"What am I going to do now?"

Cassandra's distress seemed to amuse Leliana. The spymaster was giving her one of those sly smiles that was more endearing when directed at someone else. "Why, go on your date of course," she declared. "Isn't that what you wanted?"

"Yes… and no," Cassandra admitted, slumping back against the wall of the rookery. "Since I cannot escape this attraction, pursuing it in a… less shameful fashion seemed to be a good idea. But now that Morrigan has agreed, I have no idea what to do next."

That earned her a puzzled look. "I know you are inexperienced, but I thought you had been in a relationship before."

"Once," she admitted, "but it was with a man. He was the one who courted me. With another woman, I wouldn't know what to do, or what is expected of me. You know more of these things. Help me?"

Leliana's amusement turned into full-blown laughter. "You are making too much of this, Cassandra. There are no hard and fast rules. Not for two women, and not even for men and women, no matter what those books of yours have made you think."

Cassandra's cheeks flushed. It wasn't too surprising that Leliana knew about her smutty taste in literature, but it was still embarrassing. "I do not know what you mean by that," she mumbled.

Leliana brushed right past her denials. "And even if there were rules, do you really think they would apply to Morrigan? She is hardly a conventional person."

She sighed. "No, she is certainly not that. It's only… I wish there were rules. Some way to know what I should do. I cannot seem to banish these desires. I cannot even stop myself from caring about Morrigan. It seems I have no choice but to make this work."

"Then let us find a way for you to do so." Lelaina came over to her, putting a friendly hand on her shoulder. "Perhaps we should think of something you both enjoy, that you can discuss on your date."

Cassandra ran her hand through her hair. "I do not know what that could be. Most of our time together has been spent bickering. Contempt seems to be her primary response to most of what she encounters."

Leliana's smile was positively devilish. "Well, there is something you two have in common."

"I?"

"You must admit, you can be rather dismissive at times."

"Merely because most people fail to live up to reasonable standards of…" Her words trailed off. "Are you seriously suggesting that we should bond over our disdain for fools?" Leliana simply continued smiling at her, and she sighed. Her friend was far too good at this sort of thing for comfort. "Perhaps you are right."

"Very good, then. Some amusing anecdotes about the people both of you know might help to break the tension. Do you recall the time Varric tried to convince those mercenaries that he was third in line to the throne of Orzammar? I think that story should amuse Morrigan."

The memory managed to coax a smile to Cassandra's lips. Having a plan made her feel a bit less like she was about to face an Archdemon in nothing but her smallclothes. "It might serve. Thank you, Leliana. You have always been a good friend, in spite of how difficult I can be to help."

"Think nothing of it. You know I'm a romantic. Somewhat like you, I think," she added with a wry grin. "As much as you might try to deny it."

Cassandra shook her head. Leliana always could talk circles around her, and all she could think to say was, "We shall see, I suppose."

"We shall. But before you go, I have something for you." Leliana walked over to her desk and picked up a wooden box, perhaps a foot long and half that high, offering it to Cassandra. "Actually, it's from Dagna, but she told me to give it to you."

She didn't entirely trust the smile on Leliana's face, but she took the box anyway. It wasn't overly heavy, and it didn't make any sound that provided a clue as to what might be inside. Pinned to its lid, though, was a note in what she recognized to be the dwarven enchanters' messy writing.

Open me if the date is going well.

Cassandra stared at it in confusion, though she soon realized that the box's contents weren't the only mystery she had to contend with. "Leliana, wait. How did Dagna know about this date at all? I have told no one but you, and I cannot imagine that Morrigan would have done so."

"Oh, eavesdroppers I suspect. I fear that by this point, all of the Inquisition knows what you have planned. Skyhold has few secrets, and your relationship with Morrigan has become quite the subject of conversation."

Cassandra sighed. It was embarrassing to be sure, but by this point, she had become resigned to her fate. It was already far too late for any hope of dignity.

"So, what am I to do? I possess many talents, but maintaining an engaging conversation over dinner isn't one of them." Morrigan sighed and brought her hand up to her face, pinching her tense forehead between her fingers. Her nerves were growing worse and worse as evening approached, and the knot in her stomach was decidedly unpleasant as well.

"You were Empress Celene's advisor," Leliana pointed out. "You would never have survived at Halamshiral without some knowledge of social interaction." She finished the message she had been scrawling with a flourish and rolled it up, searching her worktable for a piece of twine.

Secretly, Morrigan was relieved that Leliana was only half paying attention to her. It made their conversation slightly less awkward. "Yes, but I cared little for the court's opinion of me."

Leliana left her chair and made her way over to one of the rookery's many hanging cages. "But you do care about Cassandra's opinion?" she asked as she withdrew one of her messenger birds.

Morrigan avoided her eyes. "Yes," she admitted, with more than a tinge of reluctance. Just remembering the look of betrayal on Cassandra's face when she had abandoned the Inquisition in the Arbor Wilds made her heart clench in a painful and unfamiliar way. There was no denying it. For reasons beyond her understanding, she wanted Cassandra to like her. Not fear her, respect her, or desire her, but like her as a person. The closest she had ever come to feeling that way about anyone before had been the Warden, and it had been uncomfortable then too.

Leliana shot her a small, irritating smile as she carried the bird over to the window. "And you care enough about my opinion to seek my counsel? Wonderful news. Soon, you might even have a lover and friends like most of the rest of Thedas."

It went against her instincts, but Morrigan ignored the teasing. She still needed advice, whether Leliana was going to be smug about it or not. "You still have not answered my question," she said, trying to change the subject. "Sex and desire have always been simple for me, but how do you... encourage someone to like you?"

"Cassandra already likes you. She agreed to spend the evening with you, didn't she?" Leliana sent the bird off into the air with a jerk of her wrist, and Morrigan noticed that the sky outside was growing darker by the minute. She was running out of time.

"You are being deliberately vague, and I do not appreciate it," she snapped. "Are you willing to help me or not?"

Leliana turned back to face her and lowered her hood, revealing more of her face. "Tell me, how did the Warden gain your trust, Morrigan?"

Morrigan thought for several moments. "She gave me a mirror. It looked just like one I treasured when I was a child. Oh, and she killed Flemeth at my request... although that did not go precisely as planned."

"Go back to the mirror," Leliana said. "She decided to give you a present because..."

Morrigan pulled a face. "Because she hoped to bribe me into becoming a more cooperative member of her insane party of misfits?"

This time, it was Leliana's turn to bring her hand to her forehead. "Because she listened to you, Morrigan," she groaned. "The gift didn't make you happy just because you enjoy staring at your own reflection, did it? It made you happy because it showed that she had been listening to what you had to say, and that she found it important enough to remember."

Realization dawned. It seemed so simple when Leliana spelled it out, and she felt like a fool. "But what kind of gift could I find for Cassandra? I hardly have time to interrogate her about all her interests before tonight."

"You are making this far too complicated," Leliana said. "What does Cassandra enjoy?"

"The Chantry, Andrastian things..." She wrinkled her nose in distaste. No matter how much she... liked... Cassandra, she wasn't about to start reciting the odious Chant of Light. "Weapons, armor, books..." She paused. That idea had promise. "Tell me more about that awful serial she likes. What was it called again?"

Morrigan did not at all like the bemused smile that spread across Leliana's face at her question. "I assume you are referring to Swords and Shields."

"I believe that is the one."

"Well, I know that she is very much waiting for the next installment. I understand that the heroine was left in some peril at the end of the previous book."

Morrigan tapped her fingers on the stone, the germ of an idea starting to form in her mind. "I see. And it is Varric who writes this story?"

"It is." Something of her plan must have been apparent on Morrigan's face, because Leliana smirked before she asked, "Just what are you going to do with this information?"

Morrigan picked up her staff from the table she'd left it leaning against. "Let us just say that there are a few advantages to being, as Sera called me, a spooky mage."

The moon had already risen by the time Cassandra heard the approaching footsteps. At once, she stopped her pacing, pivoting in the direction of the sound. Morrigan hadn't changed out of her usual outfit for their date, but that was more than enough to get Cassandra's attention. In recent weeks, she had become increasingly, uncomfortably aware of the considerable expanses of skin the clothes revealed, something the night's purpose only heightened.

"I was beginning to fear Scout Harding hadn't delivered my message properly," she said as Morrigan entered the circle of light the fire was casting.

"'Twas not her fault," Morrigan replied. "There was something I had to do before coming here."

"I'm sorry I couldn't find us a more suitable setting, but Skyhold has very little of the sort of luxury you must have gotten used to at the Winter Palace. I thought perhaps it was best to keep it simple."

Morrigan offered her a small smile. "Fear not. I may have spent my time in Orlais recently, but I was raised in the Korcari Wilds. Dining under the stars is something I'm quite familiar with. Besides, the view is pleasant enough."

That was a understatement, Cassandra thought. The mountains around Skyhold, bathed in moonlight, were one of the most spectacular views of the Maker's creation she had ever seen, as inspiring as any cathedral. Still, she knew Morrigan didn't share her faith, and this wasn't the right time for such a discussion.

"I have bread and cheese, and some chicken we can roast," she said as she sat down next to the fire, "As well as what I am assured is a very good wine."

Morrigan sat down as well, setting her staff and a small bag on the ground. She wasn't quite next to Cassandra, but she was close enough to reach out and touch. At least if things go well. "You are assured? I know you are a member of the Navarran nobility. Surely you must have been taught about their various affectations."

"I was a very poor student," she admitted. "Aside from my devotional instructions and martial training, I seldom followed my lessons very well. But Josephine says that this vintage is excellent, and I trust her judgement in such matters."

"First Scout Harding and now Josephine. It seems you have enlisted quite the retinue to help you prepare for this evening."

Cassandra could feel her face reddening. "I am sorry if I should not have done that," she said. "I would have kept our date a secret if Leliana had not told me that much of Skyhold was already aware of it."

Morrigan held up a hand. "There is no need to apologize. I… sought help as well. Which reminds me, I have a gift for you."

Her words made Cassandra's heart beat a little faster. Not at what the gift itself might be, but at what it symbolized. She had spent the previous day and a half agonizing over how she could make this evening work, but until this moment, she'd thought she might be the only one. I wasn't, she realized. Morrigan cares about this too. The thought both thrilled and terrified her, but before she could dwell on it, the witch offered her a small package. It was covered in a leather wrapping, and when she undid it, her eyes widened. "Is this…"

"Yes. The next installment of Swords and Shields."

"But how did you get ahold of it? It is not supposed to be released for months. I did not even realize Varric had even finished writing it."

"I can be quite persuasive when I want to be," Morrigan replied dryly.

Cassandra opened the manuscript, flipping through the pages. "What happens at the Guard-Captain's trial? She has to be exonerated. She was falsely accused, and the real murderer…"

Morrigan gave her a wry smile. "You realize I have not actually read the book? Or any of the preceding volumes?"

"Of... of course not," Cassandra stammered. "I must seem quite the fool."

"Perhaps. But I am still glad you like the gift."

They fell quiet for a few moments, but the silence wasn't an uncomfortable one. Cassandra closed the manuscript and held it against her chest, giving Morrigan a grateful smile. "Thank you," she said at last. "This was a very thoughtful present."

To her delight, Morrigan returned her smile. "I can be thoughtful, when I choose. Perhaps that is why your company unsettled me so before now. I am not accustomed to other people noticing my friendlier qualities, however sparse they may be."

"I wouldn't call them sparse," Cassandra replied.

Morrigan laughed, and Cassandra tried not to notice the way the stars shone in her dark hair as a few strands fell loose around her face. "Others might disagree. But you... you thought well of me even when you did not like me. Otherwise, you would not have been so angry when I left you in the Arbor Wilds. Being held in such high esteem is strange."

"I cannot be the first person to like you, Morrigan," Cassandra protested. "You have many, um..." While she could list several things she admired about Morrigan, her courage deserted her before she could speak them aloud. She suspected most of them would sound sappy, foolish, or overtly sexual coming from her lips. "... admirable qualities."

Thankfully, Morrigan was not offended. In fact, she seemed pleased. "If that was supposed to be a compliment concerning my appearance, I accept. 'Tis flattering to be appreciated while the two of us are not under the influence of magic."

Being reminded of their torrid encounter in the Western Approach made Cassandra flush. The heat of the fire was nothing compared to the burning points of her cheeks. She and Morrigan had barely discussed their awkward coupling since it happened, a decision she was starting to regret. Perhaps if they had talked about it a bit more thoroughly before, it wouldn't have felt so embarrassing now. "Does remembering the... incident... ever upset you?" she asked, with more than a little hesitance.

Morrigan gave her a look of what almost seemed like approval. "Of course. 'Tis most upsetting to lose control of your body and inhibitions, and such an experience could be considered a gross violation. But if you are asking whether I regret the fact that you were the one in the temple with me, the answer is no. Not at all. Indeed, it was most fortuitous."

Cassandra hadn't known it was possible to blush any more fiercely. She was intensely grateful for the darkness, hoping it would hide some of her embarrassment. "I agree. Can you imagine the same thing happening with someone like Sera?"

"Please, abandon that thought before I lose my appetite," Morrigan groaned. "T'would be a shame to waste this fine meal you have brought. So, I was curious… had you taken notice of me before our journey to the Western Approach?"

Cassandra's brow furrowed as she considered how best to answer. "Perhaps. At the time, I convinced myself I simply wanted to keep a close eye on you."

"Ah, I see," Morrigan said, leaning forward slightly. It caused her flowing red shirt to drape lower, revealing even more of her cleavage, and Cassandra shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "You wished to make sure the mysterious apostate meant the Inquisition no harm?"

"Yes," Cassandra said, still trying not to stare. "But I was wrong. Later, I had to admit I was watching you for other reasons. I had never taken notice of another woman before. It was… unsettling."

Morrigan's brows lifted in surprise. "Unsettling? How so?"

"My previous relationship was with a man. Women never interested me until..." She couldn't avoid looking at Morrigan any longer. To her relief, there was no judgment on the witch's face. She was still smiling, a rare, private gesture Cassandra was swiftly learning to enjoy—especially when it was directed at her.

"I suppose the fact that you are a novice makes your performance in the Western Approach all the more impressive."

Cassandra nearly dropped the manuscript sitting on her lap. "I... er, thank you?" she stammered, clearing her throat before trying again. "I suppose this means you are not as inexperienced as I am?"

Morrigan's lashes lowered over her dark, hooded eyes. "I have been with my fair share of both men and women. It matters little to me. In other respects, however, my requirements are much more stringent. You are the first person to hold my attention beyond a single night in a very long time."

Cassandra had no idea how to respond. She groped for words, but remained embarrassingly frozen as Morrigan shifted closer to her. She almost forgot how to breathe when their arms brushed together. Her head spun as she tried to decide whether turning to face Morrigan was appropriate or not. Surely it is. I must seem a fool, staring straight ahead into the fire while she is right next to me.

When she looked, her heart clenched. Morrigan was beautiful. Not simply attractive, or alluring, or seductive with so much skin on display. Beautiful. Her face was softer than Cassandra could ever remember seeing it, and she seemed almost hopeful. Without conscious thought, she found herself leaning closer. "Morrigan..."

A sharp rustling sound startled her out of her haze. She jerked back just as Morrigan dipped in, looking around for the source of the noise. "Wait. Did you hear that?"

"I hear your heartbeat and your breathing, but little else. 'Tis loud enough to wake the dead." A soft hand cupped her cheek, guiding her back around. This time, she couldn't break the spell. When Morrigan's warm lips met hers, she closed her eyes and melted into the kiss, forgetting about everything else.