To my Spanish speaking guest: thank you for the reviews. I am glad you are still liking it.

My smile faltered. "I fought at Ostagar. As did both Alton and Darragh. We were all in the battle when the traitor quit the field. Do you think an Ash Warrior would protect me if I were to embellish that truth?

With Ferelden's recent civil war, it wouldn't be perceived well if a minor noble received accolades for bringing people home. Logistically, it will require a soldier to do the actual work. Politically the Crown should get the credit. But there is no way we are allowing Cailan," I bit my tongue for a moment at my mistake and continued, "His Majesty put himself in danger again."

Varric turned to Darragh, "King Cailan ordered you to travel and protect her. She is that important?"

"We weren't discussing my reasons. Now you know, what are you going to do with the information?" Darragh demanded assuming the same arm crossed stance Alton took the moment Varric confirmed he knew more than he let on.

"From your bluster I am assuming you want me to keep it quiet. And I will if you promise to give me all the details. I want to get them right when I write this."

"No."

Varric was surprised by her response. Most people wanted to be made into heroes. Including Hawke even when he was protesting. "No? To the details or writing of the tale."

"Both. I won't have the King undermined by an outlandish version of getting the refugees home. And we can't have people on either side of the Waking Sea manipulate the outcome of who gets what. I may not stop you from telling what you know but you'll get no more information."

I wasn't going to threaten him. I didn't see the point. Everything I had learned from Bodahn this afternoon said he was the kind of dwarf I could trust. Of all the suppliers the Tethras brothers could've employed they allowed Sandal and Bodahn to travel with them.

If he gave me his word, I would trust him. "My sources told me that you have your thumb in everything or know someone who does. I need that kind of man. And I will pay you for your help, but the story is not for sale."

"Is that why you helped Hawke today?"

"No. We just arrived and didn't know who you were. All we saw was a group being attacked, you holding your own, and then becoming overwhelmed. When no one, including a city guard came to your aid my protectors who are men of honor wouldn't just stand by and allow you to be overtaken. Now I need your word."

"What should I call you? Because if you keep refusing to answer I am not the only one to get suspicious." Varric said giving his agreement.

Darragh and Alton relaxed to the point they were on alert and not attack. For the moment, Varric was an asset if not an ally.

"The noble title given her is Arlessa."

"You consider an Arlessa minor nobility? Why would minor nobility refer to your king by his given name?"

I opened my mouth and snapped it shut but not before glaring at Alton and his big mouth. I kept slipping with my familiarity to royalty and one day it was going to bite me in the arse. "Actually, it is Teyrn my dog that has a higher rank and is more important. But you are not calling me Arlessa. When I was growing up my friends called me Ona."

"Are we friends?" Varric asked.

"I would like to be. I believe there is profit for both sides. I get know the great novelist Varric Tethras and you get to help the people of Kirkwall and Ferelden."

"Then we're friends and you have my word. Now do you want to tell me about the Templars down there?"

"That Varric is a story for a different night. Darragh was going to take the dog out before your bartender complains more. And I will tell you about the young girl he is going to visit and put the fear of Ferelden into her uncle while we play a hand of Diamond back."

"Will you be wagering your clothes again?"

"Never on the first game. Besides, you have neither a beard nor mustache. What could you possibly have as valuable?"

"Have I introduced you to Bianca?"

"I thought the elf was a man."

"No the elf is Fenris. My crossbow is Bianca."

Alton frowned, "You named your crossbow?"

I glanced over my shoulder as Darragh was walking over to Cullen and Alistair. I shrugged and said, "I've known plenty of dwarves who've named their weapons. Og, Bhelen, Sig even Kardol. Although I am sure plenty of human males do it too."

Varric chuckled at Alton's question and responded he hadn't met the beauty yet. Then went about introducing Fenris to Alton and me. I went through the motions of listening and responding in the appropriate places, but my mind was back on the main floor of the tavern. Seeing Alistair again hurt but seeing him in Templar armor was like slapping me in the face.