CCBug had the brilliant idea of honoring the 100th reviewer for her story Redemption by giving that reviewer a guest appearance in the story. I thought this was a great way to honor a story's faithful readers/reviewers. So with her blessing I am borrowing her wonderful idea. This chapter's special guest will be Eva Galana who was this story's 100th reviewer. Thank you Eva, I hope you like your Dragon Age doppelganger.

Chapter 24

Alistair and Anders walked back in the directions of Alex's apartment. Alistair knew that it would be several hours before they could head to Alex's apartment so instead of making the turn onto her street they continued to head straight. They walked for several more blocks until the road ended and straight ahead were paved pathways that lead to a sandy white beach.

The main walkway had dozens of merchant carts and stands that lined the path. Alistair and Anders walked along the ocean front walkway and gawked at the colorful characters that passed them by. There were several kids riding on top of these boards that were attached to four wheels. They had a foot that rested on the board while the other foot would push against the ground and cause the board to move forward; they would ride on the board for a few minutes and then push again. To Alistair it seemed like a lot of work to travel a short distance.

Alistair's attention was then distracted by a contraption that had two wheels attached to some type of medal frame that had a seat and two large bars out front that allowed the driver to steer the rolling device. Now that seemed like better mode of transportation then the rolling board.

Alistair felt Anders smack him in the arm as he point at the beach. "Ouch, what the hell did you do that…"Alistair went completely speechless as he watched four scantily clad women, dressed in the same small clothes attire that Alex was wearing in the picture in her room, jump up and down while they hit a ball back and forth over a net. Their bras barely covered their breasts and the bottoms were hanging out of their small clothes bottoms. It reminded him of the line from that song that Alex had played in his office so long ago; "Homeboys, Hangin' out, All that ass, Hangin' out, Bikinis, tankinis, martinis, No weenies, Just a king, And a queen-ie." There was definitely a lot of ass hanging out…not that this was a bad thing.

Alistair didn't know how long they had sat there memorized as they watched these barely clothed women jump around in their small clothes while certain parts of their anatomy bounced all over the place. "By the Maker, how do their breasts manage not to pop out with all that jumping about?" Alistair asked wistfully.

"Oh I don't know, but I've been praying that one of their straps would break," Anders replied. Alistair couldn't help but laugh. Anders and Alistair looked up and down the beach at all the beautiful women in their small clothes. Zev had said that the number of people that he wished to never see naked was definitely lot higher than those he did want to see without their clothes on. This beach would make him eat those words. This beach would have made him one very happy assassin.

"Zev would have been happier here than a chantry boy in a whore house," Anders said.

Alistair laughed, "I was thinking the same thing."

Alistair stared at the ocean and watched all the surfers as they tried to catch the perfect wave. He remembered the way Alex's face had lit up as she tried to describe the sheer joy of surfing to him.

"There's no greater feeling than surfing and that feeling of being part of the ocean, it's like riding on top of the world." Caught up in the euphoric memory she had paused for a moment before she continued. "Surfing is freedom, adventure and creativity rolled into one. Riding a wave is like a bird riding on the wind. You can feel nature's energy in the wave as you catch it and as you cut through the water and glide effortlessly as the water crests around you. It's almost a spiritual feeling of being closer to the One that made us. Then, just as quick as it came, it dies on the shore, but now you're hooked, and you can't wait to go catch another!" She looked over at him and laughed when she realized she had completely lost him.

"Simply put, it feels kind of like an orgasm. You spend a lot of time trying to get it. It doesn't last very long, but it's the most incredible, blissful feeling when it's achieved. It's the most fun you can have by yourself," Alex said jokingly.

"Aaah, why didn't you say that all along? You just described how I feel the moment I first enter you," Alistair said as his lips caressed the side of her neck.

The memory made Alistair smile. He missed her so much, every fiber of his being longed for her. He couldn't wait to be alone with her, to have her once again all to himself; to hold her, to smell her, to taste her and to be inside her. The thought of being in her made his body react as a familiar stirring started to grip him. He quickly adjusted himself and pushed those thoughts out of his mind. This was going to be a long couple of hours.

He patted Anders arm and motioned for him to move closer to the water. They sat down on near the edge of the dry sand and watched the waves as they broke against the shore. A big wave began to rise in the distance and several surfers paddle quickly, caught the wave and rode it to shore.

"That looks like fun. I think I can understand the allure and why Alex is drawn to it," Anders said as he watched a beautiful tan blonde emerge from the water carrying her board above her head. "Yes, I definitely can see the allure," he murmured.

The blonde surfer smiled as she neared them and Anders smiled his most brilliant smile back at her. The surfer stopped and looked at both of them, "Your missing some killer waves sitting here on your behinds," the blonde said.

"Oh, I don't surf," Anders said. He saw the look of disappointment on her face and quickly continued, "But I would love to learn."

She smiled at him again, "I guess there isn't a lot of surfing opportunities in Britain."

Anders laughed nervously, "No, there isn't, but I would love to try it while I am here visiting. Do you know anyone who would be willing to give me a couple of lessons?"

The surfer eyed him up and down for a moment and then said, "I could teach you. "

"Really?"

She smiled at him, "Sure," she extended her hand towards him. "My name is Eva Galana. It's nice to meet you."

Anders and Alistair stood up, "I'm Anders and this is my brother Alistair." They both shook her hand. "Are you sure you don't mind teaching me?"

"No, not all; I love teaching newbies to surf so that they can experience the joy and total fulfillment on all levels and then I can welcome them to the addiction."

"You sound like Alex," Alistair said.

"Alex?" Eva asked.

"Yes, my girlfriend. She is a surfer and she says riding a wave is like being one with the nature and that it brings you closer to the Maker."

"Sounds like a girl after my own heart. I think the best analogy I ever heard was from a friend of mine. She said riding a wave feels kind of like an orgasm. You spend a lot of time trying to get it. It doesn't last very long, but it's the most incredible, blissful feeling when it's achieved."

Anders laughed, but Alistair felt the color drain from his face as he asked, "What is your friend's name?"

"Her name was Alex too," a sad expression flickered across her face.

"Was?" Alistair asked.

"Almost a year ago she received a blow to head and it put her in a coma. Technically she isn't dead, but she isn't alive either," Eva said solemnly.

"Is your friend's last name Seymour?" Alistair asked.

Eva looked shocked, "Yes," she replied unevenly.

Alistair smiled at her, "Well, your friend is alive and awake. She was released from the hospital today."

Disbelief, then relief, and then joy rippled across her face. "Lex, is awake?" Alistair and Anders nodded. "And she's okay?" Again they nodded. "And there is no brain damage?" They both shook their heads. Eva dropped her board and flopped down on it. "I can't believe it. I am going to kick Matt's ass for not letting me know."

"You know Matt?" Alistair said as he and Anders sat down again.

"Yes, Matt, Lex and I went through med school together. We were inseparable…The Three Musketeers," Eva said dazed. Alistair and Anders just nodded as if they knew what that term meant. She went on, "I matched at a different hospital for my residency from them, but all three of us managed to stay here in LA. After Lex's accident Matt and I drifted apart. It hurt too much to be around him – all the memories were just too painful, but I thought he would have at least called me to let me know she was awake. How long has she been awake?"

"She woke up yesterday," Anders replied.

"WHAT! And she is out of the hospital already? That's impossible," Eva stated.

"She is receiving a lot of that," Alistair said. "They are calling it a modern day miracle."

"This is unbelievable," Eva muttered as she ran her fingers through her long blond tresses.

Anders rested his hand on her arm, "I know it's a lot to take in, but she is fine – more than fine. We saw her a few hours ago when her father took her home…."

"Oh my God, Brandon, how is he doing?" Eva asked.

"I think he is shocked like the rest of us, but extremely happy that she is awake and that she is healthy," Alistair replied.

"That poor man; he has been through so much the past nine months. First, Alex's accident and the tragic death of his wife…"

"Excuse me, did you just say Alex's mother is died?" Alistair asked startled.

"Yes, about four months after Alex had been slipped into the coma. Grace had always had a weak heart, but nothing life threatening. I think that the trauma of watching her daughter day after day remain unresponsive was just too much for frail heart to take. She had a massive coronary at her daughter's bedside. From the cardiology report that I read she was dead before she even hit the ground. I believe that is why Brandon refused to give up on Alex. I don't think he could face losing another person he loved," Eva somberly replied.

"By the Maker," Alistair mumbled as he realized that Brandon would have to tell Alex this news tonight. He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. He hated the thought of her being told this news without him being there to offer her comfort. "Damn it, she has been through so much lately, but Brandon is going to have to tell her about this tonight before she starts to wonder where her mother is."

Eva studied Alistair and watched as the torrent of emotions flooded his face and she could see the man's anguish. "You care very deeply for Alex," Eva stated matter-of-factly.

Alistair looked into her eyes, "Yes, I do. I love her and the last thing I want is to see her in pain."

As Eva considered what he had just said; she raised an eye brow and skeptically asked, "And you're her boyfriend? Since when? When did she have time to have a boyfriend?"

"Aaah, well… we dated when attended Deerfield together and after we graduated we dated on and off, but the long distance relationship has been difficult," Alistair replied nervously hoping he sounded like he actually knew what on Earth he was talking about.

Eva's eyes narrowed as she looked at him suspiciously, "She never mentioned dating a British guy and I would have thought that subject might have come up considering we were best friends."

Alistair wanted to say that he had spent the better part of a year with Alex and she never once mentioned her best friend Eva, but he bit his tongue. "Alex told me that she wanted to keep our relationship quiet until we figured out if our relationship had a future due to the distance," Alistair replied trying to keep the irritation out of his voice.

Eva nodded, but didn't reply. Alistair sensed that she didn't really believe him, but decided it wasn't worth challenging him on it.

Anders rested his hand on her arm again, "I'm sure Alex would love to see you; with everything that she has been through I'm sure that seeing an old friend would help her adjust. You should stop by and visit her tomorrow," Anders said reassuringly.

Eva nodded again, but said nothing at first as she absorbed all the new information that had been given her, "I think that's a great idea." She stood up, picked up her board and smiled down at Anders, "After our lesson tomorrow I think I will stop by before I have to get ready for work. Plan meeting me here tomorrow at seven o'clock…."

"In the morning?" Anders asked incredulously.

Eva laughed, "Yes in the morning. I want to have you out there and hopefully popping up before high tide starts."

"Popping up?" Anders asked

Eva smiled a beautiful radiant smile, "What a newbie! A pop up is when you can quickly jump up and stand on your board. Alex has a Uber Cruz…that's a type of surf board. It's a very stable board so it will be good for a Noob such as yourself. Also, James stashes his surf gear at Alex's place. You are about his size so make sure you borrow a pair of his boardshorts and a long sleeve surf shirt. I would hate to see those chiseled arms and pecs get eaten up with board rash," Eva purred as a devilish grin spread across face.

Anders grinned back at her as he stood up. "Aaah, okay. I will ask Alex about all that stuff. Can't wait to see you tomorrow," Anders replied eagerly.

"See ya bright and early," Eva said as she winked at him and headed up the beach.

Anders watched her as she walked away. He gave a low whistle as he sat back down beside Alistair. "Have I told you how much I love this world?" Anders asked dreamily.

"Only about a million times," Alistair grunted.

Anders looked at him, "What's the matter with you?"

"Did you have to invite her over to Alex's tomorrow? We have no idea what is going on over there and as we speak Alex is probably finding out about her mother and then you go off and invite a complete stranger over!" Alistair protested.

"Well, she's not a complete stranger. She is one of the Three Musketeers," Anders countered.

Alistair rolled his eyes, "You don't even know that that is," Alistair retorted.

"Well, neither do you, but it sounds really coooool," Anders replied as he drew out the last word.

"Next time could you show a little restraint before you start inviting pretty girls back to Alex's place," Alistair snapped.

Anders gave a little pout as he replied, "Yes, your Majesty, your wish is my command."

"Oh don't even start with that," Alistair said.

The sun had begun to set and their stomachs began to grumble. They found a street vendor that sold this food called hot dogs. They delicious; Alistair ate five of them. They walked around the boardwalk for a couple more hours before they headed back to Alex's place. When they arrived Alistair was disappointed to see Brandon's car still parked in the driveway. This was not a good sign.

"Anders use a concealment charm, head up to the porch and see what you can find out," Alistair instructed.

Anders quickly cast the charm and quietly made his way up the porch. It was a cool breezy evening and the windows were open. As Anders crept closer he could hear voices inside.

"Dad, I'm a big girl. I feel fine. I don't need you to babysit me," Alex said.

"Excuse me if I don't buy that excuse. The last time you told me you were fine you slipped into a coma for nine months. You have just been released from the hospital against your doctor's wishes…"

"Oh Mattie is just being overly cautious. He couldn't find a damn thing wrong with me," Alex interjected.

"Alexa," Brandon said sternly, "you were just released from the hospital after being in a coma and you just found out that your mother is dead. That is a lot for someone to handle even if that someone considers themselves to be Wonder Woman."

Anders watched as Brandon pulled his daughter into his arms. "Please Lexie, I thought I might never be able to give you a hug again and feel you return that hug. I just want to be here in the morning when you wake up, see your smiling face and maybe fix you some breakfast. Is that too much for this old man to ask?" Brandon asked.

Anders could tell that her father's words had touched her. Alex smiled up at her dad, "No Dad, that isn't too much to ask. I would love for you to spend the night and fix me breakfast in the morning. And after breakfast would take me out to Mom's grave. I would like to say good-bye to her."

Brandon kissed the top of his daughter's forehead, "Of course and I think James would like to go with us too."

Alex nodded, "I think I am going to head to bed. It's been a long day. The bed in the spare room should still be made up unless James stripped it down for some strange reason when he last crashed here."

"Don't worry about me, Sweetheart. I will take care of whatever needs to be arranged," Brandon replied.

Anders watched as Alex padded down the hall toward her room. A few seconds later a light in room at the end of the building switched on. Anders made his way quickly over to where Alistair stood concealed in the shadows. Anders quickly gave him a recap of all that he had heard.

"That's just wonderful," Alistair retorted. "She finds out that her mother is died and I can't even be with her to comfort her."

"Oh quit your whining, Alistair and follow me," Anders said as he cast a concealment spell over both of them and led Alistair over to the window. Through the screen Anders whispered, "Alex?" He waited a few more seconds and whispered again a little louder, "Alex are you in there?"

The door to her privy chambered opened; Alex stepped out of the room and paused. "Alex, it's me, Anders, and Alistair," he murmured again.

Alex stepped over to the window, pulled back the curtain and peered out. "Anders?" She called out softly.

"Yes, it's us," Anders replied.

Anders watched Alex's eyes narrowed, "Where? I can't see you."

"Anders, remove the damn spell," Alistair demanded.

Anders sighed, removed the concealment charm and mumbled, "I hope now that you reunited with the love of your life you will be less Mr. Grumpy Pants and more Mr. Happy-Go-Lucky Pants."

Alex lifted the screen on the window and extended her hand to help them through the opening. The moment that Alistair landed in her room he pulled Alex into his arms and held her tightly against him. "I am so sorry to hear about your mother," Alistair sighed into her ear as he feathered gentle kisses along her neck.

She pulled back and looked at him, "How do you know about my mom?"

Anders and Alistair summarized their encounter with Eva on the beach. Alex smiled, "So Eva is going to give you lessons, huh? That should be interesting."

"What do you mean by that? Is she not a good teacher?" Anders asked as concern crossed the lines of his brow.

"No, Eva is an excellent surfer and a great teacher. You will learn a lot from her…maybe more than you bargained for," Alex said as huge grin spread across her face.

"Again what does that mean?" Anders asked.

Still grinning Alex said, "Eva is a lot like me. Being a doctor requires long hard hours so when you have a chance cut lose you do. As med students and as residents our philosophy was, 'Work hard, play harder'. Eva is a lot of fun…I think the two of you will get along smashingly. I also think I just may have to join you tomorrow morning. I would love to see Eva and to catch a couple of waves."

Alex pulled a few extra blankets and a pillow out of her closet and handed them to Anders. "Sorry, but since my Dad is staying in the spare room I only have the floor to offer you."

Anders looked at the big king size bed and then back at Alex, "You mean that big bed can't hold all of us."

Alistair glared at Anders, "It could, but it won't. I haven't held my fiancée in my arms for almost a week and I won't be doing that tonight with you snoring on the other side of me. Enjoy the floor, Anders." Alistair grunted.

Anders looked at Alex and said, "I don't know what nug has crawled up his arse, but you need to calm him down. He has been grumpy all night."

Alex looked at Alistair with concern. He shook his head, "No, nug has crawled up my arse and I'm not grumpy. I'm just tired. I haven't slept well lately and I just think it's catching up with me. I am sure it's nothing that a good night's sleep with you in my arms won't cure," Alistair said as he led Alex over to the bed. "Now Love, why don't you get comfortable while I go clean up a bit. I will join you shortly." Alex nodded as she crawled into bed.

Alistair went into her privy chamber, closed the door and walked over to the tub. He turned the knob and watched as the water began to cascade out of the upper spout. He quickly stripped out of his clothes and stepped under the warm surge of water. The water poured over his body as it washed away the salt and sand that had clung to him. Alistair thought about Anders words. He knew he had been short with him most of the night, but he didn't know why. He wasn't angry at Anders if anything he was extremely grateful to the mage for saving Alex, but ever since Alex woke up Alistair had felt uneasy and he couldn't explain why.

He had been genuinely moved as he watched Brandon and James welcome Alex back. This family had such a strong bond and a deep love for one another; it had been touching to watch. Until observing this family, Alistair had believed that such a family only existed in tales told by bards. He wondered if such a tight knit family could make room in their lives and in their hearts for an outsider like him and the thought disturbed him. He knew Alex would do her best to make him fell wanted and welcomed, but would Brandon and James feel the same way? He doubted it. His questionable past and lack of knowledge regarding this world would only increase their doubts and suspicions.

Alistair shut off the water, grabbed a towel and dried off. He had been so hell bent on getting here to her world and saving her he never gave a thought about what he would do once that mission was accomplished. In this strange new world, where did he fit in?

He pulled on a clean tee shirt and bottoms. And the nagging thoughts that he had kept pushing aside all day resurface again. Here, he was not a King, a ruler, or a knight. Here, he was nothing. Here, he had no skills, no way of supporting her, no way of making a contribution. How long before Alex grew tired of him? How long before she tossed him out of her home? He thought of her sweet beautiful face always so full of compassion. And he knew because of her compassionate nature she would never toss him out. So then, how long before she started resent him because he had nothing to offer her?

He eased the door open and quietly made his way over to the bed. He crawled into bed and pulled Alex's sleeping form to his chest. He loved her so much and the thought of being without her stabbed at his heart. But what if he had rushed to this world to save her only to lose her again – the thought terrified him and he pulled her even closer to his chest. But the more painful thought was what if she didn't want him anymore because he was no longer the man she fell in love with. A single tear slid down his check as he kissed her forehead and began to drift off into a troubled sleep.

This chapter is extra long because I don't know if I will have time to write over the holiday weekend. I know that this story has reader across the globe so first I want to wish my US readers a Happy and Joyous Thanksgiving. To my readers throughout world, I hope that you will take a moment to reflect on the people and the things that you are most grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!