A Different Perspective

Twenty One

It felt like I was floating, my body felt weightless. I felt... happy, like a darkness had lifted off of me. As I slowly opened my eyes, I realized I was in my room back in Skyhold, and a fire was burning in the hearth. I slowly pushed myself up then looked around, realizing my clothes had been changed. I took a deep breath then got out of bed, going towards the dresser where a note laid.

Sorry, we had to change her clothes to clean her up! You will thank us later! -Sera

I smiled at the note then set it down, leaving the room. When I got outside, I realized it was night and I heard a lot of voices coming from the tavern, so I made my way down.

Varric's POV
"Cheer up! We defeated an immortal mage-"

"We?!" I growled at Tiny and he rolled his eye.

"Your girlfriend defeated an immortal mage and now Corypheus has been dealt a serious blow as well!" He said, but I shook my head and sipped my ale, slamming my tankard down.

"I'm going to bed!" I snapped and stood, leaving the tavern.

"Damn Qunari!" I snarled, looking up the steps and stopping in my tracks. Standing there, looking like a fucking Goddess from above, was Adaline. Her beautiful steel blue dress shaped her from the waist up and her long hair fell loosely over her shoulders as she stared down at me. As she slowly approached me, I noticed tears in her emerald eyes and smiled as I reached out, grasping her hand in mine.

"You look beautiful, Adaline-"

"I saved you? I-I don't remember saving you!" She breathed, shaking her head.

"The Queen stepped in, darling. How do you not remember? You actually said I was your dwarf-"

"The last thing I remember was seeing the fireball going for you!" She sobbed then I smiled, hugging her close.

"I'm here, baby girl!" I breathed, nearly crushed against her breasts, but I didn't mind as she hugged me.

"Varric, I-I was terrified you were dead!" She whispered and stepped back, looking down at me.

"Can't kill me off that easily, Firefly." I smiled and she softly laughed, leaning down and pressing her lips to my own. I smiled and held her hips tightly, moving with her and happily kissing my wife.

####

"TO ADALINE!" I heard and laughed as Herah threw her cup up, everyone cheering in the main hall as dinner was in full swing.

"We were afraid you wouldn't wake." I looked at Blackwall then smiled softly.

"Why is that?" I asked and he frowned.

"You've been asleep for three weeks-"

"Blackwall!" Sera hissed, but I frowned and felt my stomach turn.

"Three weeks?"

"We've had Solas, Dorian, and Vivienne keeping an eye on you." Varric said and I looked at him then smiled, my hair falling over my shoulder as I reached over and grabbed his hand.

"Then I know I was well taken care of."

"Maker, get a room!" Cassandra groaned, but I glared at her and she jumped.

"Ha! You're scared of Adaline!" Varric laughed and I smirked, looking at Cole, who had yet to say anything to me.

"Cole, are you alright?" I asked and he shook his head.

"Fire consumes, burns, but brings new life to a world scorned. From the ashes shall the world rise again." He said and, strangely, I knew exactly what he meant.

"We'll rise together." I said and reached over, grabbing his hand.

"You are odd, Adaline." He said and, before he could be scolded, continued.

"I like you. You are odd, but not odd like Varric or Sera. Not odd like Dorian or Solas. You are odd like you, a unique odd that is... refreshing." He said and I giggled.

"And you, are still a creepy fucker!" Everyone laughed as he smiled at me, pulling his hand away and eating his dinner.

"How did I even get here?" I asked and Herah sighed as she looked at me.

"The wagon we used to bring me to Cecelia, we used to bring you home. From there, the mages made sure you were okay, Sera and I changed your clothes, and we've kept an eye on you since." She said and I nodded.

"You and Sera, huh?" I asked and she sadly frowned.

"We didn't want to say anything, Adaline." Sera said, but I shook my head as the Inner Circle looked at me confused.

"Scars are a sign that you've lived, that you thrive and have defeated your demons." I said and looked at Varric as he set a large hand on my thigh.

"Are you okay?" I nodded then smiled, looking at the people who had become my family. As I told them of my scars, of the lines that crossed my skin, I saw their love for me growing. Their anger for my family grew as well, but mostly their love for me expanded and they seemed to know me better than anyone had ever known me.

"That is why I asked for my mother's head." I said and Herah smirked.

"It's a damn good thing she is already dead, or I'd kill her again." She said and raised her cup.

"To Adaline Tethras." She toasted and everyone raised their cups, toasting to me. After dinner, Varric and I returned to our room, but I leaned against the door as I watched him unbutton his coat, then his shirt. As I watched him, I clenched my hands against the door then pushed off of it.

"You okay, Firefly? You're awfully quiet." He said and turned to me, looking up at me as I stood before him.

"I'm okay." I whispered and leaned down, kissing his soft lips. I felt his hands on my hips then slid my hands down from his cheeks to his arms, gripping them tightly. As he broke the kiss, his amber eyes seemed to search mine as he held me.

"I love you, Varric." I whispered and he smirked.

"Not fair, Adaline." He breathed, pulling me down to kiss me again.