Correspondance Betwixt Varric Tethras and One Merrill Alerion
(A letter from Varric Tethras to his associate Merrill Alerion, a famous apostate in the Mage Rebellion and known Dalish pariah. Our intel notes that while she is originally from the Alerion Clan, she grew up in the Sabrae Clan alongside Lys Mahariel, the Hero of Fereldan. During their travels together, Mahariel informed the Nightingale that Merrill was a quiet, sweet girl, who had few friends aside from Mahariel herself and Tamlen, Mahariel's childhood sweetheart. Other sources indicate that Merrill's loneliness turned to insanity, and that she is dangerously reckless; even the Champion of Kirkwall acknowledged that she tended to drag others down with her bad choices. However, both parties as well as Varric ask that she be protected. We will be sure to monitor her.)
Daisy,
I'm sure you've heard everything about what happened at Adamant from the others, so I'll skip that and keep this brief.
How's life at the Hawke Estate? I hear complaints that you're the new Sandal from Orana. (She requests that you please stop swinging on the chandeliers, by the way.) Also, I cannot believe you're with Junior now! The stories that will spring from this development. You must give me all the details. Especially any embarrassing ones about Carver. (I need this, Daisy. Junior's reluctance to share is killing me.)
Oh, you'll never guess what I found. Two things. One: a guy more obsessed with saving the elves than you. Name's Solas. All regal and uptight, likes sweaters, bald. Looks like an egg. Doesn't much like the Dalish, though. Ah well. Not even Chuckles could dislike you, Daisy.
Two: Eluvians.
You heard me right.
A Chasind sorceress named Morrigan found a working one. And not just one: she found a place called "The Crossroads", the in-between of all of the eluvians. Whatever the shit that means. Maybe you could be friends. (She's a bit of a hard-ass, but I'm sure you could be friends with just about anybody.)
Once this Inquisition business is all over, I'll make sure to fill you in on all this elfy stuff. Here's to hoping I live that long.
Oh, and I know you're sick of me ending letters this way, but be careful.
Keep safe
Varric
(A reply to Varric's previous letter, from Merrill. It's written in a airy, light script. There are many nonsensical doodles in the margins, as well as some slightly concerning splatters that look suspiciously like bloodstains. It is hoped that these are actually jam stains.)
Dearest Varric,
We really
I just
How are
I miss you so much!! Well, we all do, but me especially! You need to visit more often. Everyone would really appreciate it!!
Oh, the news about the eluvians is just lovely! I'll have to see it for myself one day. I can't wait!! Maybe we could work together? Me, her, and this Solas fellow! Ooh, I like his name. Did you know it means "pride" in elvhen? I should like to meet him! He sounds impressive. Like... an elvhen god, ridiculous as it may sound.
I'm rambling again. Sorry.
Just...
I'm happy that Hawke is safe. You, too. I miss you two. Though I love Carver, living here is... tricky. Especially with Fenris. We're getting along much better now, though! I'm teaching him about old elvhen traditions and... things. Like how to read elvhen, though reading Common is still difficult for him. I have fun with Orana, too! Though she does sometimes scold me for making a mess and causing trouble... but I'm getting better about it, I swear! (And just so you know, I did not cause the small fire in the library. Honest.) (Though a copy of Hard in Hightown didn't make it. May it rest in peace.) (Fenris and I were reading it the other day, but he turned red and put it down. I wonder why?)
Well, I think that's all Oh! I forgot to mention something about Morrigan! I don't know if you know this already, but I'm fairly certain she traveled with my friend Mahariel for a time. Actually, I think Mahariel said that Morrigan was one of her closest friends. Also, something about Morrigan being the mother of her lover's child?? I don't really know, I haven't actually talked to Mahariel in person in over ten years and the last time she sent a letter was years ago.
Oh well! That's all. Bye, Varric! Stay safe! Make sure that Hawke makes it back to us alive!
Love, from
Merrill Alerion
(Malcolm the Dog sends his love too! He misses Garrett.)