Waves lapped against the sandy shores mere yards away from where Isabela had dropped her anchor. Far off in the distance, buildings dotted the landscape, smoke from their chimneys casting smudges against the dimming blue skies. Anders wasn't sure where, precisely, they were. Their impromptu voyage hadn't given their captain the opportunity to chart their trip, but she had kept them safe as her vessel skimmed over the seas. He speculated that the land in sight was somewhere near the border of Antiva and Rivain. All that mattered was that it was far enough away that news of the events in Kirkwall hadn't spread there yet.

They had docked several times in the past fortnight. The purpose of their forays inland had been to procure additional supplies, but at each stop, they had lost more of their party. Garrett had stated that splitting up could be beneficial, as it would make them more difficult to trace should anyone be trying to track them down. The first to leave were Aveline and Donnic. The former guard captain had enjoyed the years spent at her post in the city, yet she looked forward to the opportunity to settle into a slower-paced routine in a quieter place. There were things she had missed out on with her first husband, and she was determined not to let the same chances slip her grasp a second time.

The elves left next. While their respective demeanors and beliefs were wildly different, they shared a common heritage. Whether or not they would stay together for very long, Anders didn't know. Despite his general dislike for Fenris, he knew the fierce warrior had a protective, caring side to him, and he wouldn't be surprised if he kept an eye on Merrill until he was sure she was properly situated in wherever they wound up.

Lastly was Varric. "I know you love to tell a good story, but maybe you should keep this one under wraps for a while," Garrett joked as they prepared to part ways.

"Sure. And when the time comes, I'll try not to embellish too much," said the dwarf.

"If you must, feel free to play up my dashing good looks and irresistible charms."

"You got it."

Other than the crew, all that remained on board the ship were the last of the Hawkes and those they loved. Isabela squinted at the scenic panorama. "I think I remember that village from my travels. Nice enough place. The local tavern's not half bad, either," she said.

"Drinks it is, then!" Garrett answered.

They disembarked and headed in the direction of the small hamlet. The surrounding forest was easy to navigate and radiated a sense of serenity. Though he was grateful to the pirate for all she had done, Anders knew deep down that a life on the open seas wasn't for him. However, his heart belonged to Bethany, and wherever she went, he would stay by her side.

"It feels so good to be back on solid ground!" Bethany commented as they approached their destination.

"What's the matter, sweetness? You don't like my boat?"

"Oh, no, it's not that!" She blushed. "Garrett knows I was never much of a traveler. It's a shame, really, considering how much moving around we've had to do for our whole lives."

As nightfall blanketed the settlement, the decision was made to rent a pair of rooms on the second floor of the cozy pub. Isabela was assured that she would find the necessary foodstuffs and other items they needed in the morning. She cheerfully disappeared behind one of the doors with Garrett, not to be seen again until sunrise.

Anders thought that sleep would come easy to him away from the constant motion of the ship on the waves. Moonlight streamed in the tiny window, and he found himself gazing upon the peacefully slumbering Bethany. Her nude body was curled against his, her head nestled against his shoulder. The illumination filled her hair with silvery streaks and cast an ethereal glow over her bared form. Such a scene was flawless in its composition, and he remembered how many nights he had lain awake dreaming of having her with him again, and how he had made the mistake of giving up.

Dawn encroached upon the entangled couple, and she stirred. He recalled how both of them had been forced to restart their lives on more than one occasion, but the prospect of a new beginning with her filled him with hope, not fear. If they had to keep running, at least they would be together. The only remaining question was the location of where they would reestablish themselves.

Bethany shifted in the bed and peered up at him through her thick lashes. He kissed her forehead, all while pondering what to say. Sensing that she desired the same things he did, he feared that her obligations to her brother would keep what she truly wanted from materializing. He didn't comment on the situation as they dressed for the day, choosing only to make idle small talk about the weather and whatever meal awaited them.

Their companions were waiting downstairs for them, having already completed their necessary tasks. "As soon as you're ready, we can head out," Isabela said.

Anders saw the disappointment on Bethany's face and decided to take his chance. "If you don't want to leave, we don't have to," he said, taking her hand.

"What are you talking about?" She glanced back at her brother. "We can't just stay here…."

"Why not? No one knows us here. There aren't any Templars to tear us apart. We may not be safe here indefinitely, but it's a start."

Garrett stepped forward. "It might not be a bad idea if the two most wanted criminals in Kirkwall went their separate ways for a while," he said with a smirk.

"I can't just leave you like that! You're the only family I have left."

"Bethany, you're my sister and I love you. Nothing will ever change that, even if we want different things. You've been blessed with the freedom to make your own choices now. I won't take it personally if you choose not to follow me around anymore."

She frowned. "But where will you go?"

"I don't know." He slipped an arm around Isabela's waist. "I figured I'd let someone else lead me around for a change. I doubt she'll even teach me how to steer the boat properly."

Anders rubbed his thumb over the top of Bethany's hand. "Whatever you decide, I will be right there with you."

She gave her brother one last questioning look. "Are you sure?"

"It's not like we'll never see each other again! You've been stuck with me long enough. It's about time you started building your own life!" His jovial expression disappeared in a rare moment of sincerity. "It's what Mother and Father would have wanted for you. It's what I want for you."

She wrapped her arms around Garrett's shoulders in one last sisterly embrace. "We'll all find each other again eventually, right?"

"Of course."

Bethany released him and turned towards Isabela. "Try not to let him get into too much trouble," she instructed.

The pirate grinned. "Nothing I can't get us out of."

Anders hadn't expected the morning's focus to turn to a poignant farewell. "Stay safe, Hawke."

"I'd say the same, but I think that between the two of you, you have enough practice with dodging the Templars and defending yourselves against whatever trouble may spring up."

Bethany returned to the mage's side, lacing her fingers through his again. "We'll be fine. We have each other."

The small wooden house at the edge of the town was partially obscured by thick, leafy branches from the neighboring forest. In the past months, it had been transformed into a modest, yet comfortable home. Life was simple in whatever remote territory they inhabited, but Bethany had everything she wanted.

Rumors of the chaos and war that wreaked havoc on the more heavily populated areas of Thedas came by way of travelers and merchants who passed through the village. The residents had yet to experience any of the danger first hand. Whether or not it would reach them remained to be seen. While she was content with the life they had carved out for themselves, she had accepted that they had to be ready to move on at a moment's notice. Change was upon their world. Until the results had been determined, some things would remain the same.

Regardless of the unrest across the land, Bethany was confident that their future would be fulfilling and graced with happiness. She knew that not every moment spent with Anders would be easy and perfect, but they were strong enough to handle anything they faced. Their feelings for each other had passed a multitude of tests. No force would be more powerful than the love that bound them together.

AN: Whew, finally done! Big huge thanks to everyone who's been following along, and to those who have taken the time to give me feedback. This was a fun project! I don't know if I'll ever write a fanfic of this size again, but there will be at least a few more stories from me in the future! Thanks again!