"Lady Vivienne? Could I have a moment of your time, please?" Izzy awkwardly cleared her throat.

Vivienne looked up from the perfectly manicured fingernail she'd been inspecting, but she took her time responding, giving Izzy a long appraising look that made her instantly question her approach. Had she sounded too formal? Not formal enough? Should she have used a different title? But which one? Shit. Hugh would know.

"Of course, my dear." Vivienne seemed to have made up her mind that a gracious response was in order. "What can I do for you?"

"It's about Chateau d'Onterre." Izzy had spent a long time wondering whether she should approach Vivienne about the topic. "I have a few questions, and Varric said to ask you about it, because you were with Hugh at the time."

"And so I was." Vivienne's full lips had set into a thin line. "Such an unfortunate affair. What is it you wish to know, exactly?"

"Just…" Izzy paused, trying to find the right words. Why Hugh is still having nightmares about it. Why he refuses to talk about it. Why he looks so terribly sad, whenever the name is mentioned. No, none of that would do. "I'd just like to know what exactly happened there. It must have been… upsetting."

"Ah." Vivienne shook her head. "There isn't much to say, really. When we arrived at the castle, all its inhabitants were dead or missing, except for the one who had caused it all. A young mage, whose parents had refused to do the sensible thing and take her to a Circle. Instead, they'd kept her hidden, because they were too proud to admit her existence. She ended up possessed by a demon, of course, killing her entire family and all their servants."

"I see." Izzy felt physically sick. It was all too easy to fill in the blanks in Vivienne's cold, clinical description. Her parents kept her hidden. A young girl, locked up in a remote castle, because her own parents were ashamed of her, of what she was. A sad, lonely child - easy prey for a demon. "What did you do?"

"Well, we had to put the abomination down, of course. The Inquisitor struck the killing blow himself." Vivienne sighed. "There was nothing else to be done, believe me. A classic example of what happens when magic's dangers are ignored."

Oh Maker! So that was why Hugh didn't want to talk about it. Izzy couldn't blame him. "The poor girl," was all she said aloud.

"Oh, please." Vivienne's tone had grown considerably colder. "She wasn't a girl, not any more. She was a full-blown arcane horror, too far gone for pity or mercy. Hugh understood that." She sniffed contemptuously. "Of course, I can see how you might see things differently, Champion. From what Varric said, you were friends with the apostate who destroyed Kirkwall's chantry?"

"I was, yes. But he's gone now, as you're doubtlessly aware." Izzy's throat felt tight. Talking about Anders still hurt.

"Indeed I am." Vivienne was relentless, though. "Well, as an apostate yourself, you can hardly be expected to understand my point of view. Or the Inquisitor's."

"Hugh and I understand each other perfectly fine, thank you." Izzy's grief was rapidly being replaced by anger. "But, I take it you don't approve of our relationship?"

"It doesn't particularly worry me, darling." Vivienne shrugged gracefully. "The way I see it, it will run its course soon enough, once the novelty wears off, and you get bored with our dear Hugh. I can't see a girl like you settling for a respectable man like him. Or vice versa."

Izzy opened her mouth to reply, but before she could sort out what to say, Vivienne had already sailed out of the room, leaving Izzy staring at her ramrod-straight back. She wasn't even sure whether she wanted to cry or to scream in anger.

"Bitch!" she muttered under her breath, drawing a surprised breath when she heard a low chuckle behind her. Swivelling around, she found Dorian, rising from an armchair at the other end of the room, whose high back had hidden him from view.

"Ah, our lovely Madame de Fer. Always going straight for the jugular." He was smiling, looking perfectly at ease, and not at all put out at being caught listening. But when he noticed how shaken Izzy looked, his expression changed to one of tender concern. "Dearest Izzy." Before she knew it, he was at her side, putting an arm around her shoulder. "Don't let the old bat get to you. Vivienne's an accomplished mistress of the Game, never forget that. She will do anything to strike a winning blow. It's not even personal. Besides, she doesn't have a clue about you and Hugh."

"I don't know." Dorian's unexpected gentleness effectively destroyed the last bit of her composure, and Izzy had to bite back a sob. "She does have a point, Dorian. Hugh and I… We're so different. I don't think I'll ever see the world like he does."

"Well, who says you have to?" Dorian's voice had taken on a warm, soothing timbre, and his face was serious, completely unlike the suave mask he usually wore. "You're not like Hugh, it's true. And that's why he loves you. You are everything he is not, the other side to his coin. He needs you and you need him." He breathed a chaste kiss on her forehead. "You are different and you complement each other, and that's not a bad thing. Trust me. I should know."

Following his glance downward, she saw that his free hand had closed firmly around the necklace he was wearing. Half a dragon's tooth. Izzy knew that Bull had the other half. Yes. He knows. Few couples could be more unlikely than the cultivated young mage from Tevinter and the loud, brutish Qunari. And yet, there was no doubting the sincerity of their bond.

"Thank you, Dorian." Izzy swallowed. "You're a great friend."

"Any time, Izzy." He was already back to his normal, glib tone. "And now, let's head for the tavern. You still owe me a glass of wine, I believe."

Corypheus' dragon raised his head one more time, expelling a hot, laboured breath, and then it was over. No. Not over. The worst is yet to come. Hugh looked around to see who was still standing. Bull, Dorian, Varric. And Izzy, leaning against a pillar, with an expression of grim satisfaction on her face. Cassandra was down, her face a mask of pain as she gripped her thigh with both hands, and Vivienne was kneeling by her side, frantically casting healing spells.

"Come on." He gestured at his remaining companions. "Let's finish this."

Corypheus himself was waiting for them at the top of the ruined temple, surrounded by an aura of red lyrium and evil magic. It hurt to even look at him, but Hugh didn't flinch. He hadn't come this far only to give in at the final hour. They were all worn out by their struggle against the beast, and if it hadn't been for Morrigan's timely intervention in dragon shape earlier on, they wouldn't even have made it this far. But now here they were, with victory over Corypheus at their fingertips, and all they could do was attack, one more time.

They threw themselves into the fight with all they had, but Corypheus gave as good as he got. It wasn't a glorious battle. It was a dogged, desperate struggle that seemed to last for hours. Bull was bleeding from several wounds, and Varric's face was grey with exhaustion as he kept dodging magical attacks.

"Inquisitor. Are you okay?" Dorian had appeared from nowhere, right next to him. "You look-"

Another flash of red lightning cut him off mid-sentence, but Hugh could easily guess what he'd been about to say. He knew his own mana reserves were nearly finished. He probably looked like he'd been dragged through the Void. Of course, Dorian had no room to talk. There were blue shadows under his eyes and he looked disheveled, his hair and clothes a mess, a far cry from his customary serene and unruffled appearance.

"Come on, boss. We can do it." Bull sounded positively exhilarated, despite his many injuries. "Look at the bastard."

Corypheus had dropped to his knees right before them, his face frozen in a rictus of pain and rage. Hugh held his breath. Don't underestimate him now. The darkspawn magister's ugly claws were raised in an obscene parody of prayer, and was he calling on Dumat? Was he a true believer in the Old Gods then? Either way, there was the orb, suspended between his fingers, glowing red with the power of corrupted lyrium, and suddenly Hugh knew what he had to do.

The Anchor lit up, of its own accord, and all he had to do was raise his hand and focus his power on pulling the orb towards himself. The thing twitched in Corypheus' grasp and turned green, green like the Anchor. Corypheus roared in fury and Hugh felt the answering pull of his strength. Now. This is it. The big moment. He had to prevail, no matter what it cost him.

Hugh clenched his teeth, gathering all his power. But he was so exhausted, and his mana was rapidly draining away, and he was beginning to see bright, coloured spots in front of his eyes. Just a few more moments… The orb was drifting towards him, but then it suddenly froze in place and Corypheus laughed, an ugly, triumphant laugh, as it began to drift back toward the magister. Corypheus was too strong, too powerful, and Hugh couldn't keep it up any more, he just couldn't-

"Hugh! Look at me!" Izzy's voice, from somewhere to his left.

It took all his strength to turn his head, but there she was, smiling at him, raising her staff, and suddenly he felt it, a surge of magical energy, all through his body, every cell buzzing with renewed strength. It was her mana, her power, he could taste it, sweet and hot, and the sudden rush of power went straight to his groin. Behind him, Dorian cried out in surprise, but Hugh hardly heard him.

And now it was Hugh who was laughing, Hugh who screamed out his triumph as Corypheus dropped to the ground with a cry of pain and the orb slipped into his palm, cool and smooth. Without quite knowing why, Hugh raised his arm and threw it, sent it spinning through the air toward the bleeding gash of the Breach in the sky. There was a flash, a roar of thunder, and the Breach was gone.

Hugh was panting hard, his face flushed, and his body tingling all over. The Anchor was still pulsing with power, and without a moment's hesitation, he raised his hand again. "You wanted into the Fade? Then go." One blast from his palm at Corypheus' prone figure, and the magister was no more. Gone, forever this time.

With a groan, Hugh dropped his arm, suddenly weary beyond words. But there was no time to rest, because already the ground was crumbling under their feet. Izzy was at his side, looking pale but happy, and they were running, racing toward safety.

We did it. He's gone. Corypheus is well and truly gone. And there was no way Hugh could have done any of it without Izzy's help.

It felt strangely unreal, to walk through the Great Hall at Skyhold and have everyone bow to her, Izzy Hawke, murmuring her name in hushed, reverential tones. No mention of Kirkwall, or the title of Champion, just her name this time, and other snatches of conversation she gathered. Helped kill the dragon … slay the magister … close the Breach. She was a proper hero this time, no doubt about it.

And all those people had gathered here to celebrate their victory, celebrate Hugh, first and foremost, but also those who had helped him take down the forces of evil. Everyone was here, it seemed, Orlesian courtiers and envoys from Orzammar, dour Fereldan arls and robed enchanters, a few remaining Grey Wardens, and of course all the members of the Inquisition, all their loyal companions.

"Izzy. Enjoying the party?" Dorian had appeared at her side, with Bull looming behind him. They were both well into their cups already, judging from their flushed faces. And why shouldn't they? We've won.

"It's not bad." Izzy grinned when she spotted Josephine in a corner, frantically whispering at a liveried servant. "Our lady ambassador has spared no expense, it seems."

"Indeed." Dorian nodded, flashing a charming and slightly loopy smile at a passing Orlesian lady. But then he drew Izzy aside, his face suddenly serious, and she realized he was quite sober, really. "Now… you and Hugh during that final fight. What was going on there?"

She shrugged. "He needed help. I did what I could."

"You transferred your power to him!" There was an excited gleam in Dorian's eyes. "I've heard of such things happening, but they're exceedingly rare. I've never actually witnessed anything of the kind."

Izzy shifted uncomfortably. "Look, I just- I've no idea how I did it. I mean, Hugh was at the end of his strength, you saw that for yourself, and I… I just poured everything I had into him."

"It could happen, I guess. A power channel opening at just the right time…" Dorian thoughtfully stroked his moustache. "It would require a stable mental connection between the two of you, and some sort of strong emotion, such as love." A wide grin spread over his face. "Well, that settles it, my dear. If you needed any more proof that the two of you are meant for each other, this is it."

"Dorian!" Her cheeks felt hot. "I'm telling you, it wasn't a big deal. I-"

"Stop lying to yourself, Hawke." Bull chuckled warmly. "He's right and you know it."

"I'm right! Did he really just say that?" Dorian rolled his eyes in mock surprise. "Remember, Izzy, you are my witness, in case he tries to deny it later."

"Yeah, of course." Izzy nodded absent-mindedly. "Now, if you will excuse me-"

She had just spotted Hugh at the other end of the room, where he was listening politely to an elderly Circle mage who was wagging her index finger at him in an admonishing gesture. Looking up, he caught her gaze and raised his eyebrows in a mute plea for help.

Crossing the room was no mean feat. It had gotten even more crowded in the meantime, and Izzy had to elbow her way past several groups of enthusiastic revellers who were too busy sampling the excellent food and wine to step aside and let her pass. When she finally reached his side, the look in Hugh's eyes was bordering on despair.

"Izzy!" He sounded so relieved that she had to stifle a giggle. "My apologies, Enchanter Ethelinda, but I'm afraid I have to cut this fascinating conversation short. I believe there's an urgent matter demanding my attention."

"Absolutely. Important Inquisition business." Izzy put on her most pompous tone. "I need you to come with me at once, your Worship."

"Of course." Smiling apologetically at the old lady, Hugh inclined his head in a respectful bow.

Taking him by the hand, Izzy quickly dragged him off, before anybody else could interrupt them. Hugh didn't say a word while they hurried toward the doorway, but she felt the answering squeeze of his hand, warm and firm, and it made her smile. It felt good to be partners in crime, for once.

As soon as the door fell shut behind them, he pulled her closer, putting his arm around her waist and breathing a kiss on her hair. "Thank the Maker. And thank you. I was going crazy in there."

"That bad?" She grinned up at him as they made their way up the staircase. "Whatever happened to your famous diplomatic skills?"

He made a face. "Totally wasted on Ethelinda, trust me. The poor old dear is as good as deaf, and forgetful to boot. A complete sweetheart, of course, don't get me wrong, but-"

"Hey, it's fine. No need to explain." They had arrived at the door to his quarters, and Izzy didn't want to talk about Ethelinda any more. As a matter of fact, she was tired of talking altogether. "Come on in. Time to relax."

"Are you sure?" He sounded worried, but he didn't put up much resistance, when she pulled him over the threshold and started tugging at his festive robes. "I mean, we probably ought to have stayed around a little longer. The others-"

"Hugh!" A long kiss shut him up for the moment, and when they emerged for air, she kicked the door shut behind her, nodding in satisfaction at the decisive thump. "Forget about the others. It's time for our own little celebration, don't you think?"

"Oh, yeah?" He was breathing faster, and his arms tightened around her. "And what exactly did you have in mind? Dancing? Fireworks?"

There was no need to answer, of course. Already, his mouth was hot and feverish on her throat, and her moans and sighs left him in no doubt as to her wishes. As they sank down on the big four-poster together, their legs entwined and their bodies pulsing with want, Izzy closed her eyes in bliss. Fireworks indeed. This is going to be good.

Hugh leaned back against the headboard with a pleased sigh. Through the half-open window, the sound of music and laughter reached his ears, but it was half-muted, just a distant backdrop to the peace and quiet of the room.

Izzy was curled up at his side, naked and gorgeous, her skin sticky with sweat, her heart beating fast against his ribs. He was still buzzing all over from their love-making, his cock twitching softly as he relived the overwhelming rush of ecstasy that she had given him only minutes earlier.

"Blight it, Izzy, that was…" He swallowed hard. "How come it gets better and better every time?"

"No idea." She yawned softly, tracing patterns on his chest with her fingertips. "But if we go on like this, I might just end up setting the curtains on fire." A quick spark from her index finger punctuated her statement, making him yelp.

"Ouch! You demon." He pulled her up and kissed her, quick and hard. "Maker, Izzy, I love you so much."

"And I love you." She squeaked happily when he tickled her stomach, and the sound made his heart skip a beat.

They tussled briefly, and then settled back into a relaxed, warm embrace. As he stared out at the darkening sky, Hugh couldn't recall the last time he'd been so simply, truly happy.

"A copper for your thoughts." Izzy sounded lazy and replete.

"I was just…" He nodded toward the window. "Just thinking that we really did it. Corypheus is gone. The sky is whole."

She followed his gaze to where the Breach had been. "True. We did it."

"Remember what you said a while back?" He swallowed. "About… having a baby? When Corypheus is gone?"

"Are you serious?" Izzy's reaction was immediate. Sitting up straight, she stared into his eyes as if she could look straight into his head. "Wow. You are." She chewed thoughtfully on her lip. "Hmmm. I might need a little time to get used to the idea, you know."

"All the time you need." Hugh smiled to himself. She hadn't said no. That was a good start. "And in the meantime, …" Pulling her back into his arms, he rolled over with her and kissed her deeply. "We could start by getting a mabari."

"Now that…" Izzy threw back her head and laughed happily. "That is a very good suggestion. Let's start looking for a puppy tomorrow."

"All right." Hugh found it hard to contain his own happiness. Tomorrow. The future stretched before them, bright and promising. He couldn't wait to see what it would bring.

* The end *

Lots and lots of hugs for my wonderful beta suilven, and for all of you, for sticking with me to the end. :)