Page 81 of Fetch Me A Mate
"I understand."
"Furthermore, you'll provide a written statement detailing every aspect of this conspiracy for our records and for potential future legal proceedings."
Finch nodded miserably. The guards escorted him away, leaving silence in his wake.
"Well," Varric said, settling back into his chair. "That was illuminating."
"Is there still a question about Diana's fitness as innkeeper?" Miriam asked sharply.
"None whatsoever." Varric smiled, the expression transforming his weathered features. "The complaint was fraudulent, the evidence was fabricated, and Ms. Merrick hasproven her competence repeatedly through actual performance rather than manufactured crises."
"Then what's the verdict?"
"Diana Merrick will remain as innkeeper of the Hearth & Hollow Inn, with full Council approval and community support." Varric's voice carried across the glade with formal authority. "A routine review will be conducted in one year, not from doubt but from procedural thoroughness."
"Motion seconded," Emmett said immediately.
"Agreed," added the other Council members in sequence.
A soft sound filled the clearing. Applause, restrained and dignified, very Hollow Oak in its measured approval. Diana looked around to see familiar faces emerging from the forest shadows. Twyla clapped with obvious satisfaction. Tom Brewster snapped photos for the town newsletter. Edgar and Rufus Tansley nodded their approval from beneath an ancient oak.
"How long have they been there?" Diana whispered to Miriam.
"Since the beginning. This is their inn too. They wanted to witness the decision."
Varric stood again. "Before we adjourn, there's one more matter. Rowan Baneville, the Council formally recognizes your service in protecting this community from external threats. Your actions last night ensured the safety of our residents and eliminated a significant security concern."
Rowan nodded but said nothing.
"Furthermore, we're prepared to offer you an official position as Community Security Advisor, reporting directly to this Council."
"With respect, I decline."
"May I ask why?"
"Because my priority is the inn and its keeper. I'll help with security issues when needed, but my loyalty belongs to Diana and the life we're building together."
Varric's smile widened. "A diplomatic way of saying you're choosing love over politics."
"Something like that."
"Admirable. The offer remains open if you change your mind."
As the crowd began to disperse, people approached Diana with congratulations and promises to book future events. The community that had once viewed her with suspicion now embraced her with genuine warmth.
"You did it," Twyla said, wrapping Diana in a fierce hug. "Really did it. Proved you belong here."
"We all did it," Diana replied. "This community fought for the inn as much as I did."
"Because you gave us something worth fighting for."
One by one, the well-wishers departed until only Diana, Rowan, and Miriam remained in the glade.
"How does it feel?" Miriam asked. "Being officially, permanently, undisputedly the innkeeper?"
"Like I can finally breathe," Diana admitted.
"Good. Because now the real work begins. No more proving yourself, no more fighting for acceptance. Now you get to simply be who you are and do what you love."
