"I know what you mean. What happened there... it makes you realise just how much we take for granted." said Varric, a little colour in his cheeks. "Ha! See, I knew you liked arguing with me Seeker. And I know it has, considering it was only a few months ago Shocker had to stop you doing just that."

I did, for the most part anyway. And nah, the College is a place of learning for mages. And thanks, Kid.

Apparently, I know it's been well praised by the mages that have studied there. I went to school at the chantry in Kirkwall for a time. It was alright.

"That's if the lyrium didn't kill us first." replied Varric, returning her smile with one of his own. "True. Although, sometimes I wonder if part of you isn't still tempted to strangle me, Seeker. I know you sometimes find me kinda irritating." he chuckled.

(+) giving us a heads up and helping us out. Makes you think... not want to waste what time we have... And, err, thanks, Seeker. I like you when you're not trying to strangle me."

"It was real for them, in that future... Or it could have been real, I guess? It's hard to say, but it sure would have been had Alexius not been stopped." replied Varric, thoughtfully, leaning back in his chair. "It does... we'd all likely be dying from red lyrium poisoning if not for Sparkles (+)

No, he didn't. He went off to study with a Dalish Clan just outside Kirkwall; I think he's since gone to the College of Magi. He didn't bring anything back from the fade though thankfully. Hawke managed to save him.

Yeah, Hawke was pretty damn tough. Thankfully, we all made it out alive, as did the kid we helped.

"True... I mean, look at what happened in Redcliffe. If the Inquisitor and Sparkles hadn't managed to get that amulet thing off Alexius, things would have been a whole lot worse. And even more weird." he replied. "Mine neither. But it's not so bad. It's kinda nice, spending time with you."

(+) few go crazy.

It sure tried. When we got inside the fade, this Sloth demon took everyone over whom tried to save the kid; playing on our deepest fears and desires and stuff. Hawke got free first, then came and helped the rest of us. I'm telling you, if mages face that crap on a regular basis, it's no wonder a (+)

(+) asking him for help.

So, it all started with this kid called Feynriel who lived in the alienage back in Kirkwall. He was a mage, a dreamer. As a result of his talent with dreaming, he ended up in a coma, his mind trapped in the fade. Hawke had built a reputation for being helpful, so his mother sent Hawke a letter (+)

Thanks, Kid. I appreciate it; I think I'll be alright, though. Say, did I tell you about the time I ended up in the fade with Hawke?

"Why, um, thanks Seeker..." he replied noticing the brief stammer but saying nothing, trying to ignore the strange fluttering sensation in his stomach. "I suppose you're right... maybe he really is the Herald and fate really is on our side in this..."

It does... which makes it all even weirder.

I just hope people find it believable... I know I hardly believe it at times, it's so weird.

"It sure seems like everything that could go wrong, went wrong... And you really do?" He looks at Cassandra's hand in suprise, smiling at the warm gesture. "That we will. We won't fail. And I'm more than happy to help Shocker send him into the void where he belongs."

Yeah, I'm always happiest when I have a book in my hands. I'm thinking of writing one about all this one day when I get chance.

"I agree, especially with this whole mess with the wardens and Corypheus. And I remember, Seeker. And maybe it is... either way, working with you and everyone else... It feels right. It's nice to think I'm actually doing something good for once."

Hey there, Kid. Looks like someone got my good side.

Truly? You really have changed your mind about me, Seeker. I have to admit, it's a surprise given how stubborn you are. And for what it's worth, I'm glad things have worked out the way they have for the Inquisition. I mean, Shocker seems to be working out pretty well.

Andraste's ass, did they put something in your drink, Seeker? That's pretty good of you to say... and for what it's worth, I'm sorry I kept Hawke a secret... I just wanted him to catch a break, just for once. And I was pretty sure you wanted to arrest him, too. Though I know better now.

"I mean... maybe." he replied, finding himself struggling to admit the truth. "Maybe I've just had a little too much to drink." said Varric, hoping that she believed him. He wasn't sure he was ready for romance again, not after Bianca. "That works. Now you just need something for laughing or hunt."

My apologies, Seeker. Lying tends to come with the territory when you're a storyteller... I'll try and be more honest with you, at least. Just promise not to kill me, alright?

Well, I thank you for the compliment either way Seeker. You know, I know we have our differences, but maybe there's hope for us yet... after all, there's no reason we can't be friends.

Varric found himself blushing a little as she sat close to him, shoulder to shoulder. "Oh, it probably does, Seeker." said Varric, hoping she didn't notice anything. "... and the Knights we all yawning." suggested Varric.

Are my ears deceiving me, Seeker, or did you just compliment me?

Well, it seems like someone has good taste in books.

"That's always a good place to start; the things you've experienced always work well when writing, Seeker." replied Varric. "And it's about writing how those things make you feel rather than meditiation."