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"...And move our forces here, here and here," You said, moving several wooden figurines on the war map as your advisors watch and listen, "Controlling these key areas is important in slowing down and halting Venatori movement, and we must maintain the advantage. Cullen, you know what to do."

"As you command, Inquisitor," Cullen saluted.

"Leliana, have your spies maintain constant vigil over the Venatori, and send detachments to both Orlais and Ferelden," You said, "If the nobles of either country refuse to aid us, use whatever means you have at your disposal."

"My birds are already roosting in their hiding places, Inquisitor," Said Leliana, "They need only your word."

"Josie, send missives to Orlais and Ferelden, request their immediate cooperation - demand them, if need be; we must eliminate Corypheus and fast."

"Yes, Inquisitor. It will be done right away," She said, writing them down.

You heard knocking as the meeting ended, and the door opened to reveal a scout bearing a sealed letter in hand.

"Pardon the intrusion, Your Worship," Said the scout, "There is a letter for you, from Fergus Cousland."

Hearing your brother's name, you quickly take the letter and said, "My thanks. You are dismissed.

"Your Worship."

As the scout left, you quickly excuse yourself from the War Room and move back to your quarters, where you quickly break the seal and opened the letter, eager to read your brother's words.

Aedan, how's it going? Your old brother is just doing fine right here in Highever. It's been a while since I heard news about you; you've been gone for a while after Alistair's coronation. I'm pretty sure you're busy with your new job as the new Inquisitor, and as a Grey Warden on top of that.

Honestly though, the rumors surrounding you are terribly unbelievable; the sheer number of women you've fucked - Queen Anora included, to my disbelief - is nothing short of staggering. How did you even manage to do that? Many men would be exhausted after one session, and hardly anyone lands more than two women at the most. Rumors also say that you've also been literally doing it behind King Alistair's, somehow evading his notice the whole time; you have to tell me all about it one day.

It's been ten years since Howe's betrayal, and I can never thank you enough for saving Oren and Orianna in my absence. Oren got bigger everyday and recently Orianna confirmed she's pregnant for the second time. Isn't that exciting?In any case, I've managed to spruce up the place a little, and I daresay Highever's better than before. Why not take a break from all your work and come visit? I'm sure you miss home after so long. Looking forward to your visit.

Your brother,

Fergus

After reading the letter, you were hit by flashbacks of Highever. The place where you were born and raised. You remember the faces of Ser Gilmore and the household guards, the servants, Old Nan and most importantly, your parents. Oh, how you missed your parents even now, the bleeding body of Bryce on the ground and Eleanor staying behind to cover your escape.

You banish such morose thoughts from your head; now was the time to look forward to better things.

Decided to take on Fergus's offer, you went straight to Josephine and said, "Josie, I'll be leaving for Highever this evening for a few days. Tell Cullen, Leliana and Cassandra they have the authority to do what is necessary. I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Understood, Inquisitor. Will you require anything else?" Josie replied.

"Not at the moment. I have everything at my disposal," You said.

"Then we wish you safe journeys, Inquisitor," Said Josephine.

Your advisors bowed to you as you returned them with a nod.

That night, having packed your necessities for the journey, you lay down on your bed, staring at the ceiling with sleep eluding you.

"Highever..." You muttered, "I wonder how different it will be when I get there."

Once again, you thought of all the friends you lost during that night of betrayal, their lifeless bodies lying in pools of blood as Howe's soldiers sadistically slaughtered them.

It was a painful memory you had mostly forgotten during your travels as a Grey Warden, and one you were not eager to relive.

"Seems no one can escape the past," You said to yourself, sighing heavily, "I just hope Fergus and his family are doing well for themselves."

You have a fitful sleep that night.

The next day, you depart on a swift steed as your advisors saw you off. The trip took between one to two days to reach your intended destination, with occasional stops made at taverns along the way. Once you arrive at the gates of Highever, your brother was there to greet you.

"Aedan! Ha, it's been a long time brother, not since the end of the blight!" Fergus said excitedly, hugging you, "Come on, let's get you settled in."

"Ha ha! Me too, Fergus," You hugged him back, "Hope you've been doing well these past ten years."

"Oh, I definitely have been, brother," Said Fergus, "Shall we talk over a few drinks? I got you your favourite mead."

"I'd love that," You said.

It was good to be back home.

(Credit to Ebanu8 for adding,editing and fixing)