Kirkwall Correspondance

(A letter from Varric to his associate in Kirkwall, one Aveline Vallen-Hendyr neé du Lac. In the margins, it says "Leliana, I know you go through all my letters. Stop it". This request shall be overlooked.)

To Capt. Aveline Hendyr  Vallen

How goes it in Kirkwall, big girl? I'm sure you're having a lovely time cleaning up Blondie's mess in Kirkwall. It's pretty shit down here in the Inquisition, and by that, I mean shit's weird. Hm. That might might make a good book title.

Anyways, I'm happy to say Hawke made it out of our ordeal with the Wardens in one piece. It was all so very dramatic- while we (and by that, I mean Bull, Dorian, and I) had already made it out, Inquisitor Trevelyan, Hawke, and Stroud were left behind. We were waiting for a bit before Hawke and Trevelyan made it out- without Stroud. She closed the Rift before informing us that Stroud had sacrificed himself to allow Hawke and Trevelyan passage out of the Fade and to atone for what the Wardens had done. The remaining Wardens were upset that their only remaining member who was of important rank (besides the Weisshaupt Wardens and Warden-Commander Mahariel; Leliana's tracking her down as I write), thus Trevelyan conscripted them into the Inquisition. The entire plan was idiotic to begin with. It was good on you to take Carver away when you did. Right now, Hawke's headed up to Weisshaupt in the Anderfels to inform the Wardens their of what transpired. He should be coming back to Kirkwall afterwards. After all this is done, I may very well join you all up there. I could use a trip back home. I could even run for viscount. Wouldn't that be an ordeal.

I hope things are okay with you. How's Sideburns doing? And that kid of yours, Wesley. Can't wait to see the ankle-biter again. From what you've written, your life seems to be going well, all things considered. You've certainly made a life for yourself.

I can't wait to get back to Kirkwall with you to make the city great again: kicking ass and taking names, with Aveline Hendyr. Ugh, Hendyr's such an awful surname. I'm going to keep writing you as Aveline Vallen. (You don't mind if I keep writing about you, right? Right.) (By the way, you look great on the cover of Swords and Shields.)

Best of luck.

Varric Tethras

(A reply to Varric's previous letter. Written in very serious, official-looking script, on parchment custom-made for the captain of the guard, sealed with the Kirkwall coat of arms. On the back of one page is what looks like a child's drawing, along with a note written in the same serious script: "Excuse Wesley, we're trying to teach him not to mess with Mummy's parchment".)

Varric,

You did not put me on the cover of that horrible serial. You. Did. Not. I swear, if I weren't so busy in Kirkwall between the guard and my family, I would personally march down to Skyhold to kick your ass. In fact, I think I might just wait until you get back.

Regardless, that's good news about Hawke. Carver's here in Kirkwall with me. I have him on baby-sitting duty. It's amusing, watching Carver take care of a child. Also, worrisome, as I've put the life of my child in the hands of Carver. He's doing well, though. He, Fenris, and Donnic play diamondback every week in the Hawke Estate.

Speaking of Fenris, he's returned from his "vacation". He seems a lot happier having taking out his anger on the Tevinter bastards who've been preying on refugees. By the way, he's pissed at Hawke. I'd warn him if I were you. He keeps mumbling about killing him when he gets back. That might put a damper on things when we welcome Hawke back. He'd best watch himself. Despite all the threats, however, Fenris seems anxious to see Hawke again. He keeps asking me to write letters for him. He tried to sway me with those big, green eyes of his. I get enough of that from Merrill. Although I can resist, I don't know how Hawke can say "no" to him.

(Based on what we've gathered on Fenris and Hawke's relationship, he can't.)

Things here in Kirkwall are the same as always. Apostate mages, blood magic, some noble making a pass for power. We in the guard have been doing our best trying to quell the infighting, but it gets easier by the day. Things are actually starting to improve here (though, anything is an improvement to the beginning of the uprising). You'd best get down here once your business with the Inquisition is finished. I wish you the best of luck. May the Maker watch over you.

Best of luck,

Aveline Hendyr. Hendyr, Varric. (Although I don't mind using my previous surname.)

(Inquiries were made among Inquisitor Teddy Trevelyan's advisors to send aid to Kirkwall. It was decided that they would be best left to their own devices.)