Much to Varric's delight the Warden Anders and Carver traveled with them. Between the traveling and fighting it amounted to weeks they worked together, all the while the dwarf scribbled furiously. He was across the fire from the newst duo tonight, watching and thinking when Carver pulled onto the stump beside him.

"Copper for your thoughts."

"I was debating between 'Staff and Sword' "or 'Sandswept Hearts' as the title for my next book," the dwarf noted as he gestured to where Cassandra had settled on the ground reading while Anders sat with his arms resting on her shoulders holding the book and reading along.

Carver shoved the dwarf lightly. "I think it's another footnote in your final epic 'This Shit is Weird' actually."

"Maker no! Seeker gets her own book, and Blondie is as deserving as any of a happy ending."

Carver nodded as he watched the two, now obviously involved in some discourse. They both had a contentment about them, which for Anders was about time. He had always taken on more than was necessary- maybe he really was related to the Hawkes. This was the first time Carver had seen this particular friend actually at ease.

"Two gold he says he loves her first."

Varric considered the odds. "I'll take it. He may be forward, but he hasn't done this before. I think Seeker has experience, and that whole Seeker of Truth thing. She'll crack first."

0 - &

"I hate the Fade," Anders grumbled as they brought the last of the terrors down and the nightmare at last faded.

It had been a terrible trek, and only Anders' presence so far had made the Wardens listen to Bethany's words. She decided the Orlesians were weaker than any Fereldan Warden she had met. Marian had stood again Corypheus after all, and retained her mind; she was was sure the others could have done the same.

Well maybe not precisely.

It also caught Bethany off-guard how affectionate Anders had been towards Cassandra. He had been protective as well, ensuring any hits were healed immediately. Some would put it off to tactics, but Bethany had seen how Anders worked and this was more regard than he'd given even Carver when they fought together. The Seeker and the Apostate Warden. THAT would be a story for the ages. Bethany resolved to ask her mage friend all about it wen they got back to Skyhold. Surely Varric would want to hear as well. If the dwarf didn't know already.

They ran to the rift, ready to exit. Varric. Bull. Anders pushing Cassandra through with a rogue smile and a kiss on her hand, the Seeker blushing...

Leaving Bethany, Carver, and Anders alone when the terror spider appeared in the way, clawing and grumbling.

Bethany looked to the two men, who in turn were staring at each other intently. "It'll follow us out," Bethany realized.

"Unfortunately," Carver admitted. "Bethy, the mark- the Inquisition... It can't be for nothing. Do you understand?"

Bethany nodded, thinking. "What if I close it REALLY fast?"

"Not good enough sadly," Anders agreed. "Hawke- Bethany..."

"Nothing more." Carver straightened, swishing his sword. "I'll buy you time."

"Your girls," Bethany protested.

"They will understand."

Anders nodded. "I'm sure. Just one problem, Hawke." With that, Anders brushed mind-blast to the younger man and tossed him at Bethany. "I've got this. Just tell the Seeker... tell Cass I'm sorry I led her on."

With that, the blonde mage ran toward the spider-nightmare. Bethany spared a single moment before grabbing Carver and leaving the Fade, tears peppering her eyes. It wasn't until she closed the rift and saw the pain in Cassandra's eyes that Bethany felt the full weight of what had happened. Turning to the Wardens of Orlais in Adamant, she passed her judgement.

"Wardens. You have proven weak, susceptible to evil by nature of the Call in your blood. But it no longer has to be so. As of now, ALL Wardens are to be subject to the Inquisition, under the rule of Commander of the Grey Marian Howe. All records will forthwith be released to her, and her command will be law to you under only my own. What you were before matters not. You are now the Inquisition."

There were cheers through the crowd, mostly "Hail Inquisitor" or "Long life to the Herald." To Bethany they were hollow. She had lost a brother today, and a trusted friend. Cassandra's broken look did nothing to ease her own misgivings.

That night at camp, Bethany quietly watched as Varric handed a bundle of notes to Cassandra. The Seeker gasped, then gently leafed through them with tears before one by one putting them to the flames. Varric nodded, holding one of her hands as she did.

When Cassandra went to her tent, Bethany walked up to Varric.

"Your notes on Anders? Mostly with her, I take it?"

Varric didn't nod or shake his head. He just crossed his arms and watched the paper burn, stating, "Some stories do not get told, Sunshine."