6. The Truth Shall Set You Free

The drive over was turning out to be a pleasant one and Varric couldn't help but give sidelong glances in Cassandra's direction. He felt like a million bucks with her sitting next to him.

As he eyed her profile, bathed in moving lights and long shadows, it made the scar on her left cheek appear more pronounced. He'd have to remember to ask how she got such a thing. Wondering about its story gave him the urge to run a finger over the scarred skin there, and if he was bold, more than interested in feeling the raised skin upon his lips as he trailed kisses down her jaw.

Shit. This was going to be harder than he thought. The original plan was to take things slow and find out how she wanted to proceed with… whatever they were, but he really was going to have an issue if his thoughts ran away with him like that. His fingers were already itching to touch and his mouth was parched, wanting nothing more than to quench his thirst with her. It was making it impossibly hard to be a gentleman. Speaking of hard...

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Damn, if she noticed, there was no doubt she'd be disgusted with him. The trouble was, it had been two years since the opportunity to be involved with anyone had presented itself. His excitement was just a reflection of how long it had been. That still didn't excuse the fact he was half hard with all the filthy thoughts he was thinking of. He needed to stop thinking of her, is what he really needed to do. Driving should be his first priority, not doing obscenely dirty things to Cassandra. He had to think of something else quick. Conjuring up images of hiking, silence, and the smell of the sea—anything he hated really—to keep his mind from taking a detour into the provocative before he had a real reason to.

It was working. His trousers didn't feel quite so tight now. Phew, that was a close one. Now, all he had to do was keep it that way.

"How long?" Cassandra asked him suddenly.

"How long is what, Seeker?" He glanced at her, puzzled.

"How long have you known about your feelings for me."

"Ah. Well, that would depend on what feelings you mean. If you meant not despising you, well-"

"Varric." His name came out from her lips like a warning.

"Alright, alright. I'll cut the crap. Um… I guess it was when that guy mistakenly called into my show instead of yours?" he paused, shrugging and letting out a long sigh, "I don't know. This shit is not really my thing. Discussing my feelings, I mean. When did you… you know, realize you had feelings for me?"

"I had always thought of you as a companion of sorts, honestly. I found the way you never shied away from my outspoken nature, refreshing; you took my brashness in stride and not once did you falter when I came at you with barbed words. Your wit matched my bluntness, often besting me. I must confess, I have always looked forward to when you call into my show. But it wasn't until the day you speak of, that I began to realize there was more to our banter. I began to wonder if you were interested in the same qualities you mentioned the caller's wife having, but brushed it off initially. The idea was still there, however, lying in wait. Then we met face to face, and I-" she floundered a bit, trying to find the words, "...I realized I considered you handsome. That's when I recognized my growing feelings for you."

"Wow, you sure know how to flatter a guy, Seeker." he smirked, "I can already feel the butterflies starting from that poetic declaration you just gave me."

She rolled her eyes at him, fondly. "You know full well, I don't have the knack that you do."

Varric laughed. "Oh, I don't know," his voice was laden with amusement, "with a little help from yours truly," he pointed at himself, "you could become quite the wordsmith. Maybe even write your own trashy romance novel!"

"I see you haven't filled your quota for bullshit today." A rare chuckle bubbled up from her and Varric felt his heart flip flop in time with the sound of it.

"Hey, I may have let a little bullshit slip out, but it's only to even out all the honesty that I've allowed through," he conceded.

Cassandra nodded, thoughtfully. "I suppose you have been unusually honest today. I guess I can live with a little bullshit from you... as long as you make it up to me later."

Varric shot her a look, not entirely sure if she meant the innuendo that hid underneath her words. Andraste's tits, if she was implying what he thought she was implying… he felt a scorching heat shoot down to his groin and settle there as he saw the truth of it laid bare before him. A rosy hue rested on her cheeks and she had locked eyes with him. She had meant it.

Fuck. And he'd been doing so well at being respectful too. So much for that plan.

"Well, that all depends." he drawled confidently.

A hint of amused intrigue swept over her face."Oh?"

"How much of a gentleman you want me to be?" he said, letting a roguish smile creep up and settle on his lips as he raked his eyes over her. Cassandra's breath caught softly as he watched and a splash of colour painted itself over the blades of her sharp cheekbones again. Maker's breath. He loved doing that so much. The rosy hue popped against her olive skin like the topping on a fancy Orlesian dessert; she looked good enough to eat. Dammit. His erection was never going to go away now, was it?

He had to use all his willpower to pull his eyes away and focus on finding a parking spot a few blocks from their destination. Fingers gripped the steering wheel much harder than necessary and the leather creaked under the strain. Focus! You need to get there in one piece if you want to prove your point, and that won't happen if you keep staring at her.

His heartbeat thundered in his chest as he pulled against the curb. Putting the car in park, he turned off the engine and pulled the keys out of the ignition. Ancestors, how in the void was he going to get out of the car. He felt like a fucking teenager again. Nothing like a hard-on to make you look like a perv. Right, more mundane thoughts. Caves. Nugs. The dark. Taverns that were too tidy. Rain. Anything to will his erection away before he got out of the damned car.

"Is there something wrong?" She asked, worried.

He gave hurried smile, trying to hide the panic that reared itself. "Uh...no. Nothing is wrong," He thought fast, pulling an excuse from his memory bank—the fib hot on his tongue, "I'm just… uh… thinking over my speech if I win most popular radio personality. You know how it is; gotta make sure to thank the right people and all."

He shifted in his seat and was about to open the door when Cassandra placed a hand on his arm, stopping him. "If it's any consolation, I'm positive you'll win and there is no doubt in my mind, your speech will be fantastic. I can't wait to hear it."

Varric let a rare, honest smile grace his lips as he placed his hand on top of hers. "Thanks, Seeker."

"You're welcome, Varric."

They locked eyes again and smiled tenderly at each other, eyes crinkling and cheeks aglow at the intimacy it alluded to.

Cassandra moved first; the moment was gone, disappearing as fast as it had come. Giving his arm a quick squeeze she slipped her hand from underneath his and made to exit the car. Varric stepped out and made his way to her on the sidewalk. "We've got a bit of a walk ahead of us, I'm afraid. Hope you've planned ahead and put on sensible shoes."

Cassandra smirked. "Of course I have," pulling back the hem of her dress to expose a low heeled sandal, allowing a bit of her toned calf to peek through the zippered slit. "you didn't think I would be absurd as to wear a pair of ridiculous high heels, did you?" She looked down on him and suppressed a snicker. "especially when tower over you to begin with."

Varric gasped dramatically, placing a hand on his chest. "Did you just call me short, Seeker? I'm offended!" He feigned being put-out.

She laughed. "You have nothing to worry about, Varric. What you lack in height, you make it up in personality. And to be honest, I wouldn't change a thing. I like you just the way you are."

Their arms brushed as they walked side by side, and soon Varric found Cassandra's slender fingers slipping through his own. His heart lept behind his ribs and he couldn't help but puff his chest out in pride. This stunning woman walking beside him—Cassandra—was holding his hand.

"Seeker?" He asked.

She turned to look at him. "yes?"

"I just want to let you know before we get to the venue, that you're absolutely gorgeous in that dress. A vision. And that I am deeply privileged to have you on my arm, tonight." He gave her hand a squeeze.

"The honor is all mine." She murmured back, leaning in and dropping a kiss on his temple. His skin burned where her lips had touched him. He was left wanting more. Slipping his hand from hers, he moved it until it touched the small of her back. Then, he let his fingers drift round, feeling the sway of her lithe body under his hand as he cupped her hip in his palm. She smiled down at him and slid her hand around his shoulders, fingers playing against the fabric of his tux. So many things were flying through his mind now and the urge to find a secluded spot was like a hot poker scorching his mind.

Fuck.

It would have to wait. Even though he would love nothing more than to ravish her in some secluded corner, he couldn't do that. Not yet anyway. He needed to take things slow, so that his mind could catch up to his heart and his body. This wasn't a race, after all. Yes, he wanted her. Who wouldn't? But he wanted to assure himself that it would end up more than a dalliance. He couldn't bear another heartbreak so soon after he took the leap into another relationship, especially if it was because he pushed Cassandra into moving too fast.

They reached the venue in good time, and as they neared the steps, their arms slipped from each other to pull the invitations from their respective hiding places. Showing their invitations to the man at the door, they slipped inside, hands finding one another again as they crossed over the threshold.

The place was already buzzing with activity, and people were mingling around the foyer of the venue. Glasses in hand, they were gathered in small clusters; their nattering mixed with the din of the reception music, creating a moderate stridency that made it hard for Varric to hear.

"What did you say, Seeker?" He asked, cocking an ear in her direction.

She bent closer to him. "I said, let's find our table and get settled."

He nodded and allowed her to lead them to a long table where the seating plan was placed, hands locking together again.

She pointed to a table. "Ah, there. And it appears we are sitting together. Good. I would hate to make eyes at you from across the room and catch some poor fool's attention instead."

A laugh escaped him, warm and rumbling within his chest. "Wouldn't that be a sight! Some unfortunate soul striding up to you, ready to start with some Maker awful pick up line, only to have you glare at them and in no delicate terms explain you are already taken," Varric smirked. "I would definitely pay good coin to see the look on their face, especially when I walk over and put my arm around you, like so." He removed his hand from hers and slipped it around her waist.

Cassandra rolled her eyes and sighed in irritation, but Varric could tell her heart wasn't into it as the corners of her lips were still turned up at the edges. "Why must you be so prosaic. Couldn't you use your imagination and come up with something original, instead of some ridiculous display of vitality to show off that you and I are together? Or are you afraid I will dump you if something better comes along?"

"Well, can you blame me? Any guy would be lucky to have you, but I was the one who you decided on. I mean, would it be so bad if you allowed me, just this once, an opportunity to gloat. It's not everyday a woman of your caliber agrees to cross paths with a dwarf like me."

Her features softened and a hand came to rest along the line of his jaw. "Do not sell yourself short, Varric. You've got many fine qualities that any woman would find attractive."

He laughed at the unintended pun. "Short eh? It's kind of hard, as I'm only 5 feet tall. That's a tall order live up to, Seeker."

"That's not what I meant, and you know it." She chuckled and gave a mild push to his shoulder, his hand slipping from her hip to splay across her lower back with the playful shove.

"You don't say?" A bout of gravelly laughter escaped him at the fabricated glare she gave him, "It's just hard to believe that since you were the one who said—and I quote—especially since I tower over you to begin with."

A groan escaped her then, her eyes narrowing into a pointed stare. "Now you're pushing your luck."

"Okay, I'll stop, even though I love how riled up you get. It's adorable," he raised his free hand in surrender, watching as her cheeks flush with his compliment.

Pushing any more probably wasn't a good thing, so he opted to play it safe. "'C'mon, let's find that table of ours, shall we?" tugging her gently toward their table, he stopped on the way to pick up two flutes of champagne and hand one over to her. As they settled into their seats, they noticed a steady stream of attendees making their way to their own tables. Taking the chance before more people were in earshot he took her hand and smiled. "You know, I'm kind of sad that the awards ceremony is going to start soon. It means I'll have to pry my eyes from you and actually pay attention."

Cassandra shot him a furtive glance and leaned in close. Her voice ghosted over his ear, a mere whisper that held both anticipation and a promise like a gift. "That makes two of us then."

If they had been anywhere else, there was no doubt in his mind that he would have given her a searing kiss right then and there. But, just as he was going to take the chance and capture her lips with his own, an intrigued voice broke the spell that had been cast over them.

"Well, would you look at that! Well done, you sly dog!" Hawke clapped a hand on Varric's shoulder and his declaration dropped between them like a brick. Retreating to a respectable distance, they looked up and frowned in his direction.

"Tactful, as always Hawke." Varric grimaced.

"That's what I'm here for!" Hawke grinned at them like the cat who caught the canary.

Cassandra looked around Hawke expectantly. "Where's Isabela? I am surprised she isn't with you."

"Did someone mention my name?" Isabela came slinking over, dripping with jewels and draped in a silk dress that left nothing to the imagination, a willowy elvhen woman trailing shyly behind her.

"Ah, there you are, and I see you've brought Merrill along with you." Hawke grinned at the two women, grabbing Merrill's hand and kissing it before slinking an arm around Isabella.

Merrill's emerald coloured eyes, round and resplendent caught Varric's and she bounced excitedly. "Varric!"

Varric stood, arms open and a smile as bright as the sun on his face. "Daisy! I'm glad you made it here in one piece. Traffic wasn't too much trouble for you, was it?"

"Not really. The bus was on time, but dressed in all this finery got me a lot of strange looks. One man even came up to me and told me that I looked really nice in my dress, but he'd much prefer me out of it."

Varric's mouth dropped open and glared at Hawke and Isabela, who both just shrugged. "What in the void were you thinking, taking the bus on a night like this?! Especially since you have to pass through the bad part of town. Why didn't you ask for a ride from Hawke and Rivani, considering you live with them."

Merrill looked back at Varric sheepishly, "I forgot. I know, it was silly of me. But I'm here and in one piece, see? I promise I can take care of myself. No need to worry Varric."

"Do you still have the stuff I gave you?" He asked in a lowered tone.

"What? Oh! You mean this?" Merrill pulled out a canister of pepper spray from her dainty clutch that matched her flowing forest green chiffon dress.

Varric gasped and grabbed for it, shoving it back from where it came from, hurriedly. "Good. Just checking."

Merrill tilted her head, confused. "Why did you look like I'd scared the pants off you when I showed you the pepper spray, Varric?"

He shushed her then, looking around suspiciously to see if anyone overheard. "'Cause it's not exactly legal in Ferelden, Daisy."

Merrill's eyes lit up with understanding. "Oh, I see. Alright, I promise to not shout it out again. And thank you. For looking after me, I mean. It's much appreciated."

A smile pulled at his lips. "Anytime," he said, and then looked in Cassandra's direction. "By the way, I'd like you to meet someone, Daisy. This is Cassandra Pentaghast, The Seeker of Truth."

~TtS~

Cassandra was gobsmacked. She knew behind the rugged good looks and the bullshit he was an honourable man, but to see him care so openly about his friend like that sent a shock wave through her heart, decimating any left over preconceived notions about his character. Regardless if the pepper spray had been acquired illegally, the fact that he'd put his own self at risk to keep Merrill safe sang with unseen virtue and gave her a glimpse of the true noble nature he possessed.

She realized then that the facade he posed to the world—the confident, smooth talking, smug man—was used like a shield to protect himself from getting hurt. In that instance of worry for Merrill, she saw the real Varric shine through—the caring, protective and sincere person who quite possibly possessed the biggest heart she had ever seen. And if she had the disposition for it, there was no doubt she have swooned.

Varric's gravelly voice brought her back from the depths of her mind and she realized she'd been introduced.

"It's nice to meet you, Merrill."

Merrill's face brightened. "So you're the Seeker Varric has been telling us all about—you're certainly as beautiful as he described."

A beauty. She couldn't help but chuckle at that. It wasn't as if she discounted herself as beautiful, no, but she had thought of herself attractive in an unconventional sense. To have another, less obvious person compliment her like that was surprising, but not unwelcome. Truthfully, she wasn't the only one who had good looks though. Merrill's tanned skin, soft mossy eyes and raven black hair were certainly alluring in their own right.

"Thank you. Varric has told me much of you, as well. Is it true that you've studied the science of botany and have quite an extensive repertoire in Herbalism as well?"

Before Merrill could answer however, the lights dimmed and heavy music began to play, accompanied by the logo for the Ferelden Broadcasting Committee on the giant screen that backdropped the stage.

Taking their seats, the emcee's voice trumpeted out through the surrounding speakers. "Welcome to Skyhold's 7th Annual Radio Awards Ceremony! Tonight, we are celebrating the achievements and excellence of our very talented broadcasters and stations across this lovely city of ours. Without their tireless effort, we wouldn't have such a thriving broadcasting industry for the masses to tune in to. So, without further ado, here is your host, Maryden Halewell!

The esteemed singer glided up to the podium, her stunning dress flowing out around her small frame as a sea of people clapped at her eloquent entrance. When the applause died down, her melodic voice started in on an opening speech, but Cassandra soon found herself tuning out for most of it. All this pomp and circumstance just to show off you were good at what you did made her cringe inside. She didn't particularly like to flaunt her talents regardless if she had a knack for them or not. It was what she did with that talent which was important. helping people and offering solutions to problems were what she used as her guide. Not some silly award or recognition given by a biased committee.

More cheering and applause caught her attention—Maryden had finally finished her speech. It was time for the ceremony to begin in earnest.

The first half of the ceremony was filled with awards going to the stations themselves and those who ran them. Personally, Cassandra was much more interested in the hand that snuck underneath the table to rest upon her knee. The pad of Varric's thumb was rubbing the slice of leg that lay bare between her zippered slit absentmindedly, eyes appearing focused on the stage in front of them but she knew it was a ruse. He was watching her from the corner of his eye, searching for approval of the contact he'd initiated. Giving the slightest of smiles, she reached underneath the table and placed her hand on top of his, giving it a small squeeze of acceptance. She all but imagined a sharp intake of breath from him, his fingers tightening around her leg marginally. Thankfully, the rest of the table was oblivious. She was glad for it; the hidden interaction going unnoticed meant she didn't have to worry about explaining away the blush that flared to life upon her cheeks.

After the various stations had been given their awards, and all of the winner's had spoken their acceptance speeches, the emcee announced the intermission. It couldn't have come fast enough in Cassandra's eyes, and when it did, she breathed a sigh of relief. Regardless of the favourable distraction Varric provided, her stomach was now growling enthusiastically and the thought of food made her mouth water. Finally the plates were placed in front of them and she had to restrain herself so she wouldn't eat it too quickly.

After the meal was finished and her stomach was no longer demanding to be fed, Cassandra escaped the confines of the venue to peruse a quieter spot before she was to present alongside the man who had captured her heart. Slipping out onto a deserted balcony overlooking the hotel's gardens, she leaned on the railing and took a deep breath of fresh air. Her mind drifted like waves on the sea, one after another gently crashing into her consciousness. Thoughts of love swelled as she pondered over the strange turn of events regarding Varric and the revelation that he wasn't as morally rough as she thought him to be. In fact, if Anthony were still alive, he would have gotten along very well with Varric. Both had the charm and the wit to make anyone like them. The familiar feeling of pinpricks against her eyelids told of tears threatening to fall and she delicately wiped at the corners of her eyes.

"There you are! I thought you'd got lost looking for the ladies room." Varric joked as he strode up next to her, hands in pockets and laid back smile on his face. It looked good on him to see him so relaxed and she couldn't help but return a watery smile. His features morphed into that of concern upon seeing her, hands sliding out of their resting place to put his hand on her arms. "Hey, what's wrong?" He rubbed the skin of her arms in a soothing fashion while she tried to choke back a sob. "Come 'ere." He encouraged, pulling her into a hug, his broad arms wrapping around her waist.

Cassandra's voice wavered as he held her. "I- I was just thinking of Anthony. He was killed this time last year while on duty. He went undercover to suss out where the shipments of Dragon's Blood were coming from. Another drug ring showed up and he ended up being fatally wounded."

"So that's why you weren't in attendance at the last one then. I'm so sorry." Varric recalled, as he rubbed large circles on her back.

Cassandra nodded. "I couldn't. At least not in the state I was in," she paused for a moment, thinking. "He would have liked you, you know. You have the same sense of wry humour."

Varric smiled up at her, moving his hands from the plains of her back to wipe away the tears with the pads of his thumbs. "Well now, I'd say that's the best compliment I've ever gotten from you Cassandra. I am deeply touched."

Cassandra's breath hitched at the annunciation of her name. Varric only used the nickname he gave her in her presence. Hearing her given name leaving his lips, in that gruff voice of his changed the sentimentality she felt to sensuality. His proximity was so very close, hands on either sides of her moist cheeks, eyes shining bright in the light of the moon. It wouldn't take much for her to kiss him. Not much at all.

Before the opportunity was lost, she leaned in and slanted her lips over his. A startled noise came from him, but he quickly recovered and melted into the kiss. His hands found their way back around her waist, pulling her close and she felt his tongue dart out to lick the lip which was enclosed between his. A moan escaped her then, and she granted him further access; opening her mouth to him like a blooming flower touched by the suns rays.

She'd never kissed with such passion before, not even with Regalyan. Sparks skipped across her flesh as their mouths clashed in a wicked dance; hands grasped at fabric in a fierce rush, desperate to touch each other. Cassandra's soft moans were swallowed up by Varric's hungry lips as he pushed her back into a nearby chair.

"Much better," he groaned between kisses as she dropped down into the seat. A rich chuckle flowed out on her flushed skin as she gasped at the sudden change of height; he was now half a head taller than her. Taking advantage of the situation, he dragged his lips over to where the column of her neck met her jawline and graced her skin with a trail of soft kisses, occasionally flicking his tongue over her skin.

"Cassandra," came her name, muffled against her throat. "do you have any idea how amazing you are?"

Another moan is all she could manage, as he raked his teeth over her pulse point, hot breath setting her skin on fire. She felt his hands grip her knees, fingers slipping up her thighs just enough to cloud propriety and she drew a shaky breath against his the shell of his ear.

"W- we should be wary of the time. They'll be calling us back soon." She managed to get out, the words barely above a breathy whisper, her Nevarran brogue thickening.

Varric stuttered to a halt, barely a breath away from the bronze skin of her shoulder. "What a shame, I was just getting started. I suppose you're right though. Wouldn't want them to happen upon something improper, now would we?" He left a lingering kiss upon her shoulder before making his way back to standing.

Cassandra gazed up at him, taking in his slightly disheveled appearance and trying to clarify her meaning. "That is—if it were up to me, I would have no qualms with continuing what we started, but people would start to wonder what was going on if we didn't show up to present the award, I'm afraid. Perhaps a rain check could be arranged—at a later date?" A coquettish smile found its way on her lips.

Varric flashed an impish grin. "And here I thought we'd have to take things slow. My, my Cassandra, I can't believe you proved me wrong—never would I have pegged you to be anything but puritanical." He chuckled then, out of shock more than anything. "Don't get me wrong though, I'm not disappointed at this little bombshell. Not in the slightest. In fact, I'd be more than happy to oblige."

He stepped back and held a hand out to her, fingers wiggling. "Well, I suppose we should make our way back." He said with a sigh, with just a touch of wistfulness breaking through.

Cassandra nodded at him and stood, taking his offered hand. "yes, I suppose we should—not that I wouldn't much rather stay here, with you. I'm quickly finding I do not enjoy spectacles like this. I now realize how ostentatious it is, full of pomposity and prejudice."

"Come on Seeker, it's not that bad." Varric urged, "How else are you supposed to tell if you're any good?"

That's easy, you don't—at least not from getting an award, that is."

"Well all mighty advice show host, how else?" Varric smirked up at her, swinging their locked hands between them as they walked toward the entrance of the ceremony.

A disgruntled noise made it's way up her throat, and she rolled her eyes at him. "You shouldn't base your worth as a radio host solely on an award you've won. In my case, it comes from the help I provide my listeners—any success I've achieved I owe it all to them. They are the ones who keep me on the air after all, and not some trophy that sits idly on my mantlepiece." Cassandra looked at him sincerely for a moment before she flashed a playful smile. "It also helps that a certain dwarf calls in on occasion, and stirs the pot."

He looked up at her, like a saintly paragon. "Me stirring the pot? You've got the wrong guy, Seeker! I'm as upstanding as they come—I wouldn't dream of lowering myself by antagonizing anyone. You of all people should know that," he said with a wink.

A laugh bubbled up from her and she shoved him playfully in the arm. "The void you do, you insufferable dwarf! I know you revel in it."

"Truthfully, the only thing I want to revel in right now, is you." He smirked up at her and gave a wink as they re-entered the ballroom.

Cassandra gaped in his direction as he tugged her toward their table. The audacity of his remark had totally caught off guard, but by the time she'd figured out something to say as a rebuttal, they were being asked to meet backstage in order to present the award. There was no denying it. She couldn't help feel a zing of arousal go coursing through her, regardless of how stunned she might have been. The thought thrilled and terrified her all in the same breath. It had been so long since she had someone's affections like that, at least enough to have them openly declare they wanted her.

She sincerely hoped that he'd refrain from making any more comments like that. Well, at least until they were finished presenting. If he threw her off in the middle of the speech with another double entendre like that, she wouldn't know what to do to recover from such an embarrassment. Of course she'd planned ahead and made some cue cards, of course—in order to keep them both on track—but they'd be for naught if Varric decided to astonish her again.

The emcee's voice blasted through her mind, scattering her thoughts like leaves in the wind. "And now, we begin the second part of our ceremony with the award for Best Newcomer! Here to present are two people who've taken the radio scene by storm! Please welcome Varric Tethras and Cassandra Pentaghast!

Cheers and whistles met Cassandra and Varric as they walked on stage, the blaring lights all but obscuring the sea of people before them.

They sauntered up to the podium, and a problem suddenly made itself known. Varric's head was barely noticeable above the lectern. Seeing the dilemma, a person from the stage crew came out and quickly passed a stool into his awaiting hands as a roar of laughter rose up and settled over them. Varric flashed a winning smile to the audience and shrugged his shoulders. "Hey, what can I say? Life is short, and so am I." Another peal of laughter rose up from the audience while Varric stepped up, his head and shoulders now properly clearing the podium.

Cassandra laid out the cue cards upon the lectern, fingers moving them about until they were in the right order as soon as the laughter had died down. Taking a steadying breath, she jumped right in. "It takes a lot to be noticed when you're new in this line of business. You need to be cutting edge, with something that sets you apart from the other people on the radio."

Varric grinned. "And, of course, writing a few novels on the side doesn't seem to hurt either…" a short rumble of laughter rolled out at his comment. "but, whatever a budding radio host uses to gain listeners, it's got to grab attention and hold it. And this young woman has certainly done that and more. The winner for this year's best newcomer goes to the Red Jenny herself, Sera!"

A young blonde elvhen woman rose from her seat, and made her way to the stage a gigantic grin spread across her face.

"Thanks Weirdy," She said, grabbing the mic straight out of Varric's hand. "So, instead of trying to write some shite down, I'm just going to wing it, yeah? This..." Sera held the award above her head, "Is dedicated to the people. I mean the little people—not those tossers who think cause they got a bit of money they can push others around. Rich tits always try for more than they deserve. Although, if it wasn't for those upper class piss-bags, I'd be out of a job I suppose. Who else would I play all those pranks on." A cheeky giggle escaped her then. "The point is, my show is for the little people so they can have a voice and knock a few higher ups down. That's why I do it. For them, I mean. So, thanks for allowing me to have a go at some stupid ass-biscuit nobs so that the little people can feel vindicated. Cause that's what it's all about, really. So thanks for that. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna finish off my night by getting shit-faced." Sera held the award up in the air again, and sauntered back to her seat, as the audience clapped politely at her ridiculous speech.

Cassandra was a little stunned at Sera's vulgar thank-you speech. And by the looks of things, so was Varric. His brows arched and a knot appeared between them as he left the stage, Cassandra right behind him.

"Well that was interesting. I'd never expect buttercup to win best newcomer, only on the premise that the higher up's would want to knock her down a peg. I mean, don't get me wrong. Her show is a damn fine one, but I could see the broadcasting company not being too happy about all that badmouthing shit. Luckily enough, it's not up to them," he smirked.

"Truthfully, it is the first time I've heard of her show." Cassandra admitted.

Varric chuckled. "That doesn't surprise me, Seeker. Vulgarity isn't your style."

"And how do you know? Perhaps I just hide it extremely well." A brow quirked in his direction.

"Alright then, I bet you 5 royals that you can't say a curse word without blushing," he said, smugly.

"I don't do bets, Varric." Cassandra said as they moved toward their table.

Varric feigned understanding. "It's alright, Seeker. I understand. I get it. You think you'll lose the bet, so in order to save your dignity, you're declining."

Cassandra huffed. "That's not it at all! I just don't want to curse with all these people in attendance."

"Sure, sure. Whatever you say. It won't change the fact you're still a blusher… unless you prove it otherwise, of course."

Cassandra made a disgusted noise that boiled up the back of her throat. "That's udder bullshit, and you know it!"

Varric guffawed loudly, much to the dismay of the other attendees, and got more than a few shushes in return.

Suddenly the spotlight was on Cassandra, and they were calling her up onto the stage. How was that possible. If she was supposed to win an award, shouldn't she have been notified first?! Her face contorted into a confused visage, which only made Varric laugh louder. Giving him a swat to the arm as she passed his shaking form, she walked woodenly back up to the podium, quietly asking Leliana on the way what the award was for.

"Don't be absurd, didn't you know that you were nominated for most influential show?"

"No, I did not!" She snipped back, wondering how in the fade she was going to come up with an acceptance speech on the fly. She just didn't do things like that. If she'd been given some warning, perhaps she could figure something out with the help of Varric, but not like this.

Walking up on stage, she took the award and mic from the presenter's hands and stood by the podium, searching the sea of people for Varric. If she centred herself on him, perhaps she could get through this with little damage.

"This is an honor, and quite a surprise, truth be told. I had no idea I would win the award for most influential show. They must have forgotten to inform me."

The audience was silent as she paused, except for the odd cough that filtered through. Finally, she locked eyes on

Varric and he smiled encouragingly up at her. "Surprise or not, I would like to dedicate this award to my listeners and those people who helped me reach this tremendous feat. Without you, "she stared intently in his direction now, willing him to understand his part in her win, "my show wouldn't be where it is today. You have my unconditional gratitude and I hope my show continues to be as inspiring and meaningful as you have made it out to be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

~TtS~

Bianca watched the towering beauty of a woman made her back to her seat after winning most influential show, and eyed her ex-lover's hand wrap around her shoulders in an embrace. So, it looked as if Varric had finally moved on. Huh.

Truthfully, she wasn't entirely sure what to expect this year, with him finally cutting the ties they'd worked so hard to keep. In years previous, they'd steal away to a dark corner for a while, or he'd rent a room and they would spend what precious time they could afford on lovemaking. And when they were through, their secret kept safe, they'd go on as if nothing had happened to save face. It wasn't the ideal situation, but it worked. That was, until it didn't anymore.

Ultimately, if she had the choice—perhaps choice wasn't the right word. She didn't have a choice, really. If she had the freedom she often dreamed about, she would have picked Varric, hands down. But life wasn't fair and she had to think of the responsibly to her family, one that weighed down on her shoulders so heavily that it seemed impossible to get rid of. She was stuck. Stuck in a marriage that had little love to speak of. Stuck with a family that was so void bent on tradition, they practically forced her to marry a 'more orthodox' choice of a dwarf. And worst of all, she felt stuck with the fear of loosing everything she herself had worked so hard for. Her hands had been tied—were still tied.

But that didn't mean she couldn't try and persuade him though. One thing she prized herself on, was her stubborn determination. Once he saw how much she missed him, and how much fun they used to have together, he'd come back. He always did. And this woman—this Cassandra, whoever she was—wouldn't be able to do anything about it.