Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who is taking the time to continue reading and leaving feedback! Unfortunately, life has sort of smacked me in the face with responsibilities, so I may not be able to update as quickly. My apologies! I will try to make it once a week, though.

Chapter 73 - A Pirate's Life For Me

The morning came too early for Alistair. Sun streamed in the windows, causing Serena's hair to glow as she marched into the room. He hadn't noticed she'd even left. Her arms were laden with papers and plates. Alistair heard his stomach rumble loudly, and he hoped the plates carried food.

"So, I've got good news and I've got bad news." Serena placed a plate of muffins, what type, Alistair couldn't begin to guess, on the small side table. "Which would you like first?"

"Bad news, love." Picking up on the muffins, he examined it closely. Could mud be considered a flavor? Shrugging it off, he bit into the muffin. Food was food at this point.

"Somehow I knew you'd pick that." Serena pulled something else from her belt purse; a piece of parchment. Unrolling it, he saw it had a poorly done sketch of her on it. Two mens faces were next to it, both with lighter colored hair.

"Is that supposed to be us?" Alistair asked around a mouthful of muffin. At Serena's nod he swallowed hard. "So, we probably shouldn't be just... wandering around the Market District, huh? Considering our faces are... plastered everywhere."

"No, we really shouldn't," Serena agreed. "But the good news is I made a new friend. She's in the smuggling business and is willing to help us... err... alter our appearances so we aren't found out immediately during our delivery."

"Three questions: why do we need disguises? And who is this new friend? And what are we delivering?" He popped the rest of the muffin in his mouth and grabbed another. It sounded like it was going to be another busy day.

"Do you remember that templar who gave us his ring?"

Alistair nodded. "The one for his sister. Alfie? Something like that."

"His sister is Bann Alfstanna of the Waking Seas." Serena was wearing the ring on her right hand; for safe keeping, Alistair assumed. "We need to get this to her, let her know what happened to her brother... maybe garner her support in the Landsmeet."

"Okay, so that's the delivery. And the disguises are so we can go where? Her estate?" Alistair wasn't thrilled to be wandering into another nobles estate unbidden and disguised, considering how well the last time had gone.

"I was thinking the Gnawed Noble," a new voice added from the doorway. Dark eyes flicked quickly to the bed, one eyebrow raising before switching back to Serena. "Or we could try the Pearl. I imagine we could find lots of nobles there."

Alistair pulled the blankets up to cover his bare chest as the busty brunette chuckled, her voice suddenly low and husky. "Don't cover up on my account, sweetheart."

He saw Serena cover a grin as she turned to introduce the newcomer. "Alistair... meet Captain Isabela of the Siren's Call. My newest-"

"And dearest-" Isabela added.

"-Friend."

Alistair looked to the ceiling. Sweet Maker, what was he getting into?

She was dressed as a man.

Not that Serena didn't consider her leggings and armor somewhat manly anyway, but Isabela had brought her and Alistair these clothes, borrowed from a few of her crewmen. Large leather breeches, patched in both of the knees, and a shirt and jerkin that were at least three sizes too large. Alistair looked much the same, though he was large enough to fill the ship man's clothing without the extra padding that Serena had to wear.

"Do you think it makes my butt look big?" Serena asked jokingly. They were weaving their way through the busy Market District, loaded down with crates of trading supplies and alcohol. Isabela had them carrying them in such a way as to disguise their faces, and Serena had a large brim had to cover her long hair. It was a perfect disguise.

"Not any bigger than usual, Marco," the dark haired captain teased, using the fake names they'd decided on back at the inn. "Follow me, kids. We're heading in through the back, and the bartender is going to meet us there." She threw a salacious sway into her hips. "He's an old friend." She didn't need to expound about what type of 'friend' the bartender happened to be.

"Oh, I don't even want to know," Alistair murmured. He glanced at Serena from around the two large barrels of ale he was pushing on a small cart. "If it's any consolation, you do look like a man with all that padding..."

"Hooray," Serena murmured gruffly, trying to lower her voice to sound like a larger man. "It's like Denerim is making all my dreams come true. First prison, and now I look like a fat dock worker. My father would be so very proud."

It was just the three of them heading around the back of the Gnawed Noble Tavern. Two of Isabela's men had come to collect Ser Henry earlier- he was now resting peacefully on the Siren's Call in the captain's private quarters. Isabela stepped up confidently to the door and knocked what appeared to be a special series of knocks before the door slid open and she marched inside, Alistair and Serena on her heels.

"Ah, my lovely pirate queen. Right on time." The chubby bartender was the same as the last time Serena had been inside the Gnawed Noble. Friendly with a certain dubious charm, she had seen how sharp he'd been when they'd asked around about how many of the highborn families had arrived for the Landsmeet. His eyebrow had raised and she'd had to slip him a bit of gold to get any further information out of the man. Lloyd? Boyd? She couldn't remember his name, but his glittering green eyes, those she didn't forget.

"The storage is right this way, if your deck hands will just drop those off right there..." He led them through the back and past the small but bustling kitchen area. Serena hadn't realized the tavern even served food, though it must considering how serving girls and kitchen staff alike seemed to hop about as if their shoes were on fire. "Busy day, you know, what with the all them nobles in town."

"Any staying with you, Floyd?" Isabela purred, wrapping an arm around the tubby man as if she meant to seduce him right there.

"Ah, well, we got Ceorlic and his lot, and some of them from Dragon's Peak." Floyd pursed his lips, trying to remember more. "Aye, and Alfstanna and some of the higher up families of the Waking Seas are staying in three of the suites upstairs. I think that's the lot of them, though the place is right packed with others who just want to be in town for the talks."

"Did you hear that?" Alistair whispered, pulling the cart to a stop in the storage room Floyd had indicated to them. "She's staying here!"

"All we have to do is get upstairs and give her the ring, and you know, he mentioned Dragon's Peak, too..." Serena placed the crates gently down in the corner, her arms straining from the effort of carrying them half way across the city. "Maybe we could talk to Bann Sighard about his son, too. He probably doesn't even know the lad is at Eamon's."

"How do we get up there, though?"

"Floyd... I believe there was that arrangement of my payment?" Isabela's voice drifted to them from the hallway outside. There were some wet smacking sounds and Serena and Alistair exchanged uneasy glances. It looked like Isabela was providing just the distraction they needed.

"She's incorrigible," Alistair mumbled, his cheeks flushing red as they slipped out of the storage room and into the tavern's main hall.

"She's amazing. Now walk like you belong," Serena directed, picking up the pace as they headed for the stairs. "Nobody will question it if you look like you're heading for your room."

"Yes, because smelly dock workers always get rooms at the Gnawed Noble."

"Shush."

"Alistair?" a lilting voice called softly. "Is that you?"

Serena cursed, her head snapping at the sound of... "Leli?"

"Thank the Maker we found you!" The redhead bounced forward and hugged them both, her eyes going slightly wide at Serena's unusual appearance. "Uh... what happened to you?"

Beside her Wynne stood from their table where it seemed like the two women had been sharing a bottle of wine between them. Both their cheeks appeared rosy from the alcohol, and Serena wondered how long it had taken her and Alistair to get from the Siren's Call to the tavern. Was it the afternoon already?

"Long story short, there's posters up all over-"

"Oh yes, we've seen a few burned up a bit around the Market District," Wynne replied, her voice dripping with mock concern. "Or slashed up until you can't really tell who they're trying to warn you about... It's terrible, really. The guard ought to watch out for these street people... they're really liable to do anything."

"Well, we certainly appreciate it, not that those posters would be any use to passerby now," Serena said, indicating her changed look. "If you'd care to join us, we were just about to head upstairs to finish some business left over from the arl's estate."

Leliana cocked her head to the side, confusion reading all over her face. "From Eamon's? He sent you on some business? Is that why you two did not come home last night? Zevran said-"

"No, no, the other arl." Serena gave her a significant look. "The... the other arl." Beside her Alistair mouthed the word 'Howe' and Leliana made a small 'oh' of acknowledgement. Wynne rolled her eyes, dropping a few coins on their table to cover the wine.

"After you, ser..." Wynne said with an exaggerated gesture forward.

"My brother said what?"

"Irminric, right? He said to give this to you." Alistair held up the small silver ring and he saw the young noblewoman's eyes go wide with recognition. "He was being held prisoner in Howe's dungeons because Loghain saw fit to persuade the mage they'd hunted down to try to poison Arl Eamon."

"What? That's madness!"

"Yes, but..." Alistair thrust the ring into the woman's hands. "Loghain has gone mad."

"It's true, Bann Alfstanna," Serena said. "The mage had escaped from the Tower of Magi, and your brother, along with some others, tracked him down. Loghain interfered, though, seeing a use for the mage in harming Arl Eamon..."

"Irminric did mention being waylaid by the regent..." Alfstanna ran a fine-boned hand through her short hair. "I never thought he would be mixed up in this sort of... Is he alright? Irminric?"

"He was going through lyrium withdraw, and... it was all we could do to get him out..." Alistair shifted uncomfortably. It was one of the more unpleasant side effects of being a templar; becoming dependent, and then addicted, to lyrium. He sent a silent prayer up to the Maker for Duncan's timely rescue of him.

"I would think he would have sought sanctuary within the arms of the Chantry," Serena added helpfully.

"Well, thank you. I... I'll have to go see if I can find him, but... but thank you for letting me know, regardless." Dark eyes snapped between Serena and Alistair. "Is there something I can do for you? Gold or...?" She shrugged listlessly, as if money were no object to her.

"Please, keep your gold. But if we could ensure Waking Seas support in the Landsmeet against Loghain, that would be reward enough."

"And if we're not to support the regent, who shall I be supporting?"

"Maric's other son, Alistair," Serena said, tapping the blonde on the shoulder.

For her part, Alfstanna didn't laugh, or make any mention of Alistair's uncomely parentage. "Then you have it. But... do dress better for the Landsmeet. You are a prince, after all."

Leliana and Wynne faired much better than Serena and Alistair had, as it turned out.

"Oh, that man, Bann Sighard... what a darling man. He was so sweet," Leliana gushed to them as they quickly made their way back to Arl Eamon's estate. "Wynne explained that we'd found his son down in Howe's dungeons, and helped him back to Eamon's... he said he'd be by to see him as soon as his wife returned from her shopping."

Alistair rolled his eyes. "Maker forbid he go get her or anything, it is his son we're talking about here."

"He has three others," Serena said quietly, pulling some of the padding from underneath her shirt and the crewman's jerkin she wore. The shirt hung off her as they headed down the halls, their destination obvious. "And Oswyn was always a bit of a troublemaker. I imagine Sighard probably thought he was playing some sort of prank."

"He seemed doubtful at first, but when Wynne explained the extent of his son's injuries..."

Wynne sighed. "I doubt he'll ever be able to raise his hands above his head again, the poor dear. And no amount of healing could fix the scars to his soul, of course..." She trailed off as they passed by one of Eamon's servants, who squeaked and bowed hastily at the sight of Serena and Alistair.

"M'lord! M'lady! They have been looking for you for days!" The elven servant dipped another low bow, her face flushed. "Everyone has been preparing for your return-"

"Days? Really?" Serena turned to Alistair. "Has it really been days?"

The tall blonde shrugged. "Three counts as plural, I suppose, yes."

Zevran rounded the corner then, probably drawn by the servant's exclaimation. His amber eyes narrowed at the pair and Serena felt a bit like a child about to be scolded. She never knew the playful assassin could look so serious.

"Never, ever, ever, disappear like that again, if you please."

"We'll do our best," Serena murmured, wrapping the elf in a quick hug. "You knew we weren't going to come back, though. Not right away."

"No, and I advised Eamon as much." Zevran gestured up the short staircase that led to Eamon's study. "He'll be waiting, of course. With Anora."

Serena couldn't help the grimace. "Of course." She put a hand to her head in an effort to forestall the inevitable headache. "Of course she's here." Exchanging a quick glance with Alistair she marched up the stairs, the others right behind her.

"I hope she doesn't kill her," Alistair whispered to Zevran.

The assassin snorted. "I hope she does."

Eamon's door creaked open as Serena stepped inside. One hundred thousand admonishments had passed through her mind during the hundred foot walk it took to reach the arl's private study. She could almost smell Anora's deceitful stench from the hall. Maker grant me strength this day, she prayed silently. So that I may not murder this woman outright.

"Maker's breath, it's good to see you in one piece!" Eamon seemed more than visibly relieved at Serena and Alistair's sudden appearance in the study. He stepped forward, wrapping both arms around the pair. Serena was somewhat overtaken by his emotion, it reminded her of her father's warm embrace back at Castle Cousland. Nodding politely to the others, his eyes flicked to Zevran unconsciously. "We were nearly going out of our minds with worry."

"Indeed. We have been praying for your safe return, Warden," Anora added. "Wardens." She made the amendment quickly, but everyone still noticed it. Perhaps she even intended them all to hear it.

"I'm sure you have," Serena replied icily. "So, what happens now?"

"I hope we can get past what happened at Howe's estate, Serena," Anora said confidently, squaring her shoulders as if for a fight. Serena thought it smart of her. "It was unfortunate, of course, what ended up happening, but I think we can put it behind us. We're all adults here, after all."

Serena crossed her arms defiantly over her chest. "We're not, however, all adults who have spent the evening in the loving arms of the guards of Fort Drakon. You told Cauthrien we kidnapped you, Anora. How in the realm does that even make sense? If we were to kidnap you from the palace, why would we bring you there of all places?"

"I panicked, Serena! Surely you can understand that someone under such duress..."

"You were locked in a guest room! I'd just killed the murderer of my parents! There can be no greater duress than that!"

"Ladies, please." Eamon held out a hand to each of the women, his face tense. "I have spoken long and hard with Anora, and I think she really feels remorse for her actions. Serena, I know what you went through at Rendon Howe's was... ghastly... I spoke to Fergus and I can't even begin to conceive..." He paused, his eyes closing briefly before he continued. "But the fact remains that we need to stand united against Loghain."

"Of course, I know..." Serena bit her lip, her eyes flicking quick to Alistair and then back. She forced a tight smile on her face. "It's... it's g-good to see you're all right, Anora." The words tasted like ash in her mouth and she couldn't help noticing Anora's impeccable clothing, her perfect hair. Serena felt irritation flare up in her again, but squashed it, painfully, back into her stomach.

Anora bowed her head, her cheeks still flushed with anger. "Thank you, Serena." Turning again to Eamon, she appeared to steel herself for her next words, taking a deep breath. "My father has gone mad. I didn't believe it at first, but he is gripped by a paranoia so severe it prevents him from seeing sense."

"He saw me as a threat, yet even now I'm certain he will be telling the nobles you are dangerous murderers that have kidnapped and mind-controlled me. He may even believe it. Howe's influence was so strong... his death can only be a good thing."

"I'm sensing a but..." Alistair murmured.

"But even that will not be enough. I know my father." Anora frowned, as if the comparison to him would no longer be a welcome one. "He is committed to his course. He will see this through, no matter what..."

"Then it's terrible he should run up against us, because we're right stubborn about this Blight business."

"...You will need ammunition come the Landsmeet, and I can help in that regard," Anora continued as if Serena hadn't spoken, her words sounding very much like a rehearsed speech. "You have only just arrived in the city, so perhaps you are unaware of some... recent events. Denerim has been in turmoil since Ostagar. Many people here are angry or grieving."

"Strangely, the unrest is worst in the alienage. Few elves accompanied the army. They should have little reason to be upset. Which means that Howe and my father must have given them reason. I don't know what is happening there, but I am certain my father has his hands in it."

"That's a useful lead, Anora, but you could have sent this information with your maid," said Eamon.

"That is true. I feared for my safety as Howe's prisoner, but to tell the truth, I sent Erlina to you because I hoped we might join forces. You need that evidence for the Landsmeet, but you also need a stronger candidate for the throne." Anora straightened her back importantly. "You need me."

"We already have a candidate for the throne," Serena said lightly, as if it weren't even a question.

"I have no doubt Alistair is biddable enough," Anora pressed. "And decent. But even with his blood, he is no king. You think only I can see it?"

Alistair opened his mouth to argue but Serena stilled him with her hand as Anora continued.

"Not only that, Alistair is a Grey Warden. It will look like you are trying to put a Grey Watden on the throne, despite your claims. I am a neutral party- and I am already queen."

"You are hardly neutral, Anora Theirin Mac Tir," Serena replied. "Cailan's widow, and your father's daughter." Serena held up a hand, staying her protests. "We'll discuss who we are supporting at the Landsmeet later. Right now, I wish to wash up and speak to some of the people we rescued from Howe's dungeons..."

"I am what this country needs," the blonde protested. "Not an untrained king who does not even want the throne! I can help you stop my father."

"Like you helped stop him recently?" Serena shot back. "Please. We just escaped from a heavily guarded prison with our lives barely intact. I'd like to wash up and discuss this later."

"Of course," Anora said tightly. "Consider what I have said. I think I'll retire to my room for now. When you... have a moment, I ask that you speak to me in private."

"Just as soon as I'm able, Anora," Serena replied sweetly. She twiddled her fingers in an exaggerated pose of goodbye as the haughty blonde stalked out of the study.

"You could try to be more... gracious, my lady," Eamon said carefully. "She is technically still the queen."

Serena snorted. "Yes. I'll remember to do that next time she tries to get us all killed."

"I cannot help thinking she may be more trouble to us than she's worth, but... we should keep her close, all the same."

Zevran pushed the door shut with his foot. "I cannot help but think she has already been more trouble than she is worth. We are trying to put Alistair on the throne, are we not?"

Eamon nodded, his eyes solemn. "This is... an alliance of convenience- for the moment, we are united against Loghain. I do not for a moment think Anora means to give up her power so easily."

"And to think, what wonderful thinks she's done with it so far..." Serena murmured.

"Anora was a capable administrator for Cailan's lands, but she has not a drop of royal blood. We did not fight the Orlesians all those years just to lose our royal line in a single generation. Not when there's a surviving son of the blood." He looked significantly at Alistair, who blanched.

"Oh, buck up," Serena said, elbowing him lightly in the ribs. "You'll be fantastic. You certainly can't be any worse than the royal regent of paranoia and his prissy daughter."

"That makes me feel so good, Serena."

"Without Theirin blood and the descendants of Calenhad to unite us, we could... scatter back into warring teyrnirs, or worse," Eamon added.

"Twist my arm, why don't you both." Alistair huffed. Rolling his eyes, he pushing some of his blonde hair up off his forehead and smiled crookedly. "If it means so much to you two, I guess I'll do it!"

"Don't mind him, Eamon, he really does want it. He was telling me so in Fort Drakon. He wants to redecorate-"

"You were saying about washing up, Serena?" Alistair said pointedly.

"Right. Well, we'll see you very soon, I'm sure." Stepping up, she gave Eamon another hug ans saw Alistair follow suit.

"It is good to have you both back, I cannot say it enough."

"After our less than comely lodgings last night, I cannot say enough how happy we are to be back." With a curt nod to the others, they all shuffled out of the study and off to their various rooms, the day's exhaustion creeping up on them all.

"All this and to think we haven't even had lunch," Alistair sighed dramatically. "I shudder to think what it'll be like as king..."