I'm sorry this took so long for me to post, but life got in the way along with a little writer's block.

This chapter is a bit long, but I didn't know where I could shorten it up! :)

I own nothing. BioWare owns all.

Enjoy!

The Tourist

It was near midday. The door to Alice's room opened without a sound and someone snuck inside. Alice sighed in her sleep and rolled over, snuggling deeper into the blankets. Then the curtains were ripped away from the windows and sunlight flooded the room.

"Rise and shine, princess!" Varric said rather loudly. Alice didn't really react. She frowned and mumbled something into her pillows and turned away from the sunlight that was streaming in her face. Varric watched her patiently, waiting for those blue eyes of hers to open up and for her to awaken. It didn't happen. He sighed in frustration and moved closer to the bed. He was just about to shake her awake when he was grabbed by the front of his shirt and a dagger was at his throat.

"Oh, Varric. It's only you." Alice sighed in relief. She released him and set the dagger beside her. She ran a hand through her unruly curls as she tried to pull herself together. Varric was looking at her suspiciously, wondering how she could have known he was about to touch her when she hadn't even reacted to his other wake up call.

"Sorry." She shook her head. "Warden stuff. Some habits die hard." She stretched her arms and yawned before settling back into her pillows.

"Yes, I would suppose so." Varric was still considering her, a thousand new questions buzzing around his head. Then his face brightened and he went over to the desk situated in a corner of the room. He brought back a tray loaded with food. "Breakfast?"

Alice smiled and reached for the food before her expression shifted. Instead she pulled her blankets up around her.

"Why are you here?" It had just struck her as how inappropriate this was. If she had known Varric for a little bit longer perhaps… Though it would still be borderline improper simply because Alistair was not anywhere in the vicinity. She had a few rules to maintain while visiting Kirkwall solely because her trip was not completely official. She would not be visiting any political figure-heads while she was here and if she was found out, it would be better if it looked like a vacation than if it looked like she was visiting a lover. Her eyes became guarded as she looked at Varric. He had witnessed her thought process, but couldn't fathom what it was about.

"I told you I had an interview with you last night. Or did you drink too much to remember that?" Alice colored a little at this statement. There had been a lot of drinking last night. She had found her companions to be good company and could see new friendships on the horizon. It was a double bonus for this trip, meeting the driving force behind the city and becoming friends with her. It would be helpful to have a friend in such a volatile part of the world.

"No, I remember. But why are you here, in my bedroom?" She felt awkward saying that. No one was allowed in her bedroom, ever. Except for Alistair, though he rarely visited her there. She usually did the visiting. Varric shrugged.

"Hawke wouldn't wake you, so I decided to. I have things to do you know, people to see, stories to tell, trades to make." He picked up an apple from the tray and took a huge bite out of it. He offered her the tray again. "Breakfast?" Out of resignation, Alice was just reaching for it again when Hawke burst into the room.

"Varric! What are you doing?" He looked back at her with a toothy grin on his face.

"I have an interview with the Queen of Ferelden, remember? I was just being friendly before the interview started, that's all." Hawke looked past him at Alice, trying to judge her expression. Alice nodded almost imperceptibly and Hawke made her move. She took Varric's shoulder and dragged him away from Alice's bed and towards the door.

"The Queen would like to prepare herself properly for your interview. Come back a little later in the afternoon and she'll be ready for you."

"But Hawke I—"

"Have things to do, people to see, trades to make, and stories to tell, I know." Hawke finished his sentence for him. "Come back later and we'll fit in your interview."

"Oh, come on Hawke—"

"Nope that's it. That's how it's going to be." Alice couldn't see them anymore; she could only here their conversation.

"Elia. Please."

"Varric. Please."

There was a grumpy sigh.

"What time would you like her to be ready?"

Another heavy sigh.

"I'll be back in another couple of hours, around midafternoon. I would give you a more specific time, but I am a busy guy."

"Thank you Varric. I love you." Hawke crooned.

"Oh please, Hawke. You know I'm already taken. Bianca would be very hurt if she knew about this." Next, Alice heard what appeared to be a scuffle and then a noise of disgust.

"I can't wait to do this again sometime!" Hawke said over her shoulder as she re-entered Alice's room. She scrubbed a hand across her mouth and made a face. "The best way to get rid of that dwarf is to land a on kiss him. It's about the only way I know how to get rid of him. It's just too bad that he never seems to expect it. Anyway, he'll be back later. Are you hungry? I believe lunch is just about ready and I can have them add some breakfast items if you like." Alice took in the woman before her. She was so young and had so much responsibility. Just like during the Blight, when she herself had been thrust into the leadership position. Alice really liked her. She would need to get the life story to see how exactly alike they were. She smiled.

"I'll be right down." Hawke bowed her head then left the room, closing the door behind her. Alice closed her eyes and prepared herself for the awful action of getting out of bed.

Alice entered the dining room and took in the spread before her. She couldn't believe that Hawke had managed to pull together enough food to rival that served in Denerim. She didn't even know there was that much food in Kirkwall. No one else was around, so she helped herself to some food and seated herself midway down the table, away from the door. She felt odd, sitting there eating alone and wearing what she had worn the day before. She hadn't brought much in the way of clothing and she wasn't sure where Cookie had wandered off too. He had been in charge of her bag, as silly as it sounded. She was just about to take the first bite of her oatmeal when someone entered the room. She stopped, her spoon half way to her mouth, and watched. He was a young man, a bow strapped on his back with shining white armor. He peered around, looking for something or someone, his bright blue eyes scanning quickly across the room. He didn't seem to notice her at first. She shrugged after a few seconds and continued to eat her food. She couldn't help him if he didn't see her.

"Oh." The quiet remark made Alice jump. Some Warden she was. She looked up. The man was looking at her and bowed as she returned his gaze. "I didn't notice you. I apologize. I am… Sebastian." He stood in a defensive sort of way, as if she would attack him. She swallowed, waiting for him to continue. "Have you seen Elia? I was to meet her this morning." Alice coughed as politely as she could to clear her airway as she registered his question. Elia, huh? First names meant a lot. She wanted some details on this relationship.

"No, sorry. I saw her a little bit ago, but I don't know where she is now…" Alice's voice trailed off.

"There you are!" Hawke came into the room from a door that Alice hadn't seen until it opened. It must have been a servants' door or something. "Are you ready? I'm going to give you a tour of the city today." Hawke was beaming. She hadn't noticed Sebastian yet.

"Elia?" Sebastian said quietly, moving into the room a little bit more. She turned her expression blank for a second before she blushed.

"Sebastian? What are you doing here?" She moved closer to him, placing a hand on his arm before she snatched it away just as quickly. Alice put her spoon on her plate and sat back in her chair. She was intrigued. Sebastian looked down at his arm where Hawke had touched it before he continued.

"We were supposed to meet today, remember? In the Chantry, to discuss…" He looked over at Alice before lowering his voice. "To discuss the…preparations?" Hawke's blush deepened and she glanced at Alice before returning her gaze to Sebastian.

"Sorry. I got caught up…" Her tone changed. "As you can see, I have a visitor." She stood back from Sebastian and swung an arm out to present Alice. Alice had the urge to put her face in her hands.

"This is the Queen of Ferelden, Alice Cousland-Theirin." Alice felt herself sink in her chair slightly at this announcement. What a compromising situation to find the Queen of Ferelden in, eating her breakfast in the previous day's clothes. Not that Sebastian would be able to tell, but it still irked Alice. He seemed stunned for a moment, perhaps at the state in which he had found her or maybe just with the fact that he had acted so casual around her. To his credit, he recovered quickly and bowed low to her, muttering something proper that Alice quickly dismissed from her mind.

"Please, continue your conversation. No need to worry about me. I'll just…" She looked around as she stood. "Eat in my room." She smiled and made for the door. Hawke looked quickly from Sebastian to Alice, trying to judge which she wanted to be with most. She placed her hand on Sebastian's arm again and looked up at him.

"Can we reschedule? Tomorrow maybe?" He slumped where he stood, obviously disappointed. Hawke's face fell. "I'm sorry. I didn't expect this. But she is my guest and it's the least I can do…" She trailed off as she looked up at him. He nodded after a moment.

"I understand. I'll—" He sighed a little heavily. "I'll be in the Chantry if you need me." He turned, bowed slightly to Alice then moved past her out the door. Alice watched him go, and then turned to Hawke with a wicked sort of smile.

"And who was that lovely man?" Hawke sighed and leaned against the wall.

"Sebastian Vael. He's a brother at the Chantry here and the heir to the Starkhaven throne. I met him a few years back." Alice choked on her next spoonful of oatmeal. She had heard of the turmoil in Starkhaven, but the fact that the heir wasn't even in its borders had escaped her. Hawke raised an eyebrow at her. She regained her composure as best she could. She would need details on this relationship for sure.

"I always liked princes…" She said, trying for humor. She smiled wistfully at the memories of Alistair as the rebel prince. Hawke cleared her throat, looking a little peeved. "What?" Alice asked, downing another spoonful of oatmeal. "I'm already taken, no need to worry." Hawke watched her for a second before pushing off of the wall and moving to the table to grab an apple from a basket. "Though I will keep my eye on him," Alice muttered under her breath. "He's yummy." Hawke turned back to her.

"Sorry?"

"I asked where my dog went." Alice covered her tracks with a real question of hers.

"You're mabari? He's probably with Teddy somewhere." Hawke whistled and Alice squeezed an eye shut at its pitch. She'd need to learn that. They were quiet for a minute, both listening for the telltale sound of claws scratching across the floor toward them. Instead they heard a rather loud thump and then barking which grew louder as the dogs approached the dining room. There was a flurry of paws and tails as the dogs fought to be first through the doorway.

"Teddy!" Hawke yelled over the barking, moving closer to door.

"Cookie, come here boy." Alice said, setting her bowl on the table. She didn't raise her voice at all. "Cookie, you won the race." One of the dogs separated and bounded toward a now crouched Alice. His whole back end swayed in unison with his tail wagging. He pounced at her and began to lick her face. She grimaced slightly and pulled away, rubbing his back. "Who's the fastest mabari in Thedas? Who is it?" Alice crooned and Cookie barked in response. The other mabari, Teddy, stood in the doorway watching and looking confused. Hawke also watched in confusion as Cookie moved in for another bout of licks for Alice's face. Alice looked up as she detoured Cookie's affection by scratching behind his ears.

"Cookie?" That was Hawke's only question. Alice shrugged.

"I got him when I was three and a half. I didn't know too many words and lacked some creativity." Hawke nodded and looked over at Teddy who was giving her the saddest face she'd ever seen.

"Come here." She said with a smile and he trotted over, nuzzling her cheek. She glanced over at Alice again who had managed to calm Cookie down and was talking quietly to him. He hung on every word then promptly left the room.

"How did you do that?" Hawke asked, patting Teddy's back as she stood.

"I've had him for a long time. We have a good system of communication." Alice smiled and looked down at Teddy. "So you're Teddy? Nice to meet you." She squatted down to his level and offered her hand. Teddy looked at it tentatively before he took a quick sniff. He retreated slightly, moving closer to Hawke.

"How long have you had him?" Alice asked standing and grabbing her oatmeal.

"Ummm, not as long as you've had Cookie." Hawke strained to think. "Since I was twelve maybe? Father found him in the woods and brought him home. Bethany named him even though he stuck close to me." Alice nodded appreciatively.

"A family dog then? Very nice. Cookie was never one for the—" There was a crash from outside the doorway. "Domestic life." Alice made a face. "Sorry." She stepped toward the door and was about to call for her dog when he raced into the room, a bag clutched between his teeth.

"That's my boy!" Alice held out a hand and Cookie dropped the bag into her outstretched fingers. She looked to Hawke as she set the bag on a nearby chair. "What should I dress for?"

"A tour of the city, Hightown for sure, and probably part of Lowtown. The Hanged Man for sure. That's where Varric will want to conduct your interview. Over drinks, of course." Alice just looked at her. Hawke shrugged in response. "Dress casually, I suppose."

"And armor?"

"Not necessary. I'll have some friends tag along with us so there will be plenty of protection from idiots who may try to pull something." Alice wasn't very reassured.

"Idiots who may try to pull something? I thought you were the Champion of this city." Hawke shrugged, taking another bite of her apple.

"To most of this city, the title of Champion only means that I have a larger purse to cut." Alice just stared. Armor it was then.

"Mind if I…?" Alice gestured toward the door, her bag in hand.

"Go ahead. I need to get this all cleaned up anyway. I'll meet you in the entryway." Hawke grabbed a few plates of food and made for the servant's doorway, Teddy following her. Cookie looked up at Alice expectantly.

"Shall we find a place to clean up?" He barked in response and Alice ventured out into the house in search of her room.

Alice seriously wondered sometimes how she ever survived the Blight because her sense of direction was awful. She had thought she'd found the room she had stayed in the previous night when instead she had found a room that looked like it hadn't been touched in at least three years. She only realized it wasn't hers when she saw the perfume lined vanity with a robe around the chair and slippers ready on a rug nearby. Not wishing to intrude or get caught by the owner of the room, she quickly left and stumbled upon a bathroom. She left Cookie to guard the door and got herself ready. The armor was a perfect fit and she was starting to relax when she remembered how she would look out in the open. She shook her apprehension off, too late now to change anything. She had put up a brave fight, but it was a hard secret to keep. The fact that there were definitely more people in Kirkwall who knew her true identity than she had ever intended to know was only going to lead to political meetings and suspicions at this point. She might as well blow her cover now, on (mostly) her terms before someone else decided to spin tales. She emerged from the bathroom ready to go, her dagger strapped to her hip. She managed to find her way to where Hawke was waiting, also in armor.

"I thought you said casual…?" Alice's voice trailed off. Hawke looked her guest up and down before shrugging.

"I figured I'd try to help you blend in a little. It won't be as hard as I thought." Alice was startled by this, feeling a little stuck up by her judgment of her armor based on others. Hawke continued. "I can pass you off as some fancy foreign ambassador, which I suppose you are, sort of. I'll try not to let any real politicians near you though considering you don't speak our language…" Alice raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry," Hawke blushed a little. "Just making a back story. Something I picked up from Varric I guess. Are you ready?" She turned to unlock the door, revealing two wickedly long daggers on her back.

"Do you, per chance, have any more deadly weapons like those? I wasn't allowed to bring mine." Hawke turned slightly, looking a little confused.

"Sure, in the study." As if Alice knew where that was. Hawke showed her the way and stood a bit off to the side as Alice inspected the in-home armory. When she had finally settled on a thin blade and sturdy shield, Hawke made a surprised noise as if some idea just struck her.

"Care to share?" Alice asked as she fastened the shield to her back and sheathed the sword underneath it.

"You're awful attempt at picking my lock." Alice didn't respond, waiting for elaboration. "You don't have deft hands." Alice was a bit offended at this.

"You have no idea if I do or don't have—"

"If you did, you could do this." A dagger was at Alice's throat. She was just moving away from it when it disappeared again. Hawke smiled.

"Don't worry, there's loads of things that you can do that I can't. And I'll teach you some things if you want. I'll get you picking the lock of my front door in a heartbeat." Alice just stared. "Or not. Whichever you prefer. We should really get going though, Varric will get antsy and start telling stories if the tour takes too long." As Hawke left the room, Alice found that the Champion of Kirkwall was becoming one of her best friends.