Chapter Thirty-Nine: Revelations

**AUTHOR NOTE: This chapter has a NSFW passage**

Varric finally makes it through to the two of us. "This crowd is only getting worse through here, but there's a library this way. It should be less crowded now that everyone has moved in here."

Tenebris smiles at us. "You two go on. I think I'll stay here for a minute."

I nod, and allow Varric to lead the way. The two of us are smaller than most, which, in theory, should make it easier to move in between the attendees, but people so rarely look down that they don't take much notice of us. Eventually we hit the entryway again and breathe a sigh of relief to be out of the press of bodies.

But then I see someone I never expected to see.

"Wait," I tell Varric. "There's someone I need to talk to."

"What? Who would you know here?" he questions behind me, but I don't respond, moving toward the woman. She spots me, and an enigmatic smile crosses her pretty features. She is average height for a human, slim, with dark hair. Her elaborate dress speaks of money. She must have a powerful patron, then, because I know her mother didn't usually live in luxury.

She's the first to speak. "Ah yes, the Inquisition's 'arcane consultant' wasn't it? I am-"

"I know very well who you are, Morrigan."

She stops speaking, but the small smile remains in place. "Do you, indeed? My reputation precedes me, then."

"So you're Celene's magic expert."

The smile fades. She probably assumed that's how I knew of her. Silly girl. "Who are you?" she asks.

"An old friend of your mother's," I answer with a smile of my own.

She frowns. "Mother did not have friends, only the men she took to her bed."

"I'm...a little older than I look." I grin. "But, I didn't come here to antagonize you. I'd hoped we could be friendly. In fact, I wished to thank you."

"What could you possibly want to thank me for? We have only just met."

"You may have heard my nickname. They call me 'Dragon Girl'. Preserving the old magics is paramount. You have my gratitude for doing what I could not."

She exhales, and I can tell she is struggling with something internally, but her expression remains calm.

"I assure you, I mean the boy no harm," I tell her. "But I would like to meet him someday, if you would permit it."

"I suppose, 'tis inevitable that you would meet,as I am to serve as liaison to the the Inquisition."

"Oh, then I'll see you at Skyhold soon, then?"

"Indeed."

"Then I shall I bid you farewell until then," I say, giving a small bow and moving away from her. She continues to watch me with a wary expression.

"What in the Void was that about?" Varric grumbles.

"Remember how I talked to Alistair in private about something when we were in Crestwood? He and Morrigan helped a dragon some time ago."

"He never mentioned it before."

"He wouldn't. It involved magic."

"Hm."

I lean in. "Sex magic."

"Oh…" He winces, but then chuckles. "Yeah, I probably wouldn't brag about that one, either."

I smile. "I'm still grateful to both of them for what they did. But I'm hungry; let's find something to eat."

After a quick snack Varric guides me down a hallway, through a doorway, and up a set of a stairs. Varric was right, the library is deserted. Well, except for one occupant.

"Hello Cole," I greet him.

"Hello," he says simply, but frowns, looking back toward where the people had been.

"You look troubled," I observe.

"I don't know how to help. The faces talk even when they aren't moving."

"The masks, yes, I bet that is difficult for you. But you're helping the Inquisitor just by watching."

"Maybe," he answers, turning toward me, his face tilted down, but his eyes meeting mine.

"I'd rather you not read me right now, Cole. Thank you, but I already know, and I have a plan. We'll see you later?"

"If you like," he states, and turns back around.

I follow the corridor, turning around one of the bookshelves to find another set of double doors, which open onto a landing with steps leading down into what appears to be a garden. I glance one way, then the other. The raindrops on the roof of the building are the only sound to be heard, and I don't see anyone.

"Alone at last," I sigh, moving to put my arms around Varric.

"There's something I've been meaning to do since we got here," he says, and before I can ask, he's already kissing me.

I accept his soft lips on mine, having had an equal desire to do the same all day, especially in light of the idea that our time together is limited. When we end the kiss, Varric looks at me.

"You had something you were going to tell me earlier," he reminds me.

"Later, I have an idea."

He raises his eyebrows, but lets go, and I take a few steps backwards toward the doorway. Grinning, I bite the finger of one of my gloves and pull it off, and the the other, tossing them down near the door.

"What are you doing?" he asks.

I kick off my shoes. "What else? Being impulsive," I answer, glancing toward the open door.

"You seriously want to go out there? We'll be soaked in seconds."

I remove the comb from my hair and set it with the rest of my things. "Honestly, Tethras, where's your sense of adventure?" I taunt him, and, pulling my skirts up with my hands, walk out into the rain. I hear him chuckle behind me. I wait for a moment until, now bootless, he joins me on the landing.

"Firefly, you still owe me one from before," he warns.

I smirk. "Yeah, but you'll have to catch me first," I announce, and sprint down the stairs into the garden. I laugh in exhilaration as I run, hearing him chasing after me. I take turn after turn through the labyrinth of dark green hedges. When I pass a fountain, I'm tempted to stop and throw in a coin, but I resist the urge and keep going.

I make another turn and realize I've cornered myself in a dead end. Strong arms wrap around me from behind, causing me to laugh again. I turn and look up at the sky, letting the rain fall on my face. We're somewhat sheltered under a trellis covered in climbing flowers, but plenty of the raindrops still find their way through. Varric touches my cheek, pulling my attention back to him, both of us breathing heavy.

"Well hello, Handsome." I smile.

"What was that you were saying about catching you? And I believe you said, and I quote, 'anything'?"

I lean my forehead against his. "Name it."

"Kiss me," he says.

"That's it? You were getting that anyway." His mouth crashes into mine, hungry. His fierce kisses ignite a fire inside me that leaves me breathless for another reason.

His thumb caresses my cheek. "Well, if that was a freebie, I get something else. Hm...tell me why you didn't want the kid to talk about you this time. You've never cared before if he did it."

I sigh, and all humor leaves me. "I was going to tell you that too, but I wanted to wait," I say, pausing and taking a step away from him. He gestures for me to continue. "It's about how I don't age. I...I don't like the thought that you will be gone at some point. I know I knew this before, it's just sinking in for me."

"You're doing that thing again. There's something you're not saying."

"There are a few things I'm not saying," I admit. I don't think I'm ready for this. "But you already got your one."

"Firefly...this trust shit goes both ways."

"I know, and it's not a matter of trust. I trust you. It's not a secret or anything, I just...ugh I'm rambling. Stars, why is this so difficult?"

He waits. I take a deep breath, and look him in the eye.

"Varric, I...I love you, and I'm scared to lose you."

He exhales. "You love me?" he asks, lines creasing around his eyes.

I nod, unable to speak. Only a split second passes, but the sound of the rain and my own beating heart makes it feel like an eternity before he responds again.

"Ferox," he says, "my goddess of summer, my Firefly. You make me feel more alive than I have in my whole life...I am hopelessly in love with you."

I close my eyes and savor his words for a second before throwing my arms around him and pressing my face against his neck. "You wonderful dwarf."

His arms slide around my waist and he locks his hands together to hold me there. I feel his exhalation. "That wasn't what I expected at all. I mean, it's usually my luck, right? Just when things start to calm down, it all goes to shit again. I didn't mean to rush you, but I'm glad you didn't wait to tell me."

"Now that I know how you feel about me, it was totally worth it," I say breathlessly, and kiss him, soft at first, but then he draws me in close, and the passion takes over. Our lips meet again and again, and I feel his hands move down to cup my buttocks and pull my hips flush against him. I groan, releasing his lips as I feel the hardness of him pressing against me.

"Firefly, you have that ring with you, right?" he asks, the sound muffled against my neck, as he uses his lips to gently caress my skin. One hand drags down my thigh on the outside of my damp skirts, making it hard to focus.

"Yeah, but wait...we need our shoes," I remember, laughing, and there's a delay before he lets go.

He sighs. "Alright, but let's hurry."

I laugh, and we run, hand-in-hand back through the garden toward the terrace. I grab our things, and instruct him, "Have Cole tell the others that we went back early. I don't want to worry everyone when they can't find us." He nods, and walks over to where Cole is still standing, while I finish gathering our belongings.

When he returns, I grin. "My place or yours?" I ask.

"Lady's choice," he answers, and wraps his arms around me. I twist my ring, and the world fades. When it stills again, we're back in Varric's room at the comtesse's estate. Dropping our things unceremoniously on the floor, we're back kissing again.

He backs me against the bed.

"Stop, our clothes are soaked," I protest. "We'll get the bed all wet."

"So we'll sleep in your room," he responds, leaning against me, and I drop to sit on the side of the bed.

He reaches down and pulls up my skirts, running his hands over the soft skin of my thighs up to my hips, and I shiver with longing. Grasping my hips, he pulls me forward, positioning me slightly off the side of the bed. I let him take over and lay back, exposed to him, and he gently tugs at the fabric of my smalls, removing them and tossing them on the floor with our other things.

I moan as his hand returns, stroking my wet flesh. "Stars, yes," I mumble.

"Mn, I love that you're always so ready for me," he comments, raising one leg to kiss my calf while his fingers toy at my sensitive folds.

I see him reach down to unfasten his trousers, then he lifts both my legs again and enters me with one smooth motion. I cry out, pleasure pulsing through me at the sensation of fullness. He moves back, almost pulling out, before driving forward again, sheathing himself all the way inside me. I call out his name, encouragement, and probably a few profanities as he sets into a brutal rhythm, the rough feeling of the fabric of his wet trousers brushing against me with each thrust. I welcome his ferocity, curling my toes and rocking my hips beneath him. I missed this.

I raise up on my elbows and he leans forward to capture my lips in a brief kiss. I feel my climax approaching, the sweet tension building. "Varric, I'm so close. Come with me," I plead. Our lovemaking reaches a furious peak and the two of us cling to one another, riding the waves of release together.

Releasing my legs, he plants a kiss on my forehead. "I...didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No," I say with a shuddering laugh, shaking my head. "But give me a minute." I wait for my heart rate and breathing to slow a bit before trying to move. Finally I sit up, looking up at him. "Will you say it again?"

"I love you, Firefly."

"I love you, too." I hug his waist, and his hand finds my hair.

"Sorry I was rough with you."

I stare up at him in disbelief. "You just gave me one of the most intense experiences of my life, and you want to apologize? I don't think so. I wanted you just as much."

I move to stand, and he steps backward, giving me space. I stretch, my skirts falling back down to the floor. The dress is probably ruined from everything it's been through today, but I don't care. It already served its purpose. "We should probably clean up and change. It's hard to say how long the others will be gone."

He smiles. "See you in your room in about twenty minutes?"

I nod, then pause. "There's something else I want to talk about when you get there. Don't worry, it's nothing bad." I kiss his cheek, and open the door. Thankfully, none of the servants are hovering around. We hadn't exactly been quiet, which makes me wonder if the extra staff from before have been dismissed, their duty of getting us ready for the gala complete. The Inquisition will be leaving in the morning, after all. I make it to my room without running into anyone. I wash up, remember to take my herbs, and put on a simple dressing gown. I use a little magic to dry my hair, and spread the blue dress over the back of a chair near the fire in an attempt to let it dry.

A knock sounds, and I go to answer the door. Pulling it open just a crack, I see Varric standing there.

"Yes?" I ask politely.

"Don't 'yes' me, you minx," he teases, and I open the door with a giggle, letting him enter. I see that he's brought a bag with him, and I'm happy he thought ahead this time. He shuts the door behind him. "Good, you've got a fire going. I thought I'd never get warm."

I wiggle my fingers. "Benefits of being a mage."

"I thought fire magic was difficult for you."

"Not the simple stuff. Just the complicated kind, like approaching a dragon for the first time. Want me to help dry your hair?"

"You can do that?" he looks at my own long locks, already dry, and shrugs. "Sure, why not?"

"Just sit over here in this chair, I'll take care of the rest." He does as I ask.

I use my own hairbrush and the heated air as I had done before. He gives a contented sigh, letting me tend to him. "That feels nice," he admits. His hair is a lot shorter than mine, and as I'm only manipulating the air around him, not his actual body, his resistance isn't a drain on my mana. It doesn't take long before his hair is dry. I set down the brush and move to stand behind him. Placing one hand on each of his shoulders, I lean forward, sliding my palms down his chest, and drape my form over his shoulders.

"I'm happy we got to spend this time together today. I hate fancy parties."

"Sweetheart, you and me both. You had something to tell me, though, right?"

"Yeah. I'm not quite sure how to bring this up, so I guess I'm just going to put it out there. You know I've been the same age for a very long time."

"Right."

"As time passes, I won't change, even though you will."

"We talked a little about that before, but you said you wanted to be together anyway."

"And I still do. Nothing I'm about to say changes any of that. It's just...why settle for one lifetime together when we could have a hundred?"

"What?!"

"There may be a way to make you like us - like my brothers and I."

He's quiet for a moment. "And what if I say no?"

I move around to kneel in front of him. "I would never force this on you, I promise. I love you, and I'll stay with you no matter what you decide. There's time to think it over."

"Can I ask some questions about it?"

"Of course." I stand up. "But I'm getting tired. Come to bed with me?" I move the covers back and slide in between the sheets. He nods, and joins me, pulling me to rest on his arm, close to his chest.

"So...how would you do it?"

"It's a powerful magic ritual - so much so that it takes all four of us to do it. There's no guarantee we can convince Etiam and Lucis to even try, but I wanted the choice to be yours on whether or not we pursue it. It's hard to explain, but it requires intense concentration on our part for a long period of time, a few components that go into a concoction that you would drink. Each of the four schools of magic play a part in the casting."

"What does it do? Would I be different?"

"Not really. You would still have the same thoughts, the same personality. You're not a mage, otherwise you'd get access to more mana than a normal mage, but you will get slightly improved stamina and physical prowess. And the aging thing, of course. Otherwise, you'd still be you."

"What's the downside?"

"You would watch everyone you love grow old and die. Over and over. Your own death, should it ever come, would be a violent end, not from old age or disease."

He exhales sharply and shakes his head.

"I understand, it's a lot to take in. What we are is enough for me, never doubt that. If you ever decide you want to try the ritual, let me know. Otherwise, this is the last time I will speak of it. I just needed you to know that 'forever' might really be possible. Goodnight, Varric."

"Goodnight."