Thing is: because of some problem, so I have no Beta anymore. Now I have to release unedited version. If there's any grammar error or something else, please forgive me.

Bad romance

As someone who had price on her head, some disguise should be a wise choice. Instead of just walk into Denerim: Ferelden's capital city in her exotic leather armor, Issara wore a robe that borrowed from Wynne. However, she really didn't use to with high-cut dress, so she still wore tight leather breeches beneath it.

Leliana help her putted it on. All the mean time, the bard complained about their lack of ribbons and whatnot, so she couldn't adorn the leader's silky hair like Orlesian's noble. But true be told, Lady Warden started to think about ban those things in their party.

When she came out from Leliana's tent, Zevran whistled in high pitch, which made her automatic covered her low-neck collar with her hand.

"I think that mean you look stunning in this dress." The bard winked.

Issara's heart ached. They saw Lillian; beautiful Teyrn Cousland's daughter, not her. She rather sure they would say different if they see humble Issara who was working in smithy all day and night.

"Let's pack our things." Grievances gave her nothing, so the leader ignored it and continued her plan. "We will have some proper bed tonight. I don't know anything about this city, but I'm sure they have the inn with affordable price."

They packed their things and kept most of it on Bodahn's cart, took only necessary supply with them. Alistair helped Millar placed her tent in the cart, but almost drop it while his eyes met frowning Warden in blue robe.

Those raven eyebrows knotted in painfulness. Her eyes were traveling between brunet and blond hair Warden. They seemed close and… fit with each other. She tried to think that was a good thing. Alistair was a good man, and he deserved a good woman who could share the lifetime with him.

However, when she realized he was watching, Issara covered herself with dark cloak and walked away. He didn't follow, which made her sighed in relief.

"When we inside, you all can go anywhere or buy anything you want. All I ask is you must comeback." The leader announced without watching her companion. "I will wait in the nearest inn… Anyone know a good place?"

"I suggest Gnawed Noble Tavern." The bard offered. "It's a bit expensive, but more suitable for you than the Pearl."

"Why? I don't mind to rest in less luxury hotel if it could save our money."

The assassin chuckled. "Well, I agree with lovely bard. Someone like you shouldn't go to the place like that."

"What do you mean about 'someone like me'?" Still confused, Issara asked.

Millar looked amusing with that question. "The Pearl is brothel, Issara, the famous one. I heard about it since I was running in Alienage."

How could Millar know her true name? The exotic Warden glazed at the ex-templar questioning. He coughed awkwardly, which only displeased her.

"Alright, I'll wait at Gnawed Noble Tavern after I finish discussing with Brother Genitivi. Now let's move." Furiously, she stormed into the city, didn't care if her companion wasn't follow.

…

The market district is a busy place. Like the big city in her world, people don't mind about the other's business. With her disguise, she might could blend with the crowd and keep unnoticed.

She had only her blades those were covered under the cloak. Issara and Rabbit roamed together passed many shops and people. The Ferelden's native seemed friendly with a little smiley woman. A sweet merchant gave her something looked like cotton-candy for free. In happiness moment, she forgot her situation and saluted him by raised her palms together in Thai's manner. That was cute but very strange.

Millar glared her leader curiously. However, when she tried to ask, she was interrupted by Leliana.

"Oh… spun sugar, I bought a confection of it here once. It got stuck in my hair. Made it hard to comb out but it was very tasty for a few days." The bard cooed.

Devilish grin appeared on exotic Warden's face. Ex-lay sister knew that look, so she began to step backward.

"No, don't do that. I don't want to cut my hair again."

"Nah, it's not hurt a bit." Issara smiled wider and stepped closer.

"Nooooooooooooooo!" Leliana shouted and ran.

…

Alistair was standing in front of Wade's Emporium, eyeing at nearby house. He was going to knock on that door but the image of Issara was chasing screaming Leliana around the market attracted him first.

Her smile never failed to make him smile back. Although she couldn't be his, he still loved to see it shine on her lovely face. Her words last night still stung his heart, but that couldn't change his feeling for her. He would be her knight until she could back to her home, no matter what the cost.

However, the bard ran to him and pleaded. "Help me."

The knight didn't even move, while Leliana used him as her shelter, which cause Issara ran to him. She couldn't break in time, so suddenly crushed to his armor.

"Oww… That's hurt." She whined and rubbed a red bump on her forehead.

Leliana giggled. And then ran again when the frowning Warden shot her with furious glare.

Those cheeks still red, but also redder when a hand under Gauntlet touched it softly. "Are you all right?"

"It had to be more than a crush to kills me." She tried to joke. Even she knew it wasn't true. Her crush on him might kill her someday.

Then, he forged a smile. "Perhaps I shouldn't worry at all. You're strongest woman I've ever known."

But their eyes said another word. Issara swallowed that feeling and pushed herself off him. "Yep, you're right and I think I shall find Brother Genitivi's house now. See you later."

"I'll go with you." Alistair insisted firmly.

"Nah, I just pay an old man a visit. What in the hell could happen to me?"

"Everywhere we go full of problem, remember? Beside, we're weak if we don't stay together. I won't let you go anywhere without me."

"But I… alright, as you wish my prince,"

The bastard prince groaned. "Don't call me that."

Issara smiled dryly. She knew he hate that true. "Well, tell me: Have Millar known your secret?"

"No, she hadn't."

"Are you going to tell her?" Like you tell her mines…

He seemed hesitate, but answered at last. "I don't have many choices, I think. Have another angry woman around doesn't sound like a good plan."

"Good," Lady Warden sighed. "However, she is Grey Warden. Perhaps we should bring her to Brother Genitivi too."

"You're right. I'll fetch her." And then, he disappeared into the crowd.

Issara sighed and leaned herself to nearby wall. She was eating spun sugar while a man in stain armor walked to her with hesitate look.

"Are you… a Grey Warden?"

She pretended to play with a confection of spun sugar in one hand, while another was fishing for a smoke bomb in her pocket. "That depends on… who you are."

"I'm Sergeant Kylon: an officer of the Denerim city guard." He hurried continue when those red eyebrows arched. "No need to be alarm, even if I believe in official story about Ostagar, I'm not stupid enough to offend you."

Issara looked around. This man didn't bring his men with him; maybe he really meant no harm. "That sounds reassuring. But how could you know who I am?"

"They sent the explanation about you. Even it doesn't do you much justice."

Yeah, another compliment for Lillian, Issara felt nothing about it. "What's your business? The city guard doesn't just talk with Grey Warden for kill damn time, yes?"

"Actually, I just want to warn you. There're the bounty hunters looking for the Grey Wardens everywhere. I'm sure you would resist and cause some problem, so I suggest you to keep thing quiet and leave as soon as you are able."

"Oh… that sounds like threaten. Are you sure you don't want to arrest me?" Her smile changed to fiercely. She might have no intention to fight, but she never hesitated to do it if that's necessary.

The sergeant seemed awkward. "If I asked my men to apprehend you, they'd all run and cry big, sobby tears in their courtesan's bosoms and leave me all alone to be skewered."

"Hah… I thought the guard must tougher than that. Did you recruit spoiled children or anything?"

"Closely enough, they came from noble families. I really have no idea why Arl Howe keep sent them to being guards." Perhaps he wanted to get it off his chest, Kylon told her with obvious annoyance.

Spun sugar in her hand was crushed. Issara clenched her hand tight, totally lost her thought. "What? Arl Howe is here?"

"In the Arl of Denerim's estate, if he didn't go anywhere yet. For all I had known, he occupy that place just recently after the riot in Alienage and the fall at Ostagar." Still didn't see her change, the sergeant talked freely. "I heard the rumor that he was doing something terrible to his prisoners. But no one can do anything with that because he is Teyrn Loghain's right-hand."

Highever's burned, Ostagar's fell and those murderers… this couldn't be coincident. Surely Rendon Howe was a maggot, but he wasn't a fool. He should know that his treacherously would be punished, so he didn't betray Teyrn Bryce Cousland in the first place. But what changed his mind?

Regardless of his madness, Loghain still was a capable man. He surely had planned this scheme for some time. Considered from their relationship, Issara rather sure they cooperated with each other in order to get what they wanted.

Howe wanted to raise his status, while Loghain wanted to eliminate Teyrn Cousland because if that noble man still alive, surely he will march his army to hunt the betrayer down.

That sounded very make sense.

However, that wasn't important. They would get what they deserve anyway. And because Howe was nearest, he would get it sooner. Good thing that her paternal grandfather was an old marine who crazy enough to taught his granddaughter to kill the target with 'quick and quiet' tactic.

Issara smiled to herself. Murder is a sin, but she glad to go to hell if that give her a chance to bring Howe to justice. It's worthwhile to eradicate those scums for great cause.

"I appreciate your concern, sergeant. And I promise I will try my best to avoid any problem. Anyhow, can you tell me about the riot?"

…

"Do you know who you're talking with?" Big guy with a great sword asked. He seemed arrogant and eager to bring the fighting up. "We are the White Falcons: the mightiest mercenaries in Ferelden. And we…" Blah, blah and blah,

Issara sighed. How could I bring myself into this?

It began when they went to Brother Genitivi's house. Instead of simple meeting with the old man, they met a young man that claimed himself as Weylon; Brother's servant. He seemed friendly at first, but when Issara found out he was lying, he tried to attack them with blood magic. Luckily, the exotic Warden who was standing in front of him startled and involuntarily kicked his chin. Just one hit and he couldn't cast any spell forever.

There's no problem in searching the house. They found Brother Genitivi's research, which indicates the old man was headed for the Village of Haven in search for the Andraste's Ashes. But thing never be easy, they also found body of real Weylon. Issara thought it would be cruel if they left the poor man to rot like that, so she told the good sergeant about two bodies in that house. Kylon promised to take care of it, but the Grey Wardens had to do some job for him in return.

That job was to get rid of a group of mercenaries: the White Falcons that caused some trouble in the Pearl. Although the sergeant didn't mention what was the problem they made, she thought she started to realize it.

If I let him talk, he might keep doing it till the world's end. Better shut him up.

Beyond anyone's thought, the exotic Warden unsheathed Katana. Next second, the sharp metal stopped on his cheekbone.

"You better go, for your sake." Her voice was cold as the ice. She twisted her waist and low the blade down, which shaved his bread like mowing the grass.

Just because you could carry a big sword doesn't make you warrior. Mercenary's captain instantly yielded. "All… all right, I'll get out of here. Violent isn't necessary."

A barking dog never bites. These men didn't worth her time, so she let them go. "Run, you better hope we will not meet again."

No need to be told twice, the gang ran as fast as they able. Just a few minute, the brothel back to peace again.

"Very impressive," A woman who was watching them deal with the White Falcons clapped her hands. "It's nice to see another woman who bows to no one. I'm Isabela: captain of the Siren's Call. She is my beautiful ship."

The fearless Warden smiled politely. "Nice to meet you, my name is Issara. I think I heard about you from somewhere. They call you: 'Queen of the Eastern Seas and the sharpest blade in Llomerryn', that so very impressive."

Isabela's light armor and blades looked exotic. The pirate seemed like someone who has traveled far and visited many places during her life. However, the way she looked at Issara made the lady Warden nervous.

"You're not bad yourself, Warden. I never saw anyone wield the blade like that."

Whoa, it seemed everyone knew her. How could it be possible? "You know who I am?" The exotic Warden asked confusing.

"I met a lot of Grey Wardens in my journey. So I knew when I see one of your people. Let's say I know them enough to not believe the official lie about Ostagar." Pirate queen seemed to know lot of things. "Anyway, I have some tips for improve your fighting." There's some hint in her husky voice when she looked down to Issara's shape.

Not exactly understand, but the exotic Warden still tried to be polite. "How generous of you, I always want to learn more about fighting. But what are the tips you will teach me?"

"Not so fast, sexy. We should to getting to know each other better."

Sexy… that didn't sound good. Issara thought then pulled the edges of her cloak together.

"Can't I just dual with you?" you don't really know someone until you fight them.

However, Millar stepped forward. She smiled to the pirate with meaningful eyes. "Perhaps I can assist you with this lesson."

Shocked, Issara stared at elven Warden like she was going to freak out. "Oh… I thought you... well, I don't mean to offend or anything. Just surprise,"

Pirate queen responded with cocky grin. "Ooh, and now you've piqued my interest. It would surely be rude of me to decline such a... delicious offer."

"What about me?" The bard interfaced.

Two innocence Wardens were blushing hard, speechless.

"You can… ahem, joint us. My cabin and my bed on my ship are large enough for three of us." Without many thought, Isabela invited.

"It sound shameful, I like it." Leliana grinned and enfold Millar's arm.

"I'm going to jump into the ocean, right now. I hope it cold." Alistair murmured, which made Issara blushed harder.

Still didn't change her mind, the pirate tried to invite ex-lady. "We still have some… space. Are you sure you don't want to joint?"

"Thank you, but I pass." She refused and then hid behind the ex-templar.

"What about you, handsome?" Glazed him head to foot, Isabela admired his muscular frame even it hid beneath massive armor. "Your strong hands… I could use that for some… assistant."

Not a good shelter, Alistair was blushing harder and spluttered. "I-I don't… I mean… this is so wonderful but…"

"Too bad, this rendezvous will be more interesting if you both joint. However, if you two want to learn something for your first time, you know where to find me." The pirate queen winked before leaded two smiling women to the front door.

Before left, the elven Warden gave them some advice. "It's must take some time. Perhaps you two should find something to do… for killing time."

The virgins blinked and exchanged their glare. None of them dared to say anything until the three gone.

"Um… she was right." Issara said carefully. Her cheeks still flushed. "We should fine something to do."

Alistair swallowed hard. "But I… Are you sure if you want to do it?"

Lady Warden blinked, speechless for awhile. But when she realized his meaning, she smacked his chest bashfully. "What the hell are you thinking? I just… thought we could read those books for killing time." She pointed the bookshelf nearby.

"Oh, the book… All right, it can't hurt." He examined those books carefully. Most of them were foreign, but one with a familiar symbol caught his eyes. The ex-templar involuntary grabbed it.

"What's so special about that?" Issara asked. She tried to read it but Alistair took it out of her reach. "Hey..!"

"Nothing's special," He refused, but still held it.

"I don't believe you. Give me that book if you have nothing to hide."

Damn his tall body, she couldn't reach for the book in his hand when he raised it high. Issara thought only about seize that suspicious book until realized that the ex-templar's nose almost touched hers. His intoxicating cocky grin was too close to her lips.

Someone cleared her throat. "That book's name is 'Art of passionate love'. But if you intend to experiment some guidance inside it, I suggest you to rent one of our rooms." Sanga; the proprietor of the Pearl said with knowing smile.

Bashfully, the Grey Wardens separated from each other. Issara was going to refuse that suggestion while someone gasped in surprise.

Zavren just walked through the door that connects the hall and more private rooms. He seemed surprise to meet the two, but the one who almost scream was an elf woman in his arm.

"Lillian, you bitch," She pointed the redhead fiercely. "I should have known someone like you wouldn't die that easily."

Totally confused, Issara couldn't say a word while that woman shouted at her ireful.

However, she glared the exotic Warden from head to foot with sneer. "Look at you, princess. What are you dressing? I guess you couldn't have your white gown when you walk into the brothel, hah."

"Iona, what are you doing?" the Pearl's proprietor exclaimed. "You shouldn't treat customer like that."

"Not this one, Sanga. She destroyed my life. If isn't because of her, I might still be Lady Landra's lady in waiting."

Lady Landra… Issara remembered that name. That old alcoholic lady was Teyrna Cousland's closest friend who died in the slaughter by Howe's men. In the day before Highever's lost, Dairren: her son told forge lady that his mother attempted to be matchmaker for himself and Lillian at the Teyrna Cousland's spring salon in some time ago. He didn't tell her the result but judge from his expression, it must didn't end well.

However, both didn't mention about Iona. And whatever that happened to this elf must be Lady Lillian Cousland's fault. Too bad, that unspoken truth could do nothing with this situation. Like it or not, Issara still had to take care of whatever her host have done.

"I… apologize." It's not help, she knew it. But she didn't know better word to say.

Iona's jaw hanged open. Obviously, she didn't expect to hear that word from her antagonist. Lady Lillian was an arrogant princess who never cares about anyone but herself. Someone like that wouldn't say soft word or apologize, but this Lillian… This must be trick or something.

"Who're you?" The elf woman growled. "You made my live doom, now you just waltz in this room and apologized. Do you really think I'll be please by those words of yours?"

Unable to replied, Issara just clenched her fists and looked down.

The rage burning inside, Iona couldn't control herself. Before anyone could react, she grabbed a bottle of wine from table nearby and hit the Lady Warden's head. A bottle shattered; glasses and red liquid bath over the redhead.

Zavren yanked Iona who now shocked with her own action out of his leader, while Alistair who failed to stop the attack tried to sweep pieces of glass away from Issara's stoic face.

"Why you didn't dodge?" He asked. "You could dodge darkspawn's blade, just an untrained woman couldn't harm you. But why you didn't…?"

She just smiled softly and touched his hand. "It's alright. That is hurt but it is the only way to stop her madness."

"You did it… on purpose?"

Familiar feeling passed through his gut, the ex-templar could sense when Issara used healing magic to drive the pain away from her head. At least Wynne taught her some useful magic.

"I want to talk to Iona." Lady Warden told the assassin who was gripping an elf woman to make sure she wouldn't cause more problems.

"Are you sure? She tried to kill you." Zavren paused when the redhead gave him amuse smile. It reminded him about his old job that brought him to this ridiculous party. If Issara held vengeance over everyone who tried to kill her, he might have been already dead.

Anyway, after released her rage, Iona calmed down. She had no attempt to do more problems especially when the Grey Warden touched her arm softly. Female's instinct told her this woman doesn't her old foe.

"Can we talk, in private?" Even though still soaked with red wine, Issara still smiled wide.

"Forty silvers… and she will be yours for three hours." Sanga offered with unreadable expression.

That reminded her about Iona's status. Why the lady in waiting became prostitute? And what's Lillian fault?

She had to know all of it.