"The Waking Sea. Somewhere across all that water is Kirkwall."

"It was a long journey to Haven."

"Considering the company, I'm surprised it didn't feel longer."

Varric is used to the strong, protective female warrior type. Not that Kata knew that for sure. The Dynamic of the Chantry Seeker and everybody's most lovable dwarf.

Chapter 1

I still didn't really understand what exactly was happening. Even as the days passed...weeks, almost a month, the sharp pain in my hand that would move up and down my arm to my jaw. It was better than the dungeon I was cooped up in the first week in Haven, after the events of the Conclave which were still a little fuzzy.

Now I was considered the 'Herald of Andraste'. I don't even believe in Andraste, I am a Qunari. Well...technically a Tal'Vashoth. I don't follow the Qun. It was strange being in these lands as a sort of leader, working with very important people like the Left and Right Hands of the Divine, a former Knight Captain, and a well renowned Montilyet family member.

I didn't even know who the Montilyets were, but it sounded impressive.

It led to here, on day three of scouting the Hinterlands. Yesterday we had met with a horsemaster named 'Dennet', to provide us with some horses. Cassandra, the Seeker, lectured me on dawdling when I ended up taking up a challenge from his daughter in racing their breed. Another follower, Varric seemed entertained enough.

Solas, the mysterious elven mage who 'watched as I slept' or something seemed more half an half, but not as furious as Cassandra was. I get it. The stakes are high, but a moment of light-heartedness was what I needed to combat the sudden responsibility thrust upon me. This must be what the Hero of Fereldan must have felt after the Battle at Ostagar. Only...with no support behind her and the King's backs, so I consider myself lucky.

We were crossing Dwarfson's Pass, having traveled in silence for the most part as the scouting mission carried on. Ironically, it was Cassandra who broke the silence to talk to Varric. "Have you heard from any of your Kirkwall associates, Varric?"

Varric stopped walking for a moment, and glanced back up at the Seeker with a puzzled look, "You're asking me? So you don't read my letters?"

It was then, and only then it clicked. Varric knew the Champion of Kirkwall. I remembered reading the book about two years ago, and was a little too delighted to be in the presence of one of my favorite characters.

Well, maybe favorite character was a poor choice of word, considering they are real people.

"You're no longer my prisoner, much as you like to act like it." Cassandra snipped, the hand gripping her shield lowered to her side.

"Yet I still get all the suspicion." Varric responded.

"I am not without sympathy, especially given recent events."

"Why, Seeker, I would never accuse you of having sympathy!" Varric exclaimed with just the right amount of sarcasm in his words, "By the way I tend to refer to my 'associates' as 'friends.' Maybe you're not familiar with the concept."

Varric walked off after the conversation, as Solas had taken upon himself to take point. As I watched Cassandra's demeanor change from one of authority to one of slight embarrassment, I heard Solas call out to me. "Adaar, do you feel it?"

I did feel the slight sting of my hand, and drew my two hander sword, "It's a rift."

DAI

We set up camp at Dusklight for the night. "Nothing to report, ser." Threnn mechanically said to me as she arrived on the site. It was still strange to me to have people report to me. Some more begrudgingly due to my being a Qunari, but still, having to answer to me nonetheless.

Solas was preparing a meal with some of the vegetables some of the gatherers collected for us. Cassandra was still in uniform (I have yet to see her out of it) scrubbing furiously at her shield with a hanky, as Varric was writing in his small leatherbound notebook. It looked fairly new, and I wondered if he made the purchase in Haven to start his new book about the Inquisition.

It seemed to be the case as Varric stopped writing and looked up at Cassandra, taking note of the way she continued to focus on her menial task, "You know Seeker, for someone with your tact and charisma you assembled a... pretty good little Inquisition. I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt and assuming you didn't drag them all here by force."

He was obviously referring to Sister Leliana Nightingale, Commander Cullen Rutherford, and Lady Josephine Montilyet. I mean, those were the names that were written down in the recruitment sheet that Cassandra passed on to me. "How kind of you." Cassandra muttered in annoyance.

I spoke up at that, "I have been wondering the same thing. I mean, this crisis was so sudden and unexpected. How did you manage to get everyone that you needed here in such a short time. I don't even think Josephine was in Fereldan."

Varric scoffed, whispering to me loud enough for Cassandra to hear, "I mean, you never know, she could have kidnapped Ruffles and she'd be too polite to say anything."

Cassandra made a disgusted noise, finally looking up enough to glare at the friendly dwarf, "Leliana recruited Josephine. They're... friends."

Varric and I exchanged knowing glances, "So there's a rational explanation after all. Just when I thought you had layers." When the Seeker attempted to return to her cleaning, Solas quietly informed us that he was finished preparing the meals and I helped him serve the food to everyone at camp. Varric continued his conversation as he received his bowl of vegetable soup, which I was grateful enough how much it warmed us all up from the Ferelden chill, "It makes sense that Leliana did the recruiting when the Inquisition started. Not everyone can be intimidated into signing up after all."

"I recruited Commander Cullen." Cassandra said.

"She did," Solas spoke up, surprisingly in her defense. "I remember when they first...brought in Kata, the first thing she ordered was to send word to Commander Cullen in Kirkwall."

Varric snorted again, "Lucky him." He muttered, blowing on his serving on the spoon as Cassandra narrowed her eyes at him, breaking her hard bread.

"He has made no complaints about my manners."

"His last boss was a raving lunatic who turned into a statue. That's not a high bar."

The rest of the night turned into a recount of the Mage vs. Templar battle with the Knight Commander Meredith in Kirkwall, I only have read about it in Varric book. Of course it sounded far more embellished than what actually really happened, but it entertained me enough to forget about the world's crisis for just a moment.

DAI

The Storm Coast. There weren't as many people residing in these areas, not any villages or towns from what I saw when we made our travels. It was stretched across the shoreline of the Waking Sea. Ancient dwarven ruins dot the landscape, Cassandra told me that they have been abandoned since the 'Divine Age' as the dwarves were forced to seal the Deep Roads due to the Darkspawn.

We were able to gather so many useful minerals, and I kept in mind to inquire about miners to dig up more useful items. Here I go, three months into the Inquisition forming and I was already starting to think things in a long run. We even recruited more allies to our cause. Currently, our newest member, Iron Bull I sent with Solas and Sera to investigate the Small Grove upon one of the Chargers', Krem's information.

I was leading Cassandra (I know, how odd), Varric, and the Lady Vivienne De Fer of the Imperial Court through the rain along the coast. The rain droplets cascaded down my armor, but I made sure Varric and Vivienne had on cloaks to shield themselves from the rain.

Vivienne was very appalled at the sight of them, but I had to assure her it was to keep her nice robes dry. She had greatly disapproved, but she had no choice. As we began what was going to be the longest trek along the Waking Sea, I heard Varric speak up, having been looking out with a strange expression on his face, "The Waking Sea. Somewhere across all that water is Kirkwall."

"It was a long journey to Haven." Cassandra responded.

I recalled when we first came here to catch a boat to Orlais, "The last time I was on a boat, I was leaving the Free Marches heading to the Conclave. It was the first time I ever left my home. I came here, it never rained this much in the Free Marches, and it definitely was never this cold."

"I know." Varric responded, "The ship ride was...well, considering the company, I'm surprised it didn't feel longer."

Cassandra narrowed her eyes, and that was when we heard it. A dragon! My heart quickened, not out of fear but out of excitement. I have never actually seen a dragon let alone fought one. I offered to get closer, and all three of my companions hesitated.

I saw the great beast in a distance, and I drew my two hander. Varric spoke up, "Hey, Adaar. You're not suggesting we fight the thing, do you? I was thinkin' of going around…"

"Haven't you slain one before?" I asked, "It was in your book."

"Well, yeah. But I was far away shooting all my arrows at it, while that crazy Hawke was the fearless leader charging at it full force wielding her sword screaming like a maniac."

"My dear Adaar." Vivienne began, she sounded just as put together as the day I met her, save for the death grip on her ornate staff, "This is a fool-hardy whim to attempt a capture of glory in vein of a storybook hero. It would be wise to not get yourself killed when we have much to do, and it all depends on you."

"We're not going to die." I reassured the Circle Mage.

Varric turned his attention to Cassandra, in a sort of desperate plea to change my mind, "Seeker, you're the dragon expert. What do we do now?"

"Don't get killed. By either of them." She pointed towards a tree giant that I hadn't even seen. A silence passed over us.

"Well...shit."

DAI

So...we traveled through time...recruited the mages after the fury of Queen Anora and the displeasure of King Alistair. The Grand Enchanter, Fiona was now an ally to our cause, and Dorian Pavus was a part of our Inner Circle from Tevinter.

It was morning here in Haven, and I saw Grand Enchanter Fiona with a melancholic look on her face walking down the halls in her intricate robes that will soon be replaced by Inquisition brand. She acted as a prisoner instead of an ally, perhaps ashamed on how quickly she was willing to trust the Venatori.

In the tavern, Cassandra appeared to have stopped for something to drink, and I spotted the little dwarf pestering her, "You know, Seeker, I thought you'd take charge back in Redcliffe. Maybe grab Fiona and rough her up."

"I do not 'rough people up.'" Cassandra said defensively.

I was reminded our first meeting, and apparently the Seeker thought the same thing before cutting me off with a "That situation was completely different."

"Sorry, my mistake. You'd have your men do it for you." Varric said as he took a drink of his water.

"You will never let that go, will you?"

"Probably not." Varric laughed.

Now that we had the mages, we had to focus on the templars before something bad were to happen to them.

DAI

After Therinfal Redoubt, I was starting to question all allegiances. It seemed much too easy to just listen to someone if you liked what you heard. That seemed to be what Cassandra and Varric thought as we were making our trek back to Haven. Accompanied by Sera who was going on about 'the red things protruding about them bellies'.

"I thought you'd have some, um.., "stronger feelings" about Templars joining the Inquisition, Seeker. Feelings that involve stabbing." Varric said seeming only mildly concerned.

Cassandra remained carefully neutral and she let out a long, tired sigh, which conveyed the same thing I was feeling, "Not all my feelings involve stabbing."

Serah giggled, "Only when it involves you, Dwarfy."

Varric sighed as well, "Don't I feel special."

DAI

It has been two months since we found Skyhold, and the Inquisition was now fully functioning and acknowledged as a proper organization. A lot has happened of course.

One of those things includes a certain someone exiting the tent as I was looking over the map that very person provided. We were camped in Crestwood, at the North Gate. The dark haired woman clattered in Champion's Armor, was not as grand as Varric had painted her in the book.

She was still very impressive, with a prowess of a raging qunari that I never seen, but she as a person was...ordinary.

Garnet Hawke was a charming, witty, woman with years of experience with having an entire town weighing you down, and having been betrayed by the love of her life. Despite all that she always had something smart to say.

With me were Cassandra, Varric, and Cole. Although the boy was nowhere to be found, but knowing him he was close. Cassandra seemed the most in awe of Garnet, with a sort of woman crush that the Champion of Kirkwall seemed oblivious of. Varric almost forgot about me, taking every opportunity to speak to his best friend.

I never realized how much he loved Hawke, and how sentimental he was. But I had to focus on the task at hand. Garnet wanted us to help save the Hero of Ferelden, who has been in hiding due to the Grey Wardens' crimes. The Calling was apparently present in all of them, even the Hero.

For a moment, Garnet wanted to scout ahead, making sure they were going in the right direction. From the way she flitted back and forth with the map in hand, I feared for a moment she might have gotten us lost. Varric warned me she was prone to do so. For hours at a time.

Cassandra remained silent, having not spoken to Varric since Hawke's arrival. She felt betrayed, having wanted Hawke instead of me as Inquisitor. Albeit my feelings were a little hurt that I was not first pick, but I didn't really want to be Inquisitor anyway. At least...not that the time.

So it came as a surprise when Cassandra suddenly said…"Varric I'm sorry. About earlier. With the table."

It took both of us a long while to realize what she was referring to. She was...apologizing, "Beg your pardon? I didn't catch that Seeker."

"Is that an apology I detect?" I asked impishly, and I could have sworn (even through the rain) that Cassandra was blushing.

She swallowed her pride anyway and looked Varric square in the eye and said: "I am sorry."

Varric visibly staggered back in shock, "Oh! I'll mark this on my calendar—Cassandra had a feeling!"

"Perhaps not that sorry." She then glanced over at Garnet who was beckoning us forward, seeming a little more confident in her sense of direction, another pause, and this time Cassandra was twiddling her fingers, "Varric, does Hawke ever autograph books?"

"Why? Doesn't your copy of the "Tale of the Champion" have a big hole in it?"

"Crumbs the hawk inspects, hidden away by a witty tongue and a mastered mind, not at all as it is 'It could use her signature…"

"Thank you, Cole." Cassandra quickly said as she stared after the waiting Hawke, who was now tapping her foot impatiently, "Hawke's taller than I imagined."

"That's the first thing you said to her isn't it?" Varric asked with a laugh.

"Not the first thing!" She argued in defense.

Varric laughed, "Tell you what Seeker. Next time you make me tell a story at knife-point I'll make the hero sound taller."

As we finally got to Garnet, she looked in-between Varric and Cassandra questionably, "Are you two gossiping about me?" She asked in a playful tone.

"Cassandra would like your signature once we get back to Skyhold," Varric boldly said, making the Seeker flail in embarrassment, turning away, "I think I've met your number one fan."

Garnet Hawke glowed at the news before she laughed, her head thrown back, her long raven hair swishing along from the dampness of the rain. She put an arm on the Cassandra's shoulder, making her stiffen from the comment. "I'll tell you what, Cassandra, isn't it? After I sign the book, we should have a drink."

Cassandra stuttered, I had to speak for her, "Sounds good, Hawke."

DAI

Warden Commander Ada Brosca was not at all how I pictured her to be. I mean, yes, she was in fact a dwarf. But I always heard rumors she was cocky and arrogant, and had tendencies of being too harsh.

Well, first of all, the Warden Commander couldn't speak very well. Having had her throat slit apparently eight years ago by the Arl of Amaranthine, Castiel Cousland, before he disappeared. She survived, but it made speaking difficult. So she opted mostly not to, unless she had something to say. Even so, it came out in croaks, and you had to get fairly close to hear her properly.

It was sad to see. Though she didn't put on this sad face, but actually appeared much friendlier than the rumors say. And there were a lot of rumors regarding the Warden Commander. A part of me felt I should have brought Blackwall, perhaps Ada knew him.

We stayed the night at Tree Trout Farm, where it was nice and dry. Standing by the entrance of the farm I saw Garnet talking animatedly to Ada, who smiled and silently laughed in response. Varric and Cassandra were inside the barn in a conversation. I took a seat in front of them, crossing my legs on the ground. "Seriously? Swords and Shields? How did you find that serial? Scrape it off the bottom of a barrel in Dust town?"

"It was research!" Cassandra obviously lied, "I thought I might learn more about the Champion."

It was my turn to laugh, "Varric did write a book about the Champion. You might remember it. Had your knife stuck through it last I saw."

Cassandra crossed her arms in annoyance, "I already read that one. Twice."

Varric scoffed, "I can't believe you picked the absolute worst of my books to read. Why not Hard in Hightown?"

"I have enough mysteries and investigations of my own."

"What? You don't want to solve more in your spare time?"

"Then you killed my favorite character in Chapter 3, so I threw the book across the room."

Garnet appeared suddenly from behind me with a suck to the teeth, "I know, I hate it when Varric does that. Every time I start to like to character, just...out of where, they get shanked in an alley."

"They don't always get shanked." Varric argued, "I am a little more creative than that, thank you very much."

"Varric, how could you let the Knight-Captain be framed for murder?" Cassandra suddenly exclaimed, producing the Swords and Shields novel.

"Aw," I laughed taking the book from her, "You carry it around with you."

She snatched it back as Varric answered, "Well I did spent three entire chapters setting it up."

"Varric," Garnet argued back, taking Cassandra's side, "She didn't deserve that, Don't you think you've already put her through more than enough."

"Listen, ladies. if you love a character, you give them pain, ruin their lives, make them suffer. Maybe even throw in a heroic death!"

"That makes no sense!" Cassandra cried out indignantly, which was really adorable.

"But you care enough to argue. If she has a nice afternoon and took a nap you'd stop reading."

Garnet looked around, "Wasn't there a young boy with you? Where has he gone?"

"Trust me," I began, leaning back on my arms and stretching out my freakishly long legs, "If you go out there and just think about him, he'll show up."

Garnet looked at me curiously, but then shrugged, not asking anymore questions, willing to test this logic. Cassandra watched the Champion walk away before turning her attention back to Varric, "What made you write about Hawke? All your other books are complete fiction."

"Someone had to set the record straight about her." He admitted, looking down for the first time appearing somewhat serious.

"Varric," I began, "You still fabricated a lot of things about her. Some things in the book don't make sense. Now, don't get me wrong, I am the last person you go to when it comes to logic."

"Your book," Cassandra responded seriously, "Is full of lies."

"True ones!" Varric retorted.

"That doesn't even make sense." I argued. Lucky for Varric the argument didn't escalate further when Ada suddenly approached us.

She looked between us expectantly, as if we approached her. She walked to where I was...unnaturally close if I had not understood the situation. "We should rest. It's late." She sounded distracted.

"You hear the voices, don't you?" I asked.

Ada frowned nodding, but before she could strain whatever else she wanted to say, I began nudging her to where Garnet was, who seemed lost. "I uh…" She began, "Don't know why I was out here?" She admitted shyly.

I smiled knowingly, "We are getting ready to sleep."

"Right, I want to get out of this rain. My socks are starting to make that squishy sound every time I walk."

As Garnet returned back to the barn I turned to Cole. "Ada is hearing the voices of the Calling."

It was very sweet of him, though Ada found the whole situation confusing and questionable, she was able to fall asleep after apparently days of sleepless nights as Cole read the Warden Commander to sleep. As if she were a child and not a late thirty something dwarf woman.

When I came to check up, Cole closed the book, a red petal falling out of the book that belonged to the Warden Commander. Cole picked it up carefully as if it was a small child, and placed it back into the book. "Rushly placed within open palms, 'You know what this is?'. A rose, a flower the sister said, what does it mean? What does it still mean now?"

He set the book beside the sleeping Warden Commander and disappeared into the night.

DAI

"Why is the second "Hard in Hightown" so completely different from the first?" Cassandra asked at Skyhold. The two of us were trying to figure out how to write the report on the happenings of the Western Approach once we all returned. Varric had been walking by and volunteered to help us pen some important details.

But after only a short bit of support, Varric decided that we deserved a much needed break, "I mean did either of you sleep once we returned to Skyhold. That journey was exhausting. I'm surprised you slept at all."

"Varric," Cassandra began picking up the sequel to 'Hard in Hightown', (she apparently just keeps books with her wherever she goes). "Why is the second "Hard in Hightown" so completely different from the first?"

"Because I didn't write it. Shit, did you pay actual coin for that book? One of these days, I'm gonna find the duster who wrote that garbage and introduce him to my editor." Varric claimed with a sigh.

"Your editor or your crossbow?" I asked.

Varric laughed, taking a seat, "No my actual editor! Best in the business. She runs half the Coterie in Kirkwall, stickler for grammar. She once killed a man over a semicolon. I'd never print anything without her."

"She has to reach the other side of the hill."

"Who does?" Cassandra asked Cole, who was sitting next to me. I think he was there the whole time, I'm not sure.

"The Knight-Captain. But she's injured." He explained and Varric face-palmed.

"Good job, Kid."

Cassandra turned her full attention to Cole for answers, desperately. It was funny how somewhat startled Cole appeared about the situation, as if this was really happening, "Is she alright? Is that how the book ends?"

"Not anymore." Varric muttered.

"Cole, what happens to her?"

"I don't know. The hill went away." Cole said.

DAI

Varric seemed very concerned about Lady Morrigan's eluvians, as he whispered to Cassandra in the courtyard. Garnet Hawke was with them, and she too seemed concerned. "Varric, those Eluvians are just like the one Merrill had in her house. Don't you remember, when we fled Kirkwall she went berserk trying to jump overboard to retrieve it. Carver had to hold her back." She voiced her concerns worriedly to her friend.

"Seeker, are you really going to allow one in Skyhold?" Varric asked, staring at the room the Eluvian occupied wearily.

"You speak as though I could forbid it. I did not know your Merrill or see her Eluvian. If you have an issue speak with Lady Morrigan."

Even Garnet looked fearful of Morrigan, "I feel like I don't have a right. Her mother is the reason I am still standing now. She mentioned of her daughter, I knew someday I would cross paths with her eventually. And Merrill greatly worships Flemeth. I still do not understand why. She is...a human maleficarum. Right?"

I was surprised to see Warden Commander Ada Brosca charge through the Courtyard, her short legs carrying her great lengths. She was heading for where Morrigan was.

Oh. Right.

Varric stood behind me as I called out to Ada, as she entered the room. Morrigan looked back, seeming unsurprised, her expression unreadable. Ada just stood there, staring at Morrigan.

"Greetings, Ada. It has been...a long time."

Ada could only glare, as she looked around the empty room.

"Castiel is not with me." Morrigan responded seriously. "He left on a quest of great importance. In fact...he left on a quest to help you. Perhaps out of guilt for what he has done to you."

The Arcane Advisor's face softened, and she slowly approached the Warden Commander, lifting the dwarf's chin, and pulling down the high collar of her black tunic, the scar from where the blade slit her throat visible. "I am...truly sorry."

A silence followed, and I felt I was intruding on a moment. Varric got the same idea, as we both left the two women alone.

Within that same day, Cassandra came to Varric and I in the Courtyard. "I told him already." I explained to Cassandra.

"You are aware that I'm a candidate for the Sunburst Throne?" She asked.

"Yeah." Was Varric response.

That was it.

It was surprising. "Not a single snide remark?"

"Why?"

"I don't look forward to your needling. But its absence is telling."

"The thought of you as Divine is scary. I'm hoping if I ignore it, it'll go away."

I laughed, and even Cassandra's face softened into a smile, despite the insult.

DAI

The mood was changed. Varric and I saw Garnet Hawke out of Skyhold. She was going to Weisshaupt. Taking up Warden-Commander Brosca's place in informing the other Wardens of what has happened. Names she gave to inform us of who to expect updated letters from were Nathaniel Howe, Sigrun, Jean-Marc Stroud, and Gerod Carron.

Ada Brosca was dead. Or...lost in the Fade. Which seems one in the same.

I noticed the shift in Skyhold, especially amongst Sister Nightingale. She and Ada were like sisters. She prayed for her friend's soul, and despite Leliana being an Andrastian, she hoped that wherever Ada was she was safe. If not, then she return to the Stone, despite there being no body to bury.

Morrigan appeared the same, but I can tell she was taking her death the hardest. She seemed more in shock, and it seems to take a lot to make someone like Morrigan surprised by circumstances.

Leliana told me how she had to write a letter to the King. I knew the two were very good friends, they were the sole Grey Wardens left after Ostagar and defeated the Blight together, starting with them. There were rumors that the two were lovers at one point, but it seemed wrong to make these kind of assumptions with her gone like so now.

"I am somewhat surprised you didn't follow Hawke to Weisshaupt, Varric." Cassandra said after Varric got back from going with Hawke to the port.

"There's a lot of work to do, Seeker. We'll catch up once this is all over." He told us responsibly.

"What of Hawke's siblings? Are they…?"

"Aveline took Carver off somewhere when the Calling started going nuts, but he'll tag along—he always does. As for Sunshine, she will go. As soon as she hears. I'm sure of it. Holland is still alive...Can't let Hawke have all the glory." He looked over at Cassandra with softened features, "Hawke would rather we stay away, stay safe. That won't fly forever. Besides, if I went to the Anderfels, how could I annoy you?"

"You would find a way."

DAI

"Am I to understand your Bianca is married?" Was Cassandra's first question as soon as Varric, Solas, Sera, and I returned from those damn Hinterlands.

That touched a soft spot, "Oh have we reached the state where we gossip about each other's love lives? Did you hear that Adaar? Don't worry, I'll tell you whatever she says."

Solas gave Cassandra a very concerning look which seemed to make the woman embarrassed. "Forget I mentioned anything. It was a simple question, Varric."

"There was nothing simple about it." He stated angrily, which I had never seen before. Even Sera made a quiet 'oh' hiding behind me as Varric was about to storm off. But instead, he turned on his heel to confront Cassandra. "You brought up Bianca, Seeker. Does that mean I could ask about your 'conquests'?"

"I would rather you didn't." She responded indignantly, crossing her arms over her jacket as she leaned against the fireplace in the Throne Room.

"No tantalizing secrets to divulge?" He teased, eyeing the Lord Montgomery Trevaleyn when he entered. A templar noble in his early forties. Still appearing devilishly handsome, having aged well.

Who we all knew Cassandra had been fancying, "None." She continued sternly.

Just her luck, Lord Trevaleyn approached our way, unaware of the tension. Serah clung to my arm in intrigue, as Solas made his leave. "So no one within say, a, five foot radius has caught your eye?" Varric continued.

"Varric." Cassandra warned, and I felt the sheer awkwardness coming off her body.

"Uh, Varric," I tried to quell the situation, whispering to him, despite it looking painfully obvious to the Lord of House Trevalyn, "Perhaps Cassandra and her... "conquest" would rather not discuss this in public."

"Don't be a spoilsport, Adaar."

Cassandra was beet red, and Lord Trevaleyn offered a simple and innocent, "What is going on here?"

Now he was not going to leave. Concerned for other people's affairs. I was starting to feel really bad for Cassandra as her mouth was a simple thin line, Varric continued to prod, "Nothing? You do know he's standing right there…"

"Varric!" I exclaimed, "What has gotten into you, man?"

"I have no 'conquests'." She blurted suddenly, and Lord Trevaleyn looked over at her in shock, as Cassandra avoided eye contact.

"How about dalliances? Liaisons? Illicit affairs?" Varric continued, ignoring my protests for Cassandra's sake.

"No!"

Even Sera, the Prank Queen herself, the Ruler of Mischief had enough, "Stop poking, Varric, you are makin' everybody all weirdy."

"Am I?"

Lord Trevaleyn approached Cassandra, "Really? No one at all?" He asked, seeming to want an answer himself.

Oh.

"This... is not a discussion I want to have here." Cassandra answered, still not looking at Trevaleyn.

"Are you blushing, Seeker? Maker the world is really coming to an end." Varric teased.

Sera screamed as she ran out of the Throne Room as if she were on fire. I could relate. Cassandra had enough, "Very well, Varric. If you wish to know about men I have known, I will tell you."

"Cassandra," I tried reassure the woman, but she held a hand up.

"You are right, Varric. I pried first, and fair is fair. Years ago, I knew a young mage named Regalyan. He was dashing, unlike any men I met. He died at the Conclave."

Silence. From Trevaleyn, from me, and most of all from Varric, his teasing smile gone.

He must have felt like a real ass then.

"What we had was fleeting. And years had passed. Still, it saddens me to think he's gone." Cassandra finally looked over to Trevaleyn, seeming embarrassed and in pain.

Varric looked away, mortified. She walked away, and when Trevaleyn tried to follow her she waved him off. I looked over at the dwarf in disappointment, "Varric, I can't believe I am saying this to you, but that was an asshole move."

"I know. I-"

"Just because you've been pining after the same woman for whatever years, doesn't mean you get to take it out on all of us!"

Varric looked up in shame, nodding, and made chase after Cassandra. "Seeker!" He yelled across the Courtyard.

She stopped, slowly turning around, "I'm sorry. Alright. I...really am sorry. I...didn't mean to make you talk about your mage friend. I didn't know. That still didn't make it right."

"I know." Cassandra finally answered after silence. "I was not trying to make you speak of Bianca. If I was, you would know." A soft smile crossed her lips, "I would yell, books would be stabbed."

Varric laughed, realizing he had been forgiven. "I'll keep that in mind."

DAI

It was another day at Skyhold. We had been warned by Leliana...that the King of Fereldan was coming to Skyhold. He was coming alone. Part of me felt it was brought upon the letter he must have received reguarding the Warden Commander's passing. Garnet wrote us that Warden Commander Gerod Caron has taken over Ada's rank as the Leader of the Grey in Ferelden.

Was not sure how to take the news. I knew nothing of this Warden Commander. Morrigan seemed particularly nervous about the King's arrival. "Mother? Do you not like the King?" Her son, Kieran asked innocently when I told her the happenings.

She let out a bitter laugh, "We...don't really get along. Tis fine, we will most likely not speak. Skyhold is a massive enough fortress."

"Should I introduce myself to the King, mother?" Kieran asked.

The answer seemed very difficult for her to answer.

I didn't see the King, but from the rumors and Dorian's own intrigue, he claimed the King looked distressed, even went as far to say he appeared very heartbroken at the passing of the Warden Commander. They must have been very close.

While Josephine and Leliana were busying themselves with King Alistair, Cassandra, Varric, and Iron Bull decided to play a short game of Wicked Grace in the Courtyard. "I still don't understand how drakes take that hand." Cassandra asked.

"..hmm. Maybe we should start you on Shepherd's Six." Varric teased.

I snorted, "That's a children's game, Varric."

"I know."

Cassandra scoffed in annoyance, and we started our game. "So as a Seeker, you're the highest ranked person in the Inquisition. But you're not in charge." Varric began his conversation.

"Leliana's rank equals my own insofar as our rank means anything outside the Chantry."

"Meaning," Iron Bull began with a laugh, leaning too close to me, despite our awkward relationship, "they get shit done."

"I declared the Inquisition but I do believe Kata was best suited to command it."

"Truth be told," Varric admitted, "I'm surprised I am still here."

"You know, Varric," Iron Bull spoke up, "I read that book of yours. The Champion of Kirkwall, you know, the one about the sexy champion with the nice backside."

"You mean Garnet Hawke." I reminded, "You literally met her."

"I know. But she sounds nothing like she does in the books." He reminded me. "But you barely mention yourself in the book."

"Hm... I don't want to bore people." Varric admitted.

"You don't want to incriminate yourself, you mean." Cassandra said.

"Oh... same thing really."

"I'm watching you, Varric. Just so you know."

"Well, that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I haven't done anything."

"Not yet." I laughed behind my hand.

The dwarf laughed, making a pledge, "Varric Tethras, Paragon of Good Behavior, at your service, Seeker."

A short while later I noticed Leliana in the Gardens. She seemed stressed out about something, or sad...a mixture of emotions. "Hey, Leliana," I called out to the woman, "You okay? How is it going with the King."

"Good." She answered swiftly, "I...uh, trying to see if-"

"Sister," Varric beckoned, "if there is nothing to be done, there is nothing to be done. Here, come join us for a game. If even Cassandra could sit through this."

Cassandra scoffed and Iron Bull made a laugh. Leliana actually relaxed a bit, which I haven't seen her do in a long time. "Very well, I will join in the game." She said with a smile, drawing her cards.

DAI

The Emerald Graves were a forested region in the Dales. I was scouting with Cassandra, Varric, and Dorian this time around. Apparently the area was an ancient elven burial ground as explained by Solas. It was beautiful with greenery everywhere.

Varric couldn't appreciate the view, "Is even terrain too much to ask for?" He complained for the upteenth time today.

"Is there a problem?" Cassandra asked.

Dorian as well seemed rather bothered by the amount of walking they were having to endure, "Now you ladies may be used to gallivanting amongst the countryside, slaying dragons and serving the great people with dutiful bouts of heroism...we are city men."

Cassandra and I laughed the men before continuing the trek on our own. Varric decided to continue a conversation to distract himself from his own discomfort, "Think you'll ever go back to Nevarra, Seeker?"

"Why? Are you eager to see me go?" She teased.

"I wasn't, actually. But, now that you mentioned it…"

"How do you know I wouldn't just drag you along?"

I gushed in amusement, "You hear that Varric, it sounds like you've grown on her."

"Like fungus." She responded.

Varric continued his talent for endless chatter by attempting to play a game of 'I Spy' None of us were in the mood to entertain that. "I used to play with Daisy all the time." When nobody responded, Varric switched the conversation, "Did you really think the Conclave had a chance of making peace, Seeker?"

"You do not?"

"What was the Divine's plan? Bring everyone together and hope really hard that they would all get along?"

"Most Holy did not confide her plan to me. Perhaps she thought they were tired of death and conflict."

Dorian scoffed, "When has that ever been true?"

"Do not mock the Divine." Cassandra lectured in offense, "She did what she could, and that is more than most."

"Apologies, Cassandra. I did not mean to make offense."

"I know." She answered. It was only then it occured to me that the thought of possibly becoming the Next Divine got to Cassandra. She appeared most worried.

DAI

It was during our second game of Wicked Grace, we had defeated Corypheus, and Solas was nowhere to be seen. Leliana was to become the new Divine. To celebrate, we had a huge bash, and in turn, the Inner Circle partook in the favorite game of Wicked Grace.

Commander Cullen swore he was not going to lose his small clothes this time. Upon inquiry, I realized Torrel Lavellan has turned down the festivities. My heart pained for her. She lost so much in such a short time. Her family, the love of her life suddenly disappeared after he broke her heart. Removing the tattoos off her face.

I insisted, but she walked away with a broken heart. It became a little harder to enjoy the game.

It warmed slightly upon seeing the usually guarded Cassandra snuggled up with Lord Trevaleyn during their game. "How do you write as you do, Varric? I can never find the proper words." She asked in the midst of the game innocently.

"You. Write. Really?"

Pattick Cadash let out a booming laugh, "I think she means when she does her reports, friend." He responded, drawing a card.

"I've needed to describe events in reports. They always come off as…" She answered.

"Dry?" Varric tried.

"Boring?" I followed.

"Lifeless?" Was Blackwall's response.

"Stale?" Iron Bull's reaction.

Cassandra pouted and Lord Trevaleyn wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer, "Leave my woman along, you heathens." He teased, kissing her lovingly on the cheek.

"We were just helping her find those words." Varric said indignantly, grinning from ear to ear.

"Ugh, get a room you two." Sera gagged.

"I hear reconstruction is progressing well in Kirkwall." I said, carrying on the conversation.

Varric frowned, "Yeah, I got the letter from Merrill."

Cassandra began lecturing, "Stop playing the wounded party, Varric."

Varric laughed, "Ignoring the times she has actually wounded me."

"I did no such thing. I questioned you, and then brought you to Haven so you could tell your story to the Divine."

"What then? 'Thanks Varric! We believe you! See you around!'"

"And ignoring the fact you did lie to me. Do not pretend to be an innocent bystander - I could have done far worse, with full justification."

"Yes, thank you for not torturing me. I'm so much happier now." Despite the argument they were both laughing at the early memory from a year ago, so much having happened since then.

"Cassandra," Leliana began as she studied her hands, "I do wonder, why did you bring Varric to Haven?"

"I thought the Divine needed to see the chest hair for herself." Cassandra answered.

Varric snorted, "Come again."

The Seeker let out a short laugh before she gave a real answer, "I thought she needed to hear it from the horse's mouth, as it were. I also knew she would ask you to help us."

"She thought I could help?"

"Well...here you sit, Varric."

"Wait a minute…" Iron Bull suddenly whispered from where he was sitting next to Dorian, "You...you've been writing all this down, haven't you?"

Cassandra gasped scandalously, "Varric Tethras, you are not writing a book about the Inquisition!"

Varric waved her off indignantly, "Don't get your hopes up. You're not that interesting a subject."

"I am!" Dorian piped up, "Please feel free to write a book about me."

"And call it what? 'The Wayward Magister?'"

"I'm not a magister! Oh forget it, you'll just get it wrong." Dorian huffed as he slammed his hand, the Angel of Death revealed.

Lord Trevallyn won that game.

I looked in between the smiling faces of Cassandra and Varric and knew that all was good between them, after all we went through.