Epilogue

4, Bloomingtide, 9:38 Dragon

Valaria Hawke, Viscountess of Kirkwall
Viscount's Keep
Kirkwall

Dear Valeria,

Or should I say Viscountess Hawke? I find it hard to believe it's been nine years since I met you and Bethany, in Lothering. A memorable meeting indeed! Imagine my shock at receiving a letter from "Valeria Hawke, Viscountess of Kirkwall."

I've thought about you and your family often over the years, but with the complete destruction of Lothering, I had no hope of finding out how you all fared. While I'm grateful that you were able to escape the Blight, I'm so very sorry for the losses you suffered. I know starting out in Kirkwall couldn't have been easy.

I don't keep abreast of the Warden roster or I would have recognized Bethany's name. However, after I received your letter, I went to see her at the Vigil. Once she got past my title, she and I had a wonderful visit. She really is a gift to the Wardens; I'm just sorry that it happened the way it did. As for Flemeth…let's just say that I'm glad she saved you. When I see you in a few months, I'll recount the full tale of how the Archdemon was killed. That is a story best told, not written.

I'm thrilled that you're happily married and expecting your first child. Fenris sounds amazing and, from you letter, it seems that he truly loves and supports you. I know from Bethany, your position as Viscountess came at a steep price. Alistair is still furious over Anders' actions and regrets ever having conscripted him. I agree with you, we need templars to protect and defend Mages, and we have worked very hard with the Fereldan Circle to change the jailor-like attitude of the templars and the Chantry. Unfortunately, Anders' actions stirred up a hornet's nest for the Chantry, for Orlais and for all of Thedas.

You said that you wanted to hear all about what happened after the Blight. Well, after our coronation, we made several important decisions. The Arling of Amaranthine was given to the Grey Wardens, the Warden Commandeer serving as Arl. We gave land in the Brecilian forest to the Dalish, and the ruins and lands around Ostagar to the Chasind. The Chasind already rebuilt parts of Ostagar, and it serves as a place for all Chasind tribes to gather together. Gareth was worried that given Bryti and Udell's deaths, the Chasind would once again become warring tribes, but that hasn't been the case, at all.

Working closely with the elves in Denerim, the Alienage was rebuilt from the ground up, with the Vhenadahl in the center of what now looks like a lovely village. An elven woman, Shianni, was named "Bann of the Denerim Elves" (through mutual agreement, we dropped the word Alienage). So far, so good, the Elves now have a place they can call home that isn't dilapidated and over-crowded. They can maintain their traditions and no longer be considered second class subjects. Attitudes towards elves are beginning to change, but it's a slow process.

Gareth and I have kept up the alliances that were forged during the Blight. We have convened them as a formal group called the Grand Council of Southern Thedas. The members are, the King of Orzammar, the Dalish Keepers, tribal representatives of the Chasind, the Knight-Commander and the First Enchanter of our Circle, the Grand Cleric, and Gareth and me. What started out as awkward has become a strong group of leaders who look out for our corner of Thedas. It has allowed our different cultures to share and learn from one another. We also present a united front against the other parts of Thedas, like Orlais. In fact, Orlais is now far less eager to retrieve their "lost province" Thank you so much, for the information you included on the events in Kirkwall. It was invaluable to the Council. We are preparing for the uprising of the Circles. Thedas, it seems, is facing a holy war.

Alistair is a formidable Commander and Arl. Under his command, the Wardens have flourished, swelled in numbers and have the full respect and support of Ferelden. Yes, this is the same Alistair who managed to lose all of his socks in his own tent. It turned out that all of his socks were under the bedroll he had just slept the night on. I was so grateful that your brother had a spare pair.

Alistair's now married to a wonderful woman named Seika, who is a Chasind healer, and they have a lovely daughter named Aya. She's seven and our son, Bryce, is eight and a half. Already they're the best of friends and both of them have said that when they grow up they're going to get married. Thank the Maker they're still children, I'm not ready to be a mother-in-law!

I'm not surprised that Leliana has become the left hand of the Divine. It's suits her talents and beliefs, perfectly. I think it's ominous to hear that Divine thinks she needs a 'left hand.' If circumstances are such that you speak to Leliana again, send her mine and Gareth's love. I miss her, terribly.

On a more personal note, in addition to Bryce, Gareth and I have been blessed with Celia, who is seven, and twins, Leliana and Cailan, who are five. Celia is a songbird, she has the most beautiful voice. Currently she is very interested in learning about the Chantry, and loves singing the chat. Leliana, on the other hand, is just like I was at that age. She refuses to wear dresses and prefers tunics and trousers. She also prefers playing in the dirt and staging mock battles with her two brothers. Of course, as I write this, I can hear my mother in the back of my mind laughing hysterically. She always told me 'wait until you have your own.' So, I've learned not to fight Leli about her clothes. I just make sure her tunics and trousers are made for her, as opposed to her borrowing Cailan's. Speaking of whom, Cailan shows talent as an archer, even at his early age. The Dalish Keeper, Lanaya, has invited him (two years from now) to stay with thier clan, and learn from their hunters. You know the Dalish, this is a rare opportunity. Naturally, Cailan gets very excited every time the subject comes up.

I look forward to having you and Fenris come to Ferelden for a visit after your baby is born. I understand Fenris has never been here, so you will have whatever you need at your disposal, if you want to show him some of Ferelden. I love your idea of leaving the children with their fathers and seeing if we can recreate Barlin's special drink. Although, we should come up with a better name than Lothering's Lament!

I shall close this letter, as I fear it has become an epic. Please, send our regards to your friend, Varric, and tell him he and his tales are welcome here any time he'd like to visit.

I wish you all the best.

Yours,
Siobhan

As she sealed the letter, Siobhan looked out her window and reminisced about the other things that had happened after the Blight.

Fergus and Aya married, and after some lively discussions with the nobles, Aya was invested as Teyrna. Castle Cousland is still rebuilding and Highever is prospering. Fergus and Aya are well-loved by the people, who will occasionally refer to Fergus as their 'Minstrel Teyrn,' a nickname Aya has let flourish, although I also suspect she started it. They have been blessed with 'five children and counting,' Maeve, Udell, Rory, Eleanor and Raelyn. Granted, four of them, Maeve and Udell, and Eleanor and Raelyn are twins. Fergus says that Rory and Udell feel the need to stick together as they are 'surrounded by sisters.'

Zevran stayed at the Palace, and is in charge of Palace security. He has thrived, and as a result we are safe and don't feel like prisoners. He's still with Sam, who was the caretaker of Rainesfere while Teagan served as Chamberlain. Teagan, it seems, did it , in part, to get back at his brother for sending Sam to spy on us during the Blight.

Just three years after the coronation, Eamon unexpectedly passed away. Teagan left his position and to become the Arl of Redcliffe and Samuel was named Bann of Rainesfere for his services during and after the Blight.

Connor joined the circle and passed his harrowing in record time. Now that mages are allowed to have visitors and, with templar escort, leave the Circle, we see Connor often, as does Zevran. Connor said that being with us, was like having a second home. No. I will not think about Isolde. I will not think about Isolde.

Morrigan left after the final battle and we've had no word from her.

Arl Gallagher Wulff was elevated to Teyrn of Gwaren. He has proven to be a capable and well-like Teyrn.

Loghain reached his calling early; Gareth and Alistair returned just last month from accompanying him to the Deep Roads. He was a wonderful Grand Da, and the kids miss him very much.

Siobhan was still looking out the window, when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. She turned and smiled at her husband. He still looked every bit as amazing as he did the day she met him. "Hello my love. How was the meeting with the King Bhelen?"

Gareth gently stroked her hair. "I think we'll be able to make a deal on lyrium. But that's not why I'm here."

"Oh?"

Gareth pulled Siobhan into his arms; his answer wasn't in words.

~Fin~