How are you at finales, Varric?

I'm expecting some practical experience fairly soon.

Make it a good one, will you?

For you, madam, endless sunsets and roses. And the swift hand of the law sweeping all aside. I thought it went unsaid.

A game of Wicked Grace, a brilliant idea of Varric's that carries on for the following six years Hawke lives in Kirkwall. The game started with him and Aveline, their official first meeting.

Chapter 1

The first game of Wicked Grace we ever played was at Gamlen's house. Lucky for me, mother conjured up an excellent plan to keep him out of the house for several hours, enough for all of us to enjoy each other's company. Mother went all out with refreshments, with the money we had. Mother set down the meat pie, carving out a slice for our newest guest, Varric.

When Aveline had arrived, Mother was pleased to have met with her again. Having been focused on her duties in the City guard once we had arrived in Kirkwall. And then the introductions, "Aveline," I began, "This is Varric Tethras. He has a plan on getting us onto the expedition his brother is planning."

Aveline narrowed her eyes slightly at the dwarf, but nonetheless greeted him with a firm handshake. "Aveline Vallen." The woman introduced herself.

As we sat around the table for a game, Mother opting into shopping for more groceries before Gamlen's return. Bethany offered to go with her, but she reassured my sister that she would be fine on her own.

Bethany decided to merely spectate, as Aveline, Varric, my older brother Holland, and younger brother Carver looked at our cards. I shuffled.

Of course, as many know, it is not about the game...but the conversation.

"Varric," Aveline began. Though the dwarf didn't know it, she was using her interrogation voice, "What do you do for a living?"

Varric rose his eyebrows and Holland and I exchanged looks as he drew a new card. "Am I the next step of your career evaluations?"

"He's a writer." I quickly explained, knowing already Aveline was putting together her impression on Varric and later in the evening was planning on telling me what she thought. "Also a member of the Merchant's Guild, remember, his brother is leading the expedition into the Deep Roads." I reminded her.

Aveline discarded one of her cards absentmindedly, didn't say anything for a moment, before she looked back up at the smiling Varric, "That it?"

"That it?" Varric repeated with a laugh, "You are dismissing hallmarks of both the utterly ineffectual and the incredibly dangerous."

"Aveline," Holland intervened, seeming ready to defend Varric, always a worried wart about anybody getting along, "He is willing to help us in raising the coin."

"Coin that his brother can't provide?" Aveline questioned with a raised eyebrow, "Exactly how is a writer with a crossbow," She acknowledged Varric's beloved weapon leaning against the wall.

"It means coins flow when I talk and when I shut up. Like if you got paid to guard or unguard."

Aveline drew another card in confusion, "That makes no sense."

"Good."

Seeming displeased with the answer she got, the conversation shifted when Carver began to pester Aveline on the application he sent in for a position in the City Guard. Aveline sighed, seeming to dread the conversation, "I can't make you a guard, Carver."

Carver slammed his cup in annoyance, "We were both soldiers. Why won't they take me?"

"Perhaps," I began and I already felt my little brother's scorning gaze upon me, as I didn't even have to look from my hands. Two serpents, two songs, An Angel of Fortitude. "If you weren't so aggressive, slamming yours fists on tables as if you are a blood red tyrant, then perhaps the Captain of the Guard would consider your application."

"That makes no sense, Garnet." Carver argued.

"Your sister is right," Aveline spoke up. "In a...rather roundabout way, but the part about you not being able to control your temper. As well as not following orders. I have no problem with that."

Carver narrowed his eyes, "You don't follow orders!" He nudged me, "Garnet, you remember Ostagar! The first thing she did when the Teryn retreated was tuck her tail in and run away."

"I told you, Carver!" Aveline lectured, her voice was wavering, which meant she was controlling her anger, "I was looking for my husband."

Upon mention of her deceased lover, all grew quiet, until Holland recounted the events of the discovery of our birthright.

Later in the game as the mood was lightened again, Aveline and Varric were carrying on quite a lovely conversation, apparently getting along swimmingly.

"Maybe I should put you to use Varric." Aveline began, "Have you pen some warnings for the lawless."

Varric snorted a laugh, discarding one of his cards. "Who's that for? Are most criminals big readers?" He asked with another scoff before drawing. "Seems like pacifying the nobles."

"Varric, um," I was trying to explain to Aveline but already Aveline was judging me with a raised eyebrow. 'What company are you keeping' her face said.

"Pictures then." She continued without missing a beat, "It was just a suggestion."

Varric showed his hands, the Angel of Death in full view. "Well how about a giant sign that just says 'Don't.' You could hit people with it."

The jab earned a laugh from Carver, which Aveline ignored. "Thank you, I get the point."

As we showed our hands, (Varric having won this round) Bethany volunteered to shuffle the cards, Varric continued his little game with Aveline, "So this is what we get for letting a Ferelden in the guard."

A challenge. Aveline leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms, as Bethany stopped shuffling in surprise, "You have a problem with that?" She demanded to know.

"Me? My family's not native either. I'm just surprised. Lots of old prejudice in the guard." He admitted, as Bethany redistributed the cards.

"I'll give them plenty of reason to change their minds." Aveline responded determinedly.

"You know, it's possible they're just scared shitless of you. That's my theory, anyway."

When the game was finished, Aveline was the first to make her leave. Varric was the first to reach a hand out to shake, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Guard Captain. We should get together more often when the next time you are off duty."

"Not for another week." She responded.

Varric looked scared, and I snorted in laughter, "See," I pointed out, "I told you about her, didn't I. The workload never stops with her."

"I'll be damned." Varric muttered, "No way, you are shitting me."

Aveline crossed her arms appearing defensive, "This was my first day off in two weeks."

Another stunned silence from Varric, "And the trend of you scaring the piss out of me continues."

DA2

Wicked Grace Game number one hundred and fifty-seven. Round two. Anders just won the first game of the night.

I noticed his proud smirk, and the sly wink he sent my way. Cheeky mage. The others sat around the table, missing my brother Holland. Had some business to take care of.

Fenris and Isabela asked about him. Merrill forced herself to drink the ale Varric ordered, although we told the eager elf that she didn't have to drink it if she didn't like it, but she was determined to enjoy the swill served at the Hanged Man.

Varric's room was crammed with all seven of us in here, but only Aveline really complained about it.

"Hey Blondie," Varric returned his seat, sliding over a spirit with a golden tint to its color, "on me, for winning the last game."

Anders smiled, accepting the drink, "Thank you, Varric."

Merrill shyly glanced over at Anders mug, curious of its contents, "What is that?" She asked in awe.

"That looks like Sun Blonde Vint," Fenris recognized, wriggling his nose, "It is a brew from Tevinter." he sneered.

Anders appeared most pleased at the former slave's discomfort and took a swig, Merrill's glistening green eyes widened as she watched Anders drink the brew, "Will I get something like that if I win a game?" She asked.

Varric laughed as they next game commenced, "We will have to just wait and see, Daisy."

I nudged over, "Alright, Aveline. You can start us off this round. I got nothing to do tomorrow so I plan on getting smashed."

"I'll drink to that!" Isabela agreed as we clunked mugs.

Aveline drew a card as she narrowed her eyes at Varric, "Daisy, Blondie, Rivaini...how come I don't have a nickname?" She asked earnestly.

"That is not true," I intervened, "I don't have a nickname!"

"'Hawke is a family name."

"Now, now," Varric tried to explain, "Bianca doesn't have a nickname."

Anders snorted, "Your crossbow? I hate to break it to you, friend, but that doesn't count."

"I'll be honest, Aveline. I just...haven't come up with a good one yet." Varric admitted. "I was going to go with something like…'Red'?"

"Too common." She admitted.

"Well, when you come up with one, let me know." Varric responded.

"How about Avy?" I tried, but as I was saying the name it didn't feel quite right. "Um, no. I don't quite like that."

"What about Guarddog," Anders tried to be crude, "I mean, I see you bark at people all the time."

"I'll show you 'barking', Mage." Aveline warned with a glare.

Merrill set down her mug, swallowing the contents with the lick to the lips and followed with; "I like 'Red'. Because your hair is red."

Varric smiled as he drew his card, "I don't think that one is going to work, Daisy."

Isabela had a twinkle in her eye and a wicked grin as she leaned over and said, "I'm sure your Donnic has several nicknames in kind for you now."

"Shut up, whore." Was Aveline's indignant response.

As the game continued, Aveline spoke on the incidents she has been having with her guardsmen. "There were fistfights in the barracks over who is the model for your guard serial," She explained.

Varric snickered setting down a discarded card while taking another swill of ale, "Hard in Hightown. Riveting stuff. Everyone loves a dirty guard on the edge."

"I've actually read some of it," Anders spoke up happily, seeming only mildly tipsy as the night dragged on.

"Varric." Aveline warned, ignoring Anders.

The dwarf shrugged, "Fine. I'll start his big finish. Three chapters until Donnen Brennicovick retires and opens a tavern on the coast." As Merill went her turn, he shuffled through his hand, idly, "I sure hope he makes it. He's getting too old for this shit."

"Can I take a guess as it to whom you are basing your serial on?" I asked the dwarf.

"Don't encourage him, Hawke," Aveline interrupted my question, "Varric is very close to losing his writing blocks."

"Oh come now, Guard-Captain," Varric sighed, "It is not anybody's fault they are invested in the drama that unfolds-"

"Oh no?" Aveline asked, "Someone swapped the text of my recruitment poster with some filth from the Blooming Rose."

"That does sound pretty good." Varric responded with a laugh. I tried, but couldn't help joining in. Perhaps it was the drinks, but even so, the gag was much too brilliant of an idea. Anders grinned behind his cup, and Merrill laughed along, although we all knew she didn't quite get what was happening.

Fenris had a content smile, while Isabela was also grinning irely. Aveline was not amused.

"Sure, fill barracks with whores. But you've also filled the Rose with guards."

"It is true what they say. The best comedy comes from tragedy. Anyway, I cannot take claim on that account, Guard Captain."

When Aveline seemed surprised, she suddenly directed her attention to Isabela. The pirate woman kept her eyes on her cards before showing her hand, "Angel of the Death. Show yours hands. And yes, guilty as charge."

Towards the end of the night as the last and final game of the night was wrapped, Varric took the 'winning cup'.

Whoever emerged the night as the major victor of the game got possession of a chalice. Just an ordinary chalice from the Hanged Man but...it was our chalice. Varric was currently in possession of it, having beaten out Aveline who was sure she had it.

"Unbelievable, you must have cheated." Aveline pouted, crossing her arms after shoving her hand away from her.

Varric laughed, "Guard Captain, I never pegged you to be such a spoiled sport. I played fair and square. You don't believe me?"

"I am speaking to the same man who pretends to be your cousin Elmand?"

"Why would I want to be like Elmand?"

Merrill leaned heavily into me, but was staring at Varric with wide eyes, "I didn't know you had a cousin. Are we going to get to meet him?"

"Merrill," Aveline began, "He is not real. He is imaginary."

Varric responded with, "Which makes him a much better head of the household than I am. He never misses the Merchants Guild meetings, for one."

Merrill frowned, "So I won't be meeting him then?"

I did not feel there was any point explaining to her, so I volunteered to take the poor naive Dalish elf home.

DA2

For our three hundred and thirteenth game, a lot has happened...and not all good. We conjured together at the Hanged Man, as we always do every Tuesday night.

Now Sebastian has been invited to our games, much to Varric's annoyance. Aveline's new husband, Donnic also now regularly joined us for our weekly game nights.

Anders, the love of my life who now sleeps in my bed, sat ever so close to me, his thigh pressed against mine. His usual smile was not there anymore, his eyebrows furrowed together in a frown of worry.

"You're too quiet, Varric." Aveline finally noticed as the game commenced, pulling away from whatever it was she was whispering to Donnic.

"I'm thinking of switching to romances." Varric suddenly said. I looked at Varric in surprise, still no reaction from Anders as he glared at the table. Merril's eyes widened in wonder, Fenris laughed aloud along with my brother Holland. Isabela didn't look too surprised but directed her attention to Aveline.

She just took a drink, waiting for Varric to continue as Sebastian drew a card. "Nothing?" The dwarf asked in surprise. "Not even a foreboding frown?"

"Varric," I brought up, "Obviously Aveline is very happy where she is now. Look how content she is. Look at her hair, and her clothes."

Aveline appeared slightly self conscious of these changes, she still sported the headband even though we were off duty, but her grown bright orange locks were tied up on the top of her head, while wearing a dark red noblewoman's dress, the lack of sleeves exposing her massive arm muscles.

Donnic appeared much too pleased over his wife's physique. Varric scoffed, "Well that certainly takes the fun out of it. Contentment in the barracks? Who'll pay to hear that shit?"

"Then I should have thought about it years ago." Aveline responded with a content smile.

Later on in the evening, Aveline and Donnic began to engage in a debate with Sebastian on the current state of Kirkwall. "Are you loyal to Kirkwall?" Aveline finally asked the question everybody avoided. "You're set on a title in Starkhaven, but we're having a crisis here."

"This isn't just Kirkwall's concern." Sebastian told Aveline boldly, "If this chaos spreads, Starkhaven will need a strong ruler to beat back the tide."

Donnic uncomfortably took a drink, letting his wife continue out the debate, "I've seen greater men than you use that excuse."

Varric scoffed, shuffling his hand idly waiting on Fenris's turn, "Starkhaven's too pretentious for me and Cumberland's too boring."

"Varric, this is...a different conversation, we know you hate commitment, but yet you are still here. Six years later...still at Hawke's side."

"Aveline, I thought you'd have noticed by now: I lie a lot."

I laughed, ignoring Anders's nudges which usually meant he wanted to turn in early. I quickly whispered 'in a bit' to him before I spoke up again, "Strangely I always thought Aveline would wind up arresting you someday Varric?"

My brother laughed at that comment as Varric set down his cup, "If I ever decide to get caught, Aveline, you'll be the guard I let catch me."

"'Let catch you'?" Aveline asked.

Holland also quirked an eyebrow, "'Decide to get caught?'"

Varric hummed when it got to his turn and he drew his card, then slammed his hand. Angel of Death.

As well all showed our hands, Donnic emerged as the victor this evening. Taking the chalice from Isabela who won last week's game (which everyone insisted was from cheating) and handed it to Donnic, "This is your first win ever, isn't it?" Isabela laughed, clapping her hands together.

We all gave an applause to Donnic, who stood up and bowed with a smile.

DA2

A small part of me wished I could get that moment back. With all of us sitting in a circle at the Hanged Man. We waited at the Gallows, every breath echoing within the halls, as we got ready to face of Knight Commander Meredith.

Bethany I thanked the Maker I was able to protect from the wrath of the Knight Commander.

I looked down and saw the blood still on my knife. His blood. I couldn't even bring myself to wipe it off. Aveline took notice and I quickly sheathed my blade.

She was speaking to Bethany, which Aveline claimed was her main reason actually in turning against the Knight Commander. She said she couldn't bring herself to face off against someone she thought as a little sister. "Donnic is meeting up with Brennan. The guards stand with you." Aveline informed me, she turned her attention back to Bethany, "I will get you out of the Gallows."

Bethany laughed quietly to herself, "My spring out of the Circle in Kirkwall is much more...dramatic than I could ever picture."

I scoffed, "All this raving Meredith has done for the passed three years and then some. Now she's got a problem on her hands, now does she?"

Bethany seemed to notice the missing Anders, and I pulled my baby sister into an embrace. "Garnet, I'm fine."

Holland made his approach after accessing the situation with the other Circle Mages, "Here is what I propose...deal with Meredith...then we take Isabela's ship and get out of Kirkwall. We will take as many of these mages as we can?"

"And go where?" Merrill asked worriedly, fidgeting her fingers nervously.

"Starkhaven." Was Sebastian's answer.

Aveline narrowed her eyes.

"I can offer you safe harbor." He told us.

"You can't guarantee that." Aveline spoke up.

"These mages," Sebastian said, gesturing to the scared people hiding behind the gates under our protection, "I see now. This all happened due to the terrible act of Anders."

I flinched but I knew Sebastian spoke the truth. Even if I didn't want to accept it.

"We do not have much choice. Where else can we go that offers any other security? Ferelden? King Alistair offered his allegiance...but Queen Anora is still hesitant. The Grey Wardens? Hawke, your brother is there, but the organization cannot be involved. Orlais?"

"Tevinter?" Fenris questioned, backing up Sebastian's idea. "No. I vote we go to Starkhaven."

Isabela sighed, "I hear Starkhaven is lovely this time of year. And I know the way."

Bethany watched Sebastian in awe, reminded of the girl that came to Kirkwall and begged mother to take her to the Chantry due to her little fancy. "Garnet. I think Starkhaven is our best bet."

"Alright, alright. It is a matter if Aveline agrees?"

The redheaded guard captain sighed, "How are you at finales, Varric?"

The dwarf sighed, though he hid his fear well, I can tell he was overwhelmed by the state of his home, "I'm expecting some practical experience fairly soon."

She smiled down at him, "Make it a good one, will you?"

This earned a smile from him, "For you, madam, endless sunsets and roses."

She rolled her eyes, but then Varric followed it up with; "And the swift hand of the law sweeping all aside. I thought it went unsaid."