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Commander Cullen,
I have already sent a report to Sister Leliana regarding my meeting with Mother Giselle, but I thought I should update you on the military situation here. I’ve met with Corporal Vale. He is a fine soldier, and I can see why Leliana recruited you to train and lead the men if men like the Corporal are the result. His first, second and third thoughts were all for how the Inquisition could better aid the refugees here.
As suggested, I met with Master Dennet. He did provide me with a mount, but he currently refuses to send any horses to the Inquisition with the region in such turmoil. Being here, seeing all the fighting, I can’t blame him. Luckily he had some suggestions for us to make things better, but I will need your help. I’ll be taking care of some wolves that are terrorizing the area (Solas believes something is wrong with them. Even the innocent creatures of Thedas are going mad it seems), but one of Dennet’s men also suggested watchtowers at certain key points to help protect the roads and people from bandits. It sounded like a good solution to me so I’m sending you a map of the locations. I’m hoping the Inquisition can spare the resources to build and man these towers.
Sincerely,
Myrlana Lavellan
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Herald,
Thank you for the report. I cannot say hearing of the chaos and death in the area pleases me, but it is good to know that you are helping. The watchtowers are an excellent idea and the locations you noted are all strategically sound. I am sending men and materiel immediately.
I received a report from Corporal Vale as well. He was full of praise himself for the Herald of Andraste. Something about hunting rams and stealing blankets from apostates? According to him, the refugees will now live through the winter thanks solely to your intervention.
There is little to report from Haven except that Lady Montilyet seems to think the Inquisition must make a showing in Val Royeaux as soon as possible. She and Sister Leliana have been meeting with Mother Giselle every day to discuss the various power players. I thank the Maker I’m merely a soldier and do not need to concern myself with such political maneuvering. They wish you to expedite your return to Haven, however. Proper timing is paramount apparently.
Sincerely,
Commander Cullen
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Commander,
I will return as soon as I am able. There is a cult here that I want to investigate first. Apparently they have begun to worship a rift! It is some sort of end of days nonsense. I hope to convince them that this isn’t the end, that there will be a future. If nothing else, I will close the rift they’re all gathered around so they at least won’t all be slaughtered by demons.
After that I should be able to make my way back to Haven. I really hope they aren’t thinking of sending me to Val Royeaux, however. I can just see all the noses suddenly going up in disdain at the sight of the Dalish elf everyone calls “Herald”. Further up in disdain anyway. Most Orlesians seem to think disdain is the only way to view anything.
And please, Commander, call me by my name. Herald of Andraste makes me uncomfortable. I understand that I can’t keep people who don’t know me from calling me that, but I hope that at least you and the others leading the Inquisition will see me as myself. As I told you, I am no Herald of anything, least of all Andraste. You know, you’re the only person who ever asked me how I felt about being called that. So I hope you will heed my wishes here. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Myrlana Lavellan
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Lady Lavellan,
I shall endeavor to keep your wishes in mind. I know all of this has been very unexpected. Serving among the templars, I very rarely encountered people that were not Andrastian and though that is no excuse, I hope you will forgive me if I offend.
I received a report of your dealings with the cult. I must say, I’m impressed. Corporal Vale tells me the cultists are now providing assistance to the refugees. He also told me to expect a young Lord Berand and his men who you convinced to join the Inquisition. I am always grateful for trained reinforcements.
I am glad to know that you are on the road back to Haven. Tensions here are running a bit high, and I believe your presence may smooth some ruffled feathers.
Commander Cullen
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Commander,
Your insistence on referring to me as a “Lady” is unnecessary. I’m Dalish: we don’t have nobility, and I’m fairly certain most humans would be terribly disturbed at the thought of an elven “Lady”. However, it is better than “Herald of Andraste” so I shall let it pass.
I apologize if I sound snippy. Val Royeaux is...not my favorite place. The snobbery is even worse than I’d feared. Add to that the fact that the templars seem unwilling to listen to anybody and marched themselves smartly off who knows where, and I’m starting to feel as if this whole excursion was a waste of time. I know you still have respect for many in the Templar Order, but I can’t help but think that coming to an agreement with them may be impossible. Besides, we don’t know where they’ve gone.
I was approached by Grand Enchanter Fiona. So at least the mages want to talk. After I return from Val Royeaux, I will make my way to Redcliffe to meet with them.
But first, I must endure Orlais a little longer. I’ve recruited a young elf named Sera who is involved with a network called the Friends of Red Jenny. I don’t quite understand it, but I think she could be useful. She’s an excellent archer anyway. She should arrive in Haven soon. Beware, she’s...spunky. Get Varric to tell you the story of how we met her once we’re back. It’s quite entertaining.
This afternoon I’ve been invited to a party hosted by First Enchanter Vivienne of Montsimmard. I hope showing up in my armor is appropriate as that is all I have to wear. I normally don’t worry about clothes, but I admit, this place is insane. Even the stationery was trying to look down at me.
Oh dear, I apologize for my familiar manner, Commander. I suppose I just wanted to complain to someone that can’t give me a look the way Cassandra and Solas do. And Varric just laughs.
I shall return to Haven soon.
Myrlana Lavellan