11. Answered Prayers

A knock resounded off Cassandra's office door.

"Come in," she declared, not lifting her eyes from the page she was writing on.

The receptionist cleared her throat. "Sorry to disturb, but this gentleman wanted to see you."

Cassandra's eyes flicked up as soon as the words had hit her ears and caught sight of a bearded man in a suit, complete with briefcase.

He stretched out a hand. "Good afternoon, my name is Thom Rainier."

She eyed him suspiciously. "Nice you meet you Mr. Rainier, I'm Cassandra Pentaghast. What can I do for you?"

"Well, I am actually here on behalf of Dorothea. She spoke very highly of you and Leliana." He turned then to face the receptionist. "Could you by any chance find her as well? She should also be here for this."

A curious glance flitted over the features of the receptionist before she gave a nod and left the room, the door closing quietly behind her.

It took her a few moments, but his words finally caught up with her. "On behalf of Dorothea? What is this about?"

Before Rainier could actually return her query with an answer, Leliana opened the door to Cassandra's office, giving them both a start.

Leliana's eyes flitted back between Cassandra and the bearded man questioningly, her hand still upon the door as she asked,"I was told you wanted to see me?"

Cassandra nodded and crossed her arms, flicking her gaze at the man before her. "Well, go on then."

Taking that as enough of an invitation to intrude, Leliana stepped over the threshold and closed the door gently behind her, choosing to sit in one of the chairs placed in front of Cassandra's desk.

"Right. Might I use your desk for a moment," Rainier asked and Cassandra moved to allow him the space, seating herself next to Leliana. The sharp snap of his briefcase flicked open and closed in an instant, only obscuring his face for a moment before moving it out of the way. Then, he placed a manila folder on the desk and opened it and finding the page he was looking for, he cleared his throat and straightened his tie. "Like I was telling Cassandra before you entered Leliana, I am here on behalf of Dorothea. I was her lawyer and I have come to see you both in regards to her last will and testament."

Cassandra watched as her friend frown in confusion at the man and bite at her lip, just as she had done moments before. "I don't understand. Why?"

"Well," he said, leaning over the desk and folding his hands upon the papers in front of him, "Since she has no immediate family to speak of, it appears she has left you both equal shares in this radio station, as stated in her will."

All Cassandra could do was stare in disbelief at what the man said. She blinked a few times and finding her mouth agape, decided to close it out of decency. She was in shock. By Andraste's grace, what had just transpired? She was about to become part owner of a fairly profitable radio business. This was remarkable. Even at the Maker's side, Dorothea was looking out for both Leliana and herself, it seemed.

Leliana gave a surprised laugh. "Pardon me, but I thought I just heard you say that our friend Dorothea just left us both this radio station? You can't be serious."

"I am absolutely serious. Each of you owns 50% of this business."

Cassandra and Leliana looked at each other in astonishment, completely blindsided by this act of generosity from their dear departed friend. Cassandra was the first to react, reaching out to grab at Leliana's hand, hoping that their physical connection would allow some of the shock to abate. Realistically, she should have known it wouldn't do anything. But having Leliana's hand did make it easier to deal with the sudden turn of events.

Mr. Rainier cleared his voice, pulling Cassandra and Leliana out of their stunned silence. "Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we?" Leliana and Cassandra gave a nod of their heads. "If either of you do not wish to partake in this opportunity and are wanting to sell off your share, you must wait twelve consecutive months before doing so, as per her request. Now, Any profits that are made after you have signed these documents," He gave a wave over some official looking letters beneath his hand, "75% must go back into the company to ensure its upkeep. The rest is yours to do with as you wish. If you do indeed decide to sell your share after the allotted time, whether it be to the other share holder or someone new, you will need to draw up a contract that continues the monetary distribution to these exact percentages stated previously. Also, there is the matter of who will take over as CEO. You will both have equal opportunity to become this, but only one will succeed Dorothea in this title. You will both be interviewed by the board of directors for the position and they will choose whoever they think fits the role best. The other shall gain the title of Chief Operating Officer and will directly aid the CEO in the daily dealings with the company. Is any of this unclear or do I need to elaborate on anything before we sign the papers?" Time seemed to slow to a snails pace as the words hit Cassandra one by one, stunning her into further silence. All she could do was nod her head obediently at what Blackwall had just said.

Cassandra gave a glance in Leliana's direction, and noted the equal measure of both shock and surprise that was still written across her face.

"I just… I can't believe this, can you Cassandra?" Leliana turned to her friend, her wide open eyes a reflection of Cassandra's own.

Cassandra cleared her throat. "Not… entirely," she said, uncertain, and waited patiently for the other shoe to drop.

Rainier gave an encouraging smile. "Believe it ladies, this radio station is yours. All you need to do is sign these papers and I can get the process started."

"Do you think I could talk to my colleague outside for a moment, Mr. Rainier?" Leliana finally said, furtively looking at Cassandra as if she had some miraculous information that would help them make a decision.

"Of course, take all the time you need," the man nodded, and both women made their way into the hall, closing the door firmly behind them.

"What do you think we should do, Cassandra," Leliana questioned as she chewed her thumb nail and paced back and forth. "We would be doing the right thing by accepting, yes?"

"yes, we would. It is just so sudden to have all this thrust upon us," Cassandra deliberated. "There is a lot of things to consider here, but I believe our friend did this for a reason and we should not throw this opportunity by the wayside. We should take it, Leli. Besides, signing those papers merely starts the process. If either of us does not feel equipped to handle the strain and responsibility after a year, we can talk about selling off our share to the other person."

Leliana gave a nod, locking eyes with Cassandra. "You're right. Let's go sign those papers," she said with a tentative smile and placing her hand on Cassandra's shoulder, they turned and re-entered the room.

~TtS~

"So, how was your day," Varric inquired as Cassandra passed through his apartment door that evening, hanging her coat up on the hook. She looked as if she'd seen a ghost. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong," she replied, "It's just been a very eventful day. You will never guess what happened."

"What? Someone phone in and drag my books through the dirt again," He bated, allowing a chuckle to pass over his lips as she glared at him for a moment.

"No. Not even close," Cassandra professed. "A lawyer stopped by my office today and spoke to both Leliana and I."

Varric straightened at her words. "A lawyer? What did they say?"

"Well," she sighed, "he came to tell us Dorothea left us each 50% of the radio station in her will. We are now part owners."

Varric's eyes went wide in surprise, his jaw dropping so low it nearly touched the tuft of chest hair that peeked out from his collared shirt. After slowly recovering from the shock, a breathy laugh escaped him. "seriously? She left you both the station in her will?" The weight of his own words hit him. His girlfriend had just inherited half of the station she worked at. What a fortuitous circumstance this was. Now Cassandra wouldn't have to be so worried about loosing her job or who would be taking over, because she was going to be the boss.

"That's great news, sweetheart!" Varric rushed over to her and lifted her up off the floor, much to Cassandra's

surprise. He began twirling her around in elation and soon she was laughing as they spun in circles. After a while, and before they got too dizzy, he placed her firmly back on the floor and stared up at her in disbelief, a huge grin still plastered to his face. At least something was going her way. She needed something to, after having to deal with all the sorrow as of late.

Varric clapped his hands together. "This calls for a celebration! I'm taking you out to dinner Ms. Pentaghast, and I won't take no for an answer."

Cassandra chuckled at his enthusiasm. "I suppose this is cause for festivity, if there ever was one. I accept your invitation, Mr. Tethras," she said, matching Varric's phony formality. "but if we are going to do this properly, I would like to change into some nicer clothes first. Do you mind dropping me off at my apartment so I can get ready?"

Still keeping with the feigned formality, Varric dipped into a low bow. "Of course, my dear, anything for you."

As he came back up, her hands slipped around his shoulders and placed a soft kiss upon his lips, before resting her forehead upon his. His hands slipped their way around her waist and pulled her close, closing his eyes as he did so, basking in the feeling of her against him.

"I could get used to this," he murmurs.

"So could I," she answers, and gives him another kiss, before straightening in his arms, pulling him against her chest in a hug.

It's the first attempt after they've gotten back together, to speak about the potentiality of a future. And even though Varric would usually balk about any prospect of a future for fear of being hurt, this time he actually felt happy about it. Calm even. Like this time would be different, somehow. Warmth blooms within his chest at the thought of spending the rest of his life with her, the decision becoming clear. He wants all of it. All of the domesticity—living together, marriage, children even—as long as it is with her. Of course, it was much to soon—barely four months since they decided to try again. The thought of asking her to be his wife right now seemed a little too hurried. Too rushed. He would wait. Wait for the right time, and then propose to her. Varric didn't need to get too ahead of himself, after all. The first real step was moving in together, anyways. Which was something more reasonable he could ask right now. Then, in a year or so, if everything was still going well, he'd revisit his thoughts on proposing.

Having everything set in his mind, he unfurled himself from Cassandra. "Alright, I'm gonna go get ready and then we can head over to yours."

Cassandra nodded in agreement, moving to get a book from her bag and sit on the couch to wait.

Just before Varric made his way into his bedroom, he took one last look at the woman who had encompassed his heart. Letting a happy sigh breathe out of him, his grin turned soft as he gazed lovingly at Cassandra as she read.

Tethras, you are one lucky bastard.

Silently chuckling at the blessing that had befallen him, Varric turned to get ready for an evening, and hoped it would be one they would never forget.

Instead of staying local, he drove them out of town, deciding on taking her to Val Royeaux instead. It was a celebration after all, and if he played his cards right, it would also be the place where she would say yes to moving in with him. Dinner was an amazing affair. Varric made sure of it. He'd picked a secluded little restaurant in the heart of the city called 'La Petite Rose des Sables'. Usually, a reservation was needed weeks in advance, but since Varric knew the proprietor, he was able to get in without an issue.

They were sat at a secluded table for two by the window, overlooking the busy street below. It was perfectly romantic, and Varric had to grin as Cassandra took everything in, a soft, far-away look in her eyes. She was enjoying the effort he had put into the evening. It didn't take long for the waiter to come and take their order and before they knew it, they were alone again.

Varric raised a glass in a toast. "To Dorothea. May her memory live on, and her generosity be paid forward."

Cassandra lifted her own glass. "To dearest Dorothea." Their flutes clinked and as they both took a sip, the bubbles tickling their tongues. It was bittersweet to celebrate such an unfortunate occurrence as her death, but one they felt was justified by the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity she had given Cassandra. Varric felt that providing a toast in her memory would help take some of the edge off of the melancholy feelings.

It didn't that long for the food to arrive, and they found it as exquisite as the champagne. He took pride in the fact he had chosen the top-notch restaurant, and made a note to tip extra well for the fantastic food and service. They ate in comfortable silence, often smiling tenderly at each other, with some pleasant small talk about work and Varric's writing. All and all, a very enjoyable evening. It was when they finally ordered desert, however, that Varric finally found the courage to broach the subject of moving in together.

"So, I've got a question for you. What are your thoughts on co-habitation?"

Cassandra's gaze flicked up from her dainty pastry, shock evident in her eyes. "Co-habitation?" She looked at him, puzzled, placing her fork down on her plate and sitting up to dab the cloth napkin at her mouth.

"Yeah. Like living together."

"I- I'm comfortable with the thought of living together, if that's what you mean," her brows narrowed suspiciously.

Varric leaned forward, and took her hand in both of his. "What about in regards to us? Would you be comfortable with the thought of us living together?" He looked up at her through his copper eyelashes, hoping beyond hope she'd accept.

Cassandra gasped, and her free hand flew to her mouth. "You're asking me if I'd be alright with living together?"

Varric nodded. "Mhmm. What do you say, sweetheart?"

Her eyes softened and a look of pure bliss swept over her face. "Oh, Varric! Of course! I would love that." Cassandra got up out of her chair, napkin dropped onto the seat behind her and flung her arms around Varric's neck and their lips slanted in a kiss. A sudden cough came from behind them and they broke the kiss and both looking in the direction of the noise, they found their waiter standing there with a gigantic grin upon his face. A blush crept up Varric's chest and face which seemed to transfer directly to Cassandra. They parted awkwardly, not realizing they were giving the waiter a show, Cassandra slipping back into her seat stiffly.

"Is there anything else I can get you both? Or would you just prefer the bill?" He looked at them cheekily.

Varric looked at Cassandra and with her silent nod of approval, he knew they were finished. "Just the cheque thanks."

The waiter gave a nod of his head and turned to leave, but before Varric let out a sigh of relief, the waiter threw over his shoulder as he walked away, "By the way, congratulations to you both. Hope you'll be very happy."

After the waiter had disappeared, Varric placed a hand upon his brow and groaned. He really hadn't expected someone to watch that display of affection. He felt Cassandra's hand, slender and warm, wrap around his other hand and he looked up to see her giving the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen. It was so full of affection and love, the embarrassment he had felt moments before melted instantly.

"My love, thank you for this wonderful evening. I am truly blessed to have someone like you by my side."

A gentle smile grew upon his lips as he gazed at her, bringing her hand up to his mouth and brushing his lips upon her knuckles. "So am I, sweetheart. So am I." Her hand slipped from his fingers and came to rest upon her lap as the waiter returned with the bill. He paid, and they soon found their way back to his car, Varric making sure to hold every door open for Cassandra in true gentlemanly fashion. As they began the long drive back to Cassandra's apartment, he couldn't help but wonder about who would make the decision to move and where.

Varric cleared his throat. "So, I know that this is all new and everything, but we should probably discuss who is actually going to pack up their stuff and move."

"Yes, you're right," Cassandra said, nodding. "I just would like to point out that while I would love to move in with you, I am not entirely sure your building will take pets. And I could never consider giving Cailan away."

Shit. She was right. His building had a strict no pets policy.

"Yeah, my building doesn't like pets. So, I guess I'll be the one doing the moving then. Are you okay with that?"

He glanced at her for a moment, the headlights from oncoming traffic illuminating her beautiful features, and saw a smile grace her lips. "Yes. I would love for you to move in with me Varric." A happy sigh floated out from her and settled between them, her hand falling on his thigh as he drove them back to her home—their home now, he supposed. A happy smirk tugged at his lips as the thought of living together made his heart thump wildly in his chest while they drove back toward Skyhold.

~TtS~

Cassandra came into work as if she had floated in on a cloud. Her demeanour was highly uncharacteristic, and quite a few co-workers gave her strange looks as she made her way into her office. Dropping her stuff down by her desk, she flopped down in her chair and leaned her head back against the soft leather backed cushion, letting her legs swivel her seat back and forth a bit, dreamily staring up at the ceiling.

What a night.

Varric had asked her about living together. She bit her lip and smiled to herself at the precious memory. It must have been hard for Varric to ask her such a question, considering how terrible things had ended between him and Bianca, but the fact that he did it at all meant more than words could say. It meant he believed they had a future together, that he trusted her not to break his heart like Bianca had. And that had Cassandra's heart all a-flutter. She continued on the rest of the day with a bounce in her step and a dreamy look in her eyes.

~TtS~

He had no idea someone from work had spotted them out to dinner last night. He thought he was safe. This was one of the reason's why he'd chosen to go to Val Royeaux instead of staying local. And now he was furious.

"I have no fucking clue why you think it's any of your concern. It's my life, not yours. I will date who I damn well please, Warwick! If you don't like it, well then that's too fucking bad! I am not some idiot who you can bully into a decision, just because you think it will be bad for business!"

Warwick quirked a brow from behind his desk, clearly unimpressed by his outburst. "So what, Varric? You're going to disregard the loyalty of your listeners and your co-workers for one woman? Damn right, that's bad business!" He got up from his chair and stood towering over Varric, glowering at him. "You've been her a long time Varric. Don't make me consider doing something that we'll both regret."

Varric rolled his eyes at Warwick's attempt to threaten him and stalked toward the door to his office, the glass pane shuddering as the door slammed shut on his way out.

As soon as Varric got back to his office, he began pacing, scrubbing his hands over his face. What was he going to do? He could always quit; being a best-selling author could supply him with all the money he would need to live. But, the fact he enjoyed working as a radio show host had him second guessing his resignation. He really loved his listeners, and had built up a great rapport with some of them over the years. He'd helped people, made people laugh and cry. He couldn't just give that up, as if it didn't mean anything to him.

He let out a long sigh, and sat down in his chair. Cassandra would know what to do. Maybe she could think of something that he hadn't.

Varric immediately grabbed his cell phone and dialled her number.

As she picked up, a velvety chuckle flowed out over the receiver. "Hello dear heart. What can I do for you?"

"Hey Sweetheart. Hope your day is going well."

"It would be better if you were here, but yes, it's going well."

Varric chuckled. "that makes two of us," he murmured into the phone before taking a deep breath. "Listen, I'm having a bit of a problem and I was wondering if you could spare a moment? I need a second opinion on something."

Cassandra's voice turned sullen. "What happened? What's wrong?"

"Well," Varric started slowly, "Someone saw us together last night, and Warwick is still giving me shit over it."

"What?! When will that bastard learn that it's none of his business!"

Varric smirked. "That's exactly what I said. I mean, this is getting ridiculous, and I'm not sure how much longer I want to put up with his bullshit. Now, I could always quit, but I don't want to do that after we've just talked about moving in together. I can get by with just being an author, but I'd rather not. I like the feeling of having a steady pay cheque coming in, and to tell you the truth, I love being a radio show host. Got any suggestions on how to deal with this stupid situation?"

Cassandra went silent on the other end for a while, and Varric half wondered if she'd hung up, until he finally heard her voice. "I've got an idea. Can I please speak to the ass, himself?"

Varric had a funny feeling slink through his gut at her words. What was she planning?

"Uh, you mean Warwick and not me, right?" he asked nervously.

"Ugh, yes Varric. Warwick. I'd like to speak with him."

Varric's brows furrowed for a moment. "Okay... I'll go find him." What did she have planned, indeed? He hoped she wasn't going to do something rash. He seriously didn't want to have to wear Warwick's wrath if Cassandra touched a sore nerve.

It didn't take long to find him, as Warwick was still sitting in his office, his grey suit starkly offsetting his jet black hair.

He knocked on the door, announcing his presence. "Hey boss."

Warwick looked up from the papers he was examining, his face morphing into light annoyance. "What is it Varric? I don't know if you've noticed, but I am a busy man."

"Um, I have someone on the phone who wants to speak with you."

Warwick's eyes widened in surprise. After a moment of deliberation, he relented. "Alright. Hand it over." His fingers motioning Varric to step closer.

The moment the receiver of Varric's cell phone touched Warwick's ear, there was yelling. Varric's face blanched as white as Warwick's collared shirt, notably wincing as his boss got an ear full. Cassandra was definitely giving Warwick shit; reaming him out on employee etiquette. He couldn't believe it.

Warwick was slack-jawed, eyes nearly bugging out of his skull as Cassandra continued to lay into him. "Yes, I realize that but-... no, I don't want a lawsuit... I was only concerned about the ratings dropping... Alright... I see. Well if that's what Varric wants...," Warwick looked up Varric, his lips pressed into a thin line and his brow furrowed, and handed him back the phone.

"Hey," Varric said, cautiously, not really sure what just happened.

Cassandra jumped right in. "I've told your boss, the ass, that you will no longer be working for him. I've given him your two weeks notice."

Varric's eyes shot up. "You did what? Cassandra how could-"

Cassandra cut him off. "You will be working for Leliana and I from now on. And if any of your friends want to join you, I would be glad to take them on as well. Now, I don't want to hear another word about it. It's settled."

He was speechless. It hadn't even crossed his mind that Cassandra would offer him a job as a solution to his boss' antics. And to extend the offer to his friends as well... he couldn't believe it. It was unprecedented.

"Varric? Are you still there?"

"I- You- seriously? You want me to switch stations and work for you?"

"Is that a problem?" Cassandra shot back, a marked amusement lining her words.

"Of course not! For one, I'd get to see my girlfriend as much as I wanted. I mean who wouldn't jump at the chance to do that?" Varric grinned and bounced on his toes as his boss glared and rolled his eyes at him. "And your serious about bringing on any of my friends along too?"

"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it. Your friends are welcome to join if they wish."

Varric hadn't ever had someone stick out their neck like this for him. It made his heart swell so large, he thought it would burst. She had done this for him; She confronted his boss so they no longer had to hide their relationship from the public eye. If this didn't say "I love you with all my heart", he couldn't say what would.

Varric grinned like a Maker-damned fool. "Cass, honey? I love you more than words can say. You are amazing. I can't believe how lucky I am to have you." He lowered his voice as an aside, murmuring gruffly into the receiver so his boss couldn't hear, "and when I get home, I want to show you just how much I appreciate everything you've done for me."

"I'm sure that can be arranged my love," she said with a flirtatious chuckle. "I look forward to it. Now, I must go, I've got some explaining to do to Leliana. I doubt she thought our first decision as owners would be to potentially hire on four new people. I'll see you tonight.

"See you tonight, honey."

With that, Varric hung up his cell, and glanced at his boss. "Well Warwick, can't say I'm not glad things worked out the way they did," he walked closer to his boss, eyes narrowing slightly. "Looks like you'll have some hiring to do... and for your sake, I hope you treat your new employees with more respect than you did with me. If I get one word that you're treating others unfairly, regardless if your worried about the ratings, Cass' and I will make sure you don't work in this town again. Do we have an understanding?" He stuck his hand out over Warwick's wood desk.

Warwick's jaw clenched and his lips pressed themselves into a sneer, openly refusing to take Varric's hand. "Fine. But if things don't work out, don't come running to me for help, because there won't be any."

"Suits me just fine. I wouldn't want your help even if you offered it openly to me. Besides, I have a feeling you'll be eating your words very soon...," Varric smirked at his ex-boss' attempt at being contemptible, and walked out of his office, relieved he'd never have to set foot in it again

~TtS~

It had been a year since Cassandra had taken a strip off of Varric's boss. A year since he'd moved in and started working for her and Leliana, and it had been the best year she could ever remember.

Working at the station with Varric was a joy; they ended up starting a new show—one she and Varric hosted together, free from ridicule from others about their relationship. That new show, called The Seeker and Storyteller, instantly became a massive hit, blowing Warwick's skewed discriminatory view out of the water. Merrill, Hawke and Bela also left Warwick's station in Varric's wake and had been leagues happier than they ever were at their old station. Cassandra made sure it was so.

Leliana ended up being chosen by the board to become CEO, and even though she was a bit sad she wasn't chosen, Cassandra was immensely happy that her friend had gained the role. Together, they worked closely to make sure Dorothea's station became a prominent and defining cornerstone of Skyhold, acquiring many awards for their excellence.

And on the one year anniversary, she found herself back at 'La Petite Rose des Sables' enjoying another fabulous dinner with the man she loved, feeling utterly blessed for the wonderful things that had happened.

Something was off though. She'd never seen Varric so nervous.

He kept pulling at his shirt collar, and his face was unusually flushed. She had no idea why he seemed so out of sorts, and even made sure to ask him if he was feeling alright, he supplied with 'yeah, it's just a bit hot in here, is all', which was odd, because the temperature felt fine to her.

Then, as desert was being served, she saw something glint at the top of her dainty pastry with blueberries.

A ring.

Her eyes widened drastically and a hand moved to her cover her mouth. Flicking up to look at Varric—who by this time was flashing her a grin—got off of his chair and got down on one knee before her, taking her left hand and pulling it close to him. Tears began to prick at Cassandra's eyes as she glanced down at Varric, elation overflowing in her heart at what he was about to do.

"Look, I know it's not been terribly long since we started this journey together, but I've known in my heart for a while now that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So..." Plucking the gorgeous ring from the top of her pastry, he held it up between them, the diamond twinkling as much as his titanite eyes in the candle light. "Cassandra Allegra Portia Calogera Filomena—too many damn names—Pentaghast, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"

Overjoyed sobs found their way out before she was able to exult her enthusiasm of his proposal. "Yes, Varric. A thousand times, yes!"

Taking the diamond ring, he slowly slid it onto her ring finger and gave it a kiss as it found its home at her last knuckle. As he pulled away, she marvelled at it on her shaking hand; he had done exceptionally well in choosing something she liked. It was a simple, low profile solitaire on a white gold band—exactly what she would have chosen for herself, if she had the chance. Her arms flung around his neck forcefully, nearly choking him with her enthusiasm as she cried jubilant tears onto his the crook of his neck.

"Oh Varric," Cassandra murmured into his shoulder as he held her while the other patrons clapped, whistled and shouted their praise. "I love you more than words can say, dear heart. It would be my privilege. I am so very happy right now, I think my heart will burst with it."

He pulled away from her for a moment, and wiped her tears with the pads of his thumbs, love overflowing in his eyes as she admired him. Noting the tear tracks running down his own tanned skin, she realized he was also overwhelmed with happiness to the point of crying. Instantly she pressed her lips to his skin, erasing each tear that had fallen, leaving kisses there instead and only pulling away when there was no trace of wetness upon his cheeks left.

It was even more than anything she could have hoped for, and as they left the restaurant that evening, hands laced together, she felt as if she could take on the world with Varric by her side. Cassandra couldn't wait for what the Maker had planned for them, because Varric would be there with her every step of the way, whether it was good or bad.

She sighed happily as she stared out of the passenger side of Varric's car while he drove them back home. Everything seemed to have fallen into place, and all of her prayers had been answered. Cassandra looked up into the star-lit sky and sent a silent thank you to her dearly departed friend, who surely must have had a hand in everything that had befallen to her as of late. Knowing that Dorothea was up there, looking down on her, guiding her as much as the Maker, warmed her heart. Regardless if her friend was gone, she would make sure to think on her during all the remaining days she had left on the earth and vowed never to forget what her sacrifice had brought Cassandra's way: A job she adored and a man who she loved with all her heart.

Fin