A/N – Before we head into Act III, the next few chapters are going to cover the events of the two major DLCs, 'Mark of the Assassin' and also 'Legacy'. Now I have to admit I've never played either. I have downloaded them for my PS3 but never got around to actually completing them. So all of the writing will rely on only the wiki and whatever I can find on Youtube, with my own usual spin, depending on what I think works. I have covered 'The Exiled Prince' briefly as those missions can be spun into others quite easily.

Marian Hawke now had the title of 'Champion of Kirkwall.' She was rather shy during the ceremony, even embarrassed, though the people loved her. There were very few comments about how the situation was resolved. In fact, she had earned a reputation as a shrewd diplomat, having kept the Qunari peaceful for as long as she had, and although they had attacked, she had managed to end it all peacefully, with the Qunari retreating. The fact Isabela was handed over did not earn any ire considering she was responsible for the entire mess.

Uhtred Dragonborn now had the title of 'Defender of Kirkwall.' It went alongside my title as 'Defender of Whiterun.' I received another shiny weapon to place on a plaque above the fireplace. Being a veteran of the Fifth Blight, most were just happy I had been living at the city as the invasion was launched. Quite a few had been witness to my gifts and I now had people stopping me in the street, asking for a demonstration.

Rebuilding work began as soon as the Qunari departed. Lowtown was a disaster zone. The city could afford some rebuilding but word was soon spread across the Free Marches, asking for assistance, and to their credit, the other cities sent supplies, gold, whatever they could afford. Hightown had survived in a better state and agreed that Lowtown needed focus. Funerals happened every day for weeks. Some of the dead were not recognised and buried anonymously.

With Viscount Dumar dead, a new leader had to be put in place. So far, nothing had been done, Knight-Commander Meredith being de facto ruler in his place. There were grumblings of discontent about that fact, but for the moment at least, the city was functioning as it should, and most people were worried about rebuilding and make sure there was enough food to survive rather than who ruled them.

Despite her new title and acclaim, Hawke fell into a spiral of depression after the events in the Keep. She continuously expressed self-doubt, questioning if she'd made the right choice. Most of the time, I'd just sit and listen. She didn't need answers from me, she needed them from herself. If she did ask me pointedly what I thought, I told her what I'd said at the Keep, almost word for word.

Though the general population agreed, I think opinion was split amongst our colleagues. Fenris was more aware than most of what would have happened to her, though he did not seem particularly sympathetic to her plight, simply thinking the decision was rather harsh. Anders wasn't happy, considering what she was going to go through similar to the Joining of the Grey Wardens, the only difference being, most Wardens did that through choice. Varric was disappointed but understanding, sensing Hawke was heartbroken more than once over the decision. Merrill was simply upset by events of the day. Aveline had never got on well with Isabela, but that didn't mean she wanted her handed over to the Qunari. As for Sebastian, he returned to the Chantry and we barely saw him anyway.

So it was a quiet couple of months for the pair of us. The city was being rebuilt so there were other matters for most people to concern themselves with. I liked to think we enjoyed living with other. The banter was always excellent, and our servants basically made us all an extended family. It was a rather comfortable life. We wanted for nothing and could look after our friends. Our reputations open many doors for us personally and professionally. Everyone wanted the assistance of Hawke and the Dragonborn. We could pick and choose what we wanted to do, if we wanted to anything at all.

Through it all, we both remained single. I was wary of getting involved with anyone after Bethany, and I'll be honest, I still clung to the hope that Leliana would somehow end back in my life. I knew if she did, I'd be as loyal to her as I could possibly be. I had thought about proposing to Bethany before she left me, as committed as I thought we were. I knew if the gods proved kind, and Leliana ended up by my side, I would wed her without delay. If she still wanted me, that is…

Hawke pretty much swore off any relationships after Isabela. Some suggested we ended up being a couple, just without the love and the sex. That made us laugh, and we could joke about it, simply because of that. There was no spark nor sexual tension, simply because we knew where the other stood. Even if she was available, I wouldn't do it as I'd been involved with her sister. And we both knew why she wasn't interested. So it made our lives easier.

I didn't want to tempt fate, but after the Qunari attack, the city seemed to calm itself. Even Meredith seemed to back off the mages. It was likely only temporary, but stories and rumours of what happened in the tower did quieten down a little bit. Perhaps Orsino and Meredith working together to defeat the Qunari had dampened their feud, if only briefly. It was a case of wait and see, I guess.

But the mages underneath Orsino still despised the templars, who no doubt still ruled by harassment and violence. Little wonder that there were the occasional flashpoints despite the overall peace.

I was relaxing in the pew next to Varric on one side, Merrill on the other. The former seemed to have an interest in the Andrastrian religion, while Merrill was always gobsmacked by the sheer size of the chantry, looking around with innocent wonderment. It was nice to see. As for Hawke, she was in front of us, on her knees before the giant statue of Andraste. I know she still prayed for forgiveness for the decision we had made.

Hawke took her time with prayers, none of us would rush such a thing, but she eventually returned and we began to pack, read to head home. Before we could head out the door, in strode Sebastian along the grand cleric, and it sounded like they were having quite the disagreement. My interest was piqued, as was Hawke's, so we casually approached them as they came to a halt. It was no surprise to hear that the plight of the mages was being discussed.

Hawke sighed loudly, attracting their attention. "Mage this, templar that. Is there anywhere in Kirkwall people don't talk about this?" I'll admit I'd annoyed her from time to time, wanting to do something about the crisis but unsure if anything could be done. I wasn't prepared to take on every templar and Meredith as although we all heard rumours, I had no hard evidence. Anyone who had been an arse, we'd taken care of.

Sebastian snorted. "The last time mages rebelled against the Chantry, they ended up ruling Tevinter. Should we just ignore them?"

I did a double take, before realising that Sebastian was a chantry brother, so wouldn't support their cause. "So we should treat them like caged animals, is that it?" I retorted, making sure he definitely heard my tone. He blinked at me in surprise, probably surprised a barbarian such as myself would support mages.

Elthina gestured for calm. I wasn't getting angry, I was just getting my point across. Harshly, as usual. "I did not expect things to deteriorate so fast. I thought after the Qunari, no one would wish for more violence." Hawke and I had heard nothing. Was the peace going to be shattered so soon? "It has drawn more attention than I would like. Sebastian, if I can ask…"

"Anything, Your Grace."

"Hawke and the Dragonborn, I understand you work together. If I may ask…"

"It will depend on the question," I stated.

"I'm willing to help," Hawke added, giving me a sideways glance. I shrugged. I tolerated the Chantry as much as they tolerated me.

"The Divine has been growing concerned about the situation here. She does not want to see the Free Marches become another Imperium. She has sent an agent to… assess the danger. Meet with her, please. Tell her drastic measures won't be required."

"Gods forbidding the Chantry do something like an Exalted March on Kirkwall, eh?" I muttered. Varric made his own joke about the same thing, which earned titters of amusement, at least.

"Surely the Divine wouldn't treat the whole city as enemies?" Sebastian asked.

"She is concerned," Elthina replied, "It is never wise to draw the concern of the powerful."

Sebastian's brow furrowed, putting his thoughts into words. "She is the voice of Andraste. She cannot turn the might of the Chantry against the innocent due to… proximity."

"She does, that's where she will meet the Dragonborn. Whether alone or with friends, I guess we'll wait and see."

"Who is this servant of the Divine?" Hawke asked.

"I was not told her real name, only to call her Sister Nightingale." I scratched my beard as the name rang a bell in my head, as if I was told that once by someone. But I shook it off, as it wasn't familiar. Though I did wonder, almost smiling to myself as thoughts of her immediately flooded by mind, but I was getting it wrong. Far as I knew, she'd never been known by that name. "She is said to be the Divine's left hand, sent to do work that might blacken the Divine's name."

"Okay, we'll do what we can. Where are to meet her?"

"Tonight at the Viscount's Keep. It is relatively quiet as the seat of power has moved to the Gallows. She will be waiting in the throne room as she wishes to remain unseen. A word of warning. It has been sealed since the Qunari attack so it would be best to find entrance without attracting too much attention."

"Thank you, Hawke," Sebastian stated, "We cannot allow this… ridiculous mage rebellion to turn into holy war."

I had a million and one retorts to that, but Hawke gave me a look that suggested then and there wasn't the right time for an argument, so I suggested instead that we should just leave, the last thing being that Sebastian would meet us outside the Keep. Merrill and Varric stayed with us for dinner, agreeing to head to the Keep just after sundown. Merrill had gathered that I appeared to be in favour of mage freedom, so asked me a few questions about my knowledge. I certainly made her giggle when I showed a complete lack of it, they simply had my support as I refused to support the people that bullied them into submission, or making choices out of absolute fear. "It isn't right that someone is killed because they think they might become possessed," I stated.

"How were mages treated on your world?" she asked.

"Differently. Nords fear magic, but you can still practice it freely. There is a college near a small town called Winterhold where mages can gather in peace. There are places across the Empire where you can study the application. The elves are far better at magic than anyone else. They have a natural affinity to it."

"The elves sound powerful where you are from."

"There is a race called the Thalmor, a subset of another called the Altmer. Bastards, the Thalmor are. Went to war with them. Fought to a bloody stalemate. Problem is, the Thalmor have subjugated numerous other races along the way. Elves here would probably think it sounds wonderful, but tell that to the poor Bosmer that live by the Thalmor sword. I dread what they'd think of the elves who live on this world. You'd be prey more than anything."

"They sound awful."

"They are, but they're also very powerful."

"But magic is tolerated?" Varric asked.

"Not just tolerated. Everyone is capable of it."

"Even you?" he retorted, laughing away at the thought.

"Aye. I was never very good, but even someone like me can learn basic spells. A simple incantation to heal yourself, or perhaps light a fire. The more adept and expert spells take a lot of practice and you have to spend years building up tolerances from within to do them. It's all to do with one's mind, the ability to focus all your energy into a spell."

"Not you, though…" Hawke stated, a look on her face that suggested what she was thinking.

"Yes, Hawke. I rely on this," I said, holding out my right arm, balling my hand into a fist, "And sometimes this," I added, doing the same thing with my left.

"You don't look much like a mage anyway," she said with a grin.

"Back to you question, Merrill, the mages of Tamriel are treated far differently, and I think overall far better, compared to those on Thedas. Well, except the Imperium. Never been there, but I've heard enough to know it's different."

"It's going to take a seismic shock for the situation to change," Hawke said, though it sounded more like a warning, or perhaps prophecy.

Night time soon arrived, and the four of us headed out into Hightown. The crowds has slowly returned to the streets after the attack, though night time was still a little quieter than it used to be, the safety and comfort of being indoors far better than the lure of a few drinks at a tavern, or a tumble at a brothel. City guards were often polite as we walked by. Nearly all of them knew us, many being new recruits to fill gaps left by all those that had died.

The Keep was practically deserted, meeting Sebastian outside before we wandered in. Even though it was evening, before the attack, it would still be filled with the nobility, and soirees were often held most nights, to entertain local or visiting dignitaries from across the Free Marches and all of Thedas. No idea where they were nowadays, perhaps the Gallows, or such events were no longer held.

The door leading into the throne room was locked up tight. Leaving Varric to get to work, Hawke and I distracted the guards, which was pretty easy to do considering we were minor celebrities. All we had to do was stand around looking bored for a couple of minutes and we were quickly accosted by bored guards, looking for someone to talk to and, if they were lucky, a story or two to be shared. We were so busy chatting away we barely saw Varric put his head around the corner, beckoning for us to join him.

We had been expecting to meet a lone woman of the Chantry, so I was expecting someone in robes or… I don't think any of us were too sure, just as long as she introduced herself as Sister Nightingale. Instead, we found ourselves approached by mages, who looked none too happy to see us in return.

"So, even the Divine fears us now." The female mage looked across our small group before adding rather ominously, "She should."

"Who are…"

Before Hawke could even finish her question, the mage called out for us to be killed, accusing us of being spies. Considering we'd been sent in by the grand cleric, she was probably half right. One of her fellow mages summoned a demon, and with that came quite a number shades. Merrill and Varric dropped back for range, Hawke and I got to work though split up.

I might support mages, but I'd still kill any bastard that tried to kill me in return, and as they were generally without armour and not particularly skill in combat, they were generally easier to kill than rogues, who could move quickly and strike with precision, or fellow warriors, who usually good armour and had been trained in combat. The only time any of us was really concerned was when two rage demons appeared at once. That's when I showed the last remaining mage my gift, and I think the mage was on the verge of dropping her staff and running off at that point.

It was a quick battle that left us asking more questions than anything. "Anyone else?" Hawke wondered. Shouting out clear, I was in the process of sheathing when I turned around and my legs nearly gave way immediately. She didn't see me straight away, she should have heard my Thu'um, but Hawke was right in front of her. "The Resolutionists. I might have known they would be part of this."

I nearly lost it completely when I heard her voice. The bright red hair. Ocean blue eyes. Cute little noise. I was taken back to the Blight and our time in Ferelden… I didn't know what to do with myself, fidgeting in place, ever so excited and trying desperately not to show it. She was wearing leather armour, though now rather different. Far better condition, and the symbol of the Chantry on her chest. Two short swords instead of a bow, so she liked it up close and personal nowadays, it seemed. Then her eyes flicked towards me and I saw the tug at her lips, before she looked back at Hawke. "Who are the Resolutionists?" she asked.

"An offshoot of a fraternity within the Circle of Magi."

"Are there more of them? These offshoots?"

"There have always been factions that support freedom from the Chantry and the abolition of the Circle. We have… tolerated them. But the Resolutionists have become violent. They are likely behind the unrest here."

"Are you Sister Nightingale?"

"I am."

"Or you may call her Leliana," I said softly. That made her look at me and smile.

I noticed Hawke glance at me, though I hadn't taken my eyes off Leliana the entire time. She started to blush, as I'm sure I was staring at her. "Hang on… THE Leliana, Uhtred?" Hawke asked.

"Aye," I whispered. My feet were stuck in mud, though. I couldn't move. Should I go hug her? Did she want that sort of contact with me again? Or was it a quick visit and then she'd be gone again?

"Wow, he's told us so much about you, Sister Nigh… Lelia… I guess I can say it's nice to meet you, and finally put a face to the name, and the stories."

"Thank you. There is still one pressing issue though before we… talk, Uhtred. The Divine has sent me to investigate the possibility of a rebellion here in Kirkwall. I have… some experience in unconventional situations." She looked as me as I definitely had something to say there, which would have left her blushing and the others laughing. "Don't say a thing, Uhtred."

"I hardly expected the Divine's secret agent to look something like you," Hawke stated.

"That is why I am effective," she replied, looking straight at me that time. The last six, seven, however many years had just disappeared in an instant. It was like I was meeting her for the first time again. My heart thundered in my chest. I'm sure I was sweating. And I was feeling… excited. Not excited where it was visible, more the butterflies in the stomach sort of thing. "The Divine has long suspected that Kirkwall's problems were spurred by an outside group. This attack proves she is right."

I laughed. I knew she could be devious, but I never expected to be caught up in one of her plans myself. "You set this whole thing up?" I exclaimed.

She almost giggled, but restrained herself at the final moment. "I let word slip that an agent of the Divine was coming to investigate the mage troubles. It is how they chose to react which condemns them."

"Everything is fine here, Leliana," Hawke stated.

"Yeah, the Qunari have taken off home. They were the real problem," Varric added.

"While that might have been the case, Divine Justinia believes this is the worst threat to Thedas since the Qunari invaded."

"I thought things were growing more peaceful," I muttered.

"Appearances are deceiving, Uhtred. There are many things happening in the background, influencing other Circles. These few mages you dealt with tonight? It might seem like nothing, but there are many eyes watching Kirkwall at the moment. You no doubt hear the stories and rumours first, but word makes it everywhere. Tevinter. Par Vollen. Val Royeaux. Denerim. If Kirkwall falls to magic, none of us are safe."

"Hang on, you don't seriously believe that?" I asked. She was well aware of my opinion, of course.

"I do, Uhtred, because if the mages rebel, they will be looking for vengeance, not just against the templars. There will be blood. That is why I am asking all of you to speak with Elthina and ask if not tell her to leave. She may find refuge in the Grand Cathedral in Orlais. She will not be safe here."

There was silence before I said, "Hawke, why don't you guys go… talk to Elthina or… I don't know, something constructive…"

She gave me a look, then a smile, before she suggested to the other three that they should head off. Once they walked out the door, closing it behind them, that left Leliana and I about half a dozen paces apart. I slowly walked towards her, feeling as if my feet were dragging they were so heavy. Her face broke out into an enormous grin at my reaction before she stepped forward to meet me, wrapping her arms around me and squeezing. "Been a long time," she whispered.

A large part of me simply wanted to weep. After everything I'd been through since arriving in Kirkwall, she was back in my arms. I gave her a gentle squeeze in return, inhaling that familiar scent she always wore. "I had heard rumours you were here, but I never thought…" she added.

"Been here quite a while, to be honest."

"And Hawke is to you?"

"A friend. Just a friend."

I let her go and caressed her face, my rough fingers enjoying the feel of her smooth skin. Finding courage, I leaned down to kiss her, surprised when she returned the kiss and more. Pulling her tight towards me again, it was like we'd never been apart, everything so familiar all at once. The same scents. The same way she kissed. The way her hands felt on my back. I eventually had to break away, otherwise I would have simply laid us down on the floor…

"Uhtred, I must be honest now that I am here. I have one regret."

"What is that?"

"When I left…" She stopped immediately and sighed. "When I left, I thought I had to take my vows again. I thought I was just going to work for Justinia in a role I was familiar with. I did not expect what I am doing now. I didn't have…" She stopped again, judging me, wondering if I was going to figure it out.

I did. "Shit," I muttered.

"When I told Justinia, she called me a fool. I may work for the Divine, and the Maker, but I didn't have to give up everything. Most importantly, and to my heartache ever since, I didn't have to give up you. Can you forgive me?"

"Nothing to forgive. I still love you." The smile lit up her face once again. "Though a lot has happened since we parted."

"I have time, Uhtred. Plenty of time. I will be around the Free Marches as Kirkwall isn't the only place I have been sent to investigate. Where are you living?"

"I live with Hawke."

"Are you… together?"

"With Hawke?" The thought made me chuckle. "I'm the wrong sex. No, we are just really good friends. We've worked alongside each other now for years."

"I'm glad you've made some friends."

"Me too. So, want to come back to mine for a drink?" I asked, offering my hand. She took it immediately and we headed out of the Keep. It wasn't too late, so we could enjoy a night time stroll through Hightown, and memories of doing the same thing time and again during the Blight came flooding back. She eventually wrapped her hands around my arm and moved in closer, so much so that I could lean over and kiss the top of her head, inhaling her scent again. "Gods, I've missed you," I whispered.

"I've kept busy, Uhtred, so I wouldn't miss you in return."

I took us the long way back home but by the time we arrived, Hawke wasn't back. I led us into the sitting room, sitting close the fire. I opened up a bottle of wine and poured her a glass, pouring myself one as I sat close to her on the lounge. "So, tell me, Uhtred. What has the Dragonborn been up to?"

"It's a long story, not all of it good."

"Oh, do tell."

"I don't mean…" I trailed off and it must have reached my eyes, what had happened. She immediately moved so she was leaning into me taking my free hand in hers.

"What happened?" she asked quietly.

"After I left you in Val Royeaux, I was… lost. I mean, completely and utterly lost. Didn't know what to do with myself. It didn't help that the Blight was over and I had next to nothing to do. Aedan had Anora and the crown, Alistair had the Wardens and Brosca. Our other friends had split up, either staying Wardens or returning home. But I was just… there.

Aedan sensed my frustration and boredom, so sent me here as the ambassador." That made her giggle. It was a sound I'd missed terribly. "Aye, I wasn't a very good one, as I was finding myself mixed up in all the shenanigans with Hawke. But that's not the main problem. The first major incident was… Long story short, we headed into the Deep Roads on an expedition. Fortune and glory. Bartrand, Varric's brother, found some sort of lyrium idol that sent him nuts. Bethany, Hawke's sister, was wounded by darkspawn and had to the undergo the Joining. And while we were away, the templars took Solona and made her Tranquil."

I let that sink in. Leliana's hand started to shake, gently lifting her chin to see her eyes glisten in the firelight. "Why?" she asked, keeping her tone neutral to hide what she was really thinking and feeling.

"Apostasy. Blood magic. Various other crimes. I don't remember. I showed them my gift, took her away from them. Ended up heading back to Ferelden, she's now back at the Circle there. She's home."

"Poor Solona. How did you handle it?"

"I found the bastard responsible and I killed him slowly. But it's why I hate the templars, Leliana. I'll never forgive them for that. What made her unique, made her Solona, was taken away for no good reason. She was also a Warden. I made sure to let them know. Aedan was satisfied I'd found the templar responsible."

"Maker… I had no idea."

"Know how I mentioned Bethany? She might have undergone the Joining, but I… convinced them to stay because, by that time, we were already together. We were together for quite a while. Serious enough we moved in together. Serious enough that we discussed starting a family. Serious enough where she was with child. But… It's why I'm now living with Hawke, and Bethany is not around."

"Uhtred…" Leliana whispered, gripping my hand.

"It broke us. Broke me. But broke her most of all. I'm not sure she ever really got over it. And I've learned in Kirkwall, one thing leads to another. A serial killer… Leandra, their mother. She was murdered. Bethany was gone within the month. Woke up one morning to find a letter in my study, explaining why she was going. Hopped on a boat to Val Royeaux to join the Wardens in Orlais. Haven't heard from her since. That's when I moved in with Hawke. If I'd stayed by myself…"

"And you were here during the all the Qunari troubles?"

"Hawke and I got to know the Arishok quite well. I had considered him an honourable man. But the Chantry pushed him too far, provoked him into attacking. He lost any sympathy I had for them after what they did to the city and its people though. But the major point was that Isabela, one of our companions, had stolen a relic that belonged to them. If she hadn't done that, or had given it back to them earlier, none of it would have happened. It was her fault the Qunari stayed. Her fault the two sides prodded and provoked. Her fault they attacked. So, in the end, when the Arishok got his tome back, we allowed them to take her as well. Hawke agreed with that decision."

"I've read reports of what happened to make them just leave so suddenly. We were planning on having to launch an invasion of our own."

"Hear the news about Hawke and I? She is now the 'Champion', I am the 'Defender'."

"No, that hasn't crossed my desk."

"What about you, Leliana?"

She sipped at her wine in silence for a few years. "I am the Divine's left hand, Uhtred. I work in the shadows as a spy. Much like I described during our numerous conversations. But now I'm even better at my craft. I have spent most of my time ensuring the Divine's safety after her election and that her enemies fear what she is capable of. She is a master of what they called 'The Game', and I am one of her most valuable pieces on the board. I go where she asks, do what she bids me to do."

"Are you still… you?"

She sipped again at her wine. "It is another regret… maybe if you had stayed with me… I don't know… I believe I work as the Maker wants me to, and I believe in Justinia's cause. I should not doubt my mission, but there are moments of reflection when I do wonder…"

"Have you been with… anyone…"

"No. I didn't want to. I wasn't waiting for you to suddenly reappear. I didn't think you ever would. Seeing you now though…" She paused before adding, "I can't just go leaping back into bed with you though."

"I wasn't expecting…"

"Part of me wants to, Uhtred. Trust me, I miss everything about what we shared, and that is of course an important part. But I cannot be distracted at the moment. Yes, you would be a rather pleasant distraction, but the job tonight wasn't the only one I was undertaking in the Free Marches. Justinia gave me a list of problems she wished me to investigate."

"So you won't be staying here long?"

"I will likely leave tomorrow, once I have learned of Elthina's response to the request."

"Where are you staying?"

"I had booked a room somewhere else. I don't believe I'll be using it now."

"But I thought…"

"I will not have sex with you, Uhtred. I simply…" She trailed off and I heard and felt the intake of breath. I wrapped an arm around her, holding her tight, her hand on my chest. "I understand your feelings are the same for me after all these years. Mine are too, trust me on that one." She looked up at me, her eyes again glistening by the light of the fire, so I leaned down and kissed her. Glasses were placed on the floor as the kiss was deepened and I gently lay her back on the lounge, her head propped against a couple of cushions. I felt her hands over my arms and back, while mine definitely ran along those fine legs of hers.

She broke the kiss and took a deep breath, staring into my eyes. "I still love you," she whispered.

"I never stopped, Leliana. But…"

She put a finger to my lips. "I never expected you to remain celibate, Uhtred. I made the choice."

"You're here now though." I leaned down and kissed her again before leaning back slightly. "I will wait this time."

"But…"

"I have faith."

That made her smile, leaning up to kiss me softly before she opened her mouth again. That kiss was… something else entirely. When she moaned softly into my mouth, due to something pressing into her, she smiled as we kissed. "Maker forgive me," she whispered…

"What?"

"I was trying to convince myself I shouldn't, Uhtred. Why do you think I came back here with you?" My face must have been priceless as she started to giggle. "Still love you. You love me. And it's been years, Uhtred, knowing I didn't have to give you up. I was a fool. Can you forgive me?"

"Nothing to forgive," I stated as I stood up, gathered her easily in my arms, and escorted her upstairs. If you think clothing was ripped off, you would be wrong. I took my time undressing her, and she did the same. Though we were desperate to be intimate, there was a lot of laughing, giggling, teasing, there was foreplay, then the joining, moaning, grunting, whispers of love and affection, before there was more than one climax, and by the end, we were both exhausted and very much in need of sleep.

Waking next to her the next morning was the best present one could ask for. She simply snuggled into my side as I cuddled her. "Sure I can't convince you to stay?"

"We'll be together again one day, Uhtred. I have faith too."

We dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. Hawke had returned during one of our trysts, smirking away as Leliana took a seat next to me. When Hawke explained that Elthina would not leave, it did dampen the mood, albeit only briefly. "Haven't seen you smile like that in months, Uhtred," she joked, "Though considering the way he spoke about you, Leliana, it's little wonder."

"What did he say?"

"That he loves you more than anything, and that he had long ago stopped praying to his gods to go home. Adoration. Respect. Love. And an urge to simply settle down with the one he loves and live a peaceful life, once and for all."

"One day, I hope for the same thing."

I was ready to escort Leliana wherever she needed to go, but at the front door, she told me that she would have a last word with Elthina, pleading with her to go to Orlais, before she would collect her things and leave Kirkwall, at least for the time being. On the threshold, we kissed again. I didn't want to let her go. Not again. Then she stood on the tips of her toes. "I promise, Uhtred. One day, together again. After that, we won't part again."

I met her eyes and saw the determination that it was a promise she would keep. So I kissed her again before letting her go. "Farewell, because goodbyes are final, after all."

"I'll see you again soon, Uhtred. Keep safe." That made me laugh. "Well, just don't get yourself killed. I'm liking the idea of growing old together more and more."

"Well, I'll do my best to make sure I have all my limbs at least."

She kissed me one final time, quietly stated that she loved me, then turned and strode quickly away, I didn't blame her. There was a good chance I would have chased after her. But I stood where I was until I sighed and closed the door. Dragging my feet again into the study, I took one of the seats by the window and sat down, staring outside. "You okay?" Hawke asked, feeling her hand on my shoulder.

"Feel better than I did a week ago, that's for sure. We'll see each other again; I know that much."

"I hope so, Uhtred. One of us deserves a happy ending at least."

"You'll have yours too, Hawke. Guess you just need a little faith in the end."

A/N - Put poor Uhtred through the ringer enough this story. About time he had some happiness, even if he might have to wait just that little longer for it to be permanent.

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