"He did. We both knew it was a risk." That much was hard to deny. Both she and Varric knew their quarry would take every opportunity to avoid direct confrontation, and to avoid hurting him, but they also had known that there was a little that he would not be willing to do, when pushed to the wall.

And pushing him to the wall is exactly what they did.

There is a moment's hesitation, years of mental walls that have been built up, a stubborn pride that ran in her blood. The knowledge that even now, she couldn't fully admit that she might never be able to forgive the man who took her best friend from her. Even if he was the love of her life. But it comforts her, more than she can possibly express, to have someone tell her that it's okay--that she's allowed, for right now, to break down.

But then she reaches out, and accepts the hand, right as the gathered tears start streaking down her face. When the tears break their barrier, it's like a dam bursting, because it takes mere moments from Beleth to go from the quiet crying to suddenly holding on to Vax as she breaks into heavy, ugly sobs. For Varric, for herself, for every unfortunate circumstance that conspired to pull her dear friend from her side.