about in my daily letters to you, as if it's some normal occurrence for me. I know Aveline had wanted to meet him, and of course I brought Sebastian. They both disagreed with my choice to bring Anders along as well. But I know Anders had spoken fondly of Alistair in the past; I had hoped bringing him along would remind him of a different time in his life, one without Justice.

When we entered the Keep, Meredith was there, berating King Alistair as if he were some child. Honestly Father, the way she spoke down to him disgusted me. He deserves more respect, better treatment than what Meredith showed him. Sadly we do not have a viscount to do the politically correct thing, and I suppose Meredith feels she is untouchable in her position here in Kirkwall that she can afford the luxury of rudeness.

Thankfully her stay was brief, and once she left, Aveline showed Alistair the proper respect he deserved. They spoke of Ostagar, of the tragedy that had occurred there. I had heard her speak about it once with Carver, but it's not something she opens up about freely. It was nice to see the two of them in their comradery about the battle, and see them share a moment of loss for all those that perished. Alistair made an offhanded comment about his disappointment that Teryn Loghain still lived, but the matter was dropped quickly after that.

My hope for Anders was fulfilled as well; he and Alistair shared a laugh over being former Grey Wardens. Unheard of for anyone to leave the Order, and here I stood with two men who had done so successfully. A shame really though that Alistair had done something better with his freedom, and Anders continues to be troubled. It was nice to see him smile again though, it's been a long time since I've seen that.

Alistair informed us that things were getting worse with the tension between Ferelden and Orlais. He is currently in the middle of peace talks with Empress Celene, but there are rumors every day of assassins trying to take her out of play. It seems there are some in Orlais who wish to reclaim Ferelden as theirs once more. I doubt Alistair is going to let that happen though. Even with Ferelden still recovering from the Blight, he is a good ruler. And if you believe in miracles, the fact that Loghain still lives can only be beneficial in a war against Orlais, should one occur.

It does make me realize how easy it is to forget that there is a bigger part of this world other than Kirkwall. We've been so caught up in our own problems that I had no idea trouble was brewing elsewhere. I wonder now how Orlais or Ferelden would support Sebastian in reclaiming Starkhaven; could we one day be at war with my old home?

Alistair asked me about that as well, if I had considered Ferelden home anymore. I had to be honest with him, that no, I didn't. Kirkwall is my home, perhaps Starkhaven my future home. Ferelden will always be in my heart, but to return there without my family and friends? That's not a home, that's a memory best saved for nostalgic nights and fine wine.

It seems the news of trouble involving Kirkwall had reached as far as Ferelden, which was the reason behind Alistair's visit. The fight with Meredith he had was about mages, and how he had allowed several of them to flee to Ferelden. Though he claims to have no control over the Circle in Ferelden, he states that the apostates he's dealt with have a much easier go at things than here in the city. I am not one to understand politics at all Father, and so I asked him why, as King, he couldn't just kick the templars out of the Circle and help the mages within? Again, politics. The Chantry's involvement doesn't make that easy for any ruler.

Which makes me wonder if Sebastian's plan to have free mages in Starkhaven will even work? Or will he bow to the Chantry laws on such matters for the sake of peace? And if so, what would become of me? A discussion for a later time I suppose.

Alistair asked that I continue to do what I can for Kirkwall, protect it from falling under Meredith's rule. He doesn't trust her, and believes if there is to be war, it will come because of her. She is the biggest threat to the city right now, and as he is not a ruler of the Free Marches, there is little he can do. There is no viscount to appeal to, and Meredith being Knight-Commander rules out Chantry support. But he had heard enough about me to seek me out personally and ask for my continued assistance.

Varric told me later that he believes Isabela may have been the one to go to Alistair asking for support for Kirkwall. They did know each other briefly during the Blight, it's entirely possible. I like to believe that's true, though I'd much prefer she return to us instead. One of many regrets I think about every day. Maker knows I could use her friendship right about now.

Against Sebastian's wishes, I ended the night at the clinic with Anders, wanting to talk with him about Alistair, how they met, anything to try and bring back the Anders I used to know. He seemed more focused on the fact that even Ferelden knows Meredith is bad news, and something must be done to stop her. I'm at a loss with him Father, I really am. He's become so angry, so determined in his cause of saving the mages, that I don't think my old friend is there anymore. I left feeling more frustrated than I had been. I am afraid for him Father, I really am.