Work Text:
A letter found alongside others written over the years in a small box in a tavern room, tucked under the bed for safekeeping. Some are older, wrinkled and yellowing, while others appear more recent. The exact dating of this particular letter is uncertain, but it is believed to have been written around the birth of the Veilguard, around 9:51 or 9:52 Dragon.
Ma vhenan,
It’s been weeks since I’ve last written to you, and for that you have my sincerest apologies. I know that we’re not so clingy to each other that we must go everywhere and do everything together. That has never been our way. But that doesn’t stop me from missing you and wishing I could return to your side. I miss your bellowing laugh. Your jokes. Our conversations on history and philosophy, the way of the world and life. Everything.
I miss Krem and the rest of the Chargers, too. Tell them that I said “hello” and, please, don’t get into too much trouble. We all do not need a repeat of the drunk giants incident or anything like it.
I arrived in Kirkwall and stayed there for a few days. Before I left for other business north, Varric gave me updates on what he and Scout Harding have been up to. He told me that he and Harding have reasons to believe that Solas will be in Minrathous, so they’ll be traveling there. Also, they’ve been in contact with someone whom they think can help with Solas. Varric calls him “Rook,” but I don’t know that if that is his actual name. This “Rook” is apparently a Tevinter elf skilled with blades, explosives, and the art of diplomacy through punches. According to Varric, Rook had been an Inquisition agent years ago, in fact. One of our agents in Tevinter who spied and then reported to us. That’s why they decided Rook would be more trustworthy, at least compared to others. I suppose it is a small world after all.
With them getting so close, I wonder
I hope Solas will listen. Have I been wrong
There is much more that I want to tell you, but I’ve been so busy. I am writing this while I have the tiniest moment of respite because I may not have the chance to do so for a while otherwise. Duty calls, and I am the humble servant to its beck and call. Halam’shivanas. “The sweet sacrifice of duty.” Keeper Deshanna used to always go on and on about the importance of halam’shivanas during my lessons with her. As the next Keeper, it was vital that I understood and would abide by it. The wellbeing and livelihood of Clan Lavellan would rest on my shoulders. It still does, even though I am no longer the First, because my clan is my community, and we take care of each other. My duty is to Clan Lavellan, to the elves, to my family, to my friends. And until we can ensure that Solas will no longer go through with his plans because we convinced him or otherwise, my duty is to the rest of Thedas. Just like old times.
I hope that I’ll be able to write to you again sooner rather than later. Until then, you are in my thoughts every day. Ar lath ma, vhenan.
Until we see each other again,
Sa’vhen