Cassandra groaned as her eyes blinked open, unsure of where she was. Beneath her, she felt the softness of a mattress, and she realized that while she'd slept, her armor had been removed. The sharp pain she'd felt before had passed but a dull ache remained, especially in her side where the arrow had struck her. Light was coming in through a window, and as Cassandra adjusted to the brightness, she heard the musical voice she'd longed for.

"You're awake. Thank the Maker!"

Leliana rose from her chair, coming over to the side of the bed and sitting down. Her long, red hair was flowing freely down her back, the morning sun reflecting off of her green eyes, and her smile was warm and inviting... She was so lovely that it made Cassandra's heart ache, but all she could think to say was, "Where am I?"

"At an inn called the Dancing Arl. Varric and I brought you here after you collapsed."

"Varric… Is he all right?" Though she was loathe to admit it, the dwarf had gone beyond the call of duty to help her and she hated to think he might have been seriously hurt doing it.

"He will be. Somewhat shaken from the blow to the head is all. He's resting in another room, but I didn't want to leave you alone. Not after what you went through for me."

Cassandra could feel her face reddening at the praise. "I was simply repaying a debt. You were taken covering my retreat. I couldn't leave you behind." But that wasn't the only reason I had to save you. I just don't have the words to explain.

"Even still, I owe you thanks. I always knew you were persistent, but what you did yesterday was remarkable."

The bard bent down and ran her hand across Cassandra's forehead. It was only a friendly gesture, but it was still enough to make her skin burn. Trying to hide her reaction, she said, "I don't seem to be as injured as before. Who do I have to thank for that?"

Leliana gave her a mischievous grin. "Mother Corday, bien sur. She kept a good supply of healing potions on her person that I was able to appropriate. You will still need your rest, but they have helped the process along a great deal."

"And you? Are you… all right?" Looking at the beautiful bard, Cassandra didn't see any injuries, but the Maker only knew what those monsters might have done to her while she was their captive.

Thankfully, Leliana nodded, her smile never leaving her face. "I'm fine. A few bruised ribs and some cuts, but nothing near as serious as your wounds were. Corday had hoped to win me to her cause, so I was spared the worst of what might have been."

Cassandra exhaled, saying a silent prayer of thanks to the Maker for that small blessing. She knew Leliana had suffered terrible torments after Marjolaine's betrayal and the thought of her going through that again would have been unbearable. Leliana meant more to her than it was easy to admit, even to herself, and she had no idea how to tell her friend.

She didn't even know where to begin. Leliana had always been something of an enigma during their years working together. While she had been open about her history of bedding other women, the Seeker had no idea what Leliana might say if she actually found the strength to come clean. Cassandra had just battled nearly a dozen men with a wound in her side and yet the thought of confessing her feelings terrified her.

Strangely, it wasn't the sight of the beautiful woman at her bedside that pushed Cassandra to act, it was Varric's earlier words. The insufferable little man had been getting on her nerves since the second they met and yet for all his annoyances, he had recognized the truth. She did love Leliana, too much to just let it go. Even if it meant suffering through her beloved rejecting her, she had to try.

Leliana had noticed how quiet Cassandra had grown and so she laid a hand on the woman's leg through the covers of her bed. "Cassandra?"

The Seeker shut her eyes and took a deep breath. She didn't know how to begin a conversation like this. As much as she loved to read tales of romance, she herself was something of a fool when it came to the subject.

"Leliana, may I speak with you about something... personal?"

The redhead tilted her head to one side, a playful smile appearing on her face. "Personal? This is a first. By all means, speak your mind."

"We have known each other for quite some time."

"We have."

Cassandra swallowed hard, finding that her throat had gone dry. "I...I am not experienced at things like this."

Leliana furrowed her brows. "Things like what? Cassandra, I fear you're not making much sense. Are you feeling alright?"

"What I'm trying to say is…" Cassandra sat up straight but immediately regretted the action when a low throb of a pain in her head made her groan and clutch at its source.

Leliana sprang into action, bringing the Seeker a cloth soaked in cold water. "Here, this should help."

Cassandra fell back into silence as Leliana dabbed at her forehead. "Corday would have squeezed out everything she could, and then probably killed me." Leliana's voice was just above a whisper. "And what kept me strong wasn't my faith in the Maker. It was knowing that you'd come for me. I owe you everything, Cassandra."

Without saying a word, Cassandra reached up and wrapped her hand around Leliana's arm. She lowed the cloth away from her face and stared into the bard's eyes. This had to be said; she just had to be brave enough to do it.

"Leliana, I...I care for you. I have for a very long time."

The bard smiled. "And I for you. You're a good friend, Cassandra."

"No. I mean…" Suddenly an idea from one of Varric's damned books popped into her head, one of those smutty romance novels she hated to enjoy as much as she did. She leaned forward and without further hesitation, she brought her lips together with Leliana's. They were wonderfully soft but the kiss was short and awkward, ending when Cassandra lost her nerve, pulling away and dipping her head while her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"I… I am sorry. I should not have done that."

There was a tense silence between them before Cassandra felt Leliana's hand on her thigh. "The only thing you shouldn't have done was wait so long."

Cassandra's eye widened in shock but before she could manage any reply, Leliana leaned down and caught her mouth once more. This time, it was a proper kiss. The bard coaxed her lips apart, and her tongue slid inside. It was as sweet as Cassandra had dreamed, and a low moan escaped her throat while Leliana's arms wrapped around her. The kiss went on even as the bard lowered her back onto the bed, only ending when they both had to breath.

"You already knew how I felt?", the Seeker panted, her head spinning, and not from her wounds.

"But of course. I am the Left Hand, after all." Leliana wore a playful smile that had become too rare over the years. "But you needed to be ready to tell me yourself." Cassandra had no idea what to say to that, but fortunately Leliana made the next move. She lay down next to her, running one hand through Cassandra's short hair while the other came to rest on her side, stroking it affectionately. "I know you're still healing," she told her. "So there's no need for us to rush things if you don't want to."

Cassandra wasn't well, it was true. Her side ached and her head was fuzzy. But she didn't care. Everywhere Leliana touched her, the skin tingled, and between her legs, she could already feel a deeper ache building, the lure of pleasures she'd only been able to dream of. "I'm well enough," she reassured the bard, fighting back tears of joy at the realization that she was wanted. "We have waited long enough." She hesitated before adding, "But I'm afraid I don't really know where to start."

"Don't worry." Leliana's voice lowered to a seductive purr that sent shivers running down Cassandra's spine. "I'll take care of everything."

Leliana had already partially undressed Cassandra when she put her to bed, simplifying her task now. Her hands slid beneath the Seeker's undershirt, lifting it up above her stomach. She had seen Cassandra changing before when they travelled, but the prospect of what was coming made this time different. She drank in the tight muscles of her fellow Hand's stomach, running her fingers over their lines. There were bandages over the the places where Cassandra had been cut and shot, but Leliana didn't mind them. They were reminders of what had been done for her, only enhancing the other woman's charms.

Cassandra sighed at her touch, and Leliana bent down, catching her lips for another long kiss. "I've wanted this longer than you know," she whispered in her ear once it ended. "You are really quite impressive." Her fingers trailed upwards, and the Seeker raised her arms, letting Leliana remove her shirt. Cassandra bit her lip, clearly discomforted by the motion, and the bard kissed the base of her throat. "I can stop if you need me to."

"No." The was such raw need dripping from that one word that it was all Leliana needed to hear. Her mouth inched lower then, moving on to Cassandra's breasts. They were full and firm, topped by sensitive, brown nipples that she pulled between her lips, sucking on them one after the other. The Seeker's fingers were tangled in her long hair now, tugging gently at it while making small gasping noises in response to each motion of her tongue.

There was something delicious about the contrast between the soft sounds and the powerful warrior making them, and a wave of desire ran through Leliana's body. Though she had more experience than Cassandra, she had been too long without the touch of someone she cared for like this. Her pleasure could come later, though. Now, she needed to properly reward the woman who had endured so much on her behalf.

"Please," Cassandra begged when she managed to find her words again, "I want to look at you too."

"Of course." Leliana sat back up, unbuttoning her blouse and sliding it off before doing the same with her bra. Cassandra's dark eyes were locked onto her body, her gaze completely rapt. Leliana never knew how her lovers might react to the scars her adventures and captivity had left her with, but the Seeker didn't seem to care. Deciding to tease a little bit, the bard ran her fingers over the stiff, pink tips of her own nipples, enjoying the hard swallow that elicited, before resuming her ministrations.

She began sliding downwards again, her tongue tracing along the firm plane of Cassandra's abdomen, placing kisses near enough to the wounds to show her affection without risking fresh pain. The Seeker's center was only covered by a simple pair of smallclothes and Leliana smiled when she saw the patch of wetness at their center.

"Eager, I see," she laughed.

She could feel Cassandra's body tense beneath her. "I… I suppose I am."

"There is nothing to be ashamed of, ma cherie. I want you to want me."

The reply was quiet, but also certain. "Maker, I do."

The Seeker relaxed a little bit, and Leliana removed her underwear, exposing her slick sex. She ran her digits along it slowly at first, letting the bard savor the choked sounds that drew forth. With two fingers, she spread Cassandra, and beneath the folds, the head of her clit was pulsing, hard and needy in front of her. She lowered her head, drinking in the rich, heavy arousal that filled her nostrils before her tongue darted out, running across the bud.

Cassandra's hips bucked and the bard took hold of them, guiding her lover into her mouth. The hard clit pulsed between her lips, and she ran her tongue down its length while she started sucking. Cassandra's hand went back to her head, groaning as she rocked back and forth desperately.

"Oh Leliana," the Seeker mumbled, "That's…" She didn't manage to finish her sentence, but as her wetness coated the bard's chin, Leliana got the idea. Her hands caressed Cassandra's hips, easing her toward the climax she knew was building. In the nights to come, she'd make sure to show her lover the joys of patience, drawing her pleasure out over delicious hours, but for now the Seeker was too weak and too desperate for that. She needed to come, and Leliana needed to feel it.

She kept up a steady pace, making smooth, even strokes across the throbbing clit in her mouth while Cassandra gasped and her grip tightened along with her thighs, pressing against Leliana's head. The bard suckled harder, and it wasn't long before the tension released.

There was a moment of stillness and then Cassandra's body jerked, the other woman letting out the most beautiful cries of pleasure as she came undone. The bard kept sucking, but more gently now, savoring every tremble and aftershock that she coaxed out. Only when the Seeker finally slumped down on the bed, spent, did she pull back, licking off the thick fluid that was coating her face. She gave Cassandra an affectionate smile, enjoying the lovely sight of the naked body spread out beneath her.

"You look absolutely beautiful, my love."

"So… so do you," the Seeker panted. "And thank you for that."

"It was my pleasure." She bent down and kissed her new lover, pleased that Cassandra didn't recoil from her own taste. There was still a heavy pressure between her own legs, a desire that going down on the warrior had only inflamed, but that was all right. She could be patient.

Cassandra propped herself up on her elbow and looked across the bed at the beautiful woman lying next to her. For so long, she'd only dreamed of seeing Leliana like this, and the experience had been everything she could have hoped for. Still, it occurred to her that the bard had been left unsatisfied and while Cassandra had no idea how to go about remedying that, she knew she had to try.

"Leliana…", she mumbled nervously.

The bard smiled warmly at her, trailing her fingers lazily along Cassandra's abs. "Yes?"

"Perhaps you could take off the rest of your clothes…"

Leliana shook her head. "Cassandra, you should rest. Maker knows you've been through enough these past few days. There will be other times for us to… enjoy one another's company."

"You're right, but, please," Cassandra urged and laid her hand over Leliana's. "I'd still like to try."

The bard closed her eyes as she deliberated, but then she gave a silent nod and rose to her feet beside the bed. She quickly unbuckled her belt and slid her tight breeches off. A moment later, her damp underwear followed suit and Leliana tossed her garments aside, leaving her completely nude.

Cassandra's eyes ran over the impressive sight. The bard was so beautiful, her body lean and fit, the pale skin of her legs practically begging to be touched, with a patch of red hair residing above their apex. Leliana climbed back on the bed, and situated herself at the base of the mattress, spreading her thighs.

The Seeker grunted as she pulled herself over to meet her, pushing aside her discomfort for another kiss. "Just go slowly," Leliana told her, sensing her uncertainty, "And think about what feels good to you."

Cassandra nodded, and slid downwards, kissing along that creamy skin before positioning herself between Leliana's legs. She figured she would start simple and with one hand, she ran over the bard's slick folds before looking up to Leliana's face. The redhead nodded in encouragement and Cassandra brought two fingers up to her entrance, slowly working them inside her tight heat. Leliana clamped down around her, and Cassandra felt a thrill at the feeling.

Thankfully, it wasn't too different from touching herself, and the little moans she drew from Leliana as she worked her hand in and out of her were utterly intoxicating. But she could tell the bard needed more than just her fingers, and she was eager to taste her skin.

Cassandra shifted upwards and buried her face in her lover's chest. Her tongue darted out and she circled it around the stiff point of Leliana's left breast, eliciting louder cries.

"You're a natural," Leliana purred in-between her moans. "Now suck on them."

Following orders, Cassandra captured her lover's left nipple between her lips while her thumb dragged through her folds, searching out her clitoris. It was trickier to do then on her own body, but a sharp sigh told her when she'd found her mark. She stroked the hard ridge while two of her fingers thrust into that wonderful, clinging heat. The bard's instructions turned to high-pitched screams and Cassandra found her self-assurance growing.

"Yes! Just like that!", Leliana cried out.

The Seeker pumped her hand with increased fervor as she flicked her tongue over the nipple between her lips. Streams of wetness ran down her hand and soon enough, she heard Leliana let out a throaty moan, her head tilting back. The bard's back arched and her inner walls fluttered, clamping down around the fingers buried inside of her. Her body shivered, the aftershocks running through her as Cassandra kept sucking on her breast.

When Leliana's chest finally stopped heaving, she pulled Cassandra up for a passionate kiss. "What was that you said about not going to bed with other women?"

Cassandra blushed. "I have not!"

"Then you are truly a swift learner."

The Seeker blushed at the praise, but she hesitated before she spoke again. Her wounds still nagged at her, but the pain seemed distant, overshadowed by the pleasant hum that filled her body, and she wasn't ready to give up the feeling just yet. "Is there… more you could show me?"

Leliana smiled at her eagerness, quickly laying down on her back. "Surement. Turn around and put your legs on either side of my head."

Cassandra did as she was asked. A fresh tug of her arousal ran through her at the sight of Leliana's glistening sex even while she could feel the bard's hot breath on her own. "And now?", she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.

"Now, follow what I do," Leliana purred before she leaned forward and began to eat out the Seeker once more.

After her first, sharp cries passed, Cassandra caught on and bent down to bury her face between Leliana's legs. It was an ingenious position where they were able to simultaneously pleasure each other, but Cassandra found her nerves returning when she realized she didn't know what to do. She decided to heed Leliana's advice and just replicate the bard's skilled motions as best she could.

Cassandra focused on the wondrous movements of Leliana's tongue as it worked inside of her, and at last, she decided she was ready to make her own attempt. She felt positively awkward but she penetrated Leliana's folds with her tongue, lapping up the sweet taste of the other woman's arousal. The answering moan of approval thrilled her and with renewed confidence, the Seeker increased her pace.

Soon enough, however, Leliana moved on to the next stage. Her tongue withdrew and she wrapped her lips around Cassandra's clit, a low hum sending delicious vibrations through her body. The Seeker's muscles tensed as the pleasure surged through her. She'd never felt anything quite like Leliana's tongue and it was driving her mad with desire. Eager to reciprocate, Cassandra captured the bard's clitoris in her mouth and swiped her tongue over the bud. It was nothing short of pure bliss. The feeling of being pleasured by the woman she loved as she simultaneously returned the favor was incredible. A part of Cassandra wished that the moment would never end. That they could forget about the war, about the Champion and the Divine, and simply stay here in this bed for the rest of their days.

The sweet taste and scent of the Nightingale filled Cassandra's senses. A moan passed her lips as she felt Leliana's hands reach up to massage her tight ass. The feeling of her lover's raw passion, her strong fingers kneading into her cheeks as she continued to work the Seeker's clit was driving Cassandra wild. Soon enough, she found she couldn't even focus on pleasuring Leliana herself and she withdrew, gasping for air between her loud cries. A perfect warmth spread through her and as she tipped over the edge, Cassandra rested her cheek on Leliana's inner thigh, riding out the waves of bliss that filled her body.

As the feeling ebbed, though, Cassandra was dismayed to find her pleasure replaced with the painful aching she'd been doing a good job of ignoring, her head and side throbbing far less pleasantly than her clit. Above her though, there was the feel of Leliana's hand on her back, drawing her attention to that soothing touch.

"How do you feel, my love?", the bard asked.

"I am fine," she claimed, trying to push aside her lingering discomfort and see to Leliana's pleasure. "I should continue what I was doing. You did not..."

Leliana was not so easily persuaded, easing Cassandra off of her before joining the Seeker at the head of the thankfully spacious bed. "Do not worry. You have already given me a great deal of pleasure," Leliana assured her, "And the rhythms of that particular activity are not easy to master." She gave Cassandra an affectionate kiss on the lips. "You should be proud of yourself. Many find it difficult to bring a woman to even one peak their first time." The bard smirked slightly. "Men, especially."

Cassandra allowed herself to smile as well. "I am glad to hear that. You are… I know it is not always easy for me to say what I feel, but before… what you called me… I love you too, Leliana. It's important that I give you what you need."

"You certainly did." Leliana smiled and looking into the bard's light eyes, Cassandra knew she was telling the truth. She let her performance anxiety go, just enjoying the lingering hum between her legs and the feel of the naked woman next to her. Leliana stroked her lazily as they lay there, her touch relaxing the Seeker's weary body. "Besides, I really must insist that you get your rest," the bard told her. "We have a long journey ahead of us."

"Will you stay with me?"

"Toujours." Leliana nuzzled up against her side, careful not to put fresh pressure on the wounds there, and Cassandra could feel her breathing slowing while a peace settled over her thoughts. Her lover…. the word was incredible for her to think... was right; they still had a hard road ahead of them, and a perilous Conclave. In addition to all its other dangers, she didn't know what Justinia would think of her Hands' new relationship. And yet, for one of the few times in her life, Cassandra was not merely content, she was, however briefly, happy.

The sun beat down hard the next morning on the hitching post outside the Dancing Arl. With the horses they'd appropriated from Mother Corday saddled up, their party was ready to resume its journey to the Conclave. From under the inn's porch cover, Varric stood in the shade and took a long puff from his pipe as he watched Cassandra help Leliana mount her horse.

The man had seen everything from demons to dragons and yet nothing captured Varric's imagination quite like a good romance. Sure, the Seeker was about as pleasant as a wild wyvern but after all the hardship he and Cassandra had been through to reunite her with the Nightingale, he was pleased to see the way Cassandra's hand lingered on Leliana's leg.

Soon enough, the short-haired woman turned to him. "Varric, are you ready to go?"

He nodded. "I suppose. Here's hoping the Divine at least has a good mug of ale waiting for us when we arrive."

Cassandra crossed her arms, clearly unamused, but a moment later she spoke in a softer tone than Varric was used to. "I should thank you."

The writer arched an eyebrow and chewed on the end of his pipe. "Thank me? Why Seeker, I must still be woozy from that blow to my head."

"I would not have been able to rescue her without your help."

He shrugged at Cassandra' admission. "Bianca did all the heavy lifting."

The Seeker rolled her eyes and a minute later, all three were in their saddles, riding the trail to the Conclave side by side. The sun was warming the back of his neck and Varric looked over, smirking when he saw Leliana reach out and take Cassandra's hand in hers.

Well, I think I have the title for my next book, he thought suddenly. "The Seeker and the Nightingale: A Tale of Violence, Heroism and True Love." He grinned when he thought of the coin the story might bring him, at least assuming the Divine didn't have him killed, that was. But that was a problem for another day.

And that's a wrap on the story. Thanks to everyone who read, and especially reviewed. We really enjoyed writing this story, and we hope you liked reading it too.