Chapter 55: Final Decisions

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is the last chapter of the alternate ending. I'm working on a sequel, but it will follow the main story events, not this one. Writing an alternate ending was just for fun. Thanks for indulging me!

"Hello Champion," I say, derision obvious in my voice.

"Bethany," she says, ignoring me, "where are you going?"

"Sister," Bethany starts, "I can't stay here, not with what happened to the Circle. How long will it be before they turn on me, too?"

"They're talking about making me viscount. I could protect you," Hawke protests.

"Not even you can be everywhere," she says sadly. "I think I'm better off with the others like me."

"Merrill and Cecily are with us, too," I state. "Apparently I'm collecting mages."

Anders laughs at this. I squeeze his hand, happy he is able to find some humor again already.

Hawke turns to me. "You'll look after my sister?"

"Of course. I've been Bethany's apprentice for some time now. She's like family to me."

Hawke looks at her sister with a surprised expression. Bethany shrugs. "The First Enchanter asked me to," she says.

"I'm only sad Orsino didn't make it," I say to Bethany. "He was friends with both your father and my mother in the Circle."

"You never told me your mother was in the Gallows," Bethany comments.

"Oh, Maestro, then do I have stories for you..."

Speaking of stories, I think, looking to Varric. "You're staying, aren't you?"

"Yeah, Cookie, Hawke's going to need someone with connections around here if she's going to be viscount. It's a tough seat to fill in this town."

"I hear there's a vacancy for a new Red Jenny if you need help," I suggest.

"Already way ahead of you. What, did you think I just wrote books while you were gone?" he asks, as I gape at him in surprise.

I laugh. "Good luck,Varric."

He gives a small bow his head, and says, "Same to you, Cookie; looks like you're going to need it."

Aveline stands next to Hawke, her expression neutral. "Aveline, thank you for all your help," I say. "Your post as guard captain makes it obvious what you'll choose."

"Yes, my duty lies with the city. Farewell, Norah. Take care of Bethany for me," she says.

"I will," I reply.

"And keep that one out of trouble, will you?" she adds, referring to Anders.

"I'll try. We have a plan, anyway," I say, and Anders nods. Good, he's on board now.

Hawke has been looking at Fenris. Neither of them are saying anything.

"Fenris, this is your decision," says Hawke. "But are you sure? I could really use you around here, you know."

"It has been a pleasure knowing you Hawke, but my place is with Norah, regardless of how foolish her current venture is," he says, smiling. I give a small laugh, and feel a weight slide from my shoulders as he stands a little closer to me.

"Goodbye Hawke. Listen to your friends, they're good people," I say.

Hawke nods.

The boat pulls away from the dock, and Hawke's form standing on the pier is eventually out of our sight.

Before I know it, we're pulling our small boat alongside Isabela's ship. It's hard to imagine it was such a short time ago that I'd been happy to step off a ship and be back in Kirkwall, only to be so relieved to be getting back on one now.

We take turns climbing the ladder to the deck. Anders finally lets go of my hand and heads up the ladder, leaving Fenris and I as the last to board. He doesn't move.

"What is it?" I ask.

"A ship full of mages? And this time with no Circle to stop them from their own inherent weaknesses. This is madness. I hope you know what you're getting us into."

"I'm just glad to hear you say 'us'. I was worried you would want to stay in Kirkwall," I admit.

"A future with you is worth the risk. Danarius was right about one thing—I am yours," he says, smiling.

"Then I'm yours, too. No regrets," I say, returning the smile.

He gestures toward the ladder, and says, "Ladies first."

I glance down at my skirt, and back up at him. He grins, and I laugh. "Such a gentleman," I say sarcastically. "Well, you did say you wanted to pursue me. So how about you give chase?" I say, and hurry up the ladder. I hear his chuckle behind me as he follows.

Isabela gives me a hand over the side when I reach the top. There are men on deck, preparing for our departure. "You found a full crew already?" I ask.

"Well yeah, I couldn't exactly sail away with the bunch of you who lot who wouldn't know your port from your aft," she says, laughing. "But you'll learn."

I look over the deck and see the others standing near the railing. Anders gives me a warm smile. I'm glad he's alright. Fenris comes up behind me and curls a possessive arm around my waist. I look up at him.

"Please tell me you don't need to touch him anymore," he says.

I smile. "Maybe a little, but I promise to touch you more," I say back. "In fact," I say, leaning in closer and whispering as to not be overheard, "I still want to do that thing you stopped me from doing last night." He leans his head against mine.

"Madness," he says again, but softer this time. "You made a good point earlier that I had not thought about, though."

"What's that?" I ask.

"Any children we have could turn out to be mages," he says. "It's not something I had considered."

"Hey, it runs on your side of the family too," I point out.

"Indeed. Family. It is a nice thought," is all he says.

"Do you think you'll seek out your sister again some day?" I ask.

"Perhaps. What about your father?" he questions.

"Oh him, definitely," I say. "The Avvar first, but I want to know what happened to Ser Aron to make him leave my mother. We'll figure it out; I'm pretty resourceful."

"Always the curious one," he says, chuckling.

"I'm not alone in that," I say, indicating where Cat's shimmering outline can be seen near the others. The words strike me, and a smile crosses my face.

"What just went through your head just now?" he asks.

"I just realized something. Neither one of us ever has to be alone again." I lean against him. He traces a finger along the lines of my scar as we look out at the horizon.

"I only want to be alone with you," he says, amusement in his voice.

"I think we can arrange that," I say, turning to give him a sweet kiss.

Thus the story of Norah the Barmaid ends, and the story of Norah the Sailor begins.