Work Text:
To Lady Beatrice Trevelyan, Herald of Andraste.
The letter is written in a looping cursive that is both readable and decorative.
Lady Trevelyan,
I hope this letter finds you well in the Hinterlands.
Please find enclosed a missive from your family. They have written to the Inquisition separately and have agreed to help in the Free Marches however they are able. A small squadron of Ostwick volunteers accompanied the letters to us with much needed supplies.
Thank you for your assistance. Whatever you wrote to them, clearly did the trick.
Yours Sincerely,
J. Montilyet
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To Lady Montilyet, Ambassador of the Inquisition.
The letter is spattered with mud stains and slightly singed. It is sent tied to a large folded bear fur blanket.
Lady Montilyet,
Though I am well, I do not believe the Hinterlands have contributed much if anything to that state of affairs. Instead I gratefully attribute my raised spirits to the letter you forwarded to me.
Truly, thank you.
I remembered our conversation regarding the weather in Haven and I hope the attached gift can help to ameliorate your circumstances.
Most thankfully,
B. Trevelyan
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To Lady Trevelyan, Herald of Andraste.
The letter has been sent using thick, cream paper and the ink shines in the candlelight. A great wax seal displaying the crossed keys of the Ambassador’s office has been pressed into the back.
Lady Trevelyan,
I hope this letter finds you well. (I myself am much better since receiving your gift.)
Thank you for sending the additional message in regards to the state of affairs in the capital. The Chantry issue remains most concerning though I believe Mother Giselle will aid us in that regard. Lady Vivienne’s knowledge of the court is also much appreciated. My thanks to you for finding such a capable ally.
I believe I also have you to thank for Speaker Anais and Lord Berand. The former’s efforts in the Hinterlands have led to a surge in recruits and the latter has influenced doors to open that previously remained shut to us.
Lord Berand has been most courteous as well. He mentioned in passing that he had offered himself and his men to the cause but that you had encouraged him to return home and speak to his peers. Forgive me if this question is too bold but may I ask if you had some reason for pushing him in that direction?
Yours Sincerely,
J. Montilyet
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To Lady Montilyet, Ambassador of the Inquisition.
The letter is on rough paper and indistinguishable from the other letters in the pack. If you were not the recipient, it would be hard to tell the author from the blocky uniform writing.
Lady Montilyet,
I am most well and happy to hear that the bear serves you well.
My thanks for your thanks though I believe you should wait until after you have met the other ally I recruited in Val Royeaux.
As for Lord Berand: he was grieving. It felt cruel to prey on him then.
Most Honestly,
B. Trevelyan
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To Lady Trevelyan, Herald of Andraste
The letter is on the same cream paper as previously though the script is a little rushed. It has been sent attached to a simple leather belt which has the initials BDT engraved on the buckle. The leather itself has a waxy texture to it and water seems to drip off it.
Lady Trevelyan,
I hope you are well and the road to Redcliffe is not too arduous.
Post our conversation, I commissioned a belt for you from Apothecary Adan and Master Smith Harritt. I believe this leather should weather the changing conditions out in the field much better than your current attire.
Hopefully it will at least not fall apart on you.
Yours Sincerely,
J.Montilyet
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To Lady Montilyet
The letter has been sent via a courier from Redcliffe. It has been roughly sealed with a faint personal crest that consists of the letters BDT surrounded by ivy. It has been sent tied to a small sealed glass jar.
Lady Josephine,
My thanks! I don’t think I’ve ever owned such a fine piece. It definitely came at a most opportune time as I was dreading the idea of walking into negotiations with rope around my waist.
There was a trader trapped in Redcliffe who had been unable to sell this particular item. Apparently there was no one local with an appreciation for coffee.
Most Decorously,
B. Trevelyan
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To Ambassador Montilyet
The note is sent via raven. The script is rushed and cramped and the paper is damp in spots causing the ink to run.
Mages our allies. Venatori stopped in RC. Apologies for future headache. BDT.
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To Herald of Andraste
Small note sent via raven. The paper is slightly coffee stained on one corner.
Willing allies are a long term benefit. Apologies for the future meetings. JCM.
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To Lady Montilyet
The letter has been sent on paper that appears to have been waterlogged then dried again. Mud has dried along one edge.
Lady Josephine,
If I ever come back to the Fallow Mire again, it will be too soon.
The belt you gave me has been the only piece of leather to not rot away.
Most Unhappily,
Beatrice T.
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To Lady Trevelyan,
The letter has been written using good quality paper but it is not an official document.
Lady Beatrice,
Tea in my office when you return?
Scout Harding reported the ‘undead water tackling’ incident to us and you have my deepest sympathies.
Most Sincerely,
Josephine M.
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To Lady Montilyet
Small scrap of a note sent with a scout. It was written hurriedly and on an uneven surface.
Lady J.,
Almost at the Breach. See you soon!
Most Hopefully,
B.T.
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To Lady Trevelyan
The letter is on a small piece of paper that has been neatly folded. It has been sent to the front of the column with a scout.
Lady Beatrice,
Camp will be set up soon.
Come and rest, please.
Most Warmly,
Josephine M.
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To Lady Montilyet
The letter has been written on the blank part of the previous letter in slightly smudged charcoal.
Lady Josephine,
How could I refuse a request from such a woman as yourself?
Most Teeth-chatteringly,
Beatrice T.
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To Lady Trevelyan
The letter has been written on good quality paper with slightly sparkling ink. The paper has a light floral scent.
Lady Beatrice,
I miss our conversations most dearly. Thank you for listening to me – I hope one day I might provide a similar respite for you.
Our scouts report that Crestwood is safer by the day though the rain is still constant. I hope the boots have helped?
Looking forward to our next meeting,
Josephine M.
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To Lady Josephine
The small note is attached to a fresh bag of Orlesian candied oranges. These oranges are a specialty of a small merchant within Val Royeaux. The bag is blue-cloth lined with wax paper and a gold ribbon ties it shut. The bag has been placed within Josephine’s personal luggage.
Josephine,
I’m sorry the news today wasn’t what you would have hoped.
Here’s to a better tomorrow.
Beatrice
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To Lady Josephine
A small note sent by raven. A small ivy leaf was scribbled onto the front.
Countesse Dionne will sponsor. BDT.
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To Lady Josephine
A small note sent by raven. The paper was ripped from the corner of an official report.
I hear the hunt went well. Stay safe. BDT.
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To Lady Josephine
A small note sent by raven. The paper has been taken from an invitation, the gilt decoration is visible on one edge.
Minister Bellise will assist. Meet in Val Royeaux? BDT.
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To Lady Beatrice
The paper has been taken from the edge of the Inquisitor’s desk. The letter itself has been placed neatly where it will be seen by the room’s occupant. The script changes slightly from the first half to the second as though some time passed and a different quill was used.
Beatrice,
I do not know quite how to thank you except that I must for the service you have provided so willingly, so freely has helped not only myself but my family as well.
Whatever happens, you will always have a place at House Montilyet’s hearth.
I –
Forgive the disarray of this missive but you are most distracting my lady. The above remains true and I would add this:
I am most honoured to be the object of your affection.
Most Joyously Distracted,
Josephine
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To Lady Josephine
The small missive has been tucked into the pile of personal letters on Josephine’s desk.
Josephine,
I know we said our goodbyes last night but I could not sleep without saying them again. So, here it is:
I shall miss you dearly. I will write as much as I am able to but I will miss our conversations, our walks in the garden, our shared gossip over cups of tea. I will miss your smile, your laughter, your voice.
I am equally honoured that you have chosen me in turn.
Most Charmed,
Beatrice
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To Lady Beatrice
A small note wrapped around a raven’s leg.
Rest and heal well. Please. JCM.
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To Lady Trevelyan, Herald of Andraste
A personal letter dressed up as an official document. It was sent immediately after the raven and bundled into a pack of official letters sent by courier from the advisors. The letter has been attached to a simple breastplate. The metal has been inscribed with ivy curling around waves but if one were to inspect it closer, they would see small runes etched in a tight pattern. In dim light, the breastplate almost glows.
Beatrice,
Cassandra’s note said you had improved and I hope by the time this letter reaches you that your injury is but a distant dream.
After you left, I commissioned armour for you. I had hoped to give it to you when you returned but from the reports I believe you are in need of this particular item.
I, it is strange but some nights when I am working late and I think of you…It is as though I know you are thinking of me too and it brings me great comfort to think we are both looking up at the same sky with the same heart.
I knew what courting you would entail long before we ever began our arrangement. I think Leliana knew me better than myself. I did not go into this blindly yet my heart sunk when I heard of your injury and it rose to greater heights than I thought possible when I heard you were improving.
Forgive my rambling Beatrice. All the above is to say – I hope you are safe and I hope you return soon. I miss you.
Most Incoherently,
Josephine
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To Lady Josephine
A small note sent via raven.
I am all the better for hearing from you. BDT.
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To Lady Josephine
The letter was sent from the march home. The paper is rough but the script is careful and each word was written with intent. Some ink blots hint at previous failed attempts.
Josephine,
Every day I put on your gift and it is as though I carry you with me. There is a spot in the patterns that is the perfect resting place for my hand when I am riding. Some days I remove my gloves so I can feel your waves beneath my fingertips.
Ever since I read your words, I have made a habit of taking a moment to look upwards at the sky. Aptly I see the voyager constellation the most often and I think of you when that ship sails across the heavens.
I miss you too, you know?
When I was away from Skyhold, after the House of Repose made their presence known, I was so worried that the next missive from Leliana would be the announcement of your-
The relief I felt when the whole business was done with was bone deep.
I promise you, I am being as careful as I can be. When I return, I will ride in wearing your armour and I will come see you again so you can verify for yourself that I am well.
Most Starry-Eyed,
Beatrice
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To Lady Beatrice
Message sent via Skyhold Courier. Folded over and sealed to prevent accidental reading.
Beatrice,
Thank you again for the gift you have given me. Seeing the ship on my desk brings me great joy every time I see it.
Would you care for a walk in the gardens later today?
I miss seeing you,
Josephine
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To Lady Josephine,
Message sent via Skyhold Courier. This letter is also folded and sealed with Beatrice’s personal seal.
Josephine,
I would love nothing more.
I miss seeing you too,
Beatrice
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To Lady Trevelyan, Herald of Andraste
The letter is carefully official with the wax seal of the ambassador. The script is formal and clearly looping. Not a single hint of a personal touch can be seen on the envelope beyond the name.
Lady Trevelyan,
Word of the events at Adamant have spread amongst our allies. In particular, the return to the Fade and the appearance of the woman has caused much consternation. Especially in Chantry circles.
I apologise that we are unable to have this conversation in person due to the many field missions you are undertaking. Do you have an official response you would like us to issue?
Yours Sincerely,
Lady J. Montilyet
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To Lady Montilyet, Ambassador of the Inquisition
The letter has been written carefully and sealed with the sigil of the Inquisition.
Lady Montilyet,
I too apologise. The events in the field far outpace our current resources I am afraid.
Tell them the Inquisition’s position is that the Divine saved me from the Fade. Not Andraste.
It may seem a poor truth to them but I imagine our Chantry allies will be relieved.
Yours Sincerely,
B. Trevelyan
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To Josephine
This letter is in the care of Leliana and hidden with her personal effects. The sender has left Skyhold almost a week prior.
Dear Josephine,
I think you will be quite angry with me when you read this letter and not without cause.
I apologise first for not allowing your diplomacy to take its’ course. Whatever ill consequences occur as a result of this, I will take them personally. I will not allow our personal affairs to negatively impact your family.
Secondly, I apologise for the subterfuge. I know in recent weeks you have grown suspicious of my conversations with Leliana and Cullen. I know I also misdirected your suspicions where I could. I am sorry - though it was not a direct lie to say that Cullen was assisting me with family matters, I do recognise that you will, rightfully, be upset with me for that particular diversion.
I know you chose the diplomatic route for many good, sound reasons and I will gladly submit to hearing each and every reason when you catch up with me. The only defence I have is that I would like for you to let me make a choice as well. I know the engagement was unexpected but Josephine –
Josephine, I have had to watch you from a distance as you watch me in return. You still write to me, you still seek me out only to turn away at the last moment for fear we will be seen. I cannot even speak with you in private lest rumours swell.
Please let me do this so we might be free to make our choices without the fear of what might be.
I am sorry. I promise I will apologise in person as well.
With all my love,
Beatrice
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To Lady Beatrice T.
The small note is wrapped around a raven’s leg. The raven itself reaches Val Royeaux before its’ intended recipient.
Beatrice, please do not do this. JCM.
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To Lady Beatrice T.
Another raven, another note. This one too is in Val Royeaux before its’ intended recipient.
Please stop this. JCM.
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To Lady Beatrice T.
The final note. This one also reaches Val Royeaux before its’ intended recipient. Three ravens roost together and wait until the scout greets a small party who have just reached the city.
If you are hurt, I will never forgive myself. JCM.
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To Josephine
The letter is hurriedly written against a wall near Reville's Folly.
Josephine,
I love you.
Beatrice
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In an embrace, the words ‘I love you’ are traced against Beatrice’s back by shaking, thankful hands.
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To Beatrice
The letter is written on paper provided by the Inn. The ink bleeds through the pages but the words are written carefully to account for the effect. The letter is carefully placed in the pocket of Beatrice’s trousers. Inside the letter is a small simple necklace. On one side a ship sails through the waves and on the other, ivy curls gently around two sets of initials: BDT & JCM
Lady Beatrice Dorea Trevelyan,
I write this as the Head of House Montilyet but I mostly write this as Josephine Cherette Montilyet.
In the scarce few months we have known each other, the depth of my affection for you has grown like a river joining the sea. I did not expect it. Truthfully, I did not realise what you would come to mean to me.
We live in uncertain times and in recent weeks, I have come to see what my life would be like without you. It is not a life I would choose.
I choose you, Beatrice.
Please accept this token of my affection and allow me to court you my lady as you deserve.
With all my love,
Josephine