The Daughter of Tethras

Disclaimer: Don't own Dragon Age

A/N: I feel I should remind you that as you know the game's storyline and that line is more a secondary matter to the personal matter of our lead protagonists, we're not going to focus entirely on the storyline. You're not going to get a bunch of chapters about Bianca trying to find clues to who is attempting to kill Empress Celene, for example. Rather, you will have this chapter….enjoy

Chapter 22 (The Winter Palace)

En route to the Winter Palace, Bianca was trying her best to focus on the coming celebration rather than the attack from Marcus and Amelia, though it was difficult. Varric walked swiftly behind her and he was looking towards everyone with protective glances.

The outfit she wore was a red, formal type of royal wear that was incredibly comfortable and durable, such that she was hardly used to it. "So we're meeting with Duke Gaspard?" She followed her advisors in and looked back towards her father. Solas and Cassandra were just behind him.

"Yes," Varric replied, "Somehow Josephine managed to get an invite from him." Gaspard was Celene's cousin, and the best way to get into the ball since someone was intercepting their warnings to Celene about a potential assassination attempt.

She could already tell it was going to be a long and exhausting night, but fun at the same time. Despite her adoptive family's noble status, she had never been to a ball like this before.

At the same time, she still hadn't talked much to her father and wanted to actually have a conversation with him. She thought this talk could happen during one of her breaks while on the search for clues regarding the assassin. "Maybe we can talk while we have some time?" Varric drew his eyes towards her and started to smile.

"Yes of course."

Cassandra looked over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow at Varric. "Given your reaction to Hawke, I'm surprised you're letting your daughter be a part of the Inquisition."

"Ah if I had it my way, you know where I would stand on the matter. I wouldn't let my family be involved in life threatening situations if I can prevent it." Cassandra replied with a nod.

It was a good feeling to have such a protective father, though perhaps it would be a bit much if she had dealt with an overprotective dad for the majority of her life. In this case, she couldn't complain.

At the introduction, many were shocked to see a Dwarven inquisitor. This didn't surprise her or strike her with curiosity quite as much as when Varric was announced to be of nobility. She knew he was wealthy and high up in the merchants guild, but nobility was something she hadn't thought of-but it was nice since he didn't parade around like a noble would. Nor did he flaunt his wealth in the same manner that her adoptive parents had done over the years.

This was very important and very pleasing to her.

When she heard Leliana call out to her she hurried towards the woman. The others went off to separate places of the palace, leaving her to explore on her own. "There is another matter I wish to alert you to." Leliana sat on a nearby railing and folded her hands on her top knee. "A woman, a powerful mage, has been appointed as Empress Celene's occult advisor…I've had dealings with her in the past, and she may know something about the possible assassination attempt on Celene's life."

Bianca flinched at the thought of a powerful mage behind the attempt on the Empress, but the stoic expression on Leliana's face suggested otherwise. "You don't think she might have something to do with it, do you?"

"No." Leliana smiled for a moment and shrugged. "Should you run into her, however, it may be crucial that you speak with her." Leliana curled a finger over her chin and slanted her eyes. "Also, you may know her, but I want you to be perfectly relaxed should you meet her."

"I will." She didn't know why it would be a concern if she knew the person or not, she would be able to relax just fine. "Why wouldn't I be relaxed? Is this someone dangerous?"

"That depends on who you ask. She is an old friend of mine. As far as being dangerous goes, perhaps not to you…"At this point she didn't want to argue and wasn't going to press when Leliana didn't seem to want to give details. The woman's gaze softened and a brisk sigh left her lips. "You will understand why I don't wish to tell you who it is right now when you see her, I want your focus to be on finding out who is trying to assassinate Empress Celene and not on the identity of her advisor."

"I understand…I'll start looking around, then."

"Okay then. I will be in the ballroom, should you require anything." Leliana stood and turned towards the door. "Cullen and Josephine will be there as well."

Following that, Bianca went on the hunt for any clues as to who could be plotting against the Empress. Celene's cousin Gaspard seemed genuine when he said he didn't wish to plot against his cousin's life, but she wasn't certain. Then there was the Empress's former elven lover, Briala, who was a spy with many secrets hiding amongst the servants.

When she met Celene at the introductions there was a woman standing beside her, this woman was a mystery to her and gave off a bad vibe, but Bianca hardly had a chance to speak with her. She was referred to as Grand Duchess Florianne.

During her search for clues, she learned that Varric was on the lower floor of the outside gardens and wanted to skip out for a second to speak with him. When she made it to the door, she was astonished to see someone by the name of Comte Doucy guarding it.

"You must be Inquisitor Cadash." The Comte moved his wrists behind his back and furrowed his brow at her. "Even with your title, I am afraid you cannot enter through here. The lower section is for VIP guests." Bianca frowned and leaned to the right, looking to the door.

"My father's down there. I'd like to talk to him."

"Oh? Who is your father?"

"Varric."

The Comte stared at her for an awkward amount of time, ending the silence with the shifting of his eyes and nose, then laughing. "Renowned author Varric Tethras? You can't expect me to believe such a tall claim?" She raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms.

"That is my father. Yes."

"Please." He waved her off and turned his head. "I am a great fan of his works, and any fan knows that Master Tethras has no children." She ground her teeth and her eyes fell to slants.

She didn't have to explain herself to this random person, but she was desperate to have a chance to talk to her dad. "I can't explain it to you, it's personal, but yes you'll have to take my word on it. He is my father, and I need to talk to him."

"I was going to suggest a way to enter-the gifts you would need…" The man put his hand to his chest and leaned back slowly. "But since you insist on such an absurd claim to attempt entry to a private section, I am afraid I will just turn you away."

She pointed to the door, raising her voice with frustration. "How about you just go down there and ask him?"

"Please. I doubt he would desire to be bothered right now, he is currently speaking to true fans of his work."

"His fans get to go in, but you won't let his daughter down there?"

"I refuse to listen to your absurd claim." He waved her off once more. Bianca scoffed in response and turned away, seeing that she wasn't getting through this man no matter what.

Varric wouldn't have publicized her birth, that much she understood given the circumstances and intrusion into his personal life at the time. After all these years, maybe things would change, but only time would tell. "I just can't get a moment alone with my dad," she muttered under her breath. Her eyes travelled towards a gated section of the garden wall that led upstairs and into another part of the area which could have clues to the unknown assassin.

A defeated sigh escaped her and she started for the fence. "I've got other things I do need to do, I suppose." She looked over her shoulder and watched the guard, he was still glaring at her with eyes like daggers. Even though he didn't understand, she was sick of people keeping her and her father apart. "Asshole…"

Time passed as she searched every nook and cranny of the palace and she still didn't feel any closer. There was a door into the servant's quarters, but it was locked, so she wasn't able to search that area despite that the servants were the ones that seemed to be the most suspicious.

As she grew tired she started for the ballroom to tell Leliana she was about ready to give up, but before she could leave she heard a voice beckon her. Bianca turned around and spotted an oddly familiar raven-haired woman in a long purple ball gown walking down a flight of steps.

"Well, well, what have we here?" The woman asked. She had a pleasant smile and odd colored eyes that looked ready to search her very soul. "Leader of the Inquisition and herald of Andraste?"

"You've heard of me?" She paused with her hand above the door handle. Her eyes scanned the woman while her mind tried to answer the question of familiarity. When she got a visual of this woman in a scanty outfit and a staff in her hand, her heart stopped. "It can't be…"

The woman tilted her head and raised a hand to her chin. "You've fallen silent? You stare as though attempting to figure me out. Perhaps I should introduce myself? My name is Morrigan. I am, as some would say an advisor to Empress Celene on all things arcane…"

This was the woman Leliana was talking about, but more than that. "I know you." Her heart threw itself against her chest. She pulled her hand away from the handle and started to approach the woman. On normal situations she would be untrusting, especially given that this woman had the ability to do as she pleased with magic. "You saved my life that day, didn't you?"

The woman folded her hands in front of her waist and raised her shoulders. Her voice grew soft and her eyes gentle. "To think, ten years and we should cross paths again in such a way. Still, I believe that is a discussion for another time."

She stammered past her agreement in an attempt to remain calm as Leliana told her to do. "I'm trying to find out who plans to assassinate Celene." She cleared her throat and slowly shook her head. "It can't possibly be you, you wouldn't have anything to do with it would you?"

"I would not, we hunt the same prey. If something should happen to her, of course all eyes would be on her arcane advisor…I cannot allow this." Morrigan extended her hand and opened it to reveal a key. "This goes out to the servants quarters, I suspect there may be something there."

Bianca graciously took the key and looked up to Morrigan's gaze. "Could you come with me?"

"I must stay and watch so that nothing happens to Celene. There will be plenty of time to discuss various matters afterwards."

"Okay. Thank you."

Within the hour, Bianca had run into Venatori agents and other spies that she was forced to fight her way through. There was a member of the council that had been murdered with what looked like a knife with the crest of Duke Gaspard on it.

Later they found a guard tied to Celene's bed after he had been tricked by the Empress, then another instance where it was discovered Ambassador Briala herself was planning something.

Finally after a long and arduous process, it wound up being Florianne-Gaspard's sister-who revealed herself as the one plotting an assassination. She also revealed herself to be working for Corypheus himself, then tried to kill Bianca so she couldn't stop her.

The plan did not work and Bianca proudly strode up to Florianne in front of the entire ball and calmly revealed her crimes for the Empress and all of Orlais to see. Gaspard turned his back on his sister as a result of her trying to frame him in the process. She then spoke to Celene about everything, convinced her to save Gaspard's life, and wound up letting Celene keep the throne.

At the end of it all Bianca had to step out onto one of the balconies for a breath of air. Morrigan paid her one final visit to inform her that she was named a liaison for the Inquisition and would be staying at Skyhold, but Bianca was far too exhausted for the excitement.

"God what a night." She leaned over the railing and peered out at the moonlit landscape. There was a cool wind in the air that helped to soothe her sore and aching muscles, and in the distance she could hear the pleasant sounds of birds chirping.

"Finally a moment of peace and quiet." Varric's voice startled her and she leaned away from the railing with a soft gasp. "I heard you were trying to get to the lower gardens to talk to me earlier. Sorry the guy didn't let you in."

She turned her head as he pat her on the back. "It's fine."

His right hand fell to the railing and he looked out at the landscape. "The view really does take away from the scheming and the danger, doesn't it?"

"Yes."

"How are you feeling?"

"Honestly? It's been a long day." Varric turned towards her and propped himself onto his elbow, which rested over the rail. His right foot hooked his left and he looked to her with a curious and compassionate gaze. "I couldn't even be excited over Morrigan coming to Skyhold. She's one of those with Leliana and Oghren…"

"Right. That reminds me, I need to thank them." She glanced sideways at him and curled her mouth into a smile. "There's so much to talk about, so many years that we've missed out on. A lot of catching up to do, and it's probably not going to be easy."

"At least we have that chance."

Varric's eyes fell and he frowned for a moment. "I don't want you to think that I never tried." Bianca bit on her lip and looked towards the view. "Your mother would have me painted as the bad parent if she could."

"I don't know if I could believe her. I understand she tried to keep me away?"

"Yeah." Varric's hand moved over her wrist and pride glistened in his eyes. "No matter what, I am incredibly proud of who you've become." She looked into his eyes and her heart skipped. "I know you've been through a lot, and I wish more than anything I could have been there for you."

Her shoulders bounced and she leaned her head sideways. "You're here now." It wasn't too late, at least she didn't think it was. "I don't care about Corypheus, about mom, Marcus and Amelia, or even Lantos and the Carta." She closed her eyes and let out a strong exhale. "Right now, I just want to try and have a dad. You don't have to explain anything, I just want to be able to know you, be able to have a father that isn't an asshole."

"Well." Varric smirked and looked to the door. "I'm sure Cassandra might argue that last point." His chest expanded and he glanced back her way with a subtle smile. "But you're right, and I'm here now. I should have fought harder for you when you were a baby, but now that you're here, I won't let go."

She understood threats had been made, so there was no question in her mind that Varric was the wounded party. She didn't question whether or not he wanted her when it seemed obvious that he had. "If mom forced it, I'm not sure there's anything you could have done." Her head bowed and her hands closed tight. "I mean, maybe things would have been different for both of us if it wasn't for my mother, but there's no changing the past."

"No. There's only the future to worry about."

Her arms folded over her stomach and she leaned back against the balcony wall. She was struggling against the concern and nervous sensation within. After everything, she still wanted to be able to spend time with her dad despite the chaos they were dealing with. "Do you think we'll be able to even get to know each other, to be able to actually connect with everything that's happening?"

Varric started to hum and he turned towards the view. The tone in his voice grew soft, and he moved his hand outwards. "Look at the view, Bianca." She glanced over her shoulder and her concerns were washed away with a sense of serenity. "Given the chaos we're facing right now, we still have a moment like this where nothing is happening. There's no threat to our lives, there's no interruption, just solace. A quiet moment in the chaos; I doubt it will be the last."

"I guess it won't be." She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "I went to the Conclave to try and find you when I heard you were supposed to be there. I never thought what happened to me would ever have happened."

"Me either, and to be honest, I wish it hadn't." Her eyelids rose partially and she chuckled once. "But the Conclave brought us together, that mark on your hand that you hate so much is the reason that Cassandra kept you alive and introduced us." She straightened her back and opened her hand, peering down at the mark with mixed emotions.

"We may not pick our circumstances," Varric said with a sigh, "But we can control how we react to those situations. Like it or not, it's the reason we found one another, it's the reason I can say I have my daughter…and I'm looking forward to our future as your father." She raised her head up and was rendered speechless as tears spilled from her eyes.

Bianca started to sniffle and she quickly wiped away her tears, embarrassed to show them. She listened to the music coming from the ballroom and started to smile. "Dad, can I ask you something? It seems silly…"

"Sure."

"Well." She walked towards the center of the balcony and peered through the doorway. "Marcus and Amelia would talk about balls and parties, and I know there were these dances that people did, a father and daughter or even a mother and son, but-" Her face grew hot and she bowed her head while clearing her throat.

To her surprise, Varric extended his hand to her and a fatherly expression came over him. "I would be happy to." Her heart shot like a rocket and she carefully placed her hand in her father's. "It's been some time since I've done any sort of dancing, just so you know." It would be the first father-daughter dance she'd experience, and she couldn't be happier.

"Same, but at least we get to spend some time together before going back out there."

"That is true."

She could only hope they could build from here. The world was seemingly against them. Threats were evident from all sides, but now that she finally had her father, she wasn't going to let anything get in her way.

So we finally get to that sweet moment on the balcony of the Winter Palace. I hope you've enjoyed the chapter. Now don't forget there will be times I'll have the crew out in the field fighting, it's just that a lot of the stuff that happens in the game you know about. You don't need to see the speech the Inquisitor gives Florianne, for instance, as it doesn't pertain to the personal development of what the characters are dealing with. However, I hope you don't forget the casual mentions of the possibility that Corypheus may try and hit harder because Varric has a child and who that child is...