The elf led me straight upstairs to the familiar fitting room and I saw that Deric was waiting for me.

"My lady, I apologize but we could not do any adjustments to the dress without compromising the rest of the garment."

I waved my hand at Deric, smiling.

"Oh that's fine, Deric. The more I thought about it, the more I thought how the dress as it is might give me the... upper hand."

I laughed at my own joke and Deric joined in after he understood what I meant, giggling just a bit, even though it most likely went against his nature to do so.

I was once again behind the partition and then again in front of the mirror in the red dress but this time I was not shy. I'd grown accustomed to seeing myself only in armor and anything else was foreign to me. This was a welcome change.

I styled my hair a bit but then settled on a simple ponytail with just a bit of bangs on my forehead.

That will do.

"All right. I do believe I'm ready for this all important meeting now. Thank you all for your help, Deric."

Deric insisted that I looked wonderful and the other elves simply nodded. Still too submissive to respond to a shemlen I suppose.

As I made my way down the hall, it truly felt strange to be so light, without the bulk of my armor or the thud of my boots against the stone floor. I continued down the stairs, listening to the click of my heels and the swish of my dress, smiling to myself. Near the entrance to the study stood Eamon and Wynne and they looked towards me as I approached.

"My, Detra. That dress is very becoming." Wynne admired.

"Yes, yes. It looks splendid." Eamon offered.

I flushed with the attention.

"Thank you both. Is everything going as planned?"

"Alistair is getting dressed as we speak but we cannot locate Leliana. Have you seen her today, Detra?"

I was surprised she could not be found and I shrugged. Leliana seemed to always be there when you needed her.

That was one of the many things that drew me to her.

"I have not seen Leliana since last night to be honest."

Wynne seemed to have no ideas either as she offered nothing but a question as to whether there was a search and Eamon answered.

"I have my people searching now and hopefully she's located soon. This meeting must happen."

"Look at you!" Alistair shouted from down the hall, approaching us in the same fancy outfit from the day before.

The look on Alistair's face suddenly made me shy and it was strange for me to feel that way.

Alistair arrived at our group and kept ogling me, further embarrassing me.

"You look... absolutely stunning, Detra."

"Thank you, Alistair. You look quite dashing yourself."

Alistair took my arm and pulled me aside from Wynne and Eamon after simple greetings were over.

"Did you ever talk to Leliana last night, Detra?"

Again with that question!

I wanted none of this.

"No, I did not, Alistair. Now can we concentrate on what we're going to say to the nobles please? This is important."

Alistair just looked at me for a moment and then nodded, gesturing with his hands for me to continue.

"I'm sorry. Fine, let's discuss the nobles indeed."

Alistair waited for me to speak again but I did not even know where to start, it had only been to stop his questions.

I threw my hands up.

"I really haven't a clue what we should say to them honestly. I think I'll only know once we actually get there. I truly dislike politics for this very reason, so much riding on the very words you say."

Alistair nodded and I could still feel his eyes on me.

I gave him an offended look.

"Would you like a closer look, Alistair?"

Alistair nodded, smiling.

"I know better than to answer that. You would knock me out cold."

I laughed first and then Alistair joined in.

A group of elves approached Eamon and words were exchanged but I could not hear anything from where we stood.

"Wait until Leliana sees you in that dress. She will go crazy."

The laughter died down quickly and I sighed.

"Alistair, please... Please don't speak of Leliana." I barely whispered.

"Why not? Aren't you two..."

Alistair trailed off and just stared at me, disdain seeping into his eyes.

"You're still thinking about her, aren't you?"

That sharp, familiar pain arose in my chest again and I sighed loudly at Alistair.

"Please don't bring up either of them! By the Gods, Alistair! Don't you think that I have..."

"We still have been unable to locate Leliana and the time has come for the meeting," Eamon interrupted, joining our circle.

I was too flustered to respond just yet so Alistair commented instead.

"So we are to leave now then? Has anyone checked the courtyard?"

"She is not in the courtyard. I was just out there earlier." I was able to answer.

"Perhaps she had some errand to run at the markets. And we are a little bit ahead of schedule now. When she returns, I will send her down to meet you, if she does not already meet you there herself." Eamon said.

"I hope she's okay." Alistair said, a bit nervous.

"This is Leliana we're talking about, Alistair. You know that she can handle anything."

Alistair shrugged, still looking worried.

"I hope you're right."

Wynne approached us as we smoothed clothing and adjusted hair and then we made our way back into the streets of Denerim to once again fight the good fight.

The noise level in the tavern was much higher than we'd anticipated and it would make discussions with the nobles very difficult. Perhaps we might be able to persuade them to join us in a room in the back so that we might talk. Only time would tell.

The citizens that remained in Denerim filled the booths and chairs of the tavern. Most looked to be having a grand time getting drunk for none of us truly knew this day would be our last. One of the waitresses who passed us pointed out a table that was empty and we headed towards it, dodging peanut shells and a man that fell out of his chair in front of us onto the floor, passed out. The table was also covered in peanut shells and empty mugs and we avoided them as best we could as we took our seats.

"Do you really think the nobles will show up here? This place is a mess." Alistair observed.

A waitress came over to us, looking harried as she cleared the table for us.

"What'll you have?"

The three of us exchanged looks, knowing we should not be drinking during this important time.

"Actually, we are waiting for some people so we won't be ordering anything."

The waitress frowned and tilted her head at us.

"If you're sitting, you're drinking. If you're not, then you're out."

Given that choice, I ordered each of us a mug of ale.

The waitress left and then returned just as quickly, dropping three full mugs of ale in front of us.

I paid her and she left without a word, obviously very busy with the bustling tavern and not interested in those not spending much.

Alistair reached for my mug and slowly pulled it away from me, waiting for my reaction.

"What are you doing?"

Alistair smiled.

"I don't think you should have this near you. You might up and drink the entire mug and end up dancing on the tables for the nobles."

Wynne tried to stifle a laugh but failed and I looked at her.

"Do you think that would really happen? I should have brushed up on my dancing now that I think about it. These tables are so wobbly though. I may have to use the bar."

We all shared a laugh after that and Alistair pushed the mug back towards me.

"No, perhaps you're right, Alistair. Just in case, you should keep it on your side of the table."

Alistair shrugged and left the mug in the middle of the table.

The townspeople that remained seemed to be living it up in the Gnawed Noble. There was laughter and noise coming from every corner of the building. I let my eyes wander the place and saw scared and lonely people trying to drown their sorrows with ale and wine and courtesans making deals left and right. One of the courtesans caught my eye as she led her present client behind closed doors and she winked at me, perhaps trying to line up her next prospect.

"Oh, well look who it is."

Alistair gestured to the doorway and Wynne and I both turned our attention.

Zevran strode into the tavern as if he owned the place and with a beautiful woman on his arm to boot. I would expect nothing less from the charming elf.

Zevran waved and nodded to us in acknowledgment but continued to the bar and then the both of them tried to make their way through the throng of people milling around it.

"Where has he been I wonder? Probably that Pearl place." Alistair said, wrinkling his nose.

"Are you jealous?" I giggled.

Alistair feigned offense.

"I would certainly never frequent such a place. I am a firm believer in love... And all that stuff."

I made a face at Alistair, reaching over to pinch his cheek.

"I know. That's because you're such a darling."

Wynne laughed with me and Alistair blushed, I don't know why. We always teased back and forth like this but he may have felt shy because Wynne was also here.

"Ah, it is the Grey Warden duo and the lovely Wynne as well. How are things going for the meeting?"

Zevran had snuck up on our table and we looked at him as he smiled down at us.

"Oh my, Detra. You certainly fill out that dress nicely."

I gave Zevran the usual look and answered his question.

"We haven't seen any nobles arrive yet so we are still waiting in this mess of a tavern."

"I am sure they will arrive soon. Royalty always takes their time."

"I suppose so." I agreed.

Zevran touched my shoulder.

"Detra, I was wondering if I could borrow you for a moment. There is something I would like to discuss with you."

"Oh? Okay, sure."

Zevran took my arm as I stood and led me towards the bar, smiling.

"I have someone that I would like you to meet, Detra."

"Someone... I thought you wanted to speak with me, Zevran. I don't really have time to meet with..."

We arrived at the bar and Zevran gestured to the woman he'd accompanied earlier as she leaned backwards against the bar, smiling at us.

"Detra, this is Isabela. Isabela, this is Detra."

Isabela held out her hand to me and took mine into hers.

"I've heard much about you, Warden. I must say it is a great pleasure to meet you."

Zevran watched my face for my response and smiled as I stuttered my reply.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you as well. But I must be getting back to..."

"Oh surely you can have just one drink with us. I have been looking forward to speaking with the famous Grey Warden since Zevran told me that he travels with you now."

"He...what?"

I looked to Zevran for clarification and an explanation as to why he was spreading confidential information around.

"Oh don't be angry with him, Warden. It's not as if we've just met. Zevran and I go back many years."

"Yes we do indeed." Zevran agreed.

"Just how long has it been since you killed my husband, Zev? Five years?"

Zevran nodded.

"About that, yes."

I just stared at their little exchange, having no idea how to react to what they were saying.

"You... killed her husband? Is that true?"

They both laughed and I wondered if it wasn't simply a joke.

"Yes, Warden. I did indeed take the life of Isabela's husband."

"The pig," Isabela added, rolling her eyes.

"The Crows were hired to kill him when a deal went bad but I won't go into any more detail than that. I must admit I was shocked when Isabela approached me on the ship and thanked me for taking his life. But I have seen stranger things."

They both shared another laugh.

"And that is when I inherited my dead husband's ship and now she is all mine to sail the seas with, just as I'd wanted all along. Why wouldn't I thank you for freeing me?"

I hadn't any idea what I could add to this conversation and I tried yet again to return to the others.

"Nonsense! You must have at least one drink, as Isabela has suggested."

Isabela turned to the barkeep and ordered three ales and I noticed that my eyes traveled where they should not have for a moment. I corrected that a few seconds later, but not escaping without a grin and nod from Zevran though. I glared at him to keep quiet about it.

"Here we are. The finest ale available."

I looked into the mug and it seemed the same as we had ordered at the table.

"Is it really that good?"

Isabela laughed, tucking change into her pocket.

"No, but wasn't that a fine introduction?"

I smiled, finding Isabela's free spirit refreshing and figured a quick chat couldn't hurt.

"So were you two at the Pearl earlier?"

Zevran nodded and Isabela answered.

"Yes but my men are there and I could no longer listen to the noises from their rooms. It's bad enough I must put up with their moaning on board the ship, but to hear it on land as well? No, I had to leave and Zevran was kind enough to rescue me."

Zevran smiled and bowed a bit.

"I live only to serve beautiful women such as yourselves of course."

I leaned back within the crowd and looked back at the table where Wynne and Alistair still both sat, looking bored as ever but speaking back and forth a bit.

Isabela tilted her head towards Zevran who in turn pouted at her. She followed up with a thumb jerk to her left and a certain look on her face and then I moved back into the circle, just missing their exchange.

"Well I must go and speak with someone for a moment. If you will pardon me." Zevran said with a sigh.

"I should get back to the others as well." I said.

"Surely you'll not leave me alone here at the bar, Warden? There are some shady characters here."

I laughed.

"And I am certain that you could take down each and every one of them, Isabela."

Isabela threw her head back and laughed. I could only note yet again how beautiful she was.

"How right you are, Warden. But that was my attempt to get you to stay."

I smiled, silently enjoying what Isabela might have implied with her words.

"All right then. I will keep you company until Zevran returns."

Isabela smiled and hopped onto her bar stool and I slid onto mine, unable to do the same in my dress.

"I must say, I don't think I've ever seen a Warden in such armor as you're wearing tonight. Exactly what would that protect?"

I laughed.

"This is my political armor. One that must be able to cut through all of the annoyance of the Landsmeet."

"Ah, I see. This must be about the Blight then, yes? That is why we are here in Denerim now, filling our stocks for the coming months when we will sail as far away from this Blight as we can. We will be heading to Kirkwall soon."

"I don't blame you. Sometimes I wish I could do that myself. Though Kirkwall would not be my first choice given all the problems they seem to be having over there."

"Another hand on deck is always welcome and especially that of a Warden...and I am only headed there to pick something up. I never stay too long in one place, it gets so dull."

I took a large gulp of ale.

"Yes, in another life that would be an ideal offer right now but as it stands... I have my duty."

"Loyalty... An admirable and scarce quality indeed."

Isabela smiled at me and I finished the ale in my mug, gulping it down to calm my nerves.

"I haven't seen a Warden drink that much before. Shall I order you another?"

I was relaxed thanks to the ale now and I nodded, knowing that I would likely regret it.

"I think I shall indulge. I am paying this time."

Within a minute we had two fresh mugs of ale in front of us again.

"So being a Warden must leave you with little time for entertainment on the side."

I took a healthy gulp from my new mug.

"Indeed it does. And thank you for the ale."

Isabela smiled.

"It's my pleasure, Warden. It is the least I could do for a fearsome slayer of Darkspawn. And thank you for mine."

The way Isabela spoke conveyed exactly how much pleasure there was and how much more there might be should things go as planned. She had such a way about her; a quiet but bold confidence that I could feel even though we were sitting quite far apart. She was exactly the type of woman I was always attracted to.

We sat silent for a few moments, just enjoying the ale.

"I like your boots, Isabela."

Isabela smiled and looked down as if she could not remember which pair she had on.

"Thank you."

I giggled, the ale relaxing me further.

"I almost feel foolish sitting here in this dress. I should be in a suit of armor with my sword, saving the day and all. As you said before."

Isabela smiled back at me.

"I can say for sure that you do not look at all foolish in that dress, Warden. In fact, you look quite... delicious."

We took some more sips of ale while I giggled to myself and thought about how I could respond and Isabela looked around a bit.

"So... your ship, what's her name? Have you always lived on your ship?"

"She is The Siren's Call and there is no other life for me than on the sea. I have never felt at home on dry land and don't think I ever will. The sea, she guides me and I gladly follow wherever she leads. Plus there's damn good money in being a pirate."

I smiled and Isabela noticed.

"Is something funny, Warden?"

"Call me Detra. And no, nothing is funny. The name of your ship is simply very fitting."

Isabela smirked.

"And how is it so fitting, Detra?"

"Well, really- who can resist the Siren's call? She entices you with her beauty, enthralls you with her eyes, and then lures you in with her body. She is the perfect weapon you cannot escape from, one that you cannot deny."

Isabela was quiet for a moment while she also gulped from her mug.

"You do have a way with words, Detra... But will you show me if you are as good with your hands?"

My eyes fell in surprise on Isabela and she smiled at me, moving closer and she slid her hand on my leg.

My body tingled with sudden visions of Isabela and I in various stages of undress and I felt very warm. My hand slid down to Isabela's and I squeezed it, returning her gaze and forgetting why I was in the tavern at all.

"Then why don't we head to your ship so that I can show you, Isabela."

I felt Isabela shiver and then she looked at me with such seductive eyes, smiling devilishly.

Very much my kind of woman.

"Why of course, sweet thing. She's just down at the docks. Not far at all."

My smile mirrored Isabela's.

"I will follow you, then."

Isabela threw some coins on the bar and slid off her chair, hooking her arm through mine on the way down.

"Should we tell Zevran..."

I interrupted Isabela.

"No. He's more likely to follow us if we tell him anything."

Isabela threw her head back with such a jovial laugh, smiling wide.

The laugh of a woman who was about to get what she wanted.

"That's true. But I think he'd just walk into the room, invite or not."

I laughed.

"True. I guess you two really do know each other."

We made our way out onto the deck and past the throngs of loud men spilling ale as they shouted at one another. They turned their attention on us as we walked by but we simply pushed past them, wanting none of what they so crudely offered.

It was a little past midday now and there were some clouds in the sky as we made our way to the docks. I didn't feel guilty in the slightest for having left Alistair and Wynne behind at the tavern. In fact, I did not even remember that they were there as of a few minutes ago.

Isabela pointed further down the dock.

"There she is. Third one from the last."

I glanced at the ships but all I could see were sails and they melded together for me. I'm sure Isabela could pick out her own ship blindfolded but they all looked the same to me.

"I cannot see much of it from here."

"We will be there soon and then you can see all of her."

I giggled to myself.

That's what I'm counting on.

Not too much more of a walk and Isabela disentangled herself from me and stood proudly in front of her ship.

"Welcome to the Siren's Call, Detra. Watch your step, sweet thing."

Isabela smiled and took my hand again as we walked up the ramp of her ship.

Isabela was right. It was a grand ship, one built to last throughout the years.

"This ship is amazing, Isabela. I cannot fault you for wanting to live on it."

"And now... Want to see my treasure?"

I turned to Isabela and she was leaning against some part of the upper deck, slowly undoing the strings of her bodice while staring at me, giving me that smile of hers.

Indeed.

I made my way over to her, watching her fingers closely.

"Shall we head downstairs?"

Isabela smirked and took my hand. I let her lead as I had no idea where I was going.

Isabela pulled me inside her cabin as she pushed the door open and instantly had her lips on mine as she kicked the door shut behind us, pushing me against the wall.

"I have wanted to kiss you since I laid eyes on you, Detra...And you do not disappoint."

"You're not so bad yourself, darling."

Isabela pushed her tongue inside my mouth and then clothes began flying off and around the cabin in a whirlwind. We landed on the bed, Isabela on top of me and it was obvious that's where she loved to be. Isabela's firm and large breasts filled my hands while her nipples filled my mouth as she worked her way between my legs and suddenly I realized that my legs were shaking and my breath short.

Surely not so soon!

But indeed, Isabela was bringing me to peak right now and I gave in to her demanding fingers as she did not give me any other choice.

A moment or two was needed to recuperate.

"Where...did you learn to...Gods..."

I was so shocked and out of breath that I had to recover and Isabela was enjoying every moment of it.

"I don't believe I've ever left a Warden breathless. Now that's one more thing that I can check off my list."

I giggled, full of energy and now pushing Isabela down against her own bed, promising her the same.

We continued on for some time and even though my muscles ached and my body soon grew tired, I could not stop, Isabela's naked body calling me back for more, not to mention those eyes of hers. She was definitely the Siren of the sea.

Finally we lay on the bed, gasping and groaning and recuperating, our bodies still intertwined, lying on our backs.

"You certainly know your way around a woman, Detra. And I am thankful for that." Isabela breathed to me.

I smiled and kissed her hand.

"You're welcome."

I sat up quickly, memories flooding my head and grumbled under my breath. Slowly remembering why I'd been at the tavern and realizing that I should be getting back was making my head ache and I was more than aware that I did not want to get out of Isabela's bed.

"Are you leaving so soon?"

I sighed, annoyed.

"It's just that we have this meeting at the tavern. That is why we were there, waiting."

"I understand. Grey Warden business and all that bollocks. Saving the country from the Blight, playing the hero and all that."

I smirked at Isabela.

"But I want you to know that I would stay longer if I could."

Isabela smiled and sat up, pulling my mouth to hers.

"You bet your sweet arse you would."

I sighed again and slid to the edge of the bed, my responsibilities making me angry.

My dress had fallen from the back of the chair I'd hung it on and it lay on the floor, crumpled. I rushed over to it when I saw it, trying to smooth out some of the wrinkles.

"Sodding hell..."

"Did I rip it by mistake?"

I laughed.

"No, it's just... I tried to save it from this fate but it didn't work. I hope it doesn't look too bad with the wrinkles. Ugh."

"Aww. I'm sorry, Warden."

I looked to Isabela on the bed and she did not look sorry. What she did look like was lonely, sitting up on the bed and watching me carefully. She was also lying there uncovered as well and one look at her made me want to dive back into bed with her.

No, I must return to the tavern.

I must, I must, I must...tavern.

Now.

I continued dealing with the wrinkles and trying hard not to look at Isabela but it was not working all that well.

I saw Isabela move out of the corner of my eye and the dress fell from my hands back onto the chair as I felt her press into me from behind.

"Is there anything that I can do to help? I'm good with sticky situations."

Isabela's hands covered my hips and then slid around my front, pulling me back against her and all of her womanly parts.

I spun around and grabbed Isabela's face, kissing her and pushing her onto her bed again in a sitting position, dropping to my knees in front of her beautifully bronzed and naked body.

"There is something that you can do for me..." I said between kisses, breathing heavily.

"What's that, sweet thing?" Isabela whispered.

"You can open your legs...and let me taste you..."

Isabela groaned and threw her head back as I grasped her hips and buried my head between her legs, pulling her onto my tongue. Soon she was quivering and shaking, pushing forward into my mouth and then she collapsed onto the bed as she had many times already, pure satisfaction on her face.

My passion sated for now, this was a good opportunity to try and make it out of Isabela's cabin while I could still walk and I stood.

"Where do you think you're going?" Isabela breathed from her prone position on the bed.

I groaned, trying not to let my eyes focus on her.

"I have to get back, Isabela, I'm sorry. I really must go. Do you have somewhere that I can clean up?"

Isabela sat up, an outraged look on her face.

"No, I think not. Get your arse back in bed."

Isabela pulled me back down to her and then rolled us over, her landing on top once again.

"You'll go when I say you can go, Detra. And I am not done with you."

Isabela accentuated her words by pressing herself between my legs and pressing my wrists into her bed.

"Remember this when you are in a sea of Darkspawn...fighting for your very life..."

Isabela kissed me full force and I felt her fingers enter me and she moved them slowly at first and then faster as I began to move with her, such noises coming from within me.

My back arched and unadulterated vulgarity came forth from my mouth as Isabela brought me to the crest of yet another of her waves, not stopping until I was fully drained and I collapsed again, spent.

Several minutes went by before I could even think of speaking and we simply lay there, our arms around one another, enjoying the bond we'd woven through sheer pleasure.

The Landsmeet and Darkspawn entered my head again and I sighed, never more resentful of my duties.

"The tavern..."

Isabela rolled from on top of me onto the bed and ran her hands through her hair, staring up at the ceiling.

I felt awful for hastening my departure but I had no choice.

"I really must go now, Isabela. Do you have a washroom?"

Isabela did not say anything but she pointed to a door that was in the room. I picked up my dress and headed through it, not looking back.

I made use of the washbasin and then dressed quickly before I again changed my mind. I fixed my hair and finally I was ready to return to my duties which never seemed to end.

I stepped out of the washroom and was somewhat grateful to find Isabela fully dressed, zipping up her boots.

"Good luck, Isabela. I hope the sea is good to you."

Isabela kissed me one more time, softly.

"I hope that Ferelden appreciates your service but chances are they won't. Miserable sods. Maybe I will see you around."

"I'd like that very much. Take care of yourself, Isabela."

I offered Isabela one last smile and kiss and then made my way out of the ship and back onto the docks, trying hard to concentrate on what still needed to be done.

I hated leaving.

Isabela watched me return to the tavern until I was just a dot on the horizon and then she sighed, turning back to her cabin alone. She closed the door behind her and her eyes fell on the messy bed and she sighed again.

"Oh balls."

I made my way back inside the tavern and found that Wynne and Alistair were not at the table where I'd left them.

How long had I been gone? An hour or more?

I looked around as they may now be sitting with nobles, talking of the Landsmeet. There were many bodies in the tavern now, even more then when I had left but still I could not find any familiar faces.

"Detra!"

I heard Alistair's voice and turned to see him coming from the entrance. Alistair moved towards me and grabbed hold of my arms as I watched him, unsure what the problem was but he was scaring me.

"Where have you been? We've been looking for you!"

Zevran approached behind Alistair and he was followed by one of Eamon's soldiers. I recognized him from the courtyard earlier today.

"What is going on here? What has happened?"

"There has been an accident, Detra." Zevran said in a calm voice to avoid distressing me.

I just wanted to hear it and they seemed to be dancing around the issue.

"What? Tell me!"

Alistair looked grim.

"Leliana...she..."

My blood ran cold and I understood now why Leliana had been missing.

"What happened?" I demanded.

Alistair took my hand.

"Detra...she's been stabbed and she's lost a lot of blood. She's at the estate now."

"I'll take you to her." Eamon's soldier said to me, waiting for me to follow.

I just stared at Alistair, terrified.

"We can handle it here. Just go now."

I ran after the soldier and concentrated on keeping up with him as it was the most my mind could handle at this point.

A/N: Just a note for all my readers... You may wonder why I don't use the same vocabulary in my sex scenes as other stories do and here is my explanation for that. I feel that most words used to describe sexual acts were not even 'invented' yet at this time and so I use basic wording for what is happening and have the characters use their own made up words to describe things. This is a certain time period and I am trying to remain within it, boring vocabulary and all. :)